It was already clear in the 80s that I would become a hairdresser. Perhaps it all started at the local shop at Søm in Kristiansand.
I was about 8 years old and was curiously fiddling with the betting slips that were in big piles by the cash register. Suddenly I discovered that the red transfer paper was bleeding off my fingers. Interesting! Not only was the red color cool, but the betting slips were also completely free. I took a stack home and tested the color on my hair. It worked! And it worked even better when the betting slips were moistened with water first.
I then started at the age of 9-10 cutting the hair of my little sister and classmates, even one of the teachers! It had now become a given for everyone that I would become a hairdresser. After my creative hair coloring experiences, it became just as natural that I would become a colorist. Because my curiosity about the endless possibilities of hair colors did not give up, but developed into a passion that has only grown over time.
Over the years, I have experienced many people making unsuccessful attempts to dye their hair at home. Especially when I was on maternity leave, I was contacted by desperate clients, parents, friends of friends and desperate girlfriends. It made me think: "Everyone deserves to have beautiful hair. Why is there no one out there with the expertise to give advice and guidance to those who dye their hair at home?"
The idea for by Bente was conceived, and I started testing out the hair dye products on the market. I started my own YouTube channel where I shared experiences and advice, professional techniques and application methods. Despite everything being done correctly, I was still not completely satisfied with the result. It was complicated to figure out and I thought the quality of the products was simply not good enough.
I wanted to do something about that. I got in touch with a factory in Spain and started developing my own hair colors. The result; a professional hair color series for the domestic market, specially adapted to Scandinavian hair. But good hair colors and help with application are only part of the solution. Everyone has different hair, and a good result is only achieved when the right hair color is chosen based on the individual's starting point. That's why I have also chosen to digitize the hairdresser's eyes and expertise, and to make it available to everyone.
The story of by Bente is a story about my passion for hair. Hair is such a big part of your identity, and it's proven that you feel better about yourself when you're happy. I sincerely believe that everyone should have the opportunity to feel beautiful, regardless of their budget or background. That's why by Bente is changing the rules of the game and welcoming a new standard for at-home hair coloring: Color by Bente.
