Hair Color & Treatments

Because we all somehow seem to relate gray hair to aging, most mature folk prefer to hide their white locks, thinking that doing so will give them a more youthful appearance.

Maybe this concept is true, but we must exclude the twenty-something pop-stars out there, today, who implore their colorists to go silver.

So what’s up with that?

Today, let’s talk about gray tones, and how mature women in 2016 are wearing them.

Hoary-gray is in.

Hoary-gray is a seasonal hue that colorists deem to be both adult and in-vogue.

Young actress, Kori Hendrix, showed off some hoary-gray locks at this year’s Olympics in Rio; moreover, the mature Helen Mirren flaunted this same shade at the London’s National Theater earlier this year.

This tells us that hoary-gray is definitely becoming a fad tone for women of all ages, which is a good heads up for those looking forward to next season’s trends.

Salt-and-pepper hair shines in the daylight.

Your name doesn’t have to be Jamie Lee Curtis for you to look incredible with showers of salt-and-pepper hues in the mane. The year 2016 presents a twist to this traditional shade by blending those random clusters of natural gray you own into a pop-pleasing darker shade.

What your stylist will be shooting for are chic streaks with strategic highlights, which he or she can accomplish by lightening the off-strands to create ribbons of gorgeous silver and black locks.

Purple-Gray shades love risk-takers.

Purple gray locks are as attention-grabbing as platinum-blonde tresses, and there is no rule that says you can’t spice up your grey hair with a little modern color.

Those who choose this risqué hue should know, beforehand, that your hair will become a focal point in your overall appearance.8

Further, these locks will require some regular deep-conditioning treatments to add violet-shine and to help smooth out the whiter cuticles.

One may also consider adding highlights or lowlights to purple-gray color for some extended volume and texture.

White-Silver hues beware.

White-silver is the answer that most clients seek, both young and old, when going for the all-gray look. That being said, even though this shade is most popular, it’s not for everyone.

White-silver hair doesn’t always complement warm skin tones; hence, those with yellow or olive complexions beware.

Also, this hue does not harmonize well with thinning locks, unless the cut is short (we never want to make superfine hair look thinner).

Finally, frizzy tresses with flyaway strands will make gray appear even grayer, which is what we don’t want in 2016.

Thus, if frizz control is a problem, you may want to consider a darker, sleeker shade for a fuller profile.

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Why is it that every now and then most of us feel the urge to go blonde? Is it because they have more fun; or perhaps we just enjoy the way how the sun perfectly compliments champagne hair when tanning on the beach.

Whatever the case may be, you’ll be happy to know that everyone can walk around with light-colored hair, regardless of their skin type; however, not every blonde hue is the same.

This means that you and your colorist will ultimately have to discover the right flaxen tone to enhance the mane and compliment your complexion as well.

Believe me; this task can seem really complex for novice clients, which is why we decided to write some guidelines on what blondes perform best for unlike skin tones.

Now, you’ll know exactly what hue to look forward to the next time you visit your salon for a blonde makeover.

Light Skin with Cool Nuances

If you own pale or fair skin with traces of cool undertones, we recommend you take on a golden or strawberry blonde tone just like Gwyneth Paltrow does. Notice how these flaxen warm her complexion instead of making it appear lighter.

Light Skin with Warm Nuances

Taylor Swift knows that her reddish skin tone can become extra light in the paparazzo’s lens, if she doesn’t get her hair tone right. Colors like ice, champagne, or platinum work gorgeously well here, and they will deactivate most innate blush color from the skin’s appearance.

Medium Skin with Cool Nuances

Sun-kissed blonde matches medium facial tones that stray on the cooler side. Jennifer Aniston’s butterscotch and lemon shades prove that women with this complexion that can use sun-kissed color to their advantage for calming down their rash skin tones.

Medium Skin with Warm Nuances

Actress and professional dancer Julianne Hough adds sandy or wheat-neutral flaxen to her locks for assistance in revealing her skin’s natural-warm glow, which is why we suggest that women who own medium-light complexions do the same.

Olive Skin

Did you know that the pros consider Jennifer Lopez’s skin texture to carry an olive tone? This is why most of us see her flaunting anything neutral that’s between warm and cool. Honey or toffee blondes are neutral-tone models that will look naturally-healthy on olive skin.

Dark Skin with Cool Nuances

Here, think caramel and golden hues, like the ones in Rihanna’s gilded locks, for awarding an obsequious dissimilarity to the darker skin tone.

Dark Skin with Warm Nuances

Ebony complexions without cooler facial countenances can safely go sable or amber blonde to enhance their instinctively warm skin tone. Actress Gabrielle Union gives us professionals motivation and optimism to recognize that this color absolutely works.

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Women aren’t the only people enjoying multi-hue hair vogue – men want to get in on the action too!

The merman craze has guys all around the nation coloring their mane (and their beards as well) in oceans of sapphire, jade, aqua and violet to mimic those mystifying creatures that live in the deep.

Some think that this fashion statement gives acquiesce to the ’80s, but the realty is, in 2016, mermen colors are not retro at all.

There’s an endless amount of ways today’s male can make a modern, colorful statement with his hair; yet, before a guy takes on a submarine revolution, he’ll need to ask himself two basic questions.

Let’s see what they are …

1) What kind of merman are you?

A lot of novice mermen opt for cool-toned colors of which a pro-stylist can perform in just one session. This look is subtle, and some guys can even get away with sporting “toned-down” merman hair at work.

However, the real trendsetters are the mermen who flaunt those vivid sea-and-sky pastel hues of green and blues with an occasional pink or purple hidden in the mane. Superstars like Jared Leto and Zayn Malik started this ultra-merman movement in 2014.

Yet, boldness is not the only ingredient needed to sport a flamboyant-colored mane; the tinting process itself is a bit cumbersome; first, a guy will need to go peroxide blonde.

Next, comes the pastel hand painting, in a second session, which can take a few hours, if you own longer locks.

This goes the same for tinting beards and eyebrows, which many men desire for harmonizing with their newly-enhanced mane.

2) Is this a permanent or temporary merman journey?

Temporary merman hues (semi-permanent) can offer a guy more innate color, and obviously, this would be the way to go for the man who is unsure if they’ll want to flaunt a bright-colered mane during Sunday church services.

A semi-permanent mane will stick around for about three to six weeks, fading more and more after every shower. Further, most temporary hues do not contain bleach.

Although this is a safe plus when talking about hair damage, the temporary dye may not be strong enough to lighten your hair to a natural-looking tone.

On the other hand, permanent mermen coloring (a.k.a oxidation) employs chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or ammonia to get the job done. A perm mane will stay colorful until the hair grows out or until toned down in another session.

As mentioned earlier, achieving long-lasting color may require two sessions. The reason for this is because your stylist will want to make sure there’s minimal damage to the mane; perm chemicals are stronger than semi-perms, and the concoction stays in the hair for longer periods of time.

Hence, permanent dyes can be more damaging to your hair, if a non-professional does the work.

There is one last thing. We call “perms” permanent for a reason; no pro-stylist will add more chemicals to locks that have been subject to a coloring job less than six-months prior.

What this means for mermen who choose permanent hair coloring is that they will be stuck with the tone for at least six months, or until they shave their heads.

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade,

(Anastasia) for an appointment.

Summer vacation is the best time for eating with friends outdoors, getting off work early, and getting the perfect tan, but for you hair, summer also means more humidity and dryness. Combat summer frizz by trying these six quick fixes on your locks for a healthier, more beautiful you.

Get a breath of “freezer” air…

At least nine times out of ten, hair that does not completely settle down after blow drying will cause some major frizz when stepping out into the summer sun. Your freezer keeps those meats and veggies fresh; so, why not let it do the same for the mane?

Quick Fix #1: Before leaving the house, stand in front of an open freezer door for at least five minutes, while turned around, and let the cool air “set-firm” your style.

Reinforce the tresses…

Did you know that gelatin proteins repair damaged hair? It especially fixes those split ends, which are prone to frizz when the temperature rises.

Quick Fix #2: Grab a packet of the unflavored gelatin, and add the powder to some warm water. After about twenty minutes, apply the solution to clean, wet hair. Leave the gelatin in for another twenty minutes; then, rinse it out, and follow it up with a strong dose of conditioner.

Form frizz resistant waves…

Create some humid resistant curls by not throwing away those Popsicle sticks after enjoying the refreshment on a hot summer day.

Quick Fix #3: Clean up the sticks; let them dry; then, loosely entwine the center portion of towel-dry hair around them. You can also fasten the entire mess with clips, if the sticks seem too loose. After the locks are completely dry, just free them, and kindly shape the curls by finger-combing and forming strands of attractive, natural waves.

Go for an oil treatment…

Dry hair naturally looks for moisture in the air, but a heavenly breeze is not the only way to keep those locks wet. Cooking oils can assist in preventing dried-up ends.

Quick Fix #4: Warm a little oil (olive-oil preferred) in the microwave to the point where it’s safe enough to touch, and dab it throughout the hair. After about forty minutes, shampoo and condition as usual–no more expensive masks!

Get sun-smart…

The sunlight does a lot of damage to hair, period; especially, at the beach,

Quick Fix #5: Apply a small amount of sunscreen over the tresses—it’s UV protection will stop hair breakage, and the added weight and lubrication will assist in keeping those loose strands in check, as well.

On those non-shampoo days…

Sometimes, we just do not have time to shampoo and style while on summer vacation.

Quick Fix #6: Dab some dry-shampoo where the hair meets the skin at the forehead, and let it absorb before working the product throughout the hair to absorb grease and grime.

For a great haircut or hairstyle in Oklahoma City, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Man’s vanity with coloring their gray hair is not yesterday’s news. So, why is it, then, a lot of guys are still getting it wrong?

Let’s help you men out there get the best coloring job possible by shouting out some advice on everything from hiding the gray strands to going for a full revamp.

Burying The Gray

Owning gray hair is rightly expected with age, and just because some salt shows up in your pepper doesn’t necessarily mean that your confidence should go away. However, there are those who are not ready to embrace their gray. Here’s how to make it disappear.

First, it’s important to talk to your stylist about which tint options would work best for your hair’s texture. Almost any hue that matches the hair’s innate color will work well with long hair. But, if you own short hair and your main priority is covering up only patches of grey, your professional may recommend a color that is two shades lighter than the intensity of your natural hue.

This pro-advice will help counteract any warmth issues that may develop in the mane later.
It’s also worth asking about a semi-permanent color, unless you’re absolutely sure that you know what hue-scheme works best for you.

Going Platinum

Let’s face it, an older man with bleached hair or platinum blue will have some folks turning their heads. Think about celebrities like, Jared Leto and Jake Woolf, if you want to consider platinum hair, but do be careful because this hue doesn’t go well with every skin tone (no redheads); and it’s not a color that most men can flaunt around the office.

Lastly, know that an especially dark mane will require at least two lightening treatments to unearth the right shade of blonde or blue platinum that matches the skin character.

The Rainbow Movement

Feel like stepping it up a notch? Why not try a bold green or blue tone or any bright color to change a lightened mane. Don’t worry, this style can go non-permanent, if needed, by applying water-based toners, which don’t own any harmful chemicals and won’t damage the hair’s follicles or ends.

Making It Last

Normally, the grey stands will start to appear again on shorter hair in a few of weeks. However, guys with longer locks can take steps to slow the fade. Color-hold conditioners are available at most pro salons, which should be applied at least three times a week.

For bleached or platinum hair or for a Technicolor mane, blue or violet shampoo is available to pacify that yellow or green tinge that can form when the hair’s protein structure starts to poke through as the weeks pass.

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Between sand, sunshine, and the extra heat, your hair is going to need extra care between salon visits. Here are five ways to protect your hair from the summer sun and make your salon style last.

Hack Formula: Aspirin + Shampoo = Shine

Did you know that the acidic compounds in aspirin help demolish dead skin cells and disintegrate product buildup on your scalp? Dandruff is a culprit in the manufacturing of dry and dull hair; crushing two aspirin pills and adding it to a goop of regular shampoo aspirin before sudsing up will kill dandruff and will lead to a more flake-free, shiny ‘do. Just remember to apply the solution only two or three times each month; any more than this may strip the hair of its natural lubricating oils.

Use dryer sheets to control the frizz.

Dryer sheets remove static-cling from your clothes, so, why can’t they do the same for your hair? The waxes and anti-static agents found in over-the-counter sheets, like Bounce, can tame the frizz and those fly-a-way strands, contributing to a more sleek and glossy allure. Simply pass the sheet gently over dry hair to pacify those frizzy locks, which stand in the way of achieving a smoother shine.

Rinse with vinegar to smooth the tresses.

Vinegar works wonders for the hair because the super-acidity in it balances your hair’s innate pH levels. This equilibrium functions to break down residue and detangles hair near the cuticle. Don’t worry; the smell will not stay around for very long, and the rinse will cost you pennies. The paramount vinegar rinse application contains one part apple cider vinegar and one part water. This rinse should be applied to the hair immediately after shampooing–let it sit for a four-to-five minutes before rinsing with water—no conditioner needed!

Oil is your friend.

Put away as much oil as you can–by eating it, using it as a conditioner, or spraying it on lightly for an immediate shine. Oil consumption infuses the hair with direct moisture, and it hides and heals split ends while recovering long-term potency and silkiness inside the locks. Coconut oil is best used as a mask, of which can be applied directly on scalp and smoothed throughout the ends. Subsequently, leave the mask on overnight before washing out the oil. Lightweight oils like argan, olive, or almond oil can also work too.

Go easy on the product.

