This incident offered a powerful reminder that as stylists, our goal is not merely to be right technically but to ensure our clients feel good and confident in their chosen colours. Personal style is deeply interconnected with identity, personality, and emotional well-being. When a client doesn't resonate emotionally with their colours, the technically perfect palette falls short of its purpose.

My client, outgoing and dynamic by nature, craved colours that matched her lively personality. She didn't feel authentic or fully expressed in soft, muted tones. For her, colours are a statement—bold, clear, and unapologetic. Recognizing this, I realized there were two ways to approach the challenge:

First, I could help her apply her recommended soft muted colours in a way that brought higher contrast and greater vibrancy to her look, perhaps by pairing her neutrals with stronger shades within her palette or accessorizing boldly. Alternatively, and perhaps more importantly, I acknowledged that adjusting to a brighter, clearer palette, even if not technically ideal, was entirely valid. Colours are not just tools for aesthetics—they're powerful emotional communicators, and if she felt happier and more herself in brighter colours, it was essential to honour that.

​Here are seven practical tips that I've found invaluable in navigating similar situations:

As stylists, we're often trained to believe in strict adherence to the rules—certain colours suit specific undertones, skin tones, and eye colours. Yet real-life experiences remind us regularly that our clients are not textbook examples; they are vibrant individuals with unique emotional landscapes and preferences. We must balance our technical expertise with emotional intelligence, empathy, and flexibility.

Reflecting on my own experience, I shared openly with my client about how our initial recommendation was indeed technically accurate but also fully supported her choice to explore brighter options that better aligned with her personality. I offered practical advice on incorporating higher contrast within her recommended palette and how she might seamlessly integrate brighter shades while adjusting her makeup accordingly.

In the end, my client left feeling validated, heard, and happy—a far better outcome than rigidly sticking to my initial recommendation would have produced.

This incident reinforces the crucial lesson that as stylists, our ultimate success is not merely in technical accuracy but in the genuine happiness and satisfaction of our clients. It also reinforces the truth that, in style, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We must approach each client holistically, embracing both their physical characteristics and their unique emotional and psychological needs.

To fellow stylists encountering similar scenarios, remember: these moments are not setbacks but opportunities to evolve, to strengthen client relationships, and to grow personally and professionally. Embrace them openly, confidently, and with a willingness to learn.

​After all, colour analysis is an art as much as it is a science—and great art always leaves room for interpretation and expression❣️