Tess Rafols and owner, Dana Barbetta
LUV stands for Love Ur Vibe, and the new bright, airy salon, located on Recker Road, just south of Loop 202 in Mesa, certainly gives off a vibe of serenity and peace — a place you can feel comfortable and find a style that makes you feel great, inside and out.
Dana Barbetta is a third-generation stylist, and the founder and owner of LUV Salon. Dana wanted a clean, sleek design. Just walking into the salon provides a Zen-like experience right off the bat. The salon was designed with feng shui to create a pleasant setting for stylists and clients alike.
The salon also has some amazing fresh elements. The centerpiece of the salon is a giant living wall featuring 1,200 live plants.
But it is not just about the amazing salon design. What is really impressive about Dana and her team is that they travel to hair shows around the country to get ideas, and bring back the latest trends to customers. And it’s paying off. Guests rave about the high level of service and personal care that stylists deliver to every customer.
Tess Rafols, from 3TV/CBS5, recently visited LUV Salon and talked to Dana about what’s new in hair trends for 2020. Dana was eager to share her knowledge of her trade and the latest trends.
Highlights around the face
If you’re nervous about a drastic color change, Dana suggests taking baby steps. One way to do that is to put some highlights right around your face, which brings the focus to your facial features. “For right now, we’re keeping it darker in the base and blond pieces around the front,” she says.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the hottest new hues for the coming season. “You’re starting to see the warm tones come back,” Dana tells us. “Having ginger throughout the hair, with the strawberry and blond, is just gorgeous.”
A pop of color
Feeling bold? Try a hint of blue, pink or plum on the very ends of your hair, with dip-dyed ends. “It’s a fun new way to add a pop of color without completely changing your whole head,” Dana tells us.
Another hot new color trend is opal blonde with iridescent hues. You can visit the salon’s extension wall to check out all the hair colors and maybe try something new by adding color or even popping in a few extensions. “We offer complimentary consultations,” Dana says. “You can just come in and see what we can do for you!”
Retro cuts
Everything old is new again when it comes to your hair. Remember the Rachel cut made popular by Jennifer Aniston on Friends? Retro styles are all the rage.
Bobs
“Bobs are huge this season,” Dana tells us. They include a super-short bob, and bobs for longer hair. Picture a re-imagined ‘60s blow-out look. “It’s a longer bob and just about anyone can pull it off.”
Bangs
Bangs are back! And they look great on a face of any shape.
Shag cuts
Shag cuts are great for showing off layers and colors. “What we’re doing is keeping the strong perimeter, but keeping a lot of layers, and a lot of movement.” she says. “Just fun and easy to wear.”
Dana has overcome both personal and professional obstacles on her journey to make her LUV Salon a reality. And the vision to create beautiful hair runs in her family. She worked for years at her parents’ salon, Cosmos, in Mesa before opening her own business in Gilbert. Now, she’s brought her top-notch team to Mesa again, opening LUV Salon with strong support from her family and friends.
Dana has been leading the beauty industry for the past 20 years. Her dedication to constant self-improvement is demonstrated through education and advanced training with Intercouffure USA, Vidal Sassoon, and many hair extension certifications, including Hairdreams, Babes, SKW, Aqua and Great Length. She uses a variety of hair extension methods, such as beaded rows sew-in, hand-tied, tape-ins, as well as fashion and clip-ins.
Dana has been published in over 100 magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Allure Magazine and Hairstyle Make-Overs. She has been seen forecasting hair fashion trends on local news channels, including Arizona Family 3-TV, CBS-5 and KPNX-12.
LUV Salon is located at 3204 N. Recker Road, Suite 106, in Mesa. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call (480) 590-5034, or visit www.luvsalonandspa.com.