At TONI&GUY, our leading Technicians have chosen their favourite colour approaches from our 2020 trend report. Here’s their exclusive insight into how they’ve achieved each look, as well as the terminology we use in the salon, so you’ll know exactly what to ask for when you’re next with us.
Just think of these techniques the equivalent of the tailored blazer or pair of statement earrings – the kind of things that takes your basic t-shirt and turns it into your new-season hero outfit.
Root tints & highlights
Created by Stuart Marsh, Salon Manager and Technical Director at TONI&GUY Shoreditch
This look takes the technique of covering your roots with a re-growth tint and introducing cleverly-placed highlights to add dimension. “A softer, full-bodied colour result is traditionally achieved with this method,” explains Stuart. But with this upgraded approach, the result is practically three-dimensional, as the technician ‘stitches’ tones through your hair.
“Working with soft contrast and texture enables the technician to wrap colour around the face,” he says. “As soon as you add highlights to an all-over colour, you add depth to your haircut – the lighter tones can visually reduce the width of a cut and help refine your features.”
It’s a perfect way to add colour to curls and waves, as it adds intensity and light to the hair shaft. If you’re already sporting a lighter hue, speak to your technician about stitching a multitude of highlights to your colour.
Highlights
Created by Paul Taylor, Partner and Head Technician at TONI&GUY Norwich
“The iconic highlighting process has been given a trend injection for the new season”, says Paul. So how has hairdressing’s most recognisable method been elevated? “We’ve evolved this approach by utilising multiple weaving techniques in the foils,” he says. “At the hairline we applied microlights, while at the interior we worked a textured weave for a single, dominant tone. Then towards the crown we created a more naturalised effect.”
The result you want your technician to create is a modern, softly undulating colour, as opposed to classic placement highlights. “It’s important to note that this look is not just about technique,” adds Paul. “It’s also about the colour palette. Beige-on-beige tones emulate a contemporary capsule wardrobe. Fashion has become more organic in feel and elegant in result. And this colour trend encompasses just that.”
Balayage
Created by Liam Potts, Technical Director at TONI&GUY Newcastle
If you don’t have the time or inclination to bleach your whole head, then illuminate your look by adding some freehand accents. This light and beautiful effect can be achieved by using one of our signature balayage techniques. And it works well on longer-haired brunettes, as the finish is really striking.
To get this look, have your stylist add some illuminated pieces around your face and towards the ends of your hair to play up your natural texture. “This can be achieved really subtly with a microlighting technique or given a bolder effect by using a freehand application like we did here,” explains Liam.
With this style, the lighter pieces of colour are just as important as the darker pieces. “We call this ‘adding negative space’; by putting in some strategically placed darker tones it elevates the paler tones, making them look even lighter.”
