Hair Extensions: Getting the Best Value

Ever watch someone buy a 160z bottle of something that costs a dime less than a 64oz bottle of the same thing? Best price is almost never best value. It’s that way with your hair style, too. Take hair extensions – the least expensive process lasts weeks, not months, and the price difference is almost the same as the next highest level of service. Sewn extensions, for example, cost around $50 more but last 8-16 times longer. Go with locking extensions, and you pay more, but you can just about double how long it lasts, and you can actually re-use the extensions as your hair grows. Your stylist unlocks them and moves them up. In other words, far greater value, even though the price is more.

Know your types of extensions:

• TRACK EXTENSIONS: (glue): least expensive, last the least amount of time (e.g. 1-2weeks) – lowest value – available locally
• SEWN EXTENSIONS: only slightly more expensive, can last approximately 2months with proper care – available locally
• LOCK-IN EXTENSIONS: moderate expense, but can last approximately 3-4months with proper care (most bang for the buck) – adjustable, re-usable (highest value in the long run), must be ordered
• FUSION EXTENSIONS: expensive, can last 5-6months with proper care, must be ordered

Watch out for fruits: If you’re interested in getting hair extensions, be careful about comparing apples to oranges. Don’t jump at the lowest cost only to have your money evaporate after a short time.

Do not skip the free consultation: An experienced stylist who starts with a free consultation is the norm. Just walking in off the street and getting extensions is bad news – get the free consultation. It’ll also give you a chance to meet your stylist in person, which is everything. No matter how they sound on the phone, you’ll be able to tell what you’re getting when you evaluate how they handle things in person.

It Takes Time to Properly Place Extensions

Your stylist shouldn’t rush through a hair extensions process. Using smaller extension braids, and sewing the extensions more tightly, takes more time, but you get more natural looking hair extensions, more freedom to wear your hair in a pony tail, and you can wash your hair with less worry. Extensions are labor intensive, so the cost can be surprising, but don’t skimp to save a few dollars – you want to look like a star, not a porcupine. Your stylist should be meticulous about extensions, not rushed.

Your stylist should also use natural human hair extensions, where possible. These not only look better but are easier to care for and last longer. High quality human hair extensions come from India or the Far East. They can be styled like your own hair with heat or rollers unlike synthetic extensions which will be damaged by heat and some styling products. So if you are supplying your own extensions look for all natural human hair from a reputable supplier. Don’t think that you are getting a bargain by purchasing cheap low quality extensions, you’ll only be disappointed and end up spending more in the long run replacing them in a few weeks.

The first thing your stylist will do is section out your hair. Starting at the back, she will take small sections and braid them horizontally across your head very tightly to give her a base to sew the extensions onto. Small tight braids are essential for proper placement and durability. If the braids are too loose, the extensions may come out in just a few days. A skilled and experienced stylist won’t make this mistake.

Your stylist will use a curved needle and thick thread to sew your extensions into your hair. This will take time, so be prepared to stay in the salon half of the day. Working her way around your head, she will continue to braid and sew until the proper number of extensions are in, to create the look you want. Once the extensions are placed, she may cut your hair and then style it. Now you are ready to enjoy your new look.

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.

Top 4 Hair Style Galleries on the Web

This is primarily a site for two things – 1. information, articles, and ideas on hair styles and hair cuts, hair color and treatments, and hair extensions, straightening, perms, etc. 2. contact information for Anastasia – a hair stylist specializing in these areas – for men, women, and children. There are also hair style gallery web sites that can help you frame your desire for a particular style direction.

If you can target the online galleries that have got the latest “it,” then you can just bookmark them and think about your own hair style (be sure to bookmark this site, too). Here are four hair style galleries that you should have in your browser favorites:

4. Style Hair Magazine www.style-hair-magazine.com – What makes this hair style photo gallery so interesting is the complete line of hair styles you will find, not to mention age and gender groups. They may have a bit too many ads at the top portion of their web page but the content of this web site tries to include as many hot topics on hair as possible. They have trends, how-to, varying lengths, fun hair, men hair, children’s hair, and bridal hair. What makes this website even more interesting is the Visitors Gallery where guests are allowed to post photos of their handy work either as a hair stylist or a photographer.

3. InStyle www.instyle.com – This is really a complete head-to-toe fashion web magazine. The beauty of this website is that it uploads pretty fast, considering the amount of graphics it has. The hairstyles you will find here are trendy, celebrity-conscious, and absolutely gorgeous. The web page itself is incredibly attractive and full of information without being too crowded and confusing. They have arranged all the eye-catching headlines and captions without appearing too busy.

