Whoever said those with thick hair can’t use claw clips have never met the right claw clip hairstyles for thick hair. The hairstyling staple can tame any mane—most notably fuller, thicker hair types—with a simple gather and grasp. But there are a few things to keep in mind when reaching for the accessory, so we enlisted the help of Gina Rivera, Phenix founder and celebrity stylist, for a few claw clip lessons, including a trio of easy-to-follow tutorials to achieve the look at home. Read on here for a crash course on your new favorite hair clips!
Fashion
The Zoe Report | Welcome To Babushka Scarf Summer — Your Hair’s Never Looked Better
Between the rise of hair clips and scrunchies, butterfly clips, and tendrils, it’s safe to say hair trends and accessories from the Y2K era are back like never before. The latest accessory social media is loving: head scarves, with patterned or solid-colored rectangle and square scarves that can be worn seemingly endless ways for a cute summer look. They work great for bad hair days, protection against wind or rain, or as an on-the-go polished style.
And again, the head scarf isn’t a new trend, as it started way before the ‘90s (and the current Y2K craze), but this summer you’ll see modern iterations on the traditional item. “Hair scarves are definitely a ‘70s vibe,” says Aquage brand ambassador and celebrity stylist Laura Polko. “But this trend coincides with the increase of people experimenting with accessories, especially those that circle back to different eras and inspirations.”
Wondering how to add the go-to accessory to your styling repertoire? Fortunately, the trend is so beloved because of the variety of looks you can create, both minimalism and intricately detailed. Lucky, TZR curated an expert-approved list of six ways to style the popular summer headpiece, according to celebrity hair stylists. From long hair, short hair, curls or waves, here are the six best ways to stay on top of the head scarf trend this summer.
4 Fun, Fresh Haircuts for Women Over 50, According To A Hair Expert
Credit to Merrell Readman for shefinds.com
A new haircut can make or break your look, so getting a style that compliments your features and makes you feel confident in your skin is essential to channeling the most youthful version of yourself. As you grow older it becomes increasingly important to get a haircut that can highlight your natural beauty while drawing the eye away from areas that may reveal your true age. We spoke with hair stylist Gina Rivera, Celebrity Hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites who broke down the four most universally flattering and fun haircuts to try over 50 to not only make you look ageless, but allow you to feel like the best version of yourself.
Textured Bob
Cutting your hair shorter as you age can help to take off any dull or limp hair that may be dragging down your appearance, and a fresh and textured bob can boost the volume of your locks while also being easy to style for women on the go. “The textured bob is a great youthful look. Texture can create volume that tends to soften features and it can be made to look very edgy with the right product,” notes Rivera. “When visiting your stylist, ask for layers or texturizing that give you volume at the top.”
A new haircut can make or break your look, so getting a style that compliments your features and makes you feel confident in your skin is essential to channeling the most youthful version of yourself. As you grow older it becomes increasingly important to get a haircut that can highlight your natural beauty while drawing the eye away from areas that may reveal your true age. We spoke with hair stylist Gina Rivera, Celebrity Hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites who broke down the four most universally flattering and fun haircuts to try over 50 to not only make you look ageless, but allow you to feel like the best version of yourself.
Textured Bob
Cutting your hair shorter as you age can help to take off any dull or limp hair that may be dragging down your appearance, and a fresh and textured bob can boost the volume of your locks while also being easy to style for women on the go. “The textured bob is a great youthful look. Texture can create volume that tends to soften features and it can be made to look very edgy with the right product,” notes Rivera. “When visiting your stylist, ask for layers or texturizing that give you volume at the top.
Asymmetrical Lob
The asymmetrical cut is another timeless classic that infuses your hair with movement, negating the look of your strands hanging around your face and causing you to look older than you are. “Slightly longer than a bob, the length of the lob mixed with the different lengths makes it a fun, trendy, and youthful look,” explains Rivera. “Ask your stylist to cut the back of the hair slightly shorter. Those with fine hair should ask for a blunter cut to create the appearance of thicker hair.” The illusion of thicker hair will automatically inject some youth into your appearance, but those who already have plenty of hair will find that adding some layers into this look will reduce the weight of your strands.
