Business Trends

In a Barbie World

July 20, 2023

Ahead of Greta Gerwig’s live-action barbie film hitting cinemas next month, the iconic blonde bombshell has become the unlikely muse of 2023. Enter: #barbiecore.

Powered by 90s nostalgia and a sickeningly-sweet Margot Robbie, this trend is all about feeling pretty in pink – complete with beehive brilliance, lashings of latex and perfect ponytails. From the softest blush to the boldest magenta, there’s a shade to suit every client and a variety of professional products toachieve the look. We spoke to a number of award-winning hairdressers to get the styling low-down for this iconic trend…

In a Barbie world

“Having recently taken the world by storm, Barbiecore is a fashion trend all about that vibrant, hot pink from Barbie’s iconic style. With looks being showcased on some of the hottest celebrities – including Kylie Jenner and Lizzo –Barbiecore is only becoming more popular, and not just in fashion, but in hair too! The great thing about this shade is that it suits all skin tones and can be easily tailored towards the client, their lifestyle and personality. For those that don’t want something so vivid, a bubble-gum shade is a great choice and fades beautifully on blondes.” – ANDREW SMITH, ANDREW SMITH SALONS

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I’M A BARBIE GIRL

My Hair My Canvas: New BeginningsExfoliating Cleanser is a mild, vegan, clarifying exfoliator from Alterna. Without stripping colour, the product gently removes impurities and build-up, protecting the hair from pollutants maintaining its natural smoothness. Find out more here

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“When it comes to Barbie I think of one thing – iconic blondes. Paris Hilton and, of course, Margot Robbie both nail this trend. The great thing about blonde is that it’s so versatile, you can even add a touch of pink for the ultimate Barbiecore hair. However, with blonde it’s all about maintenance – the Oribe Bright Blonde range is my favourite for blonde aftercare. I find it immediately banishes any brassiness for a healthy, illuminating shine.” – LYDIA WOLFE, JACK & THE WOLFE

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IN A BARBIE WORLD

Crafted to keep colour stronger for longer, the Serie Expert Vitamino Color Care range from L’Oréal Professionnel uses Resveratrol to lock in colour and combat degradation. Known mainly in skincare, Resveratrol is extracted from the skin of the grape and is highly concentrated in antioxidants. In haircare, the ingredient helps to protect the hair against factors such as pollution & UV exposure. Find out more here

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LIFE IN PLASTIC

Injecting a dose of joy into the everyday for SS23, ghd has launched its mood-boosting ‘Life in Plastic’ collection. Created in collaboration with hairdresser Jordanna Cobella, current London Hairdresser of theYear, the shoot pays homage to Barbiecore: the more-is-more trend that is shaping fashion, beauty and design ahead of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster biopic.

“We’re big fans of pink at House of Swain – it even features across all of our salon branding! In salon, I love working with Wella Professionals Perfecton, which is brilliant for creating more subtle tones within the hair. For something a little bolder, Crazy Colour offers the chance to get really creative and has such a great range of pinks to suit all tastes. I’m also a fan of Davines Alchemic Pink Creative Conditioner to maintain your colour at home – even better is that it is 95%natural.” – JENNIFER SWAIN, HOUSE OF SWAIN

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IT’S FANTASTIC!

Introducing the latest range of professional products exclusively made in Sicily – Hydra Repair from Carlo Oliveri. Inspired by Mediterranean colours, sounds and scents, the range was crafted with a cruelty-free,Vegan formula, and 100% recyclable packaging to reduce its ecological impact. Plus, allowing users to truly live the Mediterranean experience, the products contain an exclusive fragrance created within aTuscan laboratory. Find out more here

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“For our Barbiecore pink look, we used the Carnation Pink from Directions Hair Colour, creating panels next to the platinum blonde. This shade is so soft and feminine, and it suits all skin tones, eye colours and ages – it really is a colour for everyone. This final look is totally on-trend, taking us back to the early noughties, watching Clueless with our fluffy pens!” – VANITY DOLL SALON

