Getting your hair coloured is always a tough decision – it either turns out exactly how you want it to or goes very, very wrong. From ombre hair to basic highlights and even hair contouring, there’s a different buzzword popping up every other day. Andy Cheong, the Regional Education Director for TIGI Copyright Colour, ASIA and industry veteran (he’s been around for 35 years!) spells out all your worries with simple solutions.
ELLE: What’s a hair colour trend you believe will be big for 2017?
Andy Cheong: A cardinal rule in hair colouring is that those with warm skin tones should apply a cool-toned colour and vice versa. Indians have warmer tones and hence should opt for colours with green, blue or grey undertones. For 2017, we are now focusing on irregular sectioning pattern. Marble shading, a technique where the roots to the mid-ends is coloured dark and the mid-ends to tips is coloured light is another hair trend we anticipate to become popular in 2017.
ELLE: What’s your take on hair contouring?
AC: Hair contouring plays with highlights that give an illusion of voluminous textured hair. It varies as per a person’s face shape, skin tone, how they would want to style their hair and their profession. For example, a person with a long face should opt for dark roots with highlights in level of the ears. I believe those with darker skin tones can experiment with bright-hued highlights.
ELLE: Are there any common beliefs related to hair colouring that you’ve seen turn to myths over the course of your career?
AC: There is a common misconception that shampooing hair frequently washes off the colour faster. That is a major myth. While using shampoo that does not comply with coloured hair surely fades the colours, using a shampoo suitable for colour will make it last for at least 20 to 22 washes depending on the brand and quality of hair colour.
ELLE: A lot of people also avoid colouring their hair because of the tasking after – care. What does post-colour haircare really include?
AC: It’s important that all brands have their own line of colour shampoo. A lot of people buy shampoos from the supermarket because they are big, cheap and have a good fragrance. While they work perfectly well for non-chemically treated hair, invest in products that will protect the colour and make it last longer.
ELLE: What’s the most common hair colour mistake you’ve watched people commit?
AC: At times the colourist uses the wrong applicator which not only leads to a botched up colour job but also spoils the hair texture. The hairstylist must be well educated to use the correct applicator depending on the hair texture, desired colour and the colour already present. Some hairstylists use their experience for colour application and don’t follow the prescribed guidelines of the brand. It is extremely important to follow the procedure for the best results.
