Last updated: December 07, 2017

BTC Chicago Academy Recap: Hair Painting and Ombré with John Simpson

To watch a haircolor master like John Simpson, Goldwell Lead Artistic Director, is art in itself, and his finished product? Well, that’s just magic! Within two days at the BTC Chicago Academy, John taught class attendees the importance of color inspiration and how to incorporate the concept in both hair painting and ombré techniques.

BTC Chicago Academy Recap:
Hair Painting and Ombré
with John Simpson

By Haley Gable

To watch a haircolor master like John Simpson, Goldwell Lead Artistic Director, is art in itself, and his finished product? Well, that’s just magic! Within two days at the BTC Chicago Academy, John taught class attendees the importance of color inspiration and how to incorporate the concept in both hair painting and ombré techniques.

“The crucial question to ask yourself while ‘painting’,” John said, “is where do you let the color live?” Hair painting is defined as disciplined application while utilizing one or more colors with foil, cotton or plastic film. “More than that, it’s painting on your very own canvas—hair!” John added. During the hair painting portion of his class, John demonstrated the technique on one of our very own BTC editorial interns!

During his class, John shared a few of his color secret weapons. One, he explained, is his “backhanded trick.” While applying color, John uses the back of his hand as a palate. “Not only will this keep the front of your hands clean for a finger-free application,” John explained, “but it provides a more client-friendly and cleanly process!” This technique also balances length by keeping application even throughout the hair.

John also focused on the importance of saturation while coloring hair. “The key to achieving the perfect color is applying perfect hair saturation—not too little or too much.” He also advised his students to pay close attention to the amount of product on their brush. “When applying color, never dip the entire brush into the product for fear of over-saturation—use only what you need!” John warned.

While working with their mannequins, John had the stylists practice focusing on the big picture and asking questions that would help them mimic the traits of virgin hair. He urged his students to ask questions like:
How would natural hair look?
Where should the light hit?
How would the hair fall after being in a pony?

More Hot Tips from John’s Class:

Never forget about that “money piece” or the editorial slice of color around the face—it’s essential!
While coloring, alternate between mico and macro pieces of hair to build up strength (especially on your curly haired clients!)
If you’re working alone, look into purchasing perforated plastic to speed up the process and maximize your overall time.
To keep application and saturation even throughout the hair, mix up a new batch of color while transitioning to the sides so hair can process at approx. the same time. To avoid wasting color, change up your measurements each time to prevent throwing color—and money—down the drain.

After another successful class at the BTC Chicago Academy, John Simpson left 8 South Michigan telling the attendees to, “pretty please with bacon and sugar on top” apply what they learned to becoming a better stylist and continuing their task of making the world a more beautiful place. For more information on the BTC Chicago Academy and tickets to upcoming classes, click here!

Check out more pics from the class!

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