Most of us are tempted to douse lackluster hair heavily with shine spray or serum polish. This is ok, but don’t overdo it. Here, the trick is to make sure that the product does not touch the scalp–always apply with your hands for better control. If it’s a spray, spritz the solution onto your fingers, and then comb through gently to avoid the roots and to focus only on the ends.

For a great haircut or hairstyle in Oklahoma City, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Balayage hair color is one of the hottest hair color trends going into 2016. This means that most women this winter will be asking their stylist to add some faultless, sun-kissed highlights to their locks, which can be perfectly executed without foils. However, there are some gals out there that are completely “foil-loyal.”

Let’s get the 411 on the differences between foiling and balayage.

Balayage, a.k.a “hair painting,” allows stylish gals to place color wherever she chooses, and it’s also an excellent choice for coloring grays because the technique only tints a few gray strands rather than coloring the entire head. Here, the stylist basically paints color with great control onto thick hair segments to lighten them, which is sometimes referred to as “sweeping” because the colorist uses a sweeping movement when applying the hues.

Foiling requires wrapping the hair square sections (remember that heads are round), which is why foiling only works well under certain circumstances.

What should I choose, balayage or traditional foil highlights?

Balayage works when you are a first time highlight client, who specifically is looking for exceptionally-faint highlights. Also, balayage produces the most natural finish on clients who hold very short hair that can get out of control.

Foiling forces color on to the fine hairs at the mane line. For this reason, its works best on women who have already had their hair colored, say about a month ago, and notice that dark roots or dark shadows at the cuticles are making their overall look appear unnatural.

Can someone who has had foiling done be candidates for balayage?

Some women think that balayage erases a perfectly executed coloring job. This is not true; most pro-stylists can create unique hues over well done foiling jobs, which make those clients perfect candidates for balayage because the end result can produce some one one-of-a-kind summer streaks that a girl can write home about.

Is balayage less expensive than foiling?

Balayage highlighting is less tedious and time-consuming than foiling…so it should be less expensive–right? Well, that depends; some stylist can foil with their eyes closed, while others feel that balayage is far more time consuming than foiling. The answer is…pricing varies because it really depends upon the expertise of your colorist and/or on the head of hair the stylist has to work with. Coloring is far more complicated, today, than it was twenty years ago. So, pricing really is determined on a case-by-case basis.

HAIR COLOR

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.

Do you wish that you owned fuller, waiver hair instead having to put up with your flimsy, comatose tresses? There’s a whole lot of “how to make your locks thicker” information out there for folks with thin hair to read; so, we thought we’d send some fundamental pro-knowledge to you gals, which can put you on the correct path to achieving the ambitious hair you deserve…

Pro tip #1 for thicker hair

So, let’s review; first, and foremost, apply some volumizing rinse products in the shower. But instead of letting the mane air dry naturally or blow drying the hair every which way and up, grab some volumizing spray and a curved brush. Next, part your hair in sections starting from the bottom up, and blow dry only individual parts, using your brush to create some volume. Also, make sure that you saturate each section with the pre-treatment, volumizer before applying the heat.

Pro tip #2 for thicker hair

If a salon blow dry is not your thing, why not try making good use of those old, bedtime hair rollers you stashed away in the closet. Did you forget how those little lifesavers produced amazing salon-thick hair overnight? Remember that diverse-size rollers create different fullness, so you can choose between big, medium or small waves for your final effect. For best results, leave the rollers in overnight, and apply a little hairspray to keep them in place while you sleep.

Pro tip #3 for thicker hair

For super-fast, fuller hair, a girl’s best bet is to invest in some wavy hair extension attachments. These little clip-in marvels can produce a thicker mane just a matter of minutes. Imagine, no more blow drying, no more buying volumizing products and no more messing with curlers. The hair extensions found at pro salons, today, are incredibly subtle and tasteful. Stylists offer them in many different hues and lengths; you can also be sure that none of your friends, nor your date, will be able to guess that your newer, fuller hair is anything else but your own. Be sure to ask your stylist about the best approach to using fuller hair extensions with fine hair.

Pro tip #4 for thicker hair #4

Lighten up the color! Nearly all pro stylists know that highlighting a gal’s mane is the most efficient method for making her hair look fuller in the long run. Furthermore, the peroxide found in highlighting products will swell the hair strands, which means that the locks’ natural thickness will almost double. Blending diverse hair shades does the trick too. Combining hues always adds dimension and texture to the mane, which complementary provides some extra-volume, savoir-faire for women with thin hair.

HAIR COLOR

For hair color in Oklahoma City with low ammonia and low fade, call me (Anastasia) for an appointment.