Top 10 Braided Hairstyles

Think braids are only for laundry day and the gym? Think again! Intricate twists and plaits are totally trendy, and there's a braided hairstyle to suit every occasion. Here, Beyonce pairs a sexy side part and long, wavy bangs with a simple braid to complement her sequined outfit.

Here we have a headband braid and long bangs. You can play up the girlie style with frosty eyeshadow and a pink lip.

 

Here we have Melissa with a bewitching (see what we did there?) take on the classic side-parted low ponytail. A thin braid along the actress' hairline adds a unique accent and shows off her blonde highlights.

Looks like Lucy Hale is getting style advice from her character on Pretty Little Liars. The cheery brunette goes emo with a fall-weather ready crocheted snood and some Kool Aid-red streaks. A loose side braid completes Hale's tousled hairstyle.

Garcelle Beauvais knows how to transform a plait into a sexy premiere hairstyle. The actress paired her loose side braid with gold earrings, a trendy fur vest and turquoise beads on the red carpet.

Nicky Hilton sports a Swedish milkmaid-inspired braid with a center-parted updo hairstyle. Her updo shows off the socialite's glittering one-shouldered dress.

Need a cute hairstyle that keeps your locks out of your eyes and transitions easily from day to night? Look no further than Katharine McPhee's hairline braid and rolling waves. This 'do works on every hair length from bob to long!

Nina Dobrev manages to completely transform (and lower!) her hairline with a braid that swoops around from the crown of her head to her ear. It's a totally unique spin on a classic braided updo.

Jessica Szohr is all smiles in a laid-back side fishtail braid and loose, choppy bangs

Eve blows your mind (YouTube it asap) with a super-stylized long braid topped with retro volume and finger curls

Ready to try a braid?  Call today and schedule an appointment or a complimentary consultation with one of our stylists that specialize in this hot trend - 440-526-3090!!

Breast Cancer Awareness - Think Pink Event 2011

Join us any time during the day on Saturday, October 15th from 8 am to 5 pm for some of our "Pink" Services.  Call 440-526-3090 if you have any questions!

Established in 1992, the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has distributed nearly 80 million pink ribbons and raised over $30 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.




The Breast Cancer Research Foundation was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translation research. It supports scientists conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research with a minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated going directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.



As an Estee Lauder Company brand partner, Aveda is selling a limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief. It comes in a specially packaged 5oz pink ribbon tube for $21 with $4 from each sale going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Aveda Hand Relief is a thick, creamy, lightly scented hand lotion that is ideal for protecting hands from the cold winter chill. It has a slight botanical smell mixed with just a bit of licorice due to the Licorice Root Extract. Packed with soothing, moisturizing ingredients like Aloe Leaf Juice, Glycerin and Meadowfoam Seed Oil, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants, this lotion really does a number on beat up hands.

Let’s face it, we're all rough on our hands and nails. With all the polish changing and product testing, they go through a lot. So slathering on a little Hand Relief before slipping on a pair of moisturizing gloves before bed leaves our skin supple and hydrated by morning.

Aveda’s Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief is available now through the end of October at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon.

Skin Care at Every Age

The options for skin care today can be so overwhelming--how's a girl supposed to figure out what she should be using? As our skin ages, it has different needs and requires different types of products. Follow these tips to learn the skin care routine that's right for your age.

Teens: Start A Routine

You are never too young to take care of your skin. Now is the time to start a healthy skin care regimen--if you do it now, your complexion will thank you later. Products that are a must include a good cleanser, a treatment product and a moisturizer with an SPF--you should follow the Cleanse/Tone, Treat/Repair and Hydrate/Protect system for healthy, radiant skin.

Teens: Wash Up!

Teens tend to experiment with makeup and with their constant busy schedules, they often forget to wash their face at night. Your skin should be washed both day and night to remove the dirt, excess oil and debris that can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Try a cleanser with natural salicylic acid like our Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser to help combat breakouts.

 

Teens: Get A Jumpstart On Sun Protection

Studies show that a majority of sun damage occurs by the time you're 18, so sun protection is a must! Teens should look for sunscreens that do more than just protect from sun damage. Try our Tinted Moisturizers with SPF 15 protection that also contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators will help strengthen the skin's barrier, making it better able to defend itself.

