Style by Anastasia

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How to Band Natural Hair – Oklahoma City Hair Salon

Natural hairstyles have become very popular, and with them come special care needs. Natural hair is prone to breakage, and high heat tools add to this tendency. One way to help your hair relax before you style it is to band it. Banding stretches the hair gently without heat. It is one way to protect your natural hair from damage, while making it more manageable. All you need to band your hair are good quality covered ponytail holders. Be sure to get ones that are wide enough to band your hair correctly, and have enough padding protect your hair.

http://beadsbraidsbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/04/banding-faq.html
Beads Braids Beyond

After you wash your hair and towel dry it, use a large tooth comb to detangle it, and apply a leave in conditioner. Section out your hair like you are going to do all over braids. Apply moisturizer to the first section of your hair, and place a covered ponytail holder at the base. Add more holders spacing them a half inch to one inch away from each other. Continue down the section of hair until you reach the ends. Braid the ends which are loose. Repeat this process on all sections of your hair, and let dry overnight.

In the morning you can take the bands out and style your hair. Your hair will be stretched and much easier to braid, twist, or set in flexi-rods. Banding is a great choice for children’s hair. It protects their hair from heat while making it much easier to work with. Ask your stylist for suggestions for moisturizing and conditioning products to protect and nourish your natural hair. She can also help you learn how to band your hair, and give you suggestions about styling.

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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Tips to Keep Natural Hair Beautiful – Oklahoma City Hairstylist

Many women are making the choice to wear their hair naturally. Recently Oprah Winfrey appeared on the cover of her magazine O with glorious natural waves. Wearing hair natural is not usually an easy choice for a woman. Many factors are involved in the decision. It could be one of economics (weaves and relaxers can be expensive to keep up) or one of cultural identification. For women of an ethnic background, hair is not usually just hair, but a personal statement of style, culture, and stature.

http://beautifulbrowngirls.com/2012/02/22/natural-hair-care-product-of-the-week-avocados/
Beautiful Brown Girls.com

Weaves and relaxer services can put a toll on your hair and scalp. Weaves can cause hair loss such as traction alopecia (which is stress on the hair roots from braids). Relaxers are very high in pH. and can cause burns and irritation on your scalp and dry your hair out. The decision to go natural is not only easier on your pocketbook, but also a healthy choice for your scalp and hair. If you’ve been using either one of these, your hair will need to be treated with some TLC while you make the transition to natural hair.

If you have had a lot of hair loss from wearing weave, or you want to get rid of the relaxed hair, you will probably have to have your hair cut very short. This is usually the hardest part of the transition to natural hair. But if you do have to get your hair cut very short, think of it as a chance for your hair to have a fresh start. The new growth will be much healthier than the dry and damaged hair, and you’ll be ahead of the game. So don’t fret, your hair will grow back thicker and healthier than before if you take care of it.

Natural hair needs moisture. Look for products with Argan oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. These oils absorb completely into your hair and scalp. They also contain high amounts of essential fatty acids and vitamins your hair needs to be strong. Stay away from shampoos and styling products which contain sulfates. Sulfates dry your hair out and can contribute to breakage. Make sure you keep your scalp conditioned since healthy hair starts in the hair follicle. Use a scalp cream to soothe any irritation and help to nourish your scalp.

There are many high quality professional products available to help make the transition to natural hair. Ask your stylist for her recommendations on products, and for styles to carry you through until your hair grows out healthy, strong, and natural.

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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Bring Out Your Natural Curls – Oklahoma City Hair Salon

Women with naturally curly hair are discovering the freedom and beauty of letting their natural texture shine. Wearing your hair naturally is not only freeing, but it helps to keep you hair healthy looking. When you use high heat tools such as a flat iron, curling iron, and blow dryer you sap the moisture out of your hair and these tools can damage your hair causing frizz and split ends. This can make you end up with a head of fuzzy out of control hair. But if you learn to work with your natural texture and curl patterns, you can have a head of glorious beautiful hair.

http://www.dailymakeover.com/blogs/beauty-trends-and-news/top-10-curly-celebrity-hairstyles.html?slideid=8&slideshowPaused=false
Daily Make Over

Your first step is to find a stylist who knows how to work with curly hair. Curly hair presents its own set of challenges for the stylist. It is very different to cut and style curly hair than wavy or straight hair. Visit your stylist every four to six weeks (depending on how fast your hair grows) to maintain the shape of your style and get split ends trimmed. This will not only keep your look fresh, but help to cut down on frizz.

Moisture is your curly hair’s best friend. Look for cleansing, conditioning, and styling products free of sulfates and alcohol. Ask your stylist to give you recommendations on professional products to keep your hair looking and feeling great. A leave in conditioner is one of the best products to use to keep naturally curly hair manageable and soft. Anti-frizz serum should be a curly headed girl’s best friend. These products coat your hair to help reduce static electricity and give your hair an extra boost of shine.

Always pat your hair dry and avoid rubbing it with a towel after you cleanse and condition it. This will help cut down on tangles and frizz. Use the diffuser attachment on your blow dryer, and use your fingers to fluff your hair as you dry it. Never brush wet hair, it is very fragile when wet. Instead use a wide tooth comb or hair pick to get out any tangles. You can also use some curl booster on towel dried hair to give your curls definition. A bit of paste after your hair is dry will also help to define your curls. Embrace your natural curls and let their beauty shine this season.

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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Embrace Your Natural Hair Texture – Oklahoma City Hairstylist

Women are embracing their natural hair texture. For the past few years there has been a growing movement in hair styling to forgo harsh chemical treatments and relaxers. Many women are tired of the way these treatments damage their hair and irritate their scalp, let alone the economic side of the coin. Relaxers and straightening treatments can be pricey and time consuming to maintain. African American women who have made the choice to go natural is up 25% from last year. Many celebrities are showing up in the media and on red carpets with their hair styled naturally.

http://www.bellasugar.com/Viola-Daviss-Green-Eyeliner-Oscars-2012-21948798
Bella Sugar

Hairstyles have long been a symbol of status and self expression. Women are now breaking free from the stereotype of long straight being the perfect hair. No longer happy to alter their natural hair texture, women of all races and ages are finally embracing what nature gave them. Along with this trend come some special considerations for the care of natural hair. Naturally curly hair can be more fragile than straight hair, so it needs extra care to keep it looking and feeling healthy.

Moisture is your hair’s best friend. Use a moisturizing shampoo/conditioner system. Look for products which contain olive oil, shea butter, and Argan oil. These oils keep your hair soft and manageable and nourish your scalp. Moisture will also help keep your hair from becoming frizzy and brittle. Avoid products with sulfates and styling products with alcohol in them since they will dry your hair out.

Use an anti-frizz serum. Each time you shampoo and condition you hair use an anti-frizz serum. These serums coat the hair shaft and keep the cuticle layer smooth. They also create a barrier between your hair and the elements. While moisture may be your hair’s best friend, humidity is not and anti-frizz serum will help keep your natural hair from blossoming on humid days.

Be gentle with your hair. Never brush wet hair, always use a wide tooth comb. If you do want to use a flat iron or curling iron, apply heat protecting product first. When you need to untangle your hair, start at the ends and work up. Use short gentle strokes to remove any knots or tangles.

Wear a silk or satin headscarf to bed. This will help keep your hair from becoming matted and tangles. You can use a silk or satin pillow case instead if you like.

Keep up on your trims. This is an excellent tip no matter how you wear your hair. By keeping up on your regular trims, your stylist will remove any damaged and split ends. She will also be able to monitor your hair and scalp’s health and give you recommendations on how to care for your new natural 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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Stay Cool and Fresh with Braids This Summer – Oklahoma City Hair Salon

If you’re looking for a way to stay cool and fresh this summer, why not try out braids? Braids of all types are very popular, and for the summer they are a great way to keep your hair up and out of the way and still look great. Jill Scott is known for her chic take on natural hair and in this pic she has her hair braided and pulled up into curly ponytail. The neat braids explode into a riot of fabulous curls and give her a youthful and playful vibe.

http://www.vh1.com/celebrity/nggallery/post/jill-scotts-funky-fresh-fly-hair-volution/image/67900
Image by vh1

You don’t have to have ethnic hair to wear this style, just about all hair types can be braided this way. The trick is to add some styling paste or gel and braid your hair while it is damp. This makes it easier to handle and will help the braids lock once your hair dries. Just be sure to use the product sparingly so you don’t get product buildup. If you’re not up to spending hours braiding your hair, make an appointment with your stylist. Just be aware this style does take a while to obtain. But once you’ve got your hair braided, this style is very low maintenance.

To take care of your new braids, gently shampoo your hair by soaking your hair and then gently massaging your braids to cleanse them. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly so you get all of the shampoo out. If you don’t your scalp may get irritated and dry. Pat your hair dry being careful not to rub your braids. Apply some scalp cream or Argan oil to keep your scalp healthy and prevent it from getting itchy.

If you wear your hair like Jill in this picture, make sure the hair not braided stays clean and moisturized, too. This will help prevent it from becoming frizzy. Wear a silk headscarf to bed to protect your braids. Remember not to braid your hair too tightly to prevent breakage and scalp irritation. With this style which combines braids and natural hair, you can keep your cool and look great all summer.

