Spring/summer 09 hair colour trends explained

Published 17th Mar 2009 by sophieh

Gone are the days when hair colouring was just used for covering grey or creating basic cap highlights.

Colour has steadily grown in popularity and advanced techniques mean that colour is an essential catwalk feature and a vital part of a salon's service mix.

Whether it's used for enhancing fringes or adding drama to a classic cut, it can transform any hairstyle. So what shades and techniques should you be offering your clients this season?

	Beverly C, London "The hot blondes for summer are beautiful high-lift colour with platinum ash tones. Think champagnes and pastel shades veiled over a hint of deeper, richer blonde tones inside to create the illusion of texture in the hair. For redheads expect to see soft coppers, strawberry blondes and golden tones as these are key for spring/summer and are influenced by the colours in nature - fusions of reds and golds. Soft light brunettes, auburns or cool mocha brunette tones will ensure you are on trend for spring/summer 2009."
	Christel Lundqvist, hob salons, London "The big story for summer colour is blondes, from vanilla, champagne, oyster and milk white tones through to sand, cinnamon and sandalwood shades. They will feature accents of soft pastel tones including lavender or salmon rose merged together for a seamless result. Looking at on-trend tones for other colour tribes, brunettes will fall into more organic, natural shades with muted browns and slate greys, while rich clay browns and earthy shades will become popular. All over coverage incorporates lighter panels shining through for a seamless blend."
	Gary Hooker and Michael Young, Hooker & Young, Newcastle-upon-Tyne "Blondes lead the way for summer 2009 - soft, shimmering blondes that have been kissed by the sun. A full head of multi-tonal highlights is perfect for the summer months and champagne tones play a dominant role this year. A full head of back-to-back highlights that include the expensive blonde tones of vanilla and butterscotch will create this look and a few extra lighter highlights around the front of the hairline will give a sunshine blonde. A luminous palette of multiple tones work for creating clean, sparkling blondes."
	Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson Hair, Body & Mind, Mansfield "The tribal vibe is one of my favourite catwalk trends. Think Louis Vuitton and Cavalli - fabrics in gold, bronze, orange and taupe. This has heavily influenced hair colour with muted shades from desert blondes to super-rich shades of brunettes. Infuse this with hints of mink and sable beige in the undersections of hair giving an exotic luxurious feel. For brave clients, crazy colours are also big and dip-dying techniques can be used to add pink or yellow for a fashion-led style."
	Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton, Barnsley "Fringes are huge this year, from Lily Allen's sharp geometric cut to Misha Barton's latest wispy, delicate look. The fringe frames the face and is the most important part of the hair, so let's give it the attention it deserves. The Bar Code technique will be really popular in the coming months, this is about creating texture and movement. Just take a series of vertical or horizontal sections and add slices of contrasting colour to bring the fringe to life. Darker shades will include hazelnuts, chocolates and a new mix tone of navy - it sounds strange but really does work."
	Tracey Gallagher, Saks, London "Golden blondes and pastel blondes will reign supreme. Front row fashion week starlets such as Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson are following this trend already. This season's palette is more natural - coppers and mahoganys don't really have a place this season, while anything that fades quickly is a definite no-no. Highlights are in full flow with clever placement to reduce regrowth; lighter tones being used internally and more natural tones being used on the parting and hairlines."
	Chris Williams, Rush, London "The high impact 'bleach and toner' look will remain popular, think Agyness Deyn and Sarah Harding. Team this colour with a textured crop or this season's must-have haircut accessory - the fringe. The surprise colour of the season is auburn and mahogany reds, which lots of my clients are asking for at the moment. Go for a full-head look and work in a diffusion technique, blending from a deeper shade on the roots to a softer hue through the ends to give movement and texture."
	Jane Stacey, Toni & Guy, Sloane Square, London "Colour this season is a fluid, pastel palette, as seen on the catwalks. Blondes will be natural and golden, making a change from bleached or synthetic platinum and moving to the darker end of the spectrum. The effect is more bronzed and antique, yet still maintaining that playful element of 70s disco. Finishes are pearly with soft hints of apricot or lilac for an interesting, yet subtle effect. Brunette roots start cool and dusty and drift into warmer, pastel ends. Reds will see translucent washes of orange and candyfloss pink."