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.

Hot Holiday Polishes

It's party time! You've got the dress, the hot hairstyle and the perfect makeup look—now all you need is a manicure worthy of your sexy style. Check out our picks for the best fun and festive polishes to complete your party look.

Try CND Effects in Scarlet Shimmer.  Layer this shimmery clear top coat over a metallic gold polish to create a fiery effect. The clear polish is infused with vibrant red shimmer flecks that add warmth and depth to the gold polish. Apply it alone to add a subtle scarlet flash to your nails.

Try the new sparkles from the OPI Burlesque Collection.  One stand out from this collection is Ali’s Big Break it is a jelly based candy apple with flecks of gold micro-glitter.  In the bottleit looks to be some sort of duo-chrome but on the nail it’s more like a piece of lucite with flecks of gold leaf trapped inside

Rising Star is a burnished copper foil metallic from this OPI Burlesque collection.  So many brands are coming out with more foils as opposed to traditional metallics which aren’t as user friendly.  The color is not what is traditionally thought of as copper but it’s not quite gold or bronze. 

Want perfect nails to see you from Christmas to New Years?  Then you want a Shella Manicure!  Want to get a pedicure but don't want to trudge out into the cold or snow with flip flops?  Then you want a Shella Pedicure?  Why you ask?  Because you can put your boots on right after you get your Shellac Pedicure and head back outside with NO SMUDGES!   How great is that?

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. 

And now we also have more color options with the introduction of Gelish gel polish we have an additonal 48 color ranges.

Want a fun pattern without the polish?  How about getting Minxed for the Holidays?  We have a large selection of patterns to choose from. 

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!

Ready to get your nails party ready? Call and let us help 440-526-3090!!

Destress this Holiday Season with Beauty on Demand

The Holidays can be stressful.  Stop and take a moment for yourself.

Enjoy one of these 15 minute Beauty on Demand services below - you deserve it!!

5 Holiday Hairstyle Must-Haves!

'Tis the season to look festive, and with all those fun fêtes coming up, you've probably got a lot of heat styling on your holiday agenda. We asked our pros at Bella Toccare de Spa and Salon to tell us which hair accessories and styling products can take a hairstyle from fair to fab. We'll tell you which tools are a must this season!

Here we have the five hair care essentials that will help you survive the holidays and get party perfect hair.  

#1  -   The secret to healthy-looking sexy locks is shine. To get long lasting shine we LOVE Brilliant Spray on Shine!  It provides a sheer mist of pure shine and vitamin E to finished hair styles. Also helps eliminate flyaways. We recommend spraying a sheer mist of Brilliant™ Spray-On Shine over your finished style to create a smooth finish and incredible shine.  Apply to dry hair prior to using a flat iron for a smooth, sleek finish with shine.

#2  -  Pretty Pin-ups - If you were trapped on an island and allowed one hair accessory it should be the bobby pin. Just two of these guys can transform blah hair into a gorgeous party-ready do. These gold-plated Sylvia Benson Bobby Pins are perfect for a half-up 'do.

#3  -  The Volumizer -  This holiday season is all about the bounce! It's common knowledge that volumizing shampoos and conditioners will help increase bounce. Try our Pure abundance shampoo and conditioner. Then use our Hair Potion to add volume and drama.  This innovative formula transforms in your hands—from a powder to a light, absorbent lotion*—then makes magic in your hair, increasing its diameter and creating an abundance of texture and volume.  Finish your style with our Pure Abundance volumizing hair spray.  Holding bottle 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) from head, pump to dispense. Layer more as needed.
 

#4  -  Smooth Operator -  Sometimes a girl just needs a little help. At a minuscule 6.5 inches, a Mini Flat-Iron provides portability, making it the perfect party companion. these amazingly smooth, corrosion-resistant titanium plates offer better results in less time. Plus it helps prevent frizz and damage.

#5  -  Keep It Together - Hairspray should be light and airy but still keep the flyaways at bay. Aveda's Air Control is a non-sticky, shine and volume enhancing hairspray it is like fairy dust in a bottle. So take hold of innovation: with a flexible, lasting hold hair spray—for all hair types—that has a net-zero impact* on the Earth's climate. 

 Using hairspray is essential when battling winter winds to make sure hair stays maintained and in place.

Want help with your upcoming holiday styles?  Give us a call and schedule a formal style for that upcoming Christmas or Holiday party 440-526-3090