Salon International is one of the world’s largest trade shows for hairdressing and we’re so lucky that it takes place in London. Our hairdressers report on the latest trends and new techniques they spotted and learnt at the show.
Dorothy, what are your key take-aways from this year?
Hair is a truly unique part of us and tells so much about who we are. For me as a hairdresser and hair colourist, it’s very important to learn not only about new colour trends, but also about how we can reach THE desired colour result for a client in a way that’s lasting, is minimally invasive and suits the client perfectly.
Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist Guy Tang pointed out in his the negative effect that heat styling products have on the colour. Exposing coloured hair to regular heat brings back those yellow-ish tones way too early. So it’s imperative to educate our clients on how to look after colour treated hair to get the best out of their investment.
Guy Tang on stage, teaching
You see, maintenance is key, and investing into great quality, professional products developed specifically to help you maintain the hair colour will pay dividends for weeks to come.
In Salon International, I also picked up some great tips on hair-ups, braids and plaits which I love creating. A braid may look great on a photo taken from the back, but we need to keep in mind that a hair-up also has to suit the client’s face and overall style. You may find some great images on Pinterest or Google that can be helpful to show them to your hairdresser so they can get an idea of what you’re after, and then ask for their opinion whether it’s something that suits you and is possible to achieve with your hair.
Half-up half-down
Thomas, how about you, what did you see at the show this year?
Salon International was huge again, and I wish I had a bit more time to spend there. Guy Tang’s show was full of insights, and the biggest take-away for me was – apart from what Dorothy has mentioned about heat bringing out the yellow tones too soon in coloured hair – was sectioning the hair in different ways to create different types of balayage.
I love balayage not only because it’s beautiful but also because it’s a very economical way to colour your hair as you never have a solid demarcation line or regrowth, so if you can’t afford to get it done for another month it won’t look atrocious. There are many different techniques that hairdressers use to create balayage. If you’re seeing a colour specialist they should always be able to come up with a technique to achieve the look you desire that best suits your hair type and colour history.
I also enjoyed visiting stands to learn of new product launches and am excited to try some new tools and materials that I purchased.
Plus, I had a look at hairdresser championships and am toying with the idea to register next year.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.
Anthony J. D’Angelo
Love,
Figaro London
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