Spring Break Hair

If you are one of those hard-working students about to head off to warmer climes to take a little pressure off for Spring Break...we've got some tips for you below.

But we haven't forgotten you Moms either—the ones praying for a safe trip for your kids (they are always your babies, we know) and feeling a little stress (which shows in your hair, too...) Stop in at Believe or a relaxing scalp massage, a cup of herbal tea, and a little deep conditioning of your own (you could use a little babying yourself).

Spring Breakers....read on:

Headed somewhere warm?

Sudden temperature changes can traumatize your hair. As the mercury rises on the thermometer, your cuticle (the outside protective covering of your hair) swells and opens, making it more vulnerable to environmental hazards. Your hair can get brittle, dry, weak and give up its color. Battle this with a spray on conditioner with sunscreen, like Chromastics Triorganic Leave-In whenever you are outside and deep condition with Chrosmastics Triorganic Extreme after every shampoo.

Hitting the beach

The sun wrecks havoc with your hair (and skin). UVA/UVB rays can result in extreme color fading and dryness, so much so that hair might split or breaks off with just a comb-out (and that's without even factoring in the use of a blow dryer or flat iron, which just compounds the problems).

Fine textured hair is even more vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun. Here's why: there are three layers to our hair shaft; the cuticle (the outside), the cortex (the middle), and the innermost layer, the medulla. Fine hair lacks the medulla, which is why it's generally considered the weakest of all hair types, and why it needs extra protection from the sun. But if you must shake your mane in the sun's rays, remember to apply protective sun screen to both your hair and skin every hour—or more often if you go for a dip.

Speaking of dips

Salt from the Ocean or Gulf or chlorine from pools, can truly damage hair (I remember a light blonde from our high school swim team whose hair absorbed so much chlorine, it turned green!) Sand is no help either, acting as a natural exfoliator, rubbing against your hair shaft, making it rough, damaged and—again--stripped of color. The wind off the water finishes the job—drying your hair that same way it dries your clothes when they are hanging on a line.

How to rescue your hair

Wear a hat! Not only will you protect your hair shaft, but your scalp is one of the first places to get sunburnt, causing pain, itching, flakes and dried out roots. Run some Aestelance Butter into your hair before you stick it under the hat (the heat will help the healthy oils sink deeply into your hair's cuticle.)

Remember to reapply sunscreen to your hair (and skin) every hour—more often if you are swimming or perspiring heavily.

Rinse your hair with clear cool water immediately after swimming.

Use a ph balanced and sulfate-free shampoo like Aestelance After-Swim.

Deep condition after every shampoo.

Take it easy on the alcohol. Too much isn't good for your skin or hair or decision-making ability.

Make an appointment at Believe as soon as you get back. You don't want to be heading back to school until we've had a chance to look at your hair and scalp's condition and do some repair work ourselves.

Be safe, be smart and, from all of us at Believe, have a great Spring Break!

Let Believe Help Make Prom Perfect

Whooosh...Hear that sound? That is the school year flying by and, before you know it, Prom Night is upon us. No matter how long ago we graduated high school, Prom is one event we've never forgotten and the whole staff at Believe wants to help you make your own magical night one you will remember forever, too.

Here's some tips we've found to help make it a perfect prom night:

• Stop dieting now. It's too late to lose significant weight and it is time to pick out your dress. If you want it to fit on prom night, accept your body as it is (you are beautiful, you know) and pick a dress that flatters your figure as it is. Buy Spanx to make things smoother underneath, but extreme dieting will just make your skin dry and flaky, your hair dull and your energy low.
• Having gotten the dress, it is time to get the shoes and start wearing them for a longer period each day. You don't want to be breaking in new shoes on the dance floor. Give Insolia Inserts a try. They fit right in your heels and shift the weight off the ball of your foot--saving all kinds of pain. (You still might want to stash a pair of fold up ballet flats in your purse, just in case.) If you find your feet swelling, return the shoes and get a half size larger than you usually wear. Also (an old model's trick) drinking water that has been boiled with fresh parsley, then strained, is a safe way to get rid of extra water that causes bloating.
• Once you've got the dress and shoes, have your mom or friend take a photo of you and bring it to us at Believe. We can help plan hair and makeup that will perfectly complement your look. You should also make an appointment with us as soon as you can, so we can do your hair and makeup for the big night.
• You might want to glitz up your look with sparkling hair extensions (we'll put them in for you) or braided ribbons or (you do only get to go to one prom in your life)how about a tiara? If Kate Middleton can do it, why not you? Just bring your ornaments to us at Believe and we will work them into the perfect hairstyle.
• Get a Believe facial to start out with a clean slate for your makeup--but schedule the facial a few days before the prom. Give your new skin a chance to settle in--makeup will look better and last longer.
• Stock up on some blotting papers to slip in your purse to take the shine off before all the photos you'll be taking. And, on the subject of photos, be sure to empty your PDA of all photos before you leave. You'll need all the memory space you can get to capture your friend's dazzling ensembles. Even guys clean up great for prom.
• This is a night for waterproof mascara! Not only will you work up a sweat dancing, but emotions may get the best of you. You'll be moving on in your life soon--college, travel, joining the military--and the realization that your high school days are drawing to a close might bring a tear or two. Pack a few lacy hankies in that purse of yours.
• If you need the perfect jewelry to complete your look, check out our collection at Believe. Each piece we carry is designed by an artist, not mass-produced. The last thing you want to look like at prom, is like everybody else.

