Gina's Platform

Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Blog

Lifestyle

Gina’s Platform Tip of the Week – Apple Cider Vinegar for your Hair

by Leave a Comment

There’s a lot of discussion about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Here’s my tips for using it to benefit the hair.

  • Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural clarifying treatment used to remove build-up.
  • Mix one part apple cider vinegar and 5 parts water in a spray bottle.
  • Spritz evenly on the hair from roots to end
  • Massage and ensure it’s applied to the scalp. Leave on for 2-5 minutes.
  • Rinse completely
  • Always use in moderation and check with your hairstylist to ensure you are on the proper schedule for your hair.

Best Shag Haircut for Your Hair Type

by Leave a Comment

Zendaya. Natasha Lyonne. Selena Gomez. These are just a few of the A-listers who are sporting 2022’s most grammable hairdo: the Shag haircut. 

The iconic 70s shag is everywhere. Not only is it a practical style for these socially distant days when shag haircuts may be fewer and farther between, it’s also cute with a capital “C”. 

But don’t worry. This isn’t your average Florence Henderson hair. Sure, the modern shag haircut still has its signature, choppy layers, but as times have changed so have the techniques. 

The trick to successfully sporting a shag hairstyle is to make sure you choose one that fits with your hair’s texture and type. 

Whether you have fine or thick hair, whether your hair is straight, curly, or even wavy, there is a shag cut for you. Your hair color does not affect the cut as much as your texture and type.

Ready to get volume for days? Brush up on this curly shag guide to the best shag haircuts for your hair type before you make the chop. 

Best shag cut for fine hair 

Image courtesy of: @nicolamillbank Instagram

Anyone with a pitiful ponytail knows how frustrating it can be to live with fine, thin hair. But a shag haircut promises thicker locks and instant volume, right? Not quite. 

The more layers you have up top, the thinner hair becomes at the bottom. This can cost you big in terms of split ends and can ultimately take your locks in the opposite direction, making them appear thinner. 

Instead, try on a pair of oh-so-hip fringe bangs. Having some long, piecey pieces up front will help the rest of your mane appear fuller. Add in some curled layers to really take it over the top. By doing that you can counteract the appearance of thin wispy hair and add more volume and flow.

Best shag cut for thick or coarse hair 

Image courtesy of: @madison.n.williams Instagram

Trying to trim down your thick hair? A mid-shoulder length shag haircut could tussle your tangles into submission. 

This razor cut produces long layers that can really thin out a bulky bob. By lightening the ends you’ll be left with enviable volume without the weight. It’s slightly edgy with a feminine flare. 

Be sure to ask your stylist to consult with you on length options. If you’re feeling really encumbered, it can be tempting to lob it all off! However, you probably need at least some weight to keep locks from getting totally unruly. A professional can help you find the ideal length for your coarse strands.  

Best shag cut for straight hair 

Image courtesy of: @nicolamillbank Instagram

Straight hair often has less texture to show off a traditional shag. You can avoid coming in with one idea of what you want and leaving (disappointed) with another by making sure you’re realistic about what your hair type can achieve. 

If your hair has nary a bend in sight, consider a mid-length cut with lots of layers, and some shorter pieces around the face for framing. This will allow some hidden and natural waves to shine through to give the impression of more volume.

Or, if you’re absolutely set on changing your look, consider going short with your shag! The shorter your layers are right at the crown, the more texture you can create by letting your hair mostly air dry and applying proper product. 

Best shag cut for long hair

Stunning young woman in portrait

If you love your length but are looking for some added dimension, a long shag haircut could be the look you’ve been craving. Long shag haircuts are equal parts freedom and rock n’ roll for an effortless cool that never goes out of style.

Best shag cut for curly hair 

Repeat after us: curly bangs are the new black. If you’ve ever had someone tell you a shag haircut with bangs simply won’t work with your kinky curls, I’m sorry, but they’re sorely mistaken. (You just need the right curly hair stylist to do it.)

Whether you opt for a shaggy bob or long flowing layers, a curly shag haircut will help flawlessly define your hair’s most standout feature. Those glorious curls will be unleashed and wow everyone who walks past.

If you’re not ready to fully commit to bangs, you could try a long, feathered fringe to start and work your way up. 

Best shag cut for wavy hair 

Image Courtesy of: @davidwbullen Instagram

You, my dear, have the ideal hair texture for a shaggy haircut. Lucky you!

