When I realized I could wash, condition, and style my hair in less than 30 minutes, I got lazier with my routine. Over time, I stopped massaging my scalp, removed oil from my routine, and shampooed my hair less. I stopped focusing on the health of my hair because I wasn't concerned about the length. If something went wrong, I told myself I would just cut my hair shorter and start over.
That was the wrong approach.
While my hair looked good, there were times I scratched my scalp until it was tender. I shampooed my hair more often to fix the issue, but it was only a temporary solution that probably made the itching worse. A healthy head of hair starts at the roots, and I was neglecting mine.
Grace Cary/Getty Images
Our scalp contains around 100,000 hair follicles that produce sebum or oil to keep it moisturized. This sebum also helps shield the skin from infection and allows hairs to grow. When the organisms that dwell on the scalp are out of balance, it can lead to breakage, thinning, and hair loss.
An itchy scalp is one of the most common signs of an unhealthy scalp. If you find yourself constantly scratching your head, it could mean that your scalp is dry or irritated. An itchy scalp may also be a sign of dandruff, a condition that causes the dead skin on your scalp to flake off. Dandruff isn't a sign that your hair is dirty. Taking care of the skin on your scalp and your hair can require different products. While dandruff can be uncomfortable to experience, it is a common skin issue.
Stubborn dandruff that is difficult to get rid of can be a sign of several scalp-related issues, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. If you are experiencing dandruff with one or more of the following symptoms, it may be time for you to see a dermatologist and receive medical treatment:
Redness or inflammation: If you notice that your scalp is red or swollen, it could be a sign of irritation or infection. Bacteria or fungi often cause scalp infections, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Skin infections can not be treated and healed on their own. Most require medical treatment.
Greasy scales: If you notice greasy scales on your scalp, it could be a sign of Seborrheic Dermatitis, a chronic form of eczema that can last for years. It can also cause the skin to become flaky and white or yellow. It can also result in oily skin all over the body. While this condition is more common in men and adults ages 30 - 60, BIPOC people are likely to have a severe form of the disease called Petaloid Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Oily scalp: If you find that your hair is greasy or oily, it could be a sign that your sebaceous glands are overactive. An oily scalp can also lead to hair loss, as the oil can clog the pores on your scalp and prevent new hair from growing.
Hair loss: This is another sign that your scalp may be unhealthy. Several factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medications, and infections, can cause hair loss.
Igor Alexander/Getty Images
How to Get Rid of Dandruff
Once you speak with your doctor and they've ruled out any underlying medical conditions, there are a few steps you can take to manage your dandruff and restore your scalp health. Remember that everyone's combination of hair type and scalp could require a different approach, so don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about what might work for you before resorting to store-bought products that could damage or make the problem worse.
1. Avoid harsh chemicals.
This includes chemicals that you may use on your hair, such as shampoo and conditioner, and those that you may be exposed to in your environment, such as cleaning products or pollutants. When choosing haircare products, look for ones designed for dry and sensitive scalps, and avoid those containing sulfates, fragrances, or other harsh ingredients.
Rido Franz/Getty Images
2. Keep your scalp clean.
For women with natural hair, moisture and conditioner are staples in our regimens, but shampoo is important too. Shampooing regularly with a gentle shampoo and avoiding hairstyles that can trap dirt and oil on the scalp helps maintain hair health. Shampoos with pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid contain antifungal properties and help exfoliate the scalp. Just be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after shampooing to remove all traces of soap and residue.
3. Moisturize your scalp.
The scalp is skin that needs moisturizing too. Products such as leave-in conditioners, oils, and serums keep our scalps hydrated, especially during the old weather months. While there are many options to choose from on the market, several shampoos and conditioners have also been designed to moisturize the scalp.
4. Avoid hot showers.
Long hot showers may feel good on the skin, but they can damage your scalp. The heat from the water can strip away natural oils, leaving your scalp feeling dry and irritated. If you wash your hair in the shower, use lukewarm water when showering or rinse your hair with cold water.
