"What's your dream color?" is the first thing hair colorist Michael Canale says when you sit down in his chair, whether it's in his namesake salon in Beverly Hills or Malibu (where he's partnered with hairstylist Chris McMillan). In this cutthroat industry, there are celebrity colorists, and then there's Michael. He's THE guy that gives Jennifer Aniston her signature sun-kiss and that makes him the most sought-after colorist, not only in Hollywood, but also IN THE COUNTRY (and also explains why he travels to San Diego, New York City, and Washington, D.C. every month to see clients).
Here, Michael Canale shares his tips on how to get the best color and make it last:
1. Clean before you color
If you're coloring your hair, Canale suggests going to the salon with clean, dry hair. Dirt, oil, and product all obscure light reflection and you want your colorist to see exactly what he or she is dealing with before she starts your dye job.
2. Pre-style before you go to the salon
For the most flattering highlights, part your hair and style it as you normally would. If you usually straighten your hair, don't wear it wavy the day you go to the salon, because the highlighting technique is different depending on your finished look, explains Canale. The hair part is especially important because the colorist needs to know where to focus your highlights for the most natural effect (like Aniston's golden halo).
3. Hot water causes fading
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Heat opens up the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair) where the color pigment molecules are. If you're a brunette, this is probably why you start seeing orange, according to Canale. Once the cuticle is open, it's easier for the pigment to fall out and when brown fades, it tends to go brassy (which is why it looks orange). To preserve your color's richness, wash hair in warm, not hot, water.
Not an Aniston fan? Supermodels Heidi Klum and Carolyn Murphy are also Canale clients.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?
The natural remedy went viral, but it's not a miracle worker.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 12 Best Deep Conditioners for Curly and Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists and Editors
Fight damage and frizz, rain or shine.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 17 Best Sea Salt Sprays for Vacation Hair
Get the beachy waves of your dreams with these fake-it-'til-you-make-it sea salt sprays.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated