BLONDE AMBITION

Fun and sweet with talent to boot, local balayage specialist Kelsey Moore has the attention to detail to make your golden beach hair dreams a reality. We chatted with Kelsey about what inspires her and how she’s become Santa Barbara’s go-to woman for covetable locks.

Growing up I was always drawing and painting. My first job was as a receptionist for a salon when I was 14. That’s when it clicked for me that I could apply my color skills professionally.

The reveal after a big service. Whether it is a dramatic change in a client’s look, or something they have always wanted to do, seeing the happiness on someone’s face is priceless. You literally watch a person’s demeanor change. They stand taller, look and sound more confident. They can walk out the door and carry that attitude into any situation they are facing, and I feel privileged to have a small part of that.

Sun-kissed, beachy looks. Whether it is hand painted balayage, highlights, blonde or brunette, I customize the color to each person. I love finding the sweet spot of a color looking natural, but still having that wow factor.

Sharon Tate. She exuded that effortless, chic, California beach babe look that to me is timeless.

I grew up in Colorado and would visit California often. I knew from a young age I wanted to move here, and have always been a beach girl to the core. When I visited Santa Barbara for the first time in 2011, I fell in love with the small-town charm, the beauty, and the community. After that trip, I went home, packed up my stuff and moved here. I instantly knew that this was my home.

I genuinely love what I do and my clients. I am also a perfectionist, and like to constantly challenge myself to learn and evolve my craft, as well as myself personally. But most importantly, I am having a great time and I think that shows through in my work.

Good vibes and good hair. *

Photo by Keni Souza