Style by Anastasia

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Hair Extensions & Straightening

Natural looking sew-in extensions, fusion extensions, locking extensions, thermal reconditioning, Japanese straightening, Magic Straight.  Anastasia uses smaller extension braids for natural looking hair extensions. Proper extensions are sewn tightly, so you have the 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, minimizing damage, lasts longer, with more shine, and is easier to style.

Hair Extensions: See [examples].

  • 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

Hair Straightening: See [examples].

  • 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.

 

 

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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.

Lost in connection
Image by Fabiana Zonca via Flickr

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.
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2010’s Long Hair Styles To Watch Out For

Penelope Cruz attends the 80th Annual Academy ...
Image via Wikipedia

With the Golden Globes Awards barely over, millions of avid fans had a clear view of what 2010’s hair styles to look forward to. Many of the celebrities came out all guns blazing wearing what that they thought was the best outfit ever made. However, no outfit could ever look great without the right hair styles.

What was seen on the red carpet is just an inkling of what hair styles for this year are all about. What was most obvious was the free flowing hair of most of the celebrities, and this sets the trend for 2010.

The byword for this year is versatility. This means being able to look fresh, fantastic, and new. If you have long, wavy hair, there is so much you can do – you could take a cue from Penelope Cruz and create some sexy waves on a layered hair style. Or you could go the other direction and have sleek, silky, long straight hair with stylish fringes to frame your face.

What most stylists recommend is having healthy, long hair that will allow you to change your look in the wink of an eye. If you plan to have a trim, add some waves or curls, layers and heavy conditioning. This will make it possible to carry the classic, elegant look and shift to a sexy, glamorous look the following night. This is what versatility means.

The sweeping fringes will still remain popular simply because it compliments all lengths of hair, as well as hair types.

Women who opted for a bob will probably choose to lengthen their hair because the bob will grow old. One of the main focuses for 2010 will be soft hair, and the bob tends to look too harsh on anyone but young Chinese girls.

In 2010, you can still expect the long shaggy hair to be around. By shaggy, the hair appears to be messy, without really being messy. This means not having the “just got out of bed” look, but the hair that has been put in a glam updo, but in a casual, sexy way. This means tiny fringes of curly hair barely framing the face, and making the entire look appear soft with just the right amount of texture. This kind of hair style for long hair, regardless of your hair type, is easy to do on your own with elastic bands, the right hair products, a comb, and your fingers to pull down some hair to serve as fringes. Above all, make sure to keep the hair looking and feeling soft, so don’t use any harsh hair products like starchy hair spray.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.
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Medium Hair Styles in 2010

Medium hair generally rests on the shoulders or a couple of inches below, and offers a variety of hair styles without changing the length. But you can also risk adopting a “mommy look” unless you make the effort to add texture and highlights or some additional style. Whether straight, wavy, or curly, medium length hair is the most adaptable length. But there are some styling errors you should avoid.

Charlize-Theron
Image by Peadar O’Sullivan via Flickr

First, avoid the blunt cut if you have thick, straight hair. You run the risk of having a Chinese baby doll look that has gone astray. This is because there is the tendency to look like you have too much hair and not enough face. Second, if you are going to try a curly look on straight hair, remember not to get it too tightly curled. This will shorten your hair too much, and give you the Little Bo Peep look that is not quite in style right now.

For 2010 medium length hair, consider adding some edge by styling your hair to flip outward. If you have never seen Manga – the Japanese comic characters, go check it out. This look is fabulous on the younger, yuppie crowd, but would also look great once in while for older women. You might call it a stylish shag that’s edgy and attractive. This look requires some amount of confidence to pull it off properly, so make sure you won’t be hiding it under a hat or scarf.

Layering is also a hot look 2010. With medium length hair, you have a fantastic opportunity to style your hair with drastic or conservative layers – whichever you like. You could also add some bangs which can either be slightly swept up or aside; or you could make them wispy, feather-like bangs that graze your forehead slightly. You could also try the flipped hair look which is actually great on any length. This hair trend is for the young and young-at-heart. It would look great with any outfit, day or night.

Sleek, silky hair is still an eye-catching look for 2010. However, you need to make sure your hair is conditioned and healthy to get a look that will make heads turn. One way to do this is have your hair re-bonded or have a cellophane treatment. This will make your hair silky smooth and soft to touch. At a minimum, you may need deep conditioning.

Once you have the style you are happy with, ask your stylist’s advice on different ways to dress your hair. Go in for a style and go on a few occasions, and let her create quick looks for you that are simple to do and will not take too much time. Do experiment with hair products like gel, mousse, hair setters or hair wavers. Just make sure that you don’t go overboard with cheap hair products from the store that could damage your hair. Consult your stylist, who has access to products, and information/education about them, that you won’t.

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

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Real vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

Choosing hair extensions can leave you baffled if you do not fully understand your options. When it comes to hair extensions there are two choices to choose from: real hair extensions and synthetic extensions. While both can give you longer, fuller hair, you will not receive the same results. Real hair extensions are the most popular choice and for good reasons. While synthetic hair extensions can give you longer, fuller hair, it will be obvious that the extensions in your hair are fake. Although, synthetic extensions are made to look real, they don’t necessarily cut it. Real hair extensions, on the other hand, are going to give you the results you demand.

Sarandon at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival
Image via Wikipedia

Ordinarily, when you want hair extensions you want them to look as natural as possible. Because real hair extensions are made with real hair, you will receive both quality, a realistic look and they will last for months if put in right. Real hair extensions are real hair so you take care of your extensions just like your own hair. You will more than likely need to purchase a shampoo for sensitive hair and ensure that your hair is free of tangles at all times. The better you care for your hair, the better it looks.

Plus, when having real hair extensions put in your hair, they are done by a professional who knows what they are doing. Not only do you get high-quality results with real hair extensions, you also receive tips from the professional who knows all about hair extensions. Although, you will pay a bit more for real hair extensions than synthetic hair extensions, the money is well-spent. It is true that in order to get great quality, you will have to pay a little more. This holds true for hair extensions. Ensure you do your research and you can find a great deal and receive high-quality real hair extensions.

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Personal Benefits of Getting Hair Extensions

Why should you get hair extensions? There are many reasons people get hair extensions.

Celebrities use hair extensions regularly even in movies as well as off screen. Many famous people have been seen sporting new hairstyles using extensions.

Mariah Carey and Robert De Niro at the premier...
Image via Wikipedia

They are ideal for those who have hair that does not grow fast or properly. Hair extensions are also a good option for people who experience thinning hair or balding. This is also a way for many people to have thick and long hair.

There are also personal benefits that a person has psychologically after improving appearance with extensions. When a person is happy with the way the way he or she looks, self confidence is given a boost. Having more hair offers a younger look.

Many women have hair extension applied for longer hair in order to have many different hairstyles. Hair extensions also allow damaged hair to be repaired.

Another benefit is that hair extensions are available in many different colors that will look natural and blend in perfectly with your own hair. Hair extensions are also available in many lengths to choose from.

People who have straight hair can add extensions that add curls or waves. This style is easy to care of even though curls and waves are added.

Prices will vary based on the type as well as the length. Texture will also play a part. Extensions which use natural hair over synthetic hair are more costly but are the recommended type to have. Application of hair extensions should be performed by trained professional hair stylists.

Regardless of the type chosen, you will have flexibility with hairstyles for various occasions. You will feel more confident and like how you look.

 

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Raise the Roof with Root Boost

Today’s hairstyles demand a lot from your hair. One of the hottest trends now is volume. Bigger hair is back baby! Runway and style shows are featuring hair that has height and fullness. Redkin artist Tracy Guthry takes height and sculpture to a new level in her Smoulder collection. Hair is transformed to a work of art with product application, back-brushing and hand molding. Faatemah Ampey creates movement and height in her new Fashion Forward collection. Hair of lifted and given height with an illusion of movement. While you might not be as adventurous as the models in these collections, root booster can give you as much height and volume as you dare to sport.

Big hair 80's model on white background, 1986
Image by | El Caganer via Flickr

Roost booster is a product that you spray onto the roots of your hair when it is wet or dry. It helps to give your hair volume right at the roots to transform flat and thin hair to beautifully full and thick. Bed Head by TIGI is a light fruity scented spray that gives lift and volume. TIGI’s Catwalk Root Boost was designed to deliver maximum design control. Like the name implies, you can get catwalk hair with this product. There are several brands of root boost on the market. Consult your stylist for one that works well with your hair.

One of the most popular styles today can benefit from a root booster. Long layered hair looks fabulous with a bit of lift at the crown. After you shampoo and condition your hair, lightly towel dry it to get out the excess moisture. Section off your hair starting at the front hairline and continue in small sections to just below your crown. Spray the booster on your hair’s roots. You don’t need much so don’t overdo. Use a large round brush and take small sections starting at your crown pulling your hair up at the roots. Direct the flow of air from your dryer onto the brush holding your hair up. Try to get most of the hot air onto your roots. Once your roots are almost dry, draw the brush up to your ends following it with the dryer. By concentrating the hot air flow to your roots first, this helps the root boost hold the height and lift you will obtain from this method.

Short and medium styles become works of art with root boost. Use the same method as before and concentrate the heat of your blow dryer on your roots first. When applied to dry hair root boost gives you the option to refresh your drooping locks. Use you fingers to style and you’ve got a killer look. Use root booster to give your style new life and you a new look.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.
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Put Your Best Face Forward After Fifty

Many women have the mistaken idea that as they get older, their hairstyle options get smaller. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Nowhere is it written that once you get past a certain age you have to wear your grandmother’s hairstyle.

Celebrities have known that a good hair cut can make or break your look. Take a look at Annette Benning, or Jane Seymour, Isabella Rossellini, Glend Close, Blythe Danner, or Michelle Pfeiffer. All of them are past fifty and look young and vibrant. What is one of Annette Benning’s secrets? Her hair, it’s short, blonde and wispy. Glenn Close’s chin length layered cut highlights her terrific bone structure and pulls your attention up to her fabulous blue eyes. Soft waves and highlights frame Blythe Danner’s classic beauty. And who can argue that Michelle Pfeiffer’s tousled mass of curls doesn’t make her look young and sexy? All of these actresses are over fifty but still look fresh and youthful.

Finding a talented stylist is key to getting the right cut and style. An experienced beauty professional can give you a personalized consultation to find a style that meets your hair’s needs and fits into your lifestyle.

  • If you’re a wash and go type of woman, a fun short layered style will let you get up and out in the morning with a minimal amount of fuss.
  • Soft curls that frame your face will help to soften your features and give you a feminine grace.
  • Nothing beats a classic bob for a polished youthful look. Today’s bobs are versatile and have depth and movement to keep the look fresh.

Yes you can wear long hair after fifty. The key is to have some height at the crown. Another key is to have your layers frame your face so that one length does not pull your face down and make you look older. With these tips in mind, you can find a hairstyle that will not only boost your spirits but make you look and feel younger.

Anastasia is a salon hair stylist in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Out of town appointments welcome.
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Threading or Waxing Hair Removal

Time or some ouch factor – your choice:

Threading
Image by lanchongzi via Flickr

Body hair can be a source of embarrassment especially if it’s in obvious areas like the face, arms and legs. This has led to several options in removing body and facial such as plucking, shaving, waxing, threading, and laser hair removal.

Plucking and shaving is tiresome and has to be done daily. For these two reasons, women prefer a more lasting method. Laser hair removal is permanent, but can be a very expensive procedure, which leaves threading and waxing.

Technically, both methods are effective and allow the person to enjoy a lengthier time of being hair-free. So, which method should you select?

Threading is an East Asian method of removing hair, and was brought to the Western world less than a decade ago. The areas that can be threaded are facial hair like the eyebrows, upper lip and forehead. Just like it sounds, threading involves the use of a thread to snag a row of hair follicles, twisting them with the thread before pulling them out with some degree of force. The pain is very minimal and the result is an amazing hair-free, smooth finish.

If you have a lot of facial hair, the process can be slow and tedious. However, for the amount of time you have to invest, you are saving your skin from being pulled every which way, since the skin is not put under any stress at all. As a result, you have less chances of developing premature wrinkles and sagging skin.

You might think that threading is similar to plucking, but here you could not be more wrong. When you pluck, you use tweezers and this tool tends to cut the hair. When the hair grows and becomes visible again, it will be thicker and could start growing under the skin (known as ingrown hair). Threading pulls the hair root out so, when the hair grows back, it is not a stubble.

As for waxing, you need quite a bit more patience and tolerance for some pain. It hurts. There is just no way to avoid the pain. Waxing involves applying hot, thick liquid wax over the hair, covering the wax with a thin cotton strip, allowing it to dry before stripping it abruptly away. Ouch!

The reason waxing has become very popular, though, is because the effects are a smooth finish and, eventually, less hair will appear. Unfortunately, since the wax is applied to the skin, there is significant pressure on the skin, and this can cause irritation and rashes. On occasion, if you have ultra sensitive skin, you could develop pimple-like rashes.

Aside from upper lips and eyebrows, waxing on other parts of the face, like the sideburns and chin is not advisable. Your face is much more sensitive than your arms, underarms, and legs. Of course, every person reacts differently to waxing and wax. The best thing to do would be to test an area before going full blown with the procedure.

The downside of waxing is having to wait for the hair to grow back about an inch or two before being able to wax again. The wax has to be able to hold on to the hair, and if the hair is very short, it will not hold.

In conclusion, both methods are effective and have different benefits and drawbacks, which means the choice is personal. Do you want to sit through a lengthy threading session, or would you rather endure the pain of a short waxing session? If this is your first time to have your facial and body hair removed, why not try both methods, and then decide which methods you prefer more?

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