Hair Stylist: Alise Buckner Makeup Artistry: Mariah Hennet Florals: Pretty Petals Charleston Hair pieces: Treats for Tresses
Of Love and Shadows
I love styled shoots! They always provide me a creative outlet and I always come away from the experience renewed and inspired. Check out the wonderful imagery created by Justina Bilodeau Photography below!
Cottage Hill Magazine Homecoming Issue
I was fortunate enough to be asked to work on this lovely editorial for Cottage Hill Magazine. Cottage Hill celebrates lives worthy of an elegant and meaningful legacy. It’s about more than weddings and lifestyle, it’s about community. It’s a magazine and online blog where marriage is more important than color palettes, authentic work and influence is more important than popularity and living a rich life serving others is the most elegant lifestyle of all.
Check out some of the awesome images from this shoot. Makeup artistry by Dannon Collard, photography by Buffy Dekmar. Venue Riveroaks Charleston.
Check out some of the awesome images from this shoot. Makeup artistry by Dannon Collard, photography by Buffy Dekmar. Venue Riveroaks Charleston.
What is Balayage?
The go-to for modern, chic hair, balayage creates depth and dimension, and leaves you with a sun-kissed finish.
What is balayage?
Balayage is a French colouring technique that was developed in the 1970s. It’s a freehand technique where the colour is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Balayage can be used in even the shortest pixie crop however the best results is in hair below the shoulders.
Balayage is a French colouring technique that was developed in the 1970s. It’s a freehand technique where the colour is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Balayage can be used in even the shortest pixie crop however the best results is in hair below the shoulders.
The appeal
You can achieve so many different effects from soft, natural highlights to something strong and punky. The fact it’s so low maintenance is such a drawcard for women too. People want to look fashionable and feel good about their appearance but in this day and age we don't all have the time to be in the salon every few weeks for a touch up.
You can achieve so many different effects from soft, natural highlights to something strong and punky. The fact it’s so low maintenance is such a drawcard for women too. People want to look fashionable and feel good about their appearance but in this day and age we don't all have the time to be in the salon every few weeks for a touch up.
It’s also a very economical way to color your hair as you never have a solid demarcation line or regrowth, so if you can’t afford to get it done for another month it won't look atrocious. However, if your balayage isn't done correctly you can end up with excessive overlapping that can cause damage.
How it’s done
The process varies depending on the length of the hair and the desired result. You can expect to have individual strands coloured with a brush and a backing board. Some colourists like to separate their sections with cotton wool or foil, others tease the hair in sections first then freehand color the ends.
The process varies depending on the length of the hair and the desired result. You can expect to have individual strands coloured with a brush and a backing board. Some colourists like to separate their sections with cotton wool or foil, others tease the hair in sections first then freehand color the ends.
I find that all my balayage clients are going for different looks and need to maintain it at different rates. You will need to have a minimum of three appointments to really build up the colour initially. These appointments are spaced six weeks apart. From there you could go up to four months without having more balayage. You would just need to come in for a glaze and a treatment to freshen up the color in between appointments.
Is it for me?
Balayage is best done on natural hair, but never fear, most of the work I do to create a balayage look is initially done with foils until the hair is ready to have only balayage. There are many different techniques that people use to create this look. If you’re seeing a color specialist they should always be able to come up with a technique to achieve the look you desire that best suits your hair type and colour history.
Balayage is best done on natural hair, but never fear, most of the work I do to create a balayage look is initially done with foils until the hair is ready to have only balayage. There are many different techniques that people use to create this look. If you’re seeing a color specialist they should always be able to come up with a technique to achieve the look you desire that best suits your hair type and colour history.
The best hairstyles for balayage
I always love to see balayage finished with loose curls or a beachy, tousled look where you can see the colour variations ribbon through the hair. Sharp, strong haircuts like a bob require a stronger color or a block color to show off the cut. Balayage is best left to more flowing hairstyles.
I always love to see balayage finished with loose curls or a beachy, tousled look where you can see the colour variations ribbon through the hair. Sharp, strong haircuts like a bob require a stronger color or a block color to show off the cut. Balayage is best left to more flowing hairstyles.
