Reinventing the haircut

Going to a salon and asking for a completely new look is not for everyone. At Bella Bethesda, we believe what makes a great salon experience is achieving a look that is functional, desirable and manageable for each client. While we continue to learn new techniques and styles, we always remember that enhancing our existing skills is the key to improving your experience each time you sit in the stylist chair.

This was the approach Bella stylist, Megan Atkinson, took when visiting our neighbors to the north in July. For five days, Megan attended a Vidal Sassoon Creative Cutting course in Toronto, Canada. It was here that she learned new techniques to help give every client an updated haircut in lieu of making drastic changes. “Rather than learning how to mimic a popular celebrity trend, this class taught the dynamics needed to update an existing style to make it more functional and manageable without structurally changing the outcome,” said Megan.

With every cut, how the hair is cut is dependent on the desired outcome of the individual and their lifestyle needs. While there are clients who look for total transformations when they visit the salon, the majority wishes just to freshen their look and the techniques provide do just that. The focus of this class was not how to reinvent a person’s look but rather make it more their own. Megan left with a cache of tips that help improve the intricacy of every cut to make it truly unique.

Megan believes hands-on-learning is a must and this class gave her the ability to test her new knowledge while still facing real life expectations. Check out Megan’s work:

Since returning, Megan has put many techniques into practice to deliver all types of great cuts from bobs to curly looks. Want to learn more or make an appointment with Megan? Call Bella Bethesda at 301-718-9111.

Weekly Featured Product: Phytomist

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Ngoc

It’s officially fall in the Washington DC area but the leaves may not be the only thing changing colors. In addition to getting the perfect Halloween costume this season, you may also be opting for warmer tones to sport a killer hue too! Whether you choose a vivacious red or a sultry brown don’t forget the tricks and treats to keep your hair looking fabulous well into the holiday season. One treat to try is Phytomist, a weightless leave-in conditioner that detangles, boosts radiance and protects color. Loaded with natural ingredients like sunflower extract (to prevent fading and protect against oxidation), lotus flower (to hydrate and soften) and red algae (to protect against environmental stresses) this product will restore your locks’ moisture and brilliance in no time.

To use, simply spray into towel dried hair and use a wide tooth comb to distribute from root to end. (Remember- never brush wet hair!) This product is great to use every day and with all hair types and textures.

Now through next Tuesday, October 19, visit Bella Bethesda to purchase Phytomist and save $5. Don’t miss the chance to get this great product. One lucky individual will also be chosen next week to take home this product for free! Like this post on Facebook for your chance to win!

Introducing: Weekly Featured Tool

New this week! We love bringing you a new product each week so much we’re expanding to highlight Bella Bethesda’s favorite hair tools. So without further ado, we introduce our inaugural weekly featured tool…

This week’s featured tool: Elchim 2001 Blow Dryer (Winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award)
Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Cintia

With the lazy summer days coming to an end and between getting the kids to school, your job, and the countless after school activities, ‘the heat is on’. Good thing Elchim’s 2001 Blow Dryer means business. This fabulous tool offers seven speeds and temperatures so blow drying your hair will be one less thing to worry about. Perfect for all hair types (remember to use a diffuser to enhance curls!), the Elchim 2010 cuts down blow dry time – meaning you’ll be ready to face the morning rush in no time. To use, apply a heat protective product to hair prior to blow dry and rough dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. Section hair and use a round brush, always directing heat in a downward motion. Professional tip when using this tool: use a nozzle when drying hair straight. This will help direct heat as well as protect hair from touching any part of the blow dryer.

Now through October 31 enjoy a complimentary blow dry lesson when you purchase this great tool (retail price is $128.00) at Bella Bethesda Salon.

Weekly featured product: Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Corey

Fall is just around the corner (2 days to be exact!) While we love crisp air and crunchy leaves those are two words we never want our hair to be. With Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray your hair will have a light and finished look minus the crunch and stickiness. Perfect for all hair types, this product is great for hold and a touch of shine whether you are tailgating, heading to the pumpkin patch, or rocking a killer Halloween costume. To use, spray on dry hair. Stylist secret- this product is great before applying heat such as a flat iron or curling iron.

Show us how much you love this product by liking this week's post on Facebook. You could be the lucky winner and take this product home for free.

Weekly Featured Product: Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Brittany
To take on the big city, sometimes it takes a little extra dose of confidence, but you’ve got it handled and with Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam so does your hair. Formulated for all hair types, your hairstyle will have what it needs to stay intact and in control. Formulated for all hair types, your hairstyle has what it takes to stay intact and in control. For all day fullness and flexibility, shake well and spray throughout towel-dried hair. For a more intense pick-me-up, separate hair into sections and apply directly to roots. Still in need of some extra oomph? Blow dry while using a round brush. With this spray mousse, your hair dares to be bold but won’t be weighed down or stiff.

Want to score this confidence boost for free? Like this post on Bella's Facebook page and be entered for the chance to take home this product. Winner will be announced next week.

Weekly Featured Product: Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Indira

According to the unofficial calendar, there’s one weekend left to enjoy the summer. This Labor Day, celebrate your hard work and kick up your feet for some R&R. Between lounging by the pool and hosting a BBQ, remember to recognize the hard work your hair puts in all year round. Between flat irons, blow dryers, and elements like sun and chlorine, your hair can always use some special attention. With Moroccan Oil Hydrating Style Cream blow drying is a cinch and your hair will love you. This non-greasy product hydrates locks leaving them frizz free and shiny. Your hair will be in tip-top shape leaving more time to focus on what’s really important- ending the summer with a bang! To use, apply a small amount to damp hair and blow dry. Remember, this product is very concentrated so don’t use too much.

There are only 6 days left until Labor Day and to score this great product. "Like" this post and you'll be automatically entered to win a full-size bottle for free. Stay tuned when we reveal the lucky winner next week!

Weekly Featured Product: Redken Velvet Gelatine 07

Product on tap: Redken Velvet Gelatine 07

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Demetrios

At Bella Bethesda we have a sweet tooth- who doesn't enjoy a little indulgence now and then? In fact, in the world of products, look at Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 as chocolate for your hair.

Want to go straight? This light gel delivers the perfect airy blowout. Like your favorite cocoa candy, this product melts into your hair for a silky finish with a scent you can't beat. To use, apply a medium-size amount through damp hair and blow dry. Don't wait too long to enjoy this sweet treat and apply heat immediately so the product does not harden. With Velvet Gelatine 07 you're minutes from soft hair that's full of body.

Now's your chance to score this great product. "Like" this post and you'll be automatically entered to win a full-sized tube for free. Stay tuned when we reveal the lucky winner next Monday!