A few months ago, I wrote a post about all the trouble I had been having finding a colorist who knew how to do blond highlights properly in this the fashion capital of the world, Paris. One wonderful Spirited Woman reader, Jude Grimm, came to my rescue by sending me a suggestion to contact Patrick Ahmed owner of Medley Salon in the heart of Paris. Jude is a hair expert herself and has written Get Real Beauty, an excellent book on beauty so I knew her recommendation wasn't to be taken lightly. Though I had finally found a colorist I was fairly happy with, I thought I should at least give Jude's suggestion a try.
As I went to do an internet search on the Medley salons, I was impressed with what I found. Their internet site was professionally done, appealing and informative. I called the salon explained a bit of my history and then of course told them they had come highly recommended. I was assured that I would be put in very capable hands and a time was set for yet another one of my experiments with French colorists.
The Medley salon - Rive Gauche location - is in a nice but not over the top, fashionable neighborhood. It is an area I had spent a good deal of time in when I first moved to Paris so I immediately felt comfortable as I walked up and out from the Metro station. Medley is not a large, bustling salon but has more of a friendly, cosmopolitan, neighborhoody feel. The decor is a mix of kitch, ethnic and stylish which blends amazingly well together to create an inviting place to pass a few hours. No off-putting, 'we're too good for you' vibes here. I was greeted with smiles and impeccable customer service.
Once checked-in I was led upstairs to meet my colorist, the charming Laurence. She was young and friendly yet for a moment I wondered if she would have enough experience to know how to deal with my hair. The question was immediately put to rest when I pulled out a fashion magazine to show photos of 'wants' and 'don't wants' for my hair color. For one particular look I liked, Laurence explained the full multi-step process it would require and how damaging it could be to my hair. She guided me on the best look and process for my particular color and hair type with the air of someone who had a completely mastery of her expertise. I was impressed to say the least.
Laurence took a very generous amount of time to make sure she got my hair just right. I truly appreciated the care she took and it was refreshing to see that she enjoyed what she was doing. When it was time to unveil my wet head and to get an idea of how successful Laurence had been with the her highlighting, I was thrilled. She had gotten it right on her first try! Yeah, Paris was redeeming her reputation as beauty capital in my book.
Next it was on to the very capable hands of Patrick Ahmed, the salon owner and very sought after professional hair stylist. He asked questions about how I liked to wear my hair, what I wanted my hair to look like on that particular day and then gave hints on how to keep my hair looking its best. I didn't feel like just another customer that was in line behind one and in front of another. Customer service was highly stressed and I genuinely felt that the whole staff wanted me to be happy with the final result ...and I certainly was.
So I am having to change my mind a bit about blondes in Paris. Maybe we can have more fun if we get the right experts on our side. I am now a loyal Medley customer and can't wait to try out all their other beauty services. Thank you Jude for restoring my faith in Paris colorists and thank you Laurence and Patrick for proving Jude right...you are formidable (that means fantastic in French just in case you were wondering)!
To your Spirited Style,
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
Click here to read more of Dawn's posts.
Salute to you Dawn and Partick's team at Salon Medley! I so appreciate your courage to try a new hairdresser and colorist. Every Spirited Woman has an opportunity to step into new realms but it takes the fearlessness to do so that makes the leap resinate deep within.
Our manes can be our definition of how we feel about ourselves and ultimately being able to trust an expert no matter where we are in our journey of life, can make all of the difference in the world about how we feel when we look in the mirror. Whether we have fine hair or volumes of hair, we all want real guidance about the best possible ideas and solutions for how we can achieve our individual and real beauty.
Thank you for the "Formidable" compliment!
Same to you Dawn!
Real Beauty Jude
Posted by: Jude Grimm | July 09, 2009 at 07:58 PM