We've said it before, but we'll say it again: Supporting Latin-owned brands and Latin entrepreneurs should always be a year-round thing, but Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to give a special spotlight to Hispanic beauty moguls everywhere. Today's spotlight is reserved for celebrity hairstylist Aviva Jansen Perea. Perea, a stylist with over 20 years of experience, has worked with the likes of America Ferrera, Alyssa Milano, Chelsea Handler, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Plus, she now has her own line of functional hairstyling pins perfect for the red carpet.
Read on for what Day Rate Beauty means to her and a full breakdown of how she created America Ferrera's iconic Barbie premiere look.
About Day Rate Beauty
As an editorial and celebrity hairstylist, Perea knows exactly what kind of pins keep your hair extra snatched. Day Rate creates gorgeous and sturdy stainless steel hair pins designed to keep even the most extravagant red carpet look in place. As a bonus, Day Rate donates a portion of every sale to benefit a variety of organizations, including cancer research, domestic violence resources, and more.
"I started Day Rate Beauty during the pandemic with my family," Perea shares. "I had been looking in beauty supply stores all over the world for something that was stronger, better color-matched, less damaging for your hair and the planet, not single use, and made in America—nothing existed. Our pins are made from super-strong stainless steel and coated in plant-based nylon, which means that they are strong enough to hold up any amount of hair, but the soft coating helps prevent damage. Our sustainable packaging helps keep track of the pins so they're not swimming around at the bottom of your bag. It's a modern take on classic styling tools with the added benefit of an improved carbon footprint."
The name Day Rate also holds a special place in Perea's heart. "It pays homage to my 20 years of hard work and dedication in the styling industry. It's a tribute to the countless hours spent perfecting my craft. Throughout my journey, I've been acutely aware of the pay disparities in the industry, often seeing colleagues with fewer years of experience receiving higher day rates," she says. "As an LGBTQ+ woman of color, I understand the importance of embracing open and honest identities. I am often the only queer Latina in the room. Day Rate Beauty is more than a brand—it's a platform for empowerment and inclusivity. I want to show people in similar communities that anything is possible. Our mission is to create a company that not only reflects my career but also empowers others. We're committed to advocating for inclusion, inspiring positive change, and making the beauty industry a more diverse and inclusive space."
Shop Day Rate Beauty:
"Our two bigger pins (Petite Power Pin and Power Pin) are a one-and-done, chic way to throw your hair up."
"Our Hero Pins are my redesigned, personal take on the bobby pin, which are strong enough to support the heaviest, most intricate updo yet chic enough to wear on the outside for styling."
"Our two French hairpins (Min Pin and Foundation Pin) are lifesavers for styling updos. One pin replaces 10 of the pins that used to live in my kit. And because they are color-matched, I'm no longer worried about the pins in my clients' updos revealing with flash photography. They blend in seamlessly."
"We also make our large pins in 14K gold and Power Pink. We are launching the Cobalt Collection by Mark Townsend next week. It's a beautiful deep ocean blue. Following that, we're super excited to launch a stunning silver finish mid-November."
How She Created America Ferrera's Iconic Barbie Premiere Look
"[For this look], we wanted to create something that exudes empowerment and strength," Perea shares. "There's power in styling your hair in a sleek, tight bun. It makes sense why the style is trending. It's a beautiful way to showcase confidence without hiding behind your hair. This look is all about that stunning shine and the feeling of being absolutely snatched!"
See a breakdown of the products Perea used for the look below.
"This product leaves the hair feeling plump and, at the same time, doesn't make the hair crunchy."
"Apply a generous amount of Hours Well Traveled Tousle and Shine Spray. This product gives extra hold and grip, plus a glossy finish."
"Follow with a generous application of Hours Mostly Modest Flexible Hairspray for hold and shine."
Perea's Favorite Styling Products
"The round mixed [Spornette] bristle brushes have been my only round brushes for blowouts over the last 20 years—they lift and smooth like a powerhouse! Their Little Wonder styling comb is like a magic wand at teasing and smoothing, also great for sectioning."
"The Dry Texturizing Spray and the Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray ($44) were game changers. Nothing comes close to the texture that these give, and although the scents are strong, I personally live for them."
"I have been using this for years, and I never go to work without it. Although it's a volumizer, I use it more as a primer on everyone's hair, from fine to thick and curly. I find that styles last longer, hair is more workable, and it's also a great second-day root refresher."
In terms of tools, Perea swears by this cult-loved dryer from Harry Josh Pro Tools.
For larger, looser waves that add a bit of body, Perea loves the T3 BodyWaver.
Or she opts for this classic one-inch curling iron from GHD.