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.

Children’s Haircuts Need Variety and Style

Boys and girls hair styles can be as fun and as varied as their parent’s. Whether your child wants a long or short style, he or she has a wide range of styles to choose from. There are many factors that will help you to determine which type of style will work for your child.

The first thing to consider is your child’s age. If very young, you may want to consider a simple cut. You will be the one who has to take care of your young child’s hair, and you don’t want a cut that will require a lot of maintenance. Young children look best in simple, carefree styles.

Take lifestyle into consideration. Is your child active and plays sports? If so, consider a shorter style that is easy to care for like a short comb forward style for boys. Active girls may prefer a short bob or layered cut that is wash and go with a minimal amount of styling time, while some may want to have long hair that they can pull back into a ponytail to give them more options.

As your child nears teenage years they will want more sophisticated styles. There are several options available that are easy to care for yet give your pre-teen a hip sense of style. Just look at any Disney or Nickelodeon show and you will see that boys and girls alike have short and long styles that have a lot of fun and movement. Encourage your pre-teen to stay with styles that don’t require a lot of fuss and product since they will still have get to school on time, and they need enough sleep.

No matter what style your child desires, a good stylist can help you and your child make the right choice for their age and lifestyle. Mimicking popular styles should be moderated by tailoring them to your child’s hair type and thickness. Consult a stylist who enjoys working with children.

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

Extensions, Straightening, Perm

Natural looking sew-in extensions, fusion extensions, locking extensions, thermal reconditioning, Japanese straightening, Magic Straight.  Anastasia uses smaller extension braids, sewn more tightly, for more natural looking hair extensions. You get more freedom to wear a pony tail or wash your hair without worry. Anastasia uses a more thorough straightening process (no rushing through hair sections), with premium thermal reconditioning products, so hair comes out straighter, without damage, lasts longer, with more shine, and is easier to style.

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
• locking extensions (best value): moderate expense, but can last approximately 3-4months with proper care (most bang for the buck) – adjustable, re-usable (saves even more money in the long run), must be ordered
• fusion extensions: expensive, can last 5-6months with proper care, must be ordered

Straightening:

• curl relaxer: only relaxes curls – does not produce stick straight hair, inexpensive, can last 1-3 months based entirely on individual hair and proper care (3 months would be exceptional)
• permanent straightening (thermal reconditioning): produces long-lasting, stick-straight hair, can last 6months with proper care. Note: choice of straightening products by stylists varies widely. Many of them produce hair damage, harmful fumes, can burn hair if improperly used (e.g. without proper protective conditioners), and last only a fraction of the time. Anastasia utilizes the highest quality products with great care and experience – it is not advisable to choose this process casually from an inexperienced stylist, especially if they’re price-cutting (they’ll have to cut corners on the process to make up for it). Your hair is worth doing this right.

Lots of people will say, “yes, I do extensions”. Anyone can do them, but not everyone can do them correctly. Poorly or hastily installed extensions won’t last long and won’t put up with much wear. And then, for the sake of saving just a few dollars,  or skimping on the process, the extensions are out in weeks instead of months.

The difference between stylists offering the “same” service can be amazing. Your stylist should be meticulous about extensions, not rushed. Properly done extensions are labor intensive, so the initial cost can be higher for better quality work. You actually want to worry when the price is too cheap to make it worth a professional’s time, or when someone says you’ll be done in an hour. You want to look like a star, not a porcupine. And hair falling off at a party isn’t fun.

Properly, a (free) consultation is the ideal starting place for professional extensions done right. You’ll learn a lot about whether it’s fluff or substance by making and keeping that simple appointment. See what the stylist has to say about your hair in particular. Extensions aren’t stapled to your head like assembly line items – there’s a certain amount of the process that is unique to your head of hair – you should be able to spot during the consultation if it’s an assembly line or you’re in the right place.

• Additional Styling Processes: Permanent waves, weaves, micro-braiding, pin curling, roller sets.
• Treatments: Asian Straightening, Magic Straight, Texturizing, Brazilian Keratin.
• Health: Scalp treatment, deep conditioning.
• Consultation: Product and recommendations. Style recommendations for facial type and skin tone.

If you’re near the Oklahoma City area and would like to schedule a free consultation with Anastasia, call 405-889-0404.

The Hot New Hair Styles for 2010 For Fine Hair

The idea you should keep in mind with fine hair is how to create volume. However, this can go overboard very easily if you allow it to. Here are easy ways to puff up your fine hair while staying fashionable this 2010.

