Colouring is an art form to be mastered again, and again, and again. For experienced colourists who want to improve their colour skills, attract more clients, offer new services and grow their business, Master Colour Expert by Wella Professionals should be on their radar. As Wella’s highest level of colour accreditation, it provides the ultimate platform. We’ve caught up with four colourists in the current issue of Salon Business who’ve done it, with the first right here…

Kirsten Devlin, Gorgeous Locks, Co.Galway, Ireland 

WHAT WAS THE BEST BIT? 

The whole Master Colour Programme was such an experience, it’s difficult to narrow it down to one, but I think for me it would be the people I met. From others doing it with me, to special guest artists and the educators in the studio. I’ve built such good friendships with them all and they all made the whole experience so much more enjoyable, and they put me at such ease even at the most stressful times. I learnt so much from everyone who I met along my MCP journey – memories I’ll never forget. 

DID YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS BEFORE STARTING? 

I was most worried that I wasn’t experienced enough. I was afraid I’d fail it all and embarrass myself. I never did well in school when it came to written exams and I was afraid history would repeat itself with MCP written exams. Yet, one of the first things you do at MCP is find your learning style. I found the written exams most difficult but the educators were there to help whenever I needed them to break down the question. I always panicked after the written exam only upsetting myself, then to find out when I got my results I’d smashed it. I couldn’t have been more proud of myself. 

HOW HAS YOUR CONFIDENCE GROWN POST MCP? 

Doing MCP was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s given me the confidence to provide a thorough consultation, and if a colour isn’t achievable for a client, it’s given me the confidence to be honest and explain their options. 

WAS IT WORTH THE TIME AND INVESTMENT? 

Absolutely. It was worth every penny. There were five of us who got together from our MCP group and rented an apartment around the corner from the Studio. It worked out so much cheaper for us, and it was lovely each evening heading back and all speaking about what we learnt that day. 

HAS IT GROWN YOUR COLOUR BUSINESS? 

Yes it definitely has. I feel I’ve developed a lot in colour correction. It has definitely challenged me, giving me more confidence to take on any challenge thrown my way. Clients definitely have more trust in seeing MCP on your apron too. 

HAS MCP CHANGED YOU? 

I have changed the way I look at hairdressing. I have so much more understanding as to why we choose certain colours. I’m no longer afraid to tell clients if a colour is not achievable or realistic too. I have more knowledge now and clients respect that. 

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF MCP? 

Listen when you’re in the Studio, ask lots and lots of questions. No question is a stupid question, even if you think it is – I guarantee you there’s someone else wondering the same thing. Read and study in-between every stage, it will make the next stage easier if you truly understand the last stage. You will be given lots and lots of handouts, so organise them all in your folder and it will make your life so much easier. Most of all, enjoy every single minute of it because in a blink of an eye it’ll all be over. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING OF STARTING THEIR MCP? 

MCP is the best thing I ever did. I would definitely advise having a few years’ experience before doing MCP. It’s a tough few months and you need to be ready for it, but it is worth it all. I would honestly do it all over again.