Saturday, December 27, 2014

Believe Client Profiles: Anne Joyce

Believe Beauty Lounge is so honored to have such a varied and impressive clientele visit our salon. Every so often, we love to profile some of these amazingly talented clients who grace our blue chairs and allow us to style their look.


This edition:

Anne Joyce



Anne Joyce is an incredibly talented interior designer and Pleasantville resident. Her work has graced the homes of people all over New York and throughout the country. She is a gem in Westchester County, as well as a wonderful patron and friend to Believe.

How long have you been going to Believe?
I've been going to Believe for five years.

Why do you prefer Believe over other salons?
Lisa Bevan and the ladies of Believe are not only incredibly talented but they have also created an atmosphere of intimacy, warmth and fun.

How long have you lived in the Pleasantville area?
I've lived in Pleasantville for 19 years.

Can you tell me very briefly about your work?
I am an interior designer based in Pleasantville, working with residential as well as commercial clients. I specialize in making each client's home uniquely theirs while adding my signature twist where appropriate. My clients are primarily in the tri-state area but also include projects in Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, Pasadena, Florida and Massachusetts.

Do you have a website or any additional info you would like to plug for your work or personal life?
www.ajoycedesign.com

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Believe will be at The Northeast Educational Conference, November 2 & 3


Believe will be attending the Northeast Educational Conference in Portland, Maine on November 2nd and 3rd. This Conference is devoted to salon education on a variety of topics, including the latest styles, trends, products, and techniques.

The Keynote Speaker this year will be stylist Tom Dispenza, an industry leader who has appeared on every major styling event over the last 35 years, along with programs like Oprah and Good Morning America, just to name a few. There will also be presentations by several other industry big shots, demonstrating techniques in their respective fields, from hair coloring to dry cutting to extensions to ombres and anything else in the business.

Believe is proud to be a part of this wonderful event. We are looking forward to teaching others and learning even more for ourselves and for our wonderful clients.

Visit www.educateyoursalon.com to learn more about this event.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

The Stylist's Toolbox: Blow Dryers

The tools of a hairstylist are so very important. Every stylist needs quality instruments to perform her job (and her art) at her very best. Beyond quality, there is also an issue of comfort. No two stylists are the same and therefore each of their tools varies as much as they do. Here at Believe, we like to occasionally profile some of those tools that we use to help our friends and clients understand a bit more about the art that is hair styling.

This edition: Blow Dryers





A blow dryer is a huge part of any stylist's toolbox. For the stylist and the client, it's all a part of the experience. The blow dryer hums in the background as we enter our salons, like a subtle greeting that we have arrived in our temples of beauty. We greet the receptionist and moments later our locks are rising ever so gently into the air under the warm gust of our stylist's personal six-shooter. We know the feeling and the sounds so well, but what makes a good blow dryer stand out from the rest?

Power
Power and higher wattage are all good things when looking at a blow dryer. A more powerful dryer will give you more variety in your style, faster styling times, and a greater flexibility in your presentation. For many people, experts say that 1300 to 1875 watts is a good number to look for in their blow dryers. But of course, any dryer is dependent on the style as well. A lower powered dryer may be ideal for different cuts, such as blow drying bangs or setting curls.

Heat (or lack thereof)
Blow dryer packaging will brag an awful lot about high heat in their dryers. While a greater heating capacity is good for some people with thicker, coarser hair, it may be far too damaging for those with finer, thinner hair. Adjust your heat levels accordingly. Even if your dryer has a lot of power and heat, you can always turn it down. High heat might also be useful if your hair is soaking wet,  just out of the shower, but experts recommend switching to a cool setting when the hair is about 80% dry.

Type
Not all dryers are the same, and the technology has certainly changed and nowadays we have a larger variety of choice. Here are a few options that you may encounter out there:

Ionic
Ionic dryers have a technology that uses negatively charged ions to break down water molecules present in the hair. This breaking down process allows hair to dry faster and healthier. 

Ceramic
Ceramic dryers emit non-damaging infrared heat, which is a healthier option for your hair over traditional dryers.

Tourmaline
Tourmaline dryers emit infrared heat and negatively charged ions. This means the hair will be less frizzy, shinier, and generally healthier. These dryers also allow your hair to have a higher and greater heat tolerance.

Your Hair, Your Choice
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to blow dryers. Each type is different for each person, and varies as much as our hair does. With this in mind, it is very important for each and every one of us to do our research and determine the best fit for our hair type, color, and style. Hopefully this information will serve as a great jumping off point for your better, healthier hair.

