What is up with my hair?!
If it doesn't seem as healthy as it used to, blame it on…life. "Aging can make hair thinner, drier and less manageable," notes dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, director of the Hair Disorders Center of Excellence in Skokie, Ill. The trick is to restore hydration, add volume and replenish shine. Here's your total plan.
Bring Back Softness
"I love how dry and brittle my hair is!" said no one ever. There's a scientific explanation for why it's like that: “Since oil glands are mostly under hormonal control, they can become less active as your body changes over time," says Dr. Francis. Turning up the heat on your dryer or curling iron only adds to the parching problem.
TREAT IT
Restore your hair's natural lipids with a weekly fix such as Kérastase Paris Resistance Masque Therapiste ($34; amazon.com), which packs hydrating plant sap plus peptides and amino acids to strengthen abused follicles.
STYLE IT
Coat damp hair with a thermal protectant that hasceramides; they bind to hair and reduce breakage, found a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Try Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray ($32; sephora.com). The suppler your strands, the less breakage youll see.
RELATED: 6 Nutrients for Healthy Hair
Boost Fullness
Thinning often happens gradually, but for some of us, it seems to occur overnight. One day you look in the mirror and—gasp!—you can see scalp. Or you notice your ponytail isnt as full. “Hair goes through growing cycles, and at a certain age, it can slow down,” says Dr. Francis. But all is not lost: Those sluggish follicles can be awakened.
TREAT IT
OD'ing on products leaves behind buildup that can impede hair growth. ReGenesis Thickening Shampoo ($34; nordstrom.com) has willow bark to de-gunk and flax protein to plump strands. For significant thinning, the go-to ingredient is minoxidil. It's the only over-the- counter drug that's FDA-approved for stimulating hair growth in women. Find it in Women's Rogaine Hair Regrowth Treatment ($30 for a one-month supply; ulta.com). With daily use, you can expect results in as early as 12 weeks. Also FDA-approved to spur hair growth: low-level red-light laser therapy. The HairMax LaserComb Ultima 12 ($495; neimanmarcus.com) is an investment, but it can be as effective as minoxidil, says Dr. Francis, and more so if it's used in conjunction with the drug. Run the pronged wand over your scalp three times a week for eight minutes to see improvement in 12 weeks.
STYLE IT
You guessed it—use volumizing spray. Try BloPro Blow Back Time Texture Spray ($20; blowpro.com), which infuses hair with specks of bulk-boosting powder. (No worries; its invisible.) Focus on the roots of dry hair, holding up 2-inch sections and spritzing them, says Nunzio Saviano, owner of the eponymous salon in New York City. “Brush through for more oomph.”
RELATED: 10 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair
Erase the Grays
You may blame stress, but the reality is that the production of pigment in hair follicles starts to lag with age (at what point depends on your genes).
TREAT IT
To go longer between salon visits, touch up your roots with a box color. Clairol Age Defy ($7; amazon.com ) hides silver and adds sheen.
STYLE IT
When you spot annoying grays, hide them with a temporary fix like Redken Color Rebel Naturals Hair Makeup ($20; ulta.com). It dries quickly and lasts through a couple of shampoos. For your hairline, use a Q-tip to apply. Later, roots!
RELATED: 10 Secrets of People Who Age Gracefully
Get a Whole Lot of Shine
When you want your hair to glow, “treat your scalp the same way you do your skin,” says Liz Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the New York Philip Kingsley Clinic. Lay off the drying products and help strands glisten with light.
TREAT IT
Cut back on shampooing—it strips hair of its natural oils and gloss—to once or twice a week. You also want to protect hair from shine-sapping UV rays. Try Rene Furterer Solaire Leave-In Moisturizing Spray ($22; amazon.com), which has jojoba wax and camelina oil along with a UV filter. For extra luster, consider a salon gloss (usually with a hint of tint) or glaze (typically clear), advises Jet Rhys, a Solana Beach, Calif., stylist to the stars. “It's like waxing your car,” she says. “You get a noticeable shine boost that lasts a couple of weeks.”
