Party Tease - Tease your Hair like a Pro

-Section off the desired teasing area, dropping the very first section (we’re saving that for later). Tip: Think Party hair? You’re going to want it bigger, so move your teasing up higher on top of the head. Everyday tease? Lower & toward the back of the head is fine.

-Start with Section 2. Pull Section 2 forward (for added volume) & tease at the base of the hair in short strokes – pack that hair in.

-Continue sectioning & teasing from the top to just below the crown of the head. Check your sides – you want a full shape so make sure to tease the sides too. Follow the same steps.

-When you’re hair looks like you stuck your finger in an electric socket, start smoothing out the teased sections into the desired shape. Use the ends of your brush to break up any lumps.

-Remember the piece of hair we were saving? Brush over the teased sections at the very end to hide any matted areas & finish the look.   Use a little Control Force to hold that Party Look all night!

Bikini and Brazilian Waxing 101

The bikini and Brazilian wax are more popular than ever. Here we will look at the advantages of doing both and you will see why the Bikini and Brazilian wax are so popular.




While some women may still avoid bikini waxing, opting instead for the tried and tested razor, many more are taking the plunge and going all the way with the Brazilian wax.

Bikini waxing traditionally, removes only the hair that is visible around the bikini area. Brazilian waxing is a method of hair removal that removes all of the hair from the genital region.



Not for the feint hearted, Brazilian waxing is a trend that has grown in popularity for both men and women.



While bikini waxing remains popular, a Brazilian wax is undoubtedly the best way to achieve a smooth, sensual clean look and feel around the bikini area.



Bikini Waxing:



Regular bikini waxing involves the application of warm wax to the area around the bikini line. A strip of cloth is pressed on top and then immediately ripped off against the direction of the hair growth, or your esthetician may use just the hot wax, which as it cools, shrink wraps the hairs and pulls them from the roots.





Brazilian Waxing what it entails:



Brazilian waxing focuses on the genital area and involves the removal of hair from the areas around the vagina, perineum and anus.



The entire genital area is cleaned and hot wax is applied and the hair removed.



As with bikini waxing, the hair is removed by pressing a strip of cloth on top of the oil and then ripping it off against the direction of the hair growth, or your esthetician may use just the hot wax, which as it cools, shrink wraps the hairs and pulls them from the roots.





Contrary to popular belief, Brazilian waxing does not necessarily involve complete hair removal. Some people choose to leave a 'landing strip', a line of hair above the vagina.



Different estheticians may use slightly different approaches. Some may use a strip of cloth as is used in regular waxing, while others may use just the hot wax, which as it cools, shrink wraps the hairs and pulls them from the roots.



Any stray hairs are removed with a pair of tweezers.



Brazilian Waxing - What to Expect:



Having a Brazilian wax will involve you adopting various positions that you may find a bit embarrassing!



Expect to contort your body, lay on your side, hold your legs to the side, place your feet on the  therapist's knees in order for wax to be applied and hair removed.



For a Brazilian wax, your pubic hair is required to be about a quarter inch in length and so it may be necessary for your esthetician to trim it down to this length.



After all the hair has been removed a soothing oil is applied to the area.



What Are the Advantages of Brazilian Waxing?



Lasts between ten days and three weeks



You feel clean, shiny and smooth



Your partner may find it erotic


Fewer ingrown hairs



What are the Disadvantages of Brazilian Waxing?



The only real disadvantage is the pain but this lessens with subsequent Brazilian waxing and most people think it's worth it.



Where to get a Brazilian Wax? - Bella Toccare of course



If you are a wax virgin we suggest you start with a regular bikini wax first before graduating to the Brazilian wax with one of our trained estheticians.



Is it Worth it?



For most people Brazilian waxing provides a long lasting sensual feeling that is definitely worth 15 minutes of discomfort (and embarrassment!) and can be enjoyed by both you and your partner.

want more information?  Schedule a 15 minute complimentary consultation with one of our trained estheticians to discuss your waxing questions and concerns.  Call today 440-526-3090

Updating your Haircolor? Now how about your Makeup???

…Now that you changed your haircolor for the fall it may be time to change your make up too. If you’re sticking within the same color palette than most of your makeup is still going to suffice. Just pay attention to the tone. If you added tawny lowlights to your platinum hair, remember to warm up your cheeks and eyes - golden undertones in the makeup will do the trick. The same principle applies to red heads and brunettes – if you’re warming up the color make sure your lips and cheeks have warmer undertones. If you’re cooling off the color opt for makeup shades with blue undertones. Have fun!

Not sure?  Stop by for a complimentary makeup touch up and Meet Your Match - or you can schedule a makeup lesson with one of our trained Aveda Make-up artists - call today 440-526-3090

Benefits of Regular Facials

When was the last time you treated yourself to a spa facial?

 A facial is a great way to treat your skin. Getting facials will help you achieve a clear complexion and a nice glow.


