Aussies warned after tourist's lucky escape from 'world's most venomous animal'

This Centuries-Old Beauty Ritual Is One Secret to Shinier, Healthier Hair

Yahoo

7 hours ago

Yahoo

This Centuries-Old Beauty Ritual Is One Secret to Shinier, Healthier Hair

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." I've been told I have a great head of hair since I was a kid, and my mother is to thank for it. My mom, of course, passed down her genes, but also introduced me to the tradition of hair oiling. She added a little to my hair every weekend for years, and now, the tradition is still one of my most sacred beauty rituals. "Hair oiling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual that has been passed down by generations for over 5,000 years,' Squigs Beauty founder Nikita Charuza tells Bazaar. Even so, it's only recently hit the mainstream. In recent years, the practice has even gained traction on social media. Plus, a growing number of South Asian-founded beauty brands have released their own oils, which has also helped place the time-honored ritual in the spotlight. Not only does hair oiling keep my hair in its healthiest state, but the practice can also help soothe migraines and generally relieve stress. It's also my favorite form of self-care for moments when I simply want to pamper myself. Most importantly, though, it's a practice that helps keep me feeling bonded to my Indian heritage. Interested in trying the process out yourself? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of hair oiling, along with expert-approved tips and products worth adding to your beauty rotation. According to Charuza and dermatologist Mona Mislankar, adding oil to the hair and scalp helps reduce frizz, boost shine and softness, and reverse breakage over time. Plus, the act of massaging the scalp can also stimulate circulation, which encourages growth from hair follicles. 'Applying oil before washing or swimming can form a protective barrier, reducing damage from harsh shampoos, chlorine, or salt water,' says Mislankar. She notes that coconut oil, in particular, can decrease hygral fatigue—or swelling of the hair when wet—and help increase the hair's tensile strength to prevent damage. Plus, some oil products are optimized for styling purposes, too. I love to use a few drops of Squigs' Gooseberry Delight hair oil on days when I'm sporting a slicked-back look. It's a much gentler and more nourishing option than wax sticks or hairspray. For maximum moisture benefits, Mislankar recommends looking for formulas with ingredients like coconut, argan, and jojoba oils. Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali also recommends options infused with almond oil, which often feature scalp nourishing vitamin E and fatty acids. Additionally, research suggests that amla, a popular Ayurvedic ingredient, may also help minimize hair loss and boost growth. 'You can expect to notice new baby hair within four weeks of using our Gooseberry Delight hair oil because it's packed with clinically-proven ingredients like amla, kalonji, coconut, and castor oils,' adds Charuza. Fable and Mane's HoliRoots Pre-wash Oil combines amla with ashwagandha, an ingredient previously linked to an improvement in hair density with a reduction in shedding. Additionally, Aavrani's Hair and Scalp Recovery Pre-Wash Oil contains both amla and rosemary oil, another popular ingredient that's used to stimulate the hair follicle and increase blood flow. $38.00 at at at at at at Other common Ayurvedic ingredients like neem, tulsi (or holy basil), and brahmi extracts, plus jasmine and sunflower oils, have also been studied to encourage thicker, stronger hair while being soothing for the scalp. For myself, Charuza, Mislankar, and others, the beauty tradition serves as a way for us to stay connected to our cultures over time. "My mom has hair that goes past her waist, and every time we'd go to school, everyone would want to know her secrets for having such long, luscious hair, so we'd have friends over and show them how to create our hair oil,' shares Charuza. 'Our hair oil is actually a recipe from my great-grandmother, Aai, which I then modernized and made easier to wash out." Hair oiling is rooted in time-honored South Asian recipes and massage techniques that have been passed down in families for generations. 