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| - Having recently moved to Charlotte from Orange County, CA, I was very apprehensive about finding a good hair stylist to cut and color my hair. I'm extremely picky about my hair and have had my hair butchered by even a stylist at Tony and Guy. However, my fears have completely dissipated after having my hair initially cut by Michelle. After I realized that Michelle is talented, I entrusted her to color my virgin hair.
Good listener. Before she did anything, Michelle asked me very pointed questions about what I wanted and even asked to see pictures of my vision. Not only did she listen well but she was an active listener by asking follow-up questions to seek clarification and ensure that we were in sync.
Very knowledgeable. Once Michelle was able to ascertain my vision, she explained to me how she would execute it along with the limitations. For example, I brought pictures of very dimensional balayage hair and she explained that the depth was a result of multiple visits; that on my first visit, my hair could only be lightened so much without damaging it drastically. Before she did anything, she explained in great detail how she would do it and why in order to gauge my expectations.
Talent. The balayage technique is a freestyle painting of sorts followed up with finding a color tone that enhances my natural hair color, skin color and cut. Not only was the cut and style exactly what I wanted, but the balayage turned out beautifully and very dimensional.
Great eye. If you are looking for a stylist who will work with you to develop your vision, who will tailor your cut and color to you, who has the artistry and creativity to deliver a high quality service, Michelle is your go-to stylist. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a posh stylist.
Balayage. For those of you who are curious about balayage, here's some basic information. There's less damage because no foil is used to heat up the bleach. It incorporates your natural hair color at the roots so you don't have to go back as often for touch-ups. Your hair looks sun-kissed. After one visit, my hair is still shiny and soft; it doesn't feel brittle or dry. I'll update this review in a few weeks after I go back for my second visit, where I'll get it lightened a bit more.
9.4.2016 Update.
Condition of hair and maintenance. My hair is still soft and shiny; however, I do spend a lot of money on premium sulfate-free hair products (including shampoo and conditioner). My daily routine entails using a leave-in thermal protectant conditioner, on top of that, I use two other thermal protectants: one is a cream; the other is designed to make my hair shiny, finally, I deep condition my hair weekly.
Second Balayage treatment. Michelle recommended that I get my hair toned after 3-4 weeks and wait 6-8 weeks for my second Balayage treatment. However, my hair felt strong and soft so I expedited the second treatment by 4 weeks. After the second treatment, my hair is about 1-2 shades lighter and has much more dimension.
Price and upkeep. Although Balayage is intended to be less abrasive than traditional, monochromatic foiling and because your natural roots are incorporated, the maintenance is less intensive. Because I didn't want to wait 8 weeks, in about 5 weeks, I paid $355 before 20% tip:
Hair cut: $55
Balayage: (I did 2 treatments so x 2)
Base treatment: $100
Toner: $30
Extra cups of treatment: $10 (I needed 2)
It's expensive but considering you can wait up to 8 weeks between treatments and the toner is only $30 every 4 weeks, it's a good investment. As a heed of warning, my friend liked my hair so much, she tried to have to it duplicated at a different salon but didn't want to pay the hefty price tag. The result was skunky highlights that made her hair look like a My Little Pony (see pic) rather than subtle color gradient that makes you look sun-kissed. You really can't achieve the Balayage look without paying for the actual technique so I recommend that if it's the look you're trying to achieve, pay a skilled professional like Michelle to do it well; otherwise, consider yourself warned (and prepare yourself for some tears).
9.27.2016 Update.
I finally achieved the multidimensional balayage look I was seeking - a combination of balayage highlights and low-lights so that I always look like the sun is perpetually radiating my hair, even when it's not. I've been back a 3rd time for just low-lights and a 4th for balayage highlights and more low-lights. My hair is still as soft and silky as ever and I absolutely love it.
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