Colour NOTES
Steph Henley, owner of The Mini Space, Cardiff, talks grey blending, tonal shifts, and subtle face frames
VANILLA SKIES
CREAMS ROSE
VAMPY VIBES
What do you love most about being a colourist?
I love how colour can completely transform someone’s confidence. It gives me the creative freedom to personalise every look.
What’s your favourite colour technique?
Colour correction! It allows me to fully apply my understanding of colour theory, knowing what tones to neutralise and enhance to achieve the best result.
What are your colour predictions for the rest of the year?
I’ve noticed a clear shift away from high-maintenance colour towards more effortless, low-maintenance looks. There’s a huge movement in grey blending, a real power shift in how we approach colour.
What’s one thing you wish every client knew about colour?
Colour will naturally fade over time. That’s why education is so important, ensuring the colour stays refined, healthy and long-lasting.
What’s one colour trend you’re glad to see the back of?
Every trend plays a part in pushing boundaries and showcasing creativity within the industry. Even if something isn’t personally my style, it still contributes to the evolution of colour.
What’s your favourite colour creation you’ve done recently?
Muted Elegance – a look I created for a stage show. It was inspired by the cool, tonal shifts of autumn and winter, and I wanted to create something that felt both wearable and editorial.
What’s your biggest colour ‘no-no’?
Skipping an in-depth consultation. It’s essential to be aligned on the colour direction and expectations from the start.
What’s the one colour/ product you’d save in an emergency?
My YUV system. It gives me everything I need in one place. This is where my bespoke colouring really elevates, allowing me to take a more considered, almost ‘scientific’ approach to formulation.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?
Mistakes are essential to growth. They push your boundaries and ultimately refine your skill as a colourist.
What is your favourite ‘high-impact’ colour service that takes less than an hour?
A subtle face frame! It creates maximum impact in minimal time, and delivers refined, long-lasting results.
#COLOURINSPO
1 VANILLA SKIES
I created a soft, lived-in blonde designed to enhance the client’s skin tone while keeping maintenance low. Carefully curated tones and seamless brightness create an effortless, bespoke finish that grows out beautifully.
2 CREAMS ROSE
Soft blondes with delicate rosy warmth for a seamless and luminous finish. A bespoke colour placement designed to enhance the client’s natural features while maintaining an effortlessly beautiful look.
3 VAMPY VIBES
This look blends rich brunette tones with bespoke colour placement for a bold yet striking finish. Carefully working with my client’s favourite tones to enhance her features, I created depth, movement and a bold moment.