Our last piece of advice, but an important one...

• Pose graciously for the ten million photos your Mom and Dad want to take of you before you leave. It will only take a few minutes and means a lot to them now (and will mean a lot to you later.) Thank them for the time and money spent, give them a kiss, and then...

Head out to have an awesome Prom Night.

Tips for beating holiday stress

Where did the time go? Wasn't it just Labor Day yesterday? It seems like that to us at Believe, but the holidays are upon us...Chanukah has begun, Christmas is hard on its heels, and then the new year beckons. Between now and then, it's rushing, shopping, parties, guests, family, and, of course, food, food and more food.

   All this celebrating is not only fun--but stressful. So...here's some tips to keep you beautiful and balanced through this hectic season and on into the new year:

*Get some sleep: You really don't have to stay up till midnight to get it all done. Take a page for the book of the older ladies you know--they do their shopping and wrapping w-a-a-y before the holidays (ok, make that a note to self for next year), but you can do a little each day now, instead of waiting till the last minute and thinking you will get it all done then. If you get to stay at home, nap! JFK ran the country on 10- minute power naps (though we prefer an hour after lunch). If you have little ones, curl up with them. You'll all be better able to cope.

*Drink more water than usual: Going in and out of heated spaces dries you up and good moist skin and hair begin on the inside. (Also, remember alcohol dehydrates you. Stick to a glass of festive champagne--it will help with the calorie count, too.)

*Hair needs moisture, too: Wash with a moisture giving shampoo and conditioner, then lock in that vital moisture by using a dab of organic butter worked through your hair. Try Aestelance Butter, made from basil, rosemary, sandalwood and all-natural ingredients (It smells wonderful and stands up to the constant on-off action of your cute wool hat.) Another trick to try--rub your hairbrushes with a dryer sheet every now and again. It helps with that static electricity problem. 

*Take off that cape: You aren't really Wonder Woman. Delegate! Your husband can wrap gifts, kids can load the dishwasher, and you don't have to volunteer to organize the gift exchange at work. Stress is hard on you (and is no good for your looks, either.)

*Not only your lips chap: You should always keep a good lip balm, like ZUM KISS, with you and use it often, but don't forget your cheeks, chin, elbows and knees. Winter winds get to the first two and keeping everything else covered constantly rubs and causes rough skin. Try thicker body butters like Zum Body, made with aloe vera, red clover, and essential oils.

*Make one more list: On top of the gift, wish, and to-do lists you are lugging around, make a gratitude list of all the blessings in your life. It is sure to give you the gift of perspective.

*Help others: Make sure to remember to save time and go online to donate to your local food pantry or pet shelter. Then, when you are kicking yourself for losing patience at your kids or spouse, you can remember you are not an evil witch--just over-worked.

*Give yourself more time: Start an hour earlier in the morning. Meditate for 20 minutes to start the day and take one item off your to-do list and move it to another day. You'll actually gain time by not being so frantic.

*Eat a good breakfast: Even if you don't the rest of the year, you need proteins and carbs (always yummy) since you are revving your engine higher now.

*Take a breath break: At around 2 or 3 pm when that slump hits (you know the one), stop everything and breathe deeply--in through your nose and out through your mouth--deeply enough to make your abdomen lift three times. Do a couple of neck rolls, rub your temples as though you are having a facial, and, if your doctor agrees, you might want to start taking a vitamin B tablet for a complex/protein boost.

*Think of those hidden hands and feet: Gloves and socks keep us warm, but wreck havoc with our skin and nails. Keep tea tree oil to rub on those toenails (to prevent fungus growth) and be sure to rub cream in your cuticles to keep them from cracking. We use Zum Rub, a shea butter moisturizer. Naturally, the skin of both hands and feet need extra moisture too. Make sure to run moisturizer all over immediately after a shower (before your skin dries) and remember to keep that shower on the cooler side. Hot water is drying. Keep cream to rub in your hands throughout the day (Zum Minis are great for your purse or briefcase.)

