GETTING THE KINKS OUT" with “The Coppola Keratin Straightening System" at ACOTE Salon

Ciao bella,

Thanks to my Italian heritage I was born with very curly, frizzy, kinky hair. So many people say, “Oh I wish I had your hair!” Well be careful what you wish for. I’ve only come to like my curly hair after it’s been set and dried in rollers or blown dry with the use of specific products required! The results are lovely, soft, shiny waves—but of course only when there is not a drop of humidity, no drizzle and no rain. Products be darned that claim “anti-humectants” descriptions –don’t work!

I have a wonderful collection of fashionable hats that have somewhat saved the ‘do’ from what everyone calls “a bad hair day.” I have tried numerous times to go au naturale but to no avail, the tight curls just don’t suit me. No glamour there. Not for me!

Now take my cousins Josie, her sis Connie and Connie’s daughter Sharon—their curly hair is beautiful on them. I can’t picture them any other way. That’s what happens when you are born in a Beauty Salon! My Nana’s was on the second floor of her tenement Fashion Beauty Salon.

This past June we had so much drizzle, rain and humidity I was fed up! I did my homework thanks to LOLA magazine and found a marvelous salon on Newbury St. to help my woes of “hair depression.” They offered this NEW smoothing, straightening therapy—it carried a hefty price tag. But the professionalism and attention to detail of ACOTE SALON was unsurpassable! As an early morning appointment I was greeted by French music and the lovely Allison -and as every employee arrived for their day of work I was treated and greeted in a friendly and warm fashion.

ALEX my stylist was certainly “born into his niche.” His Dad Gaston and Uncle Serge (both owners of several and successful salons on Newbury St. for years) studied cosmetology in the South of France in Marseilles. Many hair inventions, techniques and products have come from France way before any place else. ALEX trained at Vidal Sassoon, the Training Academy in Miami. Alex has brought hairdressing to an artistic form-a true master of hair.

He is quite handsome and a charming personality to keep his clients feeling comfortable with an undeniable trust. Alex says “You must like and care for your clients because they'll be nothing but floors, ceiling and furniture to look at—I don’t think hairdressing is just a career, it’s a calling, not just a job—almost something you’re born with inside of you.”

My treatment originally called the “Brazilian Straightening System” was reformulated as “The Coppola Keratin Straightening System” (formaldehyde removed)

The process took 3 care-free hours. Alex worked to loosen the curl and remove the frizz. Voila!!! Remarkable-it’s a miracle!!!...I have enjoyed soft, shiny and most important FRIZZ-FREE hair for 3 months! Stop by ACOTE, 132 Newbury Street and say hello to Alex. Take in the beautiful deck adjoining the salon, relax and ask for a consultation and a cappuccino—the BEST Boston has to offer!—salonacote.com for more info!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.mary4nails.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil. She can be reached at mary@mary4nails.com.

Massage and Facials at the Club at Charles River Park

Eyebrows Part 2

Eyebrows Part 1

Mary's North End Beauty Talk - Skin Care

"You Look Marvelous" Beauty Talk -- 3 Minute Miracle Hair Conditioner

Blondes Have More Fun

Kevin Aucoin, Make-up Artist

Make-up Tip -- How to Apply Foundation

You Look Marvelous

Saturday, April 18, 2009, was the first of Mary's "You Look Marvelous" talks at the North End Branch Library. This one was about nailcare. The next free talk, on hair care and make-up, will be May 2nd. Skin care and eyebrows will be the topic on May 16th.

Happy 50th Birthday, Barbie!

I'm sure you all remember your first Barbie doll. She was either blonde or brunette (I chose the blonde with the top knot pony tail in place) and she wore a black and white zebra swim suit. And oh the accessories. We played for hours in the neighborhood with childhood friends Joyce E.,Tina Z., and Inta K! What fun—Memories I still cherish. It was a simple time. We stayed children a long time then.

Barbara “Barbie” Millicent Roberts was created by Ruth Handler-1916-2002. The doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9th, 1959. This date is considered Barbie’s official birthday. She is now 50 and not a wrinkle! READ MORE...

JAKKS Pacific® Recalls Spa Factory™ Aromatherapy Kits Due to Explosion and Projectile Hazards

January 29, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 516,000 Spa Factory™ Aromatherapy Fountain & Bath Benefits Kits. Pressure from the buildup of carbon dioxide in the jars of Bath Bombs/Balls or Bath Fizzies can cause the caps on the jars to blow off, posing explosion and projectile hazards. The mixtures also can contain citric acid, which can get into the eyes during an explosion, posing a risk of eye irritation. The kits were manufactured in the Peoples Republic of China.

Lip Gloss Keychains Recalled By Markwins Beauty Products Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

January 27, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced a voluntary recall of about 75,000 Lip Gloss Keychains. The metal clasp attached to the keychain contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. The products were sold at Rite Aid, Kmart, Fred Meyer and Wal-Mart Stores nationwide during October 2008 for about $1. They were manufactured in the Peoples Republic of China.

High School Musical Manicure Kits Recalled by Fantas-Eyes Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

January 27, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced a voluntary recall of about 15,000 High School Musical Manicure Kits. The lettering “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” with glitter on the pouch used with the manicure kit contains excess levels of lead. Lead can be toxic if ingested by young children and cause adverse health effects. The kits were sold by LTD Commodities and ABC distributing catalogs and Web Sites and on www.lakeside.com from September 2008 to November 2008 for about $11. The kits were manufactured in the Peoples Republic of China.