HJ’s Editorial Assistant Josie recently visited Jordanna Cobella, London Hairdresser of the Year 2023 at the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, for a colour update and a discussion on trend predictions for 2024.
“Colour blocking was a big trend in 2023, with chunky money pieces and the ‘Alice Band’ proving popular. When you have a strong trend like colour blocking, you normally also see a trend that runs parallel to it, and in this instance, that would be Quiet Luxury.”
Jordanna describes explains that the Quiet Luxury trend has minimalism at its core, and notes that it influences fashion and make-up, in addition to hair. She says: “In fashion, it’s about spending a bit more money on garments that will last you a longer time – it’s quite sustainability focused. It’s much the same in makeup, investing in products that provide a more seamless finish and are long-wearing. However, when it comes to hair, it’s about taking your natural colour and enhancing it.”
The Trend on Trial
Josie shares: “I’ve been highlighting my hair for the last eight years, however had decided it was time to embrace my natural colour, which aligned perfectly with Jordanna’s explaination of Quiet Luxury. My natural colour is more of a strawberry blonde, and when Jordanna explained that we could achieve this transformation without bleach, I was really excited, because I’m keen to improve my hair health in 2024.”
Jordanna continues: “We’re going to use a lot less bleach, and simply enhance what you already have. We won’t be creating as much contrast, which will make this colour more low-maintenance.”
Dubbed the ‘No-Bleach Blonde’, Jordanna explains that colour will be used in place of bleach to lift the hair. She notes, “I find it useful to explain to clients the affect this will have on the hair; when we use colour instead of bleach, it creates a much softer result, and in this instance will go more honey blonde.” It's worth noting that a toner was also used to help achieve the strawberry tones Josie desired.
Client Attraction Tactics
Jordanna recognises that these warmer tones will not appeal to all clients, sharing, “Many blondes are more used to the ash tones, so I think this trend will be a bit of a hard push. However, by explaining the benefits on the health of their hair, I think we’ll get there.” As such, this trend is perfect for clients who are colour shy or health conscious, as the process is much kinder on their strands, while also staying close to their natural colour.
You can find out more about alleviating client's concerns about damage and maintenance here.
She also explains how this trend can benefit stylists, adding: “When you’re lifting hair with colour instead of bleach, it needs to be done when the regrowth is quite close to the scalp, as the heat of the scalp helps the colour lift. I would suggest every two to three months.”
Jordanna continues: “Some clients may be wary of coming in more regularly, so it’s important to point out to them that while their appointment frequency may increase, their time in the chair will not, as the service will be quicker – instead of doing say, a full head of highlights, you’ll just be lifting the roots.” Once your client is sitting in the chair on a more regular basis, you'll also be able to talk to them about other services, such as more regular trims and bonding treatments, which in turn can benefit your business.
“I think this trend represents a really exciting time in the hair industry,” Jordanna muses. “We get to explore trends like colour blocking, which are really aggressive and bold, while also enjoying a trend that is the complete opposite, too.”
You can check out the full transformation process on our Instagram.
