Color Blocking

Color Blocking offers a service opportunity like no other. It’s completely adaptable to even the most color shy client, or for the client that wants to get noticed, this can be pushed to the max to create statement color. We’re talking unique, personalised, stunning color – something that only the professional colorist can offer.

This highly versatile trend can be adapted to a wide spectrum of color pallets. Whether your client wants high contrast shades of blonde, cool combinations of tonal browns, dreamy romantic pastels or super bright pops of color, this is one trend that can be adapted easily and quickly.

Wella’s Global Ambassador, James Earnshaw, has been fundamental in developing this trend. “Wella Color Blocking means to me so many different things. It could be working with a really bold color placement on a tonal pastel creative palette, or in a salon creating beautiful premium color that suits the client you are working on. It’s big news and I think consumers will fully embrace this,” he says.

Color blocking in general has been grabbing headlines and social space as a strong trend in fashion, home furnishings, make-up, and art, so the transition into hair color is a very natural progression.

Thanks to the versatility of Color Blocking, the results can cover a wide spectrum of color clients, ranging from commercial and wearable subtle placement, to creative bold and statement shading that truly gets attention.

There are several ways in which Color Blocking techniques can be adapted. The secret to this look is YOU, the professional colourist, creating color tones that are specifically selected for their irresistible contrast. Get the contrast right, team it with professional placement, and you’ll create the most incredible color that will leave clients wanting more.

The combinations of pallets are endless, but here’s some tried and tested combinations that are guaranteed to inspire.

Pastels can be calming, invigorating and playful. Combine tones of #SeafoamBlue and #PlatinumMauve marbled against natural stone blonde. This combo is all about the cataclysmic mix of tones.

Polarizing opposites of #CharcoalBlack and #AlpineBlonde inspired by nature at the opposite end of the spectrum make for cool and bold statement hair.

Use tones of #OceanTeal - a perfectly blended shade of blue and green, to create an uplifting and rejuvenating look on any naturally dark base. Thanks to its power and brightness it adds definition to any shape.

For the client that wants a high-end look, explore a base of coolest #CoolOakBrown contrasted with calming #AstroRose accents.

Revive blonde clients with a blend of #MonochromaticBasalt tones, framed with sheer #PlatinumOpal hues. Think opulent, translucent, beautiful color.

Create super chic brunettes with a #CedarBrown base teamed with accents of Italian #ClayBlonde.

Whether a client wants a subtle change of color, a fresh take on an old balayage or highlights, or a complete color revamp, Color Blocking offers the ultimate solution.

Wella recommends choosing the placement & technique most suited to the client, then follow these simple steps.

1. Lighten…add the contrast. Don’t forget if hair is lightened or naturally lighter, using Koleston Perfect may be enough.
2. Add depth to neutralize or deepen, then refine the base to enhance the color block.
3. Glaze or tone. This is the fairy dust that will add shine and enhance tones. Be playful or subtle, this is the final touch.
4. Finally…care and maintain. Create a flawless finish that’s enhanced with a care regime that will protect and enhance the color and prevent damage.

Wella Color Blocking is the perfect new color service to help grow any color business. It allows for express top up appointments to keep colour fresh, offers a low cost colour service for clients that wouldn’t otherwise commit to colour and caters for the client that wants fun, vibrant colour that’s bang on trend.

Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella Company, says this is the perfect business opportunity for salons and colorists right now. “It’s never been so crucial to stay one step ahead of consumer trends and to offer clients a range of services that cater for every budget. Color Blocking cannot be achieved without professional expertise. The combination of our superior product portfolio, teamed with pure creativity and professional knowledge, makes this a winning service,” she says.

To help salons promote Color Blocking, the color experts at Wella have created a menu for clients who need a burst of inspiration. They can choose from an Express Face Frame, Express Chunky Highlights, Blocked Face Frame, Contrast Blocking, Monochromatic Blocking or simply Chunky Highlights.

What’s not to love? Wella Color Blocking is the ultimate trends driven service this autumn/winter.

Wella Company has a portfolio of iconic professional and retail hair, nail, and beauty tech brands, including Wella Professionals, O·P·I, ghd, Briogeo, Nioxin, Sebastian Professional, and Clairol. For additional information about Wella Company, please visit www.wellacompany.com.