hair texture

4 Fun, Fresh Haircuts for Women Over 50, According To A Hair Expert

April 7, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

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.”

Textured Bob

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.”

The Best Dry Shampoos for Travel, According to Hairstylists

March 29, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

With TSA-friendly picks meant for oily hair, color-treated strands, and more.

Credit to: Lauren Dana Ellman for cntraveler.com

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Dry shampoo helps instantly refresh your strands, making it a must-have for travel–especially if you’re coming off of a long-haul flight. Fortunately, just a few spritzes of the hair staple is powerful enough to combat dirt, oil, sweat, and product buildup in a matter of seconds, meaning you can spend less of your precious vacation time washing, blowing, and styling hair.

The best dry shampoos can also eliminate the sometimes unpleasant odor that comes along with build-up and “promote[s] movement and a cleaner look,” says San Diego-based hairstylist Gina Rivera. L.A.–based hairstylist Bradley Leake also notes that a good dry shampoo pulls double duty by “lightly” volumizing the root while also absorbing excess oil to effectively eliminate greasy strands.

Put simply, “Dry shampoos are a necessity when traveling,” says Denver-based colorist and Aloxxi Creative Advisor Sam LaBella. “Changes in temperature and humidity can cause your scalp to overproduce natural oils, so having a travel-size dry shampoo in your bag is a lifesaver.”

To help narrow down your search, we asked stylists to recommend the best dry shampoos on the market. Ahead, our complete list of expert-approved (and TSA-friendly) picks to pack on your next escape.

Best for Oily Hair

Rahua Voluminous dry shampoo

Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo is a favorite of New York City–based stylist and salon owner Nunzio Saviano for its plant-based ingredients—specifically clay and tapioca—that “add texture, absorb oil, and refresh the hair and scalp.” The clean, fresh scent is a bonus, especially after spending hours on a plane.

$32 AT DERMSTORE

Briogeo Scalp Revival charcoal and biotin dry shampoo

L.A.–based hairstylist Genevieve Garner loves Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo for its 99 percent naturally derived, do-it-all formula. According to the stylist, it’s made with “charcoal to detoxify your scalp, witch hazel to balance out your oil production, and biotin to keep your stands strong.”

$24 AT ULTA

Kératese Fresh Affair refreshing dry shampoo

Kerastase Mini Fresh Affair Refreshing Fine Fragrance Dry Shampoo is another favorite of Rivera’s. “This is a great product for those that are traveling or on the road as one application can last up to 24 hours,” she says. It’s also infused with vitamin E to support scalp and hair health.

$19 AT SEPHORA

Best for fine hair

Drybar Detox dry shampoo

Dull hair, begone! For voluminous tresses in a matter of seconds, Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, recommends DryBar’s Mini Detox Dry Shampoo. Per the stylist, this versatile dry shampoo “works great on thin hair that needs a little extra volume.” Ingredient highlights include oil- and odor-absorbing rice powder and moisture-boosting golden root extract. Choose from three tantalizing scents: original (jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla), lush (violet, sandalwood, and musk), and coconut colada (coconut water, lily of the valley, and coconut).$14 AT SEPHORA

Best for thick hair

R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo

Spritz some R&Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo onto your roots for a quick boost of volume. Per Leake, this dry shampoo is “great for thicker hair as it’s strong enough to work wonders regardless of how heavy your hair is.” It’s also infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and rice protein. The scent—which features notes of fig, bergamot, lotus, cedarwood, and tonka beans—adds a nice touch, too.

$18 AT DERMSTORE

Best for color-treated hair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo

According to Leake, the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo effectively removes dirt, oil, and sweat instead of simply masking it. The gentle yet effective formula makes it an excellent pick for colored and chemically treated hair. It’s also formulated with glycerin, which attracts moisture to the hair (so long, dry strands!).

$14 AT UL

Pureology Refresh and Go dry shampoo

Rivera recommends Pureology’s Mini Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo for its lightweight formula, which utilizes rice starch to absorb oil and buildup without drying or weighing down your strands. Per Rivera, it’s also “terrific for color-treated hair” since it features a slew of protective ingredients and a UV filter to prevent color from fading.

$9.50 AT SEPHORA

Best for dark hair

Batiste Divine Dark dry shampoo

“For those that have darker hair color and find that most dry shampoos leave a white cast on your roots, this is the dry shampoo for you,” says Garner of Batiste’s Dry Shampoo in Divine Dark. Unlike traditional dry shampoos, this one offers a hint of pigment to seamlessly blend into dark hair—while simultaneously concealing gray or overgrown roots.

