Colorist David Stanko Tells Advicesisters.com…..
Believe it or not, I’m always doing hair color in my head. As a bi-costal colorist on pause in the West Coast, stepping away from a salon can be as excruciatingly dull as last winter’s faded balayage.
I want to walk down the street and imagine every woman in her ideal hair color! But after 6 six weeks, I’m terrified that blondes will become extinct soon if I don’t get back in the salon fast. I’m dye-ing to get back to work on real women.
Since I can’t, I’m discovering that I can practice my profession and recreate my craft at home. I bet you can, too. And if you love what you do, it will make you as happy as doing color and offering advice makes me.
Maybe, you need a little “stimulus” to get you going. For me, that’s where “Erika” comes in. Erika is my lockdown lady who makes me so happy, I’m in hair heaven. She’s the perfect partner, my merry muse…but a lousy tipper.
Although Erika is quite a chatterbox, she’s very one dimensional when it comes to her hair–no matter what I do, “it’s always too brassy!”
Last week, we had this convo:
Erika: Did you get the pic of my roots?
Me: Yes, it was in my DM, text and email. You also stuck it on the bathroom mirror.
Erika: The root spray, color shampoo and root powder are NOT working. I still see a grayish, brownish ugh-kinda-color that’s brassy!
Me: Ah, huh?
Erika: Well, what should I do?
Me: #waitforyourcolorist
Erika: David, I’m serious. I have to have a Zoom meeting with my boss tomorrow!
Me: Ok. Hop off your tripod and listen to me. You have two choices. Keep hiding in the bathroom, FaceTime me, grab that box color I know you bought, and I’ll talk you through coloring just your hairline and part area. Or, pull your hair back so they won’t see your roots and twist a pretty scarf around like a headband to hide your gray temples.
Erika: Hmm, maybe I’ll just take a break from coloring, focus on getting it in better shape with conditioning and wait until I can see you in the salon–instead of when we cross paths in the bathroom!
Me: Ok Alison–oops, I mean Erika. Text me.
About David Stanko:
Known as the Formula Boss™, David Stanko is one of the most accomplished haircolorists in America. Thanks to his love of Exploring the Or in Haircolor™, he has helped develop, test and launch both professional and consumer hair color brands; created formulation and technique guides; taught around the world and worked in top NYC salons. When he’s not doing haircolor or posting about it, he’s ISO the perfect hobby.
*Editor’s Note: I’ve been posting “Things To Be Happy About” on advicesisters.com because there has been so much “doom & gloom,” worry and anxiety. My thought was just to focus on the positive. However, I wanted to open up the “good vibrations” to other people whose opinions I respect. David is the first guest columnist. There will be more features in the future. I hope these posts make you feel better and I welcome your comments and suggestions
David Stanko is an incredibly talented hair colorist. I have been so lucky to have him as a friend and a colorist. Color like mine does not come in a box and he always makes me look great.
When the quarantine is finally over, contact David if you want really fabulous color and a chance to meet this master colorist.
David’s Instagram posts and stories are hilarious. They make me smile. Follow David Stanko on Instagram @thedavidstanko