Menu
Edward Darley and the colour of Sassoon
Edward Darley is the UK Colour Director for the prestigious Sassoon brand. Over 23 years has shaped some of the most defining looks from Sassoon, and educated hundreds of colourists with an unwavering passion and dedication.Where it all began
"My upbringing is as far removed from my job today as you could possibly imagine," says Edward Darley, UK Colour Director at Sassoon. "I lived in a tiny village called Follifoot in the wilds of Yorkshire and was a gamekeeper’s son, so it was the classic English country life – all hunting, shooting and fishing. When I got to 18 I realised I didn't fit in and decided to re-invent myself in the city."
Edward began his hairdressing career in a small salon in Harrogate called 22 Over 7, the owners of which had trained at Sassoon. It didn't take him long to realise that Sassoon was where he wanted to be. He also realised that colour was the way to go.
"Training at 22 Over 7 took place in the evenings and I took to colouring techniques like a duck to water, and seemed to be better than everyone else! I have always loved exploring colour and the surprise of waiting to see the results is magical. When I finally arrived at Sassoon, I fell in love with the camaraderie of it all – it’s more than just hairdressing. I'm honoured to be filling the shoes of those who have gone before me," says Edward.
Finding inspiration
Edward’s country background still provides incredible inspiration. "I love the understated – I love monochrome but I also admire English eccentricity – clothes that seem normal in the country but when worn in the city suddenly become bizarre: plus fours, Barbour jackets and Wellington boots. I’d never go down the flash road! My inspiration also comes from the creative team I work with; I am honoured to have 38 colourists working around me, continually searching for new ways to express the Sassoon look."
We've always wondered, when colourists are surrounded by so much inspiration, and of course, so many opinions, how does an Art Team decide what that brand’s specific colour trends are going to be each season?
"I work alongside International Creative Director Mark Hayes, UK Creative Director Bruce Masefield and the rest of the UK Creative Team to develop and create four Sassoon seasonal collections a year."
"Putting together each collection is a truly inspirational process. Sometimes it will start with a definite idea, or a particular style period or with the most abstract of concepts. It takes a long time to define the colour palette and each key trend to ensure they are all relevant and wearable for the Sassoon fashion-forward audience."
Edward feels that Sassoon techniques are the key to his success – "they offer a way of achieving whatever you want with your hair colour. When you know the method you can do anything you want, and that’s when the creativity begins".
And what about celebrity influences?
"It is very important to look at the world of celebrities and what is happening around us," says Edward. "The salons are bursting with creativity and the teams give exceptional guest service, ensuring each guest leaves totally happy with their hair colour. Sometimes a guest is inspired by their favourite celebrity and they bring in a picture in for us to interpret," says Edward.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be the very best colourist they can be?
"Passion, dedication and commitment are all important factors to be successful. But most of all, enjoy what you do every day."
Trends, past and present
The latest collection for Spring Summer 14, Bi-Couture, explores ‘The Mallen Streak’ which complements the outfits of the models like a fashion accessory.
"Here a minimal amount of hair can make maximum impact: it can be easily personalised using different colour combinations and techniques, plus placed strategically, it can really amplify the shape and balance of the overall look," says Edward.
The Bi-Couture colour palette is inspired by nature; natural brown and mother of pearl blonde is accented with violet; light browns are shot through with warm hints of iridescent rose gold that shimmers when touched by light and rich browns flash with supernatural Mallen Streaks of strong violet, smoky grey and vibrant saffron. Shade builds on shade and tone builds on tone, giving a three dimensional beauty to the hair by extending and amplifying its lines. A feeling of volume is created via darker colour through the nape of the hair building to a lighter surface, accentuating textured elements of the cut.
So, are there any colour trends that Edward wishes would die a death?
"Ombré – it’s a tired trend. Colour should convey an individual’s personality and trends should be adapted to stay current. Sassoon is all about individual suitability – a Sassoon colourist will advise on skin tone and lifestyle to make the right choice for you," says Edward.
First published in the Capital Hair & Beauty magazine.
