24th February 2026
It might be a tad controversial, but I have decided (once again) to write about why I believe salons need to switch from colour brands that are made by companies who are truly more interested in mass market channels for the majority of their business than they are from hairdressing salons.
To put it (the content of this blog) into context, over my many years working for, and alongside companies that create colour ranges, and after having been responsible for the writing and development of numerous colour education courses, from basic introductions to degree level training for a myriad of said companies, I feel compelled to look at the biggest opportunity for salons to grow their business and their bottom line, and that is simply by changing colour supplier.
I can almost hear the fear as salon owners, hairdressers and colourists read that last paragraph!
The reality is, in this day and age, it would be a challenge and a half to find a bad colour; regulatory restrictions on ingredients and the ability to create colour collections that delivers good results has opened up the playing field and the big boys are recognising that, hence their further development of products in mass market channels. Colour will surely be their next big goal. We already see celebrities endorsing home hair colourants from certain brands and it’s a safe bet to assume that the product developers for all the major players in the world of colour are working flat out to create ‘salon colour at home’.
Thank goodness not all companies are going down this route, thank goodness some are focussing their energy, their commitment, and their product development on the professional world of hairdressing.
I have said it before and I will say it again, so long as hairdressers and colourists understand the International Numbering System, primary, secondary and tertiary colours, depth and tone, lightening, darkening, staying on the same depth, mixing ratio’s and basic colour correction, then switching from one brand to another isn’t as challenging as it might at first appear.
I can (again) almost hear the fear as salon owners, hairdressers and colourists read that last paragraph!
It’s true, making the switch has an element of fear attached to it, but it’s not difficult. So why should a salon change something they have used for many years? Aside from the mass market issue – (which is well documented on this sites blog pages) there are lots of reasons why making the change is a good idea.
1: Cost savings: Anything that can help reduce financial outgoings and increase profitability has to be seen as a positive in the current climate. The big boys charge over and above for their brands, why? because they know their salons will stick with them because of the fear factor. Independent companies charge more realistic prices for their brands, usually in bigger size tubes, making them much more cost effective for salons to use.☑️
2: Standing out from the crowd: In a world where clients are looking for unique experiences, stocking a brand that sets a salon apart from their competitors, and potential future challenges from mass market outlets, creates a point of difference that clients will enjoy. ☑️
3: The excitement: Whilst there might be an initial fear factor, this dissipates quickly once the salon team get used to the specific nuances of a new brand, this in turn leads to more conversations about colour opportunities, new shades, new techniques with clients. ☑️
4: More profit means more investment: Spending less on a colour brand means that profit margins rise organically, generating more income for investing in salon refurbishments and updates, team training, team events and, perhaps most importantly, helping cover the ever increasing costs of running a salon. ☑️
There are just 4 reasons why looking at a new colour range could be the best decision a salon makes in 2026.
So whilst some companies strive to grow their presence in the mass market arena, there are brands out there that are focussed on helping you from your business and make it more profitable.
There are a few brands I can recommend for you to check out. If you are interested drop me an email emil_mcm@hotmail.com
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