Tools and Texture

To keep your hair looking its best and prevent damage, you need to use the right tools for your type of hair. Using the wrong brush or comb can lead to split ends and tangles. Hair becomes tangled when it is not brushed or combed correctly and the loose hairs become wound up and cause knots. To prevent this, you need to know what type of hair you have and what type of comb and brush is best to use on it.

Fine Hair: Fine hair can be straight, wavy or curly. It is the type of hair that is the most prone to tangles. Always use a wide tooth comb on wet or dry hair. A natural bristle brush is best on dry fine hair because it will help to distribute the natural oils from your scalp and keep your hair lubricated and shiny.

Thick Hair: Like fine hair, thick hair can come in all types of wave patterns. If your hair is very wavy or curly, use a wide tooth pick first and start from the ends of your hair in small sections and work your way up to your scalp. After you have most of the tangles out of your hair, you can switch to a wide tooth comb or a brush with nubbed bristles to protect your hair and scalp. Straight thick hair will respond well to a natural bristle brush. Once again, start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp working in small sections.

Ethnic Hair: If your hair is natural and not relaxed, a pick will be the best choice for ethnic hair. Be careful and use a gentle touch since ethnic hair is prone to breakage. Once you have any tangles out, use a natural bristle brush to smooth your hair and distribute the scalp’s natural oils.

Tips For All Hair Types

• Brush or comb it gently before you shampoo. This will help to get rid of the loose hair and prevent any further tangles after you are done.

• Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair so be careful and only use combs on wet hair. Brushes can cause breakage and damage.
• Avoid combs with teeth that are very close together. These types of combs are great for teasing and cutting hair, but they are very hard on your hair and can cause damage.
• Use natural bristle brushes, ones made with boar hair are the preferred choice of professionals.
• Never tug or pull to get a tangle out. If your hair becomes severely tangled, you can apply some conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes and then work from the ends to your scalp in very small sections with a wide tooth comb or pick to get the matted hair released.
• Keep your hair trimmed to reduce split ends. See your stylist at least once a month to keep your look fresh.

Anastasia has professional products that she can recommend for your hair type. Visit her today and make sure your hair stays in the best shape possible.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Tips for Curly Hair

Curly hair presents its own set of care needs. You need to make sure that you get enough moisture without over conditioning your hair and making it heavy. Over conditioning can make curly hair limp and lifeless. Not getting enough moisture or nourishment can leave curly hair dry and frizzy. Summer adds to these problems because of the drying effects of the sun and wind. Add chlorine from the pool and you have a formula for split ends and unmanageable hair. You can prevent these problems and keep your curly hair shiny, soft and full of body.

Here are some tips to keep your curly hair looking and feeling its best.

• Keep up with your haircuts. Be sure to get your hair trimmed at least once every six weeks. This will get rid of split ends and your stylist can reduce the weight of your hair to keep it from becoming too “big”. Your stylist can also shape your hair to keep it looking neat.
• Let your stylist color you hair. Home color products are very harsh and much stronger than they need to be and can cause damage and dry your hair out. Your stylist has the right products for your hair type and texture to give you the best results and protect your hair.
• Use products that nourish and enrich your hair without weighing it down. Pureology’s NanoWorks System dramatically improves the condition of your hair and helps it to regain the luster and shine (Anastasia carries Pureology products). The organic Mushroom Blend of Shiitake, Mannentake, and Mucor Miehei not only nourishes your hair but provides anti-oxidant protection. Their exclusive nano-technology penetrates the hair shaft and goes deep to protect your hair and the anti-fade complex keeps your color looking fresh.
• Use a leave-in conditioner like Pureology’s Powerdressing. This light formula of Bamboo, Vanilla, and White Ginger protects your hair from the sun’s damaging rays and keeps your curls soft and full of body.
• Apply a finishing spray to combat frizz. Pureology’s Takehold finishing spray provides medium hold with their Advanced Resin Technology that hold your curls without becoming sticky or heavy.
• Give your blow dryer a break. Let your curls air dry when you can. This will help prevent frizz and let your curl’s natural beauty shine through.

Use these simple tips along with your stylist’s suggestions to keep your curly hair looking its best this season. All of the products mentioned are professional quality and available only in salons from licensed hair care professionals. Your stylist is your best resource for hair care information. Let her be your guide this summer and look your best all season long.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

A New Twist on a Childhood Classic

Almost all little girls have worn braids one time or another in their lives. Many of us remember our mothers parting our hair down the middle of our heads and pulling our hair up into pigtails and then braiding them. Remember the balls of all sorts of colors and sizes that used to whip around and make noise when we turned out heads? Or how about the French Braids that our mothers did that were so tight we looked like we’d had a facelift? Maybe you spent your childhood with a head full of cornrows. And who can forget the ponytail? This style is worn by young girls and women alike.

This season celebrities like Blake Lively and Fergie are showing up around town with a new sophisticated version of the classic braid. Their hair is pulled back into a ponytail and braided to fall down their backs. This is a new twist on an old classic. You can wear it high on your head or let it lay on the nape of your neck. A braided ponytail gives you another option besides just pulling your hair back in hot weather.

Get the Look

To achieve this look you first need to start with healthy hair. Visit your stylist and get your ends trimmed. This will get rid of any split ends and give your hair new life. Be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that protects your hair’s color and adds moisture during the summer. Use styling products that guard your hair from the sun’s damaging rays (talk to Anastasia about these when you make your appointment). Just like your skin, the sun can cause your hair to become damaged and oxidize your color to make it look brassy and faded.

To style your hair into a braided ponytail, brush your hair back with a natural bristle brush that is gentle on your hair and scalp. Gather your hair into a ponytail and use a covered elastic to protect it from breakage. Next braid your hair in a soft loose braid or a tight one for a different look. If you have thick hair you can even braid it into several sections and then gather them together with another covered elastic at the ends. The last step is to pull a small section of hair out of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic at your scalp. This will give you a polished and finished look.

Spritz your hair with a light finishing spray and you’re ready of a casual get together or a night on the town. Anastasia has a complete line of Pureology Professional products to maintain and repair your hair and she can recommend products tailored to your hair’s specific needs.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Simple Summer Styling Tips

Summer means time at the beach, beside the pool and more time out out in the sun enjoying the glorious weather. The very things you love about summer can take a toll on your hair. The same rays of the sun that give your skin a sunburn can fade your hair color and make your hair look dull and lifeless. Humidity is the enemy of naturally curly hair. Hot humid days can make your just flat ironed hair into a mass of frizz and unwanted curls. Salt and chlorine from the beach or pool can make hair color fade, dry your hair out and can leave it looking and feeling like straw.

Summer Cuts

How can you look your best this summer without a lot of fuss and time? Why not start the season off right with a new care free style from your hairdresser? If you’re tired of spending at least an hour flat ironing your hair, try a cute Bob or Pixy? The Pixy is coming back this season and with the wispy sides and bangs this style is flattering for most facial shapes and sizes. The Bob is new again with longer sides tapering to a short back. You can leave the front framing your face long and layered or start at your chin and have your stylist graduated the length into a stacked look at the nape. Another option is to have your bob short and frame your face with long locks.

Another style that is low maintenance is a short to medium layered look. This style is very versatile. You can wash and go or take the time to flat iron or curl your hair depending on your mood and schedule. One of the hottest looks now is a short layered cut that starts below your chin and gets a bit shorter toward the nape of your neck. You can add some soft curls at the sides for a feminine touch and soft face framing.

Heat and Humidity Resistant Products

(Available from Anastasia)

No matter which style you decide on this summer, ask your stylist which products she recommends to keep your hair looking fresh. She may recommend Pureology’s Dry Shine Hair Styler. This product gives you high shine with medium hold. A hybrid of a shine enhancer and finisher, the non-alcohol free formula will not dry out your hair. Its Anti-Fade Complex protects your hair color from the effects of the sun and summer heat. Natural botanicals including Amber, Jasmine, Violet Leaves and Hyacinth give it a light pleasant scent that is perfect for warm weather.

Bring out your natural curl while controlling frizz with Pureology’s Real Curl. This product contains Anti-Fade Complex to protect your hair color and Humidity-Resistant Technology. The alcohol free formula won’t dry your hair out and the natural botanicals of Mushroom Extract, White Tea and Sandalwood nourish and protect your hair while giving you soft bouncy curls.

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation. Make everyday a summer vacation with these simple summer styling tips. Your stylist can suggest a cut and style that will fit your busy schedule while making you look your very best. Start the season off right and visit your salon today and simplify your life so you can go out and enjoy all that the season has to offer.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Posh Bobs – Made Popular by Victoria Beckham

Variations on the classic bob hairstyle abound, especially among well-know actresses like Uma Thurman. Katie Holmes has also been seen sporting the modern day bob with bangs, while Charlize Theron looks great in her blond layered bob.

But it is Victoria Beckham, also known as “Posh Spice”, who has given the bob a newer modern look. Voted as having the best hairstyle in 2007, the Posh bob is shorter in the back while being longer in the front with an angle to it. Her asymmetrical cut has caught the attention of the world. The Posh bob is all tousled and messy but still smooth and sleek.

Victoria Beckham sported long hair for quite a time. But her Posh bob is being copied the world over because of its sophistication and hint of sultriness. This is not that different from the attention received by Farrah Fawcett in the 70s or Jennifer Aniston in the 90s.

The style, however, compliments nearly every head. The look gives fine hair a lift and for thick hair, the weight is removed. The posh bob frames the face while falling gently over some of the facial features, like the eyes.

