Colour NOTES

Owner of Paint and Powder, Katie Mulcahy talks all things 90s, bleach bases, and stretching possibilities

SEASONS

The change in season really influences the colour on clients and inspires new ideas for new colour palettes.

MUSIC

I am a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac and their style always inspires me to recreate that effortless boho style.

FASHION

I love fashion and when trends shift, it inspires me to embrace the change in hair. An outfit is upgraded with a great hairstyle.

MAGAZINES

I love to flick through fashion magazines – the glossy pages and high-end shoots inspire me when creating imagery.

INTERIORS

I recently visited Copenhagen and the hotel and shop interiors felt so fresh – it inspired me to colour clash more.

What do you love most about being a colourist?

Being a colourist keeps you on your toes. Techniques and trends move so fast that it constantly keeps you creative and motivated to better your skill set.

What is the most important question you ask in a colour consultation and why?

What is the goal? This gives me a clear indication of what the clients’ ultimate hair ambition is and I can then manage expectations and work out a clear route to getting to that place.

What colour trends are you pleased to see out of fashion?

Overly ash-toned hair. I am so glad clients are heading into warmer, healthier, and glossier looks. People have been against warmth for so long, but it can be so beautiful.

Are there any colour trends you’d like to bring back?

I think we are constantly reinventing trends and so there isn’t one in particular, but I’m here for all the 90s revivals like colour blocking and seeing more strength in placement.

What are the challenges facing colourists right now?

Cost! With so many techniques, time, and products needed to achieve the desired look, we have to charge more, and rightly so.This can be challenging in the current climate but if you’re providing the right service and delivering your talent, this shouldn’t be a problem.

What do you think will be the next big colour trend?

The return of global high lifts and bleach bases.

What colour technique are you known for?

My team and I are best known for our natural and beautiful colour placements, giving our clients low maintenance but ultra-beautiful, feminine hair.

What colour creation makes you most proud?

I did a big colour shoot for Rusk Colour when I was ambassador. I created multiple pastel looks that just reflected me and my personality and I was over the moon with the shoot and still adore the images created that day.

What advice would you give to a trainee colourist?

To keep watching and learning from those around you. It’s taken for granted how much you can take in by shadowing someone. It may make you think slightly outside the box and give you some much needed inspiration to create something different in your own way.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from being a colourist?

That pushing the condition of the hair is never worth the risk. I have been there and sometimes you so desperately want a great result, but when the condition has been neglected, it’s never worth the feeling that you are left with. Always remain strong with what’s achievable and never stretch those possibilities.