The importance of training for successful colourists
You never stop learning, whether you are a junior or a fully-fledged stylist, and with a plethora of hair colour courses available around the country, there is no excuse for not attending educational courses.
"Clients constantly want a new trend," says Michael Barnes, London. "The only way to be creative and inspirational yourself is to have been inspired by learning new techniques."
Lucie King, from A.T Tramp, Beverly Hills, agrees. "Whether it is a three-dimensional striking colour or the more organic, lived-in look which we are continuously seeing on the catwalks, there is a fun, easy method to create it - and the salon is the only place to get it."
With so many training opportunities available, it doesn't have to cost the earth.
"Training is vital for colourists as it ensures you are one step ahead of trends and techniques but it also allows you to work and learn from other experienced colourists in the industry providing you with valuable insights," says Carly Roberts from Marc Antoni, Reading, Berkshire. "Don't underestimate internal training, though, if a colourist attends a course outside the salon, encourage them to share their new skills with the rest of the group."
There is a huge array of hair colour courses available for different levels, experiences and budgets. Here are just a few:
Aveda
Name: Innovative Colour Class
Details: This course is designed to stretch the student to take their skills to the next level, learning the most up-to-date colour formulations and the latest techniques.
Investment: £400
Contact: Aveda 0870 428 6383
Clynol
Name: Colour with Honours
Details: From highlights to colour blends, fashion shades for drama or correcting mistakes, this workshop covers the philosophy of colour and how to implement and explore your creativity.
Investment: £1,000
Contact: Clynol 020 7724 7931
Goldwell
Name: Master Colourist
Details: This is a five-step programme for all levels. It covers everything you need from basic colouring to advanced creative techniques.
Investment: From £498
Contact: 020 7318 4000
L'Oréal Professionnel
Name: Colour Keys
Details: Two-day course which covers the fundamental principles of colour. Students gain the knowledge and understanding required to achieve the desired colour results.
Investment: £225
Contact: L'Oréal London 020 8762 4200 Manchester 0161 834 9594
Paul Mitchell
Name: Art of Block Colour
Details: Looks at the fundamentals of three-dimensional colour, colour placement for different hair types and colour choice for dramatic and subtle results.
Investment: 1,200 pigment points
Contact: Paul Mitchell: 0845 659 0011
Redken
Name: Color Certification
Details: Building your colour business, the science of hair, precision application techniques and taking your colour knowledge to the next level are just some of the subjects covered on this course.
Investment: £1,200
Contact: Redken 020 8762 4239
Schwarzkopf Professional
Name: Schwarzkopf Colour Masterclass
Details: Each learning unit is dedicated to teaching total colour comprehension; from the philosophy of colour, interpretation and selection through to advanced methods and application.
Investment: £950
Contact: Schwarzkopf Professional 020 7724 7931
TIGI
Name: TIGI Colour...The Works
Details: This course is designed to help hairdressers who are developing their skills to progress their level of understanding of the hair's structure and how colour works.
Investment: £150+VAT
Contact: TIGI 01895 458516
Wella Professionals
Name: Master Colour Programme
Details: Held in different stages, the course covers everything you need to know about colour, including problem-solving to the chemistry of colour and inspirational workshops.
Investment: from £1,700+VAT
Contact: Wella Professionals London 020 7637 7172. Manchester 0161 834 2645
