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.

Could you do a Bang??

From Sandra Bullock to Rose Byrne, blunt, eyebrow-grazing bangs are one of the hottest hairstyle trends in Hollywood right now. Think you'd want to rock this bangin' style? We asked our Bella Toccare hairstylists what you should know before you make the cut.


She bangs! She bangs! (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) But seriously, the hottest trend on Hollywood heads as we head into spring are thick, eyebrow-grazing bangs. Thinking of making the cut like Rose Byrne? We got the scoop about all things fringe-related so you can get a bangin' new hairstyle.

Know the lingo - Want perfect, side-swept bangs like Dianna Agron? You have to speak the same language as your hairstylist. According to our Stylists at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon, "Bangs or fringes can be described as heavy, piecey, wispy, light, soft, straight across, arched, angled, blunt, choppy, side-swept, long or very short." adding, "Blunt-cut bangs are thick because they need the weight of the hair to appear drastic. Side-swept bangs can often appear wispy or not as heavy as a thick bang."

You can always get what you want - Don't listen to Mick Jagger. When it comes to your hairstyle, it's easy to get exactly what you want. Want eyebrow-grazing fringe a la Florence Welch? Our Stylists say to bring a picture for reference. Even if you like a particular celebrity's haircut, it may not be the best hairstyle for your hair type, texture or your face shape.  They also say that bangs should never be cut while hair is soaking wet or with too much tension.

How to avoid mistakes - Before making the cut, ask yourself, "Can I commit to having bangs? Am I prepared to style the bangs on a daily basis if needed? Can I handle the in-between stages when I decide to grow them out? Can I handle them being in my face or on my forehead?." It's also very important to know if your hair texture is suited to bangs.

Stylists note that choosing the right shape and proportions for your bangs are key. Bangs are best suited to longer or heart-shaped faces. Our stylists agree that it is difficult for women with round faces or small foreheads to wear bangs. Having bangs can enhance the roundness of the face.

Everyone has a type - It's not just your face shape that you have to consider when getting bangs; you also have to think about how your hair type will react to the shorter length. Medium-texture hair that is straight to slightly wavy like Sandra Bullock's is the best for bangs. Really fine, really thick, curly and wiry hair are not well-suited to bangs, and widow's peaks and hairline cowlicks can also make bangs a challenge.

Styling your bangs - "All bangs will require some type of effort," Says our top stylists, "It really depends on the individual's texture and desired look. Try and comb your bangs in the direction you want them to lay when they are wet before any of your hair has time to dry. Use a product with hold if the bang requires you to alter the natural texture of your hair. If you're allowing your bangs to air dry but want to fight frizz, use a water-based serum like our Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss or finishing cream like our Light Elements Texturizing Cream."

Should disaster strike - If it's the way your bangs were cut that you have a problem with, consult another stylist to see if they can be salvaged. If you just don't like the way they look, then you'll have to wait for them to grow out. In the interim, try styling them to the side or pinning them back to blend in with the rest of your hairstyle. We recommend using a product that allows control like our Brilliant Retexturizing Gel to force direction and style. And remember: Hair grows; it's not the end of the world.

Maintaining your bangs - Having bangs will definitely require more frequent visits to the salon--"typically every three to four weeks," Our stylist says, and certain types, like blunt-cut bangs, often require more maintenance. Our stylists will always accommodate clients with bangs because of the specific precision required to maintain the style.

The obvious question - Can you trim your  bangs yourself so you're not in Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon every three weeks? It's not highly recommended. You should really try to resist the urge to grab the scissors (even for that one little piece that's just a smidge too long--yeah, you know the one).

And why should you have to bother with it any way?  Remember at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon bang trims are always complimentary!!


Ready for bangs?  Give us a call 440-526-3090 and set up a complimentary consultation with one of our stylists to discuss taking the plunge!

Valentines Day Specials 2011

Bella Toccare dé Spa and Salon

Valentine’s Day 2011 Special Someone Packages

Chocolate Kiss Ultimate Pedicure – We dim the lights and set up a dual pedicure as you feast on chocolate-covered strawberries and sip a champagne toast. Your Chocolate scented Pedicures feature a Chocolate Clay Mask. A take home box of chocolates keeps the mood going after you leave. $150.00 Also available for one: $75.00

Available for the hands as a manicure $100.00 For one: $50.00

Coming up Roses Body Wrap - Indulge them in a Rose-infused Body Wrap that will leave them feeling rosy. They’ll take home mini-roses and a rose scented sachet to savor the memory. $95.00/60 minutes

Love Me, Myself – Treat yourself with a 30 minute massage and 30 minute facial. We provide the extras as you sip on a glass of bubbly and take home a chocolate treat. $105.00/60 minutes

Romance your Man – Includes a manicure, pedicure, 60 minute relaxation massage, 60 minute men’s facial, relaxing shampoo and scalp massage, haircut and style $260.00

