Refresh Your Colour Matching Skills
How can the right colour match transform your extension results?
A great colour match is key to creating natural-looking, beautifully blended hair extensions. Taking the time to assess your client’s colour properly - including the different tones running through their hair - will help you select shades that complement the natural hair rather than relying on one flat colour.
As part of your Back to School skills refresh, revisit the key steps to getting your Beauty Works colour match right.
Look Beyond the Root
When colour matching extensions, don’t simply match to the colour at the root. Extensions are designed to blend through the mid-lengths and ends so these are the areas you should pay close attention to when choosing your shades.
Move the hair around and look at different sections, as the colour underneath can often differ from what you see on the surface.
Identify the Different Tones
Natural hair is rarely one solid colour. Look closely for the different highlights, lowlights, warmth and cooler tones running through your client’s hair.
Using the Beauty Works Luxury Colour Ring, compare swatches directly against the natural hair to identify the closest match.
When checking a shade, hold the swatch alongside and within the hair rather than simply placing it on top. This gives you a much better idea of how the colour will blend once the extensions are applied.
Don't Be Afraid to Mix Shades
Sometimes the best colour match won't come from just one shade.
For clients with dimensional or multi-tonal hair, combining two or more shades can create a much more natural result. Look at the different tones throughout the client’s hair and select shades that replicate that variation.
This is particularly important when working with highlighted or balayage hair, where using one shade throughout could make the extensions look too uniform.
Check Your Match from Different Areas
Before confirming your shades, compare them against multiple sections of the client’s hair.
Check the sides, underneath and through the back of the hair to make sure your chosen shades will blend across the areas where the extensions will sit.
Remember to also consider the client's natural length and density. Your colour choice, method and placement should all work together to create the most discreet result.
Keep Your Colour Ring Up to Date
Your Colour Ring is one of your most important consultation tools so make sure you're working with an accurate, up-to-date set of swatches.
Sunlight, frequent handling and product build-up can alter the appearance of your swatches over time. Regularly refreshing your Colour Ring helps you colour match with confidence and gives your clients a more professional consultation experience.
Take Your Time with the Match
Colour matching shouldn't be rushed. Look at the hair from different angles, compare several shades and involve your client in the process.
A carefully considered colour match can make all the difference to the finished result, helping the extensions blend naturally with the client's own hair and giving them confidence in their transformation.
Watch our Colour Matching refresher video to see the process in action and refresh your technique.
Keep Refreshing Your Skills
Make sure you’re following Beauty Works Trade on Instagram for more professional tips, education and inspiration, and keep checking our Back to School hub for more skills refreshers, videos and expert advice.