What we saw on the colour stage at salon international 2021

For the first time Salon International 2021 saw the introduction of the Colour Stage – a riotous explosion of hues, tones and, well, colour with exclusive backstage access allowing visitors to see the shades processing and taking shape. Here's the amazing creations we witnessed. We'll be updating this page day by day to bring you more stories, images and top tips from the Colour Stage.

Saturday 16 October

HJ dropped by the Colour Stage on Saturday and saw the following artists...

Red and black were the dominant colours for Ben Russell Hair, UK ambassador for Elgon. He created a 50/50 red and black look. Ben noted: “Vibrant colours actually create the appearance of more volume. I was inspired by 80s Bowie for this look." 

Darrel Starkey and Safy Burton from Hair Co-Operative wowed the audience with a rainbow palette and painted on blended colour, with holographic tones and iridescent vibes. Although Hair Co-Operative is a brand neutral company but shout outs to Goldwell colour as it fades true to tone and Kms spray on colour. Safy noted: "It was perfect for adding finishing touches to collections."

Thomas Hills showed modern mullets in tones of silver/grey, bright orange and black n’ orange. His models showcased peekaboo fringes, exaggerated sideburns and two tone colour, off set by PVC catsuits. 

Rainbow hues were in full force for Becky Sutherland of Pink Lemon Hair's slot. Her model came out to Singing in the Rain with a yellow umbrella and a gorgeous rainbow hued locks. Keeping with the 50/50 colouring trend of the day, the other half of her head was painted in a lavender shade.

 

Demonstrating with a painted sheet of colour, Jaymz Marsters broke down the orange ombre look he created on the Colour Stage. Jaymz shared with the audience his recommendation for Crazy Color Anti-Bleed Spray saying that, "it maintains PH of hair so it keeps colour stay put. He also used ghd unplugged, the ideal cordless tool for stage work! A top tip from social media guru Jaymz: "When photographing long hair, keep the length by curling in the midsection of hair - this gives the best pics on social."

 

Sunday 17 October

Today, we caught the below acts on the Colour Stage...

JC Aucamp showcase peachy-pink accents and blonde sections in a delicate, but statement look. His model had regrowth and he suggested that instead of fighting regrowth, colourists could try working with it. He urged the audience to invest in a good photographer if they were thinking about creating collection. "The photographer will work with the model to get the best poses and they always save on retouching." 

John Spanton,  master colourist at Angelo Seminara Salon at Urban Retreat excitingly used the Solage Colouring Foils for the first-time. Launching Feb/March 2022, the revolutionary foils were created by Angelo Seminara to create sun-kissed highlights that are super natural. In fact, John describes the effect as giving clients "that sort of beautiful, natural blonde hair they had when they were children."

Robert Eaton recreated the hair looks he debuted at Wella TrendVision Award Uk and Ireland final on Monday 11 October. Robert described the looks as a "colour palette that brings out the best in the hair's texture but also works visually with the shape." He used Color Touch semi permanent within his looks and commented, "Time is one thing we’re always up against. I’m a huge believer in giving toners the time they need - you need to make sure you build it into the service. Toner work is so important - it’s become a necessity in every colour service we do at Russell Eaton.

Monday 18 October

On Monday, we got to see the following acts... Nikita Fisher, of Palmer Fisher London wowed the audience with her precise and pop-y colour work. With neon tips and creative colour melts, the blonde specialist got to show off the other side of her colour personality. Jordanna Cobella's stage slot saw a focus on 70s cuts and colour. From Farrah Fawcett flicks to deep set glamorous waves, retro styles were brought into the modern day with pastelised colour and lowlights. The audience was gripped by Jack Howard as he gave an insight into his famed balayage techniques on a series of doll heads using his Denman Jack Howard Precision Colouring Brushes.