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.

What Sulfates in Shampoo Can Do to Your Hair

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as SLS or sulfate is found in many beauty products, but more so in shampoos. Most commercial shampoos have sulfate because it’s supposed to remove the oil and dirt from your hair. This sounds like a good ingredient to have, right? However, so much talk is circulating about the ill effects of this cleaning agent.

We know that sulfate can clean. In fact, it is used in a lot of other home care and personal care products like toothpaste, soap, baby products, facial cleansers, bubble bath, shower gel, and a lot more. It’s what creates the foam and suds that we all enjoy so much when we shower or bathe.

Unfortunately, because of sulfate, you also can be at risk for problems with hair growth, loss of protein in your hair which could lead to hair loss, skin irritation, itchy scalp, and eye irritation. All these because of the acid nature of the chemical. Also, it is amplified by the fact that we are not always able to rinse out the shampoo properly from our hair. Thus, a small amount of residue is left, and this can build up gradually, especially if you shampoo daily.

The misconception with sulfates is that the more bubbles you produce the cleaner your hair will get. However, the foam that you get from shampoo has little or no bearing on how clean your hair becomes.

You can have clean hair without these irritants if you switch to a sulfate-free shampoo (Anastasia offers Pureology products). It will prevent all these side effects that you have learned to deal with, and are now feeling the effects of. According to the study done by the American College of Toxicology, the safe level of sulfate exposure should not be more than 1%. This means that you should only use shampoos with sulfate in small amounts and preferably with huge gaps in between. Continuous use is not recommended at all. Plus, if you do use this type of shampoo, rinse very well.

From the other side of the coin, you cannot blame sulfate in your shampoo for all your hair problems. You may have a family history of baldness or sensitive skin. If so, then you should really be using natural shampoo products (again, Anastasia offers Pureology’s natural shampoo, conditioner, and hair products). Try shifting to one and see if there is any improvement on your skin and hair. Most likely, you will enjoy clean hair without the side effects of a shampoo containing SLS.

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.

What High Ammonia Hair Color Can Do to Your Hair

We all want to maintain somewhat youthful looks and occasionally enjoy a new hair color just to perk us up. It’s all in the name of beauty and she is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is why hair color has become so mainstream.

Unless you are careful though about where and how you color your hair, you could end up damaging your hair permanently. Most box hair color products on the shelves contain ammonia. Ammonia is a known alkaline chemical that is used to open up the hair shaft so that the color or dye sticks for a couple of weeks to one month. The amount of ammonia in the hair color is a big factor in determining what the effects will be. For example, as a rule, the more blonde you want your hair color to be, the more ammonia content can be found in the product.

You will know the hair color product has ammonia because it has a distinct smell that stays on your hair for about 12 to 24 hours after you color your hair. If you keep using the hair color with ammonia, you expose yourself to high level of this chemical. What happens? You can expect any or all of the following effects:

• Damaged hair
• Dry hair and dry scalp
• Irritation, redness, rashes
• Hair loss
• Dandruff or itchy scalp
• Nausea

The problem is not just these effects but the long term side effects, some of which are still unknown or unverified to this day. The issue is not what the long side effects will be, rather when will they start showing up.

You do not have to use hair color with ammonia just to get the hair color you want. A talented and conscientious colorist will choose higher quality products than you get at low dollar salons or supermarkets. Low ammonia hair color is the best. You’ll notice that it doesn’t even have the smell, when it’s being applied, will likely have built in conditioners, and will last longer against fade.

Beauty does not have to achieved at such high costs to your health. Consult your colorist. Ask about the color being used. Smell the air, and you’ll know right away about the ammonia content.

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.

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.

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