The recent announcement of the NXT Colourist of the Year 2025, Aimee Read of Barnets by Aimee, offers a valuable case study for salon owners across the UK. Beyond the prestige of the award, the judging criteria and the winning entry highlight key attributes that define exceptional colour work today, and by extension, what clients are increasingly seeking.
Beyond Technique: Creativity and Commercial Appeal
What set Aimee Read apart, according to the judging panel, was not just her technical prowess in colour correction and rebuilding tone, but her ability to blend this with a contemporary, fashion-forward palette. The described outcome – a refined rose-gold blend with depth, luminosity, and a high-shine, soft-focus finish – is noted as being both editorial and importantly, salon-friendly. This duality is crucial. It suggests that the pinnacle of modern colour artistry isn't solely about avant-garde experimentation, but about delivering sophisticated, desirable results that clients can actually wear and maintain.
For salon owners, this underscores the importance of investing in ongoing training that bridges the gap between advanced techniques and wearable trends. It's about empowering your team to not only execute complex corrections but to also translate runway looks into commercial applications. The judges' praise for Aimee's thoughtful placement, control over warmth, and exceptional polish speaks volumes. These are the hallmarks of a colourist who understands the nuances of client consultation, hair structure, and the subtle art of creating dimension and blend.
The Evolving Landscape of Colour Services
The competition itself, noted for its growing scale and the diversity of entries from directional brights to subtle luxury blondes, reflects a dynamic industry. This surge in submissions points to the increasing significance of colour services as a revenue driver and a key factor in client retention and attraction. As salon owners, recognising and nurturing this talent within your own business can be a significant competitive advantage.
The recognition of finalists such as Alison Brightwell, Daisy Hannon, Lauren Trevor, and Zara-Jade Horner, alongside Aimee Read, showcases the depth of skill present across the UK. It highlights that excellence in colour artistry is not confined to a few major cities but is thriving in salons nationwide. This should inspire owners to look for opportunities to spotlight and reward their own talented colourists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ambition.
Inspiring Innovation and Client Demand
The NXT award serves as a powerful reminder of the passion and technical ambition driving innovation in professional colour. It’s a testament to the fact that investing in colour education and celebrating achievements, whether through internal salon awards or industry competitions, can significantly boost team morale and client perception. The emphasis on creativity and commercial appeal means that salons focusing on delivering these qualities are likely to be at the forefront of client demand and revenue growth in the coming year.
