Bands, Clusters and Singles, Oh My!

Eyelash extensions have been a part of the beauty industry for many years. From theater to fashion magazine ads, to the everyday eyelash extension wearer they are indeed a very popular service.

There are three types of eyelash extensions which include: band (strip) lashes, cluster lashes, and individual lashes.

Band lashes are also called "strip" lashes because they represent multiple artificial eyelashes attached to a strip. Band lashes are the most popular for special occasions or everyday wear because they can be applied either by yourself or by a professional. Band lashes are only meant to be worn one time per set and only last one day, generally until you cleanse your face and remove your eye makeup. They come in all varieties from very natural to dramatic, some come with feathers or rhinestones as well.

Cluster lashes contain approximately 3-6 individual lashes that are banded together. Cluster lashes normally have a base point which hold the lashes together know as a "bulb."Cluster lashes are generally best applied by a professional. A natural or dramatic look can be created with cluster lashes and which can last about a week.

Individual eyelash extensions, sometimes called "semi-permanent lashes" are single eyelash hairs that are applied to your individual eyelashes with an adhesive. Individual lashes should only be applied by a professional. The service can take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the clients natural lashes and the look that is trying to be achieved. Individual lashes can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks depending on how well they are cared for. A fill-in or touch up service can be performed anywhere from 2-4 weeks to maintain the desired look.

Call us at 919.435.7373 or email us at info@bodyblissnc.com for more information about lashes and pricing.

-Blog post written by Sarah Boulton

Introducing Olaplex

Olaplex is a bond multiplier which is unlike any other product on the market. This actually links broken disulfide bonds in the hair allowing you to restore the strength, structure and integrity of the hair before, during and after services. It is not a conditioner in anyway whatsoever as it does not coat the hair in silicone. It is also not a protein as that can be overused and eventually cause brittleness and breakage. This is an entirely new chemistry giving us brand new options in regards to what is possible for us as hairstylists. Olaplex is just one revolutionary ingredient developed by two PHD's in chemistry and materials.  It's completely safe and free of any toxic ingredients.  Nothing has ever been created like Olaplex. (information provided from olaplex.com and Olaplex representative.)

Olaplex is a two step process. Step one, or Olaplex No.1, can be added into lightener, hair color, or a glaze. No.1 can also be used as a treatment on its own. Either way it is performed, the hair is then treated with Olaplex No.2. Since it can be added to color or lightener, it can be used to enhance many services that we offer in the salon, such as foils, balayage, a color retouch, all over color and MORE!

Ask you Body Bliss stylist about Olaplex at your next appointment! 

-Blog post written by Sarah Boulton

It's more than just a Massage!

 We all know that amazing feeling we get after receiving a massage! We often times leave in a happier mood, stress free, and pain free. Although, believe it or not, the benefits of massage go deeper than that! Today, it is easy to forget about our mental and physical health, which is why I am here to help remind you to take care of yourself!

 Let's first start with the mind. Now we know a massage can relieve stress, but what follows that? Simple, with no stress comes acceptance. The acceptance of happiness, positive self esteem, and a healthy sleeping pattern! 

 Next would be the hidden positive effects on the body. Due to circulation, it helps move nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. This is vital for areas to heal and stay healthy! This action provides support the elimination of metabolic waste, recovery to illness, and reduces the chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. 

 Not only does a massage feel great, but it provides time for your body to energize and heal!

Preparing for your Hair Appointment

Its time for a change, a change in your hair! You gave us a call or booked online with us, here are some ways you can prepare for your hair appointment.

• Get some ideas of what you want. Look at Pinterest, look through magazines and have these images readily available for you and your stylist to look at. 
• Think about styles or hair colors you have had in the past, what did you like least or most about them? Knowing this enable your stylist to give you a look that you will love!
• Go with clean hair, it is a myth that you should come to the salon with "dirty" hair for a color appointment. 
• Wear your hair like you would most days. Clients come into the salon with their hair in a pony tail and that doesn't give the stylist an idea of how you like to style your hair when it is down. 

Post appointment tips:

• After receiving a color service, try not to wash your hair for 24-48 hours. Give your hair and the new color some time to rest. 
• Having trouble styling your new do? If you didn't already purchased new hair care products, stop back by the salon to pick up the products that the stylist used to help you achieve the new look.