20s: It's Never Too Early To Fight Aging

Most signs of aging begin to emerge when people are in their 20s with the appearance of fine lines, dry skin, and a tired complexion. To ensure skin continues to look young and supple, embark on an anti-aging skin care routine now. Use products like our Tourmalene Charged Radiance masque to help boost skins ability to turn over those dead skin cells, as well as exfoliating the skin to leave a smooth even complexion.

20s: Eat Your Way To Healthy Skin

It's true that you are what you eat and your diet can make its way to your skin. The work/life balance for 20-somethings can be erratic and some turn to fast food diets for a quick, inexpensive meal. It's better to incorporate natural fats like nuts, olive oils and seeds, as these promote glowing skin, and strong hair and nails, while naturally lowering triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels that can affect your health later in life.

20s: Fair Skin Is In

Using tanning beds significantly accelerates skin aging, which isn't something most young people take into consideration, which, when they're older, they'll wish they had. If you insist on having a tan, the only safe alternatives are self-tanners and bronzers or, my personal favorite, a healthy appreciation for your skin's natural coloring.  Try our Uruku Bronzer for a nice healthy glow

30s: Banish Dark Circles

Balancing work, family, friends and personal duties can cause exhaustion, making dark circles under the eyes appear more prevalent. Help erase the tired look by using a product like our Green Science firming eye cream that will help to lift and firm the delicate skin around the eye as well as lessen the appearance of the dark areas.

30s: It's Ok To Indulge A Little

Help your skin turn back the clock with your food vices. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as an antioxidant that protects the body from aging caused by free radicals. Red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that can slow the age-related deterioration of cells. Always in moderation, of course.

30s: Pamper Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes will likely be the first place that fine lines appear and begin to "age" your skin. Help diminish them by using our Green Science Firming eye cream both day and night to hydrate the skin around the eyes and increase suppleness. Try also using our Green Science Line Minimizer around the eye area at night as well.

40s: Scrub Your Way To Glowing Skin

Women in their 40s are starting to deal with the thinning skin that comes with age, as the supportive subcutaneous fat--which supports our skin--depletes causing pores, follicles and oil glands to appear more prominent. That's why exfoliation is key for a healthy complexion. Exfoliating with Tourmalene Charged Radiant Skin Refiner will help unclog pores and reawaken the complexion.  Safe for all skin types this creamy, clay based exfoliates with bamboo extract and energizes with tourmaline to leave skin radiant and refined. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic.

40s: Get Your Vitamins

Internal skin care is just as important as topical skin care products because topical products can only aide the 20% of skin that's on the surface; internal will take care of the other 80%. So don't forget to take daily vitamin supplements! A supplement regimen should include a complex of amino acids, glucosamine, vitamin B6, antioxidants, including grape seed extract, and vitamins A, C, D & E.

40s: Don't Forget The Décolleté

The décolleté is one of the areas that shows a woman's true age, due to the delicate nature of the thin skin on the neck and its constant exposure to the elements. Start using an anti-aging product  from your jawline all the way down to your chest. Our Green Science Lifting Serum, with our Green Science firming face cream will help to make sure your face, neck, and décolleté stay lifted and firm.

50s And Beyond: Get Plumped Up!

Menopausal women in their 50s are dealing with hormonal aging that appears in the form of deep wrinkles, a lackluster complexion, and dry, sagging skin. Our Green Science Skin Care line will Helps skin boost its natural collagen production for a more lifted appearance.   Formulated with bio-fermented glucosamine, organic argan oil, anti-oxidants and peptides helps promote surface skin cell turnover, moisturization and visible skin firmness.  It is part of a 4-step system clinically proven to perform in 4 weeks. When used together with Firming Face Creme, Firming Eye Creme and Line Minimizer, clinical results show 41% more lifted appearance; 37% reduction in appearance of lines and wrinkles.

50s And Beyond: Restore Collagen Production

After the age of 20, we all lose one percent of our natural collagen (Eek!), so by the time you're in your 50s, your collagen levels are depleting fast. Incorporate foods like carrots, sweet potatoes and oranges into your diet, as these are packed with vitamin A and C, both of which help restore and give life back to damaged collagen.