2. Hair Style Zone www.hairstylezone.com – is another incredible website dedicated to providing you as many choices in hair styles as possible. It shows you how you can use their software even before you register with them.

1. 1001 Hair Styles – www.1001-hairstyles.com – This is not just a gallery of photos. This site allows you to upload your photo, so that you can see how a style would look on you. The galleries also offer two perspectives, which gives you a better idea of how you will look from different angles.

Visit Style By Anastasia often for updates, or follow the site in Twitter, add it to your Facebook, subscribe (free) with your news reader to the News Feed, or simply get Updates by E-mail.

Locking Hair Extensions

Long cascading hair has been a fantasy for people who have a permanent bob cut or hair that needs continuous trimming as it doesn’t grow thick beyond the shoulder level.  The voluptuous appeal that long flowing hair could give is just a two hour sitting away! Locking hair extensions (sometimes referred to by brand names like Euro locs or the hair locs system) is a unique process that adds an extension to your hair, not with a synthetic replica of your hair texture but with original human hair that is available  in umpteen colors and lengths. This hair extension system is extremely popular owing to the fact that the hair used is natural and real and doesn’t show signs of wearing off at all when maintained properly. The procedure is a safe and healthy system of extending your hair.

Primarily, the hair strands that are attachments used to lengthen your hair can also be used to enhance volume for people who have scanty hair. The process involves parting your hair into equal and organized portions and clipping it, making the parting line visible. The stylist will decide how many extensions you will need to give your hair the length or the right blend between your hair and the extended hair. There is no clipping, or bonding process involved – unlike the other hair extension systems available in most salons. The human hair extensions are specially locked into your hairline growth by a method that leaves it absolutely undetectable. This patented process has to be handled by a certified stylist.

With proper care, the extensions may last 6 months, before you need to visit the stylist again just to re-fix any extensions that have moved with your natural hair growth. After undergoing the hair extension system, you could shampoo it, condition it, perm it or even straighten it like you would with your natural hair. A professional will charge you a fee for the whole session besides the price for the number of extensions you want affixed in this manner.

Locking extensions  are not just a beautiful way of extending your hair by giving it the most original and natural look, but also safe while there is no harmful chemical, glue or heat involved in the process. Consult your stylist for the best results for your hair type.

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

Choosing The Most Appropriate Hair Extension Service

The 5 most common hair extension services today are  Glue In, Track Hair Extensions, Locking Hair Extensions, Hot Fusion and Cold Fusion. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some guidelines to help you make your choice wisely.

Glue In Hair Extension Service/ Track Hair Extensions

This is a temporary hair extension solution which means for the amount of time you spend in the salon, which can be 4-hours or more for partial, upwards of 5-hours for full, and the money, the investment for a short term look should be worth the effort. You should also be ready to have the hair extensions removed within a reasonable amount of time – like a couple of months. Of course, this can depend on the expertise of your hairdresser, but it can also depends strongly on how you care for the hair in the meantime. Some people report their glue-in extensions only lasted a week, others say they change their glue-in extensions every 6 months. The average time that glue-in extensions last is about 2-3 months, with proper care.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $220 (partial) to $390 (full) and up for these type of hair extensions. The price will vary depending on the type of hair used (e.g. human hair vs. synthetic) and length of the hair. You must also consider the cost involved in removing the hair extensions. Attempting to remove glue in hair extensions on your own is not advisable because you could inadvertently pull out your own hair,, causing a bald spot.

The benefits of this type of hair extensions are lower cost, adds volume to your hair, and can create a whole new look for you. On the downside, glue in extensions can damage your hair and scalp because glue can sometimes cause split ends or even burn your hair.

Track hair extensions involves applying up to 50 hair strands to specific areas in your scalp by using a chemical substance to make it stick. You should consider the maintenance cost that comes after. For every track you had placed in your hair, you can expect to pay up to $60 for each as part of the cost for upkeep. Upkeep should be done every 6 weeks minimum.

Locking Hair Extensions

This is a great choice if you have fragile and thinning hair. This is because it uses natural human hair only and is attached without the use of abrasive chemicals or substances like glue. In fact, you can keep your lock-in hair extensions for many months without having to sit through lengthy extension sessions. The initial service might take 4.5hrs (partial) to 5.5 hours (full). The times are not exact.

