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5/20/2023

Stress hormone measured in hair predicts who is likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases

Study in over 6,300 individuals finds hair cortisone levels were the strongest
predictor of future cardiovascular disease in those aged 57 years or younger

New research being presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Dublin, Ireland (17-20 May) suggests that glucocorticoid levels (a class of steroid hormones secreted as a response to stress) present in the hair of individuals may indicate which of them are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the future.

“There is a tremendous amount of evidence that chronic stress is a serious factor in determining overall health. Now our findings indicate that people with higher long-term hair glucocorticoid levels appear significantly more likely to develop heart and circulatory diseases in particular,” says lead author Dr Eline van der Valk from Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Long-term levels of scalp hair cortisol and its inactive form, hair cortisone, are increasingly used biomarkers that represent the cumulative exposure to glucocorticoids over the previous months.

There is a large body of evidence indicating that the stress hormones cortisol and cortisone affect the body’s metabolism and fat distribution. But data on these stress hormone levels and their effect on long-term CVD outcomes is scarce.

To find out more, researchers analysed cortisol and cortisone levels in 6,341 hair samples from adult men and women (aged 18 and older) enrolled in Lifelines—a multi-generational study including over 167,000 participants from the northern population of the Netherlands.

Study participants' hair was tested, and participants were followed for an average 5-7 years to assess the long-term relationship between cortisol and cortisone levels and incident CVD. During this time, there were 133 CVD events.

Researchers adjusted for factors known to be linked with increased risk of CVD including age, sex, waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found that people with higher long-term cortisone levels were twice as likely to experience a cardiovascular event like a stroke or heart attack, and this rose to over three times as likely in those aged 57 years or younger.

However, in the oldest half of CVD cases (aged 57 and older), hair cortisone and cortisol were not strongly linked to incident CVD.

“Our hope is that hair analysis may ultimately prove useful as a test that can help clinicians determine which individuals might be at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Then, perhaps in the future targeting the effects of stress hormones in the body could become a new treatment target,” says Professor Elisabeth van Rossum, the principal investigator of the study from Erasmus University Medical Center.

The authors acknowledge several limitations of the study, including that it is observational and does not prove that stress causes CVD but indicate that they are linked. They also note that most participants self-identified as white and were from one area of the Netherlands so the findings might not be generalisable to other populations. And although age, sex, waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes were adjusted for in the analysis, there may be other unmeasured factors that may have influenced the results.

For interviews with article author Eline van der Valk, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands please email e.vandervalk@erasmusmc.nl or contact the Erasmus MC press office at press@erasmusmc.nl T) +31 1070 33289

Alternative contact in the ECO Press Room: Tony Kirby T) + 44(0)7834 385827 E) tony@tonykirby.com

Notes to editors:
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by Elisabeth Foundation; Netherlands Organization of Scientific Research NWO.

This press release is based on oral abstract 14.06 at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO). All accepted abstracts have been extensively peer reviewed by the congress selection committee. There is no full paper at this stage, but the authors are happy to answer your questions. The research has not yet been submitted to a medical journal for publication.

from EurekAlert

5/9/2023

Hair Rules: The Controversial Give And Take Between Black Hair Stylists And Their Clients

Going to the salon used to be a fun Saturday excursion, but social media is now revealing that
the good can come with a bad or even ugly experience.

Caring for our natural crown can be liberating and a full-time job. We’ve all been there when our twist-outs, wash-and-go’s, and slick back buns just aren’t hitting like they used to. For some, hitting up their hairstylist is the equivalent of hitting up a friend to catch up; for others, seeking a new stylist requires a deep dive into social media.

These days, social media has become the medium for women of color to get an inside look at what a hairstylist's experience is sometimes like including expensive deposits, outrageous rules, and overall bad experiences. In return, unsatisfied clients are not shy about exposing the root of their tragic hair appointment.

The popularity of sharing salon experiences has taken social media by storm, especially on TikTok - a Google executive admitted that their studies showed 40% of young people took to TikTok or Instagram for discovery purposes.

We recently talked to TikTokers Domenica and Fellisia, who both felt that the trending social media topic had been a positive experience for consumers. Domenica says, “I think it’s more real than written reviews sometimes. You know it’s a real person actually saying it; people see the results, and sometimes even the process.”

The level of honesty about stylist experiences can be refreshing for consumers. Felicia adds, “There is a whole new level of transparency regarding the entire experience. You learn so much more about not only the service, but you can get a holistic understanding of the experience, which includes all facets of customer service.” However, how much transparency is too much transparency? For some, one bad social media post from an unsatisfied client can destroy a once thriving Black-owned business. The U.S. Census data shows 58% of Black owners described their businesses as “at risk” or in “distress.” At some point, we must think if the post is worth the potential damage it can have on a Black or Brown business owner.

