The 101 On Balayage: Should You Get It?

You may have heard this term floating around with your best girl friends. Or, maybe you’ve heard it in passing during your last hair appointment. And most likely, you’ve read about it online. But, what exactly is Balayage, besides a super fancy, beautiful French word, and why has it been so popular?

Here’s the lowdown: According to Alejandra Grasso, stylist at Beaucage Salon, Balayage is a French word that means to sweep or paint. Essentially, stylists at your favorite salon will paint the highlights onto your hair, so that your color looks even more natural than a regular dye job.

First, your stylists takes a small section of your hair, starting at the middle of the strand, and sweep out toward the root or tip. Then, cotton or plastic wraps are folded gently around the colored section to separate them as they dry (no foils!). If you’re looking for a super natural, sun-kissed look, then Balayage is the answer to all of your prayers. And with fall around the corner (where has the time gone?!), it’s time to get your color on. A bonus tip? When your roots do begin to grow in, they’ll be less noticeable, according to Jose Alfaro, stylist at Beaucage Salon. Hair gods, we thank you for this method.

Grasso is a major fan of Balayage and recommends it to her clients not only because it allows for less noticeable regrow lines, but it also grows out more beautifully and naturally, requiring less maintenance. Lazy girls, rejoice. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also a technique that’s less damaging to the hair than a regular color job. It’s a win-win situation: Grasso believes it allows her (and other stylists) to allow their artistic talent to come out, and it also has endless benefits for the client.

And — Since it works beautifully on both light and dark hair, every person is essentially a great candidate for it. Short hair girl? No problem. But perhaps the best part of Balayage is that the technique is specific to each and every person. Your stylist will be able to choose the right colors to complement your skin tone, and apply the highlights specifically to you. Like snowflakes, no two Balayage applications are the same. Feel special yet?

This method may sound too good to be true, but luckily for us, it’s for real, and growing in popularity. Celebs like Rihanna and Jessica Alba have all been seen rocking this technique, and you can, too. So the next time you’re contemplating a color, consider Balayage your new best friend. Who isn’t looking for a more natural color, plus super low maintenance?

How To Pick The Best Bridal Hairdo For Your Big Day

It’s officially spring, which means one thing: It’s wedding season! Whether you’re planning an extravagant, lavish wedding, or getting ready for a smaller ceremony with friends and family, one thing’s for sure — You want everything to be perfect, including your look for the beautiful ceremony.

Between picking invitations, creating a seating chart, cake tasting, flower searching, and getting all your necessary paperwork done, there are a lot of details to iron out. But one of the most important aspects of the big day is how you feel in your dress, jewels, hair, and makeup. While some brides opt for long, luscious locks, an elegant updo is the usual go-to for many brides — It’s beautiful, it’s classic, and most importantly, it’s easy to dance in!

If you’re having trouble picking out the perfect ‘do for your unforgettable day, fear not. You’re not alone! We’ve got some tips for helping you pick out the right look, and make you feel absolute sexiest.

Find Some Inspiration

First thing’s first: Get your inspo on! Create a new board on Pinterest and check out the hundreds of thousands of possible hairstyles, and pin your favorites. Or, if you’re more an old-fashioned, less tech-savvy gal, consider bridal magazines! There’s thousands of ideas within their pages, and you’ll definitely find an idea somewhere in there.

Consider The Cut

One of the most important things to consider before picking out your updo is the neckline and cut of your dress, according to Leanna Chaney, master stylist at Beaucage. Aside from the neckline, consider whether you’ll be wearing sleeves, a strapless dress, or somewhere in between. It’s also important to note the length of your dress, as well as its style. If it’s a more classic silhouette, an updo will pair perfectly. More of a boho bride? Long tresses will do the trick.

Think Of Your Comfort

Remember: You’re the one wearing the hair, not your mother, friend, sister, or fiance. Try out a few different styles and see how comfortable you are wearing this particular style. “If you aren’t comfortable wearing your hair up, you won’t be able to pull it off,” Chaney says. She has a point — Not only will you feel uncomfortable, but chances are, you’ll look uncomfortable as well.

Work With Your Stylist

Again, this day is about you (and your partner, of course). While others may have differing opinions, at the end of the day, its your call completely. Emily Reale, a stylist at Beaucage, believes that ultimately, it’s all about teamwork. “I believe my client should feel like a beautifully enhanced version of herself on their big day. If we need an extra boost for a particular look, we can always add hair. Let’s work together to enhance that,” she says.

If you’ve got ideas, definitely be open and honest with your stylist!

Consider Your Venue & Surroundings

Is it indoor, outdoor, or a mix of both? For an outdoor summer wedding, it may be a good idea to choose an updo to give you the most air and comfort. A few hours of the sun beating down on you and your guests will definitely cause some discomfort, and an updo will help ease the pain.

It’s also important to consider your theme and your decorations. How formal is your big day? Based on that, you and your stylists should be able to come up with a happy medium.

Know Your Texture

It’s nice to dream, but sometimes, a particular hairstyle just won’t work for your type of hair. It may be a huge disappointment to know that your stick straight hair will be difficult to curl or put up, or that your curls are nearly impossible to tame. But the good news is, no matter your texture, there’s a beautiful look out there for you. Research, research, research, and of course, work with your stylist, and hair magic will happen.

Whichever hairstyle you choose — Make sure you feel confident and beautiful. Sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most beautiful days of your life.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Reale and Leanna Chaney.

How To Get Your Best Skin Yet This Spring Season

After a long, temperamental, and hunkering winter season, spring is finally upon us. And while April showers do bring on May flowers, there are some other things the spring season brings along with it: An entirely new climate that our bodies, mainly, our skin and hair, have got to get used to. Consider this spring cleaning, but for your face.

Much like how you’d pack away all of your sweaters, jackets, and winter wear, you’ve got to pack away all of your anti-frizz, heavy serums, and cold weather-specific products. Long gone are the days of freezing cold weather, snow, and slush (thank goodness), and here to stay are warmer, more pleasant, sun-kissed days, which means it’s time to bring out the spring products, along with your favorite t-shirts, skirts, and rompers.

And while when we think of skincare, we often immediately focus on our beautiful faces, the rest of our bodies need some extra attention, too. Misty Casino, expert esthetician at Beaucage, suggests a few things to ask for at your favorite spa and salon to get your best skin yet this spring.

Brazilian Waxing

We’ve all been through the horrors of shaving with a razor: Itchy bumps, redness, and most horrifying of all: Ingrown hairs. Brazilian waxing pretty much eliminates this. At Beaucage, Casino uses one of the only special low temperature waxes on the market, giving you the best service possible. Before you head to your favorite spa and salon, make sure to ask what kind of wax the esthetician uses.

And, if you’ve got some fears about waxing (thanks to those horror stories you have probably heard), hear us out: With technology advancing, waxing has become pretty much painless! New waxes, like the low temperature ones you should be asking for, don’t adhere to the skin, but rather, only to the hair itself. It’s a wax miracle!

Once you’ve tried this form of waxing, you’ll never go back. And, you’ll be bikini ready whenever.

Hydrafacial

After a long, harsh winter, your skin has probably taken a serious beating. Gushes of wind and ice cold weather are not kind to skin, and hydration is incredibly important during and after a long winter! Enter the hydrafacial, which shows results just after one treatment. Yep, you read that right.

With wedding season coming up, this is especially useful for brides to be, or for any bridal party members! Essentially, while moisturizers can tackle your skin’s dryness at a surface level, a hydrafacial can actually deepen the hydration that’s happening in your skin cells. Major win.

Aside from adding hydration, this facial also boosts your collagen and elastin production, making your skin look fuller, plumper, and generally fresher. Hello, younger skin! And — If you’re worried about this facial not working on your skin, fear not — This is great for every type of skin, aged, acne and scar filled, discolored, dry, or dehydrated skin included. Consider it your skin savior.

Environ

If you’re not familiar with Environ, it’s actually a vitamin facial that celebs like HIlary Swank and Ellen Pompeo swear by. Essentially, it focuses on improving wrinkles and anti-aging. And who can say no to that? Environ is one of the only lines that uses retinol acetate and retinol palmitate to gently exfoliate your skin and increase cell production, all without causing sun sensitivity, according to Casino. In other words, a total score.

Like hydrafacials, Environ facials cater to nearly every skin type, and has multiple lines within itself that are dedicated to aging, acne, normal, and dry and dehydrated skin. Once you’ve gotten this service done at your spa, your esthetician can actually prescribe a daily regimen specific to you, so you can continue the amazing results at home.

Of course, the general rules of seasonal transitional skin care apply: Changing up your moisturizer for something a little lighter is absolutely essential for spring. And, up your SPF — You’re spending much more time outside during the warmer months. Lastly, like Casino suggested with the services, exfoliation is key, even at home.

To get your perfect skin, though, you can’t do it all: Brazilian waxing, hydrafacial, and environ all work towards this, and it’s best to ask your trusted esthetician to see which work best for you. With some expert services and creating a regimen that works for you at home, you’ll surprise yourself with how good your skin can really look. New season, new you.

