This is how to slay with organic hair colour

Organic Colour Systems have been flying the flag for less harsh and more naturally-formulated colour for two decades their ethical organic hair colour. The range, founded by Stephen Landreth, is used widely in over 40 countries. With their balance of ethics and science the brand has created products that work and inspire a spectrum of colours and range of styles. So it's no surprise that for the brand's Inspired competition the entrant standards were really high and the winning looks were trend-led and fashion forward. "The three salon mentors from the Organic Colour Systems Inspired competition have used this collection to push people’s perception of what an organic colour can do," said Aimee Pardey Organic Colour Systems hair guru. "We’ve highlighted the potential of the brand for creating infinite looks. Colour is the star with linear movement-inspired colour placement, braids and cuts." We caught up with Stefanie Kaufman the Inspired competition Canadian winner and Organic Colour Systems Mentor about the process of - What was the creation process like? When I am preparing for a photoshoot I create many drawings of each model, with many different looks for example different colour placement, shades and tones of colour. Each design may only be a slight variation of the previous but it allows me to visualise what is happening. On the day of model prep I look at my images as a starting point, then I allow my creative mind to take over and sometimes I end up in a totally different direction than I planned, but I follow what the hair is telling me. - What did it feel like to win? I was thrilled to win of course. Tracey and myself have been members of the North American Mentor Team since the new Organic Colour Systems Educational Programme started and it was very exciting to be working with her in a different environment. I love educating stylists but artistic work is particularly my forte and I thoroughly enjoyed it. - What do you have planned for 2019? 2019 is going to be an extra creative year for me. I have been attending many different classes in the artistic world to enhance my creative process, as well as shadowing barbers and session stylists. My work is mainly in the salon so I love seeing the flow of other work environments, whether it be in a barber shop, or on a film set. I cannot wait for my next collection and who knows, I could be seeing Tracey and Michel back in the UK next year! - Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the Inspired competition? Be prepared but don’t be afraid to step away from your “moodboard” if it no longer feels right. When doing a photo series or collection you need to take creative control and listen to the hair. Most importantly have fun and enjoy it, this is when we create our best work! Credits – Hair: Organic Colour Systems salon mentors Tracey Burnap, Stefanie Kaufman and Michel Koller Creative Direction: Karine Jackson Make-up: Tara Sanger Photography: Magdalena Bieth