June Colourist of the Month - Luana Vitale

Luana Vitale – E Salon NSW

By Rob Kotevski June 2 2009

As a senior colourist and make-up artist at E Salon, Luana Vitale is constantly on the look out for the latest Australian and international trends and how to best deliver these to the client.

Coming from a line of hairdressers meant Luana had a passion for hair, with the satisfaction of knowing that every client that left the salon feels like a million dollars.

As an experienced colour technician, Luana knows it’s all about maintaining the colour in between salon visits. “Colour maintenance products are the way to go for any colour hair, whether it’s highlights, semi-permanent or permanent colour.”

Luana spoke to myhairdressersearch about her inspiration, her tips for best celeb hair colour, and her hot hair tips for winter.

Why did you pick hairdressing as a career?

I come from a family of hairdressers, and I grew up watching my father, brother and other family members using their creative abilities to transform their passion for hair into a work of art, not to mention making people feel beautiful and amazing at the same time.

What would you say is more important - cut or colour?

They are both equally as important as each other but I believe my job as a colourist is to enhance and also compliment the cut that the stylist has given the client. I enjoy working as a team (duo in most cases) to transform a client into a physical work of art and make her/him feel incredible at the same time.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Watching my father and brother whose work truly astounds me, and my team mates and our clientele inspire me as well.

Seeing what other hairdressers are doing both locally and internationally.

Being a senior colourist and freelance make-up artist, I’m constantly researching the newest trends, and fashions on the internet, in magazines, film and television, and I really pay attention to the younger generation as they are one of the most influential groups with regards to style right now. This helps me grow professionally and allows me to provide a whole lot more to our clientele then just good service.

What products should clients use to maintain their colour in between salon visits?

At the moment I like two product combinations in particular which are both for coloured hair and are very moisturising and strengthening. From Kerastase, I love 'Bain de Force' shampoo with Kerastase 'Ciment Anti-Usure' conditioner. In the Tigi S-Factor range Color Savvy Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Moisturising Conditioner.

Career highlights so far?

Working on several photo shoots – I love the whole studio/editorial environment and working with a team of artists to achieve a common goal

Working as the makeup artist for the é SALON Hair Expo 2008 shows.

Organising a salon hair show for our apprentices to showcase their work.

Entering my first colour competition when I was a 2nd year apprentice and gaining the respect of my peers and knowledge from the experience.

Working as the makeup artist for my fellow é SALON team-mate Marc Mendicino's first photographic collection which won him the 2009 Australian Hair Fashion Award for Men's Hairdresser of Year. I felt honoured to be a part of Marc’s success!

Who would you say has the best blonde, brunette and red?

Blonde: Heidi Klum

Heidi always has beautiful hair and what I love about her hair colour is the variation of blonde tones and the overall balance and harmony of her hair colour and hairstyle.

Brunette: Anne Hathaway

Anne has a natural, classic beauty and she always has an elegant presence about her. She in my eyes is a rich, clean, deep brunette.

Red: Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher has the most amazing richness to her red hair, that entirely complements her facial features. For me, Isla is the true essence of a redhead.

What trends will we see heading into winter?

Lots of warm earthy tones with hints of highlights to enhance the hair cut and style. Warm tones are always big trends in winter however I believe brunettes and reds are very in at the moment; they are rich colours and make hair appear fuller, healthier and classier.

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