5. Protect your scalp from the sun.
Just like the rest of your skin, your scalp can be damaged by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. To protect your scalp, wear a hat or scarf when spending time outdoors, and consider using sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of any good haircare routine. Following the tips we've shared can keep your scalp clean and promote healthy hair growth. If you're experiencing dandruff, the most important thing is to figure out what's causing it in the first place – once you know that, you can take steps to fix the issue. If you’ve been chaining your routine and don’t see the results you’re hoping for, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist. Your hair will thank you for it.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by F.J. Jimenez/Getty Images
Two types of hair follicles can be found under the skin, vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is fine in texture and feels like fuzz. Terminal hair is long, thick, and deeply rooted. Most women have vellus follicles on their faces and chin.
When women grow chin hair, it's usually due to hormonal imbalance. Women experience hormonal imbalances throughout life, especially as they near menopause. While men and women produce testosterone, women typically have smaller amounts. When a woman's testosterone levels are outside what would be considered the normal range, it can cause an increase in facial and body hair growth because testosterone changes vellus follicles into terminal follicles. This male-like patterned hair growth in women is called Hirtuism.
Hirtuism impacts 5-10% of women around the world. It can be caused by various health issues that lead to hormone imbalances. If you experience a sudden change in hair growth or you’ve noticed that the hair has become dark and coarse, speak with your doctor. Excess facial hair that’s dark in color can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), menopause, adrenal gland disorders, and thyroid disorders. Certain medications that contain androgen or testosterone, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can also cause changes in facial hair.
Once you speak to your doctor and rule out potential health conditions requiring treatment of the underlying medical condition, you can create a regimen to get rid of the chin hair. Here are a few methods you can try:
1.Use a depilatory cream.
Depilatory creams are hair removal products containing chemicals that dissolve the hair. They are typically very effective at removing hair but can also be harsh on the skin. If you use a depilatory cream, test it on a small area of skin first to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction or experience a skin burn.
2.Use a razor.
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
Shaving is a quick and easy way to remove chin hair, but the process can also irritate the skin. If you decide to shave, use a sharp razor and use after-shave products, to reduce your chances of razor burn. Shaving also doesn’t remove hair from the root, so the hair will grow back faster tempting you to shave more often.
3.Use tweezers.
Tweezing is another quick and easy way to remove chin hair, but it can be pretty painful. If you decide to tweeze your chin hair, sterilize the tweezers first by boiling them in water for five minutes, and use a numbing cream in the area before you start to reduce pain.
4.Use wax.
Blanchi Costela/Getty Images
Waxing your chin hair is a great way to temporarily get rid of unwanted facial hair. With waxing, there's no need for painful tweezing or expensive laser treatments. It's an effective method with visible results that will last up to 6 weeks. You can also do it yourself in the comfort of your home with an at-home wax kit.
5.Use threading.
Threading originated in Central Asia and India. It involves using a piece of thread to remove hair from the root. Since the hair is pulled from the root, the results last longer than shaving. Since the hair is removed in small sections, the process can be painful, but if you have sensitive skin, threading is a great option because no chemicals or heat is used in the process.
6.Use laser hair removal.
Karl Tapales/Getty Images
Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser light to destroy the hair follicle. It is considered to be permanent, but some people may experience growth after the recommended number of sessions. Additionally, laser hair removal may not be suitable for all skin types. People with darker skin may be at risk of changes in skin pigmentation.
7.Use electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a hair removal method using an electrical current or heat to destroy the hair follicle. While it can be expensive and time-consuming—requiring multiple sessions for a year for the best results—"electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal."
There are three different methods of electrolysis: thermolysis—the fastest and simpler option, galvanic—the least common method and the most painful, and a mix of both methods which is typically used for people that have thick or curly hair. It’s also effective and safe for dark skin.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by brizmaker/Getty Images
Here are a few tips to keep your lips soft, supple, and healthy!