50s And Beyond: Hydration Is Key


Dry skin is a common skin concern for women in their 50s, so an opulent moisturizer is a must-have for your beauty bag. Try our Green Science Firming Face Creme.  It will help to improve visible skin firmness, moisturize and strengthen skin's barrier function.   Lady's thistle, organic argan oil and cactus formula helps to moisturize skin and smooth fine lines. Glucosamine, anti-oxidants and peptides help to improve visible skin firmness, moisturize, and strengthen skin's barrier function.  This is part of a 4-step system clinically proven to perform in 4 weeks. When used together with Lifting Serum, Firming Eye Creme and Line Minimizer, clinical results show 41% more lifted appearance; 37% reduction in appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Want to know more or get a customized plan for your skin care needs?  call today and schedule a 30 or 60 minute facial with one of our Aveda trained estheticians and let us customize a skincare routine just for you and your skin care concerns.  Call 440-526-3090 today!!

10 Ways to Instantly Look Sexier!

1. Wear Lace

Not only is lace one of this season's hottest fashion trends, it also has transformative powers. "Wearing a lacy top or dress can transform a woman into a seductress. It's a way to express your feminine side because when you slip into lace, you automatically feel girly and romantic. Lace has a magical effect on men because they anticipate what's going to happen when the lace comes off," says Dr. Ava Cadell, relationship expert.

2. Play up your eyes.

Men are generally attracted to women with bigger eyes, fuller lips.  Stop in and let us show you how to get the right look for your eyes with make up and brow shaping. 

3. Make your lips look pouty

 

Stop in and let our Aveda trained make up artists show you how to get the perfect pouty look with a complimentary make up consultation.

 

4.  Play Up Your Cleavage With Caution

"A little cleavage is a tantalizing turn-on for a man who enjoys the chase, but too much cleavage can make you look like the hunter and be a turn-off, unless you're a one-night stand," says Dr. Cadell.

5.   Sweep your hair to one side.

"Long sexy hair parted on the side demonstrates a sassy confidence and displays the beauty of feminine bare shoulders. Be sure to shrug them seductively when you lock eyes with a man. This is a great flirting technique," says Dr. Cadell. We saw this style all over the Emmys red carpet.  With Homecoming just around the corner this is a great updo idea.  Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our hair stylists now.

6.  Wear red

Men who participated in the University of Rochester study found women more attractive and sexually desirable when they wore red. They even said they would spend $15 more on a date with her.

7.  Wear a simply sexy fragrance.

"Since fragrances can heighten a man's sexual magnetism towards a woman, you want to be sure that you apply just a dab to compliment your own personal scent known as pheromones. Stick to subtle aromas that guys can easily identify such as a hint of vanilla, rose, orange blossom or lavender,"says Dr. Cadell. Stop in and let us blend a custom aroma just for you from our Chakra or personal blend scents.

8.  Make your hair look really shiny.

"Having silky smooth shiny hair makes you look healthy and sexy. You can flirt by flicking your hair in front of him and seduce him by giving him a sensual massage using only your hair," says Dr. Cadell. Up the glossy factor of your hair with a shine enhancing serum like our Aveda Brilliant Spray on Shine it provides a sheer mist of pure shine and vitamin E to finished hair styles. Also helps eliminate flyaways. For all hair types.

9.  Wear Something Unique

"Wearing a hat or unique accessory that suits your style or clothes with unusual logos are all great flirting props," says Dr. Cadell. The idea is that you'll stand out from the crowd, and the unique piece could even be a conversations starter.

10.  Slip Into High Heels

This sounds like a real no brainer, but just remember the next time you're getting dressed and feeling too lazy to wear high heels, get over it. "It is hard not to feel sexy in a pair of heels; they change the way you walk as heels thrust the hips and breasts forward, rounding off the buttocks, making a woman sensuous and appealing. They make feet look smaller and legs look longer, firmer and thinner," says Dr. Cadell. I think Lea Michele's stance says enough, right?

So if you're ready to spice things up stop in or call today and make an appointment for a complimentary hair consultation or make up touch up - 440-626-3090

Mother's Day 2011 Special Packages

Bella Toccare dé Spa and Salon

 Mother’s Day 2011 Special Packages

Mom & Me-Enjoy a lavender scented Spa Pedicure for Mom & Daughter. Sipping fruit infused water & nibbling on fresh fruit, soak in a lavender scented foot bath, a lavender scrub exfoliates and your feet are soothed with lavender cream. Mom takes home a lavender scented sachet to savor the memory. $140.00 (available for one $75)

Mama Mia It’s Coming Up Roses-Begin with a rose oil scented footbath complete with floating rose petals. She’ll enjoy a cheese and fruit plate, along with a beverage. Then our talented staff will ease her into rose-colored relaxation with Aveda rose essential oils during a one hour massage. A rose scented sachet as a take home gift will bring her back to the memory time and time again. $85.00 With a 30-minute massage: $60.00