The appeal of a wavy shag haircut is clear. One look at the retro layers and enviable volume and you’ll be running to your hairdresser with inspo photos of your future wavy shag cut. In terms of texture and shape, it’s second to none. 

Want your hair to have more movement? The right shag haircut can literally make waves.

Work with your stylist to pick the most flattering length, and enjoy the versatility of wearing your hair more textured, straight, or blow out to max volume!  The world is your oyster and embrace wether your waves are thick or thin and try out this versatile cut.

Hair in the time of quarantine doesn’t have to be all top buns and hats. With a shag hairstyle, your tousled strands will look intentionally, effortlessly styled, even if the only people who see it are on your Instagram feed. 

You can find professional hair stylists and colorists near you by clicking the Hair Care tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app.

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.

    Our Favorite Celeb-Inspired Haircuts for Women Over 50

    by Leave a Comment

    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

    by Leave a Comment

    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 Pamper Your Date & Yourself This Valentine’s Day

    by Leave a Comment

    We’re betting your Valentine’s Day looked a little different than normal last year. For some of us, it was a welcome change from the clichés and grand gesture-pressure of February’s past. Then again, maybe you’re bursting to celebrate in a big way after laying low last go-round. 

    To each their own! The list of possible Valentine’s day activities for couples is long, and that means you can have it all. 

    From sweet and subdued to big-time adventure, these nourishing Valentine’s ideas for couples will help you celebrate with your sweetie – or simply spoil yourself.  

    Plan the Day Around Your Love Language

    The Five Love Languages is a popular theory describing the most common ways people express and receive care. It’s thought we each have a primary way that we show and feel romantic love through some combination of: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch. 

    If you don’t already know your own love language (or your partner’s) you can take this brief quiz to find out. From there, you can plan what to do with your girlfriend or boyfriend based on what you discover. 

    Whether your love language is pure quality time, gift-focused, or a little mix of all five, they’re all great ways to narrow your list of ideas to those that will help you feel most cared for. 

    Organize a Skate Date

    Be it solo or as part of a duo, few physical activities are more romantic. ‘Tis the season for ice skating, though a roller rink can be just as cute. 

    Make it extra cozy by packing some creature comforts like a thermos full of hot chocolate, a snuggly blanket, or even a full picnic. 

    Take a Class

    Learning or doing something novel is an energizing way to spend the day. Cooking classes are a popular choice this time of year. But online experiences have also gotten more plentiful. 

    For example, if you’re not comfortable going out to a bar, you can create a craft cocktail at home by signing up for a mixology lesson over Zoom. It’s a great way to pamper your partner or meet someone new if you’re still on the hunt. 

    Treat Yourself to a Massage or Facial 

    Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to exercise a little self care. That extends to couples, too! 

    If all the stress of the past two years is weighing on you or your sweetie, plan a relaxing, rejuvenating massage. Not into massages? You can get a similar effect by booking a facial. Yes, they’re great for the men in your life, too! 

    Go Stargazing

    What’s more romantic than nature’s sky candles? 

    Whether you plan a trip to a dark sky designation or download an app to help you identify what you’re seeing, it’s an inspiring, low-cost way to make unforgettable Valentine’s memories. 

    Have a ‘Staycation’

    Maybe the last two years have shown you just how much you love being at home. Great – embrace it! 

    So long as you’re offline and present, you can create a memorable Valentine’s Day adventure without ever leaving city limits. Make a list of things you have always wanted to see in your town and pretend to be a tourist for a day. Or, revisit some of your favorite places and relive your most treasured times together. 

    Gift your Partner a Pedicure 

    Maybe your lover just needs to get out of the house for a bit. Manicures and pedicures are a luxurious way to take a break and leave looking better than when you went in. 

    You can also celebrate solo by asking the manicurist to give you fun Valentine’s day themed nail art! 

    Do a Wine and Cheese Tasting

    Focusing on food is always a good idea. Have this be the appetizer portion of the meal you’re making or contact your local cheese shop to schedule a personalized tasting. 

    If you’re more of a sweets person, you can easily substitute cheese for chocolate! 

    Make a Flower Arrangement for Yourself

    You deserve something pretty today. Just because. 

    Valentine’s Celebration FAQ 

    Still not sure what to do on Valentine’s day with your boyfriend or girlfriend? Think of something they normally wouldn’t do for themselves and go from there. That goes for all you single pringles, too!

    The 8 best blow dryer brushes for achieving a professional blowout at home

    by Leave a Comment

    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