A facial can offer many benefits. The face is always subject to the elements such as the sun, maybe smoke or an improper at home regime. At Bella Toccare our facials offer you the opportunity to work with one of our  professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin, help you improve your complexion and show you how to take proper care of your skin.
Our facial can give you a deep cleansing, deeper than the cleansing you will get at home. Our facial includes cleansing as well as exfoliation which can help to unclog your pores. Extracting open comedones will also help rid the skin of acne. Your skin care specialist will help soften the skin with steam, hot moist towels, and exfoliants.

Our skin care specialist will choose the ingredients to help your skin type. She may choose a mask to detoxify your skin or hydrate your skin. By getting a proper analysis you will not only learn your skin type, but an esthetician will be able to create a facial experience that addresses your skin’s needs.

A facial will help increase circulation and stimulates the skin. It can also help slow down premature aging by custom-targeting your skin care. Our facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur. Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep the skin moist and stop dehydration.

Our facial will help you understand the proper skin care products for your skin. Most people are using the wrong products for their skin type; this causes the skin to become sensitized. Our estheticians will work with you to create a home care regime that will be both easy to use and work with your individual skin type. Skin type is determined by pore size, tone, and texture. It is also determined by oil production, called sebum.

Most importantly a facial at Bella Toccare will relax you. Our spa offers a serene environment that encourages stress reduction. Facials not only help your skin, but can be soothing. When you are comfortable with your skin, that confidence comes through in a natural glow. Many people have never experienced a facial. A facial makes a great gift for someone you love. Facials are great for both men and women, and a facial is a great introduction to skin care for a teenager

Shellac is Back at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon

Shellac is back at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon!!!  We are so excited to announce this.  As you many of you know Shellac gel polish took the nail world by storm earlier this year.  However the sudden popularity overwhelmed the manufacturer and before we knew it they could not meet the demand.

However we are now happy and excited to report the supply has been met and we once again are back up and Shellacin!  Call us today to schedule your Shellac Manicure or Shellac Pedicure! 

Not sure what Shellac is?  Well check out all the info below and call us, 440-526-3090, if you have any questions!!


Shellac™ truly is a hybrid of traditional nail polish and UV gel polish. Unlike soak-off gels it comes in a polish bottle and unlike traditional polish it cures/dries under a UV lamp. Though what I really liked is there is NO BUFFING. There is absolutely no damage to the natural nail in the process. So how does it work?


Shellac paints on like polish – base coat, color, top coat – and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The colors are hypo-allergenic, and “3-Free” – no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Shellac will launch in a range of 12 varieties of shades, from pretty French pinks and whites, to siren red and rich darks. The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities.

Keeping it Real for the Men

The George Clooney-style salt-and-pepper look is in high demand, but men have different needs and wants when it comes to haircolor.  Most men don't want to spend a lot of time getting their hair colored, and they don't want to make a fuss about it.  So at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon we've created two easy, quick techniques that will blend away grey and deliver natural looking highlights or lowlights. 

Having grey hair has nothing to do with our age.   Grey hairs can strike even when we are in our late teens and early twenties.   However, grey hair can make us look older than we are.   'Young and dynamic' equals success, and SUCCESSFUL is the image we want to project.

Stop in Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon for a little Color camoflauge - our stylists can discreetly and quickly do some natural grey blending before your haircut with an additional 15 minutes added on to the service.



Or stop in for a 15 minute consultation with one of our Aveda trained stylists today to discuss some color contrasting options.  Such as making thinner hair look fuller and fuller hair appear thinner along with enhancing your natural curl or defining your natural hairline.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology has been used for more than 5,000 years. History suggests that foot reflexology was used by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Japanese.


The most concrete evidence of the practice of Reflexology in ancient cultures was the discovery of the wall painting shown below depicting the practice of Reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, which is also known as the Physician’s Tomb. This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C.

Reflexology was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet.

The theory behind reflexology is that by manipulating certain areas of the feet it can make significant impact relaxing the organs of the body. Reflexology like many of into medical arts, it has been classified as an alternative medicine.

Reflexology involves two main components. One part is to massage thoroughly the feet. The other is to stimulate these trigger points located on the soles of the feet. Reflexology is known to have no negative side effects.

Reflexology reduces pain: Pain reduction following reflexology work is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states.



Reflexology creates relaxation: From the moment the reflexologist’s hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate reflexology’s relaxation effects.


Reflexology complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology work as shown by16 studies fom 7 countries.

Reflexology improves blood flow: Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines.

Reflexology eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.

So call today and schedule your 30 or 60 minute Reflexology treatment with Pam or Kathleen - Your feet will thank you for it!!

10 Ways a Massage Will Improve Your Life



Most of us are aware that therapeutic massage feels amazing; but massage also provides relief to a multitude of specific health concerns. Therapeutic massage has been proven beneficial in reducing muscular pain and tension; relieving lower back pain; lessening depression; giving K.O.’s to sleep disorders, lowering high blood pressure, increasing flexibility, and much more!


Experts believe that 90% of stress accounts for 80-90% of illnesses and disease. As massage is a great stress-reliever, you can see that we can avoid a lot of current, stress-related illnesses via massage therapy.

