Every summer, I crave a change in my look. Should I lighten my hair? Chop it off? Get a fringe?

After nearly two years of letting my natural hair grow out, I decided it was time to liven up my dull colour, and made an appointment with Chanel Cezair to test out her hand-painted, couture balayage highlights.

Cezair is the CEO of Studio 67 in Toronto, which has been open for just under a year, although Cezair herself has been working in the industry for over a decade. I was enticed by her salon because of its eco-friendly efforts. Studio 67 uses Aveda hair dye and works with Green Circle Salons to reduce their toxic waste. Their space also doubles as a monthly studio for emerging and established artists.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Cezair, and we got right into the consultation. I left the choice of colour in her hands and she decided within minutes, based on my skin tone and natural hair, what would best suit me.

During the dye process, we moved to a different room with a large table. It was an interesting concept, as all clients sat around it, instead of facing a mirror. This allowed all of us to chat. A fashion communications professor at Ryerson University was also getting her hair done, so we talked about the recent end of Toronto Fashion Week, shared hair care tips and discussed the partnership between Studio 67 and Sistering (one Monday every month, the salon opens its doors to women in the program; Sistering operates a multi-service women’s center for homeless, at-risk and socially isolated women in the city).

I felt very well taken care of by Cezair and her staff. She has mastered the lived-in, natural balayage look, which is a great choice for someone who doesn’t want to commit to a full-colour change or worry about upkeep.

Time flew by quickly and, before I knew it, I had a Victoria’s Secret-esque blowout and a great new colour. A few days later, I took some photos in Blue Mountain to document the new look: here they are!