1960's Ponytail

Ok ladies, this one is for those of you who love the easy-going ponytail style, and those of you looking to switch things up with your day-to-day look!

     Ponytails have gotten a makeover and we hairstylists are (actually) loving it! This 1960s ponytail can be instantly marked as a 2013 hairstyle you can wear right now, and is one to continue throughout the seasons.  Luckily, this style is easily achieved at home. 

 Whether you are going to a Sunday brunch, a romantic date night, or a friend's wedding: this is perfect. Pair it with a bold eyeliner, and you've got yourself a fashion statement! Like so:

  



       *This was a featured style for Anna Sui in Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion week.



       










So you see, it's just an innovative way of recreating an everyday look. Now the question is, how do you take it from basic to chic? Well, of course we have provided a step by step! Take a look:

Tip #1: Use the arch of your eyebrow as a guideline to determine from which point to part your hair to the side. (that goes for anytime you are trying to create a side part if your hair doesn't have one naturally). Continue by taking a parting going from ear to ear (creating an invisible head band) and pulling the hair from the crown of your head straight back. Looking directly down at the top of your head you should see a T-shape parting.

For more volume back comb the hair at the crown in 3-5 horizontal sections. The more you tease, the bigger the hair (this gives it the 60s feel). Use a natural bristle brush to lightly smooth the hair resting on top for a cleaner finish.

Tip#2: Tie all of the hair at the nape of your neck with an elastic band to create a low ponytail.

        Take a small section of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to create the polished/chic look and hide the band. Use bobby pins to secure the hair in place. Use bobby pins that are as close to your hair color as possible.

Tip #3: If there are any loose hairs that couldn't make it into the ponytail, try to pin them as close to the ponytail as possible. If they are too short try using Unite's Go365 Hairspray with the nozzle on H (this hairspray give you the option of having either light, medium, or heavy hold just by simply twisting the nozzle to L, M, or H).

        Pull back every strand of hair that’s  out around your face and tuck it behind your ear.

Finish with the Unite Go365 hairspray on H, generously, especially at the halo of your head to keep that lovely volume alive!!

        Simple enough, right?? Of course, modify depending on personal preference if need be! It looks like celebrities are doing just fine taking this hairstyle to the next level by premiering them on various red carpet events.....

Jennifer Aniston looks absolutely breathtaking at the Golden Globes. Her ponytail is placed between the crown and nape of her head (which we fully support), this may be the look for you!

     

     

  Nicole Richie seems to always bring her hair styles to the         next level, which is exactly what she has done here. Digging more of a tousled finish? Try curling the hair by wrapping strand by strand
        around the rod of your curling iron after it's secure in the ponytail. We completely encourage (want) you to try it!

   Not necessarily feeling the side part? Jessica Alba didn't either, so she decided to show off her beautiful face by pulling everything back. Stunning! The difference would be to lightly tease your hair in (about 5 sections) directing away from your face. We are loving it!

Simply chic, right? Now that you have created the look, how about we suggest  accessorizing? Nothing goes better with a 1960's ponytail than a cute pair of dangly earrings. If you're interested, here are a few different examples we've provided for inspiration on your new look!

 

Whichever way you choose to wear this style, we are absolutely confident that it is perfect for you! No matter what the occasion, it is not only appropriate, but a hot trend guaranteed to turn heads. According to trend predictions, this style won't be going anywhere anytime soon, so you can already count on being able to sport this 'do well into Spring 2013.

  

     

Men’s Hair Trends Fall/Winter 2012

Congratulations Gentlemen, for a rare occasion in trendsetting, men’s fashion is actually ahead of the ladies!  Take this opportunity to reinvent your style, whether it be a subtle change or one worth working towards. The biggest influence we are seeing in today’s trends for you guys is 1920’s fashion and that is not just limited to hair, hence: “Everything old is new again.”

So, first and foremost the most popular trend we are seeing in the Men’s department is shorter in the back and sides, yet lengthier on the top. The beauty of it is the hairstyle can be modified to whatever your personal needs are. Let’s take a look at some different variations of this style:

1. Michael Pitt ( James "Jimmy" Darmody )

2. David Beckham 

3. Jon Hamm ( Don Draper )

4. Zac Efron

As you can see, there is a gray area with this look. Luckily, we've taken the general idea and offered more options all the way from those of you who tend to be more conservative to those that want to channel an edgier (yet classic) style. It all depends on what your needs are and if you are willing to venture into the world of hair product and (minimal) styling. We promise, it is not as bad as it sounds!!

Speaking of product, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to your hair’s (potential) new best friend. Unite’s Liqua Versa Gel is the product we have nominated as the best candidate. Offering versatility, control, and strong hold, Liqua Versa Gel will virtually do the work for you! 

Tip #1: For starters, towel dry your hair to about 50%. We recommend using about a dime sized amount for styles and lengths similar to the of Zac Efron displayed in picture #4.  Play around with the hair on the top by combing to the side or styling up (using fingers) for texture. 

