HairSkillsPro Interview with Matt Clements

Matt is an internationally recognised colour expert, educator, and founder of in Australia. Known for his refined approach to colour, cutting, and modern salon artistry, Matt combines technical precision with effortless creativity — creating work that feels timeless, elevated, and deeply individual.

Where Technique Meets Intention

In an industry driven by speed, trends, and constant visual overload, true mastery still comes down to something deeper: understanding.

For this exclusive HairSkillsPro interview, we speak with internationally respected colourist and educator Matt Clements — a creative known for balancing technical precision with effortless artistic refinement.

From colour theory and consultation to restraint, placement, and the evolution of modern hairdressing, Matt shares his philosophy on what truly separates a colour specialist from someone who simply applies colour.

This is a conversation about craft, discipline, individuality, and intention.

Q1

Colour is often seen as creative, but your work shows a deep scientific approach. How important is understanding the “why” behind colour, not just the formula?

Matt Clements

“Colour without understanding is just decoration.With knowledge, it becomes intention.

The ‘why’ is what gives me control. When you understand how pigment behaves, how tone interacts with natural base, and how condition affects the result, you’re no longer relying just on formulas — you’re making decisions.

It allows me to predict, adjust, and refine in real time.

That’s where true creativity sits — not in guesswork, but in precision.

The deeper your understanding, the more freedom you have to push boundaries while keeping the work elevated, consistent, and unmistakably yours.”

Q2

Many colourists focus on trends and quick results. What separates a true colour specialist from someone who simply applies colour?

Matt Clements

“Trends let us know what is coming and help with preparation, especially if you want to replicate a trend.

A specialist knows when to follow, when to adapt, and when & how to create something entirely their own.

Great colour techniques should be built to last.

In my opinion, what separates a specialist is depth of knowledge — of hair, fashion, music, and culture. It’s the ability to see beyond the immediate result and understand the full journey of the hair — its history, structure, limits, and potential.

A true colourist isn’t just applying a shade; they’re designing a result with intention, considering how it will evolve, how it will wear, and how it reflects the individual.

It comes down to discipline. Precision in consultation, clarity in formulation, and restraint in execution.

For me, not everything needs to be pushed to the edge to be impactful. Sometimes my most refined work is my most controlled.”

Q3

Your work balances precision and fluidity. How do you approach colour placement to create both structure and movement in the hair?

Matt Clements

“It starts with intention.

My placement is rarely random — it’s mapped to the haircut, the fall of the hair, and how it moves naturally.

Structure for me comes from deliberate sectioning and purposeful placement.

Restraint is key. Knowing where not to place colour is just as important because it allows softness and diffusion to do their work.

I’m always balancing clean, deliberate lines with areas that blur and melt.

When those two elements work together, the result feels refined, effortless, and never overworked.”

Q4

After decades in the industry, what has been the biggest shift in how you see colour — and what has remained timeless?

Matt Clements

“The biggest shift for me has been the speed and accessibility of information, education, and inspiration.

Techniques, trends, and formulas are everywhere now and constantly evolving, which I think is fantastic.

It’s made the industry faster, but also more crowded. And with that has come a lot of misinformation in education. But as they say — the cream always rises to the top.

What has remained timeless is the craft itself.

Understanding hair, respecting its condition, and mastering the fundamentals of colour theory will never change.

The tools evolve, but the principles don’t.”

Q5

For young colourists who want to reach a high level, what habits or mindset should they build daily to truly master their craft?

Matt Clements

“Consistency over intensity.

Mastery doesn’t come from occasional inspiration, but from daily discipline.

Spend time with people who inspire you. Observe, question, and refine every detail of your work.

Make it a habit to understand the ‘why,’ not just the ‘how.’

Focus on the outcome as much as the process. Be critical of your own work, but also stay curious so you continue evolving.

And stay patient.

High-level craft is built slowly — through repetition, awareness, and a commitment to never stop learning, even when you think you already know.”

Bonus Question

Do you believe great colourists are defined more by their technical knowledge or by their artistic vision — and how do you balance the two?

Matt Clements

“Great colourists aren’t defined by technical knowledge or artistic vision alone.

It has to be the balance between the two.

Technique gives control, consistency, and problem-solving.

Vision gives direction, individuality, and emotion.

One supports the other.

For me, technique is the foundation that allows creativity — and vision is what keeps technique evolving rather than becoming mechanical.”

Final Thoughts

In a world where trends move faster than ever, conversations like this remind us that true mastery still lives in understanding, discipline, and intention.

Matt Clements represents a modern generation of hairdressers who combine technical excellence with artistic identity — proving that great colour is not simply applied, but designed with purpose.

At HairSkillsPro, we believe the future of hairdressing belongs to artists who continue learning, refining, and evolving while staying connected to the foundations of the craft.

Because trends may change.But true craftsmanship remains timeless.

Interview by HairSkillsProFounder & Creative Director: Christos Michailidis