Meet Colleen Calder
Owner and master stylist at Aphrodite Salon, Maine Blonde is Colleen’s in-house curated blonding experience.
How’d you end up in Maine?
I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, raised in Saratoga Springs, NY, and moved to Maine in 2006. Because who doesn’t have a romantic notion of Maine? From the gorgeous working waterfronts to the rocky coasts, Maine has it all.
Where did your love of doing hair come from?
It started as a young kid – curlers in my four hairs and all. When I made the leap to doing hair for a living, my first love was blonding. As the years went on, my love continued to grow as the beauty industry saw a change from high-maintenance blonding to the luxe vibes of lived-in blonding. As a beach loving girl at heart, it was a match made in heaven.
What gave you the inspiration for Maine Blonde?
In September 2019, I made a huge leap and started mentoring under BEACHWASHED guru and lived-in blonde master, Lo Wheeler in San Clemente, CA. That helped lead me to my goal: bring luxe, Cali-inspired hair to Maine.
How would you describe the Maine Blonde look?
Maine Blonde blends the surfer aesthetic of Cali with Maine’s good-natured vibes. That’s curated hair.
And now for the fun stuff…
What’s your astro sign?
Scorpio, with typical Scorpio tendencies.
Which celeb do you think has the best hair?
I have two hair idols: First, Jennifer Aniston. The hair goddess of all hair goddesses. Second, surfer Ivy Miller. I mean, that beach bum hair is the stuff of dreams.
What do you love to do when you're not at the salon?
I’m a mom to an active toddler, so most of my time outside of the salon is spent with her. Outside of that… horses and surfing! Designing goods for Maine Blonde and perfecting my new scalp and hair care line. And of course, going to the beach.
Fave beach in Maine?
Phippsburg arguably (but let’s not argue because it’s the truth) has the most beautiful beach in Maine, Popham. STUNNING! As a Phippsburg resident I get access to a resident’s only beach, Totman Cove, and honestly, it’s perfect. In Southern Maine, Long Sands Beach will always have a special place in my heart!
Go-to coffee order?
How much sleep did I get? Ha! Usually it’s a Dirty Chai with almond milk.
Favorite rom com?
It’s a tie between Father of the Bride and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Meet Cregan
Salon Dog, Greeting Committee, All Around Good Boy
A Native New England boy with a Scottish heart, Cregan loves most things. Chasing squirrels at Maine Blonde HQ and Seagulls at the local beach are two of his favorite things.
Cregan can’t wait for you to give him a pat and to compliment your new hair.