Emma's Hair Picks with Blonde Salon

I needed a change. I, like many young women, had an idea of what I wanted my hair to look like but every time I went to a salon I got the hairstylists version of what they wanted to do and I was left frustrated and with a hair cut that was less than stellar.

Chelsea felt that she had a solution. Through Instagram Chelsea found @MakeMeBlonde, the account for Blonde Salon, and had a dream experience when they put in her crisace extensions. She described the salon as the perfect balance of professionalism and fun. She felt that they could give me the hair I wanted and if they couldn't they would be honest and tell me up front.

When it came time to book my appointment I was happy to find out that I qualified for one of the many offers the salon had. I got the "Blonde Fresh Start Promo," even the name said exactly what I needed, the promo was amazing as it includes: Olaplex Color Upgrade ($30), Kerastase Fusio Dose Treatment ($26), a Blonde Welcome package ($75) and a one time only offer for 20% OFF any retail recommendations, with my first colour service (quoted at $100+) and this promo introduced me to Sam.

I knew that to fix my hair conundrum with cut and colour I was going to be there a while (it ended up being 4 hours) and I think we have all had one of those awkward hair appointment when you and the hairstylist are complete opposites, looking for anything to talk about or just plead for silence, I lucked out and Sam and I felt like a team from the get go. One of the great things about Blonde is that the staff seems genuinely interested in YOU. Not just your hair, but you. Before Sam even started talking to me about my hair I had a cup of mint tea in hand and we just started chatting about who I was, my routine and what I was hoping to walk out of there with. As a student I don't have huge amounts of disposable income to get my hair coloured every 8 weeks and Sam understood this and explained to me how we could do a balayage colour that would be able to grow out until my next visit, which will, unfortunately, be sometime in December. I already felt at ease, not only was Sam understanding of my needs but was more than happy to set me up for some longterm haircare.

While I was starting my hair transformation my sister Chelsea was getting her hair cut and finished up while my colour was still setting. She came down and sat with me and we laughed and enjoyed some sister time all while enjoying our time at Blonde- hot tea and seemingly unlimited amounts candy are all part of the experience!

Blonde is so much more than a salon. The team headed by owner Stacey all seem to be there for the best reasons. Unlike some other salons where you can feel the tension of hierarchy between junior and senior stylists but at Blonde they all seem to be a tight knit group of supportive friends. Helping each other, making jokes and coming over talking to each other's clients and getting to know them. I went from feeling at ease to having fun.

When Sam washed my hair he went through all of the products he was using and the benefits of the Olaplex colour he used as well as the Kerastase Fusio Dose Treatment. Now if Olaplex sounds familiar to you, it's the treatment that Kim Kardashian West swears by and allows her to go from icy platinum blonde back to her Armenian black in days, it's a chemistry based product that links broken bonds in the hair during and after chemical services making them stronger than they were before. The Kerastase Fusio Dose Treatment is the 1st entirely customized ritual capable of resolving all your hair concerns. Your hair is fundamentally treated and instantly transformed. I felt reassured that not only was my hair going to look good but be healthier through the treatments I was receiving at Blonde.

My hair was looking pretty amazing when Sam took the towel off and began to cut. I was smiling and may have let out a little squeal when I looked in the mirror and saw the hair colour I had always wanted but no other hairstylist had ever been able to deliver. As Sam cut away we talked about Wayhome and and fangirled over artists like Sam Smith and Vance Joy all while he also showcased some of the products he suggested for my hair to ensure that my colour lasted longer while I was away at school. Unlike other salons where you feel that the hairstylists just want you to buy anything, Blonde caters their recommendations to you across the wide variety of brands they offer, all for the best fit for you.

I left Blonde with the hair I always wanted, a smile on my face and walking that much taller. Beleive it or not, good hair makes for a good day!. Once you feel good about it, you know and feel the difference. I have very curly, medium, coarse hair that is always in desperate need of moisture. I love to play with styles, tying it up, braiding it and using a flat iron when I don't want my luscious curls. Sam took all of this into consideration when suggesting products for me as well as showing me how at home Olaplex would extend the life of my balayage until my next visit. I would recommend Blonde to anyone- especially those who have lost some faith in hair salons as it quickly restored mine. Also I recommend you take advantage of the Blonde Fresh Start Promo, on until September 21st, it's the perfect start to the hair you actually want.

Emma's Picks

R+Co ONE Prep Spray

This spray is a perfect all in one. It works as a detangler, light conditioner and perfect base primer before you start doing anything to your hair. R+Co will definitely be taking the hair world by storm as the Miami based company creates high quality products with a fun, even cheeky twist.

Oribe Bright Blonde Conditioner for Beautiful Colour

Anyone who has ever coloured their hair blonde knows that you are constantly fighting the battle against brassy blonde, usually with a purple shampoo. However too much purple shampoo and you get unintentional grey. This luxurious conditioner from Oribe has the purple tone I need and infuses my blonde locks with moisture. Since I only have balayage I only need this once, maybe twice a week, making this product go that much further.

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3

This take home product preps and strengthens your hair between chemical treatments. Like it's salon counterpart this multiplies, rebuilds and bonds to eliminate breakage. I only need to use it once a week and will ensure that when I return to Blonde my hair will be in optimal condition for Sam, all while looking awesome in between.

Kerastase Fluide Oleo-Relax

Having curly hair means that humidity causes frizz, rain causes frizz, heat causes frizz...there's just a whole lot of frizz. I have had a hard time finding products that combat the frizz without weighing my locks down or leaving them feeling greasey. This dry oil from Kerastase is a beautiful finishing oil or perfect to throw in my hair and let it air dry. Kerastase uses high quality ingredients meaning that less is more and this oil really packs a punch. Another product that allows me to have effortless hair days is fine by me.