Color Confidence Guide | Dellaria Salons
Free Expert Guide

The Color Confidence

7 Things Your Colorist Wishes You Knew

Walk into your next color appointment feeling informed, confident, and ready for your best hair yet. This free guide shares the insider knowledge our colorists have perfected over nearly six decades behind the chair.

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4.6 stars from 4,000+ Google Reviews across 21 locations

Free Expert Guide

Get Your Color Confidence Guide

Inside the Guide

7 Secrets From Behind the Chair

Our colorists think about these things every single appointment. Once you understand them too, the results are always better.

1

Bring References, Not Just Words

What you call "caramel" might be what your colorist calls "toffee." Learn how to show exactly what you want so there are zero surprises.

2

Warm vs. Cool Decoded

This one concept is the difference between loving your color and feeling like something is "off." Includes the quick vein test to find your undertone.

3

The Pinterest Problem

Ring lights, filters, and color correction make social media hair look different from reality. Here's how to set goals that actually translate.

4

Going Lighter Takes Time

That dark-to-platinum transformation took 3-4 appointments, not one. Learn realistic timelines so you can plan (and budget) accordingly.

5

Protect Your Investment

What you do in the first 48 hours determines how long your color lasts. Get the complete Color Care Checklist inside.

6

The Real Cost of Great Color (And Why It's Worth It)

You're not paying for "just a color." You're paying for education, consultation, premium products, and the expertise to handle anything.

7

What to expect from a Dellaria colorist.

Portfolio consistency, consultation quality, honest communication, and continuing education. The signs that you've found "the one."

Sneak Peek

A Taste of What's Inside

Most hair color disappointments aren’t about skill. They’re about communication. Here’s a real scenario from the guide:

“A client sits down and says, ‘I want a warm honey blonde.’ The colorist pictures one shade. The client pictures something completely different. An hour later, the client is disappointed, and the colorist is confused — because technically, they delivered exactly what was asked for.”

— From Chapter 1 of The Color Confidence Guide

Bonus Inside

The Color Care Checklist

Your color appointment is an investment. This printable checklist makes sure you protect it. From the first 48 hours to your next appointment, every step is covered.

✦ Your Color Care Checklist

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Dellaria Salons

Est. 1966 · Massachusetts' Premier Hair Color Salons

59

Years in Business

21

MA Locations

200+

Expert Stylists

4.6★

Google Rating

Founded by legendary stylist John Dellaria, every stylist is trained in our proprietary Pyrametrics® precision cutting system — a revolutionary approach that creates fuller, more manageable hair. From our flagship Newbury Street salon to convenient neighborhood locations across Massachusetts, we bring the same commitment to excellence to every guest.

 
Corrective color service at Dellaria Salons

CORRECTIVE COLOR

Corrective color refers to fixing hair color mistakes, correcting damaged hair, or addressing color issues built up over time.

Common reasons for needing corrective color include:

  • Over-coloring or over-processing hair
  • Mishaps with at-home color, such as using the wrong color or leaving the color on for too long
  • A new color is not turning out as expected
  • Uneven fading of a hair color
  • Damage from bleach or other harsh chemicals

The corrective color process often requires multiple steps and may take several visits to a professional stylist.

Service time: ** Requires a Consultation **

Great for: Restoring hair to a healthy, vibrant state.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Shine enhancement hair glossing at Dellaria Salons

SHINE ENHANCEMENT

Shine enhancement, also known as Hair Glossing, is a treatment that boosts the hair’s natural shine and vibrancy.

This is typically an add-on service that prolongs and enhances your hair color. Clear glosses boost shine and definition, while color glosses refresh color-treated hair and combat dullness or brassiness.

Shine enhancement treatments are suitable for all hair types, but they can be especially beneficial for color-treated hair or those looking to combat dullness or brassy tones.

Service time: Approx. 30 mins

Great for: Boosting the hair’s natural shine and vibrancy.

