A look back at Curly Q's

Did you miss last week's Curly Q's discussion? In case you weren't able to join us live for this online chat, check out the archived conversation below for curly hair tips on styling, care, and products. And remember, there are still a few days left to schedule your complimentary curly hair consultation by calling the salon at 301-718-9111. Appointments are available until Wednesday, August 31.

Weekly featured product: Elchim 2001 Blow Dryer

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Indira

With the recent heat and humidity, there’s no better time to own the Elchim 2001 Blow Dryer. This tool means business, so frizz and flyaways will be problems of the past. The Elchim 2001 has seven ranges of speed and temperature for blow drying that is quick and controlled. Perfect for all hair types (remember to use a diffuser to enhance curls!), the Elchim 2001 cuts blow dry time and leaves hair smoother.

It’s a winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award so you know this tool will deliver great results. To use, apply a heat protective product to hair prior before using heat and rough dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. For an even better blow out, use the detachable nozzle every time you blow dry and clean the dryer filter once a week.

In celebration of Curly Hair Month, visit Bella Bethesda to stock up on your favorite curl products. With every curl product purchase you will receive a complimentary diffuser attachment, a fantastic addition to an Elchim 2001 blow dryer.

What You Need to Know About This Product: Used by the pros, this blow dryer will deliver faster and smoother results

Weekly Featured Product: Phyto Fiber Paste

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Indira

Ever heard the saying “you can’t have your cake and eat it too?” Well, we disagree. Especially when using Phyto Fiber Paste.

From the experts at Phyto, this styling product is formulated with Acacia Collagen to work as a pliable pomade to shape hair into incredible styles. However, it also works as a gel to provide strong hold and structure.

Combine those features and what you get is a hair paste with the best of both worlds that keeps your look in place all day long without build up.

Phyto Fiber Paste works on all hair types and textures, but is particularly great for thick, short hair. Emulsify a dime sized amount between your fingers and distribute throughout hair until ideal style is achieved. Be careful as to not use too much product in one spot.

Love Phyto products? Join Bella Bethesda next Tuesday, August 2 as we kick off our 4th annual Curly Hair Month. A Phyto representative will be in the salon for styling and product recommendations. Plus, with every purchase of two Phyto products you will enjoy a free curl cream all month long. But that’s not it! With a purchase of any curl product, you will also receive a free diffuser!

What You Need to Know About This Product: Provides a pliable but strong hold

Weekly featured product: Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Abby

Whether you're a "Little Surfer Girl" or just like to have "Fun, Fun, Fun" in the sun, Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen has your locks covered all "Endless Summer" long. Designed to protect hair from UV rays, this leave-in spray has an SPF 12 to keep color from fading and protect your scalp from burning.

Solar Screen is great on all hair types, but ideal if your tresses are colored since it prevents damage to the hair cuticle, which causes color to diminish. It's formulated with Soplexyl for UV protection, mango oil to replenish moisture and vibrancy, and creamide to repair and resurface strands. Not only does this product protect your hair from UVA and UVB rays, it also replenishes sun-stressed hair. To use, simply spray throughout wet or dry hair before stepping out into the sun.

If you love this product, you'll love the Color Extend After-Sun Shampoo, and through the end of August stock up on your favorite Redken shampoo and conditioner at Bella Bethesda. Liter bottles are now available at the salon and you'll pay just $29 when you buy two (liters must be purchased as a shampoo and conditioner duo).

What You Need to Know About This Product: Protects hair while strengthening and conditioning

Weekly Featured Product: Redken Body Amplifier

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Ricardo

You’re a pro when it comes to multi-tasking. You've got your hands full between your day job, daily workout session, family dinner, and catching a few zzz's, so you definitely need a hair product that can make your life a bit less stressful. Great news, Redken Body Amplifier does just the trick.

This product is meant for multi-tasking and is formulated with wheat extract for volume, body, and fullness, cotton for softness, and soy protein that strengthens and protects hair from breakage.

Great for short, fine, and flat hair, Redken Body Amplifier plumps and thickens each strand for volume that starts at the roots. Best when applied to wet hair, simply spray directly on the scalp and comb through until hair is evenly saturated. Not only will your do have the volume it craves, but Redken Body Amplifier conditions and detangles strands for hair that is moisturized and controlled. This product is lightweight, which means no sticky residue and hair that’s not greasy or weighed down.

Perfect for hot and humid weather, Redken Body Amplifier will give you 2x the volume, shine and hold you need that lasts well beyond 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What You Need to Know About This Product: Infuses hair with 24 hours of high-impact volume and luscious lift

Weekly Featured Product: Phytomist

Bella Bethesda expert who recommends this great product: Ngoc

Summer time means swimming, baseball games, picnics, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. Just like sun protection for skin, your hair needs some help to make sure color is locked in and your tresses don’t get parched.

With Phyto’s Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, your hair is covered and you’re free to enjoy the extra vitamin D worry free. Great for all hair types, this leave-in conditioner is best when applied throughout hair after cleansing to detangle, boost radiance, and protect color.

Like all Phyto products, this spray is loaded with natural ingredients including sunflower extract to prevent color fading and oxidation, as well as lotus flower to hydrate and soften. This is a dip in the pool for your hair and a must-have product if you’ll be out in the sun this summer.

What You Need to Know About This Product: It’s a leave-in moisturizer, detangler, and UV protectant

411: Color and Know Why with Brittany

Bella Bethesda stylists Brittany, Abby, and Katie spent the last week of spring in bustling New York City with our friends at the Redken Exchange. Taking a few days away from D.C., the crew attended Color and Know Why, an introductory class within Redken's extensive educational courses.

This was the first venture to Redken for Brittany and Abby and second for Katie, who previously participated in a cutting class. Color and Know Why took a fresh approach to color fundamentals and provided the opportunity for stylists to familiarize themselves with the Redken color line. One topic thoroughly discussed was formulating color to ensure that stylists provide efficient service resulting in the perfect shade. In addition, stylists learned new foiling techniques and tips for applying single process color- all great for making sure your experience at Bella is exceptional!

After returning from the trip, Brittany is eager to put her new skills into practice. "Redken has a great way of teaching while maintaining a high level of motivation. Not only do I feel I’ve come back with strengthened technical skills, but I’m so excited to have guests in my chair,” said Brittany.

In addition to new techniques, stylists reviewed the hair trends making a splash this summer. This included ombré color (when roots are slightly darker) and sun-kissed looks (more natural shades with less chunky color).

No matter the color service you are interested in - from tints to full color - Brittany, Abby, and Katie can deliver a perfect shade that fits your features and lifestyle.

Through September 1, make a color appointment with Brittany and enjoy a free haircut! Call the salon at 301-718-9111 to reserve your spot.