Free your Inner Curl!

  

“Free your inner curl” is the motto of best-selling author, Lorraine Massey, who created a product line and an industry haircut called DevaCurl. What is DevaCurl you ask? As the name suggests, the line is designed for guests with curly hair - from slightly curly to very curly – and we are now offering it at Bella Bethesda Salon. Devacurl has less aggressive shampoo, conditioners, and styling products that enhance the curl in the hair to become more natural and bouncy. Best of all, it is a service and technique that teaches you how to encourage the natural curl, starting at the scalp.

First, the proper support product (gel or cream) is used and the hair is softly squeezed into shape.  Even after this initial step you will begin to see a great curl take shape. The curls are then held in place with small clips placed in a circle around the crown area. Now simply allow the hair to dry naturally or use a Deva Fuser (DevaCurl’s own special diffuser) and then remove the clips. Add some shine spray or drops and shake it out. Voila, you now have soft, natural, curly, hair.

Lorraine Massey wanted to launch a specific line that demonstrated why curly hair needed to be treated differently than other hair textures.  Millions of women across the country are praising this line, which is helping them understand why sham-“poo” (not found in the DevaCurl line) has dehydrating ingredients, which are curly hair’s worst enemy.

Last month, our team at Bella Bethesda learned firsthand how this product line and the DevaCurl haircut would change the lives of curly haired clients! We love our loyal curly girls, and want to do everything we can to help them love their hair. During the certification, our trained stylists were asked to think outside the box and try out new techniques.  The DevaCurl haircut requires no tension, no combing and a lot of shaping on dry hair.  “This new technique can be intimidating for the client but they will soon see how their shape can change dramatically without losing length. It will look even better with time”, says stylist Courtney.

Try it for yourself and come let our team help bring out your innermost curly girl! Please stay tuned for our Curly Hair month in August!

Weekly Trend: The Lob

Bella Bethesda Expert: Courtney

Be a cut above the rest with the hairstyle of the moment: The lob (or, long bob). The lob allows you to achieve the classic sophistication of the bob without the commitment to short hair! This haircut is a favorite because it creates the illusion of length and slims down the face. The lob is universally flattering to any group, hair type or face shape. A blank slate for styling options, the lob can easily achieve a variety of looks, from tousled to angular. Bella Bethesda's stylist Courtney, who sports a lob herself, recommends keeping these guidelines in mind:

For a sexy, tousled look, ask your stylist to add long layers to the haircut. Use a texturizer such as Redken Was Blast to create movement.

Try an ultra-modern look with a blunt cut which is refined using a product such as Phytodefrisant. This style adds body to thin hair if the cut is slightly angled from back to front.

Blending bangs into the cut can also flatter this look. Ask your hairdresser to make your bangs shorter in the middle. Side swept fringe is equally as complimentary, especially for those with long, oval shaped faces.

Weekly Trend: Braids All Grown-Up

Bella Bethesda Expert: Kristian

Thank you Katniss Everdeen for bringing the braid back! OK, maybe it never entirely left, but we love that braids are all the rage this summer. They're a great way to pull your hair back on hot days, and they always add a little whimsy to your look. Whether you have short, medium or long hair, Bella stylist Kristian has tips for incorporating braids into your summer do, without looking like you're headed off to recess!

Day-old hair often holds a braid better than just-washed, but you can always add a product that offers hold and texture, like Phyto's Fiber Paste to keep hair in place.

Short Hair: Even though you can't pull short hair all the way back into a braid, you can add playful braids to a down do. Part hair to one side and grab a one inch deep section. Start French braiding or creating a fishtail braid (directions are in "medium hair" below), staying as close to the original one inch deep section as possible as you incorporate more hair. Pin in place so that the pin is hidden underneath naturally cascading hair.

Medium Hair: To us, the fishtail braid screams runway. We love its carefree yet chic feel. To make a fishtail braid, part your hair down the middle, creating two large sections. Pull a thin strand of hair from the outside of the left section over to the right section. The skinnier the strand, the more intricate the braid. Do the same on the other side; pull a thin strand from the outside of the right section over to the left section. Repeat until you reach the end of your hair and secure with an elastic.

Long Hair: You can have lots of fun with braids in long hair. We like creating braids that frame the face and are tucked into messy buns. Try making a side French braid on one side of the head, incorporating more hair as you go along, until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with an elastic for temporary hold, and go back along the braid with your fingers, pulling evenly in various spots to loosen some strands. Then start rolling or tucking the braid into a bun, remove elastic when ready and secure in place with pins.

Weekly Trend: Multi-Dimensional Color

Bella Bethesda Expert: Demetrios

Whether it's soft pastels, loud hues, or bright florals, colors are in this summer. And that doesn't just go for your clothes. This week's trend is all about rich, multi-dimensional color that will warm you up faster than a sunny beach. Bella stylist Demetrios has the lowdown on this healthful summer look.