Top maintenance tips
Balayage will dry your hair out no more than classic foiling as long as you have a trained professional applying your color. As with foils you should always use salon professional shampoos and conditioners as well as have regular treatments. No matter what the technique, your colour will always look its best if your hair is in good condition.
Balayage will dry your hair out no more than classic foiling as long as you have a trained professional applying your color. As with foils you should always use salon professional shampoos and conditioners as well as have regular treatments. No matter what the technique, your colour will always look its best if your hair is in good condition.
Does balayage have an expiry date?
The technique has been around for so long and will remain an integral part of the way we color in the salon for as long as I can foresee. However, the trend at the moment with the heavy graduation from dark to light is constantly changing. It started out about five years ago being very subtle with people like Gisele Bundchen being a favourite. A more natural, sun-kissed effect was desired then. In the last few years we have seen much stronger effects being worn. This winter we have seen the same techniques used but with a warmer, deeper feel. Lots of celebrities have their balayage finished with copper or red glosses and this is now being called the new ombre look.
The technique has been around for so long and will remain an integral part of the way we color in the salon for as long as I can foresee. However, the trend at the moment with the heavy graduation from dark to light is constantly changing. It started out about five years ago being very subtle with people like Gisele Bundchen being a favourite. A more natural, sun-kissed effect was desired then. In the last few years we have seen much stronger effects being worn. This winter we have seen the same techniques used but with a warmer, deeper feel. Lots of celebrities have their balayage finished with copper or red glosses and this is now being called the new ombre look.
Alternatives to balayage
At Elysium Salon, I love to use different foiling techniques to create a more structured, gradual fade out effect. I put more ribbon-sized weaves with a lighter colour through the interior of the hair then I work up to deeper colours and softer weaves as I work up to the hairline and partline. It’s a truly beautiful way to create variation in the colour while maintaining a more structured technique that can be worn in many different styles.
At Elysium Salon, I love to use different foiling techniques to create a more structured, gradual fade out effect. I put more ribbon-sized weaves with a lighter colour through the interior of the hair then I work up to deeper colours and softer weaves as I work up to the hairline and partline. It’s a truly beautiful way to create variation in the colour while maintaining a more structured technique that can be worn in many different styles.
I do. We did.
Hello! So, we surprised most of the world by deciding to elope on November 5th, 2014! It was a perfect day. Adam and I met back in May from this little weird dating app called Tinder. I had downloaded the app several months back out of sheer curiosity, the whole world was talking about it! I did end up meeting about 8 or so guys from the app, all nice dudes but not enough spark, you know? All of that changed when I met Adam. I never believed in all of that "soul mate" and "when you know, you know" hoopla. Always assuming I was the best version of myself when I was completely alone, I had never contemplated marriage. I didn't consider my lifestyle condusive to the institution of it all.
I was wrong. The more Adam and I talked about the M word, the faster I realized I wasn't against the institution of it, but only the opening act. The W word. The wedding! Don't get me wrong, I love weddings! I love my career as a bridal stylist! However, after seeing the behind the scenes action of 300+ brides, the wedding aspect of marriage has lost its luster to me. While its the right choice for so many people, it just wasn't the right choice for us.
Adam proposed in late August. I expected myself to be more hesitant and trepidatious. But yes was the only answer I could provide, I love this guy so dang much. What does a girl do when she gets a ring.. we look at Pinterest! After ruling out the option of a big wedding and months of planning: elopement was the idea. We had already planned a trip to San Francisco for sightseeing and a concert. Pinterest led us to the idea of eloping in San Francisco, CA! The more research we did, it was clear that this was the place and plan for us. It was far enough away from home that it would truly feel like "our moment" and people wouldn't be upset they weren't invited. Plus, SF City Hall is beautiful! We also decided it would be way more interesting if we didn't tell our friends! Yes, both of our immediate families were in on it but how often do people get to truly surprise one another? It was so difficult not to share the news with my awesome friends. Especially after they noted the changes I was making in my personal life.
