Pantone colour of the year 2023: viva magenta

Pantone has revealed its new Colour of the Year for 2023 – Viva Magenta. Described as exploring the dynamic between Artificial Intelligence and human creativity to create “The Magentaverse.” Today we find out how to nail this shade every time…

What is Viva Magenta?

PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes optimism and joy. Powerful and empowering, it is an animated red that encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint; an electrifying, boundaryless shade that is manifestly “out there” and is a stand-out statement. Audacious, witty and inclusive of all, Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same rebellious spirit. For Pulp Riot artist Katie Geddes, it heralds a year of colour possibilities, stepping away from the pastel and muted shades from previous seasons. “It’s a bright shock of colour which in clothing, hair or make-up can look super chic, trendy or even reach out for grunge as well! It’s a great colour for hairdressers to get creative with as it’s so versatile! It’s going to look amazing on a base seven to 10 or even a deeper base six, and especially for balayage clients or clients who are wanting just a pop of colour.” [caption id="attachment_93766" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image courtesy of Katie Geddes, Pulp Riot artist[/caption]

How to achieve it

Viva Magenta is the perfect shade to incorporate into everyday hair. “I would incorporate this into my work with deeper bases, with a stretched root utilising Pulp Riot Liquid Demis 5/8 and 5/7 and then using Pulp Riot Semis Permanent Cupid and Deviant for a deeper magenta, or Cupid and Fireball for a bright pop of magenta,” Katie explains. “This colour can be super wearable and soft, or punchy with colour blocking big panels of magenta against a natural colour - which will look stunning.  When I was younger I was obsessed with black and magenta together which is now totally on brand as the Netflix series Wednesday features some pink/magenta hair in the show! “ [caption id="attachment_93768" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image courtesy of Katie Geddes, Pulp Riot artist[/caption]

How to make it last

One thing for clients to know about Magenta is that it’s subject to fade. Sophia Hilton, founder of Not Another Salon and INNOluxe global ambassador says: “I recommend my clients use the INNOluxe #SAVED range both to ensure their hair is really healthy and to fight the fade!” Kayleigh Johnson, founder of Hex Hairdressing and INNOluxe superstar, seconds this: “The staining and fading are two things clients should consider before taking the plunge. With most magenta shades, being a direct dye, they will leak a little when you get warm. This means magenta collars and pillowcases, so dark clothes and pillowcases are recommended when your client’s colour is fresh. Although this shade will fade, it will fade beautifully and they will experience an array of pinks and peaches along the way. However, to keep their Viva Magenta popping, I would recommend they mix their INNOluxe #SAVED mask with a few drops of direct colour for at-home top-ups. Decant some of their colour into a little take-home pot so they can nail the shade every time.”

Who is Viva Magenta for?

Many clients believe that only blonde bases can experiment with colour. Kayleigh says: “Viva Magenta is for EVERY client regardless of their base; it can be dark and muted on darker bases and more vibrant on lighter bases. It’s also a great option to be blended into a balayage, to contrast with another colour or to be added for a ‘pop’ next to more natural colours. I think it’s most impactful though on its own!" We can't wait to see your Viva Magenta creations! 2023 is the year of colour and creativity.