The Seasonal Resolutions You Need For Healthier Hair In 2016

2016 has officially rolled around, and one thing’s for certain: New year, new you. And while your resolutions may include eating healthier, exercising a few times a week, maybe finally getting your finances in tip top order, you can’t forget to treat yourself, too! After all your hard work in 2015, it’s time to give yourself a break and add a little pampering in your life. This year, it’s all about getting yourself in your best shape yet — mind, body, spirit, and most importantly, hair.

Thanks to the lovely four seasons that our year rotates around, our hair requires different treatment for different times of the year. No doubt — Your hair is much drier and full of static in the winter, while the summer months bring on mega frizz and ultra oil production. No two seasons were created equally. They’re all their different beasts, each requiring their specific treatments. So, without further ado, these are the seasonal hair resolutions you have to follow to make 2016 your best hair year yet.

Winter

"Don't underestimate the power of the pony." Wisdom and image by @camillapihlno. #hair #ponytail #bun #wordsofwisdom #wordstoliveby

A photo posted by Beaucage Salon & Spa (@beaucageboston) on Jul 6, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

Though the winter season has been pretty mild in November and December, it has officially arrived with full force, thanks to Storm Jonas. How many bottles of wine did you drink during the weekend, by the way? We’re not ready to disclose that information just yet.

Judey Cunha, Master Stylsit/Colorist at Beaucage Salon suggests going to your favorite salon and ask for a Kerastase treatment. Not to worry — Your beloved stylist will know just the right combination for you. Always remember: Hydration, hydration, hydration. With the heat on absolutely everywhere (I’m talking your home, your office, your gym, your car, and even the train), it’s of absolute importance to not only drink the proper amount of water throughout the day, but make sure your hair is hydrated, too. The static from sweaters, hats, and wool is no joke, and the only way to avoid that is to keep your skin and hair moisturized.

Spring

Love this look . . . Long #layers and #bangs. Image from @anhcotran via @popsugar. #hair #hairstyle #texture

A photo posted by Beaucage Salon & Spa (@beaucageboston) on Jun 30, 2015 at 4:50pm PDT

As the winter months wane off, a new start arises. You know, flowers blooming, the sun peeking, the smell of fresh grass? These all mean one thing: Spring. Perhaps our favorite season, as we get to watch everything come alive again.

Cunha suggests treating yourself to a nice haircut or trim. Get all those winter split ends off! A serious chop will give you a fresh, new look, and will feel so much lighter too. Like plants, Cunha believes that “pruning” the ends like one of your plants will help your hair flourish. Ever notice how the first thing you do when you get flowers is chop off the ends? The same should be applied to your hair. A nice trim or chop always keeps it looking and feeling healthy.

Summer

Re-post from @sanzwillmakeudance — gorgeous highlights by @gmauras! #hair #haircolor #highlights #bostonhair #bostonstylist

A photo posted by Beaucage Salon & Spa (@beaucageboston) on May 29, 2015 at 4:14pm PDT

And now comes the serious heat. While, of course, you should be wearing SPF year round, the summer months are the most important to keep your skin protected. The same goes for your hair. Repeat after me: Protection, protection, protection.

We all know the best part of summer is laying by the beach, eating a popsicle, and watching as the tide comes in slowly. Or, if you’re more a pool type of gal, it’s lounging in a chair, cocktail in hand, tunes blasting. Whichever you prefer, salt, sun, and chlorine are all enemies and wreak havoc on your hair. To keep yourself protected, Cunha suggests getting a clarifying shampoo to remove the build up in your hair. She also suggests using products in your hair that have sunscreen in them to protect your color.

Pro tip: While you’re at the pool, beach, lake, you name it, wearing a deep conditioner to your hair will work wonders for protecting it. “Just apply the conditioner, slick it back into a chic pony, and go. The sun will apply all the heat you need for it to absorb,” Cunha says. Once you jump in the waves, the conditioner will actually act like a protector. Easy peasy!

Fall

Check out our gorgeous client @beck_rose_hyland who is loving her trendy cut from our own fashionista @armistella Book your appointment with her today! #happyholidays #holidays #salonlife #bostonbabes #beaucaged #beaucageboston

A photo posted by Beaucage Salon & Spa (@beaucageboston) on Dec 31, 2015 at 7:17am PST

After all the fun in the (scorching) sun in the summer, it’s time to tame all the damage we’ve done. Consider fall the detox season. Cunha suggests trying a fresh color — Something rich and shiny to cover all of the sins of the sun. Cunha says to have a Redken Chemistry System treatment to strip away any buildup that may have come from sunscreen, salt, chlorine, and any other summer damage you have.

