Hot Roots, Hashtags and Color Tips with Formula Boss

For more than 21 years, David played a pivotal role in Redken's global product launches, including educating and inspiring hair color professionals around the world. I personally have worked with him on numerous projects in the American hairdressing event circuit. When I was a Global Educator for Redken 5th Ave NYC, I first met David and worked closely with him launching Blonde Glam at MainStage events.

David Stanko uniquely combines his skills as a corporate executive with his reputation as one of the most accomplished hair colorists in America.  He has been involved in every facet of hair coloring for both startup companies and established industry leaders. His A-to-Z experience includes helping develop, test and launch both professional and consumer hair color brands; creating formulation and technique guides; teaching around the world and working in top NYC salons. He is the author of Formula Boss™ Volumes I, II and III, and Color Conversion Made Easy™. Additionally, he conceptualized, directed and starred in the Lifestyle Coloring™ DVD.

We laugh together during this episode a lot, because of the different translation of HOT ROOTS. This means something different in Australia. But I am pretty sure we all know what it means something else when referring to Haircolour.

David explains for listeners what hot roots are and a few HOT TIPS to avoid it when colouring. The key is identifying the right natural level before mixing colour, and also to be clear of the exact target level you are aiming for.

We discuss how to discover what’s trending plus how to credit new seasonal trends using social media, which helps you suggest change for your clientele. Did you know searching hashtags is an easy way to forecast new trends and find inspiration pics for your clients in the salon during consultations?

David shares how he relates different pasta shapes to foil highlight weaves and slices, and seriously this is a game-changer for all you visual hairdressers. It just simply makes sense! 

This episode contains a lot of fun content for colour loving hairdressers that like to paint and know why, with a few giggles along the way.

David’s top 3 tips for hair colour formulation success:

Know the natural target level (do not guess! Use a colour chart if necessary to be sure of the exact level number before starting to think about formulas)

Know the target level (again be exact! Don’t say it’s around about a 6ish or 7ish)

The key to formula success is correctly identifying the natural and target level

For those who love exploring easy ways to create natural-looking highlights, check out David’s Pasta Method ™. It uses skimming instead of weaving or slicing for uncontrived results that perfectly enhance any haircut. Fabulous for creating bold & beautiful effects in hair colour.

When you “service “ Pasta, clients come back for more!

Freebie resources with this episode: print a poster sharing Pasta Haircolour with pasta shapes that relate to foil highlight sectioning, based on David Stanko’s “pasta lifestyle” approach to hair color.

Where you can find David Stanko online:

Instagram: @thedavidstanko