Sofía Vergara, the Colombian actress and producer known for her iconic role in Modern Family, recently revealed the surprising steps she took to break into Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with People, Vergara shared how changing her hair color from her natural blonde to dark brunette shaped her career trajectory and helped her navigate the stereotypes Latina women face in the entertainment industry.

From Barranquilla to Hollywood: Sofía Vergara’s Early Career Challenges

When Sofía Vergara moved from her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, to the United States in her early 30s, she encountered an unexpected hurdle in her journey to Hollywood. Despite her talent and charisma, her natural blonde hair became a sticking point for casting directors. According to People, Vergara recalled, “The way that I looked was not the way that Hollywood really saw Latina women. They were expecting a more dark-haired woman.”

For Vergara, the disconnect between her appearance and the industry’s narrow expectations of Latina identity created confusion. “This woman sounds like a Latin woman but she’s blonde,” she recounted. To address this, Vergara made a bold decision: she dyed her hair dark.

“It Was Hair, Not Fingers”: Why Sofía Vergara Embraced the Change

Changing her hair color wasn’t an easy decision, but Vergara knew it was necessary. She told People, “At the end of the day, it was hair. It was not like I was cutting my fingers off.” The transformation opened doors, leading to her breakout role as Gloria Pritchett on Modern Family. “It changed my life,” she said. “I got hired to do Modern Family, which I did for 11 years.”

Vergara’s pragmatic approach highlights her resilience and adaptability. “It was like, ‘I’m going to see if that works. I’m here, why not?’” she added. The risk paid off.

Returning to Her Roots—One Shade at a Time

As Modern Family gained traction, Vergara felt more freedom to experiment with her hair. “After the third season, I thought, ‘Maybe now that everybody knows Gloria is Latin and they know me, I could go back to my more natural hair color.’ So I did little by little, and it was fine,” she explained to People.

Her evolving hair color became a symbol of her growing confidence and established identity within the industry.

The Toll of Hollywood Glamour on Sofía Vergara’s Hair

While Vergara’s hair is a defining feature of her public persona, she’s quick to acknowledge the challenges that come with maintaining it. Years of color treatments, constant styling, and demanding schedules have taken a toll. “My hair’s been through a lot,” Vergara admitted. “I have very straight hair. I always have wanted it with more volume and shape and weight.”

Vergara emphasizes that taking care of her hair is essential, both personally and professionally. “I say that it’s just hair, but in my situation, it’s part of my job. I cannot just dry it or put a cap on and go to work, unfortunately,” she said. This is why she prioritizes high-quality products and gentle formulas, especially given her daily washing routine. “It’s essential for me to feel awake,” she shared.

A Lifetime of Haircare Wisdom

Vergara’s haircare routine reflects her heritage and personal experience. Coconut oil has been a go-to product for years. “I’ve been using it since I was a young girl. Every once in a while [I apply it] on dry hair. It helps a lot,” she revealed.

Now, as a global brand ambassador for Schwarzkopf, Vergara is using her platform to inspire others to embrace their beauty stories. The brand’s new campaign, “What Story Will You Tell?” resonates deeply with the actress. “For me, becoming Schwarzkopf’s global brand ambassador is not just about endorsing hair products. It’s about collaborating with a brand that shares my vision of embracing and celebrating the power of self-expression and confidence,” she said in a statement.