While everyone loves a pop or a splash of colour in their hair, deciding the colour can be a process. The perfect hair colour needs a lot of consideration — both at the client’s and the hairstylist’s end. In a candid conversation with Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India, Elton Steve throws light on what goes behind deciding the perfect hair colour for a client.
In your experience, what are some common factors that influence a client’s hair colour decision?
The most common factor is that they want something that will suit them. People also want something that is trending, and they are keen to know what’s new in the hair colour scene. Some people also want to get hair colour just because it’s fun and they don’t want plain dark black hair.
Another common thing a lot of clients say is that they want something that will make them look brighter — a hair colour that will make them look fairer. According to me, hair colour should always be about accentuating your features, and not about looking fair.
What are some factors a hair stylist should consider while helping the client choose a hair colour?
What I keep in mind while helping my client choose a colour is, first and most importantly if it suits their skin tone. Besides skin tone, one should also consider the colour of their eyes.
Next, a stylist should always ask whether the client wears makeup or not and if yes, then how often. Makeup impacts the outlook of the hair colour and so, it is a very important question to ask.
Another thing I like to keep into account is whether the hair can take the procedure needed to get a colour. Sometimes you have to say no to clients because their hair will not be able to withstand the specific treatment. While people should be able to have any kind of hair colour, it should ultimately suit them, their hair texture, and their lifestyle.
How can hairstylists help people who are from certain professions where bright hair colours are not the best choice, like medical, legal, or defence, but they still want some pop of colour?
Frankly, as an artist, I am completely against this concept. I feel if a doctor has purple hair or pink hair, she is not going to be any less qualified to treat her patients. However, it does affect the perception of the patient.
So, for these people who want to look quite proper during the day, but also want to have fun, there are ways in which we can incorporate the colour in a way that they can disguise the colour at the workplace. I call this duality. With this, they can look different and show their personality outside of their work.
Sometimes clients are very stern about their decision but as an artist you know it’s not going to render good results. How can one tackle such clients?
It is very important to put your point forward. It’s not enough to simply say no to your client. As a stylist, you need to tell them why something won’t work. Further, it’s important to give them alternate options similar to their ideas.
However, sometimes you may get clients that are very adamant and do not agree with the stylist’s consultation. In that case, I do explain to them that I am not happy to be doing this work and the outcome will be their responsibility
What do you think stylists can do to help people with virgin hair?
First-timers are mostly nervous. I always ask them to stay calm and enjoy the process. They don’t need to jump into the deep end at their first go. People with virgin hair can always start with gentle tones and a few face-framing colours. Further, if they enjoy it, with time, they can add more and more.
One tip for the clients and one for the hairdressers?
To the clients, I’d like to say — it is hair and hair grows back. It’s not plastic surgery. So, do not worry! Secondly, look for a hairstylist who will do the right thing for you. A stylist who will take every important factor into consideration before finalising a hair colour. Just by speaking to a hairdresser, you’ll get the vibe. You’ll understand whether they really care to get the best results or just want to get the work done.
And my advice to hairdressers would be to take your client’s colour to heart. That will make them happier.
In case you want to read more about Elton, check out Trend talk with Elton Steve Vasseokar – Professional Beauty India | Beauty Industry News & Events
