I enjoy CREATING UNIQUE TONES

James Earnshaw, Global Brand Ambassador of Wella Professionals, has become synonymous with innovation, creativity and unparalleled expertise in the world of hairdressing. Priyanka Parshurami finds out how he has achieved all this.

A journey that commenced with a dream almost two decades ago in Birmingham, UK, culminated in the remarkable achievement of becoming the Global Brand Ambassador for Wella Professionals through sheer dedication and perseverance. That’s the inspiring story of ace hairdresser and colourist James Earnshaw.

He visited Mumbai and enthralled hairstylists with a hair show, in which he demonstrated trending colouration techniques. In an exclusive interaction with Professional Beauty x Hairdressers Journal, he talked about every aspect of colour that helps him create sensational looks and empower his clients and students alike. Excerpts from his interview:

What the West wants

“In 2024, we’re seeing a surge in the golden hour trend, inspired by the warm sunlight that bathes everything just before sunset. It’s a trend that’s gaining traction across Europe, with a preference for warmer hair colours. As we travel, we discover that each country has its unique perspective on colour. Hence, I closely collaborate with scientists in our German lab to develop hair colours suitable for various hair types—whether darker, lighter, or coarser. At Wella, we boast a vast portfolio of shades, allowing us to cater to any depth or hue, adapting to different climates. It’s incredibly fulfilling for me to work across the globe, from Japan and Sweden to America, Australia, India and beyond.”

Creating master strokes

“For me, the colour applicator is akin to my paint brushes, and every head is my canvas. With each stroke, I weave dreams into reality. I’m captivated by the fleeting changes in the sky during sunsets—how it transitions from orange to purple to red, showcasing a spectrum of cool and warm tones. I’m also someone who doesn’t just pick up a colour tube and start applying; I enjoy creating unique tones by blending different shades. That’s why Wella’s Colors & Per fect range is fantastic—it offers a myriad of shades to choose from, and we even have a special mix range for intermixing.”

Dawn of a new era

“Introducing Koleston Per fect Me+. Unlike most hair colours that use a different dye molecule—one that individuals can be allergic to—Me+ features a colour molecule that significantly reduces the likelihood of a new allergic reaction to hair colour. This range also includes a metal purifier, crucial for removing metals that accumulate on hair. These metals compromise colour results and per formance, but the Koleston Per fect Me+ delivers healthier shinier even results, colour after colour.”

Personal favourite “My favourite shade is 7/75. It’s a delightful rosy brunette shade that complements warmer skin tones. You can also adjust its tone by intermixing a booster, making it incredibly versatile. I love to mix it with other shades as well, making it a staple in my kit. It’s great to see it available in India, too.”

How James Earnshaw gets going on social media…

-Harness the power of inspiration -Embrace new techniques -Capture stunning imagery -Stay ahead of the curve