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6/30/2024

Curly Girl Method - The Evolution of a Regimen That Changed Hair Culture

Curly Girl Method Founder Lorraine Massey, Talks About
The Evolution of a Regimen That Changed Hair Culture

Unlock the secrets of the Curly Girl Method developed by Lorraine Massey.

Click here to read the article

6/17/2024

8 Foods for Healthy Summer Hair

With aisles and aisles of products aimed at improving the look and condition of hair, it can be easy to forget that one of the most important things guests can do to keep their strands at their best this summer is to provide them with proper nutrition.

That’s right—just as skin benefits from a healthy diet (like the rest of the body, for that matter), eating well and getting key nutrients ensures that hair gets what it needs. These nutrients promote growth and prevent breakage and dryness, especially during the heat and sun of the summer. Likewise, strong, shiny, soft hair is not only something that makes guests look and feel beautiful—it’s also a sign that they are well-nourished.

The next time a client comes in looking to improve their hair, have them evaluate their eating habits to see if they are lacking these eight healthy nutrition essentials.

1. Protein
Your hair’s structure is made of hardened proteins called keratin. When your protein stores are low, generation of this important building block slows and hair grows slower and weaker. Lean meats, like chicken and turkey, and fish like tuna, halibut and tilapia are great high-protein foods to include in your diet. Low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheeses, tofu and quinoa are also terrific options to consider.

2. Biotin
Lentils are a good source of biotin—a nutrient that has been shown to promote hair growth. When biotin interacts with cell enzymes, it helps produce amino acids, which form those ever-important proteins mentioned earlier. Researchers have even found that too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Carrots, almonds, walnuts and cauliflower are other smart choices.

3. Iron
Your hair follicles receive nourishing oxygen from the iron in your red blood cells. While the level of iron in your blood may be considered normal, there is still a chance that you may have low ferritin—the “bank” of iron your body keeps to draw on when it needs it. Low ferritin has been linked to slow or halted hair growth, as well as shedding. Do your best to avoid this by eating iron-rich foods such as oysters, clams, lean beef, eggs, tuna, soybeans, spinach, tofu and garbanzo beans.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are found in the cell membranes of your scalp’s skin, and in the natural oils your scalp and hair produce to stay hydrated. Getting enough of these essential fatty acids can help prevent dry scalp and help your hair grow and shine. Eating wild salmon and other fatty fish like striped sea bass or mackerel twice a week will ensure a healthy dose of omega-3s. Or, if you’re not a fan of fish, incorporate some plant-derived sources into your diet, such as flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans or canola oil.

5. Water
While your locks are made primarily of protein, they’re also made of water; you need to maintain moisture to avoid dryness and breakage. In addition to leave-in conditioners or other hydrating products to soften strands, make sure you’re also replenishing yourself by drinking plenty of water each day. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables helps hydrate your mane as well.

6. B Vitamins
Vitamins B6, B12 and folate help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells in the body, including the ones in the scalp and hair follicles. If you’re not getting enough B vitamins, the cells can starve, making hair more prone to shedding, slower growth and breakage. Pork tenderloin is packed with these vitamins, but if you don’t eat pork, load up on beans, chicken, oatmeal and low-fat dairy.

7. Vitamin C
This essential nutrient does a couple things to help promote healthy hair, such as helping the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is also used to form collagen, a structural fiber that makes up the connective tissue in the body, which hair follicles require for optimal growth. Bell peppers, thyme, parsley, kale, Brussels sprouts, oranges and strawberries all pack a vitamin C punch.

8. Zinc
This mineral helps strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss by binding its proteins. Zinc also plays a role in proper oil gland function, which protects your locks from dryness and dandruff. Shellfish like oysters, crab, lobster, clams and mussels all have high zinc content. In fact, just three ounces of oysters (about two medium-size oysters) has a whopping 493% of the daily recommended value of zinc. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, pine nuts, beef, lamb, pork and cereals with whole grains and bran are some other zinc-rich foods to choose from.

Deirdre Strunk is the vice president of Canyon Ranch Spa, Fitness and Beauty, heading up these divisions across the Canyon Ranch brand. Strunk, a licensed massage therapist, esthetician, yoga instructor and group fitness instructor, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. In 2015, she was awarded Spa Director of the Year from the Las Vegas Spa Association, and she currently serves as a board member of the Las Vegas Spa Association, and as vice chair on the board for the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy.

