Colour of the year 2018: Ultra Violet

Regular readers of our blog will know we follow closely the global colour authority Pantone and their trend predictions about the must have colours for each season.

Every year Pantone launch a colour that is deemed to be [colour] of the year, and for 2018 that shade is Ultra Violet.

Pantone say:

A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The colour is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.

We say:

Wow, this shade offers endless possibilities for hair colour and techniques, from the softest version of Ultra violet that will give highlights and balayage a 3 dimensional quality with pure clean blondes fusing with a hint of something magical and mysterious.

Used as a block colour our technical teams can create a dramatic, statement making colour that has a new feel to it, Violet is intense and highly reflective, this will make hair shine with a dramatic gloss.

Slices and pieces of Ultra Violet tone strategically placed throughout dark hair will add drama to any style, especially if the colour is ‘hidden’.

But it is absolutely blonde hair that will benefit from this new shade, and whilst we not expecting our colour brand to launch an Ultra Violet shade, our team can bespoke your perfect version of this special colour. Violet tones can neutralise unwanted warmth in the hair creating a clean blonde that can vary from a pale lilac to a dazzling platinum with a hint of something unique about it.

Our teams are ready to create fabulous Ultra Violet colours for you, whatever intensity you want, we will design your colour around your hair.