Renya Xydis, Creative Director, Wella Professionals Australia and New Zealandand Marie Uva, Creative Colour Director, Wella Professionals Australia and New Zealand on colour versus cut, team consultation and those surf-girl blondes.

TJ: Wella Professionals inspires me as an artist because …RX: The brand encourages me to think outside of the box. We have worked together for over 20 years and have developed a trusted relationship allowing me to be ‘myself’ and to really push the boundaries within my creative process. Wella encourage me to inject my own personality into my work at all times, and I feel limitless in this sense. MU: The colour formulas allow me to achieve the perfect result every time, so I can colour with confidence.

TJ: How do Wella Professionals empower your business? RX: Knowing that Wella products give the very best results in haircare is the equivalent of a lifetime guarantee for every client that leaves the salon – a full stop. MU: Working with an iconic brand with such a rich history is hugely beneficial to UVA Salon and our customers. Wella Professionals have a legacy in colour backed by a history of innovation which spans over 100 years – I have full trust in Koleston Perfect and love the ways in which it is constantly evolving.

TJ: Your ultimate in-salon Wella service? RX: My signature, big, sexy blow-dry! A secret recipe of the right styling tools and EIMI styling by Wella Professionals. Hero products for this: EIMI Body Crafter for big volume and workable texture, EIMI Glam Mist for that polished finish (especially great for a blow dry with big-body curls) and EIMI Mistify Me (strong hold) for a finish that is firm, yet flexible. MU: My signature blonde! I am notorious for creating un-beatable blondes. We at UVA Salon are proud to have become the ‘go-to’ for Instagram personalities and celebrities alike.

TJ: How important is a brilliant colour when it comes to really finishing off one of your cut and styles? RX: Colour is everything! A cut and style from Valonz will always look great, but this is enhanced one hundred times with hair that shines with textured shades of carefully placed colour. There is nothing worse than having a beautiful cut on lifeless tones – it is wasted.

TJ: As a colourist, how has Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect with Me+ enhances your results day-to-day in the salon, and then, for your celebrity clientele? MU: The overall experience with the new Koleston Perfect formula has improved. From consistency (it literally glides onto the hair) to more subtle differences like the scent, have changed the way we colour in-salon. The results are rich and glossy and our customers are noticing the difference in condition too!

TJ: How do you work with the colourist in-salon at VALONZ? RX: At Valonz we consult as a team. The colourists usually work first, without the stylists input on how the hair will sit and what length is being removed. Colour first, cut second… as the latter enhances the former.

TJ: What is your ultimate KP with ME+ formula for a brilliant copper? And then, a creamy, vanilla blonde? MU: Easy. One of my favourite coppers is anything with a 99/44 in it. But depending on the base and desired result, there is no ‘perfect’ formula – everyone is different. Personal blonde preference would have to be anything with a /73; I love creamy blondes and I think you will struggle to find any skin tone that this doesn’t suit. It all comes down to consultation at the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all and with the new Koleston Perfect with Me+ range, there is something for everyone.

TJ: Define the difference in results you are seeing, with the new technology. MU: We have seen a massive difference in vibrancy and pure, tonal balance. The colour is even from root-to-tip but the biggest difference has to be grey coverage – it’s the best I’ve seen!

TJ: What is currently the most popular colour request at VALONZ, and what will we be seeing more of in Winter 19? RX: Warm peaches, lavenders and quirky takes on the pastel trend. The variation in peach tones we’re creating in-salon is receiving a great response, and we continue to experiment here. The trend for big, healthy hair is still very present. There is more emphasis on unique styling over creative cuts, which we are really enjoying. Our customers trust that they will leave the salon elated, which allows our stylists an amount of creativity with each appointment.

TJ: What is currently the most popular colour request at UVA salon, and what will we be seeing more of in Winter 19? MU: We are seeing a wave of popularity for lived-in blondes. This look forges a natural root with blunt cuts and a choppy finish – a neat combination of surf-girl inspired blonde with effortless-chic styling.

TJ:You were recently in Spain with Zimmermann – what was your hero Wella Pro product on–set for this particular campaign? RX: EIMI Mistify Me (light hold) – I am loving this hairspray at the moment… and EIMI Shape Me (a versatile product that can be used on either wet or dry hair) which you heat-style for an awesome 24 hours of hold.

Follow @renyaxydis @marieuva @wellapro_anz