'Growing up in a South Asian household, hair oiling was a regular part of the routine," says Mislankar. "I remember my mom oiling my hair weekly, including a massage, and placing it in a braid. I distinctly remember the strong smell of the Indian formulations of coconut oil. Now, although I don't necessarily do it the same way, using coconut oil on my ends still provides excellent benefits and also brings back many of those memories and traditions of prioritizing self-care and healthy hair.' While hair oiling is generally considered suitable for all hair types and textures, Bhanusali advises those with skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis to avoid the practice altogether. "Some people mistakenly diagnose themselves with dry scalp instead of seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause inflammation and scales," the expert says. Mislankar agrees, adding that "oil theoretically can provide a moist feeding ground for yeast and exacerbate inflammation, flaking, and itching." The professional adds that choosing the right oil for your scalp type and applying it with moderation are key in preventing clogged pores or exacerbating other scalp conditions. Additionally, those with sensitive skin should be especially mindful of a product's ingredients list. "Some hair oils claim to be safe for sensitive skin but actually include scalp-irritating ingredients like synthetic fragrances and dyes,' explains Charuza. Before hair oiling, it's always best to consult your dermatologist to see if the practice is suitable for you. If you do have scalp concerns but still want to try oiling, Bhanusali recommends applying the product exclusively to the ends of your hair once or twice a month. He also suggests applying hair oil for 10 minutes before showering, then cleansing it thoroughly with shampoo. For a supremely soothing experience, I suggest warming up your hair oil of choice before applying it. You'll quickly feel any tension melt away once you begin your next-level scalp massage. When DIY-ing my own oil blend, I place it in a glass bowl on my stove on low heat. Otherwise, I'll pop one of my go-to bottles into a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. Another tip? Try steaming your hair before, during, or after oil application. While your fingers are a great option, using a scalp massager when applying hair oil can maximize your relaxation benefits. I'm personally a fan of Mount Lai's The Vitality Qi Advanced Scalp Massager, which uses a combination of white jade massagers, gentle vibrations, red light, and heat therapy to help boost circulation. Squigs' Squiggly Neem Comb is another expert-approved option for distributing hair oil through your scalp and length. 'It's created by artisans in India with 100 percent pure neem, which is an incredible Ayurvedic wood that helps stimulate and detoxify your scalp and promote new hair growth,' adds Charuza. Most oils are applied before hair washing and left on overnight. But with the beauty industry's advanced formulas, it's easy to reap similar haircare benefits with treatment windows as short as 30 minutes before your next shower. But if you do decide to leave your hair oil treatment in overnight, Charuza suggests wearing a protective style or sleeping in a silk scrunchie to help minimize friction as you snooze. Nikita Charuza is a fashion and beauty expert and the founder of Squigs Beauty. Mona Mislankar, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Cincinnati Skin Center. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, and has helped formulate for Hailey Bieber's Rhode, among other brands. The Best Scalp Serums, According to Experts The Best Korean Hair Products for Thicker, Softer Hair The Best Hair Masks for Every Texture 'Black Hair Reimagined' Is Not Your Average Runway Show Are Peptides the Secret to Fuller Hair? For more than 150 years, Harper's Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what's new and what's next in beauty by working with the world's leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts. You Might Also Like 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

