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5 Haircuts For Round Face Shapes, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

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Credit to: Hailey Bouche for theeverygirl.com

Back in the day, my only source for haircut inspiration was found in coffee table catalogs at a local salon. If I wasn’t going for a standard trim, I’d have to frantically flip through each page to choose what I was going to do next before it was my turn to sit in the salon chair.

Now, thanks to the internet and social media, we have access to experts who can help us choose the best haircuts for our face shape weeks before our appointment so we can make a decision, change our minds, and change them again, all before it’s too late. If only this was the case sooner, I would have been saved from more than just a few not-so-cute haircuts.

I am happy to say that we no longer have to learn the hard way. All it takes is reaching out to some stylists to ask about the best haircuts. In this case, we inquired for all of our beautiful readers with round faces to find out what the best round-face haircuts are.

1. Long Layers

Gina Rivera, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites, recommended long layers for round face shapes. “These styles tend to create a balance that makes the face appear to be slightly longer rather than wider,” she said.

If you don’t opt for layers and choose a one-length haircut, the roundness of your face will likely be overemphasized, according to celebrity hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor.

2. Mid-Length Cut with Chin-Length Layers

Similar to shag cuts, “chin-length layers help elongate and frame a round face,” said Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity hairstylist who has styled some of our favorites (Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, J.Lo, and Megan Fox). Adding a smaller curl pattern to this style if your hair isn’t curly already can be one of the best round-face haircuts—especially if you are a fan of styles with a lot of volume.

As far as parting your locks goes, stylists agree: A deep side part or a middle part will give your face the illusion of length.

3. Pixie Cut

If you prefer a shorter style that requires minimal styling, Kee said that you can never go wrong with a pixie cut. This is arguably one of the most popular round-face haircuts, so if you are looking for inspiration, Ginnifer Goodwin and Michelle Williams are two celebrities who do the pixie cut right.

If you have curly hair and are worried about how your hair will look with a pixie cut, Kee recommended a layered bob. Once your hair drys and the pattern of your hair is formed, you will be left with tons of volume.

4. Shag Cuts

According to Rivera, a long shag cut is another great style for those with round faces. “The shag layers can help frame the face, creating a focus on the center vertical line of the face rather than the width of the face.”

Fitzsimons agreed and encouraged adding bangs to haircuts with a shag effect to further accentuate your face shape.

5. Bangs

Fear not: A side-swept bang or a bold bang will add an edge to your look and compliment your face shape, so don’t be afraid of them! Fitzsimons recommended them both but suggested avoiding soft, wispy bangs, as they can result in further accentuating the softness of your features.

3 Lob Cuts Hairstylists Say Highlight Your Features & Make You Look Younger Instantly

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Credit to: Marissa Matozzo on shefinds.com

The ‘lob’ is a trendy cut that you’ve probably seen everywhere— a hairstyle that isn’t as short as a chin-length bob and long enough to reach the collarbones or a little below (hence the ‘lob’ abbreviation for long bob). This flattering look suits any hair texture or color and has been hailed by many stylists to be a great option for its anti-aging effects. We checked in with professional hairstylists who provided 3 different variations of a ‘lob’ cut that will inspire you the next time you hit the salon! Read on for suggestions and tips from pro stylists Janine Jarman, Ghanima Abdullah and Gina Rivera.

1. Side-Parted Blunt Lob 

If you want a sleek, trendy and ultimately timeless look, a blunt lob can add youthful-esque fullness, seen here on Emma Stone. “You can make your hair look fuller with a blunt lob,” Abdullah says, as the “bottom of a blunt cut looks full, regardless.” A side swept bang with this, she adds, “helps lift the features even more.”

2. Textured, Layered Lob 

If a blunt lob isn’t really your style, a textured lob can give you instant volume and frame your face in a flattering and still ultra-trendy way. As seen on Olivia Culpo, wavy layers can be pulled off with a center part. “A lob with a lot of texture is always a great look for our aging beauties,” Rivera says. “The texture allows for a lot of movement and it can be worn fuller than a sleek lob which results in softening the features.”

3. Lob With Bangs 

As aforementioned layers enhance your facial features and provide volume, adding bangs to a textured lob (as seen here on Alexa Chung), can help conceal forehead wrinkles and draw more attention to your eyes. “Pair your lob with fringe to cover any wrinkles or receding hairlines and highlight those gorgeous eyes of yours,” Jarman says. “Many of us have hair that gets thinner with age,” she concludes, so “adding texture will help give your look lift and life.”

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

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