COLOUR

FROM GREY COVERAGE TO A FULL HEAD OF BLEACH, REQUESTS FOR COLOUR SERVICES ARE ON THE RISE – HERE’S HOW YOU CAN ADD THEM TO YOUR SERVICE MENU

Colour has been a fundamental aspect of hairdressing for decades, and in recent years it’s started to gain popularity in barbering. In a recent trend report, we revealed that 36% of barbers already offer colour services, while a further 15% have been considering it. We caught up with some experts to discuss their journey with colour, and why they think barbers should add this service to their repertoire.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION

It doesn’t matter what stage of your career you’re at, a strong education is key to successfully providing colour services. Bobby Gordon, co-founder of Fella Gentlemen’s Hairdressing, was initially introduced to colour while working as a hairdresser, but despite 30 years’ experience, says: “I like to keep my knowledge up-to-date by attending training, and plan on sending some of my team on a course too.”

Meanwhile, barber Billy O’Connor decided to enhance his colour skills and joined a refresher course to give him a boost of confidence after the pandemic. He explains: “I took a colour course with Niamh Kiely in Limerick City, and it gave me a new way of looking at colour. The course then prompted me to put myself out there and enter L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Although I didn’t win, it was such an amazing experience and I met so many people, while also learning new techniques. With colour, not a day goes by that you’re not learning.”

MAKE SOME NOISE

Advertising and marketing your new services will help you expand your clientele says Ian Harrold, American Crew All Star Educator and Creative Director of Attitude Men’s Hair, adding: “Social media is the best way to cast your net and build your tribe – but good old word of mouth works for us, too.”

Billy also values the power of social media, telling us: “People coming in for colour will always show me pictures of my own work from social media, or their friends that have had a colour service done by me.”

CONSULTATION IS KEY

The consultation process is just as important as your training, Bobby tells us: “We make sure we know the colour the client is after and how achievable that is, we use colour charts to help, and make sure they have had a skin test at least 48 hours before any service is carried out.” He goes on to say that during consultation, the scalp and the base colour are both checked to understand the history of the hair.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

So, should barbershops start embracing colour services? “100% –I think more barbers should put themselves out there and educate themselves when it comes to colour,” says Billy. “It brings a new way of enjoying what you do,” he adds, telling us that it allows barbers to add some creativity to their craft. Ian’s advice, along with training, is to ensure your insurance policy covers colour services. Bobby agrees, adding: “Obviously there is an element of risk when using chemicals, so unless you know what you are doing it shouldn’t be attempted until you are fully trained. However, don’t let this put you off, you can tap into a market if you start considering this now.”