Yahoo

7 hours ago

Yahoo

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

Botox has traditionally been sought out by older women looking to do something about the wrinkles they already have. But that's changing. Now younger women are turning to the cosmetic treatment to avoid getting those fine lines in the first place. That's the idea behind preventative Botox, which Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton has seen explode in popularity over the past five years. 'The summer of 2020 was when I started seeing younger patients coming in and asking about starting Botox to prevent lines,' Hamilton tells Yahoo Life. 'What I tell them is that when you start to see lines linger when you're not moving your face, that's a good indicator that it's a good time to do so.' Data from the 2023 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report indicated that while patients between the ages of 40 and 54 account for the largest percentage of those getting Botox, treatments among patients from 18 to 39 years old have been increasing. 'Many in Gen Z are starting preventative Botox, known by some as 'Baby Botox,' to stop wrinkles before they form,' the report reads. Results from a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll align with those findings. Among 1,677 U.S. adults surveyed in late March, 15% of women ages 18 to 39 said they would likely try Botox, compared with just 10% of women age 40 and older. This, experts say, indicates that the messaging behind preventative Botox — that when it comes to wrinkles, the best defense is a good offense — is not only spreading but also successfully convincing more people to start Botox sooner rather than later. But not everybody is buying in. Christine Cambus, a 36-year-old makeup artist living in New York, is someone who hopped on the Baby Botox train before it was a bigger trend. In her mid-20s, she started noticing expression lines in her forehead that weren't going away. 'When I turned 26, I decided to start doing Botox because I was like, I want to get ahead of this problem before it gets more intense,' she tells Yahoo Life. 'Now here we are 10 years later and — not to toot my own horn — but people routinely think I'm still in my early to mid-20s.' Baby Botox, aka micro-toxing, refers to using smaller doses of the neurotoxin (which isn't always Botox brand) to temporarily paralyze muscles in the face. According to Hamilton, these dosage amounts vary. 'It's still customized on the patient because I'm assessing the intensity of their muscle movement, which is going to be different person to person just based on anatomy, age, all of that,' she says. 'What we're talking about is just less than a full [Botox] treatment … usually less than half of what is recommended by the pharmaceutical companies.' Cambus receives 30 units for the injections across her forehead. 'I get it up into my hairline,' she says. 'I get my 11's and the very outward edges of my eyebrows because I want my brows to kind of tick up a bit at the end.' She believes that the injections she's had over the years are the reason she hasn't developed lines elsewhere, like crow's-feet. Hamilton backs this up. 'It's preventing the lines that are caused by movement, so if she's getting a little bit around the corners of the eyes, that's what is preventing her crow's-feet wrinkles,' she says. But if Cambus were only injecting the 11's between her eyebrows, for example, it wouldn't have that same preventative effect on the outside of the eyes. Jess Peachy, a 26-year-old from Charlotte, N.C., on the other hand, has been interested in getting injected since first hearing about preventative Botox on Bravo shows like Vanderpump Rules. But she has decided against it after doing further research. 'I looked into it, looked at other people's TikTok videos about their experiences and everything seemed fine and seemed good and normal. Everyone was like, 'My face isn't moving, I'm not getting wrinkles,'' she tells Yahoo Life. 'But what changed my mind about getting it was when people had masseter Botox and started discussing that after a while, they got the jowls.' Peachy is referring to people having Botox injections in their masseter muscle along the jaw — not an area prone to wrinkling — and experiencing jowl-like drooping. Peachy worries that sort of effect could happen elsewhere on her face if she tried Botox. 'At the end of the day, it is weakening your muscles, so I'm afraid of putting it in my face and the long-term effects of it,' she says. 'I don't want any muscle atrophy and to end up with loose and saggy skin.' Dr. Sean McNally, a plastic surgeon in Oregon, tells Yahoo Life that there is a slight possibility of experiencing significant weakening. But he says it's rare for people to be getting so much Botox so frequently to get to that point. 'If people are very consistently, very aggressively high-dosing Botox in certain muscles, and if they do that for years, those muscles can actually look weak and anemic, kind of pink instead of red. They do weaken with time,' he says. But McNally adds: 'For most people, they are not redosing their Botox before their Botox has completely worn off. So they're going to have this break in between where the muscle is functioning and you're actually using it for a while and then redosing it. It's not a long-term concern because if somebody is dosing you appropriately, they're going to be weakening the muscles but not completely freezing them out.' McNally himself has been getting injections for 12 years, starting when he was 31. If he hadn't gone the preventative route, he says, 'I would now have permanent creases that even with Botox wouldn't go away.' The messaging of preventative botox is working when it comes to getting younger people interested and considering it. What was previously a part of beauty regimens and culture for older women is now 'just something that Gen Z talks about,' says Hamilton. But that doesn't necessarily mean that every young person is running to get it. For some, it's concerns about the long-term effects holding them back; for others, it's the price tag. For those who are eager to begin, McNally encourages patients to wait until they're 25. 'I don't think you're going to get a ton of benefit out of it until you're in your late 20s, early 30s,' he says, unless there's an otherwise significant indication (like a skin or collagen condition) that someone younger should be starting. Hamilton recommends that people of all ages be particular when selecting who is doing the injection. That's especially important for young patients who don't want to overdo it. 'It's about going to someone that matches your aesthetic or understands your aesthetic,' she says. 'So if you walk into the office and everyone is completely frozen and people don't have any movement, that's probably not the office for you.'

