I didn't know anything about her services, if she was good or not (she is!) but I instantly was drawn to Salon 46 and I emailed her to set up a time to get my hair cut and colored. I didn't hesitate.
Why?
Because I met her in person. That's it. She was real. We talked about our children, how we manage our businesses and family and how we never get enough sleep. She understood me and I understood her.
But here's the thing, I have never had "my stylist." For years I have been searching for one, but every hair cut takes me to a new location desperately seeking a hair love connection.
Two weeks ago, my search came to an end when I sat down in Cindy's chair and before talking about what color I wanted or how short, she asked "tell me what your day as a mom is like..."
She wanted to know about me — what my needs were, what I am willing to manage, how long I have to get ready in the morning, etc. Based on that we talked color and cut.
Cindy co-owns the salon with her sister which is located at 512 N. Henry Street in Alexandria and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The best part (besides great service) the salon has FREE private parking! Most are put off coming into Old Town because of the street parking, but here you can roll up, park, get pretty and head on out without having to worry to feed the meter or risk a ticket.
As for me, I told Cindy that I was willing to put more time into my hair, because if all else fails — no makeup, sleep deprived, etc. I can still feel confident with great looking locks. So in the end we went with short, warm and wavy.
A few days after getting it cut — using contour creme to style and work the waves!
Short — just to take a chance and change up my look.
Warm — to get rid of the uneven highlights I had and give me a cleaner and neater look. She did an all over color then added caramel highlights with a slight ombre look at the ends. It's very subtle and very natural looking. My roots won't be screaming LOOK AT ME when they grow out.
Wavy — I realized I have a bit of a natural wave in there, and with shorter hair it is easier to style and play with. I rarely get a chance to completely dry my hair so using Bumble & bumble Contour Creme as she suggested really lets me work the messy/beach waves look.
Quick tips for mamas: Cindy suggests using Bumble & bumble hair powder for second and third day hair (similar to dry shampoo). As moms some days getting a shower feels like a major accomplishment so we don't have time to wash AND style our hair. The hair powder absorbs the extra oil, put body back into your hair and help preserve hair color from fading as fast. Also, moms need to learn to embrace their natural texture — with the right cut and products you can work some magic and have great style!
GIVEAWAY
Knowing that so many of you are busy mamas or just busy in general, Cindy and Salon 46 are offering one reader a free cut and blowdry.
Come to Old Town, meet Cindy, get your hair done, have lunch and enjoy a day for yourself! Believe me, it's worth it and the fact is we all need some TLC. However, if you can't manage a sitter, no worries! Cindy has a little corner for kids and plenty of space to fit in a sleeping baby in a stroller. The point is, you are all welcomed!
Good luck and here's to fabulous summer hair!
One entry per person. Ends Friday May 31st at 11:59pm. a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Enter to win 50% off a family photo session with Becky A. Gardner Photography (Northern Virginia)
Disclosure: I was given a complimentary cut and color and the Bumble and bumble Contour Creme for the purpose of a review and giveaway. No other compensation given. All views, opinions and hair styling my own!
