Thursday, February 3, 2011

Life in the Golden State


Lauren Conrad epitomizes the California girl. Having grew up in Orange County and now conquering LA and beyond, she's certainly a style icon. She has gorgeous hair. To this day, one of my most searched posts is one that I did about the famous "Lauren Conrad braid". She did it, I did it, you probably did it. It was adorable!

Once a bleached blonde, LC now has more of a natural sun kissed glow. It's almost a reversed blonde. The lightest hair starts at the her ends and gradually gets darker, closer to the scalp. As a result, she has permanent, classy roots as opposed to pesky, trashy roots. I don't mean to offend anyone - I've done those roots...more times than I want to admit to you or myself.

Recently I switched hair dressers and little did I know that'd mean a whole new look for me. I went in to have my dark roots touched up to match the rest of my white hair...yeah, not blonde, white. The amazing Michele, owner of Rock Paper Salon in Echo Park, spent an hour just discussing my hair with me. After explaining that the bleach was damaging my hair so badly that strands could snap off at the root at any moment, I was all in for whatever repair route she had in mind. Me bald? Not a good look.




I had always been into LC and Jennifer Aniston's hair and we agreed that it'd work well with my complexion so we decided to go for it. Now this process is not easy. I've spent over 10 years bleaching at the root. Whenever there is any growth it looks horrible; however, I had to bite the bullet and we stayed away from plastering dye on the scalp. Instead, Michelle worked her ass off incorporating six, yes S-I-X, shades of blonde and carmel into my hair with minimal scalp contact. Although I didn't get my roots touched up like normal, that didn't matter. My hair still looked a million times better. It also helped that she spent about an hour cutting my hair to emphasize each of the new shades. She explained the process so simply: it's like playing pool. Although you may be tempted to take the first shot, you've got to set yourself up for the rest of the game. You don't want to be forced to shoot the 8 ball too soon. Translation: it would be easy to put a ton of color on the roots to make it look perfect, but that wouldn't get my color to where we want it. It needs to gradually fade.

This week I went back in for round two and it looks even better this time around. If this is the transition of bleached to golden hair, I can't even imagine how amazing my 'do will be when she's done. With her talents, I am confident that Michelle will have my hair looking like that of LC. (Side note: true story, The Hills theme song just came on Pandora LOL!)


I'm way excited that I've found Michelle! If you live in the LA area I highly suggest you make an appointment with her. She genuinely cares about hair and her clients. Her goal is to make them look and feel good and she does a fantastic job doing both!

For more information about Michelle and Rock Paper Salon, visit their site or call (213)-250-0900.




19 comments:

KatiePerk said...

I want to see your new 'do!

ae said...

Finding a good hair stylist is just priceless. I big happy heart my stylist! She has been doing my hair for about 5 years now. Even when I lived in Chicago, I would wait until I made a trip to GA to get my hair done.

I am so happy you found a stylist that works for you!

Staley Mc said...

There really is nothing like finding a good hair girl. Mine has been doing my hair forever and I don't know what I would do if she ever moved or I ever move. I trust her to do whatever with my hair! Can't wait to see pics of your new 'do!

Anonymous said...

Love Lauren Conrad! Can't wait to see your new hair do!

Anonymous said...

Both LC and Jennifer Aniston have the most beautiful hair -- I'm so jealous yours is just as fabulous! :) Seriously, it's hard for us curly-haired girls to find a good style and stylist, and I hate to admit that those California girls' looks never work for me. Sigh. Also, that LC braid? Obsessed. But it's yet to look good in my (aforementioned curly) hair. Double sighhh.

caroline said...

so awesome! i can't wait to see! it took me forever to find someone who could help me with my hair! i'm sure you look HOT!
xox
c

Jules said...

Wow, Michelle sounds like an amazing stylist that actually cares about her clients. I cannot wait to see your new hair. It is going to be beautiful! Trashy roots are not a good look, so I know exactly what you mean. Jennifer Anniston’s hair is a shade and shape I’ve always loved. LC had that golden look to her too.

Your hair is not only going to look fabulous, but it’s going to be so healthy! I’m excited.

Happy Friday, friend!

P.S. I left you an award on my blog.

Steph @ Thoughts From Cali said...

There is nothing like having a great hair dresser! I really like what she has done so far, I know its a long process.

Lovely Scribbles said...

Love this post! I always get a combo of highlights and lowlights every 6 weeks to keep it in balance. The lowlights add a nice contrast and keep my hair from looking trashy when it starts to grow out (I do the caramel thing, too). Sometimes, people ask me if I just got my hair done, and the roots will be grown out a good inch. I'm so glad you found a good hair dresser! I wouldn't trade the girl who does my hair for anything! :)

Unknown said...

I do love Lauren's shade! Her hair always looks fabulous! It sounds like you found an amazing hair stylist! Can't wait to see the finale results!

Kat said...

I'm glad you found a new hairdresser because i know you're so picky about them. On the other hand, I will forever be grateful that my sister graduated from beauty school and they are good at what they do, because Hillary takes care of my hair (make up too lol) very well!! Hope to see it soon!!

Audrey Allure said...

Lauren is gorgeous, I wish my hair looked as good as hers!

Sierra said...

that sounds like a fantastic salon, i love the gal i've found - having long hair it's hard to find someone who gets it right!

Mimi said...

i love lauren conrad too! and thanks for recommending your hair stylist/salon! i will definitely keep it in mind. :D

p.s. i look forward to seeing your new hair! ;)

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

k said...

i want to see the new hair too! this has me all fascinated and curious :)

Leesh said...

I ♥ Lauren and can't believe MTV didn't pick up her show.

Finding a great hairstylist is hard. I have been going to the same one for over 12 years and sometimes, he just doesn't do it for me but I am too scared to try someone new.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I have always wanted Jen A's hair. Loooove the color!

Anonymous said...

LC is one of my favorite people from L.A. she did her best to portray L.A. women in a better light on her tv series "the hills" and even in "laguna beach." i'm from L.A. but now live in oregon, but cali will always be home. i think i'm gonna want that miami vice after you told me what it was! mmmmm good!

Yelena Starikova said...

Gorgeous Color!!!
http://www.glamthings.com/