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.

How to Care for Your Human Hair Extensions

You’ve gone to the salon and invested a large chunk of time and money for human hair extensions, of course you want them to look their best for as long as they can. Human hair extensions are the finest quality extensions available and with proper care, you can keep them looking natural without of a lot of fuss. The most important thing to remember is that although they are natural human hair, they are more fragile than the hair that has grown out of your head. Moisture and heat are the biggest culprits when it comes to ruining a head of gorgeous extensions.

Wash Your Hair: Before you wash your hair, gently brush it with a natural bristle brush. This helps to removed any excess dirt and oil. Brushing will also help to get any tangles out of your hair before you wet it. Section out your hair and brush it very carefully so that you do not damage your extensions or pull them out. Wet your hair before you actually begin the shampoo process and with a large tooth comb, make sure all of the tangles are out of it. Do not stick your head under the shower and wet your hair all at once. This causes the hair to swell and you can end up with a mess. Gently wet your hair a section of a time working from the scalp to the ends.

Use a shampoo and conditioner that is very gentle, your stylist can make recommendations on which products are the best. A leave in conditioner is a good idea, but do not use to much or this will cause the hair to tangle and become hard to manage.

Wrap It Up: Use a scarf to wrap your hair before bed or anytime you will be out in windy weather. This helps to protect your extensions and keep them from tangling. Also wear a swim cap or put your hair up in a ponytail if you plan on swimming. If you do not do this, you will come out of the water with a mess of matted hair that may not be able to be saved. Your extensions are too valuable to let a dip in the pool or a day at the beach ruin them.

Keep It Cool: Do not use high heat on your extensions. Even though natural human hair extensions can take more heat then synthetic ones, they are still susceptible to heat damage. Use the lowest setting on your blow dryer and consult your hair stylist before using a flat iron or curling iron. She may recommend that you use an intense protective product when you use these high heat appliances and she will have the professional products to give your extensions the right protection.

Sweet Dreams: Always let your hair dry thoroughly before going to bed. Never ever go to bed with a wet head of hair. You will wake up to a mess. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before you retire for the night. To do this, simply brush your hair out gently with a natural bristle brush to get all the tangles out. Next carefully gather your hair into a ponytail but do not use an elastic band to secure it. Wrap a silk scarf around your head and tie it up so that it contains your hair. This will protect your hair and the silk is gentle and comfortable enough for you to get a good nights sleep.

Remember: Different types of extensions (e.g. sewn extensions vs. locking extensions) have different lifespans, benefits, and care regimens. Ask your stylist to compare them for you.

Use these simple tips and your human hair extensions will give you many weeks of great looking hair. Do not try to color your extensions or use a home perm. Let your stylist take care of these since special products must be used to protect your extensions and the products that you can get over the counter are much to strong and will damage your extensions. As always, follow the instructions of your stylist and use her knowledge and skill if you have any questions.

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

Essential Summer Hair Care

Long hair has been in style for quite a while now and with it comes special hair care needs. How can you keep your ends from drying out and developing split ends without causing the roots to become oily because of intense conditioning? One way is to use Pureology’s EssentialRepair line of products (Anastasia carries this excellent line).

Split End Repair

Fun in the sun can dry out your hair and leave it tired looking and dull. Boost your hair’s shine, repair and prevent split ends with Pureology’s EssentialRepair Split End Correcting Treatment. The Soymilk and Biotin formula repairs and nourishes your hair while the AnitFade Complex protects your color. Its Ylang ylang, Jasmine and Rosewood scent is refreshing and light, perfect for summer. Natural botanicals of Olive Oil and Chamomile reach deep into you hair for maximum moisture. This leave in conditioner is effective for all types of hair and can help you to look good all summer long. Pair it with Pureology’s Essential Repair Shampoo and Conditioner to keep your hair shiny and manageable.

Color Treated Hair

Color treated hair needs special treatment and Pureology has answered this need with the EssentialRepair Color Max protecting spray. Mist this on after you shampoo and you can protect your hair from the sun’s damaging rays while adding needed moisture. You can even mix a cocktail of Color Max and EssentialRepair Instant Repair leave in conditioner for maximum moisture retention before you blow dry and heat style your hair.

Intense Treatment

If your hair is extremely damaged, you can renew and repair it with Pureology’s EssentialRepair Restorative Hair Mask. This wonder product combines Pureology’s AntiFade Complex and the organic botanicals of Olive Oil and Chamomile along with Soymilk and Biotin provide your hair with the most concentrated form of conditioning possible. To use, apply after you shampoo and condition your hair and leave on for 2 minutes and then rinse. Your hair will be repaired and full of life.

Your Stylist Knows Best

All of Pureology’s products are professional products available only from your stylist. Ask Anastasia, at your next appointment, which Pureology product line is right for your hair. You can be assured that by purchasing your products from Anastasia you are getting the best products tailored to your specific hair care needs.

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.

Protect Your Hair From Heat Damage

Flat irons can be unforgiving on your hair. The intense heat that these appliances create can burn your hair and strip it of moisture if you do not use care. Color treated or permed hair is especially vulnerable to the effects of high heat appliances. Coloring and perming your hair too much can make it dry and fragile. You should never use heat on your hair without first applying a protective product to it first.

Image via Wikipedia

Your stylist has professional products that will protect and nourish your hair to make it look its best. She can recommend products tailored to your hair’s style, texture and conditioning needs. If you use a flat iron frequently on your hair, she might recommend Pureology’s SuperSmooth line. Pureology has developed the SuperSmooth line of products to protect your hair and condition it to look and feel smooth and silky.