From WellSpa360

6/15/2024

Achieve the Perfect Hairstyle

Are you tired of staring in the mirror and feeling dissatisfied with your hairstyle?

Here's a harsh reality – your hairstyle can make or break your entire look, no matter how stylish your outfit is.

But don't worry, I've got your back!

This video reveals 6 game-changing tips to achieve the perfect hairstyle.

This video delves into the current hair trends and provide guidance on how to communicate effectively with your barber or stylist to achieve the perfect haircut that complements your features and lifestyle. From understanding industry terminology to finding the right professional and discussing maintenance needs, it shares practical tips to help you navigate the world of men's hairstyles with confidence.

6/6/2024

Top 5 Herbs That Naturally Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is a hot topic in health and wellness.

The body's natural inflammatory response is, in general, good for us; it helps the body fight illnesses and any number of stressors that can negatively impact our health.

But, chronic inflammation can also be damaging to the tissues, both internal and external, so consumers are always on the lookout for inflammation-fighting solutions. Typically, this involves healthy eating habits, among other factors.
That's why we spoke with Lindsay Etemadipour, holistic herbalist and founder of natural herbal tea company Symbi, who shares her top herbal remedies for combatting inflammation from within—naturally.

Here are her top five:

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
"One of my favorite herbs can be found in most grocery stories: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. An herb used for centuries in traditional medicine, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation-causing enzymes and cytokines in the body, which is extremely helpful for those dealing with chronic inflammation. I love using turmeric in cooking and as a daily tea. I drink it at least four to five times a week."

2. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
"This is another kitchen herb that I absolutely adore for helping with chronic inflammation. Ginger, similar to turmeric, contains one specific compound that makes it an incredible healing herb. Gingerol is a bioactive compound that holds both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate chronic inflammation. It’s also fantastic for reducing pain that comes with inflammatory conditions."

3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
"Continuing the trend of herbs you can find at the grocery store, cinnamon is an amazing anti-inflammatory—and it tastes great! It contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which hold anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that cinnamon may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances in the body.1 I also love cinnamon for regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, both of which can indirectly reduce inflammation."

4. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
"Green tea is another highly accessible herb that you can usually find just about anywhere. It is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking green tea regularly may help reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against chronic diseases associated with inflammation. When I was dealing with my last lupus flare about five years ago, I drank three cups of green tea a day to help modulate inflammation."

5. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
"Ginseng is the only herb on this list that you cannot typically find in a grocery store. Ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been shown to both slow the production of inflammatory molecules and modulate immune responses."2

References:

from WellSpa360

5/15/2024

I got a hair transplant in Istanbul...

I got a hair transplant in Istanbul,
a sanctuary for balding men.
It pulled me out of a dark place.

It was a scorching August day in 2022 and I was lounging at the pool of the Mercedes Club, my fitness center in midtown Manhattan. I had invited one of my best friends Bennett to spend the day with me.

When he walked onto the pool deck and took off his hat, I nearly passed out. A year ago, he was essentially a bald headed man. But today — about eight months after he took a trip to Turkey — he had a fully restored hairline.

Happiness. Jealousy. Shock. Intrigue. Fear. I was flooded with emotions. Bennett, who's three years older than me and was a bit further along in the balding process, had been my hair loss mentor.

But now, he was one of the growing number of men who traveled 5,000 miles to Istanbul, the global capital for hair transplant surgery. According to the Turkish Health Tourism Association, about one million people traveled to Turkey for a hair transplant in 2022, spending about $2 billion.

Balding has become huge global business in the past two decades. It's projected to be worth over $11 billion by the end of 2024.

So far, no matter how many new, promising pills and treatments hit the market, none have made the transplant redundant. If anything, it's booming, and Turkey has built a reputation as the go-to destination.

Looking at Bennett's luscious hair poolside was the first moment I seriously considered joining the ranks of the millions of men who have traveled to what's become known as "Hairstanbul."

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Curly Girl Method - The Evolution of a Regimen That Changed Hair Culture

8 Foods for Healthy Summer Hair

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I got a hair transplant in Istanbul...

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