When Halle Berry debuted her pixie hair cut in the 1992 film “Boomerang,” a new wave of short hair styles was adopted by women in America throughout the 90s. In 2001, Beyonce’s blonde ambition influenced women to flaunt golden, honey, and champagne-colored locks.
As celebrities continually update their looks, American women follow suit. Here, local hair stylists offer insight into the latest hair trends and inspirations at every age.
Trendy Twenties
The hair styles of today’s twenty-something women accommodate the young professionals who still want a fashionable look. Stacie Navarro-Joaquin, stylist and owner of Stella Bleu at 1208 H Street, NE, said that singer Kelis has popularized the short, asymmetrical hair cut that is in high demand by women in their twenties.
“That hair cut is really trendy right now and it’s in so many kinds of variations,” Navarro-Joaquin said.
The asymmetrical hair style can range from a bob with a short, trimmed neckline to a choppy look with textured layering and wispy fringe. Navarro-Joaquin said that as the weather warms so do the colors of this hair cut.
“In the springtime a lot of warm tones are in demand like bold browns and golden blonds,” Navarro-Joaquin said. “Black is also an all-time favorite and a necessary color.”
Time-Saving Thirties
More than 70 percent of women in their thirties are in the workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, the National Health Center for Health Statistics reports that thirty-somethings are the fastest growing group of women bearing children. These priorities leave little time for hair care among women in their thirties.
Katrina Berkley, a cosmetologist at With These Hands at 521 H Street, NE, said that these women opt for convenient and sophisticated looks.
“Women in their thirties are leaning toward hair that is subtle for a business atmosphere and low maintenance,” Berkley said.
Berkley said that Tyra Banks’ long hair extensions are the inspiration behind hair styles for women in this age group because of their versatility. Hair extensions allow women balancing families and work the opportunity to quickly change their overall look.
“A lot of women like the flexi-rods or the wrap look,” Berkley said. “When they go out to events they can add flips or make it wavy.”
Full and Feminine Forties
Errol Chambers, owner of Vavanti Hair Studio 7892-4 Georgia Avenue, said that women in their forties begin to suffer from hair loss as a result of stress and medications, and request healthy looking styles like Oprah Winfrey’s.
“They like the fullness and the body of her hairstyle,” Chamber said. “Every time Oprah changes her hair, they want to know what to do to get that particular look.”
Chambers also said that women in their forties still look to Halle Berry’s pixie cut for inspiration because the look is short and low maintenance, but still feminine. But, will women follow Berry after she shaves her head bald for a movie role this summer?
“It’s a possibility because they tend to follow Hollywood,” Chambers said. “That would be an interesting surprise.”
Tips for Every Age• Sandra Butler, manager and stylist at Shear Movement on 1314 U Street, NW, said that hair grows from the inside out so blood flow is very important. “Hair cannot do without good nutrients,” Butler said. “Keep it moist with conditioners and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.”• Navarro-Joaquin said that the biggest mistake women make is greasing their scalps. “Women think that it eliminates dryness, but it’s just putting a band-aid on a bullet wound,” she said. “All grease does is clog pores.”• “Women want healthy hair, but have to realize it costs” Berkley said. “Many women are not willing to put in the time, effort, or money to achieve healthy hair.” Berkley said that it is safer for women to seek professional coloring and relaxing, rather than attempting it themselves.Recommended Hair Products and Styling Tools:• Mizani Leave-in Conditioner. “It’s great for natural hair,” Butler said.• Silk Element Hair Relaxer. Berkley said, “It’s a lower budget, but excellent relaxer”• Ceramic Flat Irons: “It’s a very expensive higher grade tool,” Navarro-Joaquin said. “If you pay under $80 for it, then it’s probably not real ceramic.”