1.Caffeine
fermate/Getty Images
If you're a coffee or tea lover, you've probably noticed that your lips tend to feel dry and chapped after you've had a cup or two. That's because caffeine is a diuretic, which helps regulate how much water your body retains. When you drink caffeine, your body starts to expel water, which can lead to dehydration. As a result, your lips become dry and cracked, and you may even notice that your skin feels dry and tight.
2.Licking your lips
While it might feel like licking your lips is providing a much-needed dose of moisture, it can worsen the situation. When you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before. In addition, saliva can contain enzymes that break down the natural oils on your skin, further contributing to dryness and irritation.
3.Salty and spicy foods
Thana Prasongsin/Getty Images
If you're a fan of salty and spicy foods, you might notice that your lips feel a little dry after you eat them. That's because these foods can cause your lips to lose moisture. When you expose your lips to salt or spices, they absorb the molecules of these substances. This process draws moisture out of your lips, leaving them feeling dry and cracked.
4.Yeast
That's right - the same yeast that's used in baking bread and brewing beer can also cause your lips to become dry and irritated. When the yeast on your skin is unbalanced, it can lead to angular cheilitis, which manifests as red, scaly patches around the corners of your mouth. In severe cases, the yeast can even penetrate the skin and cause an infection.
5.Dehydration
miniseries/Getty Images
When we're dehydrated, our skin dries out and can become irritated, flaky, and even cracked. However, drinking enough water can help keep our skin hydrated and looking its best. Water helps to flush out toxins and impurities from our skin, and it also helps to deliver essential nutrients to cells. In addition, water aids in the production of collagen and elastin, two important proteins that keep skin looking firm and youthful.
6.Lip balm
Not gloss. Balm. Non-irritating lip balms are great for restoring moisture to your lips. Lip balm helps restore moisture to the lips, relieving the discomfort of dryness. However, not all lip balms are created equal. Some contain camphor, lanolin, and methanol which can irritate the lips, making the problem worse. That's why it's important to choose a lip balm specifically designed to be non-irritating. These balms typically use natural ingredients like beeswax, castor seed oil, mineral oil, and shea butter to moisturize the lips. Apply lip balm throughout the day and before you sleep at night.
7.Dry air
David-Prado/Getty Images
One way to combat dry lips is to use a humidifier. Humidifiers help prevent your lips from drying out by increasing the moisture in the air during winter because cold air tends to be dry. A humidifier can also relieve other symptoms of dryness, such as dry hands, a sore throat, and flu-like symptoms.
These simple tips should help keep your pout healthy and moisturized all year round! Have fun trying different techniques and products to find what works best for you.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by skyNext/Getty Images
Ayurveda medicine practitioners encourage us to start the day with a set routine. This series of activities, known as Dinacharya, helps to promote balance in the body and mind. The specific activities vary depending on the individual's needs, but they often include dry brushing, tongue scraping, and meditation. While it may take some time to get used to, incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your morning routine can greatly improve your health and well-being.
If you aren't doing these already, here are 10 Ayurvedic practices you can try, in no particular order.
1.Go to bed early.
Getting a good night's rest is essential for good health, but many of us still need to find the time to prioritize rest. Life can be hectic, and it's easy to stay up late and watch TV or scroll through social media while lying in bed to decompress. However, there are many benefits to going to bed early and getting a full eight hours of sleep. For one, you'll wake up feeling more rested and have more energy throughout the day. Getting enough sleep has also been associated with better mental health and a stronger immune system.
2.Wake up with the sun.
The best time to wake up is before the sun, according to Ayurveda.
Andersen Ross Photography Inc/Getty Images
According to the principles of Ayurveda, the best time to wake up is before the sun rises. Waking up with the sun helps balance the body's natural rhythms. Sunlight is also said to be cleansing and purifying, helping to reduce toxins in the body. In addition, waking up before 6 a.m. gives you a chance to start your day with some quiet time for reflection and meditation. If you need help being an early riser, try setting your alarm for a few minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired time. Don't press snooze! Over time it will be easier to rise with the sun.
3.Start oil-pulling.
