A colour specialist in hairdressing is a hair stylist who has advanced training and expertise in coloring and lightening hair. Colouring hair requires careful technique, knowledge of colour theory, and an artistic eye to create the perfect shade that complements the client’s skin tone, eye color, and overall style.
Duties and Responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities of a colour specialist include:
- Consulting with clients on their desired hair colour and advising on colours that will best suit their natural features and skin tone
- Performing various colouring services such as all-over colour, highlights, lowlights, balayage, ombré, and fashion shades
- Lightening and lifting the hair in preparation for colour services
- Applying colour products and processing the hair for the required development time
- Toning and glazing the hair after processing to perfect the colour result
- Recommending professional haircare products to clients to maintain colour vibrancy at home
- Staying up-to-date on the latest colour trends, techniques, and products
- Attending advanced colour education classes and seminars to continually build knowledge and skills
Knowledge and Skills
To become a successful colour specialist, stylists need:
- Advanced colour theory knowledge – Understanding how hair colour works on different hair types and structures is crucial for selecting the right products and techniques.
- Mastery of colour application techniques – Being able to properly apply colour products for services like highlighting, balayage, all-over colour, and fashion shades.
- Bleaching and lightening expertise – The ability to safely prep and lift hair to desired levels before applying colour.
- Toning expertise – Knowing how to use toners and glazes to perfect colour results and neutralize unwanted tones.
- Chemical process knowledge – Understanding the chemistry behind hair colour and how to monitor the processing.
- Colour formulation skills – Being able to mix custom colour formulas to achieve unique and personalized colour results.
- Artistic vision – An eye for colour and the ability to envision how different shades will look against a client’s skin.
- Consultation skills – Listening to clients’ needs/desires and making expert colour recommendations.
Education and Training
To become a colour specialist, stylists pursue advanced colour education beyond the basic level taught in cosmetology school. Common educational paths include:
- Salon apprenticeship – Training under an experienced colourist in a salon for 6 months to a year.
- Advanced classes – Taking multi-day colour theory and application classes offered by cosmetology schools and brands.
- Manufacturer certification – Completing in-depth colour certification programs with professional brands like Wella, Redken, Matrix etc.
- Industry conferences – Attending multi-day conferences focused specifically on hair colour and lightening.
- Self-study – Reading books, watching tutorial videos, practicing techniques to continuously build knowledge.
Many colourists take a combination of the above paths, putting in hundreds of hours to perfect their colour skills. Some schools also offer a colour certification program. A well-trained colour specialist will have years of experience in colouring all hair types and textures.
Difference Between Colour Specialist and Regular Stylist
There are a few key differences between a colour specialist and a regular hair stylist:
| Colour Specialist | Regular Stylist |
|---|---|
| Advanced colour training | Basic colour training |
| Focuses mainly on colour services | Provides a wide range of hair services |
| Highly skilled in lightening, toning, and colour correction | Performs standard all-over colour |
| Specializes in colour trends, precision techniques (balayage, ombre) | May not have expertise in the latest colour trends and techniques |
| Expensive, premium pricing | Standard pricing |
So in summary, colour specialists have dedicated their careers to honing their colour skills and tend to focus solely on colour services versus general hair care and styling.
Benefits of Using a Colour Specialist
There are many benefits to using a professional colour specialist, including:
- Advanced expertise for more complex colour and lightening services
- Knowledge of the latest colour trends and techniques
- Exceptional artistry and attention to detail
- Highly personalized and tailored colour recommendations
- Reduced risk and higher success rate for major colour transformations
- Better understanding of how to maintain your new hair colour
- Peace of mind knowing your hair is in highly skilled hands
Colour specialists spend endless hours honing their colour skills, keeping up on trends, and learning new techniques which gives them an edge over standard stylists. For clients wanting a major colour change, specialist skills increase the chances of success in achieving the desired results.
When to Consult a Colour Specialist
It is highly recommended to seek out a colour specialist for:
- Bleaching and lightening dark hair to very light blonde shades
- Colour corrections – fixing colour mistakes or unwanted tones
- Changing your hair colour more than 3 shades lighter or darker
- Precision colour techniques like balayage, ombré, or fashion colours
- If you have difficult hair (resistant to lightening, prone to damage)
- If your last colour service with a regular stylist did not turn out as expected
- If you are seeking a major colour transformation (e.g. black to blonde)
With their expertise in lightening, precision work, and colour correction, specialists increase your chance of colour success and reduce the risk of hair damage from improper technique.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Colour Specialist
When searching for a colour specialist, come prepared with questions to find the best fit for your needs and hair. Important questions include:
- How many years have you specialized in hair colour services?
- What advanced colour training or certifications do you have?
- What types of colour services do you most commonly perform?
- Do you stay up to date on the latest colour techniques and trends?
- What will your approach be for the colour results I’m looking to achieve?
- Do you offer colour corrections and fixes – what experience do you have with this?
- What products and brands do you use and prefer for colour? Why?
- How will you minimize risk and maximize the health of my hair during the colour process?
- What maintenance will I need to keep my new colour looking its best?
Choosing a colour expert you trust and feel comfortable with is key to getting your ideal results. Be sure to look at their before and after portfolio to evaluate their skill level.
How to Maintain Hair Colour From a Specialist
To keep your new hair colour looking vibrant and fresh, follow these maintenance tips:
- Use a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner – Avoid products with sulfates and clarifying ingredients which can cause colour to fade faster.
- Wash hair less frequently – Limit washing to 2-3 times a week maximum to prevent excessive fading.
- Use cool water – Very warm water opens the cuticle causing colour molecules to escape.
- Rinse with cold water – A quick cool water rinse helps seal the cuticle after shampooing to lock in colour.
- Limit sun exposure – Sun, salt water, and chlorine can accelerate colour fading so wear a hat when outside.
- Use an at-home gloss or glaze – These temporary colour refreshers add back lost vibrancy between salon visits.
- Get a colour touch up every 4-6 weeks – Your colourist may recommend a quick gloss or root touch up to keep colour looking its best.
Following a strict at-home regimen paired with regular salon visits can help you extend the life of your expensive colour service. Be sure to consult your colour specialist for custom product recommendations to properly maintain your new look.
Conclusion
Becoming a colour specialist in hairdressing requires extensive advanced training, dedication to the craft, and a creative eye for colour. Specialists are the colour experts sought out for major transformations, precision techniques, and fixing disasters. While their services come at a premium, their expertise is invaluable for clients who want stunning results with a lower risk of damage. For those seeking bold colour changes, a colour specialist offers the skill and knowledge to help make it happen.