Coordinating colour and power pairing with robert eaton

We saw Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson debut their coordinating colour earlier this month, but hot on their heels are Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. HJ spoke to British Hairdresser of the Year Robert Eaton for his take on coordinating colour. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly stepped out for the premiere of the Life in Pink documentary with appropriately coordinating hair colours. While MGK lived up to his film’s title with a vibrant fuchsia, Megan kept things more understated with a pastel rose gold. Whether it’s a wig or a more permanent departure from her trademark brunette, there’s no denying that the pair’s parallel pinks make an impact. Couples with coordinating colour are nothing new – Brad Pitt famously adapted his look in tune with his romantic partners; from beachy balayage while dating Jennifer Aniston to a platinum crop that paired perfectly with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors style. The Beckhams often keep their shade switches in sync, and even Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain shared a bleach blonde phase. We've even seen Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie debuting matching platinum blonde hairstyles in preparation for their role as fictional couple Barbie and Ken. Robert Eaton knows the impact of a power pairing and often doubles up his models in shoots to create more of a colourful impact: “Using two models in a shot allows you to really put the hair centre stage,” says Robert. “When I use duos, it’s about sharing as much hairdressing content as possible and creating powerful looks that resonate.” When it comes to creating coordinating colours in the salon, Robert stresses the importance of client suitability. “Ultimately, hair colour has to suit the individual above all else,” he says. “Colour is bespoke, which means we need to take into account hair type, texture and condition, as well as skin tone, maintenance and commitment levels. Consultation is key, and it’s important to manage expectations and be realistic. Your client needs to know that while we can usually achieve a colour result that’s similar to someone else’s, we’ll always prioritise suitability.” For clients who do want to try the coordinating look, Robert says: “To pair colours, it’s all about looking at a colour family and picking the ones that complement each other – although contrast can work well too. If a client wants the same colour as someone else, it’s important that they bring plenty of visuals – but remember, you can’t replicate one look on someone else, so we can find something that works for you while respecting your hair integrity and condition.” Feeling inspired to coordinate your colour this summer? Here are some of our favourite looks from Robert’s archives for a matchy-matchy moment.  90s Muse  “The colour choices for this collection were inspired by United Colours of Benetton. For me the 90s fashion revival also represents a return to classic techniques – like block and full colour applications and a revival of foiling. For each pair, I worked with a combination of saturated high gloss colour on one model, and a more lived-in colour on the other – both in complementary tones.” Chromatic “For the green looks, I used an emerald palette with a veneer of colour over the hair.” Colour ID “This collection was created around the concept of each model having her own colour ID and creating bold looks that reflect the demand for more personalised, bespoke services. There’s a real festival feel to the contrast of short cuts in sheer washes of bold shades.” Reflect “These images seek to showcase each muse’s individuality through cut, colour and styling, even when partnered with a second model. The bespoke finishes were specifically chosen to bring to life facets of their personalities and personal aesthetic, for a powerful vision of modern beauty."