The time has finally come: the new Precision Colouring tools from Denman take the art of technical coloring to a level never before dreamed possible. We talked about it with renowned international color expert Jack Howard, the genius who designed Denman’s new tools.
The new range of Precision Colouring tools by Denman have been created to enhance and further the work of the serious color technician. For the first time the simple tint brush has been re-thought and re-designed as a precision tool. When asked about the importance of tools for colorists in 2020, Jack responded. “Beyond critical – absolutely essential. Color is no long just a tint or a set of foils, it’s all encompassing and superdetailed highly technical skill. Hair cutters have high precision scissors, and so it’s about time colorists had precision tools for their craft too.” And of course, he’s absolutely right!
So Jack, tell us about Denman’s new precision colouring tools and how did you get involved?
“I have been frustrated for years with how bad colouring brushes are and finally gave up the hunt for a decent one so I decided to design one myself. I went to Denman with a design concept including a 3D print of the handle and a clear idea of what I did and did not need from a colouring brush.“
What’s so special about the new balayage board you helped to design for Denman?
“Two things; one the handle is comfortable hold for all hand sizes and it can also be used by left or right handed people. And functionality wise, it was developed by a colourist for colourists, so it’s practical and functional.“
How do you see the evolution of balayage techniques since you started using them ’til today?
“When I started in Balayage over 20 years ago the aim was super soft and very natural results. Now we see it used for whole spectrum results from incredibly delicate fine paints to strong and heavy panels and colors; so we need tools that can deliver this vast array of results.“
What do you value the most about your job as a colorist?
“All of it! I’m so lucky, my world of color is super-fast paced. I have an amazing clientele in the salon, I do shoots and campaigns plus I get to teach all over the world. I love every second of it.“
As a color educator, what’s the most challenging thing to teach?
“The challenge is to make sure that whatever I teach, reflects my core values and that I keep my education clear and simple to understand. And of course what I teach is relevant and has commercial value.“
A color trend you would like to see come back is…
“Cap highlights as they are so satisfying to watch being removed on Instagram… I’m joking! No seriously, I don’t think we need to see anything ‘come back’ per se; it’s just great to see traditional techniques grow and evolve into something fresh.“
How did your journey with color begin?
“It began as an apprentice 30 odd years ago but it was only when I went to work in the States in 1993 that I saw the potential for a career in color. That’s when my fantastic career in color really began.“
What’s your favourite coloring technique at the moment?
“Balayage all the way.“
Share with us an unforgettable color advice.
“Learn from your mistakes – don’t be defined by them.“
What do you think the future of color is?
“It’s going to get ever better with more detailed and tailored techniques, greater technological development in products and tools and a more wide-spread availability of good quality education. Certainly not a return to basics, thank goodness.“
BY A COLORIST FOR COLORISTS
Denman’s new patented tint brush design incorporates ‘Temple Technology’ – where high-quality synthetic bristles are angled to create a narrow and long-lasting tip for detailed and precise color application. The bristle length and angled design enables the brush to hold just the right amount of color without overloading or reducing the precision edge. Moreover, the perfectly balanced ergonomically designed handle is contoured to fit comfortably in the the hand for exquisite control and a level of precision not possible with traditional tint brushes.
Denman’s Precision Colouring Brushes come in three sizes; Small – for detailing and micro-Balayage, Medium – for classic Balayage, re-touching and highlights and Large – for panel coloring, pasting and glazing.
Also an integral part of the Denman’s Precision Colouring Kit is the uniquely designed Balayage Board which was created using Jack’s own extensive experience and skill as a Balayage artist. Designed to be ambidextrous, the double-sided Balayage Board has both textured and smooth panelled areas. The smooth side is a palette for holding colour and blending while the textured side is designed to securely hold sections of hair for detail colouring. And as with the Precision Brushes, the Balayage Board has a sculptured handle for grip and comfort.
The Denman Precision Colouring tool kit also includes a dedicated Mixing Brush exclusively for mixing and preparing colors; leaving the Precision Brushes solely for the technical work, avoiding splaying and prolonging the brushes’ pristine condition.