Latest from Vogue Arabia
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
Hair Growth or Hair Myth? Investigating TikTok's Scalp Massage Obsession
After years of wearing a hijab, summers of box braids and straightening my curls within an inch of their life, I decided to make summer 2025 the summer of my hair revival. Naturally, the first place I turned was TikTok – where else do you go when you're researching beauty tips? Between the videos swearing on rosemary oil, minoxidil and rice water, I came across creators who were posting about massaging their scalp for two hours each day. These ladies were committed, with entire homemade contraptions to make this possible. Think electric massagers, placed on top of hair bonnets, strapped on with a scarf. They'd move the massager to a different portion of their scalp every 30 minutes to ensure an all-over massage. Some would use oils. Some wouldn't. But all were consistent, and two hours was the golden rule. After a few wellness mishaps, I've learned not to buy into everything TikTok girlies swear by. But I'd heard such good things about scalp massaging over the years, from my mother and grandmother, from my Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor and every hair stylist I'd ever visited. There was clearly something to massaging your scalp, but was two hours the threshold I needed to reach to see maximum results? I wanted to find out.
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
The Best Professional Keratin Hair Serum You Can Use at Home for Soft, Shiny Summer Hair
A rejuvenating elixir for hair, mild yet powerful: it's Vitamin Hair Cosmetics' Keratin Hair Serum, which is going viral online just in this 2025-marked summer. Because summer is a good season, yes. But not for the hair: sun, sweat, increased sebum production, saltiness and chlorine threaten to leave marks that are anything but positive. But here comes Keratin Serum - that's the exact name - and from the very first applications it reveals its saving powers: it repairs dry and damaged hair, restoring softness and shine and protecting it from heat. It guarantees the same results as a professional salon treatment, the word of those who have already tried it. Vitamins A clarification must be made: the high performance of the Vitamin Hair Cosmetics hair serum finds in the keratin the determining factor, but they also depend on other ingredients. In fact, the formulation is enriched with biotin, collagen, castor oil and coconut oil. Precisely by virtue of this mix of ingredients, Keratin Serum proves to be a suitable treatment for all hair types: coloured, fine, straight, wavy, curly and very thick. Keratin Hair Serum: all the benefits for soft, shiny hair in summer Regularly using Vitamin Hair Cosmetics keratin hair serum brings a number of benefits. In summer as in the rest of the year. Keratin is among the most widely used and appreciated active ingredients when it comes to hair care. After all, we are talking about a protein also synthesised by our bodies; one of the physiological components of hair itself, nails and skin. It protects the hair fibre and regenerates it from the root (thus reducing split ends); it accelerates hair growth, moisturises it and makes it more elastic. At the same time, it helps detangle and discipline it, reducing frizz. Biotin is a vitamin involved in keratin formation, so it is easy to focus on its importance. In addition, it helps restore the lipid balance of the scalp. Collagen not only has - in turn - a moisturising action, insofar as it is able to retain water within the hair and thus prevents dehydration. It combats hair loss and also exerts an antioxidant effect. Back in the limelight thanks to social media, castor oil is among the most traditional natural ingredients used to stimulate hair growth, strengthen hair and make it shinier. A guarantee. Coconut oil is a summation of all the virtues just listed. And it also comes with a nice scent, which certainly doesn't hurt. How to use keratin hair serum: So, affirmative: this keratin hair serum really works. It is a water-based product, so it feels very light. It is free of alcohol, parabens and sulfates. To get maximum results, however, you have to use it in the right way. You only need a minimal amount, to be spread on dry hair. But you can also apply it to damp hair, after carefully patting it dry. No rinsing is needed. Green light for daily use as well. Vitamin Hair Keratin Serum, reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I bought this product on the recommendation of my mother, who has been using it for a few months already. Really great, leaves hair shiny and vital without weighing it down and smells great. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Several months ago I had a keratin hair treatment. I was looking for a product that would prolong its effects and I tried this after shampooing. I was really satisfied: soft, silky and super scented hair. I highly recommend it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have fine, colored and frizzy hair. With this product, the crease holds that is a beauty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have very frizzy hair and while this serum doesn't work miracles, it does help improve the appearance. I apply it after styling and also daily-it leaves my hair soft and, importantly, doesn't weigh it down. Great for frequent use.
