Can You Go Blonde Without Bleach? Your Hair Questions Answered by Meg Ann Lee
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. I hear the same questions almost every single appointment. Not because they're dumb questions but because there's so much conflicting information online that nobody knows what to believe anymore. So here's my honest answers to the hair questions that come up in my chair constantly.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair?
There's no universal answer and anyone giving you one is guessing. It depends on your hair type, your scalp, your lifestyle and what products you use. Most of my clients do well washing two to three times a week. If your scalp is oily, you might need more. If your hair is dry or color treated, you might need less. The real answer is wash it when it needs it and stop feeling guilty about whatever number that is. Clean hair that is manageable for you is the goal.
Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair?
It's not bad if you're using it correctly. It IS bad if you're using it as a replacement for actually washing your hair for a week straight. Dry shampoo absorbs oil. That's it. It doesn't clean your scalp. If you're layering it day after day without washing, you're clogging your follicles and creating buildup that leads to irritation and even hair loss over time. Use it as a tool between washes. Not a lifestyle.
Can I Go Lighter Without Damaging My Hair?
You can go lighter with minimal damage but you can't go lighter with zero damage. Lightening hair requires lifting your natural pigment and that's a chemical process no matter how you spin it. The difference is HOW it's done. A good colorist controls the developer volume, watches timing, and uses bond builders to protect the integrity of your hair while lifting. Damage happens when someone slaps bleach on with no strategy. The process itself isn't the enemy. Careless application is and we have ALL seen it.
Can I Get Blonde Highlights Without Bleach?
This is probably my most asked color question. Short answer: no. If you want to go lighter than your natural color, bleach is involved. Or as we hairstylists call it: "lightener"... Sounds healthier, right!? There is no magic color that lifts dark hair to platinum or white without a lightener. High lift color exists but it has limits and it's still an alkaline chemical process. When you see "no bleach blonde" online, it's either misleading or that person started at a level light enough that a permanent or high lift color could get them there. If you're starting dark and want white or icy blonde, bleach is part of the process. A skilled colorist makes that process safe. That's the difference.
What Hair Color Would Look Best On Me?
This is the one where I need people to get creative. Your skin tone, your natural base color, your eye color, your maintenance level, and your budget ALL factor in to what type of hair color and style you “should” have. Color theory base on these details exists but I have a blue rainbow in my hair right now and I’m pretty sure that doesn’t fit into my “colors” that compliment my skin tone. Do I care? No because it's art and I like it. This is why consultations exist. Bring me your Pinterest board full of ideas and I'll tell you what's realistic for YOUR hair.
How Often Do I Actually Need a Trim?
If you're trying to grow your hair out, every 12 to 16 weeks is fine for most people. If you have a style with layers or a specific shape, closer to 8 weeks. If you have a bob or a shorter cut, 6 to 8 weeks to keep it looking sharp. The "every 6 weeks no matter what" rule is outdated. It depends on your hair goals and how fast your hair grows. Ask your stylist what makes sense for you instead of following a blanket rule.
PART 2 is coming next week and I'm covering the extension questions I get asked every single day. If you've got a question you want me to answer, send it to me on Instagram. <3
Skin Prep Before Makeup: The Step Most People Skip That Changes Everything
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. I filmed my current skin prep routine for you this week because this is the thing nobody wants to hear. Your foundation isn't the problem. Your prep is.
You're Skipping the Most Important Part
If you're going straight to foundation on bare skin and wondering why it looks cakey by lunch, that's why. Skin prep before makeup doesn't need to be complicated. Cleanse. Hydrate. Prime. Let each layer actually absorb before you pile on the next one. Three basic steps. A few minutes. Done. Can there be more steps with more detailed products? Yes, but focus on just three if you are currently at 0.
The Biggest Mistake
Women thinking they need better makeup. More coverage. More powder. More product. They don't. They need three minutes of prep. Dry skin grabs product and makes it patchy. Oily skin pushes it right off. Prep fixes both. Stop throwing money at new foundations and start prepping your skin. I promise you that's the answer.
Learn It In Person
This is exactly where we're starting at our next Contour & Cabernet class on October 16th at The Rev. Skin prep, primers, base makeup, color matching. Tickets are HERE.
One Item Styled Three Ways: Thrifted Leather Trench Coat.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. This is the first post in a new series I'm doing once a month where I take one item from my closet and style it three completely different ways. No hauls. No affiliate links for the main piece. Just proof that you don't need more clothes. You need more creativity with the ones you have. This month's item? A black leather trench I literally just thrifted this week. Can't link it. Won't link similar ones. Go find your own at your local thrift store because I promise you they're out there. Check out my styling video HERE.