$14 AT AMAZON (THREE-PACK)$6 AT WALMART (SINGLE BOTTLE)

Best for sensitive scalps

IGK Jet Lag invisible dry shampoo

According to Garner, the aptly named IGK Jet Lag Dry Shampoo is gentle enough “for even the most sensitive scalp.” The formula’s volcanic ash and ginger root extract are excellent for cleansing and softening, while vitamin-rich mango fruit extract adds extra nourishment.

$16 AT ULTA

Oribe Gold Lust dry shampoo

According to Saviano, the Oribe Mini Gold Lust Dry Shampoo uses translucent powders that blend into the hair, which help extend your ‘do. It’s also enriched with rice silk, which, per the stylist, “leaves hair feeling soft and smooth.” Other highlights include antioxidant-rich bamboo, nourishing myrrh extract, and lavender and chamomile, both of which can help soothe itchy or irritated scalps. The stylist also praised the product’s long-lasting fragrance that “boosts its hair-refreshing benefits.”

$23 AT SEPHORA

Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair FAQ

Does dry shampoo work on oily hair?

Dry shampoos for oily hair are everywhere. The trick is to use the right amount in the right places. That usually involves splitting the hair into sections and spraying generously along your scalp. It’s also a good idea to concentrate on the front of your hairline since it touches your forehead (aka: the oiliest part of your face). Make sure to brush out fully to avoid white residue.

Which shampoo is best for oily scalp and dry hair?

Again, all dry shampoos work similarly, regardless of your hair’s thickness or texture, so it comes down to technique. Concentrate wet and dry shampoos with oil-targeting ingredients on your scalp only. For the rest of your hair, if you do find your strands feeling a bit brittle after consecutive use, doing an argan oil treatment on your ends before your next full wash should help.

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.

Tip of the Week – Wondering why you should select tools designed with infrared technology

March 15, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

Here’s my Tip of the Week:

Infrared works to lock the moisture in to the hair drying the hair from the inside to the out. (Tools by Gina has a terrific one!)

The technology contributes to the hair being dried much faster and cuts the drying time in half. Meaning less heat exposure.

Infrared technology is like giving the hair a spa treatment. Think of all the places you see infrared light used for the betterment!

Infrared tools are comparably priced with other professional tools on the market.

Always read the instructions to make sure you’re reaping the most benefits from your infrared tool

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse Infused with the Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

March 11, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

One of the bloggers I follow on Instagram is always talking about her obsession with apple cider vinegar (fermented apple juice). She swears up and down that it helps with clearing up acne to balancing her blood sugar, which research published in Medscape General Medicine actually supports, and just about everything in between. I decided to give it a try—you know, just to see.

Meet the experts

Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist

Gina Rivera, celebrity stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites

Bridgette Hill, trichologist and owner of Bridgette Hill Scalp Therapy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist

One surprising benefit I didn’t see coming? My hair has never looked better!

What’s more: Hairstylists have been using this kitchen staple to enhance the appearance of their client’s hair for years. Even Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity hairstylist whose client list includes JLO, Meghan Fox, and Kim Kardashian, gives ACV a thumbs up.

“Apple cider vinegar will add a shine to your tresses by coating the cuticle, which will make hair softer and stronger and even help prevent breakage,” he says. “ACV is also great for balancing your scalp’s pH level thanks to its antibacterial properties.” By applying to your roots, he says you will soon notice a less build up and minimal dandruff.

And that’s how this herb-infused apple cider vinegar hair rinse was born.

Making my own ACV rinse has quickly become my go-to secret for lackluster hair. Not only does it get rid of the gunky buildup that used to weigh down my hair, but it also makes my locks soft and super shiny.

Plus, by infusing it with hair-boosting herbs, I’ve noticed more growth, less flakiness, and fewer bad hair days to boot. Here’s how to make your own version of this hair fixer upper.

“The rinse can be customized to be stronger or weaker , depending on the water to ACV ratio used when mixing, allowing those with scalp concerns verses those with no obvious scalp conditions,” explains Bridgette Hill, trichologist and owner of Bridgette Hill Scalp Therapy.

Herb-Infused Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a must for any healthy hair regimen. Because raw ACV hasn’t been pasteurized, it still contains the nutrients and probiotics that are so vital for healthy hair and scalp.

When using apple cider vinegar, Gina Rivera, celebrity stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, recommends always diluting it first by adding water, as undiluted it can be far too acidic for the hair. She recommends one ounce of vinegar to 5 ounces of water.

