Careers – Colour Specialist

Why be a Colour

Specialist

Rosie Briscoe,

Freelance Hairstylist, Klub Salon, Manchester

My career choice

I fell in love with colour straight away! I loved the mixture of science and creativity. I don't think I ever did decide. I just became the go-to in the salon for formulations and colour problems because I love it so much. My mentors

I was working with Sharon Peake and Adam Bryant at the Ethos salon in Manchester when they won British Colour Technicians of the Year at the 2013 British Hairdressing Awards. They are both amazing colourists and artists. The way they think about colour and the inspiration behind their collection was always so interesting to be a part of and they both taught me so much.

What I love most

I love the problem solving. Give me a colour correction any day. I love a real head scratcher, when you need a pen and paper in the colour room to think about your ratio and a full salon debate about what needs to be done.

Extra education

The biggest learning experience for me was the 10-day advanced course, Matrix Colour Mastery. Only when I’d finished the course, did I really feel like I was a specialist.

My hero product

Matrix SoColor Sync range — it's development is super quick, it's amonia-free, with ceramides that make the hair look smooth, shiny and feel amazing!

Rebecca Boothby,

Owner, Signature Hair

My Career Choice

Within five years of qualifying, I became aware of the true potential and benefits specialising in colour had to offer me and my business. Why I specialised

I wanted to specialise in colour so I could live and breathe my passion day in, day out. I made it my mission to educate and bring an understanding to others of the correct usage of colour.

What I love most

Being in and amongst a team, working with likeminded colourists and continuously learning and developing my skills.

Extra education

I completed my L’Oréal Colour Degree and graduated four years ago. I then had the opportunity to audition to be a part of the L’Oréal Innovative Team — this is a year-long programme.

Next, I would love to audition to win a place on the L’Oréal ID Team, which is a two-year programme. I want to always continue to learn and improve.

What is your colour product of choice and why?

My favourite L’Oréal colouring product has to be the L’Oréal DIA Light family. The range delivers high shine and gloss and it’s flexibility and performance make it my trusted colouring product.

Specialist?

Specialising is one way of progressing with a career in hairdressing, and colour is a creative path that many hairdressers choose. We met some of the UK’s top colour technicians for their insight.

Clayde Baumann,

National Colour Director, D&J Ambrose, Pinner

My career choice

I decided to specialise in colour in 2012 when I started working with Darren Ambrose, at D&J Ambrose, and Wella. My mentor

Sue Pemberton, a former educator at Joico, was my first ever colour mentor. I learned the art of seamlessly blending colours together even if they did not belong together.

Why I specialised

I draw and paint out of salon hours, so colour is an important part of my life but also I love what hair colour does to lift a shape or style.

What I love the most

Being a specialist brings its own challenges and I like that I am constantly presented with these. I also enjoy working in a team situation with a stylist. The collaborative aspect makes it more social and fun.

Extra education

I completed the Wella Master Colour Expert Programme as well as two other brandspecific colour degrees. I still enjoy continuous professional development through Wella in order to stay on top of the latest colour technology.

My hero product

My Wella go-to brand is Colorfresh. I like having the creative freedom to change my clients regularly without doing damage to the hair. My advice

Be sure you’re willing to dedicate all of your salon time to the speciality and make sure you’re willing to invest in yourself to do all the necessary training.

Hair by: Clayde Baumann