THE CITIZEN INDEX

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Best. Haircut. Ever: Carrie Caluya at the AJF Salon

It all started innocently enough. This gorgeous raven-haired woman stepped into the FRINGE boutique and her face lit up. She was admiring the amazing chrome cabinets that are exclusively available at FRINGE. Like a raven, this midnight clad goddess likes shiny things. Dressed head to toe in black, this petite beauty came off as uber-hip and sweet, so when she admired the texture of my hair (now how often do you get that?) I preened. Her hair was a super cool hair-do that reminded me of Japanese anime. Her friend, who was shopping with her, also was sporting a great hair statement. He informed me that she cut hair. She told me she loved to work with curly/wavy hair. All of a sudden I wanted this sleek, svelte creature-of-the-night to cut MY hair. And before you know it, I had made some calls, got myself an appointment, and met her at her salon. 

Her name is Carrie, Carrie Caluya, and you really should write that name down. She's not just a talented hairstylist, she is an educator. Carrie has been cutting hair for 11 years, and currently she's an Artistic Director for AJF Salon in midtown, Sacramento. She not only takes on clients, she trains other hair stylists on advanced cutting techniques, and she loves her work. 
Carrie Caluya: Expert Hair Stylist and Educator
When I showed up to the AJF Salon for my appointment, I ran into my artist pal, Lindsay, in the waiting room, who was also there for a haircut- which seemed a good omen. Auspicious as well, was the lovely assistant who greeted me and offered me a something to drink while I waited. The whole salon was buzzing, full of friendly faces; it felt very inviting. The assistant, who has been training with Carrie for the past year, also had a beautifully cut bob, her hair a gorgeous arabesque swirl of curls. When I admired it, she informed me that it was Carrie who had cut her hair, but that was months ago, and she was due for another cut.  All I could think of was if her haircut looked that good 3 months into it, I was in for a very good hair experience.
The After: Textured hair that showcases the natural curls.
It was such a great experience. Carrie arrived full of smiles and a big hug. She and her assistant played with my hair while Carrie asked me a few questions, like how much time I like to spend on styling (which is about 2 minutes, max). Then she started the cut.  She took out most of the bulk from the top of my hair so the hair looked lighter, less clumpy. She gave me a a cropped neckline but kept it looking natural. She told me to be ok with stray strands at the neck, as it "keeps things interesting." I loved how Carrie worked with my hair's wavy/curls and texture, creating a cut and style that was non-fussy, and instantly chic. She then styled it with some hair product and a blow dryer and I left with the most adorable cropped + curly haircut. 

But would this translate well at home, left to my own (blowdryer-free household) devices? Quick answer: YES. With a dab of hair product and less than a minute of styling, the new 'do makes a charming hair statement with minimum effort.  In fact, I can not believe how happy I am with my hair, because aside from sticking a little bobby pin or barrette here and there, and a few dabs of conditioning cream, I do very little, and now have a great haircut that does so much.

I pretty much just WAKE UP with cute hair, and I don't think I've ever said that before in my life. I know that I've stumbled onto an incredible hairstylist, and know that her shiny scissors will be returning to my head the next time I need a cut. I would highly recommend Carrie, and the other great stylists at the AJF Salon.

You can get your own expert hair cut and style at: 

3016 J Street
Midtown
Sacramento, CA

To book an appointment: 
(916) 446-2940
info@ajfsalon.com

Ask for Carrie Caluya as recommended by the Citizen Rosebud

Disclosure: I received a courtesy haircut from Carrie for the purpose of this review. The haircut and services by Carrie and the staff at AJF were exemplary. The opinion is my own. And it would probably be yours.

25 comments:

Melanie said...

That haircut is YOU! It's perfect. May you live happily ever after with this stylist because we all know how hard it is to find an artist with scissors. I love those pics.

FASHION TALES said...

It really suits you very well. Everyone cannot wear short cuts, it's great when it's exactly what you love and easy to style.

Susan B said...

Smashing cut! It frames your face beautifully.

mary van note said...

Nice cut! I'm going to try her out next time. I'm always looking for good stylists who know how to cut curly hair.

Katy Rose said...

Love this new cut on you! And I totally agree you can tell a really good haircut when it grows out well. It's so exciting to find a new stylist who actually gets your hair and how to work with it! - Katy

The Closet Shopper said...

You are right. Your haircut is spectacular. Not many women can look sexy with short hair, but you look double TT HOTT!!

The shoes in that last pic have sent me over the edge of shoe heaven.

xo,
Tracy

Adrienne said...

You can really rock the short cut, it looks amazing on you!

mispapelicos said...

You look perfect to me in any hair, but I must igree that this is your best haircut EVER.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lisa Connolly said...

Just beautiful. Love the cut on you - so very perfect! Glad you found an awesome stylist too - that is not easy these days!!

lasophia said...

Wow, talk about hair karma. Never heard of a hairstylist finding you. A good haircut is the best feeling, a bad one, the worst. I'd love to have a pixie cut one day.

Debra said...

Nice cut. It looks great on you.

Jill said...

You look so good in that haircut and you really are gorgeous. Since you and Sacramento both like short hair (and have the faces to carry it off!), I would love it if one day the pair of you could meet and have Carrie cut your hair. Wouldn't that be the best? XO, Jill

Stacey said...

Love your new do (and Carrie's too)!

Anonymous said...

I don't think I've ever had a stylist ask how much time I like to put into a cut. That would tip me off right there. It looks great!

Anupriya DG said...

Aha! A new haircut for new beginnings in new places??? ;)

You look perfectly sheared, my dear! And I LOVE the woman's hairstyle too! So quirky! <3

Anonymous said...

Your hair looks great! I always wanted super dark hair. Your outfit is amazing too I love the shoes!

Curtise said...

Wonderful haircut, you can tell by your face in the photos how much you love it! xx

Hang T. Tran said...

I agrreeee. It's the best haircut ever! and the styling in the photo is sooooo cool. I love the animal print touch.

Cheers,
xxx
Hang

Vix said...

You look even more fabulous and confident than ever! x

theequinebovine said...

foxy lady!

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

You look beautiful in this pics Bella, your hair is beautiful and I'm also struck with your amazing white teeth (in a natural looking way, not Tom Cruise style!). I would kill right now for hair and a stylist that I love. Hang on to her for grim life!

WendyB said...

Very cute 'do!

DeniseAngela said...

Beautiful cut & your outfit is fabulous!

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

HOTTIE! I want to chop off all my hair now.

doradadama said...

You can magnificently rock the hell out of short hair! love your smile.
besones