-Blog Post by Sarah Boulton 

The Misunderstood Manicure

Do you find yourself saying "My nails are too short to get a manicure."? It is often misunderstood that you have to have long nails in order to treat yourself. Well, I am here to change that way of thinking. Believe it or not, manicures are one of the best things you can do for your nails. Not only will you leave feeling beautiful, but it will leave your hands looking younger. Our hands can give away how old a person really is, so why not take care of them sooner rather than later!

The nails need some pampering in order to grow and continue to look healthy. When receiving a Manicure the cuticles are moisturized and pushed back. Dry, unconditioned cuticles are the number 1 reason for constant nail breaking. The nails are also filed to the appropriate length to get rid of any separation of the nails or breakage.

So next time you say your nails need to be longer in order to get a manicure; get a manicure that way your nails will grow longer!

Unwash Your Hair!

The big rage right now are conditioning shampoos, they are a one step "shampoo" and conditioner all in one that does not strip your hair of it's natural oils like regular shampoo can. You may have herd of or tried "Wen" products, Unwash is similar in concept but I believe it to have more technology behind the way theirs works. 

Unwash calls their system a cowash, the "co" standing for conditioner. More about co-washing from their blog:

"After years and years of being told that the proper way to achieve clean, healthy hair is by using a shampoo followed by a conditioner, we've become accustomed to this two-step method. But what many of us don’t realize is that the majority of shampoos out there contain harsh detergents (sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium chloride) which not only strip the hair of essential oils that protect, moisturize and add shine to hair, but which also can cause a dry scalp, flaking and over time the breakage of strands.Essentially, it’s just an ongoing cycle of stripping and replenishing. Luckily, we've now entered a new era, the era of cowashing and cleansing hair in just one step! The idea of cowashing, which stands for conditioner washing, was derived using the notion that hair should be treated exactly as it was created to the body — as an asset. Hair follicles and strands are not “alive” like the rest of the body and as such need to be nurtured rather than stripped.Cowashing is cleansing the hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. Rather than using detergents, there’s a conditioner-like formula void of any harsh surfactants that can dry out hair. Excess oils and buildup are safely and gently washed away while the cuticle of hair is left undisturbed, unharmed and perfectly intact. I like to call it the “intelligent” approach to hair washing and the better way — no, the BEST way of cleansing to maintain an overall moisture balance and optimal scalp and hair health."

So I have never used one of these "conditioning cleansers" before and I will say I was a skeptic. 

I used Unwash for the first time today to cleanse my hair. I had been given a sample of it from one of the reps and had been meaning to try it. He was telling me about all the success and testimonials about it so I went ahead and ordered some for my retail shelves without even trying it, call me impulsive. However, I had been meaning to get something in the salon to fit this "niche" and this product so it just seemed like a good fit. 

So anyways, today I used it. It has a conditioner consistency so that is something you definitely have to get used to, it has no lather, which is expected as it is not a typical shampoo. The directions say to massage it into your scalp and them comb it down through the rest of your hair with a wide tooth comb. With no wide tooth comb in sight I decided to use my Wet Brush (which is also a totally awesome tool, if you have not checked them out). After massaging and brushing, I rinsed. I honestly expected my hair to feel a little greasy, like as if you had only used conditioner on your hair since that was what it felt like. However, I could actually tell that it felt clean. Not the stiff, dry, "squeaky clean" that you get when you have only used shampoo and have not applied your conditioner yet, but a clean that felt like I had honestly used both shampoo and conditioner with one step. My fingers could run right through my hair, it felt moisturized but not heavy which is great for anyone who doesn't want something that will weigh their hair down (pretty much everyone!).

I followed up with my normal hair styling routine with root boost spray and smoothing serum, then blow dried. I am excited to use this product more and see what else I notice. I will post any other updates! 

-Sarah Boulton 

Unwash Video 

Tis the season for...PROPOSALS!

The weather out side is getting colder, the Christmas decorations and music is already starting in the retail stores. Although most of us are preparing our shopping lists, there are many nervous guys out there preparing to pop the big question! Yes, December is the month with the highest number of proposals.

So, when you think of proposals and weddings, think of Body Bliss Salon and Spa. We would love to be a part of the bride and grooms special day. 

We offer spa parties to pamper the bride and bridal party before the big day with massage, facials, manicures and pedicures. 

On the day of the wedding we offer hair and makeup services. We are willing to travel to the venue or the bride and her bridal party can come to our beautiful salon and spa. 

Please contact us at bridalbliss@bodyblissnc.com for more information about our bridal packages. We do book up quickly so if you have set a date, hold it with us!

See some of our work below:

Blog Post By Sarah Boulton