Yahoo

7 hours ago

Yahoo

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

Botox has traditionally been sought out by older women looking to do something about the wrinkles they already have. But that's changing. Now younger women are turning to the cosmetic treatment to avoid getting those fine lines in the first place. That's the idea behind preventative Botox, which Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton has seen explode in popularity over the past five years. 'The summer of 2020 was when I started seeing younger patients coming in and asking about starting Botox to prevent lines,' Hamilton tells Yahoo Life. 'What I tell them is that when you start to see lines linger when you're not moving your face, that's a good indicator that it's a good time to do so.' Data from the 2023 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report indicated that while patients between the ages of 40 and 54 account for the largest percentage of those getting Botox, treatments among patients from 18 to 39 years old have been increasing. 'Many in Gen Z are starting preventative Botox, known by some as 'Baby Botox,' to stop wrinkles before they form,' the report reads. Results from a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll align with those findings. Among 1,677 U.S. adults surveyed in late March, 15% of women ages 18 to 39 said they would likely try Botox, compared with just 10% of women age 40 and older. This, experts say, indicates that the messaging behind preventative Botox — that when it comes to wrinkles, the best defense is a good offense — is not only spreading but also successfully convincing more people to start Botox sooner rather than later. But not everybody is buying in. Christine Cambus, a 36-year-old makeup artist living in New York, is someone who hopped on the Baby Botox train before it was a bigger trend. In her mid-20s, she started noticing expression lines in her forehead that weren't going away. 'When I turned 26, I decided to start doing Botox because I was like, I want to get ahead of this problem before it gets more intense,' she tells Yahoo Life. 'Now here we are 10 years later and — not to toot my own horn — but people routinely think I'm still in my early to mid-20s.' Baby Botox, aka micro-toxing, refers to using smaller doses of the neurotoxin (which isn't always Botox brand) to temporarily paralyze muscles in the face. According to Hamilton, these dosage amounts vary. 'It's still customized on the patient because I'm assessing the intensity of their muscle movement, which is going to be different person to person just based on anatomy, age, all of that,' she says. 'What we're talking about is just less than a full [Botox] treatment … usually less than half of what is recommended by the pharmaceutical companies.' Cambus receives 30 units for the injections across her forehead. 'I get it up into my hairline,' she says. 'I get my 11's and the very outward edges of my eyebrows because I want my brows to kind of tick up a bit at the end.' She believes that the injections she's had over the years are the reason she hasn't developed lines elsewhere, like crow's-feet. Hamilton backs this up. 'It's preventing the lines that are caused by movement, so if she's getting a little bit around the corners of the eyes, that's what is preventing her crow's-feet wrinkles,' she says. But if Cambus were only injecting the 11's between her eyebrows, for example, it wouldn't have that same preventative effect on the outside of the eyes. Jess Peachy, a 26-year-old from Charlotte, N.C., on the other hand, has been interested in getting injected since first hearing about preventative Botox on Bravo shows like Vanderpump Rules. But she has decided against it after doing further research. 'I looked into it, looked at other people's TikTok videos about their experiences and everything seemed fine and seemed good and normal. Everyone was like, 'My face isn't moving, I'm not getting wrinkles,'' she tells Yahoo Life. 'But what changed my mind about getting it was when people had masseter Botox and started discussing that after a while, they got the jowls.' Peachy is referring to people having Botox injections in their masseter muscle along the jaw — not an area prone to wrinkling — and experiencing jowl-like drooping. Peachy worries that sort of effect could happen elsewhere on her face if she tried Botox. 'At the end of the day, it is weakening your muscles, so I'm afraid of putting it in my face and the long-term effects of it,' she says. 'I don't want any muscle atrophy and to end up with loose and saggy skin.' Dr. Sean McNally, a plastic surgeon in Oregon, tells Yahoo Life that there is a slight possibility of experiencing significant weakening. But he says it's rare for people to be getting so much Botox so frequently to get to that point. 'If people are very consistently, very aggressively high-dosing Botox in certain muscles, and if they do that for years, those muscles can actually look weak and anemic, kind of pink instead of red. They do weaken with time,' he says. But McNally adds: 'For most people, they are not redosing their Botox before their Botox has completely worn off. So they're going to have this break in between where the muscle is functioning and you're actually using it for a while and then redosing it. It's not a long-term concern because if somebody is dosing you appropriately, they're going to be weakening the muscles but not completely freezing them out.' McNally himself has been getting injections for 12 years, starting when he was 31. If he hadn't gone the preventative route, he says, 'I would now have permanent creases that even with Botox wouldn't go away.' The messaging of preventative botox is working when it comes to getting younger people interested and considering it. What was previously a part of beauty regimens and culture for older women is now 'just something that Gen Z talks about,' says Hamilton. But that doesn't necessarily mean that every young person is running to get it. For some, it's concerns about the long-term effects holding them back; for others, it's the price tag. For those who are eager to begin, McNally encourages patients to wait until they're 25. 'I don't think you're going to get a ton of benefit out of it until you're in your late 20s, early 30s,' he says, unless there's an otherwise significant indication (like a skin or collagen condition) that someone younger should be starting. Hamilton recommends that people of all ages be particular when selecting who is doing the injection. That's especially important for young patients who don't want to overdo it. 'It's about going to someone that matches your aesthetic or understands your aesthetic,' she says. 'So if you walk into the office and everyone is completely frozen and people don't have any movement, that's probably not the office for you.'

Aussies warned after tourist's lucky escape from 'world's most venomous animal'

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

This Centuries-Old Beauty Ritual Is One Secret to Shinier, Healthier Hair

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

Aussies warned after tourist's lucky escape from 'world's most venomous animal'

Hashtags

Try Our AI Features

Comments

Related Articles

This Centuries-Old Beauty Ritual Is One Secret to Shinier, Healthier Hair

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

15% of women under 40 say they would likely try Botox. Is the 'preventative' messaging working?

Get Started Now: Download the App