The power of color: Color Specialist Indy on trends, techniques and her passion for hair coloring

After an intensive training, she can officially call herself a Color Specialist. But what does this title mean to her? How has the training changed her view on color?

Congratulations on your certification as a Color Specialist! What does this title mean to you and how has your training changed your view on color?

“It’s a beautiful reward for the hard work I’ve put into it. This title fits my knowledge and experience and shows how versatile I am. During the training I learned different techniques and how to combine them. It has made me much more creative. Where I previously mainly worked with techniques I knew, now I think: how can I do this differently? For example by letting the back blend more softly with balayage or only including the ends in the coloring. That variation makes my work even more fun.”

What makes color so fascinating to you?

“As a child I was already busy with hair. I used to color the hair of my Barbie dolls, but I never thought about becoming a hairdresser. For a long time I didn’t know what I wanted to do. That changed when I was a model for a hairdressing competition. For three days I sat in the chair and watched up close how creatively and precisely color was used. I found it so fun that I thought: why don’t I try this myself? Shortly after that I signed up for hairdressing school.”

What can you achieve with color for a client?

“Color can completely change someone’s appearance. You can emphasize the most beautiful features. Think of a hair color that makes the eyes stand out or a shade that gives the skin a warm, fresh glow. It’s not just about a new color, but about creating a look that perfectly suits the person.”

How do you determine which hair color suits someone best?

“I always first listen to what the client wants. Then I look at their eye color, skin tone and even the jewelry they wear. People who often wear gold usually have a warm undertone and suit warm hair colors better. Those who wear silver often have a cooler undertone and look better with cooler shades. Clothing also plays a role. All of this together helps me advise a color that perfectly suits someone.”

Are there colors or techniques you have a preference for?

“I love a full bleach followed by a striking color. It gives such a fresh and bold effect! With a full bleach you can go in all directions, from soft pastels to intense, bright colors. It’s a technique in which you can use a lot of creativity and create a completely new look.”

Which color trends are you seeing a lot right now?

“At the moment I mainly see warm colors. Warm blonde and copper are extremely popular. They give the hair a rich, vibrant look and fit the trend where natural, warm tones are preferred.”

Which techniques or color combinations would you like to apply more often?

“I would love to do a full bleach more often in a creative way. For example with patterns or different colors in the hair. Many people still choose a natural look, but I’d like to do something unique and bold more often.”

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about hair coloring?

“Many people think that bleaching will always damage their hair. But if it's done professionally and properly cared for, it can stay healthy. For example, we work with the bleach products from Silk Lift. These add lipids during the process. Good aftercare is crucial as well. A heat protector is, for instance, a must. A lot of people know that heat isn’t great for their hair, but they don’t realize it also causes their colour to fade faster. I always recommend a heat-protecting product, like the Flat Iron Spray from Kerasilk, to maintain both the colour and the condition of the hair. There’s been so much innovation when it comes to colouring and preserving hair quality. I keep a close eye on all of it and always strive for healthy hair.”

How do you make sure that a color not only looks good on the day itself but also lasts a long time?

“It starts the moment you walk out of the salon. I recommend not washing your hair too soon, so the toner can properly 'lock' into the hair. A good shampoo is essential. Heat protection is also incredibly important. Heat from styling tools can cause your colour to fade much faster. That’s why I always recommend a heat-protecting product, like the Color Protecting line from Kerasilk. We also have a special Kerasilk Colour Safe line for coloured hair in the salon. That line includes the Color Sealer from Kerasilk, for example. Truly a must if you want to keep your colour looking fresh. How often you should wash your hair varies from person to person, but the less often, the better.”

What are your go-to tips for clients to maintain their hair color properly?

“If you get highlights or balayage, you don’t need to get highlights every time. Often it’s enough to come back for a toner between the highlight appointments. That refreshes the color without unnecessarily stressing your hair.”

How does your work align with KURO’s philosophy?

“I take the time to consult with every client and really tailor the coloring to the person. No one gets exactly the same toning or technique from me, because I look at what suits someone. That way everyone gets a unique hair coloring that’s completely tailored to them.”

What do you love most about your work as a Color Specialist?

“I love making people happy with their hair color. That moment when someone looks in the mirror and is satisfied with the result, that gives me so much satisfaction. In addition, the contact with clients is important to me. The chat in between, the bit of trust you build. That makes the work extra special.”

How do you continue to develop and inspire yourself?

“I get inspiration from everywhere: on the street, in old films, from colleagues and on Instagram. I also learn a lot just by working. Every client is different. I watch videos and regularly follow training sessions, but the most important thing is: just do a lot. The more you experiment, the better you get.”

Imagine: a client wants a color that doesn’t suit them at all. How do you handle that?

“I’m always honest. If someone wants a color that doesn’t suit them, I first suggest something else. But if the client really sticks to their choice, I look for a middle ground. That way we make sure both the client and I are happy with the end result. After all, every client who leaves the salon is also a business card for my work.”

Want to book an appointment with Indy? Schedule your session via the agenda!