The Believe Choice


So after all of this information, you might be asking, "What do the good people at Believe use?" Well, we are proud to use Ergo Ionized Blow Dryers at the salon. Ergo Dryers have been "proven to be a perfect combination of air flow, heat output, and controlled sound level to create a smooth, shiny, and humidity resistant finish to the hair." They do a great job and we are happy to use them for our clients and sell them right in the salon. Ask us all about them at your next appointment!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Believe Client Profiles: Lina Serpico

Believe Beauty Lounge is so honored to have such a varied and impressive clientele visit our salon. Every so often, we love to profile some of these amazingly talented clients who grace our blue chairs and allow us to style their look.

This edition:

Lina Serpico




Lina is a loyal, longtime Believer. She is also very active in the Chappaqua and Pleasantville Community through school and religious organizations.

How long have you been going to Believe?
I have been going to Believe Salon since it opened. Lisa has been my hair stylist for about 12 years. From the first day I met her I knew I would never use another hair dresser!

Why do you prefer Believe over other salons?
I prefer Believe Salon over other Salons in the area because it is not pretentious, you can go in wearing sweats, no make-up and no one would be offended or put-off. I also love Believe because it is peaceful, very “zen".

How long have you lived in the Pleasantville area?
I have lived in Chappaqua for 15 years.

Can you tell me very briefly about your work?
Up until recently I was a stay at home mom. Volunteering for the PTA and various other organizations way too much. I have recently accepted a position as Coordinator for Religious Education at my church.

Thank you so much, Lina! We love the support and long time friendship with the entire Salon!

Sunday, July 13, 2014

The Stylist's Toolbox: Shears


The tools of a hairstylist are so very important. Every stylist needs quality instruments to perform her job (and her art) at her very best. Beyond quality, there is also an issue of comfort. No two stylists are the same and therefore each of their tools varies as much as they do. Here at Believe, we like to occasionally profile some of those tools that we use to help our friends and clients understand a bit more about the art that is hair styling.

This edition: Shears

You may know them as scissors, but there is probably no more vital of a tool to a hairstylist than her shears. Sure, they can cost a few bucks in the drug store but did you know that a good quality pair of shears can cost into the thousands? So let's look at some of the variables that goes into quality shears.

Material
Yes, shears are typically made from metal but this can vary. 440c stainless steel is common in cheaper shears, as well as many blades used for carpentry and various other industries. However, the higher quality shears are often made from cobalt steel, which is a much harder steel. This will improve the sharpness of the blade, the quality of the cut, and the long term life of the shears themselves.

Comfort
A stylist is cutting hair for hours, each and every day. So while the comfort of a pair of scissors might seem silly to those outside of the industry, for a stylist, it is so very important. There are offset and straight handles, swivel and fixed thumbs, permanent and removable pinky rests (tangs), large and small finger holes, fat and thin handles. Add to this list the various weights and lengths of the blades themselves, and you will see a surprising number of factors that go into the comfort of a pair of shears.

Length
Yep, length does matter. In the world of styling shears and barber shears, different sizes are good for different things. A long shear (6.5” – 7”) is great for making long, even cuts quickly and accurately. Shorter shears (5”) are good for detailed work around the ear, etc. A shear that is 5.5” to 6.0” is generally thought of as the “workhorse” or all-around shear. You can pretty much do anything you want with them.



So what does this all mean?
At the end of the day, the shears of a stylist are an extension of herself. Build, length, material, and comfort all matter. However, having said that, a true artist can paint with any brush, and price, quality, and quantity do not always tell the whole story. 

Just see what Believe Owner and Stylist Lisa Koebbe Bevan has to say about her wide array of shears:

"If you were to look in my station drawer you would probably be surprised to find approximately 16 pair of shears (and that's with having gotten rid of several.) Naturally the next question would be "why?" An experienced hair cutter can execute most cutting techniques using a single pair of scissors. In emergency cutting requests, I've actually used kitchen shears, pinking shears, and a mini extremely sharp folding pair I keep on my key ring. 

So then why have so many?
Well, just as a painter has a variety of brushes at his disposal, a seamstress has a variety of needles, and a sportsman has a variety of clubs bats balls rackets, my variety of sharp edges (whether they be shears, razors, or clippers) make for creating lines and texture more efficaciously and more fun. I also believe it's important for my clients to see a variety of tools that are used so that they see my interest and excitement about my profession, and so that they can learn more about what I do."



Thursday, June 12, 2014

Believe Client Profiles: Dan Petrilli

Believe Beauty Lounge is so honored to have such a varied and impressive clientele visit our salon. Every so often, we love to profile some of these amazingly talented clients who grace our blue chairs and allow us to style their look.

