Beauty Feature - Hair with Christophe Robin

Beauty: Hair Tips

Christophe Robin's passion for hair colour goes back to when he was just 14 years of age.

Opening his first salon entirely dedicated to hair colour and hair treatments in Paris aged 24, Robin's career quickly progressed to films and adverts making him one of the most sought after fashion studio colourists in the 90's — the era of the supermodel.

This year, Robin's expertise will be present at Fashion Fringe finalists individual catwalk shows — much to the delight of the jubilant winners.

To this day, beautiful women from all over the world entrust their hair to this star colourist.

And now its your turn to find out how you too can have fabulous hair just like your favourite film star or celebrity.

Question: What are the key trends or colours for the A/W '05 season?

This autumn hair in general is moving in a more polished direction. Curls and Waves are still big news, but this time they have more volume and a more ‘finished’ look. In terms of colour caramels, honeys and rich warm tones that are red-based continue to be a strong trend. These colours are very flattering and bring a warm and sensual quality to the hair.

Question: Will this continue into S/S '06?

Hair trends revolve on a seasonal basis, but new ideas and techniques are always coming through; so expect new colours and variations on existing styles with a fresh summer twist.

Question: What advice would you give a woman considering having her hair coloured?

When choosing a hair colour it’s important to take into consideration the natural shade of the hair as well as skin and eye colour. This will help determine which shades are most complimentary, cool or warm tones. Thanks to my partnership with L’Oréal Paris I have been able to put my best tips on their hair colour packs.

Question: What do's and don'ts should all women consider when having their hair coloured?

Don’t go for a trend if it doesn’t suit you;
Do stick to complimentary tones and your colourist can use the latest techniques to update or vary your look.
Don’t go for a radical colour change (more than 5 shades), they are often harsh-looking and are a real technical challenge. Only teenagers and rock stars can afford to take such drastic steps.
Do collect images from magazines of hair colours and styles that you like. You can discuss these with your stylist/colourist and it will help you both to get a clear idea and what can be done to achieve the best possible end result.
Above all: Don’t forget to do an allergy test, if you haven’t used that particular brand of hair colour before. First remove any earrings, and then wipe a cotton ball dipped in surgical spirit behind your ear. Rub a small amount of colour into the skin and leave for 24 hours. If there is any kind of reaction consult your GP, if not you are free to apply the colour to your hair.

Question: What types of hair colour suit different hair textures?

Darker shades add depth and create the illusion of smooth, shiny hair. However, the most important factor prior to colouring hair is its condition. If the hair is dry, damaged or brittle, adding colour will only enhance this problem. The colouring process opens the hair shaft, making it weak and vulnerable to damage. To ensure that the hair is protected use a hair colour like Excellence Triple Protect, this cares for hair before, during and after colouring. Using the appropriate after care products is also really important, not only to lock-in colour but to achieve healthy, shiny hair.

Question: Why is it that celebrities are able to change their hair colour (in some cases to extremes) without much damage or loss of sheen to their hair?

I often have to make major changes in hair color for my celebrity clients for their work in the cinema, advertising or editorials. I have educated them to care of their hair and they understand that only the appropriate treatment will enable them to keep their hair looking lovely, in spite of frequent color changes and repeated styling and heating. Color cannot look good unless hair is healthy and using specific products like shampoos, conditioners and deep conditioning treatments for colour treated helps to prevent damage.

Question: What types of hair dyes would you recommend and why? (In other words are their any types that cause less damage to the hair than others i.e. vegetable dyes?).

The technological advances in hair colour now mean that hair dyes can protect and add shine. Chemical colours are easy to use and produce a more varied and subtle result. A recommendation really depends on the type of colour and result the woman is looking for. For example grey coverers want effective coverage and natural-looking, long-lasting colour in this case I would recommend L’Oréal Paris Excellence which protects hair and delivers a permanent result, or for young girls who want to experiment with their look Casting Color Spa which lasts up to six weeks and comes in 14 great shades.

Question: In your opinion can hair dye kits bought from the chemist produce the same results as those at the hair salon?

As I’ve already mentioned the research and development that goes into hair colour is so vast, particularly at L’Oréal Paris who have extensive laboratory facilities, that women and men now have the freedom to choose to colour their hair at home.