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Featured products
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
BUY 3 FOR THE PRICE OF 2
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Back to Posts
Tags
- 10years
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 nails
- accessories
- acids
- acne
- advice
- all soft
- anniversary
- anxiety
- appointments
- apps
- art
- autumn
- autumn hair
- autumn nail trends
- balayage
- banking
- barber
- barbering
- barbers
- beauticians
- beauty
- beauty guidance
- beauty industry
- beauty professional
- beautypro
- bleach
- blonde
- botox
- braids
- brassy
- bridal
- bright hair
- brow lamination
- brows
- business
- cancellation
- capital & i
- cash flow
- celebrate
- chairs
- checklist
- christmas
- christmas nails
- clean
- client loyalty
- clients
- collection
- colour
- colourists
- corona virus
- covid
- covid 19
- covid19
- covid-19
- creative colour
- cruelty free
- curls
- customer
- design
- education
- event
- facial
- fall
- festive
- finance
- finances
- freelance
- freelance beauty
- freelance hair
- freelancer
- freelancers
- frog skin design
- funny
- furniture
- gel
- gellux
- glam
- glossy waves
- glow
- gold
- guide
- guidelines
- guidlines
- hair
- hair art
- hair care
- hair colour
- hair dye
- hair industry
- hair inspiration
- hair products
- hair salon
- hair style
- hair styles
- hair styling
- hair trends
- haircare
- haircolour
- hairdresser
- hairdressers
- hairdressers advice
- hairdressers guide
- hairdressing
- hairstyle
- hairstyles
- halloween
- health
- healthy
- help
- how i got here
- how to
- hygiene
- ideas
- indola
- ingredients
- inoa
- inspiration
- interiors
- january
- keratin
- keune
- l’oréal
- l’oréal professionnel
- lamination
- lashes
- lockdown
- loreal
- l'oreal
- l'oreal pro
- l'oreal professional
- macadamia
- make up
- manicure
- marketing
- mask
- maskne
- mens
- mens hair
- men's hairstyles
- mental health
- mobile
- nail
- nail art
- nail creations
- nail design
- nail industry
- nail inspiration
- nail trends
- nailart
- nails
- natural
- navy
- neutralise
- new
- new look
- new normal
- new years
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- organised
- oval
- party
- party hair
- party trends
- pastel colours
- pigment
- planning
- plant based
- ponytail
- preparation
- pricing
- pro longer
- products
- professional
- professional hair
- professional hair care
- professional tan
- protect
- pulp riot
- re opening
- redken
- re-open
- reopening
- reopening hair salon
- retail
- reverse balayage
- safety
- salon
- salon finance
- salon furniture
- salon management
- salon owner
- salon refit
- salon services
- salon system
- salons
- samantha cussik
- savings
- schwarzkopf
- self care
- selfcare
- self-employed
- semi permanent
- sensitive skin
- skills
- skincare
- skincare steps
- skincare tips
- small business
- smoky hair
- social
- social media
- spa
- spraytan
- spring
- square
- star
- stars
- starting your own business
- step by step
- step by step guide
- step-by-step
- stylist
- success
- summer
- summer hair trends
- sun damage
- tanning
- technique
- textured nails
- tigi
- time to improve
- tips
- tips & advice
- tips for reopening business
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- top tips
- training
- treatment
- trend
- trends
- tutorial
- unwind
- updo
- upgrade
- upskills
- valentines
- vegan
- veganuary
- wahl
- wax
- waxing
- week
- wella
- wella professionals
- winter
- xbox
Latest Posts
- Chantelle: Capital & Me, my self-employed journey & the importance of networking
- Meet Sophie, owner of ‘Sophie’s Lashes & Beauty’ which she has been running now for over 7 years!
- Something Old - Something New
- Skin Cycling 101
- The Winter Nail Trends 2023
- Let's Party
- Winter Glow-Up
- Fall Colour Faves
- Indola Blonde Expert Care Range
- Meet OPI Nature Strong
Related Posts
Indola Blonde Expert Care Range
INDOLA launches NEW Blonde Expert Care range; the high performing care you need for all blondes
Meet OPI Nature Strong
We know you’ve been on the hunt for a natural polish that actually works - one that is made up of ingredients you can trust and one that doesn’t require you to choose between performance and natural, because, well, you shouldn’t have to. So, we poured every effort into making a long - lasting, highly pigmented vegan lacquer that stays on so you can stay natural.
New Naturalash Individual Texture Lashes
Salon System, brand leaders in professional beauty, have announced the exciting launch of a new addition to its Naturalash range.
Introducing New Advanced Creme Wax
Salon System, brand leaders in professional beauty, launches a new waxing product to its hero Just Wax Expert collection: Advanced Creme Wax, which has been specifically designed for delicate skin.
Wella Shinefinity Color Glaze
The long-lasting colour glaze with zero lift and zero damage SHINEFINITY is the new long lasting colour glaze which offers zero lift and zero damage and promises to deliver true-to-tone colour results with a silky hair finish.
Furniture Focus
Spring is in the air, which means it’s a great time to review your salon furniture and general interior to see what could be improved, or even replaced. Need some ideas? Check out our guide to our latest collection in store, and the interiors trends to look out for.
No Limit Nails!
When it comes to nail predictions for 2022, it’s hard to, well, nail them down! That’s because in a post-pandemic culture, trends are very much led by social media and celebrity looks, as well as influential nail techs.
Curls, curls, curls!
Curly hair comes in many forms; from the wavy Type 2s that we see in the European community to the glorious coils of Type 4s. While some might say curls are back, we say: curls never went anywhere! Read on for some top curl-loving tips.