How often have you yearned for a bit of respite away from the bustle of the city, a place to escape and be pampered, emerging even more beautiful and refreshed? Fortunately for those in the know there’s Bella Oasis Day Spa, a world of quaint charm and attentive detail to perfection. Indeed, the term oasis is quite fitting, as the spa, which is neatly tucked away at 2A Hillcrest Avenue, feels surprisingly enveloping for a central city locale… a haven of sorts. Our Under The Dryer team visited the “relaxation destination”, where we had a chance to sample an array of client services.

Read on to learn more about our enlightening experience.

New & Different

Paula Gregory – realtor, Valrie Levy & Associates

A regular Bella Oasis client, Paula Gregory was quick to share with our team that the excellent service and overall good results keep her “coming back”. Not only does she get her hair styled at the establishment, but she also participates in their yoga sessions as well as other spa services. Today she visits for a new and different style, and already, her expert stylist Pauline has just the look in mind.

Pauline’s Vision:

“I’m going to give Paula a nice look by using braids to create finger waves. I think that will suit her features nicely.”

The Routine:

Paula’s hair is first shampooed with Raccioppi anti-aging shampoo to reduce aging effects on the strands. This is followed by Raccioppi anti-frizz conditioner, which reduces frizzing and allows the hair to retain moisture, softness and sheen. When this is finished, her hair is towel-dried and Pauline then works in a dollop of Raccioppi Hydrating Crème and Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to further moisturise, smooth and soften the strands. A bit of Mizani Silk Defining Mousse is then applied generously to her hair for fuller volume. Tresses are then misted with Moroccanoil Holding Spray to complete the look; Pauline advises our team that no oil sheen spray or serum is required, as the Moroccanoil product line is already fortified with ‘sheen-boosting’ ingredients.

Paula’s Take:

“I have never done anything like this before, but I really like it! In fact, I think I’m coming back next week to get it re-done for the Jazz Festival.”

Our Under The Dryer team also sat in while sisters Diane Robertson and Yvena Rose, who are also loyal clients of the Bella Oasis Day Spa, enjoyed hair treatments courtesy of expert stylists Natasha Black and Pauline Binns. Here’s what we learned.

Chestnut Chic

Diane Robertson – Pharmacist, Herbal Consultant and Wellness Coach

“Unlike my sister Yvena, I have always disliked my greys, so I come in regularly to have my hair coloured,” the affable Diane shares with our team almost immediately after our arrival. “Mind you, her hair is lovely, and I always encourage her to keep it that way, but that look is just not for me,” she continues. As if on cue, her stylist Natasha whisked her away for her colour and style job.

Natasha’s Vision:

“I’m gonna give Ms Robertson a shampoo, cut and a nice chestnut colour to conceal her greys and brighten up her look at the same time. She will also be getting a deep-conditioning treatment today to strengthen her strands after the chemical process.”

The Routine:

Natasha first shampoos Diane’s hair with Mizani Puriphying Intense Cleansing Shampoo to remove the buildup on the strands, after which she applies Clairol Beautiful Collection semi-permanent hair colour in Chestnut. Her hair is then covered with a steam cap and she is placed under the dryer for 20 minutes to allow the colour to set in. After which Raccioppi anti-aging deep conditioning treatment is applied to her tresses ahead of rinsing thoroughly and towel-drying. When this is finished, a dollop of Mizani Conditioning Styling Lotion is worked through the strands, followed by the Silk Defining Mousse from the same line, for a light hold and protection from UV rays. A drop of Raccioppi moisturising oil is then applied to her hair to complete the look.

Diane’s Take:

“I love it… makes me feel very pretty. In fact, I just invited my sister to tea afterwards, so we can go show off our revamped looks.”

Silvery Slick

Yvena Rose – Former Jamaica National employee

We just could not resist complimenting Yvena on her gorgeous silvery-grey tresses on completion of her service. A compliment she receives several times daily from strangers. Today she visits Bella Oasis for a shampoo and hair treatment, where the adept Pauline is ready and waiting to assist her.

Pauline’s Vision:

“Yvena has nice long hair, completely grey and I love it, so after shampooing, I will give her a colour-replenishing treatment to highlight the greys.”

The Routine:

Raccioppi anti-aging shampoo is used to shampoo Yvena’s tresses ahead of her colour-replenishing treatment. This is where Clairol Shimmer Lights is applied to her hair and she is placed under the dryer for for 20-30 minutes. After which Pauline removes her from the dryer, then rinses her hair with Raccioppi anti-frizz conditioner. Her hair is then towel-dried and a dollop of Raccioppi Suavita Cream Moisturiser is applied and she is again placed under the dryer for 30 minutes. When this is finished, her hair is flat-ironed for a sleek look to enhance the shimmery silver look of her newly replenished hair.

Yvena’s Take:

“I love it, it is very lovely. Usually when I get this treatment to brighten the greys, people stop me on the road all the time to tell me how much they like it and that I should keep it this way. My sister has invited me out, so we’re off to tea at the Wyndham now to show off our hairstyles.”

Hair by: Pauline Binns and Natasha Black.

Make-up by: Theadosia Rose.

Special thanks to the staff of Bella Oasis Day Spa: Daniella Morales-spa manager, Theadosia Rose — spa supervisor/aesthetician/make-up artist, Tayesha Pearson — beauty therapist, Audrey Robinson-hostess and Pauline Binns and Natasha Black — hairstylists and nail technicians.

Bella Oasis Day Spa, 2A Hillcrest Avenue, Kingston 6.

Tel: 946-2649/946-2793/588-8398. E-mail: relax@bellaoasisdayspa.com.

(Photos: Marlon Reid)