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! 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
When it’s time to get a few highlights in your hair, you have a choice between traditional foil highlights and balayage (also known as hair painting). There’s a difference between the two techniques and each has its advantages, depending on the look you’re going for. But you’re in luck, as many stylists and colorists are skilled in both techniques and can help you decide which will achieve your desired look. Still need help deciding between the two? We’re breaking down the details on foil highlights versus balayage, with tips from the experts.
MEET THE EXPERT
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Originating from the French word meaning “to sweep,” balayage is a hair color technique where a lightening solution is hand-painted on the surface of random portions of hair. According to Walker, balayage is a freehand technique, not a look. “Typically, balayage colors are shades that are slightly lighter than your base color and the color is applied to create a more natural look,” adds Rivera. “The end goal is to provide a lightened look while creating depth and dimension in a way that appears to be natural.
What Are Highlights?
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Highlights, on the other hand, are more traditional and generally done using foil. “Hair highlighting is changing the hair color, using a lightener or hair color to lift the level or brightness of the hair strands,” says Rivera, noting that there are four basic types of highlight application, which include foil highlights, hair painting, frosting, and chunking.
Babylights are very subtle and lightly applied highlights that are meant to look natural much like a child’s hair, hence the name. Since they are done so delicately, babylights tend to look best on those with finer hair.
It’s very likely that your colorist will recommend highlight foils if you want a big color shift. Foils tend to work best when taking dark hair four or more shades lighter. The same is true if you want hair that has a lot of contrast with both highlights and lowlights or prefer an even distribution of color.
“Highlights are often placed much closer to the scalp and applied in specific sections while the balayage process includes a graduated painting the color onto the hair in random sections,” says Rivera.
If you are looking to add non-uniform chunks or sweeps of color, balayage is a better option. The method offers your stylist more freedom to add color that fits and flatters your cut, face shape, and, of course, your personal style. So, if you have more of a carefree attitude, you can give your colorist the opportunity to stretch their artistic muscles with balayage.
Balayage is also great for face-framing highlights. Where foils often target the full shaft of the hair, including the roots, balayage is frequently used to highlight from mid-length to ends, leaving a more natural root.
While the method of color application will largely rely on the results that a person is attempting to achieve, there are some thoughts to take into consideration. “How dramatic you want the look to be, the hair texture, and the length of the hair are some things to consider,’ says Rivera. “Those with longer hair may opt more towards balayage as the length will allow for easier sweeping on of the color. While those with shorter hair may opt for a highlight as the process allows for the color to be applied much closer to the scalp.”
Balayage is also a gentle, subtle way to cover grays because the stylist can paint just the gray strands rather than having to color your entire head. Likewise, if you’re in a transition phase and want to grow out your roots without making it obvious, balayage can be a natural-looking and temporary solution. For instance, they may suggest giving you just as many highlights as they would with foils, or they may suggest a gentle sun-kissed look with just a few natural streaks here and there.
“Balayage is great for people wanting a soft grow out and warmer tones,” says Walker.
Some stylists, Walker included, even use a combination of balayage and foils. One technique known as “American tailoring” begins with foils after which balayage highlights are painted in between the new highlights to soften and blend the color. Another popular approach is “foilyage,” and it’s just the opposite: Starting with painted color and finishing up with foil accents.
If you prefer to avoid the maintenance of getting your hair colored every six to eight weeks, balayage may be a better match for your lifestyle. The technique is less obvious and allows you to go longer between salon visits—even just three to four times a year—and it grows out beautifully.
“Because balayage is freehand, it’s not for someone who likes to have their roots touched up every week,” says Walker. “I like to have enough regrowth to work with ideally four months-worth. Anything sooner than three months, in my opinion, causes too much breakage from the overlapping of color.”
To maintain balayage, Rivera recommends using a sulfate-free wet line of shampoo and conditioner. “I recommend Pure BioGen Complex ($16) because it’s packed with biotin, collagen, and B Vitamins, which are designed to improve hair and scalp health,” she says.
Prevent your balayage from looking brassy by using a purple or blue shampoo once or twice a week.
Foil highlights have an obvious demarcation, so new growth is also more noticeable. Again, Rivera recommends using a sulfate-free wet-line of shampoo and conditioner, and to reduce the heat slightly when washing to extend color. “Keep the color fresh by periodically doing a clarifying treatment,” she recommends.
For his blonde clients, Walker uses foil highlights as he “has more control and can lift the hair to that creamy very light blonde that girls want without overlapping.”