Our wedding day came on Wednesday, Nov, 5th. After getting ready together, we walked hand in hand down to City Hall. My parents joined us for the intimate ceremony at the top of the grand staircase. Afterwards, we all celebrated with champagne and delicious french food at Absinthe Brasserie. That evening, we strolled along the bay and wharf, enjoying our first sunset as a married couple. Our "reception" was going to a rock concert! While eloping is not for everyone, it was the right choice for us. I applaud every bride for following her heart and making her wedding the way she wants. I love watching my clients as they get ready for the wedding of their dreams- knowing I was able to have mine.
Even though we decided on small scale wedded bliss, we wanted to properly document the day. Many heartfelt thanks are in order for Emily Gutman. She is a fantastic photographer who specializes in City Hall weddings. Please visit her website if you are ever in need of a San Francisco photographer.
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Makeup by Amanda Rose
Florals by Farm Girl Flowers
I was wrong. The more Adam and I talked about the M word, the faster I realized I wasn't against the institution of it, but only the opening act. The W word. The wedding! Don't get me wrong, I love weddings! I love my career as a bridal stylist! However, after seeing the behind the scenes action of 300+ brides, the wedding aspect of marriage has lost its luster to me. While its the right choice for so many people, it just wasn't the right choice for us.
Adam proposed in late August. I expected myself to be more hesitant and trepidatious. But yes was the only answer I could provide, I love this guy so dang much. What does a girl do when she gets a ring.. we look at Pinterest! After ruling out the option of a big wedding and months of planning: elopement was the idea. We had already planned a trip to San Francisco for sightseeing and a concert. Pinterest led us to the idea of eloping in San Francisco, CA! The more research we did, it was clear that this was the place and plan for us. It was far enough away from home that it would truly feel like "our moment" and people wouldn't be upset they weren't invited. Plus, SF City Hall is beautiful! We also decided it would be way more interesting if we didn't tell our friends! Yes, both of our immediate families were in on it but how often do people get to truly surprise one another? It was so difficult not to share the news with my awesome friends. Especially after they noted the changes I was making in my personal life.
Our wedding day came on Wednesday, Nov, 5th. After getting ready together, we walked hand in hand down to City Hall. My parents joined us for the intimate ceremony at the top of the grand staircase. Afterwards, we all celebrated with champagne and delicious french food at Absinthe Brasserie. That evening, we strolled along the bay and wharf, enjoying our first sunset as a married couple. Our "reception" was going to a rock concert! While eloping is not for everyone, it was the right choice for us. I applaud every bride for following her heart and making her wedding the way she wants. I love watching my clients as they get ready for the wedding of their dreams- knowing I was able to have mine.
Even though we decided on small scale wedded bliss, we wanted to properly document the day. Many heartfelt thanks are in order for Emily Gutman. She is a fantastic photographer who specializes in City Hall weddings. Please visit her website if you are ever in need of a San Francisco photographer.
Makeup by Amanda Rose
Florals by Farm Girl Flowers
Onwards and Upwards
Hello! I've been a little slack on blogging lately. One of my goals is to fix that in 2015! I am thrilled to announce I have joined Elysium Salon. Elysium is located in the heart of downtown Charleston at 175 Market Street. Elysium Salon is regarded as one of, if not the best salon and styling team in Charleston! Joining this team has been a dream of mine for over 4 years now, and I am humbled to be included in this company. If you would like more information on the salon, please visit their website or facebook page. Literally every single stylist I'll be working with is at the top of their game. As excited as I am, I'd be admit if I didn't admit I am a twinge nervous. Am I even cool enough to work here?!
I will still be renting a chair, so you will still contact me directly for appointments, questions, and everything else! My prices have shifted slightly, but only $10 on color, and $5 on haircuts. It was a change that I had to make in the new year anyway, as my prices have remained the same since 2012!
As always, you can check out my website for more service and pricing information. My phone number is also still the same, you can make appointments by calling (404) 247-0473. I am really excited to be taking the next step in my career..