As mentioned above, there are several reasons why people seek massage. Below are the top ten reasons why most people seek massage:

1. Massage feels great!

Massage can be a wonderful experience for deep relaxation. Post massage leaves your body and mind feeling at amazing ease.

2. Pain Relief

Massage provides significant reduction in back pain, (including lower back pain), migraine headaches, neck aches, shoulder pain, joint pain, overused or sore muscles, arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and muscle injuries. A regular massage loosens all this unnecessary tension!

3. Stress!

That overworked, overwhelmed, spaced-out feeling. Massage provides deep relaxation lessening your muscle tension and lowering your blood pressure (by reducing heart and pulse rates). Massage increases your mental clarity, heightens mental alertness, and revitalizes your mind. Massage also increases academic performance and ability to focus on calculations.

4. Combating age

Massage therapy and bodywork improves immune system functioning while relieving muscle aches and stiffness. Massage also enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin.

5. Calming Emotions

You’d be surprised at the number of people who receive regular massage treatments as an alternative to ‘dealing’ with depression. . Massage therapy increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, and quiets insomnia. Massage also can ease PMS symptoms.

6. Accelerated Healing

Massage therapy speeds healing of muscles, tissues, and skin. Thus sports massage is used and great for post-workouts, post-surgery, and muscle soreness in general.

7. Increased Flexibility/Mobility

Massage therapy is perfect for people who workout, are physically fit, those who are athletes, elderly, and even pre/post surgery. Massage is wonderful for improving motor skills. Massage therapy also maintains posture in the skeletal system.

8. Removing built up toxins

Massage flushes away waste products from your muscles, tissues, and skin more easily. This helps digestive disorders (such as spastic colon, constipation and intestinal gas).

9. Improving and Maintaining Skin Tone

Massage therapy stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. Massage to the skin also helps to reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin condition(s).

10. Better overall health investment, maintenance of optimal health

In summary:

Regular massage will make you look and feel years younger! Massage therapy is so much more than a luxurious way to relax. It is a wise investment in your health and being. Massage certainly should be regarded as proof to your dedication towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Take a mini vacation for an hour or two!

Dress up your Manicure with Minx!!

 

Homecoming and Halloween are both just around the corner!  Wouldn't it be fun to have flirty and fun nails for both these special events?!!  Come in and get Minxed!!!

How Does Minx Work?

If you think Minx nails are similar to the store-bought Avon and Incoco nail stickers found in the beauty aisle of your local Target or CVS, guess again. What makes Minx different from such low-budget versions is the specialized material and adhesive. A flexible polymer that is heated and then applied to your nails like a sticker, Minx Nails are a mess-free, green alternative to sticky nail polishes and topcoats and applied acrylic tips.

When performed at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon, a basic manicure is performed before application where the nail plate is cleaned of all oils and residue. Afterwards, the coatings are heated under a lamp in order to warm the adhesive and make each individual piece flexible. Your Bella Toccare Minx nail technician will then line up the rounded edge of the adhesive with the cuticle and, while lightly dragging, press the coating onto the nail. Viola! Simple as that!

If we haven’t convinced you already then, I have to ask, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to get chic and get yourself a pair of these fantastically funky and fun creations, ASAP.

What goes bump in the night and gives you a fright?? It's the 2010 Minx Halloween collection!!! Full of spooky monsters, mummies and fun creepiness, our Halloween Minx templates are sure to make you shiver in your shoes! For our guests that don't want to don a full costume this Halloween, frightening fingertips are a great option.... and for those that love dressing up, what a great way to complete their costume!

And, with the holiday season right around the corner, it's a perfect time to also check out our 2010 Christmas and Holiday designs! In addition to some old favorites, Minx has added a number of fun, whimsical designs to get everyone in the spirit of the season. Check out the shimmering snowflakes, glittering Christmas trees, and a cheerful Santa that is sure to make even the Scroogiest smile. View the newest holiday designs at http://www.minxnails.com/ and be the first at Bella Toccare de Spa and salon to get in the holiday spirit!  (if you find a specific design you love on the Minx website please call us so we can make sure we have that one available for you).

Above are a few of the Halloween Minx we have available (limited quantities), if you want a specific design please let us know so we can have it in time for any upcoming Halloween parties.

      

Gettin' Sassy - Thinkin' Pink

No Bella Toccare didn’t change our dress code but October is a special month.  We’re breaking from the black & white to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.  From October 1^st – October 31^st the Bella Toccare team will donate $10 for the month of October so they can wear the color pink on Fridays and Saturdays.   If you see us wearing pink you know we paid 10 bucks to Bella Toccare to wear our clothes!  So that’s what we’re doing to help Breast Cancer Awareness ….what  are you  doing?

If you need an idea – buy the Aveda Pink Ribbon Hand Relief.  It’s a special edition Pink Ribbon Hand Relief and $4 from every purchase is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  It’s an easy way to do your part in raising awareness but it’s symbiotic:  it saves lives, saves money and saves your skin!