The foundation of consistency.
For Jamie Marie Powell, the primary value of permanent color lies in the attribute clients prioritize most: consistency.
"I think my love for colour is permanent because in a world of so many temporary trends, our permanent technology delivers something that clients now more than ever really crave, and that is consistency," Jamie explains. Her professional choice is driven by the reliability of results and our brand’s focus on the technician. "I made the switch to L'Oréal because you can really feel that the whole line is developed with the artist in mind and not just developed to elevate the brand."
The innovation of the Oil Delivery System.
When addressing the technical specifications of her craft, Jamie identifies iNOA as an essential tool for the modern colorist. The defining feature of this line is our revolutionary Oil Delivery System.
"I love that this technology uses an oil delivery system, which adds so much additional shine and hydration to the hair, but not just hydration to the hair, but intense hydration to the scalp as well, which is not really seen within our industry," Jamie says.
Beyond the preservation of hair health, Jamie emphasizes the sophisticated aesthetic of the palette. "I would say the first thing that stands out to me is that it does have the largest color palette for an oil delivery system, and not only is it respecting all hair textures, it's respecting all color textures as well, so we're not seeing that familiar opaque coverage that we typically see with permanent color lines. We're seeing nuances in that naturally live within the hair and hair color."
Artistry and versatility.
For Éric Charpentier, the passion for color was sparked at the beginning of his career by the opportunity to solve complex creative challenges. Today, he utilizes L'Oréal Professionnel products as a versatile extension of his technical skills.
"In fact, the texture of the product is exceptional for all techniques: including regrowth application, mid lengths and ends application, and creating more creative colors... So I love using it for all salon techniques because it is simply easy to work with," Éric notes. Whether executing a precise regrowth application or a complex transformation, the ease of use of the product supports his inspiration. "Well absolutely, because there is a diversity of nuances including high-lifts. We can have fun in every possible way, at every level as well.”
When asked to define what differentiates his professional results, Éric points to the final outcome. "Well in fact, everything is in the result. So: vibrancy, shades, shine… it’s all there, it is always at the rendezvous."
Formulating secrets: achieving the natural copper.
A key mark of a professional is the ability to create bespoke formulas. For Éric, this often involves the pursuit of the perfect, natural-looking redhead. He utilizes Majirel shades 8.43 and 8.34 to achieve warmth while avoiding excessive red undertones.
Éric’s Professional Formulas:
- The Natural Copper: "8N + 8.43 in equal parts with 20 volume. It’s perfect!"
- For Enhanced Depth: "I’ll go with 8.43, and we can add a bit of 6.45 just to create a little depth. It’s my personal favorite."
A Commitment to Industry Standards
As our discussion concluded, both Portfolio Artists emphasized the importance of continuous growth within the industry. Jamie spoke to the inherent responsibility of the stylist. "We do the best with what we know, but with growth comes responsibility, and when we learn more, we have a responsibility to our clients and to the industry to do better."
Éric shared this perspective, encouraging fellow colorists to maintain an experimental approach to their formulations. “In fact, do not be afraid to try three shades together, to just have fun. Then you will learn, maybe you will create new formulas that you will keep for the rest of your career. So don't be afraid to try." In the hands of professionals like Jamie and Éric, permanent color is a pillar of the craft. It represents a career-long dedication to innovation and the technical mastery of every nuance.