The team at SalonOtter recently visited Louisville to meet with Brianne Windell, the manager and senior colorist of TRIM NuLu to chat all things hair, beauty, and fashion in Kentucky.
We cover why they’ve won so many awards for their work, top hydration tips for optimum hair and beauty, plus how to build a trusted studio that is one of the best hair salons in Louisville.
Enjoy!
Brianne, tell us more about yourself
My name is Brianne Windell and I’m a manager and senior colorist of TRIM NuLu.
With a decade of experience as a dedicated hair color specialist, my journey into the realm of cosmetology began immediately after completing high school.
My aspirations led me to pursue a career in hairdressing due to my love of color and art. Though initially intended as a stepping stone towards pharmacy school, my passion for the artistry of hair design swiftly blossomed and I fell in love with this craft.
I decided to dedicate myself to high-end color, with color corrections being my specialty. Color correction is a process through which I derive immense joy in transforming individuals’ appearances, imbuing them with confidence and radiance. Furthermore, I derive great satisfaction from nurturing the growth and development of emerging stylists, guiding them along their own unique journeys within the industry.
As the first colorist at TRIM NuLu, I seized the opportunity to establish and lead the color department, recognizing my readiness to not only help grow the business but also myself. After the color department was set up, we began to grow the department.
At present, we have seven colorists on staff and are constantly hiring for more. Lastly, I take great pleasure in fostering the growth and development of those new colorists, nurturing their talents as they navigate their own journeys within the industry.
What will clients experience visiting TRIM NuLu?
TRIM NuLu is the premier salon in Louisville, KY, which is nestled within the vibrant neighborhood of NuLu. The NuLu district is renowned for its eclectic blend of art, food, and shopping. Situated amidst the dynamic streets of the East Business District in Louisville, TRIM NuLu embodies a contemporary haven where beauty and culture come together.
When guests step into TRIM NuLu, they are welcomed into a sophisticated and inviting space that was renovated in late 2023. Our hair and beauty salon is situated in one of the few Second Empire architecture buildings in Louisville and delivers an atmosphere of refinement and relaxation, providing everyone who visits us with a sanctuary to indulge in personalized beauty experiences.
With views of a walled garden area, our guests can relax from the hustle and bustle of city life in a tranquil space while still being just steps away from the busy life of Downtown.
At TRIM NuLu, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in hair care and styling. Every one of our team of skilled professionals, led by myself and Co-Founder Chris Edwards, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to every appointment.
From precision haircuts to transformative color treatments, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of all our guests.
Winning Awards and Famous Clients in Louisville and Beyond
In 2021 TRIM NuLu was named “Best Hair Salon in Louisville, KY” by the Louisville Courier-Journal, the most respected and well-known newspaper in Louisville. From that award, our noteworthiness grew as well as our business.
We began getting calls from celebrities, especially around Derby time, to do their hair as word had spread that we were the “go-to” high-end salon in Louisville. In 2022 and again in 2023, we were named “Best Hair Salon in Louisville, KY.”
In and around that time frame many of our stylists had won awards for “Best Hair Extensions in Louisville, KY”, “Best Women’s Cuts in Louisville, KY” and “Best Blowouts in Louisville, KY” from various organizations.
The salon itself also won an award for one of the “Startups to Watch in Louisville”. The “Startups to Watch” award was unique because it is typically only given to tech companies.
In just a few years, we’ve transitioned from being a small Louisville startup hair and beauty salon to becoming one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing and most esteemed establishments—a reputation that we work so hard to uphold.
What specialties does TRIM NuLU offer?
TRIM NuLu’s foundation rests on a commitment to quality and consistency. Clients don’t choose us because of price; they choose us for our excellence. Our unwavering dedication ensures that every client achieves their desired look with every visit.
We embrace a “yes” mentality, refusing to limit possibilities. Many clients turn to us after being told elsewhere that their desired hair color isn’t feasible. This leads to our forte: expert color applications, including highlights, balayage, and color corrections, alongside timeless, stylish haircuts.
We understand the apprehension that comes with trying a new salon or stylist, which is why we offer complimentary consultations for all new clients. These consultations allow us to address any concerns and tailor our services to their needs, ensuring a stress-free experience. Our approach is rooted in a genuine desire to serve, evident in every service we provide.
A defining aspect of our salon is our attainment of Redken Elite status, distinguishing us as one of Kentucky’s exclusive salons with this prestigious recognition. As a Redken Elite salon, TRIM NuLu surpasses rigorous standards set by Redken, encompassing exceptional product knowledge, ongoing education, service quality, and brand alignment.
This accolade cements our position as a leading establishment in the hair care industry, offering clients unmatched expertise, service excellence, and access to Redken’s professional products and resources.
What is your number one tip for a happy, healthy hair and beauty routine?
The best tip for healthy hair is to always prioritize regular hydration. Keeping your hair well-moisturized is essential for maintaining its health, shine, and strength.
Invest in a high-quality conditioner and deep conditioning treatments (we would recommend All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner from Redken), and consider incorporating hair oils or leave-in conditioners into your routine.
A big thing people don’t typically think about is that drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients will nourish your hair from the inside out. More often than not, what matters most for your hair is not what you put on it, but what you put into your body.
