Is Men’s Hair Colour on the Rise?
Published
28th Feb 2023
by Josie Jackson
Hair colour is always a key conversation in salons, but what about barbershops? We decided to chat with some of the guys leading the charge with men’s hair colour, and here’s what they had to say…
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.” He 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.
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.”
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.
Looking ahead to 2023, 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 credit: Billy O Connor
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.” He 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.
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.”
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.
Looking ahead to 2023, 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 credit: Billy O Connor
