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Everything You Need to Know About Rice Water for Hair

April 26, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

What is rice water?

“Rice water is the starchy water left over after rice is cooked or left to soak,” explains Gina Rivera, Celebrity Stylist & Founder of Phenix Salon Suites. It’s made by fermenting rice and straining the remains to create a hair potion.

What nutrients does rice water contain?

Fermented rice water for hair is proven to have very beneficial properties. It contains a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and oryzanol. These nutrients, along with vitamin B and amino acids, help build strong and healthy hair, smooth to help control frizz, and promote hair shine. Fermented rice water is also a known source for vitamins A and C.

What are the benefits of rice water for hair?

There are plenty of perks when it comes to rice water for hair. “For one, it will increase the amount of shine instantly,” Rauchut says. “You will also notice the amount of tangles will diminish. Most of us don’t realize when we lack vitamins A, B, and C, which can really improve your hair quality. Not to mention, a lot of us are deficient in this, which is unfortunately very common. Lastly, rice water helps keep the hair’s strength intact and decreases the amount of breakage.”

Rice water for hair can also help protect and repair hair. “The amino acids in rice water are thought to aid hair regeneration,” Rivera says. “This combined with the vitamins B and E that are also present may promote hair strength. However, keep in mind that there needs to be additional scientific studies to have conclusive results on the benefits of using rice water.”

What hair types is rice water best for?

“Rice water can be used on all types of hair; however, it may work best for coarse or damaged hair that needs some additional care,” Rivera says. It’s especially beneficial for those who are concerned about breakage and dryness. “I like to introduce this homeopathic tradition to my girls who get highlights every six to eight weeks,” Rauchut says. “When receiving a service that is ‘lifting’ or opening the cuticle, often there is a chance you will need an increase in amino acids, which helps keep the structure of our hair intact.”

What is the best way to use rice water for hair?

After you shampoo your hair, rinse with cool water and towel dry, suggests Holly Dear, owner House of Dear Hair Salon and House of Dear Clean Beauty collection. “Then apply rice water onto your scalp and hair and leave on for approximately 20 minutes and rinse again with cool water,” she says. “Do not leave on your hair for long and use it once a month.”

To pay homage to its original use, Rauchut believes the best way to use rice water for hair is by rinsing your hair with rice water daily. “The Yao women would dip their hair into the rice water and use a comb to distribute it evenly,” she says. “Traditionally, rice water was used as a shampoo and then they would rinse in a nearby river. For at home in the modern day, I believe dipping your hair into the rice water and then rinsing with filtered water is the closest to the original intention of this cleansing treatment.”

How can you make your own rice water for hair?

First, be sure to wash the rice properly to remove any dirt or other impurities. Rauchut recommends adding water, then rubbing the rice in between your hands so as to extract the content of the rice. When the water becomes cloudy, sieve it into another pot.

“Rice water can be made by soaking rice and then straining the rice from the water so that you only have rice left,” Rivera says. “It can also be made by boiling rice using additional water so that rice water is left over. Again, strain rice from the water once the rice is cooked and use the remaining water once cooled on the hair.”

Are there any side effects to using rice water in hair?

Keep in mind you can always have too much of a good thing. “Using too much or leaving rice water on for too long can cause dryness and damage,” cautions Dear.

It’s also important to be mindful of any allergies, particularly a gluten sensitivity. “Also, if not rinsed out properly, you may feel a little itchy or experience scalp buildup,” Rauchutsays. “Some may even feel they have a protein buildup. I suggest consulting a stylist familiar with this routine and make sure to rinse very thoroughly.”

Which Prose products contain rice water?

You’ll find fermented rice water among the possible ingredients in Prose’s custom shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. If your formula calls for smoothing, unwanted frizz control, and detangling, then you can bet rice water is included in your personalized products.

Hair Experts Agree: These Haircut Mistakes Add Years To Your Look

April 25, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

Credit to: Faith Geiger for shefinds.com

A great haircut has the power to transform your look. When you choose a style that softens your features and highlights all the right parts of your face, you’ll look younger than ever—but on the other hand, the wrong cut can instantly add years to your face.

If you’re considering heading to the salon for a fresh haircut and want to avoid a mistake that will age you, don’t worry. We’re here to help! We gathered insights from hair experts such as Gina Rivera, Celebrity Hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, and expert stylist Holly Dear to point out two of the things you should avoid when seeking out a fresh, youthful hairstyle.

