BTC Exclusive: Fern the Barber Leads John Paul Mitchell Systems Colorways Launch

Fern the Barber: A Love for Color, Inside the John Paul Mitchell Systems’ Colorways Launch & More

Known for creating precise and playful artwork on hair, Fern Andong (@fernthebarber) continues to raise the bar by sharing his work, mastering the perfect balance between cosmetology and barbering. With over 250k Instagram followers, Fern is the Lead Brand Ambassador for John Paul Mitchell Systems and is a six-time #ONESHOT Hair Awards Finalist.

BTC Editors caught up with Fern to get an inside look at their latest launch: John Paul Mitchell Systems’ Colorways, the newest technology in Vibrant Semi-Permanent Hair Color.

A Love For Color: Leading the Colorways Launch 

With a quick scroll through Fern’s IG, you’ll find a vibrant feed full of bold pops of color and artistic hair painting. Naturally, Fern was the perfect person to lead the Colorways launch. “Throughout my career, I’ve always loved playing with color. Since the beginning, it allowed me to get creative and enhance my haircuts,” Fern told BTC.

Scroll through the slides to see some of Fern’s incredible work with Colorways: 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

“With this collection, the goal was to show the world the versatility Colorways can offer with rich, vivid tones on all hair textures,” Fern adds. “I wanted to step out of the box and create looks for John Paul Mitchell Systems that were different and pushed the boundaries a little.”

Using Colorways In The Shop or Salon:

With the increase in male clients requesting beard and hair color, we were not surprised to learn which of Fern’s clientele were requesting vivids the most: “I’ve been seeing more men coloring their hair in barbershops with bleach and toning and freehand coloring with fashion colors,” he told BTC, as Colorways have been his go-to for creating these looks. “I’m seeing brighter tones like vivids and neons. Lots of pastel requests, too.”

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber

“Inspiration comes from everywhere for me. I think Colorways gives me that outlet to get creative and be whatever I want to be,” Fern adds.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber

Unleash Your Creativity With 9 Intermixable Shades: Click Here To Learn More!

How To: Blue Ombré Buzzcut 

For this look, Fern told BTC that: “The concept was inspired by urban, graffiti art and cool tones with vibrancy. I used three Colorways: Gray, Blue and Aqua. And the look fuses together with the two bold black ‘X’’s inspired by the American artist Kaws.” Keep scrolling to get the steps for Fern’s full bleach and tone process—plus, his creative color application.

Formula A (lightener): John Paul Mitchell Systems Synchrolift 1 scoop + 2 oz 30-volume Cream Developer 

Formula B (toner): John Paul Mitchell Systems The Color Ultra Toner Platinum 2 oz + 2 oz 5-volume Cream Developer 

Photo Credit: Instagram via @fernthebarber 

Scroll through the slides to get the steps:

Step 1: Pre-cut the length as needed to shorten application time and allow for the most even processing.

Step 2: Apply Formula A globally. Pro Tip: "Oftentimes, 20-volume developer is recommended for on-scalp applications," Fern explains. “But, I chose 30-volume knowing this will be a quick application and process due to the short length and light starting level.”

Step 3: Wrap the head in saran wrap: This will incubate the head and the natural heat from the scalp will help the hair safely process. Process until a Level 10 is achieved.

Step 4: Rinse, cleanse with John Paul Mitchell Systems Color Protect Shampoo and follow with John Paul Mitchell Systems Instant Moisture Conditioner.

Step 5: Apply Formula B to the Mohawk in areas with the most visible yellow tones first. This will create a cool-toned end result. Pro Tip: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently lift the length of the hair to ensure full saturation.

Step 6: Once you see the Mohawk beginning to neutralize, apply Formula B to the sides and back of the head. Process for 10-20 minutes checking the hair frequently.

Step 7: Rinse toner with cool water, cleanse with John Paul Mitchell Systems Post Color Protect Shampoo and John Paul Mitchell Systems Color Protect Conditioner.

Step 8: Apply Colorways Blue, Aqua and Gray in a gradient pattern.

Step 9: When processed, use Formula A to draw two “X” shapes on the head. Pro Tip: Use the tip of a brush to draw small, precise lines.

Step 10: Fill in the “X” shapes with Colorways Gray. Process, rinse and dry.

Why Are Colorways Essential For This Look?

“I love that I can get rich, bright colors that don’t bleed into each other with Colorways,” Fern says. Beyond the importance of maintaining a precise application without bleeding, Colorways also fade slowly and on-tone: “The colors don’t turn into a weird color when they’re fading, they just get lighter and lighter,” Fern says.

How Can You Maintain Fashion Colors?

“Your hair is a fabric, just like clothes. So, I treat it as such,” Fern explains. “For example, only use cold water to wash. That will help keep the vibrancy of colors. And shampoo as little as possible: That will help your color last longer, too.” It’s also important to use low heat when styling: “It takes longer to set the style, but this maintains the vibrancy of the color.”

Get ready to screenshot a list of his go-to products:

• John Paul Mitchell Systems Dry Shampoo: To avoid shampooing hair as frequently to help with color fading.
• John Paul Mitchell Systems Forever Blonde Shampoo, John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo or John Paul Mitchell Systems Awapuhi Wild Ginger Hydrasoft Shampoo: Investing in a high-quality shampoo and conditioner is essential to maintaining vivid colors. These are Fern’s favorites! 
• John Paul Mitchell Systems Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray or John Paul Mitchell Systems Neuro Protect HeatCTRL Iron Thermal Protection Hairspray: When styling vivid colors, heat protectant is a must.

This Is The Key To Long-Lasting Vivids… Click Here To Learn More!

Products Used

Hair Color

SynchroLift

Paul Mitchell

Semi-Permanent Color

Colorways Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Color Protecting

Color Protect® Shampoo

John Paul Mitchell Systems

Color Protect® Post Color Shampoo

Paul Mitchell

Conditioners

Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

John Paul Mitchell Systems

Heat Protection

Hot Off The Press Thermal Protective Hairspray

John Paul Mitchell Systems