Maria Freitas, Andreia Professional Hair Product Manager, shares why natural, luminous shades are shaping the future of colour...
What do you love most about being a colourist?
Being able to transform not just hair, but also someone's self esteem. It's the perfect blend of science, technique and art. It's what inspires me all day.
What do you think is the most important converstaion you ask in a colour consultation and why?
The first thing I ask about the client's hair history. Understanding previous chemical processes, their maintenance routine, and expectations is essential.
What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?
I'm glad to see overly artificial, flat colours fading away. Today's clients want results that feel more natural.
What are the challanges facing colourists right now?
One of the biggest challanges is managing the expectations of clients who arrive influenced by social media and even AI images, with goals that aren't realistic to their hair type, time, budget, or maintenance. There's also pressure to balance performance with sustainability and health.
What do you think will be the next big colour trend?
Coppers, beiges, luminous browns and low maintenance blondes will keep growing in popularity.
What colour techniques are you known for?
My personalised approach to colour from balayage and seamlessly blended highlights to subtle contrasts that bring out the haircut's structure.
What colour creation makes you most proud?
When I transform hair that's sensitised or has a complex chemical history, and still reach a luminous, healthy result.
What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?
Colour is a science that's constantly evolving and requires continuous study. Techniques can be taught, but curiosity, patience, and the ability to listen to the client are what set apart a good colourist from a great one.
What is the biggest lesson you've learnt from being a colourist?
The biggest lesson is realising that colour goes far beyond aesthetics, it's emotion. Every client has a story, an expectation, and a personal connection to the look that they want to achieve.
Maria's sources of Inspiraton
- Barely There Glow
My focus is always on creating harmony between colour, face shape and lifestyle.
2. Luxe Copper Look
I see a strong movement towards soft, customised shades that look like "enhanced naturals"
3. Sun-kissed baby lights
I love creating luminous browns and low maintenance blondes
