Hair Dreams Come True at C. Joy Salon

The question is this:

Can a hair stylist literally take you for a 360 makeover to where people don't recognize you?

The answer:

Holy wow, I'm now a believer! I am literally what you call a problem child for hair stylists due to the fact that I have really fine hair and a ton of it. That's not all! Throw in the oddball widows peak that causes the part in your hair to part somewhere new everyday and it takes the "right" kind of stylist to make it all work together. My years of patience, loads of bad hair days have finally paid off!  is officially my new hair stylist!

When you first find the hideaway salon, at first glance you can't help but wonder what you're walking into (they are currently located in the back/basement of a small vacant house near downtown), and then you think…Well, with a name like C. Joy it has to be awesome right?! And then of course, as you get closer to the door that’s down the wheelchair accessible ramp, your mind is revisited with the word-of-mouth comments from others about how amazing they are not only in customer service but in technique, style and always adding fun and new services into the mix. So of course, since they are hidden, out of the way and I’m hearing about them through word on the street, I’m going to check them out. This is me we’re talking about after all. Curiosity may have killed the cat in “some” instances here people, but this curious mama walked away with an amazing new look!

OK, so back to the beginning and I won’t bore you with too many details, but the whole back door thing is a sham I tell you! It’s a hoax of hoaxes. You know the scene in Harry Potter with the small tent, and they go inside and it’s magical wonderland home? Ok, well if you don’t, rent the movies or better yet stop by and check this place out. Anyway, so you walk in through the door and it’s literally a jaw dropping kind of thing. It’s a twist of renaissance meets modern world with a full-scale salon in the space in which they have. I literally had to do double takes at each section, because the layout and design of the salon would make anyone in interior design appreciate what has been done here.

Carolann greeted me; she is the owner of and I can definitely see why so many people recommend her salon. She is literally the aura of sunshine, and it’s natural, which makes it even more appealing to me, because how many people want to realistically walk into a salon with no genuine warmth? She wasn’t the only one who was genuine. Her entire staff was equally friendly and everyone talked openly. Oh no, I hate to use this reference, because they in no way resemble this salon, but it’s the feeling of belonging there and being welcomed in a good way kind of feeling as the salon in Steel Magnolias. No laughing, but I really loved the style, the services and the experienced techniques that they had to offer with the warmth of a small town appeal. I think that definitely sums it up pretty well. They definitely take pride in what they do and the care about how you walk out of their salon; it after all is a reflection of who they are, so of course, that means you are going to walk out looking like a million bucks.

My overall experience here has been amazing! It literally has taken me three attempts to come into their salon as an active parent who ends up having to reschedule on the odd occasion. OK, in this case it was three...but I am so happy that I finally was able to go in and meet this wonderful team of professional stylists. I don’t say that lightly here folks—I have literally been terrified of getting my hair done to the point where you may not see me for a year or more because I don’t want my hair to end up looking like a science experiment gone wrong. Yes, oh yes, my friends...it has, and you would be very, very afraid!

So here’s what was done for me, as I put myself immediately into her hands...trending now…Balyage! I know you’re going to ask or want me to explain what that is, because I didn’t even know until today. So here goes, this is my explanation:

Balyage is a French coloring technique that is not only a freehand technique, but applied by hand rather than doing the regular method of foiling or cap highlighting. The technique combined with a nice toned color (in my case a golden tone that enhanced my natural color) adds a depth and dimension that gives my hair an overall gloss or shine to it. As Carolann would say, the Balyage pieces give the hair an element of “pop.” She’s not wrong!

Many of you who read Redmond Patch know Carolann by her blogs, such as her recent: 

So what have we learned today? C. Joy Salon is the go-to salon in Redmond, and yes, they are ALL that and more. I could probably go on and on in this review, but that would take out all the fun of you experiencing this top-notch service for yourself.

If you happen to drop by and say hello, please check out two of my favorite products (Yes, I love the staff, too, but come on! Product, lip-gloss and perfume!!! This stuff is important!):

MOR Lip Macaron Baum in Sorbet

MOR Perfume Oil in Belladonna

Pureology Products (Antifade! Enough said!)

If you still don’t believe me, make sure to check out my before and after photos! By the way, did I mention that she didn't cut my hair?!

Full Disclosure: My hair services were complimentary.