Meet Patricia Nikole, AKA @PaintedHair, our US Artistic Ambassador.
In the dynamic world of hairdressing, few names resonate as profoundly as Patricia Nikole, also known to her vast following as @paintedhair. Patricia's journey from an art-inspired youth to a pioneering figure in hair colour innovation is a source of inspiration for many and we're beyond proud to have her as Schwarzkopf Professional US Artistic Ambassador.
Her unique approach, blending traditional artistic principles with hairdressing techniques, has helped redefine the expectations and possibilities within our industry. We're thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Patricia, offering insights into her career, her passion for the LIVED-IN BLONDE trend, and her collaboration with us here at Schwarzkopf Professional.
"As a young girl, I enjoyed painting on canvas and styling my friends' hair in grade school; I loved making my friends look and feel their best! After receiving a full scholarship to pursue a career in hairdressing, I continued my education and experimentation, trying to expand my craft and develop my unique expression and interpretation of hair colouring! I drew inspiration from my knowledge, passion and love for art as a young girl and applied some of those very same principles to hair colouring, which has allowed to me grow creatively as a hairdresser!”
"I dreamt of being a hairstylist, even as a little girl! I knew it would be the most fulfilling job for me and I resonated with the idea of changing someone’s life through beauty! I also did Mexican ballet, and the intricate detail of hairstyling inspired me so much."
"I have the honour and privilege of sharing my art with the world. I absolutely love creating stunning transformations and teaching others how to recreate these looks through the best techniques and products. Finally, I can inspire and empower artists all over the world – I truly am blessed!"
"I’ve travelled the world creating looks for many global campaigns, co-created iconic products (and found a new love for research and development) and I’ve had the unique opportunity to inspire and educate so many hairdressers all over the world! There are so many endeavours that I’ve been proud to be a part of!"
"I am so honoured to be named the first-ever US Artistic Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional! I love that Schwarzkopf Professional is an innovative leader in hair colour and care products and I am so excited to join a brand and community that aligns with my values; and is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring!"
"I have used many products throughout my career, but I can honestly say that using Schwarzkopf Professional products every day in the salon enables me to create without limits as a hairdresser! Whether I’m formulating from the IGORA, BLONDME or choosing BLONDME for its unmatched lighting system, I can approach my work with confidence and inspiration! My clients leave feeling beautiful and empowered from the results I can achieve using the full Schwarzkopf Professional portfolio!"
"BLONDME and IGORA are some of my favourite colour brands! With BLONDME's full lightening portfolio, I am confident that I can achieve all of my lightening goals, which is why BLONDME is my go-to for all of my lightening and care needs; it allows me to make my salon guests look and feel their best! The full IGORA Colour portfolio is also incredible and allows for full creative freedom, no matter what the vision is! Using BLONDME and IGORA allows me to create my award-winning Multidimensional Painted Hair™ looks! By using Schwarzkopf Professional’s products, I can accommodate any salon guest and formulation scenario that I’m faced with."
"I love blonde shades because there is such a huge range of tones! Formulating for a bespoke blonde look allows me to be extremely creative and push my art; as well as elevate my salon guest’s look! I am able to create stunning blonde looks that are trending in the world with ease because Schwarzkopf Professional’s products are equally innovative and practical! BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ is one of my favourites and is a staple in some of the most iconic looks that I’ve created! I love this lightener because it is a maximum lift, Bond Enforcing Lightener that lightens up to 9 levels, enforces bonds within the hair fibre and provides advanced neutralisation and improved haircare when used with the BLONDME Premium Developer! Finally, I'd love to emphasise to the hairdressing community and consumers that blonde is truly for everyone!"
"I like to work with a lightener that is powerful yet nourishing (which is why BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+ is one of my favourites!). My application and placement respects and incorporates the natural tone of the hair, while adding lighter pieces throughout to tie a seamless blend together. This creates a striking bold LIVED-IN BLONDE look that is truly bespoke and low-maintenance!"