Try bouffant ponytail hair styles for the perfect day look which can have a dozen different looks on its own. You can also create some waves if you have medium to long hair. This will glam up your look for the evenings.

Other hair styles for fine hair that is going to be a huge hit are the Bob, layered look, bangs, and the structured hair style.

The Bob is a great choice for women with fine hair because it’s length will create an image of movement, and this translates to the perception of body. It will also usually compliment the cheekbones and your chin.

The layered look can easily go overboard if you have too much layers. For instance, with fine hair, if you add layer upon layer, the end result will emphasis your fine hair. Maintain a medium length hair cut with more tapering towards the ends of the hair. Avoid layering the hair all over. If your hair is curly but fine, you should get more curls to give the illusion of volume in your hair. Use the scrunching method if your curls are natural; or a styling aid like the curling iron.

Fine hair needs to be less bogged with styling products. Thus, as much as possible avoid using too much gel or spray. Keep away from the bold razor look, and avoid using too much heat on your hair. You should consider adding texture and highlights to give the impression of thick hair. You can also use bangs – either full bangs or gentle fringes to create the fuller hair image.

Fine hair is not a bad thing to have, but you need to know how to style it to make full use of your thin hair’s advantages. Also, know the type of hair you have so that you can choose the appropriate fine hair style for you.

Back to School Hair Styles

Elementary School Age Children

• Shorter cuts, with and without bangs are appropriate for boys and girls because they are active and won’t stand still to have their hair brushed or combed!
• Boys don’t want a hairstyle that is fussy and time consuming, they can wear very short razor-cut hair.
• Girls don’t want to cut their hair, however, hair that is medium length or longer can be pulled into a ponytail, pigtails, or braids.

Tweens and Teens, you have discovered boys and girls, fashion and hairstyles!

Before school begins, get your hair out of summer mode (chlorine, river, lake, or beach water). See your stylist for best products – don’t use store-bought brands – they’ll make it worse, not better:

• Use a clarifying shampoo, once a week to get rid of product buildup.
• Do a deep conditioning hair treatment once a week to restore the oils.
• Have dry hair? Use moisturizing conditioner. Again, don’t use store-bought product.
• Have lifeless hair? Add protein (hair conditioner with collagen and elastin).

When you have restored your hair:

Decide whether you’ll keep your current hairstyle or change it: Some tweens prefer to wear their feelings with precision haircuts or use hair color, two popular styles are the emo and scene.  If the above isn’t the case, the popular styles for girls are bobs, and pixie cuts; while boys prefer buzz cuts or fades.

• Girls with medium length hair may sport the shag or face-framing layers.
• Boys with longer hair at the crown and shorter hair on the sides and back.
• The messier, the better!

TEENS

• Teens who the love latest fad will love the asymmetrical bob accented with highlights…both boys and girls are wearing them!
• Longer hairstyles for girls call for the sedu, which is long loose waves, with hair pushed back behind the ear – the style lends itself easily to ponytails when needed. This style can feature bangs, long layers or hair cut blunt to one length.
• Long, one length hair is not in style for boys, however, longer layered hairstyles are fine.
• If the style will be drastic, see your hair stylist two weeks before school begins, allowing the hair to grow a bit for a more natural appearance and to become accustomed to the style.

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

Types of Women’s Hair Braids

Hair braiding is an ancient, long-standing art. It started back in 4000 BC in the West African tribes. Originally, it was a social activity, with grandmothers and mothers braiding their daughters’ hair, and the youngsters braiding even younger children’s hair. As the years passed, the art of braiding was brought to the rest of the world and gave rise to different types of hair braids. Today, braids are worn for almost all occasions, from weddings to sports meets.

Braids are typically done on medium to long hair and while short hair is often exempt, some manage to braid their hair using inventive braiding techniques, like braiding hair horizontally across the head, or even using thinner strands of hair to create micro braids all around the head.

While there are only a few ways to braid short hair, multiple styles of braids are available for long tresses. The simplest of these would be the English, French and Dutch braids. The English braid is the most typical braid you see among women. It is done by plaiting three strands of hair from the nape of the neck downward to the tips, then securing it either with rubber elastics or barrettes. French braids are similar to the English braids, but they start from hairline, near the forehead. As this braid progresses, it incorporates hair strands from either side of the head into the weave, securing all the hair. An inverted French braid is often called a Dutch braid. This type of braid gives the look of an embossed braid, as opposed to the smooth look of the French braid. Another simple braid would be the biker’s braid. Though not technically a braid, it is often used by bikers and motorcyclists to secure hair from whiplash from wind. This hairstyle is done by securing a high ponytail at intervals with a number of hair elastics. Rope braids are also examples of false braids. These are done by twisting two to three strands of hair and should be secured in the end with hair elastics to prevent untwisting.