Off-Duty
Brown tonal everything. I love styling brown and black together. I paired the trench with a monochromatic brown sweatshirt and sweatpants set, my LV crossbody, Nike tan and leopard print Air Maxes, and an all black LA baseball cap. This is the look for when you want to feel put together but you're not trying to impress anyone. Effortless on purpose.
Elevated Casual
I kept this one simple and let the trench do the talking. A basic white crop tee, baggy denim, blue Adidas Samba ballet flats, and my Free People Emerson bag. Nothing loud. Nothing complicated. Just clean pieces that fit well and make the whole thing look intentional.
After Dark
This is where I had fun. An oversized white dress shirt, a micro skirt, tights, platform boots, and a small silver handbag to match my silver statement necklace. I added a printed head scarf because sometimes one more detail IS the detail.
Three different outfits. One trench coat. Zero new purchases besides the trench itself which cost me less than my go-to morning coffee and breakfast sandwich order. You don't always need to buy something new to feel like you have something new. Shop your own closet. Play dress up. Get creative with what you already have. Sometimes the best styling hack is just looking at your stuff differently <3
I Tried the Medicube Viral TikTok Skincare Bundle So You Don't Have To
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. This skincare has been sitting in my cart for a while and I finally pulled the trigger on the Medicube bundle that's been all over TikTok. Five products, one routine, a LOT of hype. I've been using it and I'm going to give you the honest breakdown. Product by product, in the order you're supposed to apply them, with a rating and what the key ingredient actually does according to Medicube and my internet research.
Triple Collagen Toner 10/10
This is my favorite product in the entire bundle. It has a triple collagen complex plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide converts to NAD in your skin, which is a coenzyme that helps repair cell damage and support collagen production. Your natural NAD levels decline as you age, so feeding it back topically makes sense IF that’s true and not a marketing scheme. This toner goes on smooth, absorbs fast, and I noticed a difference in hydration and glow almost immediately. Not in a week. Immediately. If you love glowy skin, try using multiple hydrating toners to “flood” your skin. It’s a must.
EGF NAD Serum 7/10
EGF stands for epidermal growth factor, which signals your skin cells to repair and regenerate. Paired with NAD, this serum is basically telling your skin to speed up its renewal process. It layers well under the cream and doesn't pill or feel heavy. I liked it but I wouldn't say it blew my mind as a standalone. It works best as part of this full routine.
Triple Collagen Cream 7/10
This is a solid moisturizer. It has collagen, niacinamide, and squalane which helps prevent moisture loss and keeps skin feeling soft. It absorbs well and doesn't sit heavy or greasy. But is it life changing? No. It DOES its job and does it well, but I've used moisturizers that wow me more. I also like to add a mask on top at night to really lock everything in, which helps get more out of this step.
PDRN Collagen Volufiline Multi Balm Stick TBD/10
This is the viral one. Volufiline claims to stimulate fat cells to create a plumping effect, and PDRN is a DNA fragment derived from salmon that signals your skin cells to repair and regenerate. I'm going to be real with you. I haven't used this long enough to tell you if the volume claims hold up. That takes consistent use over weeks and if you know anything about me, I struggle with consistency. But I will say it feels hydrating, it glides on nicely, and I like using it under my eyes and around my smile lines. Jury's still out on the plumping.
PDRN Pink Caffeine Collagen Eye Patches 8/10
Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which is why it's the go-to ingredient for de-puffing. These patches feel great. They're cooling, refreshing, and my under-eyes look visibly more awake after wearing them. Will it completely get rid of undereye bags? No. But as a daily pick-me-up for tired eyes, they deliver.
Overall I'm impressed with the bundle, especially the toner. If you want to use all five products, I linked everything on my ShopMy so you can shop the full routine in one place! If skin prep before makeup is something you want to learn more about in person, Travis and I are teaching our next Contour & Cabernet class on October 16th at The Rev. We're covering skin prep, primers, and base makeup. <3
The Makeup Advice Nobody Gave You: Powder, Cream, and What Actually Works for Your Skin as You Age
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. This week we are discuss makeup for aging skin. Someone asked me to write about this and I'm glad because I watch women over 40 get told to "just use less" or "go natural" like that's actual makeup advice. Your skin changes as you age. Your products should too.
What Actually Happens to Your Skin Over Time
You lose moisture, elasticity, and oil production. Fine lines show up. Texture shows up. None of that is a problem but it’s the reason you're not loving your makeup. You are still using products that were designed for smooth, young skin that you, unfortunately, just don't have anymore. That sounds harsh but we ALL age and it’s a beautiful thing! You should feel confident in that and know how to enhance your features with the right products and techniques.
Why Powder Might Not Be Your Best Option Anymore
Powder sits on top of your skin. It doesn't move with your face. On younger, oilier skin, that works. On mature skin that's already dry, powder clings to fine lines, settles into texture, and makes everything look flat.
I had a client recently who was a mother in a wedding group. She told me she only wanted powders. When I asked why, it wasn't because she'd tried everything and powder was her pick. It was because powder was what she'd always used. She didn't know there was a better option for where her skin is now. And that's not her fault. No one told her.
Why Cream and Liquid Products Work Differently
Cream and liquid formulas move with your skin. They reflect light instead of absorbing it. On skin that's lost moisture and bounce, that movement is what keeps makeup looking like skin instead of looking like makeup sitting on top of skin.
Texture Is Normal. Stop Fighting It.
Skin moves. Makeup will never look like a filter in real life. The answer for mature skin isn't MORE makeup. It's intentional skin prep, lightweight layers, strategic powder placement, and products that move with your skin and melt together. That's what creates a flawless look. Not coverage. Not quantity. The right formula in the right places. I'm not telling you to throw out your powders. Some still work beautifully for setting your cream products. But if your whole routine is powder-based and everything looks cakey by noon, it might not be your application. It might be your formula.
This is exactly the kind of stuff Travis and I are covering at our next Contour & Cabernet class on October 16th at The Rev. Skin prep, primers, base makeup, color matching. If your routine hasn't been updated in a while, this class is for you <3
The "No Makeup" Makeup Look: Why It's Not as Simple as It Looks and What I'd Actually Use
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire.
We need to talk about the "no makeup" makeup look because the internet has convinced an entire generation of women that this look takes five minutes and three products. It does not. That is a lie on the same level as "I woke up like this." You did not wake up like that. Beyoncé did not wake up like that. Nobody woke up like that. I received this topic request through my Instagram. You can ALWAYS send me questions or topic requests for my upcoming blog posts.
When I'm working on makeup clients, if they're over 30, half the time someone pulls up an inspo photo of Kim Kardashian and says "I want something natural like this." Girl. That is a full glam.. (and a little plastic surgery). Foundation, contour, highlight, lashes, lip liner, concealer all in neutral shades, and probably one to two hours in a chair. Then lighting and a professional camera. That is not natural. That is TALENT and PRACTICE. There's a difference and it's important to know what you're actually asking for.
Why it's a Trend?
It's trending because it enhances your natural features. It doesn't change or cover them. The "no makeup" makeup look isn't necessarily harder than a full glam but it requires a completely different skill set. It's about knowing exactly what goes where and how much to use so nothing looks overdone. Full glam is forgiving because you're building layers. The "no makeup" look has nowhere to hide. Too much and you look like you're wearing a lot of makeup. Too little and you don't get the effect you want. The margin is small and it takes knowing your own face really well. It's giving effortless. But the effort? It's there. It's just invisible. Kind of like how "clean girl aesthetic" requires approximately 47 steps to look like you did…nothing. Below are some examples of my natural makeup clients I've had recently.
What Steps and Products I Would Actually Use
Here's what I'd reach for to build a "no makeup" look right now.
Skin prep first. Always. A good moisturizer and primer are doing 80% of the work. Dewy, hydrated skin IS the look so start there.
A skin tint or light coverage foundation. Not full coverage. You want your actual skin to show through. The point is to even things out, not erase your face.
Concealer only where you need it. Under the eyes, around the nose, maybe a spot or two. This is not the look where you're concealing your entire face. The IG 2016 triangle of concealer under each eye? Not for this.
Cream blush. Not powder. Powder is going to sit on top of your skin and scream "I'm wearing blush." Cream melts in and gives you that just-pinched, flushed-from-a-walk look. Tap it on with your fingers. Blend the edges. Done.
Brow gel. Just something to brush them up and keep them in place. No hard lines. No carved out arches. Think messy on purpose.
Brown mascara instead of black. This is the underrated move that changes EVERYTHING in a natural look. Brown defines your lashes without the harsh contrast that instantly makes it look more "done." If you take one thing from this entire post let it be this. If you're a lash extension girlie, ask for brown.
A lip product that matches your natural lip color. Or just a clear balm. If you're putting on a visible lip color you've already done too much. The "no makeup" look lip is basically your lips but slightly more alive.
Setting spray, not powder. Powder will mattify and take away the dewy skin you just worked so hard to create. Setting spray locks everything in while keeping that fresh, skin-like finish. HOWEVER, powder will help with longevity so pick your most important thing.