The cost for this kind of hair extension service can start at $700 (partial) to $1000 (full), but can get up to $2500 for some stylists. The reason this type is more expensive is the human hair factor as compared to synthetic hair which is much cheaper.

The main advantage of this kind of hair extension is the fact that you can usually remove them to use again when you please, as long as they are not damaged. Naturally, you would have to have this done by a professional to ensure that they can be used more than once. With regular maintenance of 2 to 4 months, the extensions can last up to 4 years with proper care. Another advantage is that the locking tubes can be adjusted to compensate for the growth of the natural hair.

Hot Fusion Hair Extensions

This type of hair extension service uses hot glue to attach the extensions. Using hot glue can burn your scalp, if you attempt it at home,  so you need to make sure to visit a professional salon to have this done for you. It would cost you about $700 (partial) to $1400 (full) , but this amount varies depending on the length of the hair extensions and how many you want. You will spend at least 5-hours [partial) or 6-hours (full)  in the salon for this service.

The advantage of this type of hair extension service is the 4 month period where you can enjoy beautiful, longer, and thicker hair. Because of the application method, the hair can sometimes seem a little stiffer and less natural. The method is generally not damaging to the natural hair. With the fusion method, it is difficult to make out the extensions from the natural hair, but one of the disadvantages of this  method is that sometimes glue material may be visible when pulling the hair back.

Cold Fusion Hair Extensions

The cousin to hot fusion, cold fusion is a comparatively new technology and is very popular, because it is gentler on the natural hair, since it uses polymer to attach the extensions. Since this method doesn't use heat, it is the preferred method for thin or fine hair. Furthermore, the extensions can stay on for up to 6 months.

With this type of hair extension service, you will be able to fool a lot of people, because the results are amazingly natural and beautiful. This is also the reason why this type of extension is much more expensive.

The range of a cold fusion hair extension service can start at $700 (partial) to $1400 (full), but this can balloon to $4000, depending on who you approach for the service, and the length of the extensions. As with hot fusion, you will spend at least 5-hours [partial) or 6-hours (full)  in the salon for this service.

Scalp Braiding Hair Extensions

This type of hair extension can only be done partially. This means that you cannot expect a full head of hair extensions with scalp braiding. This type of extension will last you only about 2 months. Some women find scalp braiding difficult to maintain and adjust to, so they can find themselves considering removing the braids a couple of weeks after. In short, this extension needs a little time to adjust to, so expect that at the start.

The advantage of these "sewn in" extensions are that they have almost zero damage on your natural hair. In order to apply the extensions, the natural hair is styled into a firm braid across the head and then the extensions are sewn into the braid. The only major drawback with scalp braiding is that it is not suitable for all hair types. In general, the extensions last longer on hair with a coarser texture than on smoother hair.

Expect to stay at least a couple of hours in the salon, but this time can vary depending on hair length. The cost for scalp braiding might be around $150-$200. The disadvantage of this hair extension is that the scalp can sometimes itch and tangle. On the other hand, you do not put any chemicals on your head, and this is a top reason for wanting this kind of extension.

With these 5 choices, bear in mind that the costs are multi-faceted. In other words, you have to consider the cost of the salon service, the hair extensions, and the maintenance or upkeep of your hair.

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

Managing Hair Extensions

Managing hair extensions presents even more responsibilities than your natural hair. You need to be a little more gentle with your extensions to extend the life and to keep them looking their best.

Your natural hair goes through a ton of abuse every day of the year and it can really withstand a good amount of damage over time. But extensions do not gain nutrients from your scalp so they are at least three times more susceptible to irreparable damage. While this may not seem like a big deal, because hair extensions are not with you forever, it does mean that they could fall out prematurely or need to be replaced.

Be sure to always wash your hair every day if you have hair extensions. Unwashed hair accumulates your body oils and it could compromise your extensions. All too often extensions fall out because of oily hair, and it’s a shame to have to have all new ones put back in because of a little negligence.

If you are considering human hair extensions, be sure to ask your stylist if it is possible to safely dye the brand they will be using. It is not possible to dye synthetics, but it is possible to dye human hair extensions. Some brands are pre-dyed, so if you happen to dye them it could severely damage the hair. If you forget to ask before having the extensions put it, it might be a good idea just to stick with your natural color for the time being.

It is completely possible to use heated styling tools on human extensions, but most synthetics will melt if subjected to high levels of heat. There are brands available these days that are safe to get hot, but their heat resistance is usually reflected in the price. A simple curling iron twist on zero resistance synthetic hair can melt a whole area of your extensions, and force you to get them completely redone.