“To freshen up the blonde ends that have gotten a little dull over time, I like to balayage/tip-out the ends while my foils are processing,”
All in all, each highlighting method creates a different look. For a natural, sun-swept look, balayage highlights are the perfect option. If you prefer uniform highlighted strands from root to ends throughout your hair, foils are your best bet. That being said, you do have the option to get both at the same time.
“Balayage is great for a low maintenance highlight, adding beautiful rich and warmer tones to the hair,” says Walker. “Foils are for the girls who love to have very little regrowth and like their hair nice and light.”
You’ve probably noticed that natural hair colors aren’t a single shade and that each strand is a different color. You can achieve similar diversity when getting either balayage or foils by asking your stylist to use more than one color for highlights that look even more natural.
You can also consider getting lowlights—a color that’s about two shades darker than your highlights. When lowlights are woven into the hair, they add dimension and depth for some fabulous-looking locks.
Refrain from washing your hair daily to maintain the color for longer, and wear a hat to protect from the sun fading the color.
While some stylists use the two techniques together, determining if you are best suited for highlights or balayage is up to you. However, taking into account your hair color, length, texture, and lifestyle could help make your decision a bit easier before you hop in the chair.
Credit to: Julyne Derrick for BYRDIE
In the latest post on bustle.com, find the best products to help with thinning hair. These products have been vetted by the commerce team at bustle and can be purchased on amazon.
Credit to: Sara Brown – Rigoli
LEARN THE ONE CUT EVERY STYLIST SAYS YOU SHOULD SKIP
There’s a lot to look forward to after turning 65. With fewer career commitments, you can focus more on the people and activities that matter most. As you do that, you may want to tweak your appearance to ensure you feel your best—and an easy way to do that is with a new hairstyle. The options for evolving your look are endless (and no, you don’t need to go the old chop-and-perm route). However, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Read on to discover which hairstyle you should skip after 65, according to stylists.
After 65, avoid long, non-layered cuts.
Blunt, tumbling tresses may have been your signature look in decades past, but now, they could be weighing you down. “Long straight hair can sharpen the features rather than soften them,” says Gina Rivera, a professional hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites. “A good guideline for mature beauties is to select a look that softens.” Rivera notes that face-framing layers are great for this purpose. Other options include long, textured bangs or a layered bob or collarbone cut.
If you’re unsure where to start, fear not—you’ll likely want to work with an expert regardless. “Each person is an individual, as are their features,” says Rivera. “That said, it’s best to work with a salon professional who is trained to look at facial shapes and features and can assist with selecting the right style.”
Be careful with color.
Color can be equally important as a cut. A fabulous dye job can transform your appearance. Unfortunately, so can a sub-par one. “Coloring your hair at home can make it look flat and without any luster,” says Sanda Petrut, a hair stylist at Maxine Salon. Instead, you may want to splurge on salon services. That way, your colorist can ensure you walk away with shiny, dimensional color.
Deciding on the right hue is also important. Petrut notes that going too dark can have an aging effect. A cool-toned look can have a similar impact. “Ash highlights, especially with bleach [can age you],” says Andrea Claire, a licensed hairstylist and makeup artist. “You want to keep warmth in the hair which adds shine and a youthful vibrance.” Your stylist will have ideas for choosing the best shade for you.
Skip the ponytail.
Ponytails are simple and convenient. However, they can also harm your hair. “The very tight ponytail can cause damage to the hair and make it look thin and brittle,” says Laura Roncagli, a professional hairstylist and co-founder of MyBeautik.com. The style often leads to breakage, hair loss, and even a receding hairline.
Thankfully, you can still sport the style—you’ll just want to reimagine it. In order to prevent damage, keep your ponytail loose, use fabric hair ties, and avoid tying your hair when it’s wet. You’ll also want to sleep with your hair down to give your strands a break.
Ponytails are simple and convenient. However, they can also harm your hair. “The very tight ponytail can cause damage to the hair and make it look thin and brittle,” says Laura Roncagli, a professional hairstylist and co-founder of MyBeautik.com. The style often leads to breakage, hair loss, and even a receding hairline.
Thankfully, you can still sport the style—you’ll just want to reimagine it. In order to prevent damage, keep your ponytail loose, use fabric hair ties, and avoid tying your hair when it’s wet. You’ll also want to sleep with your hair down to give your strands a break.
Treat yourself to new products.
The best part about elevating your haircare routine is splurging on new products. Petrut notes that because mature strands tend to be drier and thinner, a quality hydrating shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant is a must. Vitamins and specialized treatments can also strengthen the hair, she says.
Additionally, you’ll want to invest in products that promote hair health. For example, a microfiber towel will prevent friction and frizz and a brush with flexible bristles will help you detangle without causing damage. Now that you’ve got your cut, color, and styling products in place, you’ll be well on your way to gorgeous hair you can enjoy for decades to come.