Queen for the Day-Bloom a new woman with a haircut and style, manicure and a make-up application with make-up lesson. Her take home gift is a new lip color and nail polish in the color of her choice. $135.00

New Mommy Facial-Especially for the sleep deprived new mommy. We’ll wake up her complexion with a 60 minute spa facial customized to her skin type. Aveda Comforting Tea and an Aveda lavender candle to take home complete this package. $110.00

Manicure of the Month-Indulge her with a manicure every month. This package comes with full size Aveda Hand Relief. $270.00

Pedicure of the Month-Indulge her with a Pedicure every month. This package comes with full size Aveda Foot Relief. $540.00


Lavish Thy Mother The Grand Spa Escape-Pamper her with every beautiful touch with this special Bella Toccare package. Begins with a mimosa & fragrant footbath and includes it all: a full body scrub treatment, 90-minute massage, 60-minute spa facial, spa pedicure and spa manicure. A special Spa Lunch is included. She will take home a beautiful spa gift basket filled with spa products and her own plush spa robe to remember the day. $450.00

Limousine service can also be requested with this package for an additional charge.

Call today for more information 440-526-3090 or stop in to pick up a gift card.

The Oscar Inspired 5 Minute Updo

The 2011 Oscars have come & gone, but what they’ve left behind are the updo inspirations for the rest of the year. The main focus of this year’s event: structured but soft. Now we don’t all have personal stylists or hours in front of the mirror to construct the perfect updo. Not to worry, Bella Toccare’s got you covered. Here is the five minute Bella Toccare updo, inspired by Oscars big night out. (*Tip- second day hair is best for this look).

Minute 1: Tease the hair at the root of the crown area. (Need a tutorial? Scroll through our past blogs for the “How to Tease Tutorial”).


Minute 2: Smooth out any bumps using a comb or a bristle brush.

Minute 3: Choose the location of your base (ie – off to the side, middle of the head, nape of the neck, etc) & split the hair into three sections. Rubber band the middle section into a messy bun.

Minute 4: Take section 1, wrap under & around the messy bun & pin so that the ends remain sticking out & fluid with the messy bun. Repeat with Section 2, wrapping over the messy bun & securing with bobby pin.

Minute 5: Check for any unruly pieces. Pin them in place. Adjust your bangs. Hair spray with our Aveda Control Force spray. Go.


Need some updo help?  Call and schedule your appointment for an updo with one of our Aveda trained stylists for your upcoming wedding, prom, formal, or dinner out for that special occasion - 440-526-3090!!

Is Your Hairstyle Right for Your Age?

You want to look and feel your sexiest no matter how old you are. But what hairstyles will allow you to strut your stuff while remaining age-appropriate and able to tone it down for the office? We have the dish on the hottest hairstyles for every age.

No matter how old you are, your hair will always tie into how attractive you feel. Your mane is an accessory to your personality and unique sense of style, so it only makes sense for your hairstyle to look healthy and help you feel your most gorgeous. Here are some of the best hairstyles to keep you looking--and feeling--sexy at any age.

"Teens can normally get away with anything, but this is a great time to be girly and flirty," Our stylists say. They recommends keeping your hair natural without too much product, and don't rush to color your hair--there'll be plenty of time for that later! Try playing with ponytails, twists, buns, braids and fun hair accessories. "Rather than trying to make yourself look older, embrace the innocence of youth!"

"By the time you reach your twenties, it's time to express your own sense of fashion." our stylists say. Your  hairstyle will need to go a variety of places, so versatility is key. You want a style that can looked polished and smooth for work and nicer events, but can be totally sexified à la Blake Lively, 23, when you're on dates or out on the town.

 

By the time you reach your thirties, you know what makes you feel the most attractive and confident. Our stylists say, "Well-groomed mid-length or long hairstyles--either layered or one-length--look great. Classic or graduated bobs are another stylish option." To add youthfulness to your hair, add face-framing highlights, like Penelope Cruz's, 36, subtle caramel streaks, that draw attention to your gorgeous eyes.

Zoe Saldana, 32, enhances her soft, wavy bob with an alluring smoky eye.  The Avatar star truly came into the public eye in her late twenties and early thirties, and she's definitely come a long way, style-wise, since her Center Stage and Crossroads (yes, the Britney Spears movie).

