Bombshell Brazilian Waxing and Beauty Lounge was started by owner, Melissa Black back in 2009. After opening the very rst location in Carytown, Virginia, Bombshell quickly gained national notoriety as one of Virginia’s Top 25 fastest growing companies- expanding to 4 locations including West Broad Village, Brandermill, and one located on the Las Vegas strip.
Over the years, Bombshell Beauty Lounge has been awarded with the titles, “Best Locally Owned Spa”, “Best Locally Owned Hair Salon”, and “Best Bridal Spray Tans”, to name a few- by publications such as Virginia Living Magazine, Richmond Magazine, and Style Weekly. These have all been such a great honor to Bombshell and the Bombshell Team, who work extremely hard to live up to the name!
Bombshell Beauty Lounge is a full service salon o ering a wide range of services from waxing and skincare to hair and tanning. What makes Bombshell’s services stand out is the philosophy that Melissa swears by, centered around a love and admiration for ve-star customer service and going above and beyond for the client. That along with the love for all things unconventional and unexpected, has given Bombshell it’s extraordinary and unique repuation.
Bombshell’s leading service falls under the waxing department, with our signature Brazilian Bikini Wax. Out of the three Richmond locations and the one location in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bombshell Beauty Lounge performs- with uncanny perfectiontens of thousands of waxes each year.
The key to Bombshell’s Brazilian Bikini Wax is the “practically painless” technique implemented by Melissa and the incredible range of Candy Coat Beauty Wax that was speci cally developed for Bombshell. This signature wax makes for an experience unlike any of it’s kind- while also lifting your spirit with yummy candy-like scents of chocolate, lemon-drop, vanilla, and more.
However, Bombshell’s success does not stop there! Bombshell o ers a full service hair salon. Need a blowout on-the-go? We got you covered! In addition to hair styling and hair cuts, our stylists work hard to provide nothing less than perfection when performing hair coloring services and treatments. With continuing education, and an undeniable passion for their craft, our stylists make a point to keep up to date with fashion trends and social medianever skipping a beat. Bombshell o ers a range of stylist tiers from Level 1 Developing Artists, to Level 3 Master Elite Stylists. Whatever it is that you need, we have a stylist here for you.
Are you interested in getting a spray tan? Bombshell’s Tan department o ers the best, always sexy-never orange, customized spray tans. Our professionally trained tan technicians consult with each client beforehand to determine the best tan solution to spray onto your speci c skin undertone. This method provides the most natural looking spray tan, made just for you! Our tan technicians are trained to carefully airbrush the solution to the skin leaving a seamless, streak-free glow that lasts around 7-10 days, depending on the upkeep. Voted “Best Bridal Spray Tans”, Bombshell is the place to go for your special day - or if you are just looking for a casual glow!
Feel like treating yourself to a spa day? Visit Bombshell for a luxurious spa facial treatment or facial peel! Bombshell’s has a variety of skincare treatments that can be catered to your speci c skin type and skin concerns.
From our Signature Bombshell Deluxe Facial to our Back and Fanny Facial- there is truly a treatment for every one! We now o er treatment upgrades like dermaplaning- which removes dead skin cells and buildup from the skin, as well as enzyme peels- to promote beautiful, healthy, glowing skin, and microdermabrasion- a minimially invasive treatment used to renew the overall skin tone and texture- to name a few!
CARYTOWN - 10 S. Crenshaw Ave. West Broad Village - 2243 Old Brick Rd.“Here at Bombshell, we truly love what we do --and that makes all the difference”
-Melissa Black Owner of Bombshell Beauty Lounge
By Melissa Black Owner of Bombshell + Master Aesthetician
It was a typical mid-week morning, I woke up, grabbed my co ee, sat down at my desk, and turned on my computer to catch up on emails and there it was! A Podcast alert from one of my favorites telling me I should listen in because he was serving up all the tea with a special guest, renowned New York dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe on something I never heard before. Skin cycling, the latest skin care trend worth trying!
As a licensed aesthetician of 34 years nothing gets me more excited than learning something new about skin care, so I immediately dropped what I was doing and tuned into the podcast. It was fascinating. A er the podcast I went into a deep dive of more research and decided to deploy everything I learned and try it out myself that night! I have to say in 8 days’ time I’m already a fan! So, what is skin cycling? In a nutshell it is a nighttime regime that involves using deliberate skincare ingredients like retinol ‘s, glycolic acids, and hy-
droxy acids on speci c evenings during the week to ultimately produce the best glowing results without over exfoliating the skin which could in time break down the skins naturally protective moisture barrier resulting in in ammation, irritations and sensitivity. The skin cycling approach takes place over a fournight span and on the fifth night it repeats itself.
The first night is all about chemical exfoliation. Here enters products that include ingredients like lactic acids, BHA’s and AHA’s. Using products like this on the rst night is twofold. Not only does one see immediate results with skin that has a pretty glow, but these types of ingredients also serve as a prep for night number two.
