When Krysta Bonilla walked into Artisan Barber, she had one thing on her mind: bangs. But not just any bangsβa fresh, bold style that would make a statement.
"Iβve just been missing my bangs,β Krysta said. βI was like, instead of just getting regular bangs, letβs turn up!"
Krysta has been growing her hair out for years, partly as a reaction to her childhood. Growing up in Queens, her mom kept her hair in a bob for most of her life, leading to her current aversion to short hair. "So, Iβm anti-short hair now," she laughed. But after years of experimenting with different styles and colors, she decided it was time for something new and exciting.
Enter the Hime cutβa Japanese hairstyle that features cheek-length side locks and bangs. Itβs a daring look that perfectly matches Krystaβs adventurous spirit. This was her first time trying the cut, and she was ready to dive in. Krysta usually cuts her own hair, as she often finds that barbershops struggle to get her layers just right. But today, she put her trust in Satesh, a talented barber at Artisan Barber who specializes in unique cuts.
Despite her reservations, Krysta felt completely at ease in Sateshβs chair. She had never gotten her hair done by a man before. But she said Satesh made her feel very comfortable, and was really impressed with his expertise with long hair. It was a refreshing change for Krysta, who had always been skeptical about letting someone else take control of her hair.
Krystaβs hair journey has been quite the ride. Last year, she rocked a split-dye look, with half of her hair blonde and the other half dark brown. It was a hit with her agency, D1 NYC, and her clients loved the edgy style.
"When I first got signed, I had just done the split-dye hair, and my agency loved it," she said. "My clients loved it too and never asked me to change it."
But as much as she enjoyed the look, the constant bleaching took a toll on her hair. The blonde side developed a completely different texture from her natural hair, and eventually, it became too much to manage.
Determined to restore her hairβs health, Krysta switched up her haircare routine. She began using conditioning cleansing products instead of regular shampoo, which she found to be too drying. When Satesh ran his hands through her hair, he was surprised at how healthy it felt, despite the damage. "What have you been using to recover it?" he asked. Krystaβs secret was outβher new regimen was all about nourishing and hydrating her hair.
As Satesh worked his magic, Krystaβs excitement grew. This was a big change for her, but she was ready for it. "I love learning something new, and I feel like I havenβt in a while," she said. This sentiment extends beyond her hair journey; Krysta is currently in bartending school, eager to pick up new skills. "I would want to work at The Box," she revealed, referring to the boudoir, adult-themed bar known for its extravagant entertainment and pricey cocktails, the cost of which would bring her big tips, she said.
As the haircut neared completion, Krysta couldnβt help but smile. The Hime cut was everything she wanted and more. The cheek-length side locks framed her face perfectly, and the bangs added that extra flair she had been craving. For Krysta, this wasnβt just a haircutβit was a new chapter, a fresh start, and a bold statement all rolled into one.
Are you ready for a hair transformation like Krystaβs? Whether youβre craving a drastic change or just a subtle refresh, Artisan Barber is here to bring your vision to life. Book your appointment here and let our expert stylists help you discover a look that makes you feel confident and empowered.