The Shag
The shag is one look which has skyrocketed in popularity over recent months, and is undeniably one of the coolest cuts you could opt for to elevate your look. “The shag is always a chic, youthful look that can be worn at any age. It’s a terrific way to frame the face and reduce the focus on fine lines that may arise with age,” says Rivera. “Ask for a cut that has a lot of layers that are choppy with different lengths.” The shag looks great styled straight, but ladies with wavy or curly hair can also easily rock this look as it creates volume and bounce that instantly evokes youth.
Choppy Pixie
The pixie cut is undeniably one of the most common cuts for women to opt for as they age, and it can be a great look that offers plenty of versatility and takes very little time to style while still looking stylish. “It can be spiked up, tousled with gel or slicked back. It can also be worn with bangs or even accessorized. It’s a perfect look for any age making it great to highlight the youthful spirit,” says Rivera. “I recommend bringing in a photo of the pixie that you like to your stylist. This should follow with a discussion on the right pixie for your facial shape.”
Should You Get Balayage or Foil Highlights?
When it’s time to get a few highlights in your hair, you have a choice between traditional foil highlights and balayage (also known as hair painting). There’s a difference between the two techniques and each has its advantages, depending on the look you’re going for. But you’re in luck, as many stylists and colorists are skilled in both techniques and can help you decide which will achieve your desired look. Still need help deciding between the two? We’re breaking down the details on foil highlights versus balayage, with tips from the experts.
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.
- Reece Walker is a bicoastal colorist, stylist, and hair extension expert for his celebrity clientele like Victoria Beckham, Miranda Kerr, and Caroline Vreeland.
What is Balayage?
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Originating from the French word meaning “to sweep,” balayage is a hair color technique where a lightening solution is hand-painted on the surface of random portions of hair. According to Walker, balayage is a freehand technique, not a look. “Typically, balayage colors are shades that are slightly lighter than your base color and the color is applied to create a more natural look,” adds Rivera. “The end goal is to provide a lightened look while creating depth and dimension in a way that appears to be natural.
What Are Highlights?
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Highlights, on the other hand, are more traditional and generally done using foil. “Hair highlighting is changing the hair color, using a lightener or hair color to lift the level or brightness of the hair strands,” says Rivera, noting that there are four basic types of highlight application, which include foil highlights, hair painting, frosting, and chunking.
What Are Babylights?
Babylights are very subtle and lightly applied highlights that are meant to look natural much like a child’s hair, hence the name. Since they are done so delicately, babylights tend to look best on those with finer hair.
Highlights vs. Balayage: What’s the Difference?
It’s very likely that your colorist will recommend highlight foils if you want a big color shift. Foils tend to work best when taking dark hair four or more shades lighter. The same is true if you want hair that has a lot of contrast with both highlights and lowlights or prefer an even distribution of color.
“Highlights are often placed much closer to the scalp and applied in specific sections while the balayage process includes a graduated painting the color onto the hair in random sections,” says Rivera.
If you are looking to add non-uniform chunks or sweeps of color, balayage is a better option. The method offers your stylist more freedom to add color that fits and flatters your cut, face shape, and, of course, your personal style. So, if you have more of a carefree attitude, you can give your colorist the opportunity to stretch their artistic muscles with balayage.
Balayage is also great for face-framing highlights. Where foils often target the full shaft of the hair, including the roots, balayage is frequently used to highlight from mid-length to ends, leaving a more natural root.
Which Is Better For Your Hair?
While the method of color application will largely rely on the results that a person is attempting to achieve, there are some thoughts to take into consideration. “How dramatic you want the look to be, the hair texture, and the length of the hair are some things to consider,’ says Rivera. “Those with longer hair may opt more towards balayage as the length will allow for easier sweeping on of the color. While those with shorter hair may opt for a highlight as the process allows for the color to be applied much closer to the scalp.”
Balayage is also a gentle, subtle way to cover grays because the stylist can paint just the gray strands rather than having to color your entire head. Likewise, if you’re in a transition phase and want to grow out your roots without making it obvious, balayage can be a natural-looking and temporary solution. For instance, they may suggest giving you just as many highlights as they would with foils, or they may suggest a gentle sun-kissed look with just a few natural streaks here and there.
“Balayage is great for people wanting a soft grow out and warmer tones,” says Walker.
Some stylists, Walker included, even use a combination of balayage and foils. One technique known as “American tailoring” begins with foils after which balayage highlights are painted in between the new highlights to soften and blend the color. Another popular approach is “foilyage,” and it’s just the opposite: Starting with painted color and finishing up with foil accents.
Maintaining Balayage
If you prefer to avoid the maintenance of getting your hair colored every six to eight weeks, balayage may be a better match for your lifestyle. The technique is less obvious and allows you to go longer between salon visits—even just three to four times a year—and it grows out beautifully.
“Because balayage is freehand, it’s not for someone who likes to have their roots touched up every week,” says Walker. “I like to have enough regrowth to work with ideally four months-worth. Anything sooner than three months, in my opinion, causes too much breakage from the overlapping of color.”
To maintain balayage, Rivera recommends using a sulfate-free wet line of shampoo and conditioner. “I recommend Pure BioGen Complex ($16) because it’s packed with biotin, collagen, and B Vitamins, which are designed to improve hair and scalp health,” she says.
Prevent your balayage from looking brassy by using a purple or blue shampoo once or twice a week.
Maintaining Highlights
Foil highlights have an obvious demarcation, so new growth is also more noticeable. Again, Rivera recommends using a sulfate-free wet-line of shampoo and conditioner, and to reduce the heat slightly when washing to extend color. “Keep the color fresh by periodically doing a clarifying treatment,” she recommends.
For his blonde clients, Walker uses foil highlights as he “has more control and can lift the hair to that creamy very light blonde that girls want without overlapping.”
“To freshen up the blonde ends that have gotten a little dull over time, I like to balayage/tip-out the ends while my foils are processing,”
Consider the Look You’re Going For
All in all, each highlighting method creates a different look. For a natural, sun-swept look, balayage highlights are the perfect option. If you prefer uniform highlighted strands from root to ends throughout your hair, foils are your best bet. That being said, you do have the option to get both at the same time.
“Balayage is great for a low maintenance highlight, adding beautiful rich and warmer tones to the hair,” says Walker. “Foils are for the girls who love to have very little regrowth and like their hair nice and light.”
Go With More Than One Color
You’ve probably noticed that natural hair colors aren’t a single shade and that each strand is a different color. You can achieve similar diversity when getting either balayage or foils by asking your stylist to use more than one color for highlights that look even more natural.
You can also consider getting lowlights—a color that’s about two shades darker than your highlights. When lowlights are woven into the hair, they add dimension and depth for some fabulous-looking locks.
Refrain from washing your hair daily to maintain the color for longer, and wear a hat to protect from the sun fading the color.
The Final Takeaway
While some stylists use the two techniques together, determining if you are best suited for highlights or balayage is up to you. However, taking into account your hair color, length, texture, and lifestyle could help make your decision a bit easier before you hop in the chair.
Credit to: Julyne Derrick for BYRDIE
The 8 best blow dryer brushes for achieving a professional blowout at home
If you love the look of professional blowouts — but hate spending a small fortune on them — then consider investing in a blow dryer brush. This versatile tool pulls double (or more like triple) duty as a brush, hairdryer, and styler. Put simply, blow dryer brushes are designed to save you time, effort, and energy when it comes to styling your hair, and, fortunately, they’re suitable for all hair types, textures, and lengths.
While there are dozens of great options on the market, keep in mind that the best blow dryer brushes feature ionic technology, which is supposed to help minimize frizz and enhance shine. The result? Frizz-free, softer strands in mere minutes. You’ll also notice that most blow dryer brushes are round- or oval-shaped which is ideal for creating volume. Many have three or more temperature settings, cool-touch tips to prevent you from burning your fingers/hands, and a ceramic surface. A handful of options offer bonus features like cool settings for preserving curls, interchangeable barrels for custom styling, and two different types of bristles that allow for simultaneous detangling and styling.
As someone who owns several blow dryer brushes — including a few mentioned below — I’ve picked up quite a few tricks. For example, I’ve found that blow dry brushes work best on my hair when it’s about 80% to 90% dry. Not only does this cut down on styling time, but it also helps minimize heat damage.
From a wallet-friendly favorite to a splurge-worthy staple, I’ve scoured the Internet — and spoke to the pros — to narrow down the best blow dryer brushes for every hair type and budget.
To read the full article, click here
Credit to: Lauren Dana for insider.com
Gina Rivera: Creating a wave of growth by leading intentionally
Since the last decade, the business world has seen an exponential rise in women entrepreneurs sharing the center stage. It takes an iron will and an intricate understanding of the industry to become a leader who inspires others. One such leader is Gina Rivera, Celebrity Hairstylist & Founder of Phenix Salon Suites. Being in the business since 2007, Gina has been offering professional & upscale suite solutions to beauty and wellness professionals who desire to become entrepreneurs and be their own boss. Considered as one of the top leaders in the industry, Gina, with a dynamic mindset has been inspiring leaders and setting leadership benchmarks for others to follow. Phenix Salon Suites currently has 320 sites across the United States. Their first store is now under development in England, with another 75 planned. They are also looking into additional international markets with intentions to expand.
In an interview with PerceptivX, Gina shared detailed insight into her journey thus far. Below are the highlights of the interview.
PerceptivX (P): How would you describe Phenix Salon Suites? What do you stand for as a business?
Gina Rivera (G): “Phenix Salon Suites is a leader in the industry and provides an upscale suite solution for beauty and wellness professionals who have the desire to become entrepreneurs and open their businesses. Further, Phenix Salon Suites provides the opportunity for sole beauty and wellness proprietors to own and operate their business in a suite at a fraction of the cost of owning a multi-chair salon. Our philosophy is to keep the Professional at the center of our decision-making process. We understand that if they are successful, we are successful. We believe it’s an honor to help others achieve their dreams of business ownership.
We also believe in providing support in areas that we can. We currently have a national scholarship fund where applicants that are seeking to pursue a career in beauty can apply to have their cosmetology school paid for. As founder of the By Gina product line, a portion of our sales is designated to cancer research in honor of my mother who was lost to the devastating illness.”
(P): How did it all begin? Tell us a bit about your journey and what led you to start Phenix Salon Suites?
(G): “Coming from a family who has been in the industry since 1929, I was destined to pursue a career in the world of beauty. As a child, I would sweep hair from the floors of my parent’s salon. At 17 years of age, I attended beauty school and later worked in a booth renter salon where I was blessed to develop a strong client following. I truly liked making my clients feel special and I always worked to improve. Later I opened my first salon and I realized how much I enjoyed sharing my knowledge with new stylists and offering support where it was needed. Based on these experiences I realized that not all salons are created equal and a majority of booth renters are provided very little support to ensure their success.
I had a deep passion for the industry but also for advocating and supporting the goals of Lifestyle Professionals. I was particularly interested in helping those who had the desire to operate their own salons but perhaps lacked the financial resources. I knew the options for operating a business in the industry needed to be redefined for sole proprietors working in beauty and wellness. With this, Phenix Salon Suites was born, establishing a new experience and opportunity for Lifestyle Professionals to own and operate a business without the heavy financial burden of opening a multi chair salon”.
(P): What is the secret to your success?
(G): “While I view myself as a leader, I also view myself as a person that has overcome obstacles and at times, naysayers. The skills that have helped me on this journey are the experiences that I have had throughout my career dating back to when I was very young. I worked my way up as a hairstylist and then a salon owner. I focused and tried to learn every facet of the industry. There is always new information, so I am always learning and working to understand and create better opportunities for the Professionals that I serve.
The main lesson that I have learned is that you must be humble and be a good listener. You need to have empathy for others. I think empathy is key to good leadership. Many great leaders are very empathetic people. Respecting everyone is important. For every leader, it’s important to be authentic and genuine as well. This is crucial in today’s business world. You are going to make mistakes and encounter obstacles, but you must be ready to learn from these experiences and move on. This is how you improve as a leader.
“As your leadership abilities evolve, more confidence emerges and it becomes easier to express ideas and share opinions.”– Gina Rivera
I think for me, the biggest barrier has sometimes been set by myself. To explain, I don’t believe that others can define your goals or where you want to go professionally. For me, I can get in my own way at times by putting limitations on myself. I have overcome this by always pushing myself to step outside of my comfort zone and attempt to achieve and learn new things. Rather than becoming dependent on others for my success, I believe that I must be accountable for achieving my own goals. Of course, there are always others that help you in their roles, but it’s important to stay focused and forge forward.”
(P): Who was your role model? How do you mentor other upcoming leaders?
(G): “My mother was my role model as a person as well as a businesswoman. She was a hairstylist, a business owner, and an incredible person that deeply inspired me to be my best. When it comes to mentoring, I have been doing complimentary speaking engagements in beauty schools across the country. I am doing this in an effort to share my story and encourage young people that have aspirations in the industry. For women leaders at any age, it’s really important to attend educational events in a person’s chosen industry. It doesn’t matter what stage you are at in the game. There are so many resources available, it’s important to seek out these opportunities and continue to grow throughout your career. This is part of what defines a great leader.”
(P): What, in your experience as a mentor, prevents women from growing as leaders? How would you describe the growth opportunities at Phenix?
(G): “I believe at times women can be afraid to speak up and express their opinions. However, as your leadership abilities evolve, more confidence emerges and it becomes easier to express ideas and share opinions. We have many amazing women working throughout our organization at various levels including executives, directors, managers, and coordinators. We also have women in virtually every area of the company from marketing to product development and construction. There are many avenues available to grow with the company into a variety of different positions depending on one’s area of interest. I also have many accomplished women on my International Artistic Team that inspire me to be my best every day.”
I think for me, the biggest barrier has sometimes been set by myself. To explain, I don’t believe that others can define your goals or where you want to go professionally. For me, I can get in my own way at times by putting limitations on myself. I have overcome this by always pushing myself to step outside of my comfort zone and attempt to achieve and learn new things. Rather than becoming dependent on others for my success, I believe that I must be accountable for achieving my own goals. Of course, there are always others that help you in their roles, but it’s important to stay focused and forge forward.”
(P): Who was your role model? How do you mentor other upcoming leaders?
(G): “My mother was my role model as a person as well as a businesswoman. She was a hairstylist, a business owner, and an incredible person that deeply inspired me to be my best. When it comes to mentoring, I have been doing complimentary speaking engagements in beauty schools across the country. I am doing this in an effort to share my story and encourage young people that have aspirations in the industry. For women leaders at any age, it’s really important to attend educational events in a person’s chosen industry. It doesn’t matter what stage you are at in the game. There are so many resources available, it’s important to seek out these opportunities and continue to grow throughout your career. This is part of what defines a great leader.”
(P): What, in your experience as a mentor, prevents women from growing as leaders? How would you describe the growth opportunities at Phenix?
(G): “I believe at times women can be afraid to speak up and express their opinions. However, as your leadership abilities evolve, more confidence emerges and it becomes easier to express ideas and share opinions. We have many amazing women working throughout our organization at various levels including executives, directors, managers, and coordinators. We also have women in virtually every area of the company from marketing to product development and construction. There are many avenues available to grow with the company into a variety of different positions depending on one’s area of interest. I also have many accomplished women on my International Artistic Team that inspire me to be my best every day.”
For the link to Preceptivx Magazine, click here.