Conversations on colour: jack howard

Jack Howard is an A-list colourist who is widely credited with bringing balayage to Britain. He is based at Paul Edmonds salon in London and is a member of the L'Oreal Professionnel 20:20 Colour Collective; an elite group of colourists from across the UK. Here, we find out more about his life in colour. What do you love most about being a colourist? That's really simple but not always easy; I love being able to interpret and deliver what a client wants. The smile at the end of the service is always my most rewarding moment. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing professional colourists in 2015? I believe that the biggest issue for today's successful salon colourist is being able to hold a conversation with the consumer. So often in our industry there is a disconnect between editorial hairdressing and consumer hairdressing - to get women back into the salon and feeling that it's a relevant service for them. How we articulate that has to change. What do you think is the most exciting thing about being a colourist in 2015? Really it's the same as the challenge; if you look right now we are seeing conversations change, its just not foils or tints, we have balayage, babylights, ombré, blonde, tri-colour and so much more on offer. What colour trend or technique are you most excited about for 2015? For me it's still the way in which balayage, which I’ve been credited with bringing to the UK, has totally changed the game. What one piece of advice would you give to trainee colourists who would love to be where you are now? Well, I've been at this for a very long time so for a trainee I would say; learn your craft, understand the rules that are already in place and then go and find yourself and find your own unique voice. Above all, always stay true to yourself.