This new Ulta Beauty is so shiny and so pretty!
As Summer approaches, I always try to book a hair appointment for a color refresh. For the warmer months when the sun is shining brighter and when my skin is a lot tanner, I love going lighter and brighter with my hair.
This time, I decided to visit the newest Ulta Beauty in the Bay Area: Almaden Ranch in San Jose. It’s located in a new shopping center right off of Almaden Expressway.
I happened to visit right before the grand opening to get a sneak peak of the store. Everything was shiny and new and yes, there were untouched testers too (which I found oddly satisfying haha)! So I thought I’d dedicate an entire post to the new Ulta Beauty in San Jose and share with you how I got my hair done at the new salon.
(Also, please ignore my super dark eyebrows, I just had a microblading touch-up session.)
THE TREATMENTS
During the consultation, I told Alli, my hair stylist, that I wanted my balayage lighter, brighter and higher up towards my roots. I also haven’t colored my roots in a very long time, so we decided to go just a few shades lighter for a fresher look. Then to get rid of the brassiness, I asked for toner too.
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THE PROCESS
Whenever there’s a color, balayage, and tone, expect to be in the salon for a long time. With my length and type of hair (i.e. thick but already bleached), from start to finish took about 4 hours.
After the consultation, Alli colored my roots just a few shades lighter. After it was done processing, she washed my hair, dried it and began the balayage.
Next, the bleach was washed out of my hair and toned. My hair turns brassy quickly, so by toning it, it cooled down to an ashy blonde. Alli also put a protein treatment in my hair to strengthen it after being bleached. After all, my hair is quite damanged since it’s gone through a lot of bleaching!
Lastly, Alli blew out and curled my hair.
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THE RESULTS
I absolutely LOVED how my hair color turned out! Alli did exactly what I wanted – she brightened up a few pieces but kept some pieces darker for some dimension. No more ashiness either.
I did notice that my hair was slightly tacky and was being difficult to curl, but it was because of the protein treatment, which she said would wash out and become silkier after a few washes.
The cost of this entire appointment was $243.
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THE BOTTOM LINE
I’ve been a fan of Ulta Beauty for years since it’s a one-stop shop for everything beauty and really easy to get to. I don’t have to go to the mall and it usually takes me about 20 minutes to get to one. Prices are average for a good hair salon and was satisfied with the results. They use salon quality products and Alli did exactly what I wanted. The salon is also well equipped, clean, and modern.
If you’re from SJ, it’s worth visiting since this location has some grand opening specials. Also be sure to sign up for Ultamate Rewards because you’ll get additional membership perks. Sign up here and get $10 off coupon!
I’d recommend booking Alli if you come to this location!
