Hot trends for afro hair colour
The UK is a cultural melting pot and hairdressers looking to maximise their business should embrace the creative possibities of all hair types.
Ignoring Afro Caribbean, mixed-parentage and Asian locks because it is a trip into the unknown regarding tecture and treatment is a missed opportunity.
The culture is vibrant, powerful and glamorous with cultural icons and celebrities such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Grace Jones, Bonnie Greer, Sophie Okonedo, Mel B, Alexandra Burke, Speech Debelle and June Sarpong no strangers to show-stopping shades and shapes.
As with all inspirational and influential figures their look can influence a generation, evoking curiosity and copycat behaviour.
Elegance and edginess are to be explored and celebrated, with the end results an eye-catching combination of glorious colour coupled with gorgeous texture.
Afro Hair Trend Watch
Achieving a European influenced hairstyle used to be the automatic choice for most black women, but now they are looking for more natural shapes and textures making this an exciting sector for all hairdressers who like the idea of freestyle, funky and bespoke looks.
The latest colour trends for Afro hair in the professional sector echo the palette of summer inspired hues set to dominate the shade chart for Caucasian hair.
- "We're focusing on a spectrum of cool browns, mochas, minks and very soft cool blondes. These trends have sprung not only from the catwalk, but also from the client's desire to brighten up their looks in a subtle way that doesn't require a lot of commitment or maintenance. Touch colour translates well to this hair type. Hues will be applied under the parting and in highlights and panels that are purely an accent and visible through movement."
Tony Hegarty, Identity UK Shoreditch - "We're working a lot with stronger shapes as opposed to chemical straightening, therefore shadewise, we've concentrated on one focal area of the haircut to enhance the shape. As part of our language of subtlety we may use a halo technique to enhance curves, or one colour at the root area blended through to a different one at the ends, a technique we call 'dipping'."
Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton, Barnsley 
"The backlash against the brights that dominated the winter landscape won't be universal, due to personal style and taste. Cutting edge clients will still hanker after wow factor accents of blue, pink, purple red and green, creating contrast and conversation. Pastel versions used with greater subtlety and restraint will move the look on and reflect summer's carefree, alfresco agenda."
Jason Welch, Eleven Hair, London- "Colour trends for Afro hair are as strong as the ones for Caucasian hair and just as celebrity led. Rihanna showcases cleverly placed pre-lightened pieces that add texture and strength to her signature sharp styles. Leona Lewis and Beyoncé are perfect examples of how integrating a clever mix of both extensions and real hair creates more contrast in mixed-race hair through a deluxe blend of lights and darks."
Tim Scott Wright, Lisa Shepherd Birmingham