Credit to: JULIANA LABIANCA for bestlifeonline.com
Viral dances aside, TikTok is known to house a wealth of information with the goal of streamlining your everyday routine. From cooking hacks to TikTok hair care tips, these less-than-a-minute tutorials promise to bring some ease to an otherwise hectic schedule.Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on pinterest
“Most TikTok beauty trends are great, especially the ones by beauty professionals,” says Nicolette Rauchut, hairstylist at LRN Beauty, echoing what many experts know to be true: It’s imperative to take creator-curated hacks with a grain of salt.
“While TikTok can be a terrific source of information, it’s always important to work with your salon professional when it comes to developing a hair routine,” adds Gina Rivera, hair artist and CEO of Phenix Salon Suites. “Professionals have gone through extensive training and will be able to evaluate your hair type as well as what’s needed to keep it looking great on a budget that works for you.”
Ready to separate faux hair hacks from the real deal? Keep reading to learn what Rauchut, Rivera, and Prose Director of Education Faith Armstrong have to say about 5 famous TikTok hair hacks—and whether or not they’re worth trying.
Dry shampoo has saved us on days we want to freshen up our hairstyle without hitting the shower. But, according to @lacey.kube, applying dry shampoo before bed reaps the most beauty rewards: “Prevention is better than correction,” she writes in her caption.
“Using dry shampoo before bed is something I often recommend to my clients who are hot sleepers. Dry shampoo is meant to prevent the build-up of oil, therefore moisture and sweat during the night can make clean hair look and feel greasy. Before bed, spray the crown, the nape of the neck, and any trouble spots with dry shampoo. You’ll wake up feeling fresh and your blowout will still have some bounce.”
Is it really possible to achieve volume without any hair product? Well, using a tail comb just might make it possible. By sectioning off your hair, pushing your hair up, and then heating it with a blowdryer, your roots will be given a lift. We love that this eliminates a need for product, which can sometimes lead to scalp buildup if not properly removed.
“This hack is a really clever and can be done without the need for product! Although it may take a few tries to nestle the comb in place at the roots, it’s definitely a hack worth trying to build lift in and around the crown area. Just be sure to use a concentrator nozzle on your dryer to direct heat at a medium temperature and a heat resistant tail comb to avoid any melting tools.”
Esther Claire, a licensed cosmetologist based in Hawaii, recommends using “no more than a quarter-size of shampoo & emulsifying unto your hands well before applying it to your hair.” According to the content creator, you should focus on the base, not the ends. “Shampoo is meant to cleanse and the base of your hair is where it gets oily or sweaty,” reads the on-screen text. “Shampooing your ends will dry it out even more.”
“This hack includes some good points about washing at the base of the hair, however, it’s really important to scrub the scalp as well because a healthy scalp equates to healthy hair. In addition, the amount of shampoo needed typically varies based on the type and the length of hair, so the amount used will be more specific to the individual. Due to buildup from environmental factors and products, it’s also important to shampoo all of the hair. Finally, many shampoos contain moisturizing ingredients which actually add moisture to dry ends and this is something that should be considered. Application of the conditioner, again, is based on the hair and I recommend working from roots to ends.”
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your hair at bedtime, @chancity has a remedy: Braid your hair. “I swear by doing this!” she writes of the anti-breakage hack. “It protects my curls and makes them last longer too.”
“I never recommend tying your hair back when you sleep as it can pull and cause breakage.” However, wearing a braid or braids to sleep is a protective style, which is totally fine to sleep in. “To avoid any breakage while you sleep, it’s best to use a silk pillowcase, which your hair can easily slide over rather than being pulled by a heavier cotton material.”
Creator @naturalmelanista_, took to TikTok to share her post-shower, haircare trick. To keep her hair healthy and more defined, she ditches a towel and reaches for a t-shirt to dry her wet hair, inspiring her followers to do the same.
“This is a really clever way to tie up the hair after a shower and it can help to initially scrunch curls. A t-shirt can also be effective with pulling additional water out of the hair if it’s allowed to remain on the head for 30 minutes. For setting curls, however, I recommend a professional product that is designed to help hold the curls in place for a long period of time.”
Overall, viral TikTok hair trends are definitely hit or miss, which is to be expected. Thanks to Rauchut and Rivera, we were able to cut through the noise and bring you the hair hacks that actually work. Is there a trend you’ve seen that you’re not 100% sold on that you’d like a professional’s take on? Let us know in the comments below.
Credit to: Grace Gavilanes for prose.com