“As with everything, always use this treatment in moderation to avoid stripping the hair and damaging it,” she says. “Depending on the amount of products a person uses, this treatment should be done no more than once per week or bi-weekly.”

When used as a post-shampoo rinse, ACV can help decrease tangles and smooth away frizz, add body and shine, clarify over-styled locks, and unclog hair follicles that may be causing excess shedding. Not only that, but by replenishing healthy bacteria and re-balancing your scalp’s pH, you may even see less dandruff and oil production than usual. Hallelujah.

Although ACV is great by itself, adding in various plants and herbs makes your apple cider vinegar hair rinse that much more potent. For mine, I used rosemary, hibiscus, lavender, and marshmallow root.

But you’re by no means limited to just those herbs. Feel free to choose any of the following herbs based on your hair type and the kinds of issues you run into:

Best Herbs for Healthy Hair

Note: dried herbs are easier to use. Since they don’t contain any moisture, they won’t mold if exposed to air while the mixture infuses.

But you can use fresh herbs if you like. Just make sure they’re completely submerged in the vinegar and that no part of the plant is exposed to air. I used a combination of both depending on what was readily available at the store.

While I was able to find all of these herbs in the bulk bins at my local health food store, you can also order them online.

Hibiscus

Because they are packed with vitamins, minerals, organic acids, and antioxidants [source], dried hibiscus flowers can help improve the overall health of your hair and scalp. I would avoid this if you have blonde or light brown hair (where I would suggest trying chamomile) because it gives the ACV a red tint, which is great for red or dark hair highlights but could temporarily stain lighter hair.

Lavender

Lavender is an anti-inflammatory herb [source] that has been shown to promote hair growth in animal studies [source]. It has been said to deep condition hair, helping it stay soft and shiny.

Rosemary

Rosemary is loaded with antioxidant polyphenols, oils, and nutrients that nourish the root, encourage hair growth [source], and increase circulation in the scalp. If you don’t have access to fresh or dried herbs, add a couple drops of rosemary essential oil for the same hair growth benefits.

Thyme

Thyme delivers powerful nutrients to hair follicles that are necessary for healthy hair growth. Like rosemary, thyme may help improve blood circulation to the scalp, fight bacteria [source], and encourage hair to grow thicker and stronger.

Ginseng

Ginseng is often found in shampoos and conditioners because of its hair stimulating benefits. Not only does it promote hair growth, but it may also reduce shedding and inflammation in the scalp [source].

Nettle

Nettle leaves are rich in phytochemicals, amino acids, silica, and sulfur [source], which are great hair boosters. Applying nettle topically not only promotes healthy hair growth, but its healthy amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds [source] can also help scalp conditions like psoriasis and dandruff

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root contains low concentrations of ceramide precursors that bind to the hair, making strands look thicker and feel stronger. It contains mucilage, like a protective film [source], that is somewhat slippery and can therefore be used as an alternative to conditioner.

More Herbs for Healthy Hair

Herbs for dry hair: Burdock root, comfrey, elderflowers, lavender, marshmallow, parsley, sage, stinging nettle

Herbs for oily hair: Calendula, horsetail, lemon juice, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, witch hazel, yarrow

Herbs to combat dandruff: Burdock root, garlic, onion, parsley, rosemary, stinging nettle, thyme

Herbs for body and luster: Calendula, catnip, horsetail, licorice, lime flowers, nasturtium, parsley, rosemary, sage, stinging nettle, watercress

Herbs for shine: Horsetail, parsley, nettle, rosemary, sage, calendula

Herbs for hair growth: Aloe, arnica, birch, burdock, catmint, chamomile, horsetail, licorice, marigold, nettles, parsley, rosemary, sage, stinging nettle

Herbs for coloring hair: Brown – henna, walnut hulls, sage; Blonde – calendula, chamomile, lemon, saffron, turmeric, rhubarb root

How to Infuse Apple Cider Vinegar

You’ll want to gather your vinegar and herbs as well as a 64-ounce mason jar and a fine-mesh strainer.

If you want to reap the benefits of ACV, it’s best to choose an organic raw vinegar that contains “the mother.” This means it’s unfiltered, unrefined, and still contains the beneficial bacteria, yeast, and proteins that are so good for the scalp’s microbiome. My personal favorite is Bragg

Like with most infusion recipes, the amount of herbs you need isn’t set in stone.

Instead, you’ll want to fill your mason jar about halfway with herbs and then cover it the rest of the way with vinegar. In the recipe below, I tried to be helpful by giving exact measurements. But most of the time, I just eyeball it. There’s no right way to do it.