Other braids are not as simple or as fast to do. The Heidi / Swiss braid gives the appearance of a hair tiara for the wearer. It is made by taking two braids at the nape of the neck and crossing them over the crown of the head. Depending on the length of the hair, the Heidi braid could be wrapped around the whole head, forming a crown of hair. More complicated braids are done using more strands of hair from four to seven. Nine-strand braids can be considered the height of hair braiding art and are exhibited only by Renaissance Fair professional hair braiders. Keep in mind that the more strands there are, the harder it is to make it into a neat weave. It also makes for wider and shorter braids. Herringbone braids are time-consuming, whether doing or undoing them. These are technically a two-strand braid, formed by bringing sections from one half of the hair to the other. The braids remain neat for a long time, and don’t need to be secured. This braid style is also called ‘fishtail’ braid, because the unsecured braid splays at the bottom, like a fish’s tail. Lace braids and crown braids are two other complicated braids which employ techniques used in the French braid. Lace braids are done by gathering hair from only one side and incorporating it in the weave as it travels down the head. Crown braids, on the other hand, are woven around the head to make a crown. They are much more complicated than the Heidi braids and are very difficult to do solo.

While braids can be worn as is, they can also appear in different combinations and configurations. One such combination is the classic braid, which is basically two English braids worn on either side of the head. It is a style most consider childish or schoolgirlish. But if they are worn coiled, they can give a very sophisticated look. Another elegant braid configuration is the cascade braid. It is done by letting half of the hair in the back stay loose and flowing. This gives the overall effect of femininity to the hairstyle. Braids can also be braided into other braids, like taking two braids and weaving / twisting them into one larger braid. Braids can also be accented by smaller braids to add to the overall effect of the hairstyle.

There are practically no limits on how a woman’s hair can be braided. Different styles and combinations can be employed, especially if they are to be worn ifor very special occasions like weddings. All it takes is imagination, and a lot of patience.

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

Hot Hairstyles for Teen Girls in 2009

Looking just right is more important to teenagers than it is to adults. If just one thing looks wrong in the target appearance, their confidence goes right out the window.

Luckily, there are a plethora of low maintenance and fashionable hairstyles for teens in 2009.  So they can not only look great, but also give off whatever image they want at a moment’s notice, and without tons of forethought.

For those teens with short and curly hair, a layered shag cut is perfectly acceptable this year. These cuts can be either wild or more tame, depending on how they’re styled in the morning or that night. Adding highlights throughout the curls or at the tips contributes a whole new dimension to the look.

The bob hairstyle is as popular as ever, and there are limitless ways to wear a bob. The pixie bob is more of a rebellious style, while the blunt-cut bob is more toned down. There are bobs for curly hair, straight hair, short hair, or medium hair – it can work for any teen living any lifestyle.

Long hair is  easy for changing styles by just putting the hair up in a ponytail or brushing it into a different shape, but long hair is much more difficult for teens to maintain, so it’s a commitment that requires frequent attention.

Layered cuts work well for any teen who does not have thin hair. If her hair is thin, a blunt cut will make the hair look fuller and less wispy. But no teen can go wrong with a smoothed down style, which is easy to take care of, versatile, and always in style.

For more formal events like prom, an elegantly weaved up style is always a good choice. There are literally endless ways to have an elaborate pulled-back style, and it leaves a stunning, mature impression.

To get customized options for what hairstyle is best with your hair type and facial features, Anastasia is available for a private consultation or styling appointment. Even if you’ve never had a professional stylist do your hair before, you can have a style as beautiful as you’ve always wanted.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City.

Right Style for your Face Shape

Before you chop off your locks to join the latest bob craze ushered in by Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes, take a step back and learn the basics of spotting the style that best suits you – or more specifically, your face shape. A new season may be enough reason to get a fresh look, but that doesn’t mean that the flowing goddess-like ‘do Angelina Jolie sported on the red carpet will work just as well for you.
Here are some very helpful pointers on how to get your perfect new season coiffure:

Pick out your face shape and work with it.

Determining your face shape is the most important part of the process. Tie your hair back into a sleek ponytail or if your hair is too short, pull hair back with a headband. You should be able to see the outline of your face. I suggest doing the first step very carefully and to take your time studying your face especially if you feel yours fall in between the given face shapes. If that still leaves you at odds with yourself, getting the help of a professional hairstylist is the surest way to go, but if you’re determined to figure this out by yourself, a more scientific approach could benefit you:

First, take measurements of the following and write them down (a little bit of math is involved with this method):

1. Length of your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
2. The width of the middle of the forehead, measure from left to right.
3. The width of your face from cheekbone to cheekbone.
4. The width of the jaw line from either end.

