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Our Favorite Celeb-Inspired Haircuts for Women Over 50

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We’re all getting older, but just because we may not be in our 20s anymore doesn’t mean that we have to sacrifice style—especially when it comes to hair. But when it comes to picking out a new look, a variety of factors come into play. “It’s… crucial to take into account the texture of the hair and know what the objectives of the client are,” says celebrity hairstylist Gina Rivera. While there are those who wish to opt for a wash and wear style, others prefer a cleaner, more polished look. According to Rivera, “it’s important to consult with your hairstylist because they are well trained to take these items into account when helping you to select the right hairstyle.” 

Whether you want to a major cut or just switch up your regular style, we’ve got you covered with tips from Rivera and Oribe educator and stylist Adam Livermore.

MEET THE EXPERT

• Gina Rivera is the founder of Phenix Salon Suites. She is also the creator of Colours by Gina and the By Gina hair product line.

• Adam Livermore is a hairstylist and international educator at Oribe, based in New York City.

To read the full article, click here

Credit to: Julyne Derrick and Sky Kim for byrdie.com.

The 13 Best Hair Scissors and Shears for Cutting Hair at Home, According to Stylists

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In the last two years, especially during the most stringent stay-at-home months of the pandemic, many folks have chosen to take matters — aka their hair — into their own hands. If you’ve been on the fence about trimming your own hair, but eager to prevent damage from split ends, the pros say you can totally do it yourself if you’re not feeling ready to go to the salon. You just need the right tools. We asked several professional hairstylists to share their best tips and tricks for cutting your hair at home. Naturally, they came up with some seriously smart suggestions, with one of the major standouts being having the right scissors or shears on hand. Turns out, not just any pair of cutters will do. Your tools of choice matter more than you would think.

“It’s important to select a pair that fits your hand well and glides easily through the hair when cutting,” explains hairstylist Gina Rivera, in regard to what you should be looking for when shopping for shears. “Some of the things that contribute to this are the material the shears are made from, the length, the handle design, and the thumb design.”

Of course, cutting shears can get expensive, particularly if you’re investing in a quality pair that will last for years — if not a lifetime. New York City-based hairstylist Adam Livermore says that the cost for a quality haircutting shear can go well into the thousands, but he wouldn’t recommend the DIY home-haircutter make that investment. Rather, he suggests looking for a medium-size (four- to six-inch blade) shear made of Japanese or German steel if you can afford it. “The Japanese-made shears usually have a sharper convex edge, which is good for point-cutting or ‘chipping’ into things like your bangs, while German shears usually have an opposing handle, which will likely feel more natural in a non-hairdresser’s hand as opposed to the offset handles that most pros use to avoid repetitive stress injuries,” he says.

As far as cheaper options go, some high-quality stainless steel shears from the drugstore will get the job done, so long as they’re the right size. “If you are an at-home novice looking for tools to cut your hair, I recommend getting a scissor that is four or five inches, as this will help to give more control on how much you cut,” says New York City-based hairstylist Kali Ferrara.

Before getting started, hairstylist Merrell Hollis suggests investing in a three-way self-grooming mirror. “The mirror has three panels for a 360-degree view of your head, which allows you to see exactly where you are cutting from three different angles,” says Hollis.

Once you’re ready to go, don’t reach for the kitchen scissors. Instead, here are 13 stylist-approved hair shears to help make your home cut look more pro.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

To read the full article, click here.

Credit to: Kaleigh Fasanella and Marci Robin for Allure

9 Ways to Combat Static Hair in the Winter

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What causes static hair?

“Static is caused when your hair rubs against an unlike object and electrical charges are generated,” explains Gina Rivera, celebrity stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “For example, think about when you pull a sweater over your head and your hair is standing on end after you put your head through the neck hole. However, dryness can also play a major role in hair static. If the hair gets dry enough, static can be created by the individual locks of hair rubbing against one another.”

Why are we more prone to static hair in winter?

Blame the cold weather. The heat indoors is another culprit, which triggers increased dryness. “Because you sleep under a heater and work or live with the heater on, the constant exposure to heat breaks down the hair cuticle,” says Holly Dear, hair artist and owner of House of Dear Salon in Dallas, Texas. “It’s also caused by exposure to wind and drier weather. The pH balance is off due to dehydration and the breaking down of the cuticle.” 

Thanks to a lack of moisture, Rivera adds that it’s easy for more friction to be created between the individual hair strands and any other items the hair comes in contact with, such as hats, sweaters, and scarves.

How to get rid of static hair in winter according to the experts

1. Use a hydrating shampoo

“It’s really important to ensure you’re infusing hair with additional moisture to reduce static,” Rivera says.“Healthier hair results in reduced dryness and breakage.” By keeping your hair hydrated, it’s much easier to fight static, frizz, and other winter hair woes. Using the right shampoo will help your hair and scalp maintain its natural oils and keep everything in balance.

2. Never skip conditioner

Conditioner is crucial to keeping hair hydrated, strong, and protected. “The most common mistake people make when it comes to hair static is failing to be on a good moisturizing routine that includes professional conditioners and deep conditioners,” Rivera says. This product category is all about sealing the hair cuticle and making strands more manageable, which is key to preventing static hair in winter. To take it up a notch, add a hair mask to your routine. “A weekly deep conditioning treatment is also an important part of the hair regimen for those that are stamping out static,” Rivera says.

3. Apply a leave-in hair product

“There are some wonderful serums and leave-in conditioners on the market that can help to reduce static by contributing moisture to the hair,” Rivera says.“Styling creams, like a curl cream, are also terrific for reducing static and they work well with a variety of styles.”

4. Steer clear of drying ingredients

“Be sure to avoid products that add to the dehydration of the hair, like high levels of alcohol,” Dear advises. “Proper products are important for hair health and address the issues as they occur.” Alcohol is often found in gels, styling foams, and aerosol dry shampoos, so always check the ingredient label first.

5. Don’t over wash your hair

Every time you suds up your strands, you remove the natural oils from your hair. “Review your hair cleansing schedule to ensure you are not causing your hair to be even drier by over washing,” Rivera says. Unless you have very fine hair, you don’t need to wash your hair daily. Shampooing every other day is frequent enough to keep hair clean and help to prevent static hair in winter.

6. Use the right brush

“Natural bristle brushes are best to use in hair that is prone to static,” Dear says. “This helps create natural oil from the scalp and doesn’t hold the electric charge that when rubbed against the hair can create static.” 

Rivera adds that boar bristle brushes are known for fighting off dryness. “They are great for stimulating the scalp as well,” she says. “As I always say, a healthy scalp means healthy hair.”

7. Opt for anti-frizz products

Frizz and static have something in common: They both happen to dry hair, which is why certain anti-frizz potions may tame both. “They can help if they have a property that helps to hold in moisture,” Dear explains. 

8. Choose your tools wisely

“I highly recommend using styling tools that are designed using infrared technology, which locks the moisture into the hair,” Rivera says.

9. Start fighting static hair immediately

Procrastination isn’t your friend here. “Not addressing the issue when it starts is one of the most common mistakes,” Dear says. “This can prolong the lives of dehydration and the fight to get pH balanced becomes a more difficult task.” 

Wrap up

Fixing static hair in winter is not an impossible task. There are a ton of professional-approved methods for fighting off flyaways including keeping hair as hydrated as possible. If your hair and scalp are properly moisturized and balanced, static will not be an issue for you.

Credit to: Celia Shatzman on prose.com

Almonds for Your Hair? Here’s What an Expert Has to Say

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In a perfect world (or maybe just my perfect world) we would be able to eat our hair products. Not only would this mean we’re using clean and natural haircare, but it would also be delicious. Keeping that in mind, I’m always on the hunt for the next super ingredient that doubles as food. When I received an email about the power of almonds for hair, I had to know more. So, I reached out to Gina Rivera, beauty expert and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

Benefits of Almonds for Hair

They Promote a Healthy Scalp

“Almonds are great for the hair because they are rich in omega fatty acids, which promote blood flow to the scalp,” Gina explains. And, as all Mane Addicts know, a healthy scalp means hair that is stronger, shinier, and silkier. 

Almonds are the gift that keeps on giving both when it comes to nutrition and haircare. Gina makes the connection for us, noting that “Almonds are great for increasing good blood flow because they contribute to lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) so they are excellent for the heart. When it comes to beauty, this means increased blood flow, which is extremely crucial to healthy skin, scalp, and nails,” she says.

They Contain a Ton of Good-for-You Ingredients

These super-powered nuts are so beneficial because they contain vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. “When it comes to hair, vitamin E helps support a healthy scalp because it includes natural antioxidants that contribute to hair health. Likewise, magnesium also plays an important role in promoting follicle growth which promotes stronger locks. Potassium is also important for the hair because those with diets deficient in potassium can suffer from hair loss,” shares Gina.

They Make a Great Alternative Oil

Keep almonds in mind when buying your next hair oil, especially if you have thicker hair. You don’t need to default to coconut. “In general, those with fine to medium shiny hair should opt for coconut oil,” Gina shares. However, she notes that “almond oil is the best choice for those with coarser and thicker hair because it acts as an is an emollient, meaning it can fill in gaps in the hair at a cellular level, which makes the hair feel smoother to the touch. Using almond oil on your hair gives it a softer texture over time making it a great fit for those with coarser, thicker hair.” Almond oil can also be a good assist for combating dandruff because almonds are so hydrating. I’m sold on almonds and… also hungry.

Coconut oil isn’t for everyone, which is why we wanted to share some of the best hair oils that aren’t coconut. Discover them all HERE!

Credit to: Emilie Branch for maneaddicts.com

The Best Cordless Straighteners For Every Budget

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A hair straightener is an absolute must-have for achieving silky smooth strands. I’ve been using the styling tools since I was ten years old (BTW, remember the days when we used to make our bangs pin-straight? I digress…). And, up until recently, I’ve never owned a cordless straightener.

Let me tell you: Once you get your hands on a cordless straightener, your life will be forever changed. Ditching the bulky cord felt incredibly freeing, and I found the tool itself to be much easier – and quicker! –  to use compared to your standard flat iron. Plus, the cord-free convenience means you can officially style your hair from anywhere – even in the back of an Uber on the way to the airport! (I’m talking from experience here!)

Don’t just take it from me, though. While you may not choose to give up your regular flat iron entirely, hairstylist Gina Rivera says cordless straighteners “certainly have their place” in your beauty routine. What’s more, these tools are especially great if you’re on the go or in need of a quick touch-up (think: running between meetings, catching a flight, and so on). 

Besides, Rivera isn’t the only pro who’s a fan of these cordless tools. Keep reading for the complete list of favorite cordless straighteners, including expert recommendations and insight. Happy styling, friends!

Hairstylist and makeup artist Genevieve Garner loves the Lunata Cordless Styler Pro for its 60-minute run time, which she calls “one of the longest on the market.” Garner continues, telling The Tease: “You can use this iron while it is charging, which not a lot of other cordless irons offer.”

Shop: Lunata Cordless Styler Pro, $250.00

Clocking in at just under $24, the Conair Unbound Petite Cordless Flat Iron is the most affordable option on our list. Additionally, this tiny tool is chock-full of perks, such as its compact design (especially ideal for on-the-go use and easy, breezy touch-ups!) and 30-minute working time. 

Shop: Conair Unbound Petite Cordless Flat Iron, $23.99 

“GHD has always been one of my preferred brands when it comes to hot tools, and it looks like they’ve done it again!” says Shelly Aguirre of Maxine Salon in Chicago.  Once fully charged, the GHD Unplugged Styler lasts around 20 minutes, which Aguirre says is  “really all you need.” The user-friendly LCD display is an added bonus. 

Shop: GHD Unplugged Styler, $200.00

Aguirre loves that the BaByliss 9000 Cordless Straightener offers a battery life indicator so that you know when it’s time to recharge. Other features include three heat settings, automatic shut-off, and easy magnetic charging. A convenient carrying case is also included. 

Shop: BaByliss 9000 Cordless Straightener, $236.50

“While this is one of the most expensive cordless irons on the market, it does have a lot of fancy features,” Garner says of the Dyson Corrale Straightener. She notes the iron’s innovative temperature-regulating technology. “While it only has a 30-minute usage on a full charge, it does come with a charging stand that you can put the iron on in between sections to extend your styling time,” she tells The Tease.

Shop: Dyson Corrale Straightener, $499.00

If you don’t want to break the bank on a cordless flat iron, then consider this one from CHI, which comes in at under $100. The straightener is equipped with tourmaline ceramic technology, which helps ensure an even distribution of heat. The end result? Smoother, shinier strands. 

Shop: CHI Quest Classic 1in Tourmaline Ceramic Cordless Flat Iron, $89.99

The ultra-lightweight Cloud Nine The Cordless Iron Pro Hair Straightener is programmed to reduce friction, allowing you to style your tresses at a lower temperature. Plus, it allows you to choose from two temperature settings. The straightener also comes complete with a stylish faux leather storage pouch.

Shop: Cloud Nine The Cordless Iron Pro Hair Straightener, $405.00

The Balmain Hair Couture Standard Cordless Straightener comes highly recommended by Devin Toth, a stylist at Salon SCK in New York. Toth loves the tool’s sleek, high-style design, as well as the equally chic case, which is included. You can also use it to create almost-effortless waves and curls. (Talk about versatility!)

Shop: Balmain Hair Couture Standard Cordless Straightener, $375.00

The wallet-friendly REVLON Cordless + Rechargeable 3/4″ Ceramic Flat Iron is just as functional as it is adorable with its pretty pink hue. What’s more, the tourmaline ceramic plates reduce damage while boosting shine. Plus, its speedy setup time (fun fact: it heats up to 400 degrees in just 90 seconds!) makes it perfect for those of us that are constantly on the go or in a rush. (The struggle is real, y’all!)

Shop: REVLON Cordless + Rechargeable 3/4″ Ceramic Flat Iron, $43.77

The KISS Portable Cordless Flat Iron boasts an impressive 50-minute working time and two heat settings. Meanwhile, its tourmaline ceramic plates help fight frizz by locking in moisture. Like a handful of other tools mentioned, this one also has a built-in automatic safety feature. 

Shop: KISS Portable Cordless Flat Iron, $49.99

Have you used any of these cordless flat iron before? If so, which is your fave?

Credit to: Lauren Dana Ellman for thetease.com

Gina’s Tip of the Week – how to handle post-workout hair if you don’t have time to wash with your regular professional wetline.

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-Dry shampoo can be a good temporary solution as long as there is routine for using a professional wet line. (I recommend Pure BioGen Complex by Gina)

-Pull back the hair up or pin back for a quick chic’ look. 

– Add some quick curls to create volume or a new temporary look. (Hair Hack: Make sure to use tools with infrared technology in order to lock in the moisture!)

– Hats can add flair to any look. Tryout a cute one to match your style.

– Go for the wet look and slick back and mold the hair with some firm holding gel.