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This Infrared Hair Dryer Promises to Dry Your Hair with Less Damage

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Credit to: Renee Cherry

The Gina Excel Infrared Hair Dryer was recently put to the test by Renee Cherry and the SHAPE.COM editorial team. The dryer combines red LED light with negative ion technology to prevent heat damage and speed up drying time. Click here to see what folks at SHAPE.COM had to say!

Gina Rivera

Gina Rivera

Beauty Icon and Expert

Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

    Should you Wash Your Hair Before a Haircut? A Stylist Weighs In

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    Jessica Harrington Wed, November 4, 2020

    As featured in popsugar.com, Gina Rivera answered some common hair care questions on if you should wash your hair prior to your salon appointment.

    Gina Rivera

    Gina Rivera

    Beauty Icon and Expert

    Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

      Grounding and Why You Should Be Doing It

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      Our daily routines are filled with tasks, responsibilities, and more! Most of us rarely make time for ourselves. If you are going to add one thing to your self-care routine, this should be it.

      It’s called ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing.’ If you haven’t heard of it, after this, you are going to be doing whatever you can to do it!

      Grounding: “Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth’s electrons from the ground into the body.” (Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons from the US National Library of Medicine)

      Simply put, you can enact grounding when you simply take off your shoes and sync your feet into sand, grass, or dirt. If you live in colder climates, grounding mats are actually a thing! There’s also shoes, sheets, and other grounding materials that do the job.

      Okay, okay… So what are the benefits?

      Improves Stress

      Grounding normalizes cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone in the body. Stress reduction is imperative to managing your health in all areas. Earthing is an inexpensive way to do so and it really works!

      Neutralizes Free Radicals

      An abundance of free radicals in our system can cause tremendous damage to our health. Grounding helps fight against these forces in our system.

      Supports the Immune System

      While the earth does the work for your body to rid it of positively charged free radicals, it allows your immune system to relax.

      Decreases Inflammation

      When the free electrons are neutralized by the earth, it decreases inflammation in the body.

      There are many more benefits to reconnect with the earth and ground yourself. Not only does it immediately benefit your mood, but you can also help your body heal and rid it of toxins.

      XOXO,

      Gina

      Gina Rivera

      Gina Rivera

      Beauty Icon and Expert

      Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

        How to Celebrate Halloween with a Spooky Good Manicure

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        It’s creepy and it’s kooky, mysterious and spooky. Some might even say it’s all together ooky. That’s right. Halloween is upon us. Witching you could celebrate full out? Us, too. But we’ll take eating fistfuls of candy and spooking our loved ones at a social distance if it means we can still make the most of this very scary year.

        Disappointed you can’t celebrate Halloween as usual this year? Don’t be! This list of Halloween nail art is to die for and will be a fun way for you and your nail salon professional to get in the Halloween “spirits”.

        Bad moon rising

        Photo courtesy of: @nailsbykirstenchanel Instagram

        Trouble’s on the way with Halloween nails this bewitching. Start with a seasonally appropriate shade of orange and steadily apply simple four pointed stars and crescent moons all over. Want an accent nail? Matte black or a pop of purple are sure to have you howling.

        Blood feast

        Photo courtesy of: @desirrees_nails Instagram

        Let the salon professional create a mini massacre with your bare hands. A drip of crimson from the top down or splattered throughout is a gorgeously gory way to display your bloodlust.

        Monster mash

        Photo courtesy of: @beyondsociablenail_lounge Instagram

        You can’t beat a classic. Whether you want a monster mash up or nail down a single spook, your nail salong professional can create a grisly grip using only a few key colors and a tiny brush for detailing.

        The great pumpkin

        Photo courtesy of: @nailsbysophieerosiee Instagram

        This matte orange menagerie packs quite the pumpkin punch. One flesh colored or black backdrop and your nail salon manicurist can conjure a single gourd to rule them all. Or, if you’re feeling the Halloween spirit, let her paint a whole patch!

        Boils and ghouls

        Photo courtesy of: @nails_inspo_ie Instagram

        Your salon professional will have as much fun as you making this hauntingly memorable nail art. From their translucent tails to their expressive exoskeleton, these sweet specters will spirit you away.  

        Candy crush

        Photo courtesy of: @michelle.nailedit Instagram

        Got a sweet tooth? Every salon will have these three simple shades to recreate the most iconic candy of all time. Pairs well with pumpkin spice and black liquorish for a devilish feeding frenzy.  

        Skin and bones

        Photo courtesy of: @lexurynails Instagram

        Twist the bones and bend the back. Trim thee of your baby fat. Give her nails black as night, just … like… thisss. (Ps – thanks for the inspiration, Winifred Sanderson).

        To die for nails

        Photo courtesy of: @julie.regalnails Instagram

        This murderous mix of black, red, and white are all you need to shine this Halloween. Drip blood from the base and have your accomplice help you scribe the remaining letters to really drive your maniacal message home.

        If you’re not sure how to make the most of this year’s truly eerie all hallows eve, these salon manicure ideas will be the literal nail in the coffin.

        xoxo,

        Gina

        Click on the Nail Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best nail salons in NYC and LA or use the Gina’s Platform app to find a Manicurist near you. 

        Gina Rivera

        Gina Rivera

        Beauty Icon and Expert

        Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

          Boost your confidence with a brighter smile

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          Want to look younger? Forget painful facelifts. Whitening your teeth is an almost instant way to take years off and freshen your face.

          That is if you select the right technique.

          Though over-the-counter methods like whitening strips and at-home kits are popular, whitening your teeth is reliable, safe, and easiest when performed by a professional. They know how to gently lift stains while protecting your enamel and gums in the process.  

          The result? Bright smiles that boost your confidence. But that’s not the only benefit of a beautiful smile.

          Benefits of Whiter Teeth

          Studies like those conducted by Dr. Dacher Keltner, a Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley, showed people are assessing your smile from up to 200 feet away. Focusing here, people perceive whiter smiles as signs of success, markers of health, and indicators of vitality.

          People with whiter smiles are often classified as more outgoing, warm, and at ease in social situations. (Read: they get more dates!)

          Good teeth are also more likely to land you a job. A 2012 study showed those with good teeth were, “45% more likely…to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience.”

          Many thought they might even be offered a higher salary since they could be seen as more trustworthy. “Nearly three in four (73%) Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car.”

          How important is having a nice smile? These stats speak for themselves:

          • Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin
          • 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life
          • More than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%) for a better smile

          So whether you have a major event like a wedding, are job hunting, or simply need a mini makeover, put professional teeth whitening at the top of your to-do list.

          Here’s some types you might want to try:

          Teeth Bleaching

          This tried and true teeth whitening method has been around for years – and for good reason.

          Known around the dentist’s chair as “Boost whitening”, this technique uses hydrogen peroxide-based power bleaching gel to remove stains. Gums are protected from the solution before it is applied to your soon-to-be pearly whites and no special light is required.

          The entire process takes an hour or two, but you will walk out with an instantly brighter smile.  

          Zoom Teeth Whitening

          This procedure is similar to the above. But instead of bleach, your teeth whitening professional will use a solution with 25% hydrogen peroxide gel and kick things into high gear with a special light or laser to lift stains.

          You are usually several shades whiter after only one 45-minute visit. Results are usually immediate and long lasting.

          Professional Take Home Kits

          Want to whiten at home? Ask about having a take-home kit special made for your mouth.

          Trays will be molded to ensure they fit with your individual teeth for maximum results. The bleach gel that does the bulk of the work is more concentrated than those you buy over the counter, so you should notice a difference much faster.

          Give it about two plus weeks for maximum results.

          Caps and Veneers

          Sometimes the discoloration is not just on the surface but penetrates the tooth completely.  This means teeth won’t respond to whitening agents. In this case, you can beautify your smile with caps or veneers that fit over the teeth.

          Some find this option a cost-prohibitive, but necessary alternative to whitening. This can take several weeks and multiple visits from the time of your consultation to complete the process.

          How much should you budget for teeth whitening?

          Each technique will vary in cost. Some professionals can make you bright white for about $150-200, while other more permanent and immediate methods can cost you $500-1,000 depending on which technique you choose.

          Are your pearly whites looking a little briny? Restore them to their peak luster with professional teeth whitening.

          Click on the Dentist tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best teeth whitening professionals or use the Gina’s Platform app to find a cosmetic dentist near you. 

          Gina Rivera

          Gina Rivera

          Beauty Icon and Expert

          Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

            Out of This World Celestial Nail Trends

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            “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
            ― Marcus Aurelius

            Ready to run with the stars? With these celestial nail trends, the furthest reaches of space can be as close as your fingertips. Ahead is a collection of sky dwellers to help you nail down your next stellar shellac.  

            Did you know there are over 170 named moons all within our galaxy alone?! These circular sky rocks can inspire so much creativity. Sun and moon nails help connect you to the expansiveness of the heavens, so you can be down on earth but up in space. And the options for celestial nail art are as numerous as stars in the night sky. One look through this curated collection is enough to inspire a supernova of ideas. After you’ve settled on a few you like, be sure to take the images with you so you and your technician can make the design your own.

            Image: @delilahbonails

            Northern lights

            This natural phenomenon is a marvel of galactic proportions. Now, instead of having to travel to the tiptop of the planet, you can celebrate the swirl right where you are. The more cool colors you can work in, the more captivating your nails will be. At minimum, a dark blue, pop of purple glitter polish, and a blot of green will help achieve this dreamy display.

            Image: @mayleidoesnails

            Moonstruck

            Unlike the moon, celestial nails are more than a passing phase. But capturing la luna in her many forms is stylish homage to this centering sky body. Matte black polish and white textured crescents make an irresistible pair so pretty you may just catch yourself fighting the urge to howl.

            Image: @shesalussh

            Starlight, star bright

            Stargazers no longer have to look up to appreciate these magnetic sky fires. There are more ways to showcase your star nail art than there are, well, stars in the sky. In this galactic voyage, a shiny soft pink gloss adorned with five-pointed foils is a true gold star of this skyward trend.

            Let the sunshine in

            Image: @nailsbyrosmery

            Who says you can’t stare at the sun? With this crafty nail art, Mr. Golden will be emboldened on your digits. We love this mix of celestial elements that keep the sun the main feature it’s accustomed to being. A neutral backdrop creates the perfect canvas on which to emblazon these warm, sunny rays.

            Image: @kelceydoes_nails

            Planetary alignment

            Greetings from your new favorite home planet. This extraterrestrial nail art is truly otherworldly. The black base and glittery green will beam you up and show everyone you’re a true believer – in fashion nails.

            Image: @nailsbyrosmery

            Cloudbusting

            Night and day nails are 24/7 stunning. For those who consider the sky the main stage, this cloud-accompanied nail art is truly the best of both worlds. Proudly display each side of your personality with the orange glow or blue beams of these sun and moon scenes.

            Image: @realnailsandbeyond

            Zodiac attack

            Do you live and love by your horoscope each week? Zodiac nail art may be just what the manicurist ordered. Whether you rep your own sun, moon, and rising or embrace all the constellations in the sky, this one’s sure to get the stars aligned.

            Intergalactic

            Image: @ellielouisenails

            Can’t possibly pick at the nail salon? Why not try a combination of all the celestial nail trends and gel nails? Sun, moon, and stars showcased across the night sky with plenty of purple and flashes of bright white will have strangers stopping to get a glimpse of the galaxy.

            With these out of this world celestial nail trends, you won’t even need a telescope to number the stars.

            Click on the Nail Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best nail salons in NYC and LA or use the Gina’s Platform app to find a Manicurist near you. 

            Gina Rivera

            Gina Rivera

            Beauty Icon and Expert

            Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.