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4 Life-Changing Tips For Stronger, Healthier Hair, According To A Stylist

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A good hair day can realistically have a major impact on your mood and self esteem, but achieving these days is about so much more than luck, and it actually takes effort to ensure the strength and health of your hair so it can look its best. If you struggle with hair loss or weak and brittle strands you know the frustration of attempting to style your locks to hide these issues, so we spoke with Gina Rivera, professional hair stylist and creator of “By Gina” to get her best tips on achieving a better head of hair through your diet and the way you style your strands. In focusing on scalp help and everything in between, you’ll be on your way to flawless hair in no time.

Following a Balanced Diet

It may come as a surprise that a healthy and nutrient dense diet is one of the most valuable facets of strong hair growth. “Maintaining a good diet is one of the most important things you can do if you want to have healthy and strong hair. A diet regimen that is sufficient in protein and rich in vitamins and nutrients is best to support hair health,” explains Rivera. Your strands are made up of protein as it is, so including this nutrient in your diet will help to reinforce your hair, enhancing the strength and reducing risk of breakage.

Credit to: Merrell Readman on shefinds.com

Gina’s Tip of the Week

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Face shapes are so important when selecting hairstyles. Here’s my Tip of the Week for identifying your face shape.

Begin by taking measurements: Forehead width and height, cheekbone to cheekbone, jawline at the widest point, and length of face

Round Face: Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement which are larger than jawline. All edges of face are soft in appearance.

Square Face: Measurements are fairly equal however the jaw angle is pronounced.

Oblong Face: The length of the face is long however, the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline have similar measurements.

Diamond Face: The face length is the largest measurement, and the chin can be pointed or more pronounced.  The next largest measurements in order are the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.

Triangular Face: This face is known for a pronounce jawline combined with smaller cheekbones and shorter forehead.

Oval Face: The width of the cheekbones is less than the length of the face. This is combined with a forehead that is larger than the jawline. The angles of the face are softer and not as pronounced as some of the other shapes.

Gina’s Tip of the Week – How to identify if a product is wrong for your hair type

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There are so many hair products on the market nowadays that it’s often hard to know what to select.  Here’s some tips on how to identify if a product is wrong for your hair type:

  • Your scalp becomes overly-dry and perhaps even itchy or flakey
  • Your hair color appears dull and may fade
  • Your hair is more oily than normal
  • Your curls are frizzy and not well defined
  • You hair feels heavy and flat

Gina’s Tip of the Week – Selecting the Perfect Hair Color for your Complexion

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  • The depth of the color should be at least two shades darker or lighter than your skin. 
  • Determine if your skin tone is warm or cool. (Hint: Cool is typically fair complexion with pink, blue & red undertones)
  • For warm skin tones, consider golden, beautiful shades of mahogany or copper.
  • For cool skin tones,  try cool red browns, icy dark browns, and rich blacks.
  • Always consult with your hairstylist for professional input prior to settling on a shade

TIP OF THE WEEK – Everyday Hair Maintenance

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As we age, the way we maintain and take care of our hair often needs to be modified for the best results. Here’s a few things that I recommend for aging beauties when it comes to hair care:

  • Stop with the daily wash to avoid drying out the hair. Natural oils tend to lessen with age so you want to maintain some of them.
  • Keep your hair well-moisturized. Hair tends to lose some of it’s natural shine due to a decline in the natural oils generated by the scalp. Moisturizing can help with shine and movement.
  • Don’t assume you have to go short. Nowadays, any length for any age is the rule.
  • Embrace your natural texture meaning go curly if you have curls. Contrary, wear your hair straight if it’s naturally straight. This will help you to avoid over styling which lends itself to drying the hair out.
  • Embrace your grays. Never before has gray been so fashionable. Don’t be afraid to capitalize on this trend.
  • Enjoy your age. Remember, every age offers new opportunities.

Tip of the Week – Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Hair and Scalp

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Are you wondering what the buzz is about apple cider vinegar and if it’s good for your hair? Here’s what I recommend: ⁠

  • Apple cider vinegar can be used as clarifier to remove residue from products and the environment that build up on the hair and scalp. ⁠
  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar and five parts water. Use as a rinse after shampooing. Check with your stylist before using as those with a sensitive scalp may need to dilute more. (Hint: Apply the mixture with a spray bottle or pour it directly onto your hair. Allow it to sit for around three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Then, condition as normal.) ⁠
  • Apple cider vinegar helps exfoliate scalp skin, which can help with dandruff and reduce dry itchy scalp. ⁠
  • Those with skin disorders, skin abrasions or hypersensitive scalp should avoid apple cider vinegar as it may promote further skin irritation. ⁠
  • Always consult with your stylist before starting a new clarification regimen. ⁠
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.