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YOU CAN BRUSH MY HAIR

Speed up your drying time with the Brush & Blow brush from Remi Cachet. Featuring pink, flexible bristles for safe detangling, the vented paddle design allows warm air to circulate from the root all the way along the hair strand. Plus, reduce drying time even further with a matching Extensions Towel. With a longer tail to fit even the longest hair, this wrapped, microfibre towel encourages cuticles to stay smooth during the drying process. Find out more here

The Barbie ponytail

 

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Another way Barbiecore has seeped into hair trends is through the imitation of Barbie’s iconic ponytail. Fudge Professional Global Ambassador, JonathanAndrew, talks us through the resurgence of this symbolic style…

The ultra-voluminous, effortlessly sleek, high ponytail is hugely popular – especially on red carpets with the likes of Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid. Here is how to create the look on your clients:

  • Firstly, the main requirement of the perfect Barbie ponytail is volume. For me, the Fudge Professional Dry Shampoo is an absolute staple for achieving the iconic mega volume that this ponytail is known for. I find it is great alternative to hairspray; it gives a much softer lift and textured finish To the hair.
  • Next, you can pull the hair up into a ponytail using a bristle brush to get as close to the scalp as possible – make sure it’s in a high position to really get that perfect high-pony look.
  • Then, simply take your preferred curling wand and curl the ends of the hair for that cute bouncy finish. Finish the look by cocktailing Fudge Professional Hed Shine with Fudge Professional Skyscraper to achieve a slick, shiny ponytail.

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“Bright pink is trending so much right now; in the last 12 months, clients have been getting braver and wanting something stronger. Especially during this festival season, we find clients of all ages asking for brighter pink tones.” – ROBERT KIRBY, ROBERT KIRBY LONDON

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UNDRESS ME EVERYWHERE

Complete with the sweet scent of strawberries and red apples, LeaLuo’s semi-permanent hair masks expertly maintain intensive colour in between salon appointments. This Nebula Pink Galaxy Paint is produced with 100% vegan ingredients, including Tiger Grass, to provide the hair with a real hydration boost. Find out more here

“Pink has always been a huge hair trend, it’s such a versatile colour that can produce both vivid and pastel results depending on your clients’ preferences. Schwarzkopf has amazing tone ranges for pink hair: I love Chroma ID as it creates a really bright pink tone that offers longevity over pastel tones. I also love using Strawberry from the BLONDME range, it has a really sweet, pearly effect.” – BROOKE EVANS, BE IRONBRIDGE

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“BARBIECORE has been such a fun trend as we come into summer. It incorporates beautiful, warm shades that can really compliment a client’s complexion and add a gorgeous shine to the hair. For those looking for something more low-maintenance, the colour can also look great when paired with a dark root. I predict we will see clients matching their hair with bright pink blushes, lipsticks and clothing for that full-on Barbiecore look.” – SUZIE MCGILL, RRI

“Whilst pastel greens and blues are still considered fairly alternative, pink seems to be a shade that’s loved universally – from toddlers wearing clip-in pieces to octogenarians showcasing their individuality. And for the clients who aren’t keen on the idea of committing to a permanent colour, extensions are ideal. Great Lengths have a beautiful choice of pinks, my favourite being Rose Quartz.” – JACK KILPATRICK, JKP HAIRSPA

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IMAGINATION, LIFE IS YOUR CREATION

This mousse will bring perfect imperfection for an effortless look. Create touchable, controllable style for clients who need that extra volume support and strength, whilst still maintaining movement in the hair. This Energizing Fiber Mousse from Roze Avenue will show you how to move. Find out more here

COME ON, BARBIE, LET’S GO PARTY! 

Embrace infinite styling possibilities with the Fashion Colours collection from Great Lengths. Available as 16-inch lengths in both GLPre-Bonded and GL Tapes, the shades include:

●Rose Quartz: Soft and romantic, this elegant rose is perfect for blending.

●Flamingo Tourmaline: Delicate and refined, this intense cotton candy offers a touch of originality.

●Fuchsia Agate: A symbol of love, energy and freedom, this modern and fashionable shade is a real trendsetter.

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