The Brooklyn Papers / Greg Mango

Charbel Elias, hairstylist at Cavale Tonuzi salon, recommends layers and highlights for hair in the warmer months. Pamela Jaworski (at left) took his advice.

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With the daffodils blooming and the crisp winter air subsiding, there’s no doubt that spring is finally upon us. As you pack your winter clothes deep within the closet, exchange your blacks for whites, and promise to exercise so you can fit into that bathing suit by June, remember that your hair may need some shaping up as well.

Like the weather, it’s hard to predict the season’s fashion trends before they’ve rightfully begun. But the consensus is in on the hottest spring and summer hairstyles, and although the look should suit the lifestyle, the key word is "change" - whether that means leaving the plain wash-and-go do behind for a trendy wash-and-go do, or drastically cutting, coloring and styling.

Despite being apprehensive about changing my hair, the talented and friendly staff at Cavale Tonuzi in Bay Ridge only made me wish I had come in sooner. Partners Georgette Franzone and Charbel Elias, along with their staff of colorists and hairstylists, are dedicated to making their customers feel welcome from the moment they walk in.

Coated in bright white from ceiling to floor, and appointed with comfortable MG Bross furniture, the salon at 82nd Street at Third Avenue is as inviting as the staff is knowledgeable.

As suggested by Elias, a stylist at Cavale since 1992, "healthy, shiny hair with lots of waves and texture" is in vogue this spring.

Luisa Vieira, hairstylist and co-owner of the new Beehive Salon in Williamsburg, agrees. At Beehive, textured bobs are very popular.

"People can wear it shaggy and have it appear shorter, or they can straighten it to get a longer look," said Vieira.

Lots of layers are also in vogue for the warmer weather. "A lot of people like to bring it a little shorter for the spring," Vieira said, while noting that "some people are keeping the length and bringing layers up, giving the hair a lot of texture."

Vieira has been a hair specialist for three years and was trained at the Long Island Beauty School. Co-owner Jeanine Schappert has also been a hair specialist for three years, and was trained at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, Minn.

Though layers are in, the amount a client should get may depend on the natural texture of their hair. At Cavale Tonuzi, Elias gave my straight, thin hair subtle layers to add body. Taking off too much would have made it appear thinner, he said. For others, the opposite applies.

Color is as important as texture this spring, and the consensus of the pros is that lighter and brighter is better. Elias first decided my incongruous shades of blonde should be evened out. He then used a lighter shade of blonde to highlight my hair for a brighter, sun-kissed appearance. Copper tones and lighter blondes are in, Elias said. "But the important thing is it’s healthy and shiny."

In winter, people are inclined to grow their hair longer and keep it dark, said Vieira. "In spring, people have a tendency to want to lighten it." Multicolor highlights of darker and lighter shades combined were very popular last year to make the hair even more dynamic, and to some degree they still are, said Schappert. But this year, the tendency is to stick to the lighter shades.

At the Beehive Salon, some people are going for natural looking highlights this spring, but many others are favoring completely wild colors, Vieira said. Clients are asking for everything from bright blues, greens and intense reds, to subtler shades of their natural hair color.

"We like to create wild and crazy hair styles," Vieira said. "We’re not afraid to do the funkier stuff."

She added that people seeking conventional hairstyles should not feel nervous about entering this Beehive. "We do a thorough consultation," said Vieira. "We find out what the client wants, what they don’t want, and then we work with them to find the right hairstyle for them."


Summer haircare

No matter how good your hair looks, the summer can easily take a toll on its health and vitality just by routine exposure to the elements. To protect hair from salt water, chlorine and sun damage, there is a wide variety of conditioning treatments, sun gels, leave-in conditioners and chlorine removers available at most salons.

Cavale Tonuzi offers a full line of Aveda products, which are derived from plants and flowers. Their deep moisturizer and spray-in moisturizer are recommended for protecting exposed hair.

Beehive offers a line of Simply Organic products, including a hair sealer, which seals hair cuticles and protects hair. "It can actually be used as a skin toner too," Vieira said. "Sitting on the beach, you can spray it on your hair, and then mist it over your body to for a refreshing feeling." When buying sealers and moisturizers it’s important to choose products that are alcohol free.

Open since Feb. 12, business at Beehive Salon "has been very good," Vieira said. "We have a very good following." While Beehive has a lot of younger clients as well as devotees coming from Manhattan, the salon is attracting people from all over who are looking for a new, fresh look.

Cavale Tonuzi has been servicing Bay Ridge for 18 years, but only last year relocated to the space once occupied by the Kleinfield’s bridal shop on 82nd Street.

The Beehive Salon is located at 494 Lorimer St. at Powers Street in Williamsburg. For an appointment, call (718) 782-8376.

Cavale Tonuzi salon is located at 8211 Third Ave. at 82nd Street in Bay Ridge. For an appointment, call (718) 748-9880.

©2002 Community Newspaper Group