Why You're Struggling and What You Need
This look takes practice. It takes knowing your face. It takes understanding which products work with your specific skin type and texture. You're probably not going to nail it the first time and that's fine. The whole point of the "no makeup" look is that it's supposed to look like you know your face so well that you barely need anything. That confidence in your own features? That's the real product.
Everything I mentioned is linked in my No Makeup Makeup Favs so you can check out the exact products I'd use. And if you want someone to walk you through base makeup, skin prep, and foundation in person, Travis G and I are teaching Contour and Cabernet on October 16th at The Rev. Tickets at Volume One Events.
Getting Ready as Self Care: What That Actually Means vs. What the Internet Sells You
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. This week on the blog, I want to talk about getting ready. Not the 45 minute GRWM with ring lights and 30 linked products from influencers. The actual act of getting ready and why it matters more than the internet makes it look.
Creators who make GRWM content are doing their thing and I respect it, I mean I ALSO post that content. We're all using social media to build and sell something. That's not the problem. The problem is when you watch someone's perfectly curated routine that is heavily edited to promote sales and then look at your own bathroom counter and feel like you're doing it wrong. Like your five products aren't enough or your 15 minutes alone with mascara and a hair tie doesn't count. That's comparison. And it's making you feel like who you are right now isn't enough. THAT is the problem I'm talking about today.
Getting Ready FOR Something vs. Getting Ready AS Something
Getting ready FOR something is external. You have somewhere to be, someone to see, something to post. There's nothing wrong with that. That's like 95% of my getting ready occurrences. But, getting ready AS something is different. The act itself is the point. The process of paying attention to yourself, choosing how you want to show up today, that IS the self care we're talking about. Not the outcome. The ritual.
How to Make It Self Care Instead of a Task
Slow down. That's the biggest shift and truly MY biggest hurdle. When getting ready feels like a checklist you're rushing through, it's a task and can be exhausting. When you're actually present in it, it becomes something else entirely.
Put on music or a podcast you love. That alone changes the energy from "I have to do this" to "this is my me time."
Use less. Seriously. You don't need 15 steps. Pick the two or three things that make you feel the most like yourself and skip the rest. Self-care isn't about doing the most. It's about doing what matters to you.
Touch your own face. I know that sounds weird, but most people rush through skincare and makeup without ever slowing down enough to actually connect with what they're doing. Applying moisturizer can feel like a chore or it can feel like taking care of yourself by massaging your face. The difference is just pace and intention.
Get ready when you have nowhere to be. This is the one that changes everything. It's like playing dress up when you were just a kid. Your makeup, clothes, accessories, it's all there just so you can have fun. When you get ready for fun you take away the deadline and the destination. Getting ready becomes purely about you. No one to impress. No event to prepare for. Just you deciding to show up for yourself in a creative way.
The Real Point
Stop measuring your routine against someone else's content. Their routine was built for their life, their job, their audience. Yours should be built for YOU. Getting ready is one of the only parts of your day that's completely yours. Nobody else gets to decide how you do it, how long it takes, or what products are involved. Use it to make yourself feel good. Not to perform someone else's version of what self care is supposed to look like.
You already know what makes you feel like yourself. Trust that <3
Side Quest: Plants
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. This weeks blog has nothing to do with hair or makeup and everything to do with "Side Quests". If you've been on social media lately you've probably seen people talking about their "side quests." What is a side quest?? It's when you randomly pick up a hobby that has absolutely nothing to do with your actual life and suddenly it's consuming all of your free time. You didn't necessarily plan it but something peaked your interest and you fell into the rabbit hole. For me, my current side quest is plants. It was something I always thought I was bad at but that didn't stop me from TRYING. Then it just happened and now here I am outside watering plants, googling sun zones and plant care guides at 10pm on a Tuesday.
I went from killing every succulent I ever owned to having a whole collection of plants I'm genuinely proud of keeping alive. I'm repotting things. I'm rearranging my space based on which window gets the best light. This is not who I was a year ago and yet here we are!
Side quests don't have to make sense. They don't have to be productive. They don't have to turn into a business or a brand or a content strategy. Sometimes you just find a thing that makes you happy and you go all in because it fills a part of your brain that your regular life doesn't touch.
Maybe yours is thrifting or it's an art project. Maybe it's learning to roller skate, getting really into a new music genre or redesigning a room in your house. It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is you let yourself do it without needing to justify it or needing to be great at it right away. So yeah, I'm a plant person now and my house is starting to look alive inside and out. <3
Check out my plant side quest on my Instagram @meg_ann_lee77.