Your stylist should be proficient with razor cuts, because the razor is one of the best ways to texturize the hair and achieve this specific style and look. To ensure your posh bob stays stylish after shampooing and conditioning, massage with an anti-frizz balm and mousse. Blow dry the hair, brushing the hair towards the face, not forgetting to brush stray strands as well. A wax may be used to spike up some strands. Finally, to keep the style in place, finish off with a spray.

The Posh bob has helped bring the glory back to short hair. Short hair can be sexy and sophisticated with a posh bob.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Toni Braxton’s Hairstyle

Toni Braxton, 41 year old singer- songwriter, was born in Maryland, USA, to a father who was a clergyman. Her initial exposure to music was in the village church choir. She was raised under a strict religious household and eventually graduated from Bowie State University, earning a teaching degree.

But the world was to see a different Toni Braxton. Her musical talents garnered her numerous accolades and awards. The American R & B singer-songwriter has won 6 Grammy Awards. Her songs have hit the top of the Billboard charts numerously. Hits like “You’re makin’ me high, Un-break my heart, The heat, and More than a Woman” have zoomed to the top.

More recently, Toni was seen in the popular, television hit show, “Dancing with the Stars”. Unfortunately, she was voted out on week 5. She also has credentials as an actress, having played Belle in the Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast” and as Aida in “Aida”. She has also graced the big screen in “Kingdom Come”, a feature film that hit the screens in 2001.

Toni Braxton’s resume reads as singer, songwriter and actress. But she is also getting recognized for her fashion style. Her changing hairstyles alone, has caught the attention of the fashion world. This probably came from her mother, who taught cosmetology. Toni Braxton has changed hairstyles from long, shiny hair to an ultra chic razor-cut do.

Her continuous changing hairstyles have added another dimension to this multi-awarded diva. She has been seen sporting a new look….sans the long locks. With a short and sophisticated do, Toni exudes a glamour that is classic yet carefree. Another look is a short and sassy style, which is tapered in the back of the head with layers of hair framing her face. Her long tresses of her early years stand out in the memories of her fans and many still associate her with this look.

Toni Braxton is a modern day icon. With so many accomplishments and awards to her belt, one can only see bright things ahead for this amazing woman. She is a force to reckon with in the music world. With her unique style and charm, we see her gracing the pages of fashion magazines for many years to come. Her lovely smile, stunning figure and ever-changing hair style continue to wow her fans and the general public. So here’s to Toni Braxton…..singer, songwriter, actress and fashion trendsetter.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

How To Maintain Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a great look to have but only if you can take care of them properly, otherwise they could end up looking like a bird’s nest or something your mother wouldn’t dare touch.

Within the first 3 weeks after you get your dreadlocks, expect your skin and hair to be sensitive. This means you cannot wash hair daily, and should schedule a shampoo once a week, at most twice. You can resume a more frequent washing after the first month.

When cleaning your dreads, use products that do not leave residue because this kind of build-up can be difficult to eliminate easily. It will cause your hair to smell if you leave it there because it will turn to mildew. This is because with residue build-up, your dreadlocks will dry slower. Consult your stylist (Anastasia has a variety of products to help).

If you notice your dreadlocks starting to loosen up when washing, you could cover them with a nylon or net to preserve the dreads from becoming loose. When you’re done washing, avoid too much pressure when drying your hair. In fact, you could just shake off the excess water, and allow your hair to drip dry. If you’re in a hurry or the weather does not permit, towel dry and then air dry. Never tie your hair when dreads are wet because it will damage your hair. As long as you do not have residue build-up, drying the inner dreadlocks can be done naturally.

You will need to wax your dreadlocks to keep them in good condition. However, avoid over waxing. Not all dreadlocks need waxing, so talk to your stylist about your hair type. It is possible that your stylist will advice you to wax only a portion that needs it, and not the entire area. Also, your stylist will likely have a wax product they’ll recommend just for this purpose.

Never apply wax on already waxed or wet hair. Also, spread the wax between the palm of your hand so that you have better control. If you apply it directly and randomly, you could end up with more wax on one side, and hardly any on the other areas. Be sure to use a hairdryer after you apply the wax. Eventually, you will need to wax less often as your hair starts to settle into its new style.

Call now to book an appointment. Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, OK. Out of town appointments welcome.

Soft and Easy to Care for Look

Summer means carefree living, shouldn’t your hairstyle be carefree, too? One of today’s hottest looks was seen on movie star Kate Hudson in London at her new movie, “NINE” premiere. Kate looked stunning with her below the shoulder length hair in soft loose curls framing her face. A small French Braid keep her hair our of her face and gave her a fresh cool look.

You can get Kate’s look with just a bit of practice and these easy steps.

