Natural Style

Here’s how you can freshen your look for spring—naturally.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 03/05/2010
With spring just around the corner, the opportunity to revamp your style is a temptation not to be resisted. Now is the time, says Linda Machalicek, owner of Dolcé Organic Salon, to break free from the dark shades of winter and embrace a fresh, uplifting style for the impending warmer weather.

“Highlights are going to be a big part of spring hairstyles,” Linda reveals, noting that Dolcé clients can achieve sensational, and subtle, color changes—naturally.

Linda has dedicated her career to offering in her salon as many quality natural products as she can find.

And her efforts are noticeable.

The minute you walk into Dolcé you’re immediately aware that something is different. Music is playing softly from above, the soothing interior is brightly lit, and the stylists are making quiet small talk with clients.

And then it hits you.

There is no smell in the air.

“We are one of the only salons in the area to use organic hair coloring products exclusively,” Linda says. “Instead of processing with ammonia, heat is used to lock the color in. There is no burning, itching or irritation. Our natural color can be safely used by anyone with sensitivity issues, including pregnant moms and those working through a serious illness.”

The absence of ammonia means there is also a refreshing absence of smell.

“We can brighten the color you have or add dimension with multiple colors. And the best part is, the color we use is entirely natural and organic,” she says. “Some people may not be aware that we can use the same natural haircolor to achieve striking highlights.”

Some clients, Linda says, long for longer hair.

“I have always, always wanted long, thick hair,” remarks Erin Schkurko. (Erin is shown in the before and after pictures accompanying this story.) “I saw the ad in Mimi for hair extensions at Dolcé and I knew this was where I wanted to get them.”

Erin goes on to reveal that although she is happy with her natural hair color, her fine, limp tresses made growing long hair impossible.

“I love my new extensions,” she beams. “They are easy to take care of and they feel like my own hair. They don’t hurt or pull and I love that they blend in perfectly with my natural hair. I trust Linda’s expertise and the atmosphere here is wonderful. Price was another factor. Dolcé had the best price.”

Linda says that she and her team are all certified hair extension specialists. “We only use 100% real human hair for our extensions,” she promises. “We can match hair based on color, texture, and ethnicity. It’s all healthy and it’s been handpicked so that the cuticles are all aligned, which prevents tangling. You can style your hair however you’d like. You can even flat-iron it.”

If you’re interested in highlights, hair extensions are an ideal alternative to color processing. “We can add four or five ‘strands’ in a lighter shade to highlight the face,” Linda suggests. “You can add as many as eight strands for more drama. They last longer than traditional highlights and actually cost less. It’s a perfect solution for clients who want thicker, fuller hair, but also want the style change that highlights can provide.”
Dolcé uses two different methods to apply hair extensions. Fusion involves applying hair that has been pre-bonded with keratin—an all-natural substance that affixes the extensions to your own hair. Linda says this is the best option for fine hair or for those who may be suffering from hair loss.

The double-loop method is good for people with stronger, coarser hair.

If you color your hair, you can still enjoy the lush, beautiful tresses that hair extensions can provide. “We just touch up the root growth,” Linda says simply.

For clients who’ve suffered with hair loss or thinning hair, Linda says it’s remarkable to see the confidence boost the extensions can provide. With that in mind, she’s made it a point to price her extensions as affordably as possible so that most can take advantage of them.

A full-head application takes about two-and-a-half hours. Expect your extensions to last up to six months.

To complete your new style, Linda suggests scheduling a spring makeover during your visit. Using the all-natural line of Mineral Fusion talc-free, paraben-free makeup, you’ll enjoy a one-hour lesson on how to apply color to enhance your features naturally.

With prom season looming closer than ever, Linda also suggests scheduling an appointment now to beat the last-minute rush. Students who show a school I.D. will receive 10% off all services, including manicures, pedicures, cuts, color, makeup applications, and up-dos.

For bridal parties, the morning of the big day spent in relaxing comfort at Dolcé presents an ideal way to relax and enjoy services. Linda’s staff will provide a continental breakfast and mimosas for everyone in your group.

But you don’t have to be ready to walk down the aisle or pose in a formal gown for pictures to bring your group to Dolcé. Friday evenings are reserved exclusively for “Girls’ Night Out” events, during which time all services are available. “It’s just a fun way to get together with the girls,” she beams. “I highly recommend it.”

Visit Dolcé Organic Salon at 10633 Pearl Road, in Strongsville, on the patio level in the Docere medical building. To schedule an appointment, call 440-238-5514. The website is www.DolceOrganicSalon.com.

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