Tip #2: For the more pronounced  inspired style like #’s 1, 2, and 3, we say have at it! Don’t be afraid of using too much. This is not like all gels it is made with sugars instead of alcohol so it leaves you free of the stereotypical flaky gelled look. Definitely use your comb for styling whether it is the slicked back or side parted look you are going for. 
Tip #3 To create more volume try using a hair dryer for the top front section for just a couple of minutes in an upward motion.

Don’t be shy when it comes to your personal style, do what works for you! Discuss it with your hairstylist at your next appointment. We love being able to switch things up and if you want something with the longer lengths give us something to work towards. As we stated above, this is a very rare time in fashion in which men are ahead of women….embrace it!

In case you’re interested here are a few visuals of ensembles popular for you gentlemen for fall/winter 2012:

Once again, congratulations men!! It seems we ladies have some catching up to do! Until then, enjoy this time in which the fashion is high and the hair is dapper. We are loving it!

Two "Quick Fix" Ways to Get Dolled Up

Whether you opt to go sleek and chic or desire voluptuous, body-filled locks, we have figured out a way to break it down into an easy step-by-step process. No matter which style you are going for, make sure to always towel dry your hair! Removing excess moisture will allow products to penetrate the hair properly and create longer lasting effects.

Our favorite product at La Bella is UNITE's 7 Seconds Leave-In Conditioner. For those of you who feel your hair could never be detangled, your hair has met its match! Not only does this product offer amazing detangling, but also versatility thanks to the unique "barely there" ingredients which nourish the hair. 7Seconds will balance the porosity of your hair, which allows proper product absorption. Meanwhile, the light moisturizers, protein, and UV filters condition and protect hair from not only heat damage (from your hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron, etc.), but also environmental stress that our hair is exposed to every day.

The Sleek and Chic Look
The best product to use with this look is going to be UNITE's Lazer Straight. In order to achieve this sleek modern-day style, you want to use a dime-to-nickel size amount of Lazer Straight. Indulge yourself in the sweet dessert-like scent from midstrand to ends. When applying such a product, always begin from teh bottom back of your hair, working your way down the ends toward the front and combing through. This product not only smells divine, but it also provides the hair with impeccable protection from heat damage and UV rays as well as sealing the cuticle to keep your hair looking youthful and beautiful!

Begin the  blowdry process using your hand as a tool to stretch the hair. Once the hair is at least 75% dry, start using a paddle brush to begin the smoothing process. Once the hair is completely dry, a quick touch up with the flat iron will give you that "seal the deal" finish, which will take you from polished to Sleek and Chic.

Voluptuous Beauty
Schwarzkopf's Body Me is one of our most recent discoveries, which we have quickly added to our list of must-have favorite products. It is a state-of-the-art, light weight cream which plumps the hair strand to create body, provides flexible hold for style versatility, and locks in hair's natural moisture for protection. The fragrance this product lets off is one to make you instantly feel more feminine! Apply a dime-to-nickel-sized amount through the hair starting from the bottom back to front and comb through.

Next, flip your head over and dry your hair upside down, using your hands as a tool to speed up the process. Once the hair is about 50% dry, flip your head back over and continue trying your hair until it's about 75% dry. Begin sectioning the hair using 1-inch sections and clip the rest of your hair out of the way. Always begin your sections at the bottom, working your way to the top. Using a round brush, point the dryer at your hair (on its hottest setting) for about 10 seconds, constantly moving the brush through the hair and the dryer with it. Do not leave the dryer pointed at one section of your hair - always keep it moving, or you'll burn your hair! After 10 seconds of hot air, press the "cool" button for at least five seconds to set your hair. This ensures a longer-lasting finish. Repeat these motions in each 1-inch section until you're finished!

** Tip for bangs - Blowdry up and over with the round brush, moving away from the face. This creates a sweeping motion, but with 50% added lift!

Finish with hairspray to lock in the voluptuous body you were craving!

My name is Shanti and I'm a stylist here at La Bella Hair Studio. If you ever want to learn some of the coolest tricks of the trade, keep your eye on our Facebook page, and "Like" us to be the first to know when we've got FREE classes going on!

La Bella Hair Studio
7110-D Patterson Avenue
(804) 285-2490
labellahair@verizon.net
mylabella.com

- Shanti

Smooth Styling with Ashley Wyatt

Everyone knows how hard it is to straighten curly, unruly hair in the summer due to the humidity, but now we are in the midst of winter.  Even though the humidity is long gone, the dry air can affect how our hair handles smoothing techniques.  With the dry air comes static electricity, which can cause major flyaways!  There are plenty of products to help tame those pesky little hairs on the top of our heads.  Light hold hairspray and light-weight finishing creams are great for smoothing out those baby hairs.  If you have fine, straight hair, you probably have an even harder time with static.  Find a light conditioner - like UNITE's Volumizing Conditioner or 7Seconds Leave-In Conditioner - to moisturize your hair and minimize the static without weighing your hair down.  And you can still take advantage of the finishing products, like UNITE's adjustable GO365 Spray, to keep those flyaways in place.