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The '90s Boho Hair Accessory That Everyone's Wearing This Summer
The bandana transcends style tribes, it works if you're a grunge girl, hip-hop devotee or a quiet luxury type. 'I love the bandana because it looks just as at home on Carrie Bradshaw at the farmer's market as it does on Britney, Beyoncé and J Lo in the Noughties,' says Francesca Inverarity, hairstylist at The Hair Bros. 'They're great for pulling your hair off your face in the summer months, plus they also protect it from the sun.' The Noughties is not the only source of inspiration for ways to wear it now. Hairstylist Bobby Eliot, who often works with Abrams, also references French '60s icons, like Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, who wore the trend full-coverage and granny-style, rather than the shorter boho-style bandana. 'There are so many ways to style them,' says Eliot. 'And they're a great way to give your hair a break from summer styling as well – I love the idea of throwing in a little sea salt spray, letting your hair air dry and adding a bandana on top. So chic.' How Carrie Bradshaw wears the bandana – with diamanté, no less. Cinematic / Alamy Stock Photo Beyoncé's noughties look was also punctuated with optimal amounts of bling. Steve W. Grayson It isn't just A-listers who are head over heels for them, either. ('They've become my personality,' my fellow journalist Phoebe McDowell tells me.) The lazy girl's answer to achieving good hair that looks on-trend without having to actually do anything, she believes their rise in popularity is down to the wider boho trend that is so prevalent right now. The hairstylist Charlotte Mensah has long been a fan, often wearing one to protect her scalp and hair while she's in the sun. 'They're amazing at protecting the hair, especially if you have a curly hair type,' she says, adding that she gets hers from vintage stores and markets. 'I like the silk kind because they prevent frizz and help the hair retain hydration, while the cotton ones tend to suck any moisturising formulas out of the hair.' An obvious purchase if you've got coloured hair, in addition to looking good, bandanas act as a handy barrier between your strands and the sun. 'They stop bleached hair over-processing while you enjoy the sunshine,' says Inverarity. 'A good holiday hack is to apply a hair conditioning treatment, like Davines Oi Liquid Luster Treatment, when hair is damp. Then brush it back with a comb and wrap a bandana over the top to lock in the treatment and let it sink in throughout the day. It's a stylish alternative to the usual summer baseball cap.' How to wear a hair bandana now There are two key ways to wear a bandana. Most of the girlies are doing it '90s or bohemian style: folding the fabric into a triangle, then letting the point sit below the crown of the head. The other is more of a 'granny chic' look, where the fabric is tied around the head and secured under the chin. Whichever you choose, this is an accessory that works for all hair lengths and types; however, Inverarity says it works particularly well on short bobs, mini crops and micro or broken bangs. 'I think it looks great with swept-back braids or with a messy ponytail,' adds Mensah, who also says that you can roll them up as a more straightforward hair band, should you wish. And – the million dollar question – how to successfully tie them? For McDowell, it's as simple as folding a square silk scarf into a triangle, placing it on top of her head, flipping her hair over, then tying a double knot in the back. The best hair bandanas to shop now Look for (vintage or new) silk or cotton square scarves, secure over your hair, and get out in the sunshine.
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The Midi Haircut That Suits All Faces for Summer 2025
This summer we will be talking a lot about this midi haircut that suits all face types (as long as it is personalized). Because in summer, humidity and high temperatures make us want to make an appointment with the hairdresser and get rid of several inches of hair, because the length becomes unbearable under the sun's rays. But before taking any rash situation, other options should be analyzed. Because there is a perfect hybrid that you may not have contemplated: the lob or long bob. Yes, that midi cut that's a first cousin to the bob (but not exactly the same). Let's just say it's the answer when you don't want to commit to a short bob or a long bob, i.e. when you're looking for a midi haircut. "One of the undisputed stars of recent years is undoubtedly the long bob, an elegant and versatile styling option that has conquered catwalks, red carpets and the trendiest streets of the planet," says expert stylist Francisco Iglesias. According to the founder of the salons that bear his name, this is a haircut that captivates all women equally, regardless of age. "Its secret lies in the perfect harmony between sophistication and practicality. The Long Bob, also known as Lob, has a length that ranges slightly above the shoulders to just below them, allowing for endless variations in hairstyle and style." This summer, we saw it on runways like that of American designer Christopher John Rogers, who proposed a retro version with a side-parting bob and straight hair. British fashion creative Stella McCartney also experimented with this midi haircut and proposed it with imperceptible layers and slightly wavy ends. Singer Gracie Abrams, who starred on our July Vogue cover, also wore the long bob in question. "This cut is especially suitable for dynamic, modern and