Phrases › At the Hairdresser › Vorrei colorare i capelli.

Vorrei colorare i capelli.

I'd like to colour my hair.

Pronunciation

Stress 'co-lo-RA-re'. 'Colorare' is the standard term; 'tingere' (to dye) is equally used.

When to use it

Use this when you want a full colour treatment. Follow it with your desired colour or ask for advice. Many Italian hairdressers will consult before proceeding.

What it means

'Colorare' and 'tingere' are both correct for dyeing hair. 'Tingere' is slightly more technical and favoured by professionals: 'Mi vuole tingere i capelli?' (Would you dye my hair for me?). 'Colorazione' is the noun for the colour treatment.

Variations

Vorrei tingere i capelli di castano.

I'd like to dye my hair chestnut brown.

Specifying the colour.

Voglio fare le schiariture.

I want to get highlights.

For highlights/lightening.

Vorrei coprire i capelli bianchi.

I'd like to cover the grey hair.

For grey coverage.

Mini Dialogue

— Vorrei colorare i capelli. Cosa mi consiglia? — Dipende dal colore che vuole ottenere. Ha pensato a qualcosa? — Qualcosa di più caldo, forse un ramato. — Le starebbe benissimo con il suo incarnato.

— I'd like to colour my hair. What do you recommend? — It depends on the colour you want to achieve. Have you thought of something? — Something warmer, maybe a copper shade. — That would suit you very well with your complexion.

Cultural Note

Italian women take great pride in their hair ('i capelli sono la cornice del viso' — hair is the frame of the face). Italians are particularly attentive to how hair colour complements skin tone ('incarnato'). Italian hair colouring products like Wella, L'Oréal Professionnel, and Schwarzkopf are popular, but many Italian salons have their own house brands.

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Vorrei tagliare i capelli.

Vorrei fissare un appuntamento.

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