Style & Color Journal

Wedding hair should feel beautiful, secure, and like you—without stress. The easiest way to get there is a simple plan: book early, do a smart trial, and prep your hair the right way. I’m Erin Dowling, a hairstylist at Salon MINK in San Marcos, and this is a clear, easy timeline to help you plan […]

Vivid hair color is fun, bold, and seriously custom—but it’s different than traditional color. The biggest surprise for most clients isn’t the color itself… it’s the maintenance and fading timeline. I’m Erin Dowling at Salon MINK in San Marcos, and if you’re thinking about vivids (fashion color), this is the simple, honest guide to help […]

Going blonde for the first time is exciting… and a little intimidating. Most first-timers want the same things: I’m Erin Dowling, a hairstylist at Salon MINK in San Marcos, and I’m big on a consultation-first approach—because the safest, prettiest blonde is the one that’s customized to your hair history, your lifestyle, and your long-term hair […]

If you love being brunette but your hair feels flat, dull, or “one-tone,” you don’t need to go lighter to make it look richer. Dimensional brunette is all about adding depth, movement, and shine while keeping your overall brunette vibe intact. I’m Erin Dowling at Salon MINK in San Marcos, and this is one of […]

If you’re torn between lived-in blonde and traditional highlights, here’s the real difference: how they grow out and how often you want to come in. I’m Erin Dowling, a hairstylist at Salon MINK in San Marcos, and my goal is always the same—create a blonde that fits your hair history, lifestyle, and maintenance comfort level. […]