I've also joined on with the Elysium Agency. The Elysium Agency is the premiere agency in Charleston, South Carolina that represents artists from the beauty & fashion industry including hair, makeup, styling and photography. The agency is comprised of professional, reliable and highly creative artists & stylists who are personally selected by the agency’s owner, Charlotte Belk, for their experience, reputation and strong work ethic.
As a stylist, I will benefit from contacts with high fashion & celebrity clientele and work on fashion, editorial, commercial, runway, television & movies projects, as well as, special & red carpet events. We work with some of the most highly recognized clients and brands. The Agency's recent clients include:
I will still be renting a chair, so you will still contact me directly for appointments, questions, and everything else! My prices have shifted slightly, but only $10 on color, and $5 on haircuts. It was a change that I had to make in the new year anyway, as my prices have remained the same since 2012!
As always, you can check out my website for more service and pricing information. My phone number is also still the same, you can make appointments by calling (404) 247-0473. I am really excited to be taking the next step in my career..
I've also joined on with the Elysium Agency. The Elysium Agency is the premiere agency in Charleston, South Carolina that represents artists from the beauty & fashion industry including hair, makeup, styling and photography. The agency is comprised of professional, reliable and highly creative artists & stylists who are personally selected by the agency’s owner, Charlotte Belk, for their experience, reputation and strong work ethic.
As a stylist, I will benefit from contacts with high fashion & celebrity clientele and work on fashion, editorial, commercial, runway, television & movies projects, as well as, special & red carpet events. We work with some of the most highly recognized clients and brands. The Agency's recent clients include:
- American Express
- AOL
- Art Mag
- Babiekins Magazine
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Charleston Style & Design Mag
- Coplon’s
- Craft
- Finicky Filly
- Ford Agency NYC
- FOX News
- Function Magazine
- Garden & Gun
- HBO
- House of Sage
- Kiplinger’s
- Lacoste
- LulaKate
- Marie Claire
- Monkees
- Oblique Magazine
- OK! Magazine
- QC Exclusives
- Ralph Lauren
- Red Rose Vintage
- Smitten Magazine
- Vogue Italia
- Southern Weddings Magazine
sheri + jeff
This bride, Sheri, was one of the easiest clients I have ever had the pleasure of working with. From the moment I walked into the room on her wedding day, the vibe of the room was pure love and excitement. You could just tell everyone wanted to be there and was happy for the moment! It was awesome! Plus, I love that she rocked Toms on her wedding day.. too cool. Their Daniel Island Club setting was the perfect backdrop for the special day. Many thanks to Britt Croft Photography for sharing these photos. Wishing Sheri and Jeff a long life of happiness!
30 Days of Thanks
Last year, I did 30 days of thanks in one posting- to avoid cluttering everyone's facebook news feed on a daily basis. People from all over the world rejoiced so I figured I'd do it again this year.
1- I'm thankful for the new $100 bills. They make me feel like the real world is a game of monopoly.
2- Thanks goes to facebook, for alerting me that when its a friends birthday, all they really want is a starbucks giftcard.
3- Appreciation is given to google calendar for helping me keep my life right.
4- Thanks to my friends who I have leaned on during these past few months while I have gone through so many personal changes.
5- Thanks Apple, for making all of the accessories for my generation 4S phone obsolete.
6- I'm thankful for the new efficienty lightbulbs, for lasting forever and not changing lightbulbs in 2 years.
7- Total wine, you make me complete.
8- Thanks to my summer full of dating misadventures. It taught me a lot, and helped me keep my sense of humor alive and well.
9- I'm still thankful for my Athena, being the best dog and companion a lonely hairstylist could hope for.
10- I'm thankful for purple hair dye, it keeps my exterior as vibrant as my interior.
11- Dear Kim Kardashian, thanks for disappearing from the limelight. Please stay that way. And take Miley with you.
12- Thank you for youtube, I finally know what the fox says.
13- I appreciate the subtle nuances you can craft with emoti-cons.
14- Thank you Vine, for creating an even shorter attention span with 7 second videos.
15- Netflix, you rock for making it socially acceptable to binge watch 4 seasons of a tv show at a time.
