We’re looking forward to introducing you to Toni Albano. Check out our conversation below.
Toni, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Anything where I am creating makes me lose track of time. It might be playing with hair, making random crafts, reorganizing a space, cooking an amazing meal, or bringing a class to life. If I am creating something with my hands, from my head and my heart, and I can look at it afterward and feel proud, that’s when I feel most like myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Toni, a colorist who loves living in the space between soft, wearable blends and vibrant, creative color. My specialty is marrying natural tones with vivid pops… think seamless transitions, intentional placement, and color that feels elevated, expressive, but still very you. I also offer custom clip in extensions for those who can’t fully commit to those bold colors. Lately, I have been really into community and connection. My goal for 2026 is to host playshops where stylists can do just that while also playing with color.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
These aren’t early life influences but I have two really special coaches I’ve worked with on my self growth journey recently. One is a mindset and business coach @rebeccataylorhair and one is a somatic practice coach @raeokino. They have both given me a space to feel safe and feel seen. They have both guided me to having compassion for myself in a way I didn’t think was possible. I am forever grateful for them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. About two years ago, I almost gave up my career entirely. Hair is my art, and I had fallen into the habit of picking apart my work. Combined with the constant energy exchange throughout the day, I was exhausted. Out of desperation, I began an online google certification but it didn’t feel aligned. I wasn’t ready to quit, I just needed change. So instead, I leaned in. I invested in education, a business and mindset coach, gave myself permission to play, and opened up my own suite. Guess what? Im happier than ever.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Authenticity has been my jam lately. For a long time, I didn’t feel safe being the real me. I thought things had to look a certain way, even when it didn’t feel like me. Fear of judgement kept me small. Accepting all the parts of myself, the weirdo and flawed parts included, has made it so much easier to just show up as me in the world. It doesn’t even have to be self-love. Sometimes it’s just acceptance… and a solid case of the f*** its.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I truly strive to inspire. I want to do so much good, fun and exciting work in my life that it makes others feel like they can reach for the stars too. I want people to have so many big dreams and go for the wildest ones. If anything I do in my life inspires anyone to do things in life they maybe didn’t think they could, I would be radiating with joy from the grave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://playwithcolorstudio.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/toni_playswithcolor
