Burning Beauty Questions Answered by Celebrity Hairstylists, Makeup Artists and More
The world of beauty can be confusing.
It's hard to determine how much heat your hair can take, the best base for makeup or whether or not TikTok’s latest skincare hack is legit. Luckily for you, Us Weekly has come to the rescue. We've rounded up your burning beauty questions and got them answered by the best in the business.
Celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, who works with a star-studded clientele including Beyoncé, Zendaya, Tyra Banks, Nicki Minaj and more, gave Us the tea on the best — and most comfortable — way to wear your hair under a wig. “Braiding hair is a great way to anchor the hair before applying a wig,” she said. “Just make sure your braids aren’t too tight.” (Kimble is responsible for Zendaya’s fierce bangs moment at the Schiaparelli Spring 2024 Couture show in January 2024.)
When it comes to glam, celebrity makeup artist Mary Wiles — who works with Sadie Sink, Maya Hawke, Naomi Watts and more — told Us it all starts with a strong primer that “mattifies skin.”
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Keep scrolling to learn beauty secrets from the experts:
How often should you wash a wig?
“There are a few variables that would determine how often you need to wash your wig,” says Kimble. “If you’re working out and sleeping in them and also using a lot of product, you’re going to have to wash it more frequently. Generally, if you aren’t using a ton of product on your wig, then you should wash it every 2-3 weeks.”
What’s the best base for makeup?
According to Wiles, the best primer to use is one that’s “not oily, mattifies skin and is smoothing.” One of her favorites is the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection primer. “Also a primer that minimizes fine lines and keeps makeup in place for hours,” she added.
What’s the maximum amount of heat I should use on my hair?
“For thin, fine, and more fragile color treated or lightened hair I suggest staying around 250 degrees to 300 degrees,” celebrity hairstylist Britteny Ryan told Us. “If you have thicker, coarser, wavier hair then I would keep the heat between 350-400. The maximum I would go is 450 degrees.”
Is a heat protector actually necessary?
“I ALWAYS suggest using a heat protectant before styling your hair,” Ryan, who works with stars including Elle King, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton and more, said. “Heat protectants will lock in moisture, seal out frizz from forming and will protect against UV and thermal damage.” The hairstylist added, “Remember that you are using a tool on your hair the same temperature you would cook pizza in an oven. Protect your strands with a heat protectant and do not hold your hair tool too long on the hair.”
How should I maintain healthy hair under a wig?
Kimble — who is the creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear — advises those wearing wigs to get a hot oil treatment before braiding their strands. “I would recommend doing that or a deep conditioning treatment,” she noted.
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What’s the best way to keep wigs looking fresh in the summer?
Keep them clean and don’t overuse product!” Kimble told Us.
How should I choose what type of hair extensions are best for me?
“First, always consult with a stylist and let them know your budget and what you can afford in terms of upkeep,” celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque exclusively told Us. “Additionally, consider what other types of services need to be added in order for the extensions to be seamlessly transitioned into your own hair.”
How often can I wear clip-in hair extensions?
“Halo-Couture clip-in extensions can be worn daily but are not recommended to sleep in,” Labrecque said, noting, “Make sure that the clip goes on a hair section that can hold the weight of the extension, this way it will stay put throughout daily wear.”
If you want to be able to sleep in extensions, the hairstylist recommends another method of extensions, such as sew-ins, tapes or individuals that “are installed by a professional for three-month wear.”
Do hair extensions damage my natural strands at all?
“If the extensions are done right, there should be virtually no damage,” Labrecque told Us. “Depending on the type of extension; tapes, strand by strand, sew-ins and V lights must be put in place by a professional and maintained correctly to cause no damage.”
The celebrity stylist continued: “When considering string extensions, like those I use from Halo Couture, no damage is caused as it is held on by a fishing line that always pops in the same place. Damage usually is done when the client is too afraid to brush that section of their hair, so keep in mind to keep all parts of your extensions brushed.”
What is the best way to take care of my hair extensions?
Labrecque told Us that the best way to take care of extensions is to “brush hair regularly to keep it knot free and use lots of conditioner.”
“Follow the care guide given to you by your stylist!” he recommended.
