After 9 weeks of Shear Genius airing, my yellow hair has been a topic of much conversation.

I want to take a minute this beautiful sunny California Sunday morning to answer your questions….

What color was your hair before yellow?

I have had many throughout my life… I was born a red head and with age it has lightened to a pale strawberry blonde. I have had my hair brown, black, burgundy (those 3 were all TERRIBLE) different variations of natural reds, blonde highlights, platinum blonde, Screaming Orange, orange & red.

What inspired you to go yellow?

Several years ago I competed in the Wella Trend Vision Competition.  To push myself, I chose to use colors for my model’s hair that we uncommonly used.  I created my final national look using yellow, green & blue.  To date it is still one of the most memorable heads of hair I have done.  Throughout my career I would hear clients requests for blonde that was ashy or “not golden.  Even colorists are often scared of the gold toned color that can be added to create beautiful rich tones.  I took the chance & how striking the yellow was, shocked me.  I loved it.   In November 2007 I was bored with my orange hair, so when it faded I decided to try glazing my hair with yellow to see if I could like it.  I did and it has been on my head since, except for a moment at the start of 2008 when I revisited the vivid orange and realized the yellow better suited me.

How do you get your hair that color?

Sam Berkan of p!ay hair lounge is my hair genius. I am lucky I own a salon and can trade her hair services, otherwise I could never afford to have something this high maintenance. Every 4 weeks I have a retouch done to my base color to warm my natural up a bit and lighten it a shade. On top of that, pale highlights are added. After that a yellow semi-permanent is added to all of my hair.

How often do you have to color your hair yellow?

With the yellow being a semi-permanent, which means it does not thoroughly penetrate the hair shaft, some of it washes out with each shampoo. I reglaze all of my hair with the yellow every 1 1/2-2 weeks.

Any tips on maintaining bold hair color such as your own?

Yes! First, ask your stylist to lock in the color using a “sealer” when they finish. My favorite is Wella Magma Pure Shine Sealer. It is put over my hair after the yellow glaze, at the shampoo bowl and left on for five minutes. At home I shampoo my hair with cooler water. Warmer temperatures will slightly lift your hair’s top cuticle layer allowing the color to escape quicker. I use Bumble & bumble products. Nearly all of their shampoos & conditioners are color safe. My shower looks like Bumble buffet. Currently I am LOVING their new line- Wear and care. I use Mending Shampoo, Conditioner, Complex and Masque(once every 2 weeks). My hair is healthy and shiny.

Summer is coming. Do you go in the pool with your yellow hair?

First off, I can’t hit the pool if my hair hasn’t gone through a couple of shampoos, otherwise it looks like I…well, you know, peed in the pool. Not exactly a pretty situation. I do love to swim however and do not let my yellow hair stop me. I always wet my hair with tap water before immersing into the chlorinated pool water. This fills my hair and keeps the pool water from fully absorbing. As soon as I get out I shampoo my hair. Believe it! These simple steps will dramatically change the way your hair looks and feels by the end of the summer.

What do your parents think about your hair color?

My parents see ME. They are immune to my ever changing looks. I am fortunate to have parents that have always supported my creativity & allowed me to express myself without vocalizing their dislikes.

What do your clients think of your hair color?

My clients know to always expect the unexpected when it comes to my appearance, however they do appreciate that I do not give them yellow hair. Most people who do not know me well are surprised to learn that I have a large clientele of beautiful, professional strong REAL women who do not have unusually colored hair. I spend my days behind the chair developing each of their signature looks and often that consists of highlights, solid natural looking colors, gray coverage, long layered cuts, short modern bobs, and everything in between. I find that my clients appreciate my confidence, honesty and ability to have fun with my appearance. After all, I do own a salon named p!ay. After about 1 minute into a consultation with a new client, they don’t even see my yellow hair anymore. We are talking about them, their hair & their needs. I am still surprised to find out how much clients appreciate a thorough consultation where they can discuss their likes and dislikes with their hair to a listening stylist.

How did you find hair extensions to match your yellow hair?

I color my extensions to match.

I have seen your yellow hair look different at times.   Do you alter the formula?

In 2007 I did have the base color as a darker copper instead of the lighter shade I have now. This made it appear to have a warmer appearance. Most recently, the last year, I have not changed it. It depends after how many shampoos you are seeing it & if it is in a picture, lighting is a HUGE factor. I love it from the first day I do it until right before it is time to reglaze it. I enjoy the different variations throughout the 1-2 week period.

How do you feel about being compared to Lady Gaga & her yellow hair?

First of all,  it is fine with me. I think she is spreading a HUGE message of confidence and self expression to the world. We need more celebrities like her that aren’t afraid to be bold & often ugly at times.   Secondly, I am not the first person to have yellow hair. Cyndi Lauper, Rupaul, Vivienne Westwood, Betsey Johnson just to name a few have had it. I even think Perez Hilton is rocking it this week.

What hair color is on your mind next?

All of my clients hair colors. What colors I will create for all of those who choose to visit me at p!ay. I never waste time obsessing on what will be next for my own hair. I might change it tomorrow, or I may never. I haven’t really thought about it. I am enjoying the yellow.

I saved the most asked question for last..

What is your formula?

DISCLAIMER- **You must now, if you are going to run out and copy this formula, your existing color and natural color will change the end results. Always go to a professional, bring pictures and listen to their suggestions. If the stylist doesn’t have suggestions for you…RUN! Hair color formulas are not “paint by numbers”. If you wish to get my exact color, an expert eye and colorist will be necessary. Always ask how often your new color will need to be touched up and the cost of those future appointments so you ultimately end up with a look you can afford to maintain. Even though I think imitation can be a high form of flattery, find YOUR own personal color. Explore the possibilities!

My natural level- 7/8

Base formula- ISO i-color 8G + 20 volume/ 30 minutes

Highlights- Lightener with 20 volume

Yellow- Pravana Yellow

Sealed using Wella Magma Pure Shine Sealer

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