Straightening Your Hair Today? Your Color Will Look Different

by Elizabeth Siegal



Robert Mitra/WWD
Robert Mitra/WWD

At a recent appointment at Sally Hershberger Downtown salon in New York City, colorist Dana Ionato asked one Allure editor detailed questions about her styling routine. The editor was used to these kinds of questions from a stylist, but not so much from her colorist. Turns out the products and tools you use on your hair--as well as its texture--make a big difference. "Whenever I help a new client choose her hair color, I ask about her routine," says Ionato. "Highlights look very different on fine, straight hair than thick, wavy hair, and your base color will appear different on days you air-dry." We were surprised--and it's not easy to surprise us. I called up the colorist for her tips on tweaking your shade according to your styling routine:

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If you're getting highlights: "The straighter your hair is, the thinner you want your highlights to be," says Ionato. "Highlights really stand out on straight hair, especially fine, straight hair. Anything thick will look stripy." If you wear your hair wavy or curly, you can get away with pretty much anything (lucky you!). You can also use this to your advantage if you're not crazy about your highlights. "Styling your hair with a salt spray or curling iron creates enough texture to help them blend in," she says.

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If you're changing your base color: "I always ask clients if they air-dry or if their hair tends to frizz," says Ionato. If the answer is yes, going just a shade or two darker can be almost as good as finding a new anti-frizz serum. "Your hair will reflect the light better, and frizz will be less obvious," she says.

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