Bar Refaeli with long straight hair — **Too Much Length**

Rivera says the key to creating a youthful appearance with your haircut is to choose a style that softens your features. That’s why long, straight hair without any layers is one look that can instantly age you. “Long straight hair may sharpen the features rather than soften them,” Rivera explains.

Just as you may opt for skincare products that reduce wrinkles and sagging, it’s best to stick with hairstyles that distract from these signs of aging. Hair that is too long—especially if it lacks volume, waves, or face-framing layers—can have the opposite effect. “Always be mindful that there is a point where long straight hair can contribute to the features looking more prominent and drawn,” Rivera warns.

Scalp expert Philip B., founder of Philip B. Hair Care, echoes this sentiment: “When hair has no layers it can look flat and dull which can instantly age you.”

Cosmetologist Ghanima Abdula from The Right Hairstyles also notes that too much length should especially be avoided if you struggle with another sign of aging: thinning hair. She says long hair “looks even more thin, which can age you considerably.”

However, this doesn’t mean you have to jump straight to a pixie cut! Long hair is still an option that can look beautiful no matter how old you are, as long as you consider the style that will work best with your specific face shape and features.

Experts suggest opting for layered looks with lots of movement and face-framing if you want to keep your hair long. “The right amount of layers for long hair works to introduce balance to the face, movement, and volume, as well as helping to bounce or refract the light,” Philip B. explains.

You may even want to consider the ever-trendy shag haircut, which is perfect for creating volume and framing your features.

Paris Hilton with a short, blunt bob — **Blunt Jaw-Length Bobs**

Another haircut mistake that could add years to your face is choosing a single-length, blunt bob that falls right at your jawline.

Expert hairstylist Holly Dear says that bobs have the ability to be very flattering when they’re the right length. However, a jaw-length cut may emphasize all the wrong parts of your face, such as the drooping skin around your jawline. “Bobs can be unflattering for people as they age because our skin tends to fall in these areas,” she explains.

The solution? Add a little length to your bob. Dear suggests going with a mid-length cut that rests just at the narrow part of your neck—some people refer to this flattering, youthful style as a “lob.” No matter what you call it, Dear says this cut will help “visually lift and lengthen the neck and pull visually everything up.”

Additionally, the same volume-enhancing style tip for long hair works for bobs and lobs too: when in doubt, go with layers and face-framing styles to soften your features and create a fresh, youthful look.

No matter what hairstyle you’re going for, there are ways to rock every length under the sun, even as you age. Just avoid these common pitfalls, stick with a stylist you trust, and above all, wear your hair with confidence!

A Full Guide To 2A Hair Type: Products, Styling Tips & More From The Pros

April 22, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

In This Article

Credit to: Dorian Smith-Garcia for mindbodygreen.com

With so many ways to care for hair, it can feel like an overwhelming prospect to find the right products, tools, and styling techniques that bring out the best in your tresses. But did you know that by accurately categorizing your hair type, you can take a lot of the guesswork out of hair care?

While people used to think that there were just a few hair types—straight, wavy, and curly—it turns out that there are more than three. And there are even subcategories! Before you give up in frustration and resign yourself to endless bad hair days, keep reading. If you have very loose, wavy hair, you need to learn about the different subtypes of this hair pattern. You might be a 2a head.

Sound confusing? Don’t worry, keep reading for the lowdown on 2a wavy hair.

What is 2a hair?

Hair typing might sound like a weird thing, but it’s one area of your life where knowing what category you fit into can be the difference between having more good hair days than bad ones. While many factors go into hair care, knowing specifically what hair type you have is one of the most influential.

And thankfully celebrity hairstylist Andre Walker decided to create a simple typing system to make things easier. In total there are four hair textures or types, which are listed from 1 to 4. While Type 1 hair simply refers to all straight hair, the remaining types 2 through 4 refer to wavy, curly, and coily hair textures. But to take it a step further, types 2 through 4 are each then divided into three subtypes.

For reference, Type 3 is for curly hair (and it’s further broken down into 3a, 3b, and 3c). Type 4 is for coily hair textures (and is further broken down to 4a, 4b, and 4c). Type 2 hair is for wavy textures and is further labeled 2a, 2b, and 2c, with 2a being the loosest of the waves and 2c almost mimicking a true very loose corkscrew curl.

