The Lowdown On The Perfect Hair Colour

Changing the colour of your locks is a surefire way to give yourself an overhaul in terms of your beauty look. And though it may seem simple, the process of a colour change is a tricky one indeed. Are you keen to embrace the rainbow hair trend? Or do you yearn for a vibrant Rihanna red? What about a brilliant balayage? Anything goes, provided you leave it to the professionals. We caught up with this year’s Best Hair Colourist nominees of the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards, and they gave us the lowdown on hair colour etiquette and?told?us how to keep our tresses glossy in between trips to the salon…

I’m a hair colour virgin, any advice?

It’s all about lifestyle. Are you going to?commit to either a high or low maintenance colour? This is why a consultation with a Colour Professional is necessary as we can recommend ideas to suit each client. Starting out,?just enhancing your natural shade is usually best. Less is more!

Jennifer Hanlon, Harpers Salon

What colour trends are going to be big for 2016?

Hair strobing is a technique that’s going to continue to grow; it’s a personalised highlighting that is specific to the individual.

Ciaran Cannon, Zeba

‘Bronde’ has been a very popular choice since the end of last year, I think?it will be huge for 2016.

Leandro Santana Santos, Santanna Hair Studio

‘Bronde’, baby lights are back again and Opal (pale blond with colour accents) is big also.

John Geaney, John Geaney for Hair

The pastel trend’still very much around and the colour palette of greys and silvers are huge at the minute.

Jacqui Fay, Kazumi

Hair colouring etiquette: What else should we be doing?

Never proceed with a colour without a skin allergy test (you would be surprised at how many say they’ve never had one). Be realistic about your goals, and listen to the professional, as we have your best interests at heart! Also, heat damage can be the worst type of damage to the hair, so at least, please make sure to use heat protecting products.

Jennifer Hanlon, Harpers Salon

Manage expectations. People think you can go from black to platinum overnight like Kim K. It just doesn’t work like that especially if you’ve been doing home colours.

Ciaran Cannon, Zeba

Top?tips on how to maintain our colour between salon visits?

Ditch any clarifying shampoos you’d normally use, which will strip away?your colour .

Leandro Santana Santos, Santanna Hair Studio

Sulphate-free products are very important. Also, avoid using hairsprays too much as they?tend to strip colour. Stick with a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner.

John Geaney, John Geaney for Hair

Use a proper salon brand colour shampoo and conditioner. Look at it like this: would you put your new Burberry coat in the washing machine?

Ciaran Cannon, Zeba

Which celebrity gives you colour envy?

Emma Stone, the?range of copper shades she goes between is amazing, and Drew Barrymore always gets it right.

Jacqui Fay, Kazumi

Jessica Biel for balyage, and?I love Jennifer Lawrence; she’s been dark, blonde, balyage, platinum and her tresses?always look in great condition.

Ciaran Cannon, Zeba