There has been a wide conversation about Black business owners knowing their worth and value. These conversations have empowered Black business owners of all kinds, especially hairstylists, to “charge up,” for example. While this can be a liberating and life-changing experience for Black hairstylists, it can also be a very limiting experience for the communities that supported them. There’s an abundance of social media posts referring to the outrageous prices of Black hair stylists. In this Twitter thread, one user explained how one hairstylist charges $500 for a silk press.

As much as it pains us to lose our favorite hairstylist due to hefty pricing, stylists ultimately have the freedom to charge what they are worth. However, they must also recognize that clients have the freedom to be clients without any outrageous restrictions. According to hairstylist Karen Miller, charging your worth always comes at a price.

“There’s nothing wrong with charging your worth. You just have to hold yourself to the same standard or better that you’re charging. Always stay on your A game.”

When it comes to unsatisfied clients sharing their thoughts on social media, Karen isn’t trying to fight the social media reviews; she’s learned to embrace them. “That’s just the times we are in. There’s no way to protect yourself from bad clients. While I understand you can’t please everyone, this is also a way to hold stylists accountable on every level.”

Criticism, especially social media criticism, can intimidate any business owner. Although there is no way to avoid other people’s opinions in 2023, stylists can still take back their power by learning from it. Karen adds, “I believe we have true power over our businesses. Social media can either help you or hinder you, but ultimately it is the work you’re putting out there. I think people are just looking for an overall good experience.”

from Bet.com

5/3/2023

5 Tips to Achieve the Ultimate Hockey Hair

Do you want to go down in history as a hockey hair icon?

Great hockey hair takes many forms – and it's not exclusive to the pros. Kids, amateurs and hockey fans can proudly rock their own styles and flows. Which is why we're giving you the tools and confidence you need to achieve the Hockey Hair flow that fits you best. With our top tips and a fresh haircut from Great Clips, you’ll bring home a win with your new look. And, with Online Check-In, you’ll be showing off your flow with confidence in no time.

Choose Your Flow
The first step to achieving the perfect flow is setting your hockey hair goals. From lettuce layers to the magic mullet, choose a signature hockey hairstyle that works best for you! Begin by identifying your hair type: straight, wavy, curly or coily. Next, decide which style will work best for your current or desired hair length. The classic flow and the smooth slick-back will work for longer locks, while a crew cut and fade are short styles. Or you can try amplifying your natural texture or a haircut with long layers. If you're unsure what you like, use NHL players that have hair like yours for inspiration or ask your Great Clips stylist for recommendations based off your hair type.

Shape It Up
Now that you've set your hair goals, the real power play is getting a haircut to achieve the shape you want! Your local Great Clips salon is ready to help you score an all-star haircut. Find a few photos of your favorite players’ flows to show your Great Clips stylist so they can help you achieve your desired look. You can also ask for advice on product recommendations to rock your new look on (and off) the ice with confidence!

Build A Product Lineup
Once you’ve scored your haircut, it’s time to find your MVPs – Most Valuable Products! Perfect your styling line-up with the right products for your hair type and desired look. If you're going with the flipped flow, we recommend Spray Gel for a natural finish that will keep your hair in place all day. If rumpled curls are more your style, try out Molding Cream to ensure your spirals hold their shape. To learn how you can use products to rock your favorite hockey hairstyle, check Great Clips' blogs on Choosing the Right Product for Men’s Hair and Picking the Right Product for Women’s Hair.

Maintain Your Mane
Now that your fresh flow has you feeling gameday ready, it's time to score big with a haircare routine that will keep your locks looking good on and off the rink! When creating a routine of products and techniques, take note of your hair's key characteristics. If you struggle with dryness, try a hair oil or serum designed to lock in hydration. If frizz is your main concern, look into a smoothing product like the Solutions by Great Clips Glossing Multi-Task Cream. Creating an easy routine will keep your hair healthy and easy to manage so you have more energy to focus on cheering on your favorite team. Find what works for you and stick to it – nothing boosts confidence like effortless hockey hair!

Let Your Style Shine Through
Just like how hockey stars have a signature style, finding your hockey hair is all about what makes you unique and letting that shine through your hair. Whether that means spiking up your hair for a fierce fan style or combing it over for a more polished look, rock your hockey hair with confidence! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new until you find the look that works for you.

from BeautyLaunchPad

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Stress hormone measured in hair predicts who is likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases

Hair Rules: The Controversial Give And Take Between Black Hair Stylists And Their Clients

5 Tips to Achieve the Ultimate Hockey Hair

Hair by Brian

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