The fall months are the time to kick back, relax, and take a breather from all of your summer adventures, and the same should go for your hair.

Of course, to have healthy hair year round, Cunha recommends getting a cut every four to six weeks. This type of upkeep will have your hair feeling and looking healthy, shiny, and bouncy. As always, ask your stylist for what’s best for your hair type and texture, and come up with a plan together. When it comes to your hair, your stylist knows best!

Here’s to 2016 being your best hair year, ever.

7 Winter Hair Care Tips For Curly Girls

While snowflakes, holiday cookies, bright lights, and hot cocoa all fill us with warm spirit, winter has its own set of woes that we often forget until they actually arrive. Chapped lips, dry skin, and worst of all, dry hair seriously cramp our style. As if the below zero degree weather isn’t enough, static takes our beautiful locks captive, and lush, beautiful hair turns into flat, frizzy, and lifeless hair at the drop of hat.

And let’s be real — No one experiences this quite like curly girls. While curly-haired women often suffer from hair dryness all year, the chilly weather hits them even harder. So how exactly do you keep your hair from looking blah, constantly hiding it under a hat? Simple! Plan, plan, plan. Thanks to Jackie Siegel, Senior Stylist at Beaucage Salon, we have some killer tips to share with you to keep your mane looking gorgeous all winter long.

Moisturize

This may be the most crucial step of all! Be sure to choose a shampoo that doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, most especially sulfates. See it on the label? Say no, no, no! And if that doesn’t work, try the old trick of apple cider vinegar! In the same vein, you’ll want to choose a moisture-rich conditioner, which will seal it all in. Jackie suggests hydrating with DevaCurl Low Poo and Heaven in Hair.

As for styling, some of her favorites are B’leave-In and Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam. But — Be sure to diffuse your curls before leaving your house to get that volume and definition you want! This helps to get soft waves, too. To lock everything in place, spray on DevaCurl Flexible-Hold Hairspray, which will last you hours.

Plan

Much like you plan your work for the week, you must plan your washes, as well! Not only is it super uncomfortable when you step outside with wet hair (hello, did you want a cold?), but it’s also extremely bad for your hair! If you do want to wash in the morning, make sure you have enough time to let it air dry (which, honestly, who does?). Your best bet will be to wash it early on at night, and get your Netflix and chill on!

Ditch Your Towel

If you haven’t already, say goodbye to your towel! I mean it — Right now! Of course, absorption is important, but we want to avoid all that frizz. Cotton shirts, microfiber towels, or satin pillowcases are all dream materials, according to NaturallyCurly. Next time you see terrycloth or textured towels, steer clear!

Revival!

You know how your afternoon cup of coffee will give you an instant boost, no matter how tired you are? That’s what refreshing does for your curls. Whether they’ve been flattened down by a hat, or just look like they need a little oomph, Jackie suggests spraying a few pumps of DevaCurl Set It Free into your hand and scrunching it into your curls. If you’ve got any stray frizzy curls, wrap them around your finger a few times to get maximum definition.

You can find all sorts of sprays in drugstores, or you can even make your own. NaturallyCurly suggests a lavender essential oil spray, which can be used on any curl type. Below, find their secret recipe!

“Boil two quarts of water and simmer for one hour, remove from heat and add five drops of pure lavender essential oil, and stir. Allow it to cool and pour into spray bottles. Bring a mini-spray bottle in your purse or keep one at work. It’s a great way to freshen up your locks throughout the day.”

Eat Well

You know the saying, “You are what you eat?” This also applies to your hair! Getting enough water in your body is absolutely essential, as well as eating a healthy diet. Green veggies are your friends.

Style Less

There’s a reason the saying “Less is more” has stood the test of time — Because it’s true! According to All Women Talk, over-styling can seriously damage your hair. While braids and twists can be your go-to hairstyle for weeks, don’t forget that they still need some tender loving care! All Women Talk suggests keeping your scalp moisturized with tea tree oil or black castor oil. And as always, wrap your hair at night (in a satin scarf works best).

Accessorize

Sometimes, a hat is more than an accessory — They’re absolutely essential to staying warm! Boston girls, you know what we’re talking about. Don’t be afraid to throw on your beanie. Those curls bounce just as beautifully under your favorite knit! If you’re able to, try to find a hat that’s lined with satin. Your curls will definitely thank you for this. In general, slouchy wool hats tend to be the least damaging to curls.

But if you’re really struggling with hat hair, remember that ear muffs always exist. Combined with a hooded coat, you’ll be warm and fuzzy all winter long.

Remember: Your hair can look fab all year long! So while you may be having the winter blues, your gorgeous hair doesn’t have to be.