Are you bored?

Author: Angie Williams

With all the changes in the weather, hot , cold, raining, snowing etc.., we are all a little bored with our hair. Here are some ways to change it up whether you have short sassy hair or long flowing hair. Try a trim to freshen up your ends, or a semi permanent color.

When you go into to your salon of choice let your stylist know that you are in a little bit of a rut. Inform him or her that you would like something to freshen you up for the spring. Most stylist will give you a few options other that a drastic change. It could be something as small as adding bangs or a side part or adding some face framing highlights.

Always go to someone you trust and ask for their professional advice. Even though it may be a small change you don't want to do it in the bathroom of your cousins' boyfriends' sisters' neighbor.

Good luck, if you have any questions feel free to call [573] 474-2599.

Prom is Here

Author: Angie Williams

Although it's freezing outside it's time for high school students to start thinking about the fast approaching prom season. There are so many things that go into planning the perfect night, from what dress to buy, where to get the flowers and where am I going to get my hair done, and how? With all of those very important questions start by asking friends where they have gotten their hair done in the past, ask to see pictures of their hair, flowers and the dress so that you can get ideas of where to go to get similar things.

You may be thinking that this is way too early to be planning for prom. Believe me it is not, a lot of salons are already booking appointments for May 3rd. It's highly recommended for you to book an appointment for a consultation with your stylist a week or two before prom so that you can get an idea of what your hair will look like. Some things that you should bring with you if possible are:

*Picture of the dress
*Accessories for your hair
*Jewelry that you want to wear that night

This way your stylist is able to get an idea of what your personal style is.

Remember to come in with your hair unwashed. It's easier for your stylist to work with hair is not newly washed.

During your consultation your stylist may or may not give you a finished style. To some this is just the brainstorming process; others want to show you exactly what your style for the prom will look like. Let your stylist know if you want to see the finished product before you leave.

Keep in mind when booking your appointment for the day of prom that you will have pictures to take with friends and family and dinner arrangements. Also there may be another prom going on so you will want to book early to get the time that you need to get to all the important things that day. You don't want to miss an opportunity with your stylist because you waited too long. If you change your mind about going to prom don't forget to cancel your appointment as well, that way you have freed up the time for someone else.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at issastylestudios@centurytel.net

Locks of Love

Author: Angie Williams
Have you ever gotten a cute short haircut and within a month or two you decide that you now want to grow it out? Then it keeps growing and growing and soon you have forgotten what style you were growing for, well we have all been there [except for me with my super short cut all year long]. Next time this happens to you call a few different salons and ask if they donate for Locks of Love. Many salons will even send in the hair so that you don't have to worry about the postage or where to send it. All you have to do is find a new style that suits you and relax while your stylist transforms you from grown out to sassy. You may soon forget that you are giving to a charity. Locks of Love helps people who are suffering from cancer and who have lost their hair. These people are able to have wigs while they are going through chemotherapy and are losing their hair. In order to donate you must have at least 8 inches, if you have had your hair lightened with a powdered lightener you are not able to donate, so ask your stylist to be sure that you are eligible. Good luck and thanks to all who have made donations.

You can contact Angie at IssaStyle Studio at (573)474-2599 if you have questions.

Waves Without Tools

Author: Angie Williams

If your hair is medium to long (between shoulders and longer) you probably get tired of your day-to-day style. This style will be perfect for the busy stylish female. The products you will need are light to medium hold gel or mousse, three small rubber bands and three hairpins.

1. Shampoo hair and towel dry your hair.

2. Once you have the majority of the water out of your hair, you will apply a dime to nickel size amount of gel or mousse. (The size depends on how much hair you have, fine hair-dime; thick hair-nickel).

3. Divide hair into three sections and braid each section and put rubber band at the ends.

4. Take each braid and wrap it around into a bun, using one hairpin per braid, and insert at the base of the braid.

5. Go about your day until you are ready for your evening to begin. Then you can take out the braids and spray with a mist of hairspray for a hold that will last all night.

Holiday Styles

Author: Angie Williams

Are you trying to get your holiday style without finding time to get to a salon? You are not alone. We have picked a couple of our favorite styles perfect for the holidays. Be sure to keep in mind what you are going to wear when choosing a style. Both of these styles will work well with any occasion or attire.

"Princess" 1/2 pony

1. Using a 1/2 barrel curling iron take about one inch sections (or bigger if you want more wave instead of curl) curling only half way up each section. You don't want it to be too curly. Adding a side part will add flair to your style.

2. Pull up your sides only and pin with two bobby pins (the color of you hair). You can glam up your style by adding a rhinestone clip place at the back of the head, like you had a 1/2 pony.

3. Spray with a light to medium hairspray to finish your style.

Side Tail

1. Follow step one from the "Princess" 1/2 pony.

2. Gather most hair on the side letting a few curls fall out, you can use a rhinestone ponytail holder to dress it up.

3. Follow step three from "Princess" 1/2 pony.

Celebrate safe and have a happy holiday!

Flatironing 101

Author: Angie Williams

One of the hot recurring trends is ultra sleek straight hair. Whether you ironed your hair with a clothes iron, or you blow dry with a flat paddle brush or you use a flat iron to get the smooth finish, everyone knows what I mean when I say it takes work to look this good.

The most important part to this and every style are the products you use to prepare the hair, meaning get it ready for the finished style. When using a heated tool (flat iron, rollers, curling iron blow dryer) you want to prep you hair with a heat protectant so that you will cause the least amount of damage to the hair. Heat protectants should contain little to no alcohol, because the alcohol is very drying to the hair. A few products that work well are:

~Schwarzkopf's Osis Flatliner: A flatiron spray serum.
~Schwarzkopf's Slick: A flattening serum.
~Matrix Sleek Look: A sealing serum.

Once you have prepared the hair, now it's time to begin blow drying your hair. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy it's best to use a flat paddle brush to help smooth out the undesired texture. With the drying stage completed, it's time to work a dime size amount or less of heat protectant, depending on the amount of hair you have. Using too much product with an oil base may cause your hair to look "greasy". If you find that this is the case you may want to use less next time.

Now you are ready to start flat ironing your hair.

Many people find it easier to flat iron hair when it has been sectioned off. To do this you can put your hair into a high ponytail and take 1/2 inch sections and flat iron them one 1/2 inch at a time. Please be sure to only go over the section once or twice at the most. If you are going over the section repeatedly with the flat iron, you may be damaging the hair. As you are flat ironing the hair, you want to use a moderate tension and move slowly down with the hair shaft. Using the tension with slow motion you are allowing the hair to flatten more easily.

When every section is done you may want to spray it once more with the spray serum for a sleek finished look.

What to Expect From a Stylist

Author: Angie Williams

As sylists we are so excited to help you recreate yourself. So, I would like to give you a few helpful hints while looking for a stylist.

1. It's okay to ask someone who does their hair, if you like their hairstyle.

2. When you find a salon, check it out. Look for a stylist who is trendy, nice, and approachable. Ask for that person.

3. Make sure to have a consultation with your potential stylist. A consultation should consist of:
~ You informing the stylist of your likes and dislikes about your current style.
~ How long you want to spend on your hair.
~ What type of products you are comfortable using.
~ What kind of tools you like to use (brush, blowdryer, flat iron).
~ You want to tell them how often you want to come back to the salon to maintain the style.
~ Pictures are a good way to clear up any misunderstandings.

4. Once everyone is on the same page it's time for you to enjoy your relaxing shampoo.

5. We are now ready for your stylist to create your desired haircut. During this process you should feel comfortable and
confident with your stylist. Your stylist should ask a few questions such as:

~ How does the length look?
~ What about your bangs?

With the haircut done your stylist will now begin on styling. You never want to leave a salon with wet hair, because you will
not know if the cut will work out for you. While your stylist is finishing up with your style be sure to pay attention to ensure
that you are going to be able to recreate the style at home.

6. Before you get out of the stylist chair discuss your next visit. In general, you should visit your stylist every six to eight weeks. Prebooking for your next visit will guarantee you an appointment when you are in need of one.

Good Luck in finding a stylist! Columbia is full of creative professionals that are here to create a style that is only yours.