This edition:

Dan Petrilli



Dan Petrilli is an accomplished chef and entrepreneur. Previously, he owned the delicious restaurant, "Haven" in Pleasantville, before selling the restaurant and moving on to exciting new ventures in Manhattan. 

How long have you been going to Believe?
I have been going to Believe and, more specifically, to Lisa for 15 years. Before Believe even existed in fact! Basically I go wherever Lisa is.

Why do you prefer Believe over other salons?
I go to Believe for Lisa and her amazing work. I don't trust anyone else with my hair. I have moved all around Westchester County but I still make sure to take the ride up to Pleasantville to see her. She's that good.

How long have you lived in the Pleasantville area?
I've lived in the area for about 18 years.

Can you tell me very briefly about your work?
I am a chef. It's a busy job with a difficult schedule. I have always loved Lisa because she has been accommodating to my hectic hours. This made me loyal to her even more. Currently I commute from White Plains but I still go to see only her.

Do you have a website or any additional info you would like to plug for your work or personal life?
Well I recently sold Haven in Pleasantville, and I am currently working on an exciting Vegan project in Manhattan. I will let you know more about it as it progresses!

Thank you so much, Dan. We will be standing by to hear more about your upcoming project!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Believe Client Profiles: Danielle Zinaich Strahl

Believe Beauty Lounge is so honored to have such a varied and impressive clientele visit our salon. Every so often, we love to profile some of these amazingly talented clients who grace our blue chairs and allow us to style their look.

This edition:

Danielle Zinaich Strahl


Photo by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Danielle is a high-profile model and long-time client at Believe. Besides tearing up the runways from New York City to Paris to the entire globe, she is also involved in a variety of exciting ventures to promote good health and good living. 

How long have you been going to Believe?
I have been going to Believe for 6 years now!

Why do you prefer Believe over other salons?
I prefer Believe to other salons in the area because it is a discreet and intimate setting. Lisa understands exactly what I like and works with me to achieve a great outcome - it's not an easy job working with a model! She gets my hair looking gorgeous and I get a ton of compliments! Alexa and Shannon are very organized and make scheduling an appointment and getting a shampoo a dream!

How long have you lived in the Pleasantville area?
My husband and I moved to this area 12 years ago. We love raising our two boys, Van (13) and Nico (9) here.

Can you tell me very briefly about your work?
I have been an international fashion model for 25 years! Working with all of the top photographers, magazines, and designers, I managed to work my way to the top. I am currently signed with IMG models and they have been a fantastic modeling agency for me. As I am coming upon my 40th birthday, I am transitioning into my second career as a Homeopath, but still welcome and enjoy modeling.

Do you have a website or any additional info you would like to plug for your work or personal life?
I am currently seeing clients for Homeopathic intakes. Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine and is a great way to balance yourself and allow you to have better overall health. I see clients for a wide variety of complaints. I can be reached via email: remedyyourhealth@gmail.com

My husband (Adam Strahl) and I own a healthy food Cafe called LOCAL in Chappaqua. We serve soups, salads and sandwiches, and were voted the best Cafe and Ice Cream shop in Westchester!
Check us out here: www.chappaqualocal.com

Thank you so much for this great information, Danielle! 
(And I personally recommend everyone to drop by Cafe Local in Chappaqua one day soon. Wonderful food!)

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Believe Client Profiles: Tara Klein

Believe Beauty Lounge is so honored to have such a varied and impressive clientele visit our salon. Every so often, we love to profile some of these amazingly talented clients who grace our blue chairs and allow us to style their look.

This edition:
Tara Klein

Tara helped build The Pleasantville SEPTA, an organization devoted to helping children with special needs and their parents. We asked her a little bit about this and her thoughts on Believe.

How long have you been going to Believe?
My first Believe experience was about 7 years ago, shortly after Lisa opened the salon. We clicked immediately! Often several months pass between appointments but, like sisters or best friends, we always seem to pick up where we left off.

Why do you prefer Believe over other salons?
Lisa's Soho-style salon offers professional services while cultivating a unique sense of community charm, style, and personalized attention. You are always greeted with a smile and never feel rushed.

How long have you lived in the Pleasantville area?
I have lived in Pleasantville with my husband and four sons for 23 years. Six years-ago, when my youngest son, Brendan, was diagnosed with Leukemia, Lisa organized an event to raise both awareness and funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by offering buzz cuts for boys and orange braids for girls. The event was a huge success. My son Brendan still stops to say hello whenever he passes by.