"Always stay up-to-date on the latest trends! Be sure to pay attention to and draw inspiration from others in the beauty and entertainment industry! Also, don’t be afraid to create your own interpretation of a trend and/or to attempt to create a new trend entirely! Finally, be sure to access all of the complementary resources and education available on the ASK Education eAcademy – it's a FREE online learning library!"
"It is important to observe what is happening in the industry – social media being the best and first place to start! Observe which looks are trending; which ones are receiving the highest engagement/feedback and what is the tonal and styling direction. How could you emulate this on your own guests? How can you expand on it? These are some fundamental questions we should all consider when creating the most sought-after looks our salon guests want! Also, it is helpful to know the "Color of The Year" set by Pantone (Peach Fuzz is this year's - embracing the warmth). Another inspirational resource is the Essential Looks Collections from Schwarzkopf Professional!"
"Keeping in line with this year’s theme of 'Embracing The Warmth', I see a continued interest in multidimensional and bold colours; pushing traditional colour techniques to create striking, multidimensional looks that make a powerful statement and express ultimate individuality."
"I was raising two small children on my own for the first 9 years of my career. It was difficult to balance personal life and business obligations for a really long time! Social media allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and grow in numerous ways I could have never imagined!"
"I believe that a hairdresser should have a complete fundamental understanding of the craft. Not only should a hairdresser execute their technical knowledge with mastery, they should also have a true understanding of the craft!"
"Yes! I absolutely love the ASK Education eAcademy! Whether you are brand new to the Schwarzkopf Professional portfolio or are experienced and need a refresher, the ASK Education eAcademy offers an online library of courses and content that will be an invaluable resource to any stylist looking to elevate their craft and expand their knowledge!"
"Client consultations for blonde hair transformations are so important when discussing and deciding their desired look and the practical direction! It will also allow you to assess their hair condition and discuss an optimal home maintenance routine."
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that pigmented shampoo needs to be used on blonde hair daily! Following the manufacturer's and your hairdresser’s directions will give you the best results when it comes to maintaining your beautiful blonde hair!"
- "Choose the right shampoo for your hair type! Your stylist can assist you in selecting the right haircare choices for all of your blonde needs (e.g. BLONDME All Blondes Rich Shampoo)
- Incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments to nourish and strengthen blonde strands (e.g. BLONDME All Blondes Rich Mask)
- Minimise heat styling when possible and always use heat-protectant products to shield your hair from damage when using hot tools (e.g. BLONDME Blonde Wonders Restoring Balm)
- Schedule regular trims to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your blonde hair
- Use cool water when rinsing hair to help seal the cuticle and enhance shine
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair gently, this will likely result in a reduction in breakage"
"With a true understanding of the craft, a hairdresser is able to convey and explain the theories and practicalities in an educational or consultation setting; whether to a fellow hair artist or a salon guest! Once you have achieved this level of mastery, it will always be possible to formulate for, and interpret in your own style, the latest trends and salon guest preferences!"
"I love how connected we all are as an industry because of social media! I have connected with, and have met, so many friends and fellow hair artists through social media; it has also allowed me to have a voice in this industry and share my creativity with the world! Social media has opened up so many doors in my professional career; I’ve been privileged to have the most amazing opportunities and to partner with some of the best companies in the world – such as Schwarzkopf Professional! I feel honoured to be able to use my platform as a source of inspiration to other hairdressers globally... There has never been a more exciting time to be a hairdresser!"
Don’t forget to follow Patricia's work on social media via @paintedhair, as well as our Schwarzkopf Professional channel, @schwarzkopfpro for the latest trends and educational hairdresser snippets, including everything LIVED-IN BLONDE!
Explore our world-class Colour, Backbar, Styling and Visionary seminars; developed to enhance the skills you already have and help you do what you do, better.
Master any in-salon service by staying on-trend with the latest tips and tricks and essential product knowledge over on the ASK Education eAcademy.