16- I'm indebted to bobby pins. Without you, how would I hold anything in place?
17- Same goes for control top tights.
18- Thanks for the girl scout cookies. You've managed to put less in a box, and charge me double.
19- Thank you to my clients, you are my friends. You make me want to come to work every day, and I treasure each one of you.
20- Sincerest thanks every other professional, for your referrals and recommendations, I value your opinion of me.
21- To my favorite organ, my ever suffering liver. Thanks for detoxing me after too much Gin.
22- Thanks for cinnamon brooms, they smell amazing and make me feel like a fancy, scented witch.
23- Speaking of fancy, thanks for single servings of prosecco champagne. Drinking from a mini bottle makes me feel like a wealthy giant.
24- Ryan Gosling, thanks for being hot.
25- Thanks for the barcode app, my wallet is much lighter now without all those pesky plastic member cards floating around.
26- Thanks Laura Linney.. for introducing Downton Abbey at the beginning of every show.. and this is masterpiece theater. I had no idea what I was watching until you told me.
27- Target, thank you for allowing me buy everything I didn't know I needed.
28- I'm thankful for Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z collabs. I can wear my suit and tie and drink from my holy grail at the same time.
29- Thanks to my weather app, I never have to actually go outside to see how it feels.
30- In closing, I'm forever thankful for flip flops, they make it socially acceptable to never wear shoes.
1- I'm thankful for the new $100 bills. They make me feel like the real world is a game of monopoly.
2- Thanks goes to facebook, for alerting me that when its a friends birthday, all they really want is a starbucks giftcard.
3- Appreciation is given to google calendar for helping me keep my life right.
4- Thanks to my friends who I have leaned on during these past few months while I have gone through so many personal changes.
5- Thanks Apple, for making all of the accessories for my generation 4S phone obsolete.
6- I'm thankful for the new efficienty lightbulbs, for lasting forever and not changing lightbulbs in 2 years.
7- Total wine, you make me complete.
8- Thanks to my summer full of dating misadventures. It taught me a lot, and helped me keep my sense of humor alive and well.
9- I'm still thankful for my Athena, being the best dog and companion a lonely hairstylist could hope for.
10- I'm thankful for purple hair dye, it keeps my exterior as vibrant as my interior.
11- Dear Kim Kardashian, thanks for disappearing from the limelight. Please stay that way. And take Miley with you.
12- Thank you for youtube, I finally know what the fox says.
13- I appreciate the subtle nuances you can craft with emoti-cons.
14- Thank you Vine, for creating an even shorter attention span with 7 second videos.
15- Netflix, you rock for making it socially acceptable to binge watch 4 seasons of a tv show at a time.
16- I'm indebted to bobby pins. Without you, how would I hold anything in place?
17- Same goes for control top tights.
18- Thanks for the girl scout cookies. You've managed to put less in a box, and charge me double.
19- Thank you to my clients, you are my friends. You make me want to come to work every day, and I treasure each one of you.
20- Sincerest thanks every other professional, for your referrals and recommendations, I value your opinion of me.
21- To my favorite organ, my ever suffering liver. Thanks for detoxing me after too much Gin.
22- Thanks for cinnamon brooms, they smell amazing and make me feel like a fancy, scented witch.
23- Speaking of fancy, thanks for single servings of prosecco champagne. Drinking from a mini bottle makes me feel like a wealthy giant.
24- Ryan Gosling, thanks for being hot.
25- Thanks for the barcode app, my wallet is much lighter now without all those pesky plastic member cards floating around.
26- Thanks Laura Linney.. for introducing Downton Abbey at the beginning of every show.. and this is masterpiece theater. I had no idea what I was watching until you told me.
27- Target, thank you for allowing me buy everything I didn't know I needed.
28- I'm thankful for Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z collabs. I can wear my suit and tie and drink from my holy grail at the same time.
29- Thanks to my weather app, I never have to actually go outside to see how it feels.
30- In closing, I'm forever thankful for flip flops, they make it socially acceptable to never wear shoes.
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