Question: What should a women do to maintain the colour of her hair?

Use appropriate products like shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colour-treated hair, don’t swim in chlorinated water without using a swimming cap and use a deep conditioning mask like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Color Refresh Masque at least once a month.

Question: How frequently should she consider having her hair coloured?

Again this depends on the type of colour and/or the amount of grey, but I would say generally every 4-6 weeks, to allow for a slight re-growth.

Question: What products can you recommend that will retain hair colour and gloss and protect hair from thermal styling appliances?

Color Refresh Masque is really a great product to use, not only is it designed for coloured hair but it comes in three colour-specific shades, brunette, blonde and red.

Question: What advice can you give them to correct colour mistakes?

The most common mistake is not wanting to work with what you have and going for a radical change. If you work with nature, emphasising your best features, you always get a successful result. For example, ensuring that hair colour complements your eye colour and complexion is the key to success. Poor hair care (as with skin care) is another recurring problem. How can you have beautiful hair colour if your hair is in terrible condition?
If there is a problem once the colour has developed, don’t try to fix it at home, seek professional advice. A good hairdresser and colourist have all the right products and tools to fix most colour problems.

Question: Which celebrity do you enjoy working with or have enjoyed styling thanks to the finished results?

Catherine_Deneuve

answer: I work with a lot of celebrities and models but one of my favourites has to be Catherine Deneuve (left) for her blond colour and impressive head of hair. She has been a source of inspiration for me since my childhood.

Question:
What tip can you give women to help them achieve healthy, luscious looking locks?
answer: Shiny hair is well-cared-for hair, which has not been overloaded (weighed down) by colouring. This is why it is important when applying colour at home to start with the roots and apply to strands and tips only towards the end of the application time. When shampooing a final cold rinse will also help hair to look shiny.

Question: What has been your most favourite work to date?

I am constantly working on different projects, in different arenas with different people; I am incredibly lucky not only to be involved in an industry that advocates creativity but also to be a part of one of the biggest and most technologically advanced companies of its kind, L’Oréal. I look forward to all the opportunities I hope to have in the future.

Question: What do you hope to achieve at L'Oréal?

Becoming a L’Oréal colourist designer and consultant is the most rewarding and interesting thing that could have happened to me. L’Oréal holds over 60 per cent of the worldwide coloration market. I’m overjoyed to be able to work with such a brand. Discussing trends, finding shades and sharing ideas with the laboratories is an exhilarating experience. My collaboration with L’Oréal is totally fascinating because I’ll be able to advise them about nuances, shades and trends. One part that particularly interested me was educating the women who try home-colouring, helping them to choose the shade that will match their skin and their eyes; giving them advice on how to apply the products. There are many little details about application they don’t understand, and they make all the difference. It’s also very enriching for me to work with a group like this one which has so many ideas and formulas. There are endless possibilities, which is a wonderful thing!"

Question: What inspires you?

Life is an inspiration in itself. Many things inspire me, my friends, people on the street, my colleagues. I try to constantly look at things in a new way, from a new angle to refresh my perspective and develop my creativity. In today’s world of technology and far-reaching travel so many more avenues of inspiration are open to us, it is our choice whether we exploit these opportunities or not.

Above: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Protective Masque Colour Protect

tips on choosing the
right hair colour:

• consider eye colour, for brown and light brown eyes choose a base which is one shade darker than your eye colour. Since, if the base is the same colour as your eyes, they will appear dull-looking. You can then add some light streaks and highlights one shade lighter than your eye colour.
• light coloured eyes (blues) allow for much more freedom; you can change from blonde to blue-black without a hitch! Green eyes also allow room for choice, with coppery reds being the ideal choice.

Above: L’Oréal Paris Casting

Straight Hair

tips on choosing the
right hair colour:

• for hazel eyes, chocolate colours or caramels with honey flecks show them off to their best advantage and also work to brighten the complexion.
• avoid shades with reddish tones if the skin is prone to redness, instead favour cold shades which will counter-balance the skin.
• if skin is slightly dull-looking, sallow even, choose a shade with coppery hues which will brighten up the skin.

Visit: L'Oréal Paris | Fashion Fringe | London Fashion Week

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