What does 2a hair look like?

Type 2a hair is a very loose wave pattern. As Meerika Khanna, an Ayurvedic hair wellness expert and founder of Rthvi, notes, “2a hair type is usually flat at the top and slightly wavy at the bottom.” So, think beachy waves that might have fallen a bit. While there is body and definition, the wave isn’t as pronounced as with 2b and 2c hair types.

But, as with Type 3 and 4 heads, Type 2 beauties still have to worry about dryness. Even though their wave pattern isn’t as intense, they’ll still struggle with dry ends as natural oils produced by the scalp will still have difficulty traveling down the hair shaft to reach the ends.

However, picking the right moisturizing products is critical as Type 2 hair tends to be finer. This means that opting for heavier moisturizing ingredients like pure shea butter or coconut oil (which are ideal for many Type 3s and 4s) could weigh your hair down.

Hair care tips for 2a hair.

Knowing your hair type can help point you in the direction when you’re shopping for hair care products or trying to determine styling tips that will bring out the best in your tresses. But we can’t deny that there’s a bit of trial and error when it comes to developing a stellar hair care routine that creates consistent desirable results every time.

Even if your favorite social media star is the same hair type as you, factors like body chemistry, porosity, and even your commitment level to certain routines will affect what processes you choose to adopt and which ones you despise.

1. High heat is not your friend.

In general, pretty much anyone with hair on their head will do well to avoid using too much heat. But with 2a hair, your wave pattern isn’t pronounced. So, if you rely on a blow dryer to dry your tresses, don’t be surprised if your waves go from barely there to nonexistent. If straight hair is your goal, then proceed as usual—but for those looking to amp up the texture, you’ll want a new styling route. Khanna reminds 2a heads to “stick to air drying if you want to wear a wavy look. Type 2a becomes mainly straight when you use heat to dry it. Using a curling iron on air-dried hair gives the best results for this hair type.”

2. Skip daily hair washing.

Because this hair type is flat at the root, people may be tempted to wash daily to give the hair some lift. However, this habit can lead to unwanted texture side effects. Once your hair has a more visible texture, daily hair washing usually isn’t a good idea. Tiffany Scott, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Tiffany Scott Extensions, notes that you shouldn’t wash too frequently as you need to retain oils and moisture. This will help to “reduce frizz [while] moisture will keep the curls bouncy and lustrous.”

3. Check your porosity.

Porosity affects everyone no matter whether you have naturally pin-straight hair or are rocking a fro. However, when your hair has more texture (think wavy, curly, and coily hair), porosity can exacerbate your hair’s tendency to be dryer than those with straight hair. As a result, maintaining a moisture balance is critical. Knowing where your hair stands on the porosity chart can help you pick the right products to help boost moisture, which can translate to better hair days.

Porosity is defined by three categories: high, medium, and low. High-porosity hair has hair shafts with completely open cuticles. This means moisture can easily slip out. Medium-porosity hair is also referred to as normal because the cuticles are regularly aligned and can maintain the proper moisture balance. Meanwhile, low-porosity hair struggles with moisture like high-porosity hair but for different reasons. In this case, the cuticles are so tightly aligned that water or moisture struggles to penetrate the hair shaft. If you’re not sure which category describes your hair, you can do a quick porosity check using this test, along with a strand of hair and a cup of water.

4. Avoid heavy products.

While 2a heads do have some texture, this hair type tends to be finer. Kelly Harrison, a hairdresser and U.S. brand manager for BIOTOP Professional, reminds wavies that “using too much product or product that is too heavy can cause unwanted weight, leaving your locks looking dirty and flat instead of bouncy and fun.”

5. Detangle before styling.

It’s always a good idea to detangle before styling your hair. But when you’ve got texture, waiting until after you’ve styled can leave you with nightmarish snarls. Kenny Duncan, the North American artistic team lead for Andis Company, recommends that 2a hair types use “a rake comb then a wet brush before actually blow drying your hair.” This “will help prevent breakage to your hair during the process.” And of course, don’t forget to invest in a good heat protectant to prevent burning your hair when you use any kind of hot tool.

