Balayage, meaning “to sweep” in French, is more than just a trend, it’s an art form. At Suite Caroline, located in the heart of SoHo, balayage is a signature service perfected by some of the most respected names in hair color.
What Is Balayage?
Unlike traditional highlighting techniques that use foils to separate and saturate strands, balayage is a freehand technique. The colorist “paints” highlights directly onto the hair’s surface, sweeping color in a way that mimics how the sun would naturally lighten your hair. The result? Soft, dimensional, and effortlessly natural color with minimal maintenance.
A Legacy Rooted in Expertise
Suite Caroline’s founder, Lena Ott, and master colorist Mauricio Bermúdez, both developed their balayage artistry under the legendary Laurie Foley, one of the original pioneers of the technique in the United States. Under Foley’s guidance, they honed not only the technical skills of hand-painting but also the aesthetic intuition needed to create color that enhances each client’s unique look.
In the early 2000s, Lena Ott’s balayage journey expanded further when she trained with Stéphane Pous, a renowned Parisian colorist credited with helping define the modern French balayage. These early influences helped Ott develop her own distinctive signature style, a technique known for its soft transitions, multidimensional tones, and effortlessly chic results.
Why Our Balayage Is Different
At Suite Caroline, balayage isn’t just a service—it’s a philosophy. Lena’s artistry has attracted a team of top-tier colorists who not only learn from her legacy but contribute to it. Together, the Suite Caroline team has cultivated a unique and evolving approach to balayage that blends classic French technique with modern NYC edge.
Every client’s hair is treated as a blank canvas, with color placed to complement natural texture, face shape, and personal style. Our stylists consider light, tone, and depth to create custom color that looks better over time, not just on day one.
Trusted by Celebrities, Loved by Locals
This signature approach has made Suite Caroline a go-to destination for clients in the fashion and entertainment industries, including models, actors, editors, and trendsetters who value subtle, editorial-level color. Whether you're seeking sun-kissed strands, dimensional blondes, or rich brunettes with movement, our balayage technique is tailored to bring out your best.
Experience Balayage at Suite Caroline
Balayage is personal. It’s intuitive, customized, and deeply creative, qualities that define everything we do at Suite Caroline. If you’re looking for a celebrity-caliber balayage in NYC that grows out gracefully and always looks effortless, you’ll feel right at home in our SoHo salon.