Vivid hair color at Dellaria Salons

Vivid Color

Vivid hair color refers to bold and unconventional shades that go beyond traditional hair colors like blonde, brunette, or red. These vivid colors are intended to make a statement and stand out from the crowd. Some examples of vivid hair colors include electric blue, neon pink, emerald green, and more.

Vivid hair color isn’t just about the vibrant shades themselves; it’s also about how they are applied. Creative techniques like color melting, balayage with vivid tones, or intricate patterns can create unique and eye-catching looks.

Service time: ** Requires a Consultation **

Great for: This is an excellent choice for those who want to break away from traditional hair colors and express their creativity and individuality.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Root retouch with pull through color at Dellaria Salons

ROOTS WITH PULL THROUGH

A root retouch with pull through color is a hair coloring technique that combines two processes: a root touch-up and pulling the color through the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. This technique is used to blend the new growth at the roots with the rest of the hair while also refreshing the overall hair color.

The process begins with a root touch-up, where hair dye is applied to the regrowth at the base of the hair shaft, also known as the “roots.”   After the root touch-up, the hair color is then “pulled through” the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. This step helps to refresh the hair color, add shine, and ensure an even distribution of color from root to tip.

Service time: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins

Great for: Beneficial for those who want to extend the time between full hair coloring appointments or for those who have hair highlights.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Foil highlights at Dellaria Salons

FOILS

Foils, also known as highlights, are a hair coloring technique that involves sectioning off strands of hair and applying color to those sections using small, rectangular pieces of foil to separate the colored sections from the rest of the hair. This technique adds dimension, depth, and texture to the hair by creating lightened strands that contrast with the base color.

Partial Foil:  Partial foil, also known as half-head foil or partial highlights, involve coloring from the crown of the head and framing the face.

Full Foil: Full foil, also known as full head foil or full highlights, involves highlighting and coloring evenly throughout from the top of the head to the nape of the neck.

Service time: : Approx. 1 hour (Partial)   2 hours (Full)

Great for: Partial Foils are best for those who want a more subtle, natural-looking effect or for those who want to add dimension and depth to their hair without committing to an all-over color change.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Face framing highlights at Dellaria Salons

FACE FRAMING

Face framing refers to strategically placing individual highlights around the face to create a flattering and illuminating effect. Face framing is also a foiling version with less commitment than a partial or complete foil.

For example, placing lighter shades of color around the face can brighten up the complexion and add dimension to the overall hair color. This technique is particularly effective for those with darker hair who want to add warmth and depth to their look.

Service time: 60 mins

Great for: Bringing attention to the features of the face and complementing the overall hair color.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Root retouch color service at Dellaria Salons

ROOT RETOUCH

A root retouch color, also known as a root touch-up, is a hair coloring technique that focuses on applying color to the new growth of hair at the roots. This process helps to blend the roots with the rest of the hair, ensuring a seamless transition between the natural hair color and the previously colored hair.

The main purpose of a root retouch color is to maintain a consistent, uniform color from root to tip, which makes it appear as if your hair has not grown out since the initial coloring.  A proper retouch routine can also help minimize damage caused by excessive coloring, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful hair color without compromising your hair’s health.

Service time: Approx. 1 hour

Great for: Great for: Maintaining a consistent, uniform color from root to tip, which makes it appear as if your hair has not grown out since the initial coloring.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.

Balayage hair color at Dellaria Salons

BALAYAGE

A root retouch color, also known as a root touch-up, is a hair coloring technique that focuses on applying color to the new growth of hair at the roots. This process helps to blend the roots with the rest of the hair, ensuring a seamless transition between the natural hair color and the previously colored hair.

The main purpose of a root retouch color is to maintain a consistent, uniform color from root to tip, which makes it appear as if your hair has not grown out since the initial coloring.  A proper retouch routine can also help minimize damage caused by excessive coloring, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful hair color without compromising your hair’s health.

Service time: Approx. 1 hour

Great for: Great for: Maintaining a consistent, uniform color from root to tip, which makes it appear as if your hair has not grown out since the initial coloring.

*Service time can vary depending on the length/density of hair and the stylist’s timing needs.