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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Braids and Waves the Best of Both Worlds – Oklahoma City Hair Salon

Braids are hot this season, and so are natural waves. You can have the best of both of these trends with a section of side braids and large voluminous waves. If you have ethnic hair this is a great way to show off your hair’s natural curl and waves with an unexpected shot of style on the side. If you have straight hair you can add waves with hot rollers and then braid one side to create this look.

http://madamenoire.com/168212/beauty-and-the-braids-7-celebrities-who-make-the-look-fierce/5/
Image by Madame Noire

One of the most important things natural hair needs is moisture. When you need to add moisture to your hair, you don’t want products which will weigh it down and make it feel greasy. One of the best ingredients to look for in hair care products is argan oil. Argan oil is derived from the nut of the Argan tree, a native of Morocco. It contains essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals your hair needs to be strong and shiny. Argan oil absorbs quickly and completely leaving hair soft and manageable.

To get this look apply a leave in conditioner containing argan oil and an anit-frizz serum to towel dried hair. Either let your hair air dry, or use the diffuser on your hair dryer with the heat and power setting on low. This will help prevent your hair from becoming too voluminous and out of control. Once your hair is dry, apply some hair wax, gel, or paste to the section of hair you want to braid and make small braids in any design you like. Spritz your hair with sheen spray and you’re done.

If your hair is straight, or not as curly or wavy as you want, use curl activator and anit-frizz serum on towel dried hair, blow dry your hair, and then use hot rollers to create soft waves or curls. You can also put twists on one side of your head instead of braids for another chic look. Ask your stylist to help you if you’re not proficient at braiding, and ask her recommendations for products containing argan oil. You can styling products containing this wonderful ingredient and also entire lines of hair care products.

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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How to Care for Natural Hair – Oklahoma City Hairstylist

Natural hair is a beautiful way to wear your hair, but it does require some special considerations to keep it healthy looking and frizz free. Moisture is your biggest concern for natural hair because without ample moisture, your hair will be frizzy, dull and lifeless. There are many ways to wear your hair naturally. You can style it in an afro, in braids, wear dreadlocks and let it curl and do its own thing. No matter how you wear your hair, you can use these simple tips to keep it looking and feeling great.

http://soulfulbeauty.com/article.php?n=1145
Soul of Beauty.com

Use a moisturizing system to nourish and protect your hair. Products with Argan oil are perfect to use on natural hair. Argan oil moisturizes and gives your hair the essential oils it needs without being greasy. MorroccanOil has a complete line of products to keep your hair healthy and is recommended by professional stylists to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Keep your scalp healthy. For healthy hair you need a healthy scalp. Use a moisturizer (argan oil is a great choice for your scalp, too) on your scalp and avoid rubbing vigorously when you shampoo. Only use your fingertips and never your fingernails. Your fingernails can scratch your scalp and leave you open to infection. Many people who think they have dandruff actually have a dry scalp. Dandruff is a medical condition that is accompanied with crusty spots and sometimes sores. If you develop sores or tender spots on your scalp, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Always use a heat protectant before you use a flat iron, hot comb or hot rollers. This product protects your hair from the high heat of styling tools. You need to protect your hair from heat so that you don’t experience breakage or singe your hair. Some styling tools reach over 400 degrees, so protect your hair before you use them.

Use a leave in curl definer to create soft curls. After you wash and dry your hair, use a curl defining product to form soft curls for more definition in your style. You can also use this product after you use hot rollers or a curling iron.

Spritz on a shine spray for extra shine and to keep your hair soft. Shine spray also protects your hair from the elements and is a smart last step for natural hair.

Wrap your hair at night. Use a silk scarf and wrapping lotion to keep your hair from becoming tangled and frizzy. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask your stylist to show you. Once you get the hang of wrapping, it’s not hard and very beneficial to natural hair. With some care and the right products, you can enjoy the freedom and beauty of natural hair.

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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For Black Women It’s More Than Just Hair – Oklahoma City Hair Stylist

The decision to wear your hair natural or straightened would seem like a simple one. But for black women and women of mixed heritage it can be much more complex. Recently Tyra Banks appeared on her show without any weave, completely natural right out of the shower. Women all over the world applauded her brave choice to strip herself of any extensions or weave. It would seem that Tyra exposing her natural hair was a momentous event. What was it that made this event so special and why did it hit such a nerve in women in general?

Banks, Tyra at Cannes
Image via Wikipedia

How a woman wears her hair carries a lot of weight in society. Black women, and black celebrities in particular might be under scrutiny for their hair styles. If she wears an afro, she may be looked upon as a militant or radical. If she chooses to wear her hair straightened or relaxed, her sisters may wonder if she’s ashamed of her heritage. You may ask, isn’t it just hair? Well unfortunately no it isn’t.

Hair has always been a sign of status and rank in society ever since the first cave woman ran a carved comb through her tresses. In the corporate world, a black woman may not feel she will be taken seriously if she wears her hair naturally. One example used in a recent article by Hannah Pool in The Guardian asks how would Michelle Obama’s reputation be affected if she chose to wear an afro? Many women in business and other areas of the workplace feel the need to have hair that is straight and without braids or texture. And will they be judged as selling out for a promotion?

Change is often slow, but natural hair is becoming more accepted, for women who choose it, in the workplace. For those who choose to go natural, we are learning to accept people, in some cases, without insisting they look like a particular cultural type.

If you are considering wearing your hair naturally, lengthening it with human hair extensions, or making it more full with a lace wig, ask your stylist for her advice. She can help you decide which solutions are best for you, and recommend professional products to keep your hair healthy, shiny and looking its best no matter how you choose to wear it.

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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Hairstyles in the News January 24, 2011

Welcome to this week’s edition of Hairstyles in the News. This week we see red hair, pink hair, long hair, wedged hair and even a beard. Celebrities are really pulling out the stops this New Year and changing up their looks. How about you? Have you decided on a new look for 2011? While some of these looks may be a bit out there for Middle America, you can tailor them to your lifestyle with the help of your stylist. Let’s take a look at this week’s offerings.

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/01/17/robert-pattinson-shows-off-new-red-hair-at-golden-globes/
Style News

Robert Pattinson has gotten on the red hair bandwagon and looks very dashing with his new color. This goes to prove that hair color isn’t just for women. Men like to try new color and there’s no reason they shouldn’t. Hair color is fun and can give you a whole new outlook, ask your stylist which shade of red is best for your skin tone.

http://www.stylebistro.com/Fashion+Forum/articles/ODTNXuNk2eo/Hilary+Duff+Rocks+Celebrity+Street+Style
Style Bistro

Hillary Duff is looks charming in a simple updo. This is a great look for knocking around town and for a special night out. Use a medium to heavy hold hairspray to keep it all together. One of the secrets that hairstylists know is that day old hair is much easier to style into an updo that freshly washed hair. Another reason this is a great get up and go style.

http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/07/natural-hair-celebrity-leela-james.html
Curly Nikki

Singer Leela James shows us this week that natural curls are beautiful. Leela claims she’s never had a relaxer and she gets this style by braiding her hair when it is wet, letting it air dry and then brushing through the curls and teasing it into a spectacular afro. Deep conditioning is the key to keeping natural hair soft and manageable, at least twice a month. Use an anti-frizz product and if you want more definition in your curls you can use a paste or wax to piece them out. At night re-braid your hair and wrap your head with a silk scarf to protect your hair.

http://ckhid.com/hip-hop-news/11/01/new-nicki-minaj-hair-is-pink-while-new-rihanna-hair-is-red/
ckhid.com

Nikki Minaj made heads turn earlier this month as she exited the BBC 1 studios. Her high pink hair is reminiscent of cotton candy and certainly makes a statement. Your hairstylist could tame this down and give you a similar look with a bit less height. Whether you have the guts to pull of the color, well that is completely up to you.

http://www.popeater.com/2011/01/20/rihanna-new-hair/
Popeater

What week would be complete without a nod to Rhianna? Seen here in a wild red wig, Rhianna stays true to her reputation of always being on the cutting edge of fashion. Wigs are a great way to switch up your look without the commitment of a haircut. If you love this look, ask your stylist about professional products to help keep your hair in tip top shape and avoid frizz and tangles.

http://www.stylebistro.com/Wedge+Hairstyles+Pictures/articles/fps3Pl3cGsg/Wedge+Hairstyles+Pictures+Celebs+Love
Style Bistro

Kimberly Caldwell at the WTB Spring 2011 Fashion Show looks lovely in an asymmetrical wedge with soft curls. This haircut if very versatile and can be worn like Kimberly’s with pretty curls or straight and sleek. The wedge has been popular for many decades ever since Dorothy Hamill wore one on the ice in the late 1970’s. Today’s wedges are less constructed and more relaxed, but this is a style that flatters almost every face shape.

http://anythinghollywood.com/2011/01/christian-bales-explanation-long-hair/fp_6550243_goldenglobes_fp4_011611/
Anything Hollywood

Christian Bale was seen recently with long hair and a beard. When asked about his new look he says that it is just for fun and since he doesn’t have any upcoming roles, just wanted to take a break and have a more relaxed look. Long hair is still in style and Christian looks very handsome in a beard.

That’s it for this week’s Hairstyles in the News. If you’ve seen any styles you’d like to give a try ask your hairstylist to create a version that will fit into your lifestyle and tastes. As you can see by this week’s celebrities anything goes. How daring will you go in 2011?

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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