The products in the SuperSmooth line contain a ThermalAnitFade Complex that protects your color from the heat of flat irons and the UV rays of the sun. The ZeroSulfate formula protects your hair and scalp from the drying effects that are caused by other sulfate based shampoos and conditioners. Organic Geranium and natural Sesame Oil makes your hair intensely shiny. Camellia Oil from the Camellia flower reduces frizz and keeps flyaways under control. Organic Shea Butter from the seed of the African Shea Tree adds moisture and softness to your hair.

Pureology’s SuperSmooth line includes shampoo and conditioner, Smoothing Elixir and Relaxing Hair Masque. The Smoothing Elixir is the perfect product to use before you flat iron your hair. The Relaxing Hair Masque tames frizz and helps to reduce volume in naturally wavy or curly hair. The products work together to give you smooth and healthy hair that is protected from the harsh heat of flat irons.

Your stylist is your best resource for information and product recommendations to keep your hair healthy and manageable. She has the knowledge and experience to help you look your best between salon visits.

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

Summer Sun Protection

Summer can mean time spent outdoors in the sun and heat. While a day at the beach is a fun outing, it can play havoc on your hair. We all know how important sunscreen is for your skin, but did you know it is also important to keep your hair color from fading? Exposure to the sun and elements of summer can not only fade your hair color but can also make your hair dry and brittle. Your stylist can recommend professional products to help keep your color fresh and your hair looking and feeling its best during the hot days of summer.

Image by Laurel Fan via Flickr

How Does the Sun Fade My Color?

The sun’s rays contain ultraviolet A and B rays. These rays react with your hair much like your skin when it tans and can cause your color to fade. Oxidation occurs within your hair shaft and eventually leads to brassiness and unwanted gold tints in color treated hair. Products that contain sunscreen will protect your hair from this effect and protect your color.

What Products Will Protect My Hair Color?

Pureology has a line of products specifically tailored to protect your hair from the full spectrum of the sun’s UVA/UVB rays. Their Nano Works Luxury System is formulated to leave your hair soft, shiny and protected. The Zero Sulfate and AnitFade Complex ensures that your hair will be treated gently and protected thoroughly.

Green Tea, Sugar Cane, Citrus, Apple, and Wine Extracts combine to provide anti-aging benefitsGuar Gum and Shea Butter make your hair shine and add a sleek texture. The certified organic Mushroom Blend of Shiitake, Mannentake, and Mucor Miehei rebuild and renew hair with their antioxidant properties. Used together, the Nano Works Luxury System will make your hair vibrant and your color will look fresh all summer. Ask your stylist today how you can protect your color. She can be your best resource to keep your hair looking good all season long.

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

Beauty From Within

Good health and beauty comes from a balanced diet and lifestyle. If you want your hair to be thick and luxurious it is important to make sure that you get the nutrients you need. Hair, skin and nails are made up mostly of a protein called keratin. A diet rich in lean protein that is balanced with complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fruit can help to give you shine and healthy looking hair and nails. But how much is enough and what are some of the healthy proteins you should be eating?

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Meat, soy, beans and dairy products are excellent sources of protein. The United States Department of Agriculture has issued new guidelines for their Food Pyramid. An average person should eat approximately five ounces of lean meat, poultry or fish and up to three cups of milk or dairy products each day . If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can get your protein from beans or soy products. Also, if you are sensitive to dairy products, soy milk, soy cheese and frozen soy desserts offer you options that were not available just a few years ago.

The key to any healthy eating lifestyle is moderation. When choosing cuts of meat, try to stay as lean as possible. This will help to cut down on the fat in your diet. Meats, fish and poultry should be boiled, broiled or grilled. There are many ways to prepare beans and peas such as soups, stews or as meat-free burgers. Chicken should be prepared without the skin which will also reduce the amount of fat in your diet. You can include nuts for a healthy snack or as part of your recipes.

Be sure to round out your diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If fresh products are not available, frozen ones are a good alternative. Modern processing traps the nutrients in frozen vegetables and fruits today so that almost none of them are lost. Choose brown rice and whole grain bread products to increase fiber and nutrients. Limit sweets and fats.

Use these simple tips to maintain your well being and have younger looking hair and skin. Stay hydrated with 8 glasses of water per day and add a multivitamin for nutrient insurance. Of course another aspect of good health is exercise. Not only will it get you toned but it has been proven to relieve depression and insomnia. True beauty really does come from within and with these tips and information you can be on your way to having the clear skin and healthy looking hair you want.

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

Light Up Your Hair

Get ready for summer and put some light in your hair. No matter what color your hair is highlights can put some spark and shine into your hair. Your stylist has professional products that are gentle on your hair and the techniques to give you just the right amount of light to brighten your look for the season.

Not Just Blonde: You’re not limited to just blonde highlights. Caramel, gold, beige, and platinum are popular choices. Be daring with hot colors like pink, blue or purple. Red with hot colors shot through it is an edgy look sure to turn heads. If you want a bit more subdued look then try a base of platinum blonde with pastel highlights woven through it. The look is subtle yet stunning. Your stylist can add depth and movement to medium or dark hair with beige, caramel and golden highlights.

Frame Your Face or Get a Sunkissed Look: Frame your face with chunky highlights. Shots of color around your face give your complexion a lift and draws attention to your features. Give your hair a sun kissed look with small highlights woven through it. Highlights are a great way to camouflage and blend gray. No matter what your haircolor, your stylist can help you select the right highlights and placement for your hair style and lifestyle.

Treat Your New Highlights Right: Highlighted hair does require some special care. Professional products are much gentler on your hair than over the counter brands, but still can be drying to your hair so be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you use a flat iron or curling iron to style your hair, use a protective product to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Ask your stylist which products she recommends to protect your new highlights and keep them looking fresh.

Maintenance: As with all color services you will need an appointment about every four to six weeks to maintain your look. So get ready for summer and capture the sun with profession highlights.

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

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