With Each Age Comes a Hair Style 
By Shaena Henry
Capstone News Network
Thursday, April 26, 2007

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 for the rest of the decade. In 2001, Beyoncé’s blonde ambition influenced women to flaunt gold, 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 20s
  
The hair styles of today’s 20-something women accommodate young professionals who still want a fashionable look. Stacie Navarro-Joaquin, stylist and owner of Stella Bleu at 1208 H Street in Northeast said that singer Kelis has popularized the short, asymmetrical haircut that is in high demand by women in their 20s. 
  
“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 30s 
  
More than 70 percent of women in their 30s are in the workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition, the National Health Center for Health Statistics reports that 30-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 on H Street in Northeast, said that these women opt for convenient and sophisticated looks. “Women in their 30s are leaning toward hair that is subtle for a business atmosphere and low maintenance,” she said. 
  
Berkley said that talk show host Tyra Banks’ long hair extensions are the inspiration for hair styles for 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 40s
  
Errol Chambers, owner of Vavanti Hair Studio on Georgia Avenue, said that women in their 40s begin to suffer from hair loss as a result of stress and medications, and request healthy looking styles like that of media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
  
“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 40s still look to 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 U Street in Northwest, 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.” She added that it is safer for women to seek professional coloring and relaxing, rather than attempting it themselves.