Asian Chado Ritual - Rekindle romantic times with Chado, a Japanese tea ceremony, featuring our Aveda Comforting Tea. This centuries old tea ceremony fosters an intimate connection. As you share a cup of tea, select a card containing words such as ‘love’, ‘desire’, ‘patience’--then you and your partner discuss what that phrase means to you. This is followed by a side by side 60 minute massage enhanced with some Hot Stones and Reflexology treatment. $255.00/120 minutes

Dinner Duet Massage* - Begin with a champagne toast, followed by 60-minute side by side massages, leading up to a candlelit, four course gourmet dinner. Your Valentine will go home with a dozen fresh roses. $399.00

For one: $225.00 (*Limited times available-reserve soon if interested)



All Valentine’s Day Specials are only available February 1- March 15, 2011.


Reservation and deposit required.



Call to create your own Valentine’s Day Package, 440-526-3090,  or to purchase a Valentine gift card,

gift set or gift basket. All wrapped in our special Valentine holiday packaging.

Shake Up Your Beauty Routine - Top Trends to Try Right Now!

From Katy Perry's juicy pink lips to Khloe Kardashian's vibrant new hair color, find out which beauty trends will be hot this year. Get inspired to shake up your beauty routine now!

Bring on the brights - Bubblegum, lush mango and sweet strawberry; these delicious-sounding treats are all hot hues for your lips in 2011.  We love a vibrant, juicy pout like Katy Perry's because it brightens up pale winter skin and brings to mind the warmer weather ahead. Let Your Hair Color Get Fired Up - Cool, frosty tones are out and warm, cozy hair color is in this spring. Think about embracing this flattering trend, trading in your raven locks for a fiery red hue that warms up your whole look.

Sculpted Styles - The big hair trend at Fashion week Spring 2011 was 70s-era glam styles.  Shiny, sculpted waves like Kim Kardashian's perfectly capture that classy and sassy vibe.

Crop Tops - The top haircut for Spring 2011, as evidenced by Michelle Williams and pretty much all of Young Hollywood, is the pixie crop. The gamine hairstyle puts the focus on your face, bringing out your cheekbones and making an oh-so-chic statement.

Metal Moment - The foiled eye effect, as seen here on Scarlett Johansson, is a sexy look that flatters every skin tone. We're particularly loving the new batch of copper and rose-gold shades that are suddenly everywhere right now.  Come in and let one of our Aveda trained make up artists show you our newest eye trios.

Messy Bangs - If you're looking to make a big change with minimal cutting, you just can't beat bangs. The latest iteration of this iconic style is a messy, brow-grazing look. It's sexy in a slightly innocent way that we're obsessed with.

Get Cheeky - After taking a backseat these past few seasons, blush is back in a big way. In addition to a healthy, apple-cheeked glow, expect to see the return of the contoured cheek, as well as an emphasis on brighter blush colors for Spring 2011

Textured Tresses - While we did see a lot of smooth, sleek looks on the runway, textured hair was equally as prevalent. Curls in particular will be a dominating trend as more women embrace their natural texture.   Come in and try our new Be Curly Style Prep.  This new product will give curly hair all day frizz control!

How to do a Salon Blowout at Home

Since you can't come to Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon every day here are some tips for at home styling. Follow this easy at-home tutorial and you'll have the perfect sexy Saturday night hairstyle—but don't blame us if your friends ask you to become their stylists.

Step 1: Start by working in a dime size amount of Style Prep Smoother.

Step 2: Rough dry the hair to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Section hair into 5 sections using duck bill clips.

Step 4: Dry each section using a round boar bristle brush.

Step 5: Roll the hair up into the brush vertically, apply heat and set with a cold shot.

Step 6: Blow dry the top section of your hair back, pin and set with Aveda Air Control or Control Force hairspray and a cold shot.

Step 7: Remove pins, run your fingers through your hair and scrunch!


Still want a hands on demonstration?  You're in luck!  Join us on Friday, February 11th for our Bring Your Own Blow Dryer Event! 

We will be addressing some common styling issues, such as:


-how to properly blow dry your hair without damage

-differences between styling curly, straight, coarse, and fine hair

-tools and products to help make drying and styling easier

-important styling tips to make your hair look great

We'll have some drinks on hand, but feel free to BYOB. If you'd like specific tips on how to use the tools you already have, we welcome your blow-dryers and tools.

Plus we'll have our Aveda trained make-up Artists on hand to teach you:

-how to properly apply your make-up

-how to choose the right colors for your skin tone

-and the latest trends and tricks for make-up today
And even better, if you're a new client, or booking a service you have never had before, and you book your next appointment the night of the workshop, you'll get $10 off your service when you come in for that future appointment!

We look forward to seeing you! Please register for the event so we can better prepare for you! There is a $15 registration fee that can be used toward any retail purchases you make the night of the event.