• Start with a natural, salon-grade volumizing shampoo and conditioner (ask your stylist for a recommendation). This will give your hair the volume and thickness and keep it conditioned.
• To make your hair easier to manage, section it into four sections.
• Spray your hair with a volumizing spray (again, consult your stylist – don’t skimp for products they sell at supermarkets) and blow dry it. Slightly curl the ends under to give it a finished look.
• Curl with a curling rod into soft curls all over.
• Create a small French braid at the temple to keep the look soft and neat.
• Spray with a light hold finishing spray and then scrunch for a tousled easy look.
• Finish your look with a glossing spray for maximum shine.

You stylist can recommend professional products to keep your hair looking its best this summer. Pureology has a line of products that will make getting Kate’s look easy and still protect your hair from the summer sun. Their Pure Volume system shampoo and conditioner contains natural soy, oat and wheat proteins and the lavender, papaya and lemongrass scent is fresh and clean. Use their Volume Amplifier to protect your hair while blow drying and amp up the volume. Get soft bouncy hold with Take Hold non-aerosol hair spray formulated for color treated hair. Its advanced resin formula holds your hair all day without being sticky. A final spray of Glossing Mist gives your hair high shine. Its silicone technology reflects light and keeps you looking good no matter what the summer weather throws at you.

Visit your stylist today to get ideas and products to keep you cool and fresh this season. No need for a fussy hairstyle when you can have the freedom of a soft and easy style this summer and look good no matter where the season takes you.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Easy Summer Styles for Kids

Summer means fun at the beach, extra playtime outside and time in the pool. The last thing you want is to have to fuss with a complicated hairstyle for your child. Kids are impatient and will get squirmy if you try to force them to stay still while you try to style their hair. Why not visit your stylist and get an easy to care for summer cut for your young girl or boy.

Girl’s Cuts

There are many choices when it comes to carefree kid’s cuts. Bobs are a popular cut for little girls. Just look at celebrity kids such as Matilda Ledger, Suri Cruise and Leni Klum. Both of these little beauties look feminine and stylish with their shoulder length bobs and blunt bangs. Easy to care for and classic, the bob has been a favorite with girls for many years. Short ear length pixie cuts are another choice for little girls. Your stylist can even leave it a bit longer on the sides so that the natural curls come out and frame your daughter’s face.

Boy’s Cuts

Young boys are not exempt this summer from sporting stylish cuts. Maddox Jolie-Pitt looks cool and punk in his signature mohawk. If punker styles are not your choice, a short layered cut will carry your son through summer and into the fall. You can have your stylist clipper cut the sides and leave the top longer so that your son can apply gel and spike the top or brush it forward. There are many styles that will be easy to care for yet give your little man style.

Stylist Knows Best

The main thing to remember is that your kids want to look good but have the freedom to be kids. Don’t tie yourself and them up this summer with hard to maintain hairstyles. Visit your stylist today and let her suggest the style and cut that would be the best for your child’s hair and lifestyle.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

Paris Hilton Hair Style

Paris…Paris…Paris! Just her name alone, and you know who we’re talking about. This Hilton heiress has everyone’s tongues wagging whenever she so much as opens her mouth. Paris became world-famous after her bumbling series, “The Simple Life”.

Paris Hilton manages to keep re-inventing and experimenting with fashion, including her hair style. Paris Hilton’s hair has gone from long to short and then back to long again. Obviously, she prefers the blonde look.

Her golden locks are usually set with the tousled, just-got-out-of-bed, no fuss hair style. It seems her hair just falls naturally, carefree and ultra chic. To get the 2010 Paris Hilton look, you need the basics, starting with a great layered cut. Without this, no such hair style will last a day.

Your stylist will know that to get the Paris Hilton look you have to have fringes on the side of the face to frame it, without overpowering the facial features. Your hair should also be a certain length to achieve her longer golden mane look. If your length is too short, you might want to consider extensions.

Did you know Paris has her own line of hair extensions? Frankly, though, if you want the extensions to last and be worth your money, it’s better to get it professionally done by your stylist. Good sewn-in extensions, for example, can last for months. Locking extensions are far more costly, but they can last indefinitely and can even be reattached if you pull one out while styling.

Essentially, Paris Hilton has two main hair styles with twists here and there. First is her day look which is the hair down her back, multiple waves framing her face, and wispy bangs to tie the look together. Second is her evening look which can be the glamorized version of her day look, or a hair pulled back into a chignon or pulled together look that shouts all about luxury and the joy of being young, blonde, and in-demand.

If there is one hair style that characterizes Paris Hilton – it’s footloose and fancy free. She does what she wants. She can shock the world with a bob that is shorter on one side, or she can look like a poised Hilton princess, easily as clicking her heels. To get the Paris Hilton look, consult your stylist and explain what you like about Paris’ style.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.

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