TL;DR Matea is a Level 5 stylist at Styling Company in Belmar. She trained directly under owner Lea and focuses on balayage, blonding, vivid color, and extensions. She's known for lived-in color that grows out softly and for protecting your hair with Olaplex and K18. Book with her at our booking page.
By Matea, Level 5 stylist at Styling Company
People ask me all the time how I got into this. The honest answer is that I fell in love with the moment someone sees their hair for the first time and their whole face changes. That's the part I still chase after all these years behind the chair.
Who is Matea at Styling Company?
I'm a Level 5 stylist here at Styling Company on Main Street in Belmar. I trained under Lea, our owner, who has run this salon since 2004. Learning from someone with that much experience shaped everything about how I work. She's picky in the best way, and that pickiness rubbed off on me. I care about the small details most people never notice, because those details are what make color look expensive and natural at the same time.
My main focus is balayage, blonding, vivid color, and extensions. If you want to see the full menu of what we offer, you can look at our services page, and you can read more about color specifically on our hair color page.
How did Matea train to become a Level 5 stylist?
I earned the Level 5 title through years of hands-on work, not overnight. A Level 5 stylist is one of our most experienced colorists, and getting there took real time. I started with the basics, then kept pushing into the harder work like heavy blonding and creative color.
Lea was a huge part of that. She's been doing this since 2004, and training under someone that seasoned meant I learned the right way from day one. I picked up how to read hair, how to place color so it grows out softly, and how to fix problems other people get stuck on. Our owner learned her craft the same careful way, and if you want to hear her side, you can read Lea's story here.
What does Matea specialize in?
My specialties are balayage, blonding, vivids, and extensions. Balayage is probably what I'm known for most. I love that hand-painted, lived-in look that grows out without a harsh line. It's soft, it's natural, and it means you don't have to run back every three weeks.
Blonding is the other big one. Taking someone lighter, especially from a dark base, is a real skill. It has to be done slowly and safely so your hair stays healthy. I use Olaplex through the lightening process to protect the bonds inside each strand, which lets me get you brighter without wrecking your hair.
Vivids are where I get to play. Blues, coppers, deep reds, soft pastels. We use Pulp Riot for a lot of our vivid work because the colors are bold and they last. And extensions round out what I do, so if you want more length or thickness, that's something we can talk through together.
What is it like to sit in Matea's chair?
It starts with a real conversation. Before I touch your hair, I want to know what you're picturing, what your mornings look like, and how much upkeep you actually want. Some people want to be in every six weeks, and some want color that lasts months. Both are fine. I just need to know so I can build the right plan for you.
A full balayage usually takes about two and a half to three hours or more, so plan for that. It's not a rushed service, and that's on purpose. Good color takes time. I'd rather you leave with something you love than push you out the door fast.
What products does Matea use to protect your hair?
I lean hard on bond-building products to keep your hair strong. During blonding and balayage I use Olaplex, which protects the inner structure of your hair while we lighten. At the finish and for home care, I often reach for K18, which helps repair damage after the fact.
We also carry Redken for everyday care. The point of all of this is simple. I want your color to look beautiful, and I want your hair to feel just as good as it looks a month later. Healthy hair holds color better, so protecting it is never optional for me.
How do you book with Matea?
You can request me directly when you book. Head to our booking page and choose your service, and you're welcome to note that you'd like to see me. If you're brand new to color or thinking about a big change like going blonde, that's a great thing to mention so I can plan enough time.
Curious about extensions and the different methods? We break that down in our post on K-tip versus weft extensions, which is worth a read before your visit.
Good to Know
What is a Level 5 stylist?
A Level 5 stylist is one of our most experienced colorists at Styling Company. The level reflects years of training and skill, especially with advanced color work like heavy blonding and vivids.
Does Matea do balayage for dark hair?
Yes. Balayage works beautifully on dark hair. If you're going significantly lighter, it may take more than one session, and I protect your hair with Olaplex the whole way.
How much does balayage cost?
A partial balayage starts at $140 and a full balayage starts at $210. A luxe full runs $270 and up. Your exact price depends on your hair length, thickness, and the look you want.
How long does a balayage appointment take?
Plan for about two and a half to three hours or more. Color that looks natural and lasts takes time, and I never want to rush it.
Can Matea help me go blonde from dark hair?
Yes, and it's one of my favorite things to do. Going blonde from a dark base often takes multiple sessions to do safely. I use Olaplex to protect your hair through every lightening step.
What extension methods does Styling Company offer?
We offer extensions and can walk you through the best method for your hair and goals. The right choice depends on your natural thickness, your lifestyle, and how much length you want.
Do you use bond-protecting products?
Always. I use Olaplex during lightening and K18 for repair, plus Redken and Pulp Riot depending on your service. Protecting your hair is built into how I work.
How do I request Matea specifically?
When you book on our booking page, you can note that you'd like to see me. Mention any big changes so I can set aside enough time.
Ready to get started? I'd love to help you find your color. Book your appointment here and let's talk through what you're picturing.