sophisticated women who want to project a modern image without sacrificing comfort. It is ideal for those who want to renew their look with a fresh and stylish proposal, while maintaining a touch of timeless femininity," says the stylist. Christopher John Rogers runway. Spring-Summer 2025 collection, Stella McCartney. Go Runway According to Iglesias, this cut is so versatile that it can look equal parts professional and elegant. "The long bob projects an image of confidence, freshness and youth," he explains with conviction to Vogue Mexico and Latin America. If you're looking for more reasons to be convinced, let's talk about styling. You can wear it completely straight, with soft tousled waves or with your natural curls, there are several options. Now, not all long bobs look the same, before making the final cut, you have to take into account the type of face you have. For this, you need to put yourself in the hands of experts who can advise you. "Discover the version of the long bob that best suits you to renew your image with one of the most emblematic and versatile styles of contemporary hair fashion," shares Francisco Iglesias. The stylist shares some recommendations for you to find the ideal variation: Midi haircut for every type of face in summer 2025. Round face: it is recommended to opt for a long bob slightly longer in the front, creating a visual effect that lengthens and stylises the features. Square face: women with a square face look spectacular with a slightly frizzy and softly wavy bob, softening sharp angles. Oval face: almost any version of the lob will suit you, although a slight layer at the ends will add extra movement. Heart-shaped or inverted triangle faces: a straight or slightly heavier long bob at the ends will give visual balance.
Vogue Arabia
2 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
This New Approach to Haircare Could Change Your Mane For Good
Founded by Dubai-based entrepreneur Abdul Nassani, Alkemy relies on principles of spirituality to give each guest a tailor-made treatment that blends ancient rituals with biotechnology. 'For us, holistic care means looking after the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – not just delivering a hair treatment,' he explains. 'Each visit is designed as a journey, starting and ending with mindful rituals that encourage presence and relaxation. These rituals complement our expert treatments, creating a truly holistic experience that nurtures wellbeing inside and out.' Master stylist Jad Chehade further explains the art of blending traditional knowledge with expert technique to nurture long-term hair and scalp benefits: '[In some cases], elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning, shedding, and reduced scalp circulation. By incorporating rituals for our guests designed to reduce stress (such as using essential oils), we can help create the ideal conditions for healthier growth and improved scalp function.' This conscious approach blurs the lines between beauty and wellness, resulting in great hair as expected, but also a calmer mind and over time, lifelong results that speak for themselves. So what are the key factors that separate holistic haircare from the usual treatments at your neighbourhood salon? And how do they really benefit your mane? Below, experts share all. Engaging the senses The first rule to holistic haircare: realising that it's not just about what grows out of your head; it's about healing your body as a whole. 'The body is deeply interconnected,' Chehade agrees. 'By engaging the senses (sight, sound, scent, and touch) we can create rituals that encourage relaxation and improved circulation, both of which support hair vitality.' He counts sage, geranium, and frankincense essential oils as vital ingredients that can calm the nervous system. A great practice to adopt is to begin every selfcare routine with a spritz of an aromatic mist that soothes the soul. At Alkemy, the fragrance of choice is a hand-blended aromatherapy concoction that never fails. Getting to the root Often, salons treat the strands with new-age serums and tools without getting to the main cause of the issue: the scalp. One of the key factors of holistic haircare is addressing the skin on the head with deep-cleansing rituals that exfoliate, remove product buildup and boost microcirculation. Alkemy's answer to this need "leaves the scalp detoxed and balanced – creating the ideal foundation for healthy hair growth and optimal treatment absorption, Chehade says. Looking to the past There's a reason traditional treatments have been relied upon for centuries and generations. Taking a leaf from our great grandparents across cultures, the Japanese deep hair restoration treatment is among the key experiences to try at Alkemy. 'This treatment combines a purifying scalp scrub, a customised nourishing mask, and a restorative leave-in formula,' explains Chehade. 'The result is renewed softness, balance, and full-spectrum hair wellness.' Touching the right points Designed to release tension, stimulate lymphatic flow and promote circulation, curated head massages can 'not only support hair growth but also offer emotional relief and nervous system relaxation,' explains Chehade. Stimulating specific touch points can also play a big part in supporting full-spectrum hair wellness,"from root to soul". Saying goodbye mindfully How one ends their haircare routine is just as important as how the journey begins. Nassani's recommendation? Always say goodbye with a grounding moment. The gentle burning of palo santo helps promote a feeling of balance and restoration.