6. Trims help your hair thrive.

Type 2a hair is naturally fine. This means that it can easily look a little wild. Samantha Bucolo Denis of Allyoos reminds us that if you have this hair type, you should be trimming it every 10 to 12 weeks. “A great way to help natural texture and shape thrive for 2a hair types is to keep ends healthy and trimmed. If this hair type gets too long, it will look stringy and straggly. A good length for this hair type is shoulder or a little longer. This will help waves stay shapely with nice bounce and movement,” she says.

7. Choose hot tools wisely.

You know that you shouldn’t rely on a hot styling tool every day. But it’s unrealistic to assume that you’ll never use one. Gina Rivera, celebrity stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites, recommends picking a “hot tool that utilizes infrared technology because it acts to lock the moisture into the hair, styling it from the inside out.” But don’t forget to embrace your natural curl pattern. She also recommends that you visit a professional stylist who’s experienced with your hair type. This ensures that they’ll bring out the best in your hair as well as give you smart tips so that your hair looks great between salon visits.

8. Swap the shampoo for a cleanser.

Textured hair can often get away without having to be washed daily. Bucolo Denis recommends that 2a’s “should alternate shampoo days with a gentle hair rinse. We can still get clean but without suds or stripping. The less shape and natural oils we strip away, the better our hair dries and the more we help balance our scalp in the long run.” Looking for a good option? We love an apple cider vinegar hair rinse for wavy hair folks, as it can increase shine and manage oil.

Products for 2A hair.

Type 2a hair can be a versatile texture. While you have a slight wave, you can easily switch it up between straight or truly curly hair using heat-free techniques or hot tools. But if you’re looking to revamp your hair care collection, these items might do the trick. Just keep in mind that hair is personal. So, everything from how efficiently a product works to whether you like the smell or texture will affect whether something becomes a holy grail or an unwanted bottle of nearly full product in your sink cabinet.

BIOTOP Professional 911 Quinoa Shampoo ($37); amazon.com

Maintaining moisture balance and restoring your hair’s pH are important for nailing a good hair day. This shampoo is packed with proteins that work to replenish essential nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins that will leave your hair more manageable, shiny, and vibrant.

Allyoos Juice Drench ($30); amazon.com; verishop.com

Incorporating a hair mask once a week is a great way to nurture your strands and bring out the best in them. Here’s an easy-to-use mask that’s 99.4% plant- and water-based. Mango seed butter, organic watermelon seed oil, spinach, spirulina extract, and more combine to create a thirst-quenching mask that not only hydrates your hair but can even work as a leave-in mask.

Wet Brush Original Detangler ($13); amazon.com

In reality, everyone should detangle before washing or styling their hair. But when you have texture, it’s even more important to detangle before washing to prevent even worse knots from forming. This option is great for this task as it quickly works through stubborn knots. For best results, use on damp hair. And for particularly difficult tangles, use a mix of conditioner and water to help work through your hair faster.

Rthvi Hibiscus Oil ($20); rthvi.com

Even though everyone needs to moisturize their hair, 2a hair has to walk the fine balance between giving their tresses what they need without weighing them down. Consider trying out some Ayurvedic oils from Rthvi. Their hibiscus, amla, and bhringraj oils are great for a once-a-week oiling session. Focus on the scalp and hair, and leave it either for four to six hours or overnight before washing it out.

Styles for 2a hair.

Many people consider 2a hair to be the best of both worlds. The finer texture and gentle wave pattern can make it easier to style and manage. Meanwhile, you can still easily shift between straight, wavy, and curly hair depending on your styling goals.

Just remember that you shouldn’t rely regularly on heat tools as they can cause damage with prolonged use. This can manifest as excessively dry hair that’s prone to breakage and split ends. And once your hair is damaged, no matter what the hair product commercials promise, the only way to truly fix it is to cut it.

The takeaway.

It’s astounding that there are so many hair types in the world. While 2a is the lightest of the textures, it’s still a versatile hair pattern that has unique requirements for a hair care routine that brings out the best in these tresses. While there’s no substitute for a salon visit to an experienced stylist who knows how to care for your hair, knowing how to keep your hair looking its best between visits is also important. To level up, check out our tips on keeping strands shiny and frizz-free.

5 Haircuts For Round Face Shapes, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

April 21, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

Credit to: Hailey Bouche for theeverygirl.com

Back in the day, my only source for haircut inspiration was found in coffee table catalogs at a local salon. If I wasn’t going for a standard trim, I’d have to frantically flip through each page to choose what I was going to do next before it was my turn to sit in the salon chair.

Now, thanks to the internet and social media, we have access to experts who can help us choose the best haircuts for our face shape weeks before our appointment so we can make a decision, change our minds, and change them again, all before it’s too late. If only this was the case sooner, I would have been saved from more than just a few not-so-cute haircuts.

I am happy to say that we no longer have to learn the hard way. All it takes is reaching out to some stylists to ask about the best haircuts. In this case, we inquired for all of our beautiful readers with round faces to find out what the best round-face haircuts are.

Gina Rivera, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Phenix Salon Suites, recommended long layers for round face shapes. “These styles tend to create a balance that makes the face appear to be slightly longer rather than wider,” she said.

If you don’t opt for layers and choose a one-length haircut, the roundness of your face will likely be overemphasized, according to celebrity hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor.

**2. Mid-Length Cut with Chin-Length Layers**

Similar to shag cuts, “chin-length layers help elongate and frame a round face,” said Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity hairstylist who has styled some of our favorites (Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, J.Lo, and Megan Fox). Adding a smaller curl pattern to this style if your hair isn’t curly already can be one of the best round-face haircuts—especially if you are a fan of styles with a lot of volume.

As far as parting your locks goes, stylists agree: A deep side part or a middle part will give your face the illusion of length.

If you prefer a shorter style that requires minimal styling, Kee said that you can never go wrong with a pixie cut. This is arguably one of the most popular round-face haircuts, so if you are looking for inspiration, Ginnifer Goodwin and Michelle Williams are two celebrities who do the pixie cut right.

If you have curly hair and are worried about how your hair will look with a pixie cut, Kee recommended a layered bob. Once your hair drys and the pattern of your hair is formed, you will be left with tons of volume.

According to Rivera, a long shag cut is another great style for those with round faces. “The shag layers can help frame the face, creating a focus on the center vertical line of the face rather than the width of the face.”

Fitzsimons agreed and encouraged adding bangs to haircuts with a shag effect to further accentuate your face shape.

Fear not: A side-swept bang or a bold bang will add an edge to your look and compliment your face shape, so don’t be afraid of them! Fitzsimons recommended them both but suggested avoiding soft, wispy bangs, as they can result in further accentuating the softness of your features.

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.”

3 Lob Cuts Hairstylists Say Highlight Your Features & Make You Look Younger Instantly

April 4, 2022 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

Credit to: Marissa Matozzo on shefinds.com

The ‘lob’ is a trendy cut that you’ve probably seen everywhere— a hairstyle that isn’t as short as a chin-length bob and long enough to reach the collarbones or a little below (hence the ‘lob’ abbreviation for long bob). This flattering look suits any hair texture or color and has been hailed by many stylists to be a great option for its anti-aging effects. We checked in with professional hairstylists who provided 3 different variations of a ‘lob’ cut that will inspire you the next time you hit the salon! Read on for suggestions and tips from pro stylists Janine Jarman, Ghanima Abdullah and Gina Rivera.

1. Side-Parted Blunt Lob

If you want a sleek, trendy and ultimately timeless look, a blunt lob can add youthful-esque fullness, seen here on Emma Stone. “You can make your hair look fuller with a blunt lob,” Abdullah says, as the “bottom of a blunt cut looks full, regardless.” A side swept bang with this, she adds, “helps lift the features even more.”

2. Textured, Layered Lob

If a blunt lob isn’t really your style, a textured lob can give you instant volume and frame your face in a flattering and still ultra-trendy way. As seen on Olivia Culpo, wavy layers can be pulled off with a center part. “A lob with a lot of texture is always a great look for our aging beauties,” Rivera says. “The texture allows for a lot of movement and it can be worn fuller than a sleek lob which results in softening the features.”

3. Lob With Bangs

As aforementioned layers enhance your facial features and provide volume, adding bangs to a textured lob (as seen here on Alexa Chung), can help conceal forehead wrinkles and draw more attention to your eyes. “Pair your lob with fringe to cover any wrinkles or receding hairlines and highlight those gorgeous eyes of yours,” Jarman says. “Many of us have hair that gets thinner with age,” she concludes, so “adding texture will help give your look lift and life.”