Gina's Platform

Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Blog

Gina Rivera

SheFinds | Why Professional Hairstylists Swear By The Trendy ‘Butterfly Cut’ For More Volume

by Leave a Comment

When it comes to thin or fine hair, finding ways to amp up your look and add volume can feel daunting. From dry shampoo to blow-drying techniques, if you’re finding the task of volumizing your tresses to be overwhelming— look no further! Expert hair stylists swear by the ‘butterfly cut,’ a style first coined by stylist Sunnie Brook that involves using shorter layers in long locks to give the illusion of shorter, bouncier and more voluminous hair without sacrificing your length.

We checked in with hair experts and stylists to learn more about the ‘butterfly cut,’ how it can bring life to flat strands, and what to ask your hairdresser when you head to the salon. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Gina here!

The List | Here’s What To Do If Your Flat Iron Burns Your Hair

by Leave a Comment

One of the first rules of styling your hair is that if you have straight hair, you want curls and if you have curly hair, you want it straightened. While some of us still struggle to find the perfect hot tool to do it all, the flat iron comes closest — not only can it can give you sleek hair, but with a little maneuvering, you can also create gorgeous waves.

But first, you need to find the perfect flat iron that does what you want, which is important because “it ensures that you don’t need to make multiple passes over the hair and further increase the likelihood of damage,” Gina Rivera, Phenix Founder and Celebrity Stylist, told Byrdie. This can also save you loads of time.

Most flat irons should only be used on dry hair, but some people make the mistake of using them on wet hair. Therefore, you need to use it on dry hair; otherwise, you’re damaging your hair.

If you use a lower temperature, the flat iron might not give you the silky, sleek look you want. But when you raise the temperature, there is always a risk of burning your skin and your hair. What should you do if you burn your hair with your flat iron by mistake? Read the details here!

SheFinds | 3 Unflattering Haircuts That Age You Instantly Over 40

by Leave a Comment

Here’s the truth about your hair and aging: you should choose any haircut or style that makes you feel amazing. All hair is different, all personalities are different, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to styling. But maybe you’ve been feeling lately like your current hair style isn’t YOU anymore. Whether you’ve outgrown your old look and are bored with it or you feel like the cut itself is leaving your hair looking more limp and lifeless and want to achieve more volume in your hair, you may feel like it’s time for an update and a nice change. Great — but the first thing you probably shouldn’t do is run to your salon with a photo of a celebrity sporting a cutting-edge style.

If you are trying to maintain a fresh look, keep reading to learn about the three haircuts it can help to avoid, here!

Well + Good | Why Stylists Say ‘Hair Shocking’ Is the Secret To Reviving Dull, Lifeless Strands

by Leave a Comment

Any time your hair starts feeling blah, chances are, it’s trying to tell you something. The message it’s trying to send when it looks lackluster? It’s time to reboot your routine, which is why stylists recommend “shocking” your hair to get things back on track.

According to Phenix Founder and Celebrity Stylist Gina Rivera, “hair shocking” involves changing up your routine to give your scalp and strands a jolt to stimulate growth and get your hair health trending in the right direction. Then, when you go back to using your regular products, your hair will be better prepped to reap all of their benefits. Just keep in mind that this process works best on hair that isn’t past the point of severe damage—so if you’re dealing with issues beyond general dullness and dryness, you’ll probably need a more intensive routine overhaul instead of a one-time shock.

With that, keep reading to find out how stylists recommend kick-starting your journey back to healthy hair!

Byrdie | 22 Hairstyles for Dirty Hair (Because Washing Isn’t Always an Option)

by Leave a Comment

We’re all for adding an extra day or two in between shampooing. It frees up our mornings, adds a cool second-day grit to our hair, and even helps hold certain styles in place better than clean hair. The only issue is, after a day too many (depending on your hair), things start to look a little less effortless and a little more, well, greasy. But here’s the silver lining: There are cool, on-trend styles that look better with dirty hair and disguise the fact that you’ve forgone a wash entirely. Lazy girls, rejoice.

“I never say disguise your hair; I say optimize your look,” says Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “The second day of wear is a great time to use hair accessories such as scarfs, hats, barrettes, and yes, even wigs. Wigs can be super fun if you want to really get out of your box!” Gina shared that with the right tools, accessories, and inspiration up your sleeve, you can create an elevated look that complements your unwashed hair.

And for future record: Second-day hair doesn’t have to be a problem. If you struggle to go a day without washing your hair, it may be time to break that habit. If you wash your hair more frequently your scalp will produce more sebum (oil) because it is being stripped of its natural oils. Cutting back on washing frequency can help your scalp relax into a more natural sebum-producing cycle. Try switching to an every-other-day washing schedule for happier, healthier hair. This will make day-two hair less of a problem in the future.

Keep reading to find the 22 most covetable styles and why they’re perfect for second (or third-day) hair.

SheFinds | Professional Colourists Say These Are The Most Unflattering Hair Colours For Women Over 40

by Leave a Comment

Finding the best hair colours for your skin tone can be exciting, as is a trip to the salon for a fresh turn-of-the-season style. With that said, we checked in with a professional hair stylist and expert for tips on what hair colours and dyes to avoid over 40 for a more youthful look, and other helpful tips to keep in mind before heading to the salon. Read on for insight and advice from Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites.