When House of Coco’s Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles, was invited to the iconic Jo Hansford salon for a well-deserved ‘do-over’, it wasn’t just about a fresh cut and colour. It was a chance to discover the hair colour trends, tones, and techniques defining the season.
When you step into Jo Hansford’s Mayfair salon, the one whispered about by royalty and loved by A-listers, you instantly understand why it’s known as the colour authority. It’s sleek, professional, and quietly glamorous.
I visited for a cut and colour, but this was more than a run-of-the-mill salon appointment. It started with an in-depth consultation that was more of a friendly chat over a Matcha with my colourist, Jess and stylist, Jack, about not just how I wanted my hair to look, but how I wanted to feel. I shared my hair highs and lows, and by the end, It was like having a session with a hair therapist.
“The most important part is the detailed consultation,” the team explains as we discuss my hair history and goals. “We talk through preferences, how you want to look and feel, and focus on enhancing natural tones. We even do test lights and pigment testing to check for any hidden colour before we start. Long-lasting results and maintenance are key, clients need to know what upkeep looks like and ensure it fits their lifestyle.”
This meticulous approach sets the tone for my visit. At Jo Hansford, it’s never just about chasing a trend, it’s about finding the style that fits your lifestyle. Jess recommended we steer away from cool shades to avoid me looking washed out and instead go for creamy blonde shades blended with brown for a more natural look.
Hair Colour Trends Defining the Season
While Jess is weaving foils into my hair, we start talking hair colour trends. It’s clear the salon is steering away from cold, flat tones into something warmer and more dimensional. “We’re seeing a lot of dark violet and burgundy, sun-kissed copper, and coppery auburn,” she tells me, showing swatches that glow under the studio lights. “Baby highlights, root smudging, and global gloss are huge right now for that low-maintenance, expensive finish. Dimensional balayage remains popular, and we’re also seeing a modern revival of chunky highlights. One of the biggest requests? ‘Bronette’ – that perfect blend between blonde and brunette.”
My own colour sits somewhere in that realm, glossy and multi-tonal, subtle enough for everyday wear but rich enough to catch the light. It’s the kind of look that feels effortlessly polished, the exact balance between natural and luxe.
The Secret to Flattering Colour
What really impresses me is the way the team thinks about you, not just your hair. Every strand, shade, and snip is chosen with intention. “Personality and lifestyle are just as important as skin tone and eye colour,” they say. “Blue reds don’t suit pink skin, and olive tones don’t suit ash shades. When it comes to styling, face shape matters too. We always suggest what’s most flattering, even if it means adapting a trend to make it more wearable.”
It’s an approach that explains why Jo Hansford’s clients – from Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Aniston to Nicole Kidman and even royal names you won’t find on a press release – all manage to look timeless rather than trend-driven. Their colour feels effortless because it’s personal.
How to Avoid the Common Colour Mistakes
Of course, maintaining that level of polish takes care. The team doesn’t shy away from honesty when it comes to at-home mistakes. “Root touch-ups with box dyes are one of the biggest errors,” they admit. “And purple shampoos – people use them far too much. They’re only for brassy blondes. If your blonde looks good, purple shampoo can make it dull and flat.”
Their at-home prescription is simple: regular masks, heat protection, and sulphate-free shampoos. “Our Jo Hansford Expert Colour Care range enhances and protects colour without harsh chemicals,” they add. It’s the kind of advice that feels accessible and clearly rooted in years of experience.
What’s Next in Colour
As for what’s next, the forecast is warm, dimensional, and a little more natural. “We’re moving toward warmer blondes, multi-dimensional brunettes, and embracing natural greys,” they predict. “Low-lighting and root blending will be big, techniques that create depth and movement while keeping the finish luxurious.”
Cut, Colour and Collaboration
After my colour comes the cut and style, a seamless process. “Most of our staff specialise in either colour or styling,” they explain. “That means each person is an expert in their craft. We pair clients with the right team members based on what they need, sometimes that’s about technique, sometimes it’s about personality and connection.”
I’ve shown my stylist, Jack, a photo of the style I’m aiming for. It’s a textured, layered cut with a long fringe. He tweaks it a little as I’m always at the gym, therefore, it’s often up in a ponytail. “If the layers are too short, it won’t go up in a ponytail and that will drive you crazy,” he explains. He keeps the fringe a little bit longer and adds more definition around the sides.
The Result
As Jack adds the final touches, a spritz of texture spray that gives my hair soft movement, he shares one final tip. “A lightweight texturing spray is the secret,” he smiles. “It adds that effortless, lived-in finish, the kind of glam that works every day.” He hands me the mirror and flips my hair with his hand, the colour catches the light showcasing the soft blonde that seamlessly blends in with my natural colour. The finish is gorgeous – glossy, dimensional colour paired with a cut that feels like me on my best day. It’s understated, healthy, and exactly the kind of hair that turns a routine appointment into a subtle transformation.
I leave the salon catching my reflection in the Mayfair shop fronts, swishing my hair as I walk, feeling every bit glam as I head off to my dinner date.
