Let’s be honest, every. Greek girl and her mother, even her grandmother, loves highlights.  Highlights have been the rage for decades now.  Some like the blonde streaks, some like the mahogany. Everybody likes the way the strong Greek sun shimmers through the streaks to create a radiant, head-turning hue that dazzles.  Highlights, in fact, get better as they get sun bleached.

For the last several years, there has been one way to create highlights.  You know the deal—go to the salon, get slivers of hair separated, brush on chemical and cover with strips of aluminum foil.   But a relatively new coloring technique is making its way to America from France. It’s known as Balayage (pronounced Bali-aj).  If you keep up with the Kardashians, this is the bona fide method for highlights chosen by Kim, but our own Greek-American princess Jennifer Aniston has made balayage highlights her signature head piece.

Greekamericangirl.com interviewed Angela Calisti, a long-time Queens resident and celebrity stylist, who recently opened a salon in Astoria, to talk about the differences.

First, some background.  “Balayage” is a French word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint.” Balayage involves literally painting hair, much like an Impressionist painter like Cezanne or Monet. As a result, highlights are soft and natural, similar to what nature gives us as children. “The grow out process is more gradual,” Calisti states,”and you do not see so much of a growth line.” The principal idea being less is more when creating soft, natural looks, says Marie Claire UK.

While this method is nothing new in France where it originated, it is now just becoming popular on this side of the Atlantic. “Balayage highlighting,” Calisti says, “is a carefree way of creating highlights.”  She recommends it to clients who tend to be low-maintenance, as it gradually fades. Those with less time and endurance for the salon should go for Balayage highlights, Angela advises.
However, if you insist on being the high-maintenance beauty queen who loves to spend hours in the salon, then stick to the traditional highlight method.  Regular highlights are good for those who want their roots to be super, super light, or for those who like the chunky, dramatic highlights, advises Calisti.  Balayage would be ideal for those with really over-processed hair or those who want strict control of the tinting process.

With Angela Calisti salon conveniently located a short walk from the Ditmars subway stop, now you don’t have to take the N/Q train into Manhattan to get Balayage highlights. It’s all here in Astoria.  In fact, you can consider Calisti a Manhattan import that has grounded in Astoria.

Angela Calisti has been trained by some of the top stylists in New York City, such as John Barrett and Oscar Blandi. She has beautified a train of models during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and major fashion, TV production and advertise campaigns such as Bethenny Frankle’s “Shape Ups.”  She has worked with red-carpet celebrity clients such as Sofia Richie (Lionel Richie’s daughter), actress/author Bella Thorn, singer/songwriter Kate Pierson (the red-headed lead of the B52’s) and Willow Shields of “Hunger Games” fame. Yes, even the Jonas Brothers and hosts of “Huffington Post Live.”

Some of the hair and makeup celebrity shots done by Angela Calisti.

Mention you read about her from greekamericangirl.com and get a 10% discount.

More info at Angela Calisti salon.

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