Lastly, hydrated hair is less prone to breakage, split ends, and dullness, resulting in hair that looks and feels vibrant and beautiful.
What Louisville hair, beauty, and fashion trends are you seeing right now?
While trends can vary from season to season and are influenced by factors such as fashion and celebrity styles, there are some hair color and cut trends that we have seen to be more popular recently.
Here are a few:
-Soft Balayage and Babylights
Soft, natural-looking highlights created through techniques like balayage and babylights continue to be popular choices for adding dimension and brightness to the hair. These techniques create a sun-kissed effect that complements various hair lengths and textures.
-Face-Framing Highlights
Face-framing highlights, which focus on highlighting the hair around the face, can help brighten the complexion and accentuate facial features. This trend is versatile and can be customized to suit different hair colors and lengths.
-Blunt Cuts and Bold Bangs
For those who prefer a more structured look, blunt haircuts with clean lines and bold bangs can make a big statement. These styles offer a modern and edgy aesthetic that can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair textures.
-Textured Bob and Lob Haircuts
Textured bob and lob (long bob) haircuts are versatile and chic options. These cuts can be tailored to suit your own preferences, with options for tousled waves, blunt ends, or choppy layers to add movement and volume.
What hair and beauty products do you think should be in everyone’s day-to-day routine?
Styling products are indispensable for our clients, enabling them to recreate salon styles at home. Using the same products we recommend ensures they can maintain their desired look effectively.
Here are the products we swear by at TRIM NuLu:
A solid hair care routine begins with shampoo and conditioner. Tailored to your hair type, these products cleanse, nourish, and hydrate. Our top picks are Acidic Bonding and All Soft by Redken.
All Soft is perfect for hydrating thirsty hair, while Acidic Bonding is a must for color-treated hair, repairing and protecting against damage caused by chemical treatments.
For those who use heat styling tools, a heat protectant is essential. It helps prevent damage, breakage, and dryness over time. We highly recommend 22 High Hold Thermal Spray, providing a protective barrier against heat while enhancing shine and manageability.
If your hair craves extra moisture or tends to tangle easily, leave-in conditioners are lifesavers. They hydrate, detangle, soften, and shield hair from environmental stressors.
Redken’s Acidic Bonding Leave-In Conditioner treatment is lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for daily use without weighing hair down.
When it comes to styling, Redken’s One United is a go-to. This versatile spray acts as a leave-in conditioner, detangler, anti-static solution, frizz controller, and fly-away tamer, making hair drying easier.
It can be seamlessly integrated with other styling products, allowing for a customized approach tailored to individual needs. One United is a bestseller at our salon, loved for its versatility and effectiveness.
With professional-grade ingredients and innovative formulas, these products consistently deliver exceptional results, promoting healthy, beautiful hair day after day.
Beyond TRIM NuLu, who else would you like to give some love to?
Many of our clients at TRIM NuLu are also clients of Mamili & MadHatter502, drawn to their exquisite selection of Derby hats, fascinators, and crowns, as well as their year-round collection of fashionable clothing.
The owner, Melissa Huff, has a dedication to her craft and her commitment to providing a unique shopping experience which makes Mamili a standout destination for high-end fashion in Louisville.
Whether you’re finalizing your Kentucky Derby look or seeking fashionable attire for any occasion, Mamili offers a curated selection of high-quality pieces that reflect the spirit and style of Louisville, Kentucky.
We really recommend Mamili for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to fashion excellence.
Who is your all-time hair, beauty, and style icon?
I’ve been a huge fan of many celebrity hair stylists/colorists over the years, but my current favorite is Brad Mondo. Brad is an exceptional hair colorist for several reasons. First and foremost, Brad’s talent and creativity shine through in every hair transformation he does.
His ability to envision and execute unique and stunning color combinations is truly remarkable. Whether it’s creating bold, vibrant hues or delicate, natural tones, Brad’s expertise in color theory and technique is evident in the flawless results he achieves.
Moreover, Brad’s infectious personality and charismatic presence make every appointment with him a memorable and enjoyable experience. His warmth, humor, and down-to-earth demeanor put clients at ease, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in his salon.
Brad’s ability to connect with his clients on a personal level fosters trust and loyalty, making him not only a talented hair colorist but also someone who is great with guests.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our SalonOtter readers?
At TRIM NuLu, our entire brand is built around quality and consistency. We don’t just aim to meet our client’s expectations; we strive to exceed them with every service we provide.
From expert haircuts to stunning color transformations, our team approaches each appointment with enthusiasm and creativity, ensuring that every client leaves our salon feeling confident and beautiful.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the sense of camaraderie and support that defines our team culture at TRIM NuLu. From day one, we’ve fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
We celebrate each other’s successes, lift each other up during challenges, and constantly push each other to be the best versions of ourselves.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of TRIM NuLu and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for our team. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and excellence in hair care, setting new standards of quality and service in our industry and city.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible team at TRIM NuLu for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision. I am truly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
Where can people find TRIM NuLU Salon?
We’re at 600 E Main St Suite 103, Louisville, KY 40202
Check out our website to make a booking and we’re also on Insta
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Thanks so much Brianne, we can’t wait to visit you at TRIM NuLU Salon again soon!
