INTRODUCING… COLOUR

INCREASED REVENUE, MORE CREATIVITY, NEW CLIENTS… CHLO WELDON EXPLORES THE BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING COLOUR INTO YOUR BARBERSHOP

It comes as no surprise that colour services within barbershops are on the rise, and if you haven’t already added colour to your menu, now is the time to jump on the trend. In fact, it’s the demand for colour within barbering that OSMO Ambassador, Ryan Fitchett has noticed the most since beginning his colour journey: “There’s still a stigma around men getting their hair dyed, and many guys don’t feel comfortable going into a traditional hair salon for it,” he tells us. “Having this service available in a barbershop makes it feel more approachable and less intimidating.”

Where to start? “My colouring journey began last year when I decided to create content of me colouring my own hair,” Ryan tells us. “The video went viral on TikTok and that response sparked my interest; I wanted to explore it further.” Ryan also felt that adding colour to his services would help him grow: “It takes your skills to another level and allows you to offer more to your clients – being able to provide that service makes you stand out as a high-end barber,” he says. Meanwhile, it was all about meeting client needs for Nicholas Taylor, American Crew Global & UK Educator at Taylor Taylor Hairdressing & Barbershop: “We made a start that was in line with current trends which enabled us to adapt our business model to fit our clients,” he explains.

When it comes to colour, it’s essential to invest in education. “Understanding colour theory, mastering colour techniques, and learning about different types and textures will ensure professional results and build confidence in offering colour services,” Joana Merêncio, Andreia Professional Technical Hair Trainer, advises. Likewise, Kyle Ross, OSMO Ambassador, says: “Understanding what colour does– how it adds depth, how different tones interact, and what the consequences of certain formulas are – is essential.” And starting simple always does the trick! “Begin with simple, popular services such as blending greys, beard toning and colour neutralisation,” advises Joana. “This will grow your confidence and attract clients.” And this is where Murdock London have upgraded their client offering: “Grey blending is a subtle yet effective way to soften harsh greys, seamlessly blending them into the natural hair for a more polished, low-maintenance look,” Stefan Clark, Senior Barber at Murdock London, explains. “It’s about enhancing what’s already there and it’s perfect for clients who want to refresh their look without a drastic change.”

As more clients embrace change, there is a whole host of benefits to offering colour, from increased revenue to gaining new clients. “Men’s haircutting can sometimes feel quite limited, but colour opens up new creative possibilities,” says Kyle. “It sets me apart from other barbers who may not offer these services. Being able to tailor colour treatments to each client means I can provide a more personalised experience, which keeps them coming back.” Plus, there’s added opportunities for upselling. “Clients come back regularly for touch-ups, and it’s an easy conversation to link colour with retail products. Think take-home shampoos or treatments,” Victoria Panting, Paul Mitchell Ambassador, tells us.

But equally, it’s about the benefits within your business that will come from welcoming colour into your barbershop: “There’s added creativity within the team, and there’s also the opportunity of learning a new skillset,” Nicholas adds. Something everyone wants to jump on!

KEEP UP WITH COLOUR

Ryan Fitchett

“The most requested service so far has been highlights – it became a big trend last year. Clients want subtle, natural-looking highlights to enhance their hair.”

Kyle Ross

“The sun-kissed effect is an in-demand look. A little extra texture and dimension can enhance the haircut without making the colour look too heavy or artificial.”