America Ferrera's Hairstylist Shares How to Re-Create Her Most Iconic Look

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.

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." 

"[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.