Curl creams are like the love child of a leave-in conditioner and a curl styling product. These are the best curl creams you can buy for all curl types, from 2A to 4C curls, natural hair, and more, according to editors and reviewers, vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts–read the full list here!
Hair Care
Gina Rivera’s Tip of the Week: How to Achieve a Gorgeous Balayage
Wondering how those gorgeous balayages are achieved? Here’s my Tip of the Week:
– Begin with a clarifying treatment on your hair to ensure all the build up is removed before applying colour. I suggest doing this within 24 hours prior to your colour application. This will help the colour to take more easily.
– Always start with a professional colour line that has specialized dye pigments, gentle alkalizers and protective oxidizers that work together ensuring the colour is vibrant and the hair is healthy. HINT: My favorite line is COLOURS by Gina.
– Make sure to have a professional stylist provide this service. Colour application requires knowledge of the science and processing times as well as utilization of the proper technique to achieve a desired look.
– Depending on how dark your hair is, it may need to be pre-lightened. Discuss with your stylist if the process will require more than one appointment.
– Make sure to consult with your hairstylist regarding the right shade for your skin tone.
– To maintain our new look, always use a good professional wetline that is sulfate free and packed with biotin, collagen, and B Vitamins. I recommend Pure BioGen Complex.
Editorialist | Boar Bristle Hairbrushes Are Superior—Here’s Why
Perhaps you’re the type to repurchase the same plastic brush once enough of the beaded end caps have fallen or the color of the plastic has faded. Maybe you’re one who reaches for whatever brush or comb is on-hand when you need one. Or, maybe you’ve tried everything from paddle to round brushes and still don’t know what’s actually working for your hair texture. We’re here to tell you: Boar bristles are superior. There’s a reason why they’re a time-tested classic in pro kits for decades.
“They tend to move through the hair easier than most synthetic brushes, meaning that there is less pulling and breakage,” celebrity hairstylist and Phenix Salon Suites founder Gina Rivera explains. “Boar bristle brushes also distribute the natural oils found in the hair throughout it easily. Boar bristles are similar to human hair and contain the same proteins, namely keratin.”
Most hair types can use these brushes, but for coarse, thick, or curly hair, boar bristles are especially game-changing. “They glide through [this hair type] easier than many other types of brushes,” says Rivera. “The texture of the bristles also contributes to curls keeping their best shape without appearing frizzy.”
Better late than never is our motto, so if you haven’t yet found the right brush yet, these are the best boar bristle hairbrushes worth investing in. Trust us: They’re worth it.
Byrdie | 25 Examples of Strawberry Brown You’ll Want to Try ASAP
There are plenty of ways to add a playful hint of red to your color. But move over, blondes, because strawberry brunettes are stealing the spotlight. You can save those coppers and auburns for the crisp, cool fall and winter months and make some room to welcome in this trending berry blend before summer is in full swing. We tapped the experts to get the full scoop on this color trend.
Prose | 11 Tips to Make Your Hair Color Last Longer
Maybe you’ve decided to take the plunge and try a completely new hair color or perhaps you’re refreshing your own natural shade. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to make sure your new hue lasts as long as possible. Good news: Maintaining your hair color isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Ready to get started? Consider these tips and tricks to keep your color looking as fresh as it looked when you first got it dyed.
Allure | The 15 Best Shampoos for Frizzy Hair to Boost Moisture and Shine
Managing frizzy hair and pesky flyaways is no easy feat. Fortunately, the right shampoo or cleanser can make a world of difference. Just take it from San Diego-based hairstylist and Phenix Salon Suites founder Gina Rivera, who tells Allure, “Shampoo is definitely the first item needed to combat the frizzies.” However, finding the best products for your frizzy hair can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure where to start.
According to Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, frizzy hair is often dry, which is why it’s essential to keep your hair moisturized. With this in mind, New York City-based hairstylist, colorist, and salon owner Paul Labrecque of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa tells Allure that the best shampoos for frizzy hair are those that target dryness and contain “naturally moisturizing ingredients that will smooth the hair shaft but not overly weigh the hair down.”
More specifically, you’ll want to look for hair products that contain natural oils (such as argan and coconut, for example), shea butter, and aloe vera, all of which, per Labrecque, “help to smooth and tame frizz while gently hydrating and cleansing the hair.” Conversely, every hair pro we spoke to advised steering clear of shampoos with sulfates, which can strip your strands of essential oils and dry ’em out (which, spoiler alert, is a big no-no when it comes to wrangling frizz.)
To help you find the best shampoo for your frizzy hair, we’ve narrowed down the best options you can buy online. From beloved drugstore staples to splurge-worthy finds, here are some of our favorites (including expert picks) for glossy, healthy hair.