Oil-pulling or Gandusha is the practice of swishing an herbal oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Sesame oil and coconut oil are two of the best for oil-pulling, as they are highly effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. In addition to whitening teeth and freshening the breath, oil-pulling improves oral health by reducing inflammation, strengthening tooth enamel, and preventing cavities. You should oil-pull on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth and drinking water. But, remember, don’t swallow the oil when you're done! Spit the remaining oil in the toilet.
4.Drink a glass of water.
The best beverage to start your day with is water.
Image Source/Getty Images
Many people begin their day with a cup of tea, coffee, or orange juice, but did you know that water is the best way to start your day? Drinking a glass of room-temperature water before you drink any other beverage in the morning will help you hydrate your organs and improve your energy levels. It also stimulates your metabolism and aids in healthy digestion.
5.Go to the bathroom.
You read that right. Having a bowel movement in the morning is important for your gut health. While sleeping, our gut processes the food we ate the day before. When we wake up, our colon begins to contract so we can have a bowel movement as soon as 30 minutes after we wake up. Five healthy foods that help you poop are apples, leafy greens, avocados, legumes, and sweet potatoes.
6.Try dry brushing.
Dry brush your body once a day for optimal benefits.
Youngoldman/Getty Images
Dry brushing, also known as Garshana, helps improve circulation, exfoliate the skin, reduce cellulite, and encourage lymphatic drainage. To dry brush, purchase a natural-bristle brush and use it to massage your skin in circular motions. Start at your feet and work your way up your body, avoiding any sensitive areas. For optimal use, dry brush once a day, ideally before you bathe or shower.
7.Scrape your tongue.
Tongue scraping has many health benefits. It clears toxins and bacteria from the tongue to prevent bad breath and poor oral health. Ayurveda practitioners believe tongue health is connected to the health of several of the body's vital organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, and stomach. For the best results, scrape your tongue twice a day after brushing your teeth. Check out this list of tongue scrappers.
8.Cleanse your body.
Taking a bath can provide a moment of peace in an otherwise busy day.
Cavan Images/Getty Images
While many enjoy a relaxing evening bath, taking a morning bath improves your well-being. For one thing, it can help to improve your skin health. Soap and water can help to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the surface of your skin, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed. In addition, a morning bath can also help to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. The warm water can help ease muscle tension, and taking a bath can provide a moment of peace on an otherwise busy day.
9.Connect with yourself.
Meditation can help you to focus your thoughts, connect with your innermost feelings, and find calm and peace. You can also use this time to pray, set your intentions for the day, or affirm yourself by saying motivational and encouraging messages. If you are new to meditation, try a guided meditation to start.
10.Eat before 9 a.m.
A healthy meal in your mornings is a major key.
AleksandarNakic/Getty Images
Eating a balanced, nutritious breakfast is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system. When you sleep, your body is fasting, so you break that fast with a healthy meal. Breakfast helps to jump-start your metabolism and get your digestive system moving. People who eat breakfast are less likely to experience indigestion or other gastrointestinal problems later in the day. Studies have also shown that not eating breakfast can lead to poor heart health.
Having a set structure to start the day helps ease us into our daily schedule. It can be challenging to find time for ourselves, but carving out even just a few minutes in the morning to be intentional about how we spend time with ourselves helps us feel more centered, balanced, and prepared for whatever the day may bring.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by xavierarnau/Getty Images
I often found myself forcing gratitude out of fear of seeming ungrateful. Forcing myself to always focus on what was going great in my situation or telling myself it could be worse stopped me from addressing the lack of joy I was experiencing daily. It also prevented me from seeking opportunities that aligned with the vision I had for my life.
I was in community with a few people at the time who knew they weren't happy with their lives, and we were deciding to settle. When I would ask them about good things happening in their lives, some would only be able to reference events from high school or college, but 10 years had passed since then. Some people experienced tragic or unplanned things that derailed their goals and became stuck in a cycle of thinking about what could have been. They were in their late twenties and early thirties and already felt like their best days were behind them.
