LENA OTT
From: Allentown, PA
Resides in: New York City
IG: @lenaott
About
Master of playlists, lover of contemporary art, go-to for the French hair-painting technique, called Balayage, Lena opened the doors to her own SoHo beauty hideaway, Suite Caroline, named for her mother, in late 2013.
Since then, Lena has worked on runway shows in New York, Milan, and Paris such as Saint Laurent, Rick Owens, Dolce & Gabbana, and Coach to name a few, earning her a reputation as a leading influence in setting worldwide trends and establishing a taste for the avant-garde that transcends language and culture across the globe.
Q&A
Influences: Laurie Foley, who in one word embodies 'seamlessness,' and is akin to watching a classical, master artist at work. I apprenticed with Laurie when I moved to New York in 2001. She introduced me to the balayage technique -- just one small example of her varied skill set -- and I haven't touched a foil since. I also learned from French colorist, Stephan Pous, who traveled to Bumble and Bumble to teach his style of balayage. Laurie and Stephan are pioneers of the technique, with two distinct and completely different approaches in their texture and placement. I took what I loved from each and developed my own individual style.
Motivation: It's hard to describe. Hair--color in particular--is such an emotional thing. When you hit that right combination of colors (hair, skin, eyes, clothing, etc.) it's such a special effect... I love when this happens!
Motto: "If you're gonna do it, do it right." -my dad.
