Notes from the chair

Honest hair guides from Sammy — balayage timelines, fade types, and the unglamorous truth about choosing a salon in Salt Lake County.

Long honey-blonde balayage waves catching natural light
color · 6 min read

How Long Does Balayage Last? (And How to Make It Last Longer)

The honest timeline from a stylist who paints balayage every week — and the four simple at-home moves that double its lifespan.

Apr 21, 2026
Overhead view of a precision skin fade being clipper-blended
mens · 7 min read

Men's Fade Haircut Guide: Every Type, Named and Explained

Low, mid, high, skin, drop, taper, burst — the six fade families decoded so you can ask for what you actually want.

Apr 15, 2026
Stylist with client at a salon chair — Sandy UT
local · 5 min read

How to Choose a Hair Salon in Sandy, UT (From Someone Who Owns One)

There are 80+ salons in Salt Lake County. Here is exactly how I — a Sandy stylist — would shop for one if I were starting from scratch.

Apr 8, 2026
Salon scissors mid-trim on long brown hair
care · 5 min read

How Often Should I Cut My Hair? (By Length, Style, and Goal)

The 'every 6 weeks' rule is wrong for most people. Here's the real cadence by length, style, and what you're growing toward.

Apr 3, 2026
Glossy fresh balayage in soft beige tones
color · 4 min read

What to Bring (and What NOT to Bring) to Your Balayage Appointment

A 3-hour appointment is part chair time, part Netflix break. Here is exactly what to bring (and what to leave at home).

Mar 18, 2026
Sun-kissed blonde balayage with custom toning gloss — Sandy UT
color · 5 min read

How Much Does Balayage Cost in Sandy, UT? (Real 2026 Pricing)

A first balayage in Sandy runs $150–$300 depending on length, density, and how light you want to go. Here is exactly what changes the price.

Mar 10, 2026
Lineup of professional hair care products on a marble counter
styling · 5 min read

7 Salon-Grade Hair Products Under $30 (And Why They Work)

Drugstore hair care is mostly water, fragrance, and silicones. Here are seven salon-grade picks that punch above $30.

Feb 25, 2026
Soft bridal updo with veil being placed
styling · 6 min read

Bridal Hair in Sandy, UT — What to Ask Your Stylist

Wedding hair is half craft, half logistics. Here are the eight questions I want every bride to ask before they book.

Feb 12, 2026
Defined natural curls fresh from a curl-by-curl cut
styling · 5 min read

Finding a Curly Hair Stylist in Sandy, UT — What to Look For

Most stylists cut curly hair the same way they cut straight hair, then 'see' the shape later. The result is always wrong. Here's how to spot one who actually knows curls.

Jan 29, 2026
Beard trim and clean cheek line — Sandy UT barber
mens · 4 min read

Men's Haircut Cost in Sandy, UT — What's Reasonable in 2026

$25 chain shop or $65 boutique — what's the actual difference, and where does $35 land you?

Jan 22, 2026
Heat protectant and bond-builder care for smoothing-treated hair
care · 4 min read

Brazilian Blowout Aftercare — Make It Last 12 Weeks

$200 buys you 8 weeks of frizz-free hair. The right aftercare buys you 12. Here's the routine.

Jan 15, 2026
Stylist hand-painting balayage on long hair
color · 5 min read

"Best Balayage Near Me" in Sandy, UT — How to Actually Pick One

Google returns 80+ "best balayage near me" results in Salt Lake County. Here is the 7-question filter that separates real specialists from generalists.

Jan 8, 2026
Bride with romantic updo and veil at outdoor mountain venue
styling · 6 min read

Wedding Hair in Utah — Mountain vs. City Venues (What Changes)

Mountain weddings need wind-tested updos and weather-proof finish. City ballroom weddings have different lighting and humidity. Here is what changes by venue.

Dec 30, 2025
Love Thy Barber — Established 2021