Politics Can Be Nice n’ Easy

There are no term limits when serving as the White House colorist, and no one knows that better than Michael Canale. The sought-after Beverly Hills and Washington, D.C., stylist, who has nurtured political players of both parties since the Reagan administration, will again be called upon when the Democratic National Convention hits town this August. But don’t look for clients, who include Sharon Davis (wife of Gov. Gray Davis) and “the upper echelon of the White House,” to be sporting hair-sprayed helmet heads.

“Political hair is not like that,” Canale insists. “It has changed to a natural look that allows more movement.”

Natural movement, yes. Natural color, no. The self-described “conservative colorist” says that a little shading “adds a theatrical punch, with a vibrancy that works both in natural and camera lighting. That’s very important in the world of politics.”

Could a few “theatrical” streaks brighten up Al Gore’s much-criticized dull appearance?

“I think his hair is fine,” responds Canale, who won’t say whether the vice president is a client. However, he admits: “If nothing else is working for you, you should always fix the hair.”