How to grow as a colourist - tips from safy burton

Colour is a very technical skill – one that many are a little apprehensive about learning. However, with the right education, guidance, and support, you can create something incredible. Here, salon owner and Goldwell master colourist, Safy Burton shares her advice on how to climb the colour ladder and grow as a colourist.

Invest in education

Education in colour is the foundations – it will allow you to learn the classic colour knowledge and skills, which is then a platform for you to build on. Throughout your career, I can not recommend colour education enough. In fact, education in general. There is always something to learn in this industry. With the world moving at such a fast pace, new trends, techniques, and products are unveiled and this requires continuous education. Even now, I still invest in myself, as this allows me to progress and evolve in my career and journey as a whole.

Experimenting is okay

This is the fun part – get creative and experiment to your heart’s desire. This is the exact way new trends and techniques are uncovered so why not try something a bit different? With colour, the hair is your canvas, so on your days off or quiet periods, grab a dolls head and try something new or something different to help you get to your end result. The most amazing results come from experimenting, so give it a try.

Make mistakes

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they happen. Instead, if something doesn’t work out as planned, own up to it and find the best way to rectify. Please remember, it is okay to make mistakes, they happen to all of us. Sometimes things just don’t go the way you expect them to, and that is okay. See it as another educational session on how to avoid it in the future.

Ask your peers

Never be afraid to ask questions. This is how our industry evolves and even now, top colourists still ask questions. I love nothing more than sharing my colour knowledge with fellow colourists – helping others through their journey is amazing and I love to be a part of it. Never think a question is too silly or simple, just ask away. This is also a great way to connect with those who share the same passions and values.

Shadow or assist

There is no better way to learn than learning on the job. Why not assist or shadow a colourist in the salon or reach out to your favourite colourist and ask if there is any chance of learning from them. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t ask you don’t get. Put yourself out there.