Meet Sharon Dorram. Her client roster reads like an inventory of the boldest-faced names in Hollywood. From blockbuster actresses such as Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep and Barbra Streisand to their box office counterparts Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kevin Kline, the list goes on. Now, the Greenwich resident—who co-founded Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger on Manhattan’s Upper East Side—is holding court one Monday a month at our very own Warren Tricomi Salon. Not only that, but she also plans to grow her business here. So, if you’re looking for a taste of Madison Avenue hair color in the burbs, take a seat in Sharon’s chair.
When did you move to Greenwich? Are you married? Kids?
My family moved here from Tribeca five years ago, and we’re really happy. My husband, Damian Krause, who’s German, is a business entrepreneur. My daughter, Sofia Krause, is 14 ½, and my son, Nikolai Krause, is 12.
You’ve been a top colorist to some of the biggest celebrities in the world. What’s your philosophy/secret?
I absolutely love what I do! I always say work is not a four-letter word, and if it is, then I call it “play.” I adore my loyal clients, some of whom I’ve known for decades. It’s so rewarding to help people look their best and to feel good about themselves. My philosophy is that beautiful hair color gives people a literal “lift” in their lives and is also the least invasive, least costly and most immediate way to appear younger without needles, surgery or scarring. I’ve never understood how women who have it all—great style, great jewelry, great clothes and great accessories—have bad hair color. It’s the missing finish to a perfect painting!
Two of the biggest trends for fall 2019 are the blunt bob and lots of barrettes. Thoughts?
The bob has been a trend for a while, but the blunt bob is the fresh, edgier take on a classic. It’s sleek and shiny with razor-sharp ends that make it very chic. As for hair accessories, they’re the new girl's best friend. Barrettes, bedazzled Bobby pins and snap clips with cool words like the ones from Kitch by Justin Marjan dress up any hairstyle.
What are some more fall trends you love?
Super shiny hair with a glasslike finish is having its moment. So is poker-straight hair. Waves are out—finally! Lilac hair is this season’s trendy color and embracing your natural gray. Big, voluminous hair is also making its way back to the runway (Guido for Versace). But, overall, healthy hair is center stage and what’s most important.
Do you adjust your clients’ hair color by season? If so, how do you switch things up once the summer is over?
Yes, we’re constantly reevaluating hair color; nothing is ever rote. There’s always a richening and refreshing of color once the summer is over. Blondes, brunettes and redheads fade out quickly from exposure to the elements: sun, ocean, chlorine and wind. I use lowlights in all my highlights; I believe they’re equally important and that they richen and give definition, depth and contrast to the overall hair color. Single-process colors get deepened by glazes and glosses.
What are your three best tips for keeping color vibrant and hair healthy?
First tip: If you over-shampoo your hair, the color will fade faster. Make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your color.
Second tip: Use a good clarifying shampoo once a week to remove sediment from products and minerals from the water, which build up and dull hair color. I like Virtue’s Purifying Shampoo or Philip B. They keep highlights fresh and bright and actually extend the life of your hair color.
Third tip: Be careful using styling products laden with alcohol, which will quickly strip and dull hair color—culprits like mousse and harsh hair sprays. Also, stay out of the sun. A little sun is a good thing to brighten blondes, but too much sun will turn a blonde ashy and dull and a brunette very brassy.
