L’oréal colour congress inspires colour specialists

The L’Oréal Colour Congress took over Studio Space in East London for two days of inspiration, education, networking – and fun. More than 100 L’Oréal Colour Specialists from as far afield as Sweden and Ireland were ready for ideas, techniques and knowledge to take back to their salons and businesses.

Steve Shiels, Innovation and Science

Vice president of corporate affairs at L’Oréal and scientist extraordinaire Steve kickstarted the Congress with a sneak peek into the world of science – detailing the work that around 4,000 scientists undertake innovating the future of beauty. In 2021 L’Oréal had some 517 patents registered, with research and development of new products taking place at more than 20 research centres around the world. The audience were also given an exclusive look at the new INOA, which launches at the start of 2023, and the exciting new possibilities it will bring to colourists and their clients.

Vivienne Johns, The Hairdressers Social Club – Elevating Social content_ Video School

Video is the new content everyone should be creating and sharing, according to social expert Vivienne Johns. But it doesn’t mean you have to be in front of the camera, as Vivienne discussed ways to create video without having to be the star of the show. “82% of content is video and 75% of Instagram accounts post video at least once a week, so you need to be part of it,” she stressed. Whether it’s a face-to-camera piece, hair advice, a voice over or before and afters, video is king when it comes to engagement and a new audience. And if you are looking to really make an impact, Vivienne strongly suggests getting onto Tik Tok, where an audience is waiting to be inspired. She stressed that it's still possible to get in early and make a new audience before other hairdressers.

Jack Howard – The Science of Lightening with Purpose

The King of Balayage made a guest appearance at the L’Oréal Colour Congress - all the way from America -  and wowed the audience with his simple, efficient lightening techniques that added warmth, depth and shine to lighter bases. “Everyone over the age of 45 doesn’t feel seen anymore; as hairdressers we focus on the youth market, but those with the most money to spend are over 45, so why are we not focusing on them? They want to make a change, they want to be visible,” he said, as he demonstrated babylights, teasing and lighting with some of his favourite products, including L’Oréal Professionnel Clay, Dia Light and Blond Studio. The results – shimmering highlights, face-framing tones and texture-boosting placement. Jack also stressed the importance of the language colourists use in the salon: “Never say to a client you are going to add darker slices as this scares them; say you are adding depth and they will trust you totally.”

Giuseppe Stelitano, Creative Director at Trevor Sorbie – Colour Meets Science

With ideas to set your creativity free, Giuseppe Stelitano gave an insight into the way he thinks and combines concepts and colours to create something new. “Whatever you are creating, you need to think from top to toe. It’s not just about the hair, it’s the whole look,” he stated. “Avant garde is big hair, there’s a lot of noise, but by being conceptual it sounds more minimalist and not as crazy!” Presenting three live models, Giuseppe showcased iridescent colour that shimmered when the head moved and is a great technique on short hair. The prisms concept is applied like highlights, but adds a multi-dimensional result, while the holographs concept is simple lines of colour that shatters the norm of all-over tones.  

Hayley Jepson, The Resilient Hairdresser – The Science of Burnout and Boundaries

Eradicating burnout in the workplace was Hayley’s mission – and by the end of workshop everyone knew what they should and shouldn’t be doing for their self care. “High achievers burn out more; they have goals and dreams and push themselves. However, they need to manage this otherwise it becomes burnout. And those with burnout become more unreliable and consistent – with time off, through illness, through lack of attention to detail,” Hayley explained. A former hairdresser herself, she described the steps stylists can recognise before they become burnout, and why running on adrenaline and energy drinks can be detrimental to your career and personal life.

Lucy Mayes, Pigment London – The Science of Colour

We live in a world of colour, but do you know where colour comes from? Pigment London took delegates at the L’Oréal Colour Congress on a journey of pigments and dyes, from the creation of pigments thousands of years ago, to the modern-day hues that surround us. A history of pigments revealed how they have been used up to 300,000 years ago to alter appearance since humanity began. “There’s more to colour than just aesthetics, it’s about how it connects us to the world around us,” said artist and pigment maker Lucy. Delegates learnt how to mix pigments and create their own colour, while reminding them the founder of L’Oréal in 1909, Eugene Schueller, formulated the first hair synthetic dye in 1907, revolutionising how hair was seen and opening up a world of colour for hairdressers and women everywhere. For more information about becoming a L’Oreal Colour Specialist and all L’Oreal Professionnel courses head to lorealaccess.com Want to read more about L'Oréal colour? Check out 'L’Oréal Colour Trophy, Ireland, Grand Final: All the Winners and Highlights'