Multi-dimensional color uses various techniques that combine two or more colors in similar families for a natural, deep look. This works for all hair types and ages because it's really about enhancing the color that suits you best with some fuller tones. Your stylist can work with you to determine the best color family for your skin tone and hair. Using good maintenance products, such as Redken or Pureology shampoo, is key to ensure lasting multi-dimensional color.

Multi-Dimensional Blonde: Avoid a harsh bleached or streaky blonde do by going for a warmer, multi-dimensional honey color. First time blonde? This is a great way to gradually introduce it into your style.

Multi-Dimensional Brunette: If your brown locks are feeling a little drab, cheer them up with multi-dimensional coloring that shines from every angle. Whether you're a dark chestnut or light cinnamon, this technique will give you a luminous glow inside and out.

Multi-Dimensional Red: The key to redhead success is matching skin tone with the right tint of color. Multi-dimensional reds are a great way to ensure a deep, vivacious look while avoiding any harshness.

Ask about your perfect multi-dimensional color at your next appointment!

Weekly Trend: Polished Summer Curls

Bella Bethesda Expert: Katie

We love beach hair as much as the next girl, but sometimes we crave a more polished look on those warm summer evenings. Thanks to a few trusty curling tools and products, you can have the best of both worlds. Stylist Katie shares two ways to pull off this sophisticated summer look.

The Curling Iron Approach

When using a curling iron, it helps to have day-old hair so that natural oils can protect your locks from the heat of the iron. For maximum thermal protection, use a fortifying product such as Pureology Fortifying Heat Spray on damp hair before styling.

When you're ready to start curling, divide hair into sections. Working from the nape of your neck, separate one-inch pieces of hair, spray with strong-hold hairspray such as Sebastian Shaper Hairspray, and roll up until the piece is completely around the barrel. Hold for 8-10 seconds and release. Continue working through sections until you've reached your desired curl volume and gently comb fingers through hair to create that polished, yet summery look.

The Diffuser Route           

If you're short on time, a diffuser will help play off your natural texture while still offering a sophisticated look. To prep, simply wash, shampoo and condition like normal, then add a gel such as DevaCurl to damp hair.

Tilt your head to one side, place the diffuser at the tip of your strands, then gently push up to your head. keep there for 30 seconds, release diffuser and repeat on another section of hair, tilting head in other directions as necessary. The longer you spend drying your hair this way, the better the curl will hold. When finished, you'll be ready for a day at the office and a night on the town. Enjoy!

Weekly Trend: Fashionable Ponytails

Bella Bethesda Expert: Cintia

Ponytails are a busy girl's best friend. This everyday style can be transformed from tomboy to chic in just a few easy steps. The best part is, ponytails are flattering to any age group or hair type - you just need locks long enough to tie up! Bella stylist Cintia recommends starting with slightly dirty hair, which will add body and hold styles best. You should also stock your ponytail toolkit with hairspray such as Pureology's Strengthening Control Hairspray and pomade like Pureology's Cuticle Polisher Serum to keep flyaways in check.

When you're ready to spice up this basic updo, check out some of Cintia's favorite looks:

The Wrapped Ponytail
This subtly elegant look was all over the Fall runways. To get in on the trend, simply create a normal ponytail, then separate a thick strand of hair from the tail and tightly wrap it around the elastic, securing with a bobby pin. You can wear your wrapped ponytail low or high.

The Braided Ponytail
If you have long hair, jazz up your ponytail by braiding it. This style works well on both high and low updos, and can be super sleek.

The Ponytail with Flair
Why let the tail have all the fun? Add flair to the rest of your hair by creating a French braid parted to one side of your head. Combine the styles above by braiding the full strand of hair and then wrapping it around your ponytail.

Cintia's Favorite Quick Tip: To make your hair appear fuller, add extra hair elastics to your ponytail. This secret trick will instantly lift hair out further from your head and add bounce!

Weekly Trend:  Creative Hair Accessories

Bella Bethesda Expert: Indira

We all dread bad hair days, but when your locks are not cooperating and you have a special event, things go from bad to worse. Whether you’re battling the rain, humidity or just a lack of time, Bella stylist Indira recommends controlling unruly tresses with the help of elegant hair accessories. Just about any item in your jewelry box can be repurposed to add a touch of romance to your hairstyle. Here are a few fun ideas:

Necklace Headbands

Try turning a crystal-studded necklace into a tiara fit for royalty. To get this look, slick back your hair into a loose bun, then take a long necklace and wrap it around the crown of your head (just like a headband). Pin it in place with bobby pins.

Brooch Ponytail

Turn an ordinary ponytail into a show stopper by adding an ornamental brooch. Simply tie back your hair and secure the brooch with the help of bobby pins. For added sophistication and movement, consider curling your hair.
Bejeweled Braid

Add excitement to an updo by threading a sparkling chain into a braid and then rolling it back into a bun. Secure the style with pins. We love this look for weddings.