Quinoa might be on the menu at that trendy vegan café, but did you know it’s one of the latest natural components making its way into beauty formulations? And what makes those salon hues pop? Richard Jay, in-house educator at Stars Companies, New York, took time to chat with Happi about the latest trends in hair care treatments.Currently, he is a working hairdresser and has written a book, “Simple Techniques for Creative Expression.”  It is a book for all hairdressers who love haircutting but it is especially good for assistants and young stylists in the salons who want to make the jump from the sinksto a chair. 
 
Happi: What qualities are shoppers looking for in their hair care and where do they go to find the latest products?
 
RJ: There are many criteria shoppers look for when they are buying hair care products. First and foremost is product performance.  The liquid in the bottles have to perform and make a noticeable effect on the hair.  While price is important, most consumers would rather pay more and get the benefits of a better quality product!
 
The best place to get the latest products would be in the salon that shoppers are having their services done.  Many times drug stores or flea markets that carry the same product lines are about six months to a year behind the current trends due to lack of product knowledge.  They wait until a product is established or hot before they commit to stocking it, primarily because for them it is strictly a revenue item. Salons on the other hand nurture the new products and experiment on a wide variety of clients so they prescribe the right product.  It is through their passion to make their clients look good and be happy that the correct products are used.
 
Happi: What are the hottest trends right now in hair care and why?
 
RJ: One of the hottest trends in hair right now is the vibrant pastel colors as well as the muted ones. Color Design has created a line of dynamic colors that are very trendy right now!  The noticeably vibrant hair color requires strong pigmentation and the shampoos and conditioners play an important role in maintaining that dynamic effect. Abba Color Protection Shampoo and Color Protection Conditioner will not strip away the vibrant pigment needed to create these colors.  Firm Hold Finishing Spray will help lock in the hair fibers helping it last longer.
 
Happi:  Are there any ingredients that are popular right now in hair care that you recommend to formulators?
 
RJ: Natural ingredients like plant derived botanicals used in Abba products as well as sulfate free and vegan are popular right now. Coconut oil, sage, barley, soy, proQuinoa complex and always cruelty free are used to replace parabens, sulfates, gluten, sodium chloride, DEA and synthetic color additives. Antioxidants reduce fading and give a general shine and luster to the hair that only natural ingredients can restore.
 
Happi: What are the future trends in hair care for 2017 and beyond? 
 
RJ: The future trends in hair care are unknown, which is why it is such an exciting field to be a part of!  Hair is not an entity unto itself; it is part of the collective group of wardrobe, makeup and hair.  They are all dependent upon each other and work together to create an overall style. It is not until seasonal wardrobe styles are released that we know what the hair trends will enhance that current style.