Bravo TV’s salon takeover queen  Tabatha Coffey saw right through my golden highlights.

“You need your roots done,” she told me when we met today at Mall of America before her book signing appearance. (More than 200 waited in line to meet her.)

“Really,” she added, as if I didn’t get the message.

But Tabatha, who vaulted to reality TV fame for being outspoken, only offered a review when I asked – repeatedly. At risk of ruining her rep, Tabatha couldn’t have been kinder. She walked out of the green room to meet me, shook hands and came across as genuine and gracious. She traveled sans entourage and even made light of the the below-zero Minnesota weather. “It’s not that cold today!” she insisted. The over-the-hand sleeves she loves even when not in the tundra were the day’s perfect accessory (she should check out Annie Fink designs).

Always in sky-high heels, Tabatha is thin and softer than she appears on TV. And she really does wear black every day…except, “in the bedroom.”

Reality TV couldn’t exist without stereotypes. Tabatha, the no-nonsense salon owner was made for Bravo. But her enduring  appeal is in owning her persona. When she’s tough, it’s with reason, not just for ratings (although she does admit to now and then surprising even herself with her bluntness). It’s all in her book, “It’s Not Really About the Hair: the Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty,” which hits shelves Tuesday, Jan. 25. And watch for my video interview with Tabatha this week at www.mspmag.com.