With longtime clients including Jennifer Lopez, Kate Beckinsale and Charlize Theron, Tracey Cunningham is one of the world’s most in-demand colourists.
Her ability to create eye-catching, sophisticated looks and meticulous eye for detail means the US-based stylist is also held in high esteem by the beauty industry.
She will be at the trade-only Beautyworld Middle East from Sunday as brand ambassador for Olaplex, which links broken bonds in the hair before and after chemical treatments. tabloid! asked her what we can expect.
What are the top colour trends for 2016?
Like I always say — I’ve never been a colourist who follows “trends”. I’m a colourist whose goal for all my clients is to obtain the most natural, flattering and healthy colour and hair imaginable. I absolutely love all the pastels and other fun colours colourists are doing presently, you see such amazing photos on social media, but that’s not my vibe. The three colours that will be on point for 2016 and always have been on point are, creamy sun-kissed blondes, rich golden ombres and being a red head myself, I love a gorgeous “statement” red.
What factors are shaping hair colour trends this year?
Here’s my take, we live in such a busy time, with careers, social media, family and so on, I think less maintenance with one’s hair is a trend most of my clients are prescribing to. I want to achieve beautiful, effortless, natural looking colours that can keep my clients heads looking lustrous up to a six to eight weeks for a next visit. I love seeing my clients, don’t get me wrong, but I like to say, “See you in six weeks”!!
What new technologies are you really excited about on the hair colour front?
I really get excited about these colour “touch up kits” that are out there presently; some are so specific and are customised to one’s hair colour. I love Babylights! I use this a great deal and see its popularity escalating. Babylights gives one such a soft, youthful boost, especially when applied around the face. Shades EQ glosses are amazing, to give one a little refresher in between colouring. I know this isn’t available here yet, I hope it is soon. My ladies in the UAE would love this!
Why should we be colouring at all anymore? Aren’t we all really mistreating our hair with constant colour and top-ups?
We will always colour — ALWAYS!!! I know some clients will go without many things but will not go without getting their roots done or their greys touched up! It’s a fact, when you’re having a good hair day life seems okay! As long as you take care of your hair, with great shampoos and conditioners, conditioning treatments, seeing a professional colourist et al, your hair will go from strength to strength. I am obsessed with Olaplex — this is a hair strengthening treatment, it rebuilds the intricate hair bonds that are compromised during the colouring process, blow drying, straightening, curling et al.
Why should anyone attend your talk at Beautyworld?
I always talk from a very organic and authentic place, I educate all over the USA and of course I plan what the topic of the colouring class will be, whether I’m teaching a blonde class, an ombré class etc — but when I get in front of everyone I just talk, explain, very conversational and effortlessly. I always have a lot to share, so I guess you’ll just have to come to Beautyworld and catch my talk. I feel, since coming to Dubai for seven years now, this part of the world is the place for one to platform their beauty brands and showcase latest products. My clients who I work with here are so astute, well travelled and have the most incredible taste in and desire to have the latest products. I’m so excited to see what is out there and investigate this upcoming show!
—M Sen is a Mumbai-based freelance writer.
Don’t miss it
Beautyworld Middle East takes place from May 15 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre
