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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.

20 Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Every Texture

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You get the perfect haircut. You leave the salon feeling (and looking) like a supermodel. Then, you wash and try to style it for the first time, but it looks nothing like it did the day you left the salon (sigh). The sad fact is that not all haircuts are wash-and-go. Some of the best-looking styles are also the most time-intensive. But who has the time to spend an hour in the bathroom straightening and curling every morning?

We don’t. To help you avoid a repeat of the above scenario, we consulted expert stylists to round up 20 low-maintenance styles that won’t add precious minutes to your morning routine. The following cuts will afford you minimal if no styling commitment, no matter your texture.

Scroll through to find the right low-maintenance haircut for your hair type, bring the photo to your stylist, and prepare to save a lot of time.

MEET THE EXPERT

To read the full article, click here.

Credit to: Devon Hopp for Byrdie.com

5 Non-Negotiable Hot Tool Rules Stylists Are Begging You To Follow for the Health of Your Hair

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We know that hot tools aren’t good for our hair. But if you love silking out your hair with a flat iron or adding bouncy curls with a wand, that inconvenient fact likely won’t stop you from achieving the look you desire. And that’s okay! As long as you’re extra healthy when applying heat to keep your hair healthy in the long run.

“Heat can dry the hair and make it brittle and easily breakable if the hair is overexposed,” says Gina Rivera, hair artist and CEO of Phenix Salon Suites. “It’s important to keep in mind intense indoor heat [from tools] can be just a damaging as overexposure to outdoor heat and elements.”

To make sure we’re causing the least amount of damage, hair experts say there are a few hot tool rules we should all be following.

5 hot tool rules to follow, according to hairstylists

1. Use a heat protectant

“Never use any heat tools without putting protectant on your strands beforehand,” says Dominic Burg, PhD, a chief scientist, hair biologist, and trichologist at Évolis Professional. “Water is the enemy here, so look for treatments rich in oils. Our Promote Treatment Mask ($40) doubles as a heat protectant due to the levels of Baobab and flaxseed oils that hydrate and protects strands.”

2. Keep the temperatures low

“Commonly enough, we all put our hot tools on the highest heat setting,” says Nicolette Rauchut, a hairstylist at Lrn Beauty in New York City. “All heat tools are not created equal. Some hair textures can not handle high heat settings causing breakage and dryness. Start with a lower setting especially if you have fine or fragile hair chemical services like keratins, relaxers, and color.”

3. Make sure your hair is fully dry before styling with heat

“The high heat in flat irons and curlers can instantly vaporize any trapped water in the hair, aka flash drying, causing significant damage to both the internal structures, hair proteins, and cuticles,” says Dr. Burg. So before going in with any sort of iron, make sure all the moisture has been blowdried or airdried away.

4. Don’t overdo it on the hair spray

For curls that last, it’s recommended to spray the hair with hair spray before curling—but make sure you’re not using too much. “Keep in mind that hairspray is a sticky product,” says Rauchut, noting that higher-hold products tend to be stickier than their lighter counterparts. “If you overspray a spot, the iron can accumulate more heat in that section, causing it to burn the hair. Instead, you should use a flexible hairspray when you curl and stronger hold hairsprays when you’re setting.”

5. Be gentle around your hairline

“Flat iron curls have become the new at-home style trend, however, I have seen many front pieces burnt off,” says Rauchut. “This can be absolutely traumatizing for someone that hates bangs. Sometimes people have more fragile hair in the front than the back, which is entirely normal, especially if you pull your hair back or twist it. Between the tension and high heat, the hair is over manipulated and snaps. The way we fix this is to lower the heat setting when styling the front pieces. Also, keep in mind how long you are in one spot of the hair when styling so the heat doesn’t accumulate too fast.”

Credit to: Kara Jilian Brown for WELL+GOOD.

Introducing the Calligraphy Haircut—the Easiest Way to Add Texture and Body to Fine Hair

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Haircutting trends come and go but haircutting techniques are far less common. When we heard about the calligraphy cut, we were instantly intrigued and conjured images of 19th-century calligraphers in full palatial garb hacking away at our manes. Turns out, we weren’t terribly off. Here’s how the technique is done and what you need to know before asking for it or trying it out yourself… if you’re feeling bold.

“A calligraphy haircut is a form of haircutting that utilizes a cutting knife, referred to as a calligraphy pen, rather than a pair of shears,” explains salon owner and pro stylist Gina Rivera.

What Is the Calligraphy Haircut?

The technique skews on the difficult side because it requires mastery of a whole new tool. “While my father and my uncle were both highly experienced in razor cuts, it’s always exciting to see the tools of the trade increased and expanded. The calligraphy cut technique utilizes a specialized calligraph cutting knife that uniquely cuts hair at a 21-degree angle by slicing it. The technique does not utilize shears,” says Gina.

“The calligraphy haircut is a cool and unique way to add texture to the hair while also adding body and movement,” says Ramon Garcia, celeb stylist (and my stylist, shout out!) at Ramirez Tran salon.

Who Should Try a Calligraphy Cut?

As it adds so much movement, it’s a game-changer for ladies with thin manes. “This cut is fabulous for creating volume and works especially well for those that wear a bob, big waves, or even a sleek look,” explains Gina.

The reason it maximizes sleekness boils down to how the technique is carried out. “The calligraphy cut eliminates split ends because the cutting surface is very smooth. This can contribute to strength and shine as well.”

If this cut sounds too good to be true, it gets even better. “Some that wear this look even report that it can make the hair appear longer,” Gina continues.

How to Get the Calligraphy Cut

As it’s not reached the saturation point, you should be discerning about who does the cut. “It’s very important to have a professional administer this cut because this is not a look that you want just anyone to create. It should be someone who has strong knowledge of the technique and professional experience. There are different levels of calligraphy pens denoted by the finish—black, silver, or gold. The colors indicate the level of experience the professional has achieved with the cutting technique with gold being the highest.”

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a calligraphy haircut? If your hairdresser swaps out their scissors for a cutting pen, they’re likely sculpting your strands  into a calligraphy cut. The idea is to help the hair absorb more moisture and conditioner so it’s fuller and bouncier. It’s great if you’re embarking on a growout, but still need to clean up your ends without losing length. 
  • Is a calligraphy cut worth it? Calligraphy cuts are particularly impactful for straight and wavy hair. If you’re looking to add volume and the appearance of length, this is the service you want to book.
  • Is a calligraphy cut good for curly hair? Though calligraphy cuts work for most hair types, there are better techniques to showcase your thick or curly hair. 

What is a hairdressing Calligraphy Pen? The tool looks like a small, angled knife which slices your on a diagonal.

Credit to: Emilie Branch for maneaddicts.com