Ever since I was a kid, I’m never the type of person to really care about how my hair looked like. My mom played with it a few times with a ribbon here and there, or a ponytail every so often. But personally, I only had one preference—I wanted it long. As far as I can remember, I’ve always had long hair. Well, at least up to the times where I can to decide what to do with my hair already. When I was about 3 or 4 years old, I sported an awful apple cut just like the rest of the kids born during my generation. Haha! For this year, I wanted something different and interesting for my #hairgoals. That’s when I first encountered the term Balayage.
As I did my research, one particular salon stood out—Cedar Salon. Owner Christine Rodriguez recalls how she’s always wanted to have her own chain of salons since she grew up in the salon industry. After college, she tried her luck in the corporate world, but realized after a few months that the office routine just wasn’t for her. That’s when the idea of starting her own business came to rise. She chose to pursue her dreams of owning a chain of salon since it’s an industry she knows by heart.
Cedar salon specialized on cut and color/technical services. As we all know, all salons can offer haircut, color, rebond/straightening, perm, makeup etc. “What differentiates us from the other salons is our personalized service. The moment our guests enters Cedar, we want them to feel welcome, pampered, relaxed, and important. Not only are our staff courteous and accommodating, but they also have the technical skills to help you achieve the hairstyle that you want.” Christine states.
Balayage, taken from the French word meaning “to sweep”, is a freehand technique in which swatches of hair are sectioned and hand painted against a backing board with a lightening agent. After painting, each swatch is covered in cellophane. As balayage highlights are less systematically placed, you end up with fatter, less symmetrical, more random highlights, resulting in a more casual, beachy finish.
Simply put, it was the perfect dye job for someone who wants to put more oomph in their hair but too lazy (lol) to maintain it. Since Balayage has that casual finish, you won’t have to worry about your roots since it’ll perfectly blend with your hair. After much research, I decided to have my first Balayage at Cedar Salon.
The process begins with a stylist assessing your hair. Even if you already have a preferred color, the experts still would recommend colors that would best fit you. Ultimately, the final say is up to you. While preparing for the color, you’ll be treated to a refreshing head massage and your choice of drink (coffee or iced tea).
Once the colors are prepared, one senior stylist and one assistant would start working on your hair. They were very careful while working on my hair. I’ve encountered salons that would comb and pull your hair without minding if you’re hurting or not! Fortunately, I didn’t experience that in this salon. The entire process was called Balayage highlights. The stylist prelightened and applied Schwarzkopf special blonde on the ends of the hair. He then applied the same special blonde on the roots to the mid-section, and then subtle highlights using Balayage technique on the crown area.
After the entire coloring process, they will shampoo and condition your hair. Aside from the conditioner, they also applied a different kind of treatment to my hair. I can’t tell what and I also forgot to ask but after they dried my hair, it was so soft and smooth. It was like I’ve been religiously taking care of my hair when I haven’t! After which, my hair was styled with a recommended do to perfectly highlight the intricate color technique done to it. When I first looked at it, that’s the time I believed in love at first sight. I absolutely adored it.
If you’re looking to get your hair done, don’t forget about after care. For best results, use Schwarzkopf Color Freeze Shampoo and Conditioner at home to prevent color fading. Right after coloring it is also best to apply Schwarzkopf Post Color Therapy so the color will be more intense and locked inside the hair. Don’t forget to ask for Mr. Jake Mindaña. I promise you’ll have the best pair of hands touch your hair. Hair color starts at 1500 and highlights starts at 1800. Rates depend on length and thickness of hair.
Cedar Salon
200-A Wilson, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila
10AM–7PM
(02) 726 7960
www.facebook.com/cedarsalon