It’s important to know both what kind of extensions you have and what brand they are. Brands can mean as much as the material, so get the full scoop on your extensions before having them attached and possibly making a mistake.

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

Hair Extensions End the Waiting

Hair extensions are a great way to add extra length and volume to your natural hair without the waiting time of growing it out.

There are two main types of extensions: synthetic and human hair, and both have their own pros and cons.

Human hair extensions are always more expensive than synthetic extensions, but they last longer and can take a little more wear and tear. You can also use hot tools on your human hair extensions, such as blow dryers, curlers, and straighteners, making them easy to style on a day to day basis. Human hair extensions can last anywhere from one to six months, if properly taken care of. Human hair extensions, of course, always look like natural hair and come in just about every color and texture imaginable.

Synthetic hair extensions are good for those who are on a budget, as they are much cheaper than real hair extensions. The biggest downside to synthetic extensions is that you absolutely can not use any hot hairstyling tools on them, so you’re left with minimal customization. It’s recommended you get the extensions in the style you want to avoid the temptation to style them yourself and damage both your extensions and your real hair. Synthetics last between one week and four months on average, making them a more temporary extension solution than real hair.

With either human or synthetic hair extensions, you should have at least 3 or 4 inches of real hair to start off with. Most hair extensions are either sewn/plaited in or glued into your natural hair. Sewn extensions do not damage your hair in any way as there are no special chemicals used, but they should be used for thick hair. If done in thin hair, there is a chance the braids will be visible under your natural hair — no one wants that. Glued in hair extensions can damage your hair, but hold for longer than sewn extensions. If you take careful care of your glued extensions you can keep the damage to a minimum, but you should still be careful.

If hair extensions sound like they might be for you, or if you want a new, full hairstyle, Anastasia can give you just the right look. Anastasia has extensive experience putting in hair extensions, and there are so many options available, there is almost no reason not to look into getting extensions to give yourself a fuller hair style. Call for a consultation and we can work out a time that’s convenient for you to come by, and we can discuss which type of extension and technique will work best for your hair.

Asian Hairstyles Set the Trend

Fashionable hairstyles from Asia have had an increasingly effect on hairstyles around the world. Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea: Asians have some of the most flexible and best looking hair around, so style comes naturally.

Asian hair is very porous, making it absorb a lot of the moisture from hair products and in the air. Lots of moisture means lots of flexibility with styles and a glamorous, sleek look that many non-Asian women strive for with moisturizing hair products.

From long and flowing curls to short and wispy bobs, Asian hair is constantly setting the stage for the world’s hair fashion. With the wide variety of styles that Asian women can successfully pull off, many contemporary hairstyle trends come straight from Asia, but are adapted to international environments.  Since Asian hair is also generally very heavy, a little hair very easily looks like a lot of hair. Some of the most glamorous, flowing styles that look like they would be hard to pull off are actually very easy with the right preparation. Often times if you would like a beautiful, Asian-style haircut, you will need hair extensions to get the full effect of any hairstyle that requires sleek, heavy hair. Sometimes all you need is the right trendy cut.

Besides the hairstyles themselves, hair highlighting techniques pour straight out of Asia and onto American and European streets and runways. Because Asian hair is either black of very close to black, highlighting gives hair a fantastic, exotic look. Light brown or blonde highlights in black or dark brown hair look much more exotic and exciting than they do in any other hair color.  Of course, you can always go the other way, with dark on light. Contemporary highlighting styles initially began in Japan and South Korea, as a way for young people to stand out from the crowd, and have grown to a staple of international fashion. Dark hair is really gorgeous but, highlighted, it gives a new, distinctive flavor to any head of hair.

If you want to join the thousands of celebrities and every day women following Asian hairstyle trends — whether through wild or flowing styles, highlights, or hair extensions — then you are in luck. Anastasia has a wide variety of experience with any type of hair and can find the style that will work just right for you, whether you have thick, thin, dry, porous, curly, or wavy hair. If you want more Asian-styled hair design, we can get your hair to the perfect consistency to give you that exotic and beautiful look. Call for an appointment or consultation and I am sure you will be pleased with the results. What do you have to lose?

Nichols Hills Oklahoma Hairstylist

If you’re in Nichols Hills, OK, end your search for a salon hair stylist: contact Anastasia in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Salon services include hair extensions, hair straightening, hair treatments, hair color, hair cuts, and hair style. Anastasia provides hair salon services for women, men, children of all ages.

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