STYLE IT
Make shine serum your final styling step. Try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Nutri-Gloss Mist ($10; amazon.com). “Apply a bit to the ends, which typically need the most TLC,” says Rhys. For extra de-frizzing, spritz your palms and run them over the length of your hair, avoiding roots.
RELATED: 15 Hair Products for a Shinier, Healthier Mane
3 Style Tricks for Younger Hair
1. Zigzag your part.
“It can make hair appear fuller by hiding sparse spots,” says celeb stylist Jet Rhys. Use your finger to part instead of a comb for a natural look.
2. Go halfsies.
Pull just some of your hair back. “When you sweep the sides up toward the back of your head, it visually raises the cheekbones,” explains Rhys. Instant face-lift!
3. Do a high ponytail.
For a soft, flattering look, loosely brush hair back and up with a paddle brush, says Saviano, then secure with a ribbon hair elastic."
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
15 Warm Down Jackets That Are Also Super Stylish
Brave the cold without sacrificing style with a cozy-cute down coat.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Victoria Justice: "If You Don't Feel Healthy, Nothing Else Matters"
Victoria Justice is sitting in an empty restaurant in New York City, scrolling through her phone to find her favorite workout tracks. "Ooh—this one's so good!" she says, flipping the screen my way to flash "Something Good Can Work" by Two Door Cinema Club. "Oh, of course all the Top 40 songs, like 'Lean On' by Major Lazer and 'Fun' by Pitbull. Oh my God, to me music is everything."
It's little surprise that the 22-year-old loves good music: She has been singing and acting since she was 12. Victoria has worked practically nonstop for a decade, starring in two shows for Nickelodeon (Zoey 101 and Victorious) and one for MTV (the acclaimed Eye Candy), recording music, doing two tours and landing roles in feature films. This fall, she stars in The Outskirts, about high school misfits who overthrow the popular kids, and Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List, about a girl who's in love with a boy who's in love with a boy.
When I ask how she finds time to exercise, she leans in as if to share a secret: "To be honest, I used to hate working out, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that it gives me so much more energy, and it just makes me feel so much better. I love taking classes to switch it up, so I'll do a dancing class or a twerk class—"
Wait—a twerk class?
I'm not kidding. It's actually a really great workout. After 10 minutes of twerking, your thighs and your butt feel it right away. [Laughs] But it's so much fun. You feel free. It's like, "Who cares? I'm twerking!"
Do you have a trainer?
I do, and we basically work out everything. He has me doing push-ups, squats, crunches, lifting free weights, jumping rope and all that stuff.
Any moves you dread?
Squats—especially when I'm carrying weights.
What helps you feel good about your body?
I try to meditate every day. It's important to take that time, even if it's just 10 minutes, to block everything out and get grounded again. And I love to lie on my hammock and read things that are inspirational and motivational, whether it's a self-help book or an autobiography.
What books have you loved lately?
Ones from strong, smart, positive women. Tina Fey's Bossypants, Mindy Kaling. I also have Amy Poehler's and Lena Dunham's books on my list.
Is it true you're into natural health?
I'm all about the supplements. I take fish oil every single day, as well as vitamin D, magnesium, B complex, vitamin C. I drink lots of water, and I've been trying to do daily wheatgrass shots, but they're awful and I have to plug my nose. We also have this shake in my house that we pretty much have every morning. It's made of rice milk, bananas, Udo's oil and protein powder. I've been drinking it ever since I was little.
Where did you hear about this magical shake?
My stepdad was at work, and [Olympic diver] Greg Louganis' coach came in and said something like "Greg swears by this, he drinks this." My stepdad came home and told my mom, my sister and me about it, and for, like, 15 years we've been drinking this shake.
Did you ever meet Greg Louganis?
One time at an event, my mom was like, "Oh my gosh, that's Greg Louganis." So I went up to him and said, "