Bobble Balayage

you’ll get to see pockets of depth coming through making the style more defined,” says Michael Convey, OSMO global ambassador. "A solid colour works well for half up/half down styles when definition is not key. A chignon works well with highlights so the detail really pops.”

Ensure the hair health is optimum

Getting the timing right is so important, “We always try to embark on a treatment journey six weeks before the big day as this really helps in promoting beautiful healthy hair,” says Mark. This allows you to apply any necessary treatments to the hair before applying colour and make any tweaks requested before the big day. It also gives time if the client has any old box colour that may need working through.

“You need to work together, and the bride should be treating their hair at home to deep conditioning treatments like the OSMO Chromoplex regime that it strengthens and restores the hair with its Fibre Bond Technology,” says Michael Convey, OSMO global ambassador. “Regular use also further improves the condition of the hair, whilst helping to prevent future damage, so is an ideal treatment for brides with old box dye.”

To ensure colour looks its best on the day encourage your client to have a salon appointment the day before. “Book a refresh toner and blow-dry the day before the wedding,” recommends Zoe. “This means colour is glossy and healthy – without looking faded or brassy. Plus, by adding this toner and blow-dry service the day before means their hair is perfectly prepped with the right foundation ready for you to style in the morning.” Dealing with old box colour “When working with any hair that has been previously coloured and you don't know the history, it is imperative to do a strand test before doing any further colouring,” says Brendan Palmer, NAK Educator UK. “This will allow you to assess what is possible and formulate a colour process that will have successful results.

John Spanton, Goldwell master colourist and creative director at Angelo Seminara Hair Salon agrees but also stresses the pitfalls of athome applications, “A home colour isn’t likely to be applied as evenly as a professional one, therefore ensure you strand test from various areas of the hair - it’s good to understand what you are dealing with before you jump in! By taking multiple strands and showing the client how the colour looks on the different areas can make it easier when choosing the options available.” Mix up the techniques “Considering how the colour is going to look on camera is key,” says ASP ambassador Sheree Thompson. “For me, it's all about reflection and the correct colour placement. I particularly love the foilayage technique, with a soft root shadow and face framing to create a beautiful balance of tones, while keeping the hair looking healthy.”

When it comes to placement Brooke Evan, at BE Ironbridge and Alfaparf ambassador, suggests using a combination of techniques. “Instead of doing generic highlights or balayage, combine both to add definition. Soft baby lights through the back with more of a money piece at the front - really pops in a photograph.”

For Adam Reed, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris editorial ambassador it’s all about the French Balayage, “This technique blends colour naturally from roots to ends - it can be dialled up or down so its personalised depending on the desired finish. The Parisians are known for graceful, easy-looking style and this technique reflects that as it offers luminous, healthy-looking and completely effortless looking results. Yet it takes a huge skill to blend the colour this seamlessly, something only achievable in salon with a professional.”

“INSTEAD OF DOING GENERIC HIGHLIGHTS OR BALAYAGE, COMBINE Focus on the front BOTH TO ADD DEFINITION. SOFT BABY “Creating colour that looks good in photos,

LIGHTS THROUGH THE BACK WITH means creating colour MORE OF A MONEY PIECE AT THE FRONT that looks good to the - REALLY POPS IN A PHOTOGRAPH” naked eye too,” explains Dan Spiller, JOICO colour ambassador for Europe, UK and Ireland. “All over colour can appear dull when photographed, adding in different tones helps it pop. Add caramel slices through brunette shades or work with fine highlights to create depth on blondes.” This is why money pieces have also become a popular trend, “I am seeing many different variations of the money piece as it suits everyone,” explains Lisa Carter, The Crowning Stylist for Yellow by Alfaparf.“It's perfect for brides who want to add a pop of light around their face to flatter their updo, but don't want the upkeep or don't have the budget for full highlights.” Tips for the bridal party Often when it comes the bridal party there may not be the same level of planning as a bride. This can often lead to a one-off appointment before the big day. Victoria recommends subtle face framing in these scenarios. “If you're on a tight schedule, add some brightness to the face and you have the option to tone it afterwards to achieve the ideal colour palette. Remember with face framing you can leave roots, allowing the eye to be drawn to the lighter areas on the face.” With wedding hair it's all about flattering and bespoke placement and making the guest feel like a VIP.