We loved having Sarah Spiers with Chaulk Education at Colour World earlier this year and asked her to keep in touch. Chaulk has much information to share, and a great way of educating and thinking sideways. You’re going to like what Sarah has just sent through…
Why Autumn’s blondes demand smarter colour thinking
Blonde never goes out of fashion. True. But the way clients want to wear it is evolving. Sarah says, as we head into autumn, the appetite for blonde is moving away from bright, sun-kissed tones and towards richer, dimensional blondes. These feel softer, more wearable, and built to last.
For Sarah, a colourist, an educator and founder of Chaulk Education, this shift highlights a bigger truth: Stylists can no longer rely on default formulas or bleach-heavy approaches. Instead, the future of blonding lies in a smarter, science-led philosophy that puts the hair’s health at the centre of every service.
“It’s not about how quickly you can reach the lightest blonde,” Sarah says. “It’s about creating colour that moves, lasts, and respects the integrity of the hair fibre. That’s where true artistry lies.”
So how should colourists approach blonde this season?
Sarah shares five principles that define her philosophy:
- Focus on hair integrity first: “A compromised canvas means compromised results. Analysing porosity, elasticity, and fibre condition before colouring avoids uneven lift and ensures longevity” For Sarah, integrity is the starting point always.
- Rethink the role of bleach: Bleach has its place, but it shouldn’t be the default. High-lift colour can achieve luminous results on the right bases, offering a cleaner blonde with less compromise. “Knowing when not to bleach,” Sarah notes, “is a mark of confidence and skill.”
- Understand underlying pigment and tone: “Multi-tonal blondes depend on balance. Recognising underlying pigment allows stylists to neutralise unwanted warmth while enhancing depth. This isn’t guesswork — it’s science, and it separates good blondes from great ones” explains Sarah
- Add dimension with placement: According to Sarah “Techniques like lowlights, babylights, and tonal layering create movement, giving clients a soft, wearable look that grows out gracefully”.
- Keep science at the core: For Sarah, knowledge is everything. “Stylists shouldn’t just follow steps — they should understand why. That’s what gives you control, confidence, and results you can stand behind,” she explains.
Beyond Seasonal Trends
Sarah believes this approach isn’t just about creating this autumn’s blondes — it’s about setting a higher standard for the industry. Through Chaulk Education and her Mentor Programme, she is committed to equipping colourists with clarity, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to any client, any season.
“Education should empower stylists, not box them in,” Sarah says. “When you understand the science of colour, you stop winging it — and that’s when your artistry really comes alive.”
Thank you for sharing! Keep the best advice coming
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