You are very involved with The Pleasantville SEPTA. Can you tell me a little bit about what you guys do?
THE PLEASANTVILLE SEPTA was organized 9 years ago for the specific purpose of providing information and support to parents and caregivers of children with special needs. SEPTA sponsors speakers, parent gatherings, library resources and educational programs in an effort to create a true parent and community support network.
Here is a link to our web site: www.pvillesepta.com

Do you have a website or any additional info you would like to plug for your work or personal life?
I work for EILEEN FISHER (www.eileenfisher.com) as well as for their sister company, GREEN EILEEN www.greeneileen.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Tara!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014


2014! Another year passed and we here at Believe can’t…well, believe it. Until, that is, when we check the mirror and see ever more fine lines and wrinkles making their way across our faces. Then we see that time truly is marching on. 

But we have something that will help combat those signs of aging, in a truly miraculous way: the NeriumAD skincare line—a scientific breakthrough in the science of aging. We are thrilled to be able to introduce it here at Believe.

Read on to learn more: During advanced research on the uses of the Nerium oleander plant, an accidental discovery was made: the unique properties of Nerium oleander provided remarkable age-defying results when applied to the skin. This finding led to the formation of Nerium International and the creation of the NeriumAD skincare line. 

Nerium scientists developed a breakthrough process, NBio-PL2, to derive an extract from the Nerium oleander plant in a way that preserves its unique and beneficial properties. This patented extraction process yields the NAE-8 extract, with powerful antioxidant properties, used to formulate the first-of-its-kind, age-defying Nerium product line. 

Nerium International is the first company with the exclusive capability to harness the power of the Nerium oleander plant in its skincare products. The product line addresses multiple concerns at once, including: wrinkles, discoloration, and texture. Nerium controls this main active ingredient from seed to bottle, making the Nerium skincare line both high-impact and innovative. This is the Nerium Difference.  

Use of the Nerium oleander plant has been identified in ancient texts and folklore for more than 1,500 years. But it wasn’t until the last century that the scientific community took interest in researching its unique properties. Most recently, scientists in Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, Latin America, and the United States have worked to understand the beneficial qualities found exclusively in the Nerium oleander plant. 

If you have vibrant skin and want to retain that youthful, healthy glow for life, or wish you looked ten years younger so your outward appearance matched your inner youth, NeriumAD products have you covered! 

The NeriumAD product line is effective from the first application; however, you will see remarkable improvements in your skin’s appearance through continuous use. Ultimately, we know you want lasting results. That’s why NeriumAD is an ongoing choice, a daily ritual, which will help you achieve youthful-looking skin. No matter how young or old you are, great skin begins with NeriumAD. And so sure are we that you will get the fantastic results you want, Nerium AD offers a 30-day money back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you have spent nothing. How great is that?

Here are some testimonials of people, just like you, who have tried (and love) Nerium AD:
 “I was searching for a more youthful look without resorting to expensive options or unhealthy products, but age was starting to show its signs right between my eyes. I've been a hairstylist for 20 years and have been introduced to the highest quality products, but none of them delivered the results that NeriumAD has for my skin. I've never been more satisfied. My results are better than I even expected. Thank you, NeriumAD!”
- One a V.
“After just one month of using NeriumAD, I felt so much more confident about my appearance. Now my skin has a natural radiance without needing any foundation, and my morning makeup routine has been cut in half. The texture of my skin is amazing. My friends are even telling me I look younger!” - Sandra R..
"The results I got from using NeriumAD are simply unbelievable... It may not be the fountain of youth, but it may just be the closest thing to it. Thank you for helping me turn back the hands of time and providing me the opportunity to help others feel the same. It's okay to get old... You just don't have to look it!"

"Other NeriumAD reviews were right: This product is so easy to use. Simply apply at night to moist skin and you're done. This is something I can see myself doing long term. I was never able to follow through with the four or five-step programs. One product that does it all... And it works! It really works!" - Debra
“After only a few weeks into my Nerium Experience, I noticed smaller pores, less wrinkles, and my ‘perma-furrow’ appeared less prevalent. “

Ready to try for yourself? Stop by Believe to pick up your own fountain of youth: NeriumAD.

OTHER JANUARY NEWS:
January Tuesday Deals
Get $15 offif you book Color, Highlights and Haircut for any Tuesday in January or
Make any Conditioning/Smoothing treatment for a Tuesday in January Shampoo and Conditioner Free (you have to mention "Believe Blog" when booking appointment to get either Deal.)        
Daily Deals
Buy 3 Products get one 30% Off
Buy any 4 Scarves get one 50% Off
Also...
Lisa will be on vacation February 1-13 so make your appointments now and Believe will be closed for a quick winter break Feb. 1-8, so please book accordingly and we hope to see you soon!