You can use these measurements as a reference to finding your face shape.
Face shapes can be roughly divided into 7 types, namely: oval, round, square, heart, triangular, diamond and oblong.

Oval: Based on the measurements, the forehead and jawline almost have the same width. The length of the face is equal to one and a half times width. A normal shape has a  jaw line that’s slightly narrower than the temples with a subtly round hairline.

This is the easiest and most perfect shape to have because it is well-balanced. Most models and celebrities have this type of face. Best suited for oval face shapes are almost any type of hair length and style just as long as hair doesn’t fall too much on the face or get in the way of the beautiful oval shape.

Round: As the shape suggests, the distance between the forehead and the chin is very close to the distance between your cheeks. The shape of your face looks full with a round chin and hairline. To choose the perfect hairstyle that flatters the face shape, the idea is to find one that lengthens your face.

Best suited for round shapes are styles that focus the fullness at the crown, so height is added at the top, with less width at the side of the face. You can go for short, medium or long hair, just as long as your hair style volume is at the top, and the sides of the face are not heavily accentuated. Should you choose to pick out a short hairstyle, keep in mind that cutting your hair at cheek length is a no-no.

Square: Like round shapes, the distance between your cheeks is close to that of the distance between your forehead and your chin. The difference is there’s a distinctly strong jawline and a square hairline. To balance out this shape, we have to create softness around the jawline area.

The most flattering styles for this shape are rounded hair styles, short to medium in length. Should you want to wear bangs, have the hair swept over to one side to minimize the squareness of your face. Hair falling forward onto your face is also a plus. If you’re looking for a style with longer length, try having one with height at the crown and volume at the sides to make the shape more round.

Blunt bobs (which are in season) do not work best with this face shape, specially ones that are chin-length, since this will accentuate the squareness of the face.

Heart: A heart shape is usually wide at the hairline and temples and slowly narrows to a small, pointed chin. This face shape has more volume at the top of the face, so the idea is to balance it by creating the illusion of a wider chin area.

Chin-length hairstyles suit this shape, since the length will accentuate the bottom part of the face. Straight bangs will not work as well as side-swept ones, because the idea is to make the face shape longer and more balanced, rather than to add more volume at the top-front of the face. If you’re into short styles, be sure to pick cuts that has more weight in the nape area rather than the top.

Triangular: Triangular face shapes has narrow forehead and cheekbones while having a wide jawline. As with the other shapes, the key is to pick a hairstyle that will balance the face shape. In this case, the goal is to make the jaw line and chin softer and to widen the forehead.

Generally, shorter hair is more preferable  – that would instantly put all the accent on the top area. If you prefer hair length that is medium to long, choose one that has a lot of layers to evenly balance the unevenness of the face shape. Long hairstyles that are full at the bottom would pull down the face so it would be better to keep the fullness at the top. Be sure to stay clear of center partitions, since those would all the more emphasize the triangle shape.

Diamond: The easiest way to spot a diamond face shape is to look at the cheekbones. If the cheekbone is the most prominent part of the face, with narrowing both at the forehead and down the chin part.

Flattering cuts for a diamond shape are ones that makes the cheekbones appear less prominent while slightly widening the chin area. Chin-length bobs and layered cuts look great on diamonds. While the idea is to balance the face with volume, cuts that cover the face makes the look appear unflattering. If the diamond face shape is long, straight bangs will do the trick.

Oblong: If your face length is much longer than it is wide, then you definitely have an oblong face shape.

The key here is to make the face appear wider, to shorten the length of the face. Short to medium cuts with fullness at the sides of the face are perfect for making the face appear wider. A wispy fringe would even soften the look even more. Layers distribute the emphasis to the whole of the face, so that could be worn in short to longer lengths. If you insist on wearing the hair long and straight, make the partition at the side to prevent lengthening your face. I suggest to wear your hair in short or medium length as much as possible, since long hair works against this type of face shape

Now that you’ve gotten a few tips on your face shape do’s and don’ts, you can start putting it to good use and begin experimenting with the hippest hairstyles of this season. When you visit your local hair stylist, you’ll already have an idea on which styles look flattering on you. Or consult an expert. I’d be remiss if I didn’t plug my own services. I am open for appointments, so call now for an appointment, or come in to the salon (call first, to make sure I’m there). I’ll help you match the right style to your face shape.