Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Waters.
Hi Ana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ana was born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1997. She spent her early years in a communist orphanage until she was two and a half years old, when she was adopted by an American family from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up, Ana developed a passion for beauty, including makeup, fashion, and hair. She often styled her dolls, sister, and mother, and would beg her mom to accompany her to the salon, captivated by the smells and sounds, and feeling the excitement of being there. From a young age, Ana knew she was destined for a career in beauty.
Unfortunately, Ana faced trauma and neglect from her adoptive family. At 15, in 2013, she entered the Texas Baptist Children’s Home, where her life began anew. When she arrived, she was tested at a third-grade education level, but through a learning center, she advanced to the eighth grade and enrolled in high school in Round Rock, TX. The Texas Baptist Children’s Home provided her with the tools and support needed to heal and achieve her academic goals.
In 2019, Ana earned her Makeup Certification from Avenue Five Institute in Austin, TX, and decided to pursue cosmetology in 2020, with funding from the Texas Baptist Children’s Home. In 2021, she was nominated as a top student and moved to Dallas, TX, to study under Toni & Guy Salon, where she learned precision cutting. Ana was then given the opportunity to move to San Diego to study under NYC stylists from Bumble and Bumble, a leading salon known for its innovative razor cutting techniques. Over a year and a half, she trained under Reanne Mistretta and Brenda Barnaby, honing her skills and falling in love with hair cutting.
Ana learned to work with natural textures, enhancing movement so that a good haircut grows with the hair, not against it. She believes a cut should look fabulous in its natural state—if hot tools are required, the cut may not have been done correctly. With five years of experience in the industry, Ana assisted celebrity hairstylist Peter Gray on Mark Slinger’s photoshoot. Ana was asked to assist on the December 2024 issue of American Vogue, Marc Jacobs She has been mentored by Michael Gordon, the founder of Bumble and Bumble salons and products.
Now back home in Austin, TX, Ana works at Modesty Salon on East 11th, creating lived-in cuts for both women and men. She also works part-time in NYC for sets, runways, and personal projects, and teaches cutting classes one-on-one and in groups. You can find Ana on Instagram and TikTok at @anacwater.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have struggle with PTSD, while in school but got therapy to heal. The hair industry is mentally challenging. I faced a lot bullies in the indursty, imposter syndrome. a lot let down and heart breaks
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hair By Ana C Waters?
I am a cutting specialist. I am known for achieving curly cuts, anyone with high density hair. making your cut last 3 month to a yea, I love cuting short shapes, classic bobs and pixies. I am know for curls, and short hair, and my scissor work. Mu client love they can wash and wear, no hot toll needed or them coming to see me every 8 weeks. I offer all types of cuts and all genders and ages up 10 and up
What’s next?
My plans for the future is creating my own product line, a salon, focusing on raising the next genation of hair dresser.
Pricing:
- mens cut $70
- Womens $85
- curly cut $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbyanacwaters.square.site
- Instagram: Anacwaters
Image Credits
I take all photo
