Hi Friends! Happy Friday! Thank you to everyone who read my last post and left a comment on Instagram! I really do appreciate it!
To those of you who’ve been reading for a while, you might have noticed that I changed up my hair a few months ago. Until recently, I’ve only ever had black hair, my natural color. Well actually, supposedly my hair was lighter when I was a newborn…so my parents shaved my head. So that it would “grow back better.” I don’t think it actually works that way, haha, but I do look like a little boy in all my baby photos.
Anyways, I had NEVER colored my hair. Around 8-10 years ago, I bought a clear hair gloss from the drugstore that was supposed to make it shinier…but it didn’t really do anything. That was it. For haircuts, I’d usually go to a salon in my work building, the local Ulta, or a place I find on Groupon. I’d go 1-2 times a year, and ask them to chop off 6 or so inches. Done.
Over a year ago, I went to an event at Cycle Bar in Fulton Market, and was introduced to Amy Geister, manager at Salon DJ in the West Loop, by another Chicago blogger, Lizzy Fay. I got Amy’s card, but misplaced it (as I do a lot of my things – I’m not the most organized person ever).
Earlier this spring, I was cleaning, and I found it! I had been mulling over the idea of finally doing something different with my hair, but was afraid it wouldn’t go well. A few years ago, I got a hair cut + keratin treatment at a salon that had a deal on Groupon. The stylist was an older guy who pulled my hair SO hard while he applied the treatment. It really hurt! And he kept talking about his adult children, and referring to them as “rearing his seed.” It was weird.
Knowing that I wanted to do something a little different, I didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. I wanted to go with someone who was definitely talented and also nice! (And also wouldn’t talk about “seed.” Shudders.) Hair is so…personal. A fashion statement. Often how we define beauty and femininity. And it’s not like a makeup application where you can just go home and wash it off, or a mani, where you can remove it. Do you feel like you have a spring in your step if you’re having good hair day vs. a bad hair day? A bad haircut/color, and you have to live with it for MONTHS. Maybe longer. Yikes. I decided to reach out to Amy and make an appointment with her at Salon DJ.
Salon DJ is an all-inclusive beauty destination, offering full-service hair, makeup, and photography, hence their concept of “Hairtography.” It’s really pretty genius. If you have an event to attend, bouncing from one place to another to get your hair and makeup done is not efficient. Not to mention with Chicago’s weather, your hair might get messed up on your way to get your eyebrows done, or your foundation might be streaky by the time you show up for your blow out. It’s stressful too! Especially if you’re doing all these services to get ready for a photoshoot (whether you’re an actor, a model, a blogger, or just need professional headshots!) Who wants to show up at their shoot all cranky from commuting all across town from one appointment to the next?
I felt really relaxed the entire time I was at their beautiful West Loop space. It had a grand, loft-y feel, and was so roomy. I sipped sparkling water and chatted with Amy, and she made me feel so comfortable.
What is Balayage?
Amy explained to me more about balayage (read more about it here), where highlights are hand-painted into your hair, for a more natural blended look that grows out way better than traditional highlights. She really did free-hand paint my hair with a brush! She also explained the importance of maintaining hair health, and being careful to not lift too much color at once. We discussed that I definitely wanted to go lighter, without going too orange-y.
Amy did the balayage using Wella color, Olapex (reparative treatment), gloss to finish, and a Kevin Murphy Treat.Me (deep conditioning). She also cut off around 5-6 inches, and style my hair using a curling iron and Oribe products.
Can you believe the difference?
If you’re looking for a salon recommendation, I’d definitely recommend Amy and her team at Salon DJ!
Do you color your hair? How often do you get your hair cut?
Have a great weekend!
In full disclosure, I received a 30% off discount off my services.