 

By your forties in terms of the shape and style of your cut, our stylsits say to stick with what makes you feel young and beautiful. They add, "Now is the time when--for most women--gray starts to creep in. If your gray areas cover less than 25% of your hair, then some subtle highlights will be enough to cover them. If you're in the 25% to 50% gray range, then you need an all-over demi-permanent, single process hair color to take the grey away. If you're more than 50% gray go for a permanent, single process.

long hair,  an edgy crop, curls--it doesn't matter when it comes to Halle Berry, 44. The stunning actress can pull off pretty much any hairstyle (well, we haven't seen her in a bowl cut, but she'd probably rock that, too), although as she's entered her 40's, Berry seems to be sticking with a fierce pixie.

As we head into the fifties and beyond "If, by now, your hair is becoming finer, thinner, or weaker, consider a shorter, textured style. A short haircut allows the hairs of your head to sit on top of one another, giving you the illusion of thickness (as opposed to a long hairstyle, which will hang straight down and consequently appear even more fine and thin)," our stylists say. Helen Mirren is still considered a stone-cold fox at the age of 65.

So want to update or change your hairstyle?  Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Aveda trained stylists today - 440-526-3090 and let them help you find the look and style that is perfect for you at any age.

The Straight Truth

By now, you've probably heard about keratin treatments that turn frizzy hair into spun silk. But since new reports have surfaced about the toxic chemicals that some of them contain, we turned to the Bella Toccare  stylists to find out how to get sexy straight hair - the safe way.

If you love a glossy, pin-straight look,but were born with natural curls, you know what a drag it is to juggle blow dryers and flat irons to get the style you're after.  Perhaps this explains the popularity of in-salon Brazilian keratin treatments,whichpromise to liberate women from hair serums and hot tools once and for all.  Results last for up to four months, making smooth hair something it's never been: low-maintenance.

This craze hasn't been without its controversy, though.  This past fall, a string of government reports and warnings put a serious crimp in the hottest thing to happen to hair in years:  The treatment that vowed to transform your tresses could be hazardous to your health.

Most - but not all- salon Keratin treatments produce varying amounts of formaldehyde.  The F-word: Not so fast.  Because the solution doesn't technically alter the texture of hair, it needs something to lock in those temporary results.  That something to lock in those temporary results.  That something is what concerns leading health advocates: formaldehyde, a chemical used in low levels in household cleaners, hand soaps, glue, and synthetic fabrics.  "In higher concentrations formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems, skin allergies and irritation, and sometimes even cancer," says Richard Parent, a board-certified toxicologist in Damariscotta, Maine.  Formaldehyde is released during the final state of the kertain process.  Once a kertain-based complex is applied, the stylist flat irons the hair, "freezing" the new texture into place.  When that happens, the heat from the iron sends fumes into the air.

The Danger Zone - Last fall, Portland, Orgeon - area stylists began complaining about nosebleeds, eye irritation, and breathing problems after doing repeated treatments, so the Oregon division of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) decided to investigate.  It tested samples from Brazilian blowout and several other brands along with the air quality in five Oregon salons.  The subsequent report charged that while none of the salon air-quality tests were over the liimit deemed permissible by OSHA, the solution, despite being marketed as "formaldehyde-free" contained up to 10 percent of the preservative. 

According to OSHA, to be considered safe, a product should contain no more than 0.1 percent formaldehyde.  If it has higher amounts, manufacturers must list it as an ingredient, and employhers should educate workers about how to use the product safely.  Though ther Brazilian Blowout brand bore the brunt of the criticism, OSHA found that the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment by Coppola and Brazilian Gloss produced too-high levels as well.  While the companies claim that their texture-locking ingredients is methylene glycol, cosmetic chemists say this chemical becomes formaldehyde gas when heated.  There is a lot of trickery going on here.

Stay tuned - Soon to come is Aveda's Smooth infusion texturizing system.  This will be an all natural safe formaldehyde-free smoothing treatment from Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon.  This will be a versatile hair retexturizing system that permanently softens, smooths or straightens the hair with thio-based, creme products and thermal processing.  Depending on your desired results our stylists will be able to vary application techniques to product customized texture effects that are unique to you.

Until then or if you have commitment-phobe you can use our style prep smoother, and glossing straightener to achieve the sleek sexy look you want.  Want more info - give us a call or stop in for a complimentary consultation with one of our Aveda trained stylists 440-526-3090.