Find Your Perfect Hair Shade: Expert Tips from Award-Winning Colorist Catherine Hawkes

Hair color is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful way to reinvent yourself. From subtle highlights to bold transformations, hair color has become an essential part of personal style. In 2025, it’s not just about choosing a color, but finding the one that elevates your look and complements your unique features. More and more people are embracing hair color to express themselves, with new techniques and shades emerging every season. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?

To help you navigate the world of hair color, we sat down with Catherine Hawkes, Dubai’s celebrated colorist known for her transformative artistry. Catherine’s expertise as an award-winning colorist and Schwarzkopf Ambassador has earned her a global reputation for creating stunning, high-impact hair colors that leave clients feeling confident and empowered. Having worked with A-list celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Delta Goodrem, Holly Willoughby, and Olly Murs, her signature style has graced red carpets and TV appearances worldwide.

In this feature, Catherine shares her top tips for selecting the perfect hair shades for your complexion, personality, and style. From the latest color trends to insider techniques, here’s everything you need to know to elevate your hair game in 2025.

Finding Your Perfect Hair Color

Your hair color should be as unique as you are. Catherine believes that personalization is key to achieving the perfect shade. “Hair should enhance a person’s individuality,” she says. “It’s about creating something timeless and personal.” But how can you find the right color for you? Catherine suggests considering your skin tone, eye color, and personal style. Hair color isn’t just about following trends—it’s about enhancing your natural beauty.

Pro Tip: Before committing to a new hue, consult with a professional to determine a shade that complements both your features and your lifestyle. A colorist will help you choose a tone that brings out the best in you, while also considering how much maintenance your new look will require.

Dimension and Personalization

As we move into 2025, Catherine predicts that hair color will focus on dimension and subtle personalization. “2025 is all about dimension,” she notes, “with soft, diffused highlights like ‘halo balayage’ and wearable shades of warm caramel, mushroom blonde, and peachy copper.” Catherine is particularly excited about creating glossy, multi-tonal finishes that offer natural yet eye-catching movement. These trends aim to add depth without overpowering the overall look.

How can these trends elevate your look? If you’re looking to elevate your color with something timeless and refined, these shades are versatile enough to suit a variety of skin tones and hair textures.

The Science of Maintaining Beautiful Hair

Choosing the perfect color is just the beginning. To keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy, it’s essential to invest in aftercare. Catherine recommends Schwarzkopf’s Fibre Clinix treatments for color-treated hair, which help rebuild the hair structure and maintain the brilliance of your color. Additionally, she suggests protecting your hair from heat and UV exposure, and using cool water rinses to lock in moisture.

Your Takeaway: Caring for color-treated hair isn’t complicated, but it does require the right tools. Investing in professional-grade products will help keep your color fresh and your hair strong between salon visits.

Styling for Your Environment

Living in Dubai, or any humid climate, brings its own set of challenges when it comes to hair. Catherine’s clients, much like you, often struggle with frizz and flatness due to humidity. Her advice? Focus on shine and humidity-proofing. Products designed to lock in moisture and prevent frizz can be game-changers.

Expert Tip: Look for anti-humidity serums or sprays that seal the hair cuticle and provide a glossy finish. Not only will these products protect your style, but they’ll also keep your hair looking polished, even in Dubai’s intense climate.

Ready for a Big Change?

Thinking of a dramatic hair color change? While a bold new look can be empowering, Catherine advises taking the process step by step. “A big change can be exciting, but it’s important to plan for the upkeep and transition gradually if needed,” she says. This ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed by the shift or the maintenance it requires.

What You Need to Know: If you’re ready to go for a major change, make sure you’re prepared for regular salon visits and conditioning treatments. This is essential to keep your hair healthy and your color vibrant.

Bond-Building Technology

For those considering lighter shades or more intense color treatments, Catherine highlights the importance of bond-building technologies like Schwarzkopf’s Fibre Bond system. These advancements allow for dramatic color changes without compromising hair health, ensuring your locks remain strong and resilient even after bleaching or coloring.

Your Advantage: If you’ve been hesitant to go for that bold color due to damage concerns, bond-building technology offers a solution. With these treatments, you can achieve your dream color while keeping your hair in top condition.

Your Personalized Hair Journey Starts Now

At the end of the day, your hair is a reflection of your individuality. If you’re looking for subtle highlights or a bold transformation, Catherine’s advice is to always start with a consultation. Understanding your unique features, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences is crucial in achieving a look that feels authentically you.

Visit Salon 971, where Catherine and her team craft bespoke hair transformations tailored to your unique beauty.