Side Part, Middle Part, or Bangs: How to Know What Actually Works for Your Face
This week’s blog topic came straight from you guys. If you didn't know, you can always send me beauty, hair, or styling questions through my Instagram and I'll answer them here on the blog. One of my clients asked what part line and bang style is most complimentary for different face shapes and honestly this is one confusing topic for a LOT of people because it's one of the simplest changes you can make that completely shifts how your face looks.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire.
Before I get into the breakdowns I want to say something first. These are guidelines, not rules. If you have a round face and you love your middle part, KEEP YOUR MIDDLE PART. The goal here isn't to tell you what to do. It's to give you information so that if you've been feeling like something is off or you want to switch things up, you know where to start. Your hair should make you feel like the best version of yourself and sometimes that means following the "rules" and sometimes it means completely ignoring them. Both are valid.
How to Figure Out Your Face Shape
Pull your hair back. Look in a mirror straight on. Notice where your face is widest. Is it your forehead, your cheeks, or your jaw? Is your face longer than it is wide or about equal? You don't have to measure anything, it can be an estimate.
Round faces are widest at the cheeks with soft angles. Oval faces are slightly longer than wide with balanced proportions. Square faces have a strong jaw that's about the same width as the forehead. Heart shaped faces are wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Diamond faces are widest at the cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. Long faces are noticeably longer than they are wide. Now that you know what you're working with, let's talk about what to do with it.
The Side Part
A side part creates asymmetry which is why it's so universally flattering. It draws the eye diagonally instead of straight down the center. This is best with Round, Heart, and Square shaped faces. A side part breaks up the symmetry and makes the face look longer. Go deeper for more impact. The side part draws attention away from the widest point at the forehead and balances the proportions.
The Middle Part
A middle part creates symmetry. It frames both sides of the face equally and highlights balance. This is best with Oval, Diamond, and square faces. If You have an oval shape you're already proportional so a center part just shows that off. This is the face shape that can do pretty much anything but a middle part really lets it shine. A middle part with some length around the face softens wider cheekbones and balances the top and bottom half of a heart shaped or diamond shaped face. If you have a more square facial shape and you want to lean INTO your angles instead of softening them, a middle part highlights that jaw and bone structure.
Bangs
Bangs change the game because they alter the visible proportions of your face by covering or framing the forehead. Ever heard anyone say “ bangs or botox”? its an option that softens our face as we age.
Curtain bangs work for almost everyone. They frame the face without fully covering the forehead. Great if you're nervous about committing because they grow out nicely.
Side swept bangs are ideal for round faces. The diagonal line adds length and draws attention to the cheekbones instead of the fullness of the cheeks.
Wispy bangs soften square faces. They break up that straight horizontal line across the forehead without making the face look heavy.
Full blunt bangs look amazing on oval faces. Balanced proportions can handle a strong frame without throwing anything off.
Longer faces benefit from bangs the MOST. Bangs visually shorten the face by covering forehead space. Thicker and fuller makes the biggest impact here.
The Real Answer to This Beauty Question
Try it. Switch your part for a week. Clip your hair into faux bangs and see how it feels. The best way to know what works for you isn't reading a blog post. It's looking in the mirror, trusting and loving what you see! I can give you the guidelines but you're the one who knows what makes you feel like yourself <3
Your Festival Outfit Doesn't Have to Be Boho Chic or Uncomfortable. Here's What I Wore to Eaux Claires Festival.
I'm Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire. You guys KNOW I love a music festival..I went to the revival of the Eaux Claires music festival at Carson Park this year and honestly between seeing Justin Vernon, a short but awesome feature from Frances and the Lights, Dijon, and Monica Martin.. my weekend was made! But we all know one thing that's very important to me.... THE OUTFIT.. soooo what was I going to wear for two days in the low 80s walking around outside for 8+ hours to be cool and comfortable? Let's break it down!
Day one I raided my boyfriend's closet and pulled out a vintage 1995 Jordan Bulls jersey. Dressed it up with fold over Asyllum boots, chunky necklaces and threw on my secondhand Rebecca Minkoff studded backpack so I wasn't holding stuff all day. It worked. It felt cool without trying too hard and that's always the goal.
Day two I fully gave in to comfort. Basic tan onesie, my LV shoulder bag worn around my waist like a fanny pack, Tevas, and a scarf. Was it glamorous? No. Did my feet survive the weekend? Yes. And honestly sometimes that IS the outfit decision. Your feet matter more than your aesthetic and I will die on that hill (especially at this age).
Both outfits felt like me and that's the whole point. You don't have to sacrifice your style to be comfortable and you definitely don't have to suffer to look cute. You can see both of the outfitfs on my Instagram @meg_ann_lee77