Embracing Vivid Colours: The Art of Self-Expression in the Hair Industry

Vivid hair moments are having their moment, with even Helen Mirren debuting a blue hair look at Cannes Film Festival this year. Eye-catching hues have become a symbol of self-expression, allowing individuals to showcase their unique personalities and embrace their individuality.

The Power of Vibrant Hair

According to Tina Hollis, owner of T2 Hair & Beauty, vivid hair colours provide individuals with a "feel-good factor" that enhances their confidence and makes them feel more unique in a sea of blondes and brunettes. Hollis shares her personal experience; “Bright colours make you feel good and give you confidence. It’s nice to have something that’s personalised to you and for me personally it gives me that boost - when my hair’s nice and bright it makes me feel good. The amount of people who stop me to say how much they like my hair color - your hair is your crown and it’s part of your outfit, but the permanent part”. These striking shades allow individuals to personalize their look, serving as a signature style that sets them apart. Additionally, vibrant hair colors can evoke positive reactions from others, making individuals feel appreciated and admired.

The Art of Maintenance

Vivid hair colours require proper care to maintain their vibrancy. Hollis emphasizes the importance of using professional-grade shampoos and conditioners to preserve the colour and recommends washing with cold or tepid water to prolong its longevity. To combat oiliness and extend the time between washes, dry shampoo becomes a trusted ally. Hollis suggests incorporating dry shampoo immediately after washing and drying the hair to ensure a longer-lasting blow-dry. Regular maintenance visits are necessary, typically every 5-7 weeks, and using toners between visits can help refresh the colour and maintain its intensity.

Minimizing Damage and Maximizing Longevity

Contrary to popular belief, vivid hair colouring does not inherently cause damage. Hollis clarifies that the damage potential lies in incorrect pre-lightening techniques or the use of improper products. Vivid hair colours are true semi-permanents, sitting on the outer layer of the hair, thereby reducing the risk of damage. However, professional expertise is essential to safely remove the natural pigment and preserve the hair's health during the colouring process. Professional rebuilding treatments play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the hair cuticle.

Styling Tips for Vivid Hair

Gina Conway, owner of Gina Conway Salons & Spas, shares insights into styling techniques for vivid hair colours. She highlights the versatility and temporary nature of these vibrant hues, allowing individuals to explore and express their creativity.

“Vivid Haircolour can be a great temporary lift to your mood and give you a fun visual expression of your personality. Nowadays you can have every colour in the rainbow and every tone in between. 

Some great advantages of colourful hair is it can be changed every time so you can be as creative as you like. It says to others “look, I’m confident in who I am” and can command a lot of attention. This colour is strictly for clients who are comfortable with getting that kind of admiration or in some cases, criticism. Helen Mirren for instance, has nothing to prove to anyone and looks great sporting her vivid blue, plus her role as an actor means that she can have multiple personalities to play with.”

The vivid hair colour movement allows clients to change their look frequently, signaling confidence and an embrace of their true selves. However, it is important to note that porous hair may absorb colour unevenly. Thus, clients are encouraged to prioritize hair care to ensure the colour remains vibrant and consistent. Regular treatments and maintaining the cuticle's health are crucial to optimize the longevity of vivid colours.

“One of the downsides of the creative colour movement is that in order for you to see a vivid palate, you need to remove the pigment in the natural hair first (unless it’s white naturally) which can damage the hair if not done professionally to safely lift out the colour with professional rebuilding treatments to keep the cuticle intact. I think we all have this trend to thank for a lot of colour correction work! Porous hair grabs colour unevenly so encourage your client to really look after it to keep the colour looking its best”.

Vivid hair colours have revolutionized the hair industry, offering a canvas for creative expression and individuality. As Tina Hollis and Gina Conway highlight, these vibrant hues can elevate moods, boost confidence, and make a lasting impression. However, proper maintenance and expert application are vital to ensure both the integrity of the hair and the longevity of the colours. For clients seeking a visually striking and personalized appearance, vivid hair colours have become an invaluable tool for self-expression.