Bonus: Fun Facts about Shanti!

**Guest blog from our social media director and beauty blogger over at A Greater Gorgeous, Susannah Craft**

Unfortunately, Shanti's reign as featured stylist of the month is almost done (and so, therefore, is my reign as La Bella guest blogger!).

One of the biggest reasons we started featuring one of our stylists every month is to allow you, the client, to get to know us each more personally - even if you don't see us to get your hair done! With that in mind, the first blog of the month was intended to highlight Shanti's history as a hairstylist; the second, to highlight Shanti's favorite products; and now, the third, to tell you the fun stuff that you would probably never ask her. Or anybody. Because they're just not the kind of questions that come up in normal, non-hairstylist conversation. :)

If you follow us on Facebook, we've had fun facts about Shanti throughout the month -- but here are some extras!

Who are your style icons? Dita Von Teese, Kat Von D, and Bettie Page

What's your least favorite haircut? Somehow I'm having a difficult time choosing between the mullet and the Kate Gosselin... for obvious reasons.

What's your favorite haircut? Any precision bob with hidden layers throughout the interior - at least that's my favorite to do, I don't think I could pick just one of all time.

What hair color have you always wanted but never tried? Platinum blonde... I'm a closet blonde but could never pull it off so it'll never be attempted. I just live vicariously through my blonde clients.

Who would you choose to be your personal designer if you had an unlimited budget? Not to be redundant but Dita Von Teese has designed throwback dresses and I absolutely love her style! She is all around flawless and inspiring.

Which celeb always has great hair? Kim Kardashian always has amazing hair, and David Beckham never disappoints. He is constantly setting trends for men everywhere.

What was your favorite hair decade? The 60's

Who is your favorite stylist of all time? Vidal Sassoon

What would be your dream event to do hair for? The Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows!! The hair is always jaw dropping and it would be such a dream come true to have a part in it.

If you could "hair" study abroad for an extended period of time, where and why? Probably Japan, because they are always doing so many futuristic things with fashion and the men are just as adventurous, it seems.


We're all sad to see Shanti's reign end, but on September 3rd, you'll find out who September's Featured Stylist of the Month is - as well as what we'll be offering at a discount next month!

A Closer Look at Moroccan Oil and Unite's Lazer Straight

As mentioned in our previous post, I (Shanti Lynn) am the featured stylist of the month at La Bella Hair Studio and with each featured stylist comes featured products--with amazing deals for you! In case you aren't familiar with Unite's Lazer Straight and Moroccanoil Treatment,  (or you just want to get to know them a little better) this will help you decide whether or not they are for you--and if so, hurry in and get them before the month of August is over!

Unite's Lazer Straight: Since the first time I ever was introduced to this product, I was in love. Unlike a lot of straightening aids, this one is great for any texture and thickness of hair. The first impression you get as soon as you put some in your hands is the delectable aroma that reminds you of cake batter. Warning: although you may be tempted to taste it, this product is not edible--yeah it smells that good. Once you get past the first smell, it's time to see and feel what it can do for you...and I promise you, it works wonders. On the bottle it reads "Lazer Straight: Relaxing Fluid" although it can hardly be characterized as a relaxer given that it's chemical free and it's benefits are solely for styling purposes: it's main job is to smooth down the cuticle, soften the hair, reduce the amount of curl making flat-ironing an easier feat, enhance a weightless shine, and block out humidity making your sleek 'do last until your next shampoo (hence the name "Relaxing Fluid") But what's in it that sets it apart from all of the other straightening aids? Lazer Straight is fully equipped with UV filters, heat protectors, and color-locking antioxidant botanisil (extending the longevity of artificial or natural hair color and tones). Unite is also famous for what is NOT in their products, because that is almost more just as important as what's in it. Lazer Straight is free of sulfates, sodium chloride, MEA, DEA, glutens, and parabens making this product a perfect pairing for that Keratin Treatment you just got. Oh, and did I mention they DO NOT test on animals and all of their products are Vegan friendly? Seriously, this product is for anyone.
Just use a dime to nickel size amount depending on thickness of hair, rub it in your hands; and if you have a lower volume of curl start from mid-strand to ends, but if you're hair is overly curly you can go ahead and apply from root to ends. Comb it through your hair, continue by blow drying with a paddle brush to smooth it out, and finish with a flat iron for touch ups if necessary.

Moroccanoil Treatment: I consider this product liquid gold for it's amazing qualities and benefits for the hair. This is also a great product  for any hair texture or thickness. It's versatile, nourishing, and residue free formula is best used for conditioning as an overnight treatment, styling used on the hair wet, and finishing tool adding shine to already dry hair. It perfectly pairs with any product and can also speed up drying time by 40% making your life and styling routine that much easier. The way it works? It absorbs instantly to fill gaps created by heat, sun damage, styling, and environmental damage. It is known to completely transform and repair your hair--although you instantly feel a difference in your hair, over time the results get better and better--it transports lost proteins for strength. What's in it? Fatty acids, omega-3 oils/vitamins for shine,  and also contains antioxidants for protection. Basically, it works as food for the hair and instead of resting on the outside of the cuticle (which would weigh the hair down) it is absorbed into the hair creating weightless shine and giving your hair the opportunity to bounce back from everyday wear and tear.
A dime to nickel sized amount is also sufficient with the Moroccanoil Treatment. If using for styling: work it through the hair mid-strand to ends paired with your Lazer Straight other fave product and comb it through, followed by whatever styling method you have chosen. If you are using for finishing, a pea to dime sized amount is perfect: rub into hands and flip your already dry hair upside down working the product from the nape of the hair, to the front ends, ending with whatever is left over on your hands over your part. If you are using as a treatment overnight, a quarter sized amount is great: work it through root to ends, throw your hair up in a bun, and rinse out in the morning!

Both of these products alone are absolutely amazing in giving your hair extra shine to make it through the humid seasons, and add moisture and strength to make it through the drier seasons as well. Together they make the perfect combo to master that sleek look you have been working towards.

Come in La Bella today to take advantage of the August special we are having for the Lazer Straight and Moroccanoil. The special is as follows: BOGO half off...meaning buy one Lazer Straight-get another half off, buy one Moroccanoil Treatment-get another half off, or buy one Moroccanoil Treatment-get a Lazer Straight for half off. The last day to get this great deal is Saturday August 31st!

And don't forget: The Keratin Treatment is 20% off (when added onto another service) for the month of August as well. It's an amazing smoothing treatment that is chemical free, gets rid of frizz, and can reduce up to 80% of curl.
**Call La Bella to book your next (or first) Keratin Treatment: (804)285-2490

Featured Stylist of the Month: Shanti Lynn

**Guest blog by La Bella's Social Media Director and beauty blogger at A Greater Gorgeous, Susannah Craft**

Here at La Bella, we like to consider our salon an intimate, yet upscale environment in which we take pride in personalizing the experience for each and every one of our unique and beautiful clients. Not only that, we are also an extremely tight-knit, family-like group who embraces each other for our own special talents, personalities, and style... after all, each one of us contributes a special ingredient to the recipe that is the La Bella Hair Studio Experience! Month by month we will be featuring a different hairstylist to offer you the opportunity to get to know us better, and to give us the opportunity to shine one by one!

The Featured Stylist of the Month for August is....

Shanti Lynn!

Shanti is our associate stylist and Artistic Director, who decided to follow her passion of hairstyling when she began cosmetology school in 2005. After a year of school, she continued her education through an apprenticeship. She gained a vast knowledge through hands-on experience and went on to obtain her instructor license. She then began mentoring and educating students.

Shanti has expanded her knowledge through many local classes and studied in New York. She has attended a wide range of product classes including Bumble and bumble, Wella, UNITE, and Schwarzkopf, and she has styled for fashion shows, photo shoots & movie trailers. She specializes in the dry cutting technique, has a passion for color, and loves doing up-dos for any occasion!

Let's get to know her better!

Q: How long have you been in the industry?

A: 8 years

Q: What is your favorite service to preform, and why? 

A: The Keratin Treatment, both the full treatment and the Blowout Express. Not only is the Keratin Treatment known to potentially reduce curl by up to 80%, it also reduces all frizz and strengthens the hair by reconstructing the keratin protein-  this creates more shine and versatility in the hair. It is also chemical free and safe with color which makes the Keratin treatment a girl's secret weapon for summertime humidity!

Q: What are your two favorite products, and why? 

A: UNITE's Lazer Straight and Moroccan Oil treatment. Lazer Straight is a perfect product to compliment a Keratin Treatment (and any hair for that matter) by relaxing the hair temporarily with smoothing agents and silicone shine which reduces frizz for a polished finish. It also contains UV filters, heat protectors, and has color locking antioxidant molecules which prolong the life of natural and artificial color. Moroccan Oil speaks for itself -- it's liquid gold, in my opinion! Unlike most oils it doesn't coat the hair and weigh it down -- it's like food for the hair, which gets absorbed over time. It also stimulates healthy hair growth and reduces drying time by 40%. 

Q: How would you describe your personal style/niche? 

A: Rockabilly, most definitely. My style portrays my rock and roll side, while embracing and channeling a pin-up-inspired look through my hair and makeup (though I do my make-up more dramatically than the original pin-up style) It's edgy, yet classic. Music and fashion culture combined, originating in the 1950's and carried on through today. I love my style! It completely sets me apart and I couldn't see myself any other way.

Q:What is your number one beauty tip? 

A: Everyday, do at least one thing to make yourself feel beautiful. Whether it's putting on a little mascara, curling a few pieces around your face, trying a new lipstick, or playing around with braids--you will be surprised how much better you will feel day in and day out. The way we feel about ourselves directly effects our social interactions, daily routines, and love lives. We should always feel beautiful.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." Abraham Lincoln

Here's what some of our other team members had to say about Shanti...

Jessie: "Shanti is a great asset to our team! Her drive and confidence exudes itself in her leadership skills. She has stepped up as our artistic director and keeps our team both inspired and motivated. Above all things, what makes Shanti unique is her honesty. She not only sincerely compliments her team but also is open with her clients and truly recommends what she feels best suits their needs. She is a true talent and I'm glad to have her as a key player on our team!"

Shandy: "Shanti is one of the best stylists I have ever seen. Her confidence in her work gives me something to aspire to. She knows what she's doing, she knows how to make the client happy, and she knows what is going to look good for them. That's why her clients keep coming back to her and what makes her the great stylist she is!"

Susannah: "Shanti taught me to find & own the technique that works best for me as a stylist instead of trying to conform to someone else's standards. She uses dry cutting techniques because it's simply what works better for her, and she's not afraid of what other stylists think of a less common technique like dry cutting. I learned from Shanti the foiling technique that I now use on every foiled highlight, and she was so helpful when I was trying to learn it! She's great to talk to about different ideas & options, always lending her opinions without shutting down everyone else's. She's a great person to work with!"

Sarah: "Shanti is gifted with people. She has the uncanny ability to make her clients feel like they're old friends even though she just met them! She also has an amazing sense of humor about herself and life -- she's a blast to be around."

Eric Michael: "I've had the honor and privilege of knowing Shanti since the beginning of her career. I have watched her grow and flourish as a stylist, and have come to know her as a friend. I am continually amazed at her ability and her desire to grow and develop professionally, not to mention personally. She's a beautiful friend, loving mother and fantastic human being."

As a big thank you to our clients from the La Bella team, we are offering some specials this month on Shanti's favorite products and services!

In August only, add a Keratin treatment (blowout or full treatment) to your service and get 20% off of the Keratin treatment!**

AND... Shanti's favorite products, Lazer Straight and Moroccan Oil, are Buy One Get One Half Off for the month of August! This deal applies to the purchase of one of each product OR two of one product. Drop by today to pick up your products or call La Bella at (804) 285-2490 to add a Keratin treatment onto your August appointment!

**The treatment must be paired with another cut or color service to receive the discount.