Pre-sleep stress busters: Consider giving up caffeine for the duration.  Explore the wonderful world of herbal teas (visit Annie's Remedies.com to learn the time-tested qualities of each). A cup before bed, a warm bath (throwing a few of the same herbs in some cheesecloth and then in the tub is restful, too) and lavender oil (a dot under your nose and one between and just above your eyebrows) can lead to more restful sleep and sweeter dreams (Maybe you'll actually have some visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!) Try all of these for over-excited little ones too.

*Relatives can be pains in the ***: We know, but you've only got one family --and as our mother's said, you can do anything for a little while--even put up with your mother or mean Aunt Sadie. You can steer the conversation in another direction or leave the room (no, that doesn't mean stomp out). Remember, you don't have to go to every fight you are invited to, life is short, and it is the holidays. Enjoy yourself.

*Treat yourself to an early gift: Have a facial (or even a Vitamin C or Pumpkin Peel Treatment to banish dry flakes) get a massage (cold muscles are stiff muscles and our therapist has magic fingers), stop by Believe for a cup of tea or espresso and a little shopping while you're at it. We've got a holiday special skin treatment Tapas menu--Pick two services for $100.) Buy a scalp/hair treatment for him and some of the world's greatest organic baby products for Junior. (Ask us how you can earn a gift card for yourself too!)

   From our family here at Believe to your family, we wish you happy (and stress-free) next few weeks and hope to see you soon.

Welcome All To Believe's New Blog!

When I opened Believe Beauty Lounge three years ago, I was delighted to be joining the wonderful community in Pleasantville.

Now I am just as happy to announce that Believe Beauty Lounge has fully joined the online community, too--expanding our web presence by joining forces with BehindBlogs.com, a social networking service.
BehindBlogs.com will help us keep you right up-to-date with the goings on here at Believe, with daily updates to our Facebook page and Twitter feed and, best of all, a weekly article on this, our new blog!

On our blog, we get to explain what we do here; introduce new staff, products and services; keep you current on the latest trends in the industry; let you know about discounts, fundraisers and other special events; invite you to seminars by industry experts and, through the comment section that follows each blog entry, we get another way to talk with you, our clients, and find out what you are thinking, what you need to know, and how we can best make your visit to Believe Beauty Lounge a relaxing and fulfilling experience and one you can't wait to repeat. We want you to come back again and again and enjoy it every time.

As this is our opening blog article, we thought we'd repeat for our regular customers and tell our new (and future) ones who we are and how Believe came to be...

As a graduate of New York's prestigious Wilfred Beauty Academy in 1984, I was well-trained, but inexperienced, when I had the good fortune to meet local hairstyling legend Franco Marino, who hired me for his business, presently Beautiful Hair Color Salon, and took me under his wing. Franco was a master (and former Colorist Of The Year) and as his right-hand woman, I got to soak up all the knowledge I could absorb and it was quite an education. I am ever grateful for all I learned from Franco.

When the time came to open my own salon, Franco and I became friendly competitors. Though I was scared to death to start such a new venture, I was encouraged by my husband Stewart (my partner) to "believe" in myself (that's partially where the name came from) and I was offered support, (emotionally and monetarily) by many of my clients, who I am thrilled to say followed me to my new salon.

I wanted Believe to be cozy and intimate (making our 500-square-feet shop an asset) and welcoming...a place where everyone who worked here listens to the customers and works with them, not on them. It is, after all, your hair, skin and body and you know them much better than we do (there's that listening thing again.)

There's no room for superstar stylists or divas with attitude here. (I think that's why we have such a good retention rate--our customers come back again and again...and recommend us to their friends.)

Our staff is entirely dedicated to you and is made up of:Caroline and myself are hairdressers and colorists (I am a board-certified colorist, one of only 2,500 in the country); my Personal Assistant/Manager Shannon; full-time makeup artist Katrina (who is training Sam to learn all she can about custom-blended makeup), and Jacqueline, our Medical Aesthetician. Michele has also just joined us as NYS-licensed massage therapist and we even have a pinch-hitter who can do a basic manicure for those special occasional when you are pressed for time.

We at Believe know we have to earn your business everyday and we do our very best to make sure your experience is a good one. We promise to never take our relationships with you, our treasured clients, for granted.

Thanks so very much for your trust and your business. We look forward to working with you again soon.

Lisa Koebbe Bevan

Owner

PS: Be sure to "like" our Facebook page and subscribe to our Twitter feed to be in on happenings and discounts at Believe and check back here next week for another article on our new blog.