On the second night this is where retinols or plant-based retinol alternatives like Bakuchiol make their debut. There is no doubt that these are the superstars of any preventative skin care
regime, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen Fading hyperpigmentation with cell turnover as well as greatly helping with skin texture issues but as the saying goes too much of a good thing can in fact be too much. After only three days of continuous use Retinols can spin complexions into a tizzy seemingly creating more complications than what was there before starting on it. Any new Aesthetician has most likely had experience of over zealousness regarding the use of retinols at one time or another. is also made sense
to me coming from the client’s perspective of how moderating. the weekly use of newly purchased retinol-based products could actually be more helpful in ensuring that they would stick with the prescribed skin care system that was recommended to them in the treatment room without too many side effects and thus ultimately abandoning it all together.
On nights three and four this is where recovery takes center stage, it gives the skin a time to reset and rest. Recovery nights are all about skin nourishment, think moisturizers and serums with beautiful ingredient decks that include ceramides,
hyaluronic acids, peptides, glycerin, and squalene that deeply nourish and comfort the skin.
Giving skin these two days without any exfoliation or retinols truly allows the skin to benefit from the use of these ingredients instead of stacking or layering it all together nightly. e skin has time to adjust, and results can be seen in as little as two weeks. I think Bringing skin cycling into the treatment room could be truly bene cial to your clients. Again, by introducing active ingredients with recovery time over a four-day span allows the client to ease into the new regime with possibly less reactions.
When your clients can see that the products you suggested they purchase are actually working it builds trust, which means more visits to you, and we all know clients with beautiful skin are walking billboards for referrals! Now that’s a new beauty trend I can get behind.
-Melissa Black
A: Hi! My name is Tiziana Pendergrast and I am the Artistic Director of Hair at B ombshell B eauty Salon. I also work as a Master Elite Stylist, spending most of my time at B ombshell’s Brandermill location. I have now been working at B ombshell for almost 9 years!
I consider myself to be a veteran in the hair industr y, as I have been a stylist for over 30 years. In addition to being a stylist, I have a background in hair education and have been a salon owner and Friseurmeister in Germany Above all, I see myself as an Artist. I am always looking for ways to advance in my career.
Q: What is a Friseurmeister?
A: In Germany, a license is required in order to open a hair salon and have trainlicense, I went back to school for a year to pass my Friseurmeister license. A Friseurmeister is essentially a master of the skill set.
Bombshell?
A: For me, B ombshell has a ver y unique salon concept. It is fun and extremely
B ombshell is also incredibly dedicated to continuing education for employees, which I love because we are always advancing
Q: What are your goals as the Artistic Director of Hair for 2023?
A: My main goal for 2023 is to keep B ombshell B eauty Salon on the trendy photoshoots, social media content, events, etc. I would like to utilize the outlets that we have to showcase the hottest new looks, trends, and styles for upcoming seasons.
Q: What is a Curly Girl Cut?
A: A ‘Curly Cut’ is a dr y, visual haircutting technique where the hair is “ car ved” to best suit the client’s natural curl pattern.
Q: What kind of training did you have to go through for your certification?
A: In 2016, I attended an intensive class at the Deva Curl Academy in the Curly Girl method and techniques on cutting curly hair.
Q: What makes a Curly Girl Cut different from a regular haircut?
A: A Curly Girl Cut is performed on dr y hair, at its natural curl state. and car ve out the best silhouette Curly Girl Cuts are done without using tension on the hair- where a regular hair cut would be done on wet hair with maximum tension. You can achieve wonderful transformations when the hair is cut and curly set correctly.
Q: What kind of texture works best for a Curly Girl Cut?
Curly Girl Cut! From wavy hair to
technique accentuates the natural curl pattern- regardless of the what curl pattern you have. It also prevents the hair cut from forming the much
Q: What are the benefits of getting a Curly Girl Cut?
A:
in Curly Girl Cuts prevents any surprises from happening during the haircut. Car ving the hair at its natural curl state will result in a silhouette that is customized to the shape, and balance. Versus…when curly hair is cut while it is wet- the curls will shrink up as they dr ywhich can create an imbalance or change the overall outcome of the haircut.
Q: Once someone has a Curly Girl Cut, what type of routine and products should they be implementing and using in order to maintain the cut?
A: Client’s are trained to do the Curly Girl Styling method before also educated on product usage would be a moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, intensive moisturizing hair mask- lighter moisture for coarse curls. For styling, it would depend on the curl type and the look the client wants to achieve. Curl creams, mousses, the curls, add shine, protect curls, and prevent frizz.
Q: What hair products are your absolute favorite to use on curly clients?
A: My all-time favorite line for curls would be Unite’s B OING Curl
B OING Curl Shampoo, the B OING Curl Conditioner, the B OING Curl
Curl Cream and the B OING Moisthis line are versatile and work on almost ever y type of hair texture.
