Hair colour is always a key conversation in salons, but what about barbershops? We spoke to the people leading the charge with men’s hair colour.
Why Are More Men Turning to Hair Colouring?
One of the most common reasons women get their hair coloured is to conceal grey, and with men, it’s not any different. Ian Harold, American Crew All Star Educator and Creative Director of Attitude Men's Hair, says that grey coverage has been their most popular men’s hair colour service across the past five years, adding: “We even find that when gents try home colour first and get it wrong, once you correct it, they can become some of your most loyal colour clients.”
Ian suspects that with hair transplants and hair systems becoming more popular, the taboo around covering grey is no more. However, Christian Wiles, Matrix Artist Ambassador, believes that the rise in men’s hair colour might also be due to the increasing trend of embracing self-care and wellness.
Men’s grooming expert, Grant Carr of Glasgow’s Garçon salon, is seeing more men becoming more confident to opt for colour in their hair appointments. Blondes are his signature colour, including lived-in blondes which work on close trims, tailoring it to match to their skin tone.
What Colour Services Are Men Choosing?
Bleach and Statement Colours
The popularity of men’s hair colour services can also be influenced by clients’ ages, with Bobby Gordon, Co-Founder of Fella Gentlemen’s Hairdressing, suggesting that younger clients are more inclined to go for a full head bleach and maybe a fashion toner on top – think pinks, greens and blues.
Billy O Connor, barber and former L’Oréal Colour Trophy Finalist, explains that bleach ups are one of his favourite colour services to do, explaining: “There are so many different tones and shades to choose from.”
For those with longer styles, highlights are also seeing a boom, says Grant: “This is a popular service for those wanting to look fresher and not washed out.
"They are often just wanting more subtle tweaks to make a massive difference and emphasise their natural features and look better." For his L’Oreal Colour Trophy regional win, Grant opted for an iridescent violet: “I wanted this look to be achievable and wearable for any client."
"The aim was to be as subtle with the use of the violet to look almost natural. With a full head bleach and tone on the soft lilac shades, we see more guys going for these iridescent shades,” he explains.
Highlights and Glossing Services
Men’s hair colour doesn’t have to focus on intense transformations, though. Understated services, such as highlights, lowlights and toning services, are also on the rise, with Christian adding that these can help men achieve subtle changes to their hair colour and add texture without looking overly dramatic or unnatural.
On top of this, glossing services also have their place, as they can improve the appearance of hair health - which is in line with the increasing trend of self-care, and a desire to look good.
What Trends in Men's Hair Colour Can We Expect to See?
Billy offers his colour trend predictions, sharing: “I think guys will get more adventurous. It has taken quite some time for men to really express themselves with colour without worrying what others will think – but I think the wilder, the better.”
Christian also envisions more colour on the horizon, with predictions of full head pre-lightened looks, with subtle, pastel tones. For long hair, however, Bobby forecasts natural looks, including sun-kissed effects.
Meanwhile, Ian believes that with men often having shorter hair, they are more willing to mix up their look regularly. He explains: "As their colour fades, our clients are coming back and having it all cut out and we go in again with a different colour; this is growing the colour services in men’s hair and giving us a much wider age range in our clientele.”
Image Credits: Grant Carr
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