Gently muddle the herb mixture with a wooden spoon to help release some of the botanical properties. Make sure there’s a little breathing room between the vinegar and the upper edge of the jar, where the lid rests. Then replace the lid and put the jar in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or cabinet.

Shake the mixture every 2–3 days, and add more vinegar as needed to keep the level relatively the same.

After 2 weeks, strain out the herbs (cheesecloth is better at removing finely ground herbs, but a fine-mesh strainer will also work) and transfer your apple cider vinegar hair rinse to a clean squeeze bottle or jar.

Your vinegar hair rinse should keep for approximately 6 months.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

To read the full article, click here.

Credit to: https: Stephanie Pollard for helloglow.co

Colours By Gina Launches in the UK!

March 9, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

I have officially launched my @coloursbygina Professional Colour Line in the United Kingdom. I am so grateful, blessed and humbled by this accomplishment. I want to extend a thank you to all of the key players involved that helped me take another one of my dreams to the next level and expand my Colour internationally. We’re just getting started!! If you work hard, persevere, and never take no for an answer… the WORLD is your oyster. Don’t forget it!

⁣

Using This Type of Brush May Be Making You Lose Your Hair

March 9, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

A HAIRSTYLIST REVEALS THE BRUSH THAT COULD BE MAKING YOUR THINNING HAIR WORSE

It’s a fact: Hair thinning comes with aging. While your twenties and thirties may have been defined by thick, voluminous strands, some of that density may decrease as you blow out the birthday candles. Of course, this isn’t the worst thing in the world—it’s just one of the many ways our bodies change as we enter our golden years. But our hair can be a part of how we see ourselves, and losing it may be harder for some than others. Luckily, there are ways to minimize hair thinning, including using the proper tools to care for it. Read on to find out what you should avoid doing in your beauty routine if you’re concerned about thinning hair.

If your hair is thinning, don’t use a tightly bristled brush.

Shutterstock

Not all hairbrushes are created equal—especially when you’re trying to be gentle with your strands. Tightly bristled brushes can pull on the hair due to rough edges and cause additional breakage, especially when the hair is wet. “It’s very important to use a good wet brush after cleansing the hair,” says Gina Rivera, celebrity stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. Wet brushes—which can be used on dry hair as well—typically have more widely spread teeth that are less likely to snag on your strands.

While you’re editing down your hairbrush collection, this goes for boar bristle brushes as well. These tightly bristled brushes are best reserved for thick or coarse hair textures, as they can damage thin strands.

Consider that there could be health factors at play.

Agenturfotografin/Shutterstock

Not all hair thinning is the result of a haircare mistake. According to Andrea Claire, a licensed hairstylist, there could be other issues at play. When one of her clients mentions hair loss, she asks them to consider the following common culprits: new hair products or chemical services, big life changes or stress, medications, changes in diet, and simply, age.

She also asks them to assess the volume of hair loss. Losing between 50 to 100 strands throughout the day is totally normal, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD). But Claires says “if you glide your fingers through your hair and 20-plus strands of hair come out, then further investigation may be required.” In other words, you’ll want to consult your GP or a dermatologist.

You already know that using heat on your hair can lead to damage. But did you know the temperature of that heat also has an impact? “Make sure that when using styling tools the settings are on low or cool heat to avoid doing damage to the hair that would cause it to break off,” says Rivera. A quality heat protectant can also work wonders.

Skip a wash day.

Shutterstock

Once you rule out a medical issue, you can make other modifications to your hair care routine to prevent thinning. One of the most effective ones? Skipping a wash day. “Avoid shampooing daily which can cause stress onto your follicles,” says Claire.

To make sure each wash packs a punch, invest in quality shampoos and conditioners that your stylist recommends for your specific hair type. You can also coat strands with a leave-in conditioner to help moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. “Iles Formula Finishing Serum and Color Wow’s Dream Cocktail are my new jams,” says Claire.

Turn down the heat.

You already know that using heat on your hair can lead to damage. But did you know the temperature of that heat also has an impact? “Make sure that when using styling tools the settings are on low or cool heat to avoid doing damage to the hair that would cause it to break off,” says Rivera. A quality heat protectant can also work wonders.

If that’s not possible with your current ‘do, try opting for a cut that minimizes your need for hot tools. “A textured bob can often be styled by simply towel drying and using product to emphasize waves and curls,” says Rivera. “This omits additional heat exposure that is often required for styling many looks.”

Even if you’re not open to a dramatic chop, a hairstylist can guide you in building a hair care routine that will give you the strands of your dreams.

Credit to: Juliana LaBianca for bestlifeonline.com