                Now onto more serious measures that can be taken.  Here at La Bella, we offer a variety of smoothing systems that take the guess work out of styling.  One in particular (my favorite!) is the Brazilian Blowout.  Not only am I certified to perform this service, but I get my own Brazilian Blowout every 4 months!  My hair is thick, coarse, and curly.  As someone who deals with hair all day every day, the last thing I feel like spending my free time on is my hair, but it's important to look professional and put-together in any job.  Plus, I can't nag my clients about putting their hair up in a ponytail and then do it myself, can I?  So, without further ado, I introduce The Brazilian Blowout!

Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatments are the most innovative and effective in the world!

Through the use of breakthrough bonding technologies, these treatments actually improve the health and condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair with radiant shine!

What makes this professional smoothing treatments different?

They are the ONLY Professional Smoothing Treatment  that actually improves the health of the hair. No Damage! Entire in-salon treatment is completed in just 90 minutes! No down time!  The minute you leave the salon, you can wash and air dry your hair, and it will be smooth, frizz-free and radiant! Results last up to 12 weeks, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free!  Acai aftercare products ensure longest lasting results.

I am always offering the Brazilian Blowout, so call us if you want to learn more.

I hope I've helped anyone struggling with the smoothing process of their hair. My name is Ashley Wyatt and I'm a senior stylist here at La Bella Hair Studio. I'm always here for any questions about your hair. If you ever want learn some of the coolest tricks of the trade, keep your eye out on our Facebook page and "Like" us to be the first to know when we've got FREE classes going on! I'm offering new client specials all the time so call us or go online to book your appointment!

La Bella Hair Studio

(804) 285-2490

labellahair@verizon.net

mylabella.com

 - Ashley

The Brazilian Blowout: Now at La Bella!

The Brazilian Blowout is the most innovative and effective professional smoothing treatment in the world. Through the use of a Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy       frizz-free hair with the radiant shine. The entire treatment is completed in just 90 minutes with no down time. The minute you leave the salon you can wash and dry your hair. Results last up to 12 weeks.

If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, the treatment will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine. Your hair will not lose volume as a result of receiving the Brazilian Blowout and it will maintain its natural volume and you will still receive great bend and memory when blow-drying or using a curling iron. The Brazilian Blowout will also improve the health of color-treated/highlighted hair by conditioning the hair while sealing the cuticle for enhanced color, reduced frizz and radiant shine. Your hair will revert to its original state once the Brazilian treatment has completed its life cycle of approximately 12 weeks, however, the condition of the hair  will actually improve as a result of the fortifying and conditioning nature of the product.

The most important concern that we have about straightening systems is the level of formaldehyde exposure. While there is exposure in all straightening systems that involve Keratin, Brazilian Blowout has the lowest, and it is well below the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's safe exposure limit. OSHA's limit is six times the amount found in The Brazilian Blowout.

We have waited until all the kinks have been worked out before bringing The Brazilian Blowout into our salon and around our clients. We are now very excited to offer the most advanced and popular hair straightner/de-frizzer available in today's market. Call to inquire about pricing and book your appointment today!

GROUPON!

It's been a while, which I apologize for we have been busy and I've been on vacation!

I wanted to let everyone know that today's deal on Groupon is for La Bella Hair Studio! For $30 you will get $70 worth of services! There has been some confusion with this deal because since our haircut prices are lower than $70 we do ask that you schedule your service for a color, highlight, or straightener. You can do a haircut (starts at $40) but you will have to add a service to use the groupon.  But we are very excited to have new business and look forward to helping everyone with their groupon. The phone has been ringing off the hook all day!

If you have any questions about our prices and services you may visit our website mylabella.com
Or you have no idea what a groupon is check out this website groupon.com
you will get awesome deals for your area!

 Remember that this Thursday is St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) if you wear green we will give you 10% off any one product.  Also sign up for our email to see all the daily specials!

We held our annual Veronica's Voice silent auction and Cut-a-thon two weeks ago and it went very well! Everyone bidded on all the great prizes we had and we raised over $1000 to help children who have genetic diseases. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us.

Friday's Featured Auction Items

As you may already know, our Veronica's Voice Silent Auction is coming up next weekend on March 6th from 12-5. This week we'll be featuring a new auction item every day to let you know what's in store! Also, there are still a few spaces left for haircuts on the 6th so be sure to book yours ASAP! Call 285-2490.

Featured Items

We have several featured auction items today! The first is two sets of stationery from Paper Plus on Grove Avenue. These beautiful cards were made by Picture Perfect and are valued at $40. The second item is a 60-minute massage from Mind Body Spirit Connections, right next door to La Bella! The massage is valued at $70, this is a great deal! These items will be auctioned off this Sunday, March 6 between 12pm and 5pm.