Q: How often should a curly client be coming in for haircuts?
A: I would recommend at least ever y 3 months- to maintain the shape of the cut.
BOING Curl Shampoo
BOING Curl Conditioner
Unite $29.00 $31.00
Unite
BOING Defining Curl Cream
BOING Moisture Curl Cream
BOING Curl Leave-In
$29.50 $27.50 $28.50
I’m 59 Years Old and a loyal “Original” Bombshell Babe! Back in 2009, I was starting to really take charge of caring more for myself. I implemented a better skin regimen and made a strong commitment to avoid the sun. However, I still loved that bronze glow in the summer m onth s , s o I wa s th rille d
Bombshell Beauty Salon- right here in hooked and became a regular spray tan client It all began at the original salon in Carytown and at that time there was actually only one Bombshell. Hard to believe! One day when I was waiting in the lobby, I saw the most amazing hair color and cuts on women coming out of the salon. I have to admit, I am very picky about my hair Having tried the best color and style, I was really blown away by what I saw “Could
a w in ner at t he s e s a l ons, I am not exaggerating. I’ve experienced just
is. Waxing, facials, semi- permanent brows, hair color, haircuts, hair styland more!
Of course I booked a consul tati on right away and the rest as they say, is history. For the last 13 years I have been a loyal Bombshell Babe. When I tell you that ever y single ser vice is
We lc omi n g a n d re l axi n g w it h t h e highest quality ser vices in the area
out of t hos e do ors, I am completel y s a t i s e d . Ab o u t 6 y e a r s a g o, I st ar te d w r it i ng a bl o g fo c u si ng on fashion and beauty for middle aged women. It became ver y popular and s u d de n l y I h a d d e v e l o p e d a p u blic i i h pu b Wit i m a te nt relie all o I made t o m end and I ac in a testi
b a s e d I w a s s o h o n o r e d t o h a v e owner Melissa Black, welcome me as part of the B ombshell family and my re l at i on s h ip w it h B om b she l l t h e n went to the next level. How refreshing t hat a comp any wou ld supp or t a middle-aged woman as being one had people all over the countr y and i n fa c t , the world- a s k m e w h e r e I get my h air d on e, s o it’s a c tu al ly ver y easy to recommend them withat B ombshell, b esides of cours e the h i g h qu a li e d i n du s t r y p e r s on ne l who are constantly educating thems e l v e s t o prov i d e t h e l at e s t t re n d s and techniques, is t he unparalleled c u s t o m er s e r v ice w hi c h r e m a i n s their main focus.
cott Black have u n i q ue s t y le o f with a strong conation on customer vice and satisfaction and I for one, w il l A LWAY S
a n O r i g i n a l
I actually find this high caliber of service right here in Richmond?”
“When going into a Bombshell Salon, I feel like it’s a superior beauty experience.”
“It is the best amongst sses, not just at I have ever xperienced.” d S
consider myself
ombshell Babe
-Lisa Trani
Enjoying time spent with loved ones is what ringing in the new year is all about. This fabulous ‘Miss Kitty Claws’ Meatball recipe holds a very special place in Bombshell-Land, as it has been a vital part of our Miss Kitty Claws’ Holiday Party spread in previous years. Now, we are sharing it with you! If you have been looking for a delicious- yet easy- recipe to WOW your loved ones with this year, you came to the right place. These tender and savory meatballs are the perfect sidedish to accompany you at your new year’s gathering. Follow our recipe on the next page, crafted by Melissa Black and Chef Matt Anderson.
PREP TIME: 30/40 MINUTES
2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided in half ½ cup of yellow onion, finely diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated from a wedge
1 large egg, whisked ¹⁄3 cup of Sprite
1 teaspoon of salt ¼ teaspoon of oregano ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon of pepper ¾ lb. of ground beef, 80% lean ½ lb. of ground pork 2 (8oz.) bo les of your favorite Barbeque sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Add in the finely diced onions and minced garlic. Let soften for 5 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, Sprite, cooled onions and garlic, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper.
Gently incorporate the meat until it is evenly combined. *Be careful not to overwork the meat- this will cause the meatballs to be tough, not tender.
Roll the mixture into 1.5 inch meatballs and place them on a plate. *Use a cookie scoop to keep the meatball size uniform.
Transfer plate into fridge and let them chill for at least 15 minutes.*Meatballs can be chilled overnight, but must be covered.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs into skillet in batches- leaving enough room around each so that you can easily rotate them with a spoon- in order to brown all sides.
Brown the meatballs for about 1 minute per side. Remove and set aside. Add additional oil and/or decrease heat slightly as needed, throughout cooking.
Once all of the meatballs are browned, place them into a large pot or crockpot. Add in your favorite Barbeque sauce. Let the meatballs simmer on low heat, until the sauce is heated through.
