The Salon Review: Judena Hair, Bondi, Sydney, Australia

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Review: Kathryn Lewsey

Found amongst the scatter of boutique shops and must-visit brunch eateries in North Bondi is Judena Hair, a cool and inviting salon that epitomizes the beach babe we all want to be. Known for blessing locks with gorgeous blonde tones, its’ status is high in the hair world.

I was there in hope that they could transform my tired blonde locks into the beachy golden waves I dreamed of. With its chic interior and laidback vibe, I instantly felt relaxed as I was greeted by the lovely Emma and offered a green tea. Emma was booked in to colour my hair and we sat down for a chat about the kind of colour I wanted. The salon has a snazzy guide that detects the kind of tones that suit you depending on the colour of your eyes and natural hair. My dark blonde tresses and green/brown peepers meant I had a conflicting contrast of colours and Emma advised I was suited to warmer tones. I was still after a low-maintenance balayage blonde, but wanted the colour to be lifted for a fresher finish. Talking through my wishes with Emma, she recommended using a combo of the usual balayage method along with foils – which involves the same precise hair painting process, but then wraps the strands in foils to intensify the colour.

Colour wise, she suggested weaving in golden dark blonde shades at the top, while adding in lighter hues at the front for a sun-kissed finish that would frame my face. I agreed and was given a pile of magazines to flick through, while Emma carefully worked the foilayge through my tresses. Sitting and sipping on tea for twenty minutes while the dye developed, I was then taken to get the colour washed out and experience basin balayge. No points for guessing that basin balyage takes place over a basin! The method consists of splaying wet hair out like a fan, to enable a super detailed colour application. By fanning out each strand, it gave Emma more control of where she wanted the dye to go and meant she could perfectly blend my barnet into a golden hue.

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The final part of the colour process involved a toner being applied to my locks, which helped to neutralise the blonde and ensure a more natural finish. Carly was set to cut my hair and we discussed what I wanted. My tresses had grown pretty long and in the height of Sydney summer, long hair can be somewhat annoying, especially in the humid days. What’s more, the ends were straggly and seriously split. So Carly snipped my barnet to a shorter shoulder-length, while adding a few layers for definition and a less blunt finish. Her magic hands managed to work my straggly strands into a sleeker and stylish shape.

After poring over hair styles on the salon’s Pintrest page, I opted for loose-wave ‘do that would show off my new colours. Carly blow dried my locks straight – helping to banish any frizz – before curling and teasing the hair into soft and loose waves that screamed surfer girl (which I’m most definitely not, but we can all dream, right?). A quick spritz of hairspray and I was walking out with tresses that were lighter, brighter and super shiny. Ticking all the boxes, Judena is the ideal place to head when your hair needs an overhaul.

 

JUDENA HAIR

http://judenahair.com.au

48 Mitchell Street |  Bondi Beach, | NSW