Well, the average person lives to be 72 years old and I eventually found myself wondering what they would do for the rest of their days while allowing their past to define their reality. I knew I didn't want that for myself and became determined to do something different. If you can relate to these feelings, keep reading to learn what I did to keep the spark going when I didn't feel excited about life.
1. "Lean into the discomfort."
When I was a resident advisor, my team leader would end each meeting by reminding us to “lean into the discomfort” because it was the only way we would grow. I thought it was a cool reminder, but as I've gotten older, it's become integral to how I move through life. Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable is one of the first steps in the growth process.
Sometimes we'll shy away from being uncomfortable because we assume we're in danger. We may perceive that we're at risk of failing or embarrassing ourselves. These concerns are valid because when we're operating outside of our comfort zone, we're vulnerable. We may be hyper-aware of how others see us and may even be uncomfortable adjusting to the changes we see within ourselves. But, two things can be true at the same time. This period of discomfort could be one of the scariest and most exciting times of our lives!
We also don't have to throw ourselves out into the unknown unprotected. During times of transition, we must practice self-care and self-soothing activities. Taking risks exposes us to rejection, judgment, anxiety, and hearing the word "no" more often. We won't succeed or get the outcome we were hoping for each time, and that's okay. Finding support systems and engaging in stress relief activities can help us navigate the challenges.
Over time, doing things that scare us can help build our capacity to tolerate uncertainty and increase our self-confidence when we realize we can do hard things.
Aja Koska/Getty Images
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
Social media is a great tool to connect with people and be exposed to new things, but it can also leave you feeling defeated if you aren't careful. Social media has made it easy for us to participate in the 'Comparison Olympics.' We watch the highlight reel of someone's life and question why we don't have what they have or couldn't navigate a similar hardship the way we did.
We could receive news we're hoping or praying for and might not allow ourselves the space to be excited because we saw that someone share what we perceive to be more significant news on Instagram. We could be getting ready to take a much-needed vacation and become sad that we can't travel to the locations we see on travel pages.
We may even become upset that more people aren't more forthcoming about their negative life experiences. Sometimes we want to know that other people are struggling because we don't want to feel alone in our situation. But the truth is, we don't need to know every single detail of someone else's life to feel better about our own. It isn't healthy, and most times, it isn't our business.
No one on the earth is without worry or hardship. People are allowed to remember and display their lives the way they want. Focusing on what you can see about others takes the focus of what matters most and what you actually have power over: your life.
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
3. Find things to look forward to.
Sometimes we are afraid to look forward to things because we're afraid to be disappointed. The past two years have been rough. People had big plans for 2020, but the pandemic caused a lot of social shifts and grief. It seemed like we were always anticipating the next tragedy. But grief and joy can coexist.
Grief and happiness are both important parts of the human experience—you can't have one without the other. Give yourself the space to feel how you feel and process your feelings. But also give yourself permission to move on. Ruminating over what could have been or obsessing over what could be, makes us feel powerful because it gives us the illusion of being in control. But none of that is real, and we end up stuck.
If we're going to incorporate more joy into our lives, we must remember that we only have the present moment and we have to let the present be enough. We may not know what will happen next year or next week, but we can still schedule a time to do the things that make us happy.
Westend61/Getty Images
4. Learn something new.
I attempt to learn something new whenever I'm stressed to shift my focus. I thought I lacked discipline and the ability to concentrate (which can be true lol), but then I read that learning something new helps ease stress and increases your self-worth. I also learned that learning also makes you happier and increases your self-confidence.
Learning doesn't have to be structured or confined to the classroom. You can learn through meeting new people and hearing their life experiences. You can also take dance, writing, or drawing classes from YouTube University. It also makes you open to trying new experiences because you'll be confident in your ability to take on new challenges.
Learning can also help you realize that you're never stuck. You'll be confident in your ability to take on new challenges because you'll know you can develop the skills to succeed. As long as you're willing to learn something new and put yourself out there, you have the opportunity to reinvent yourself and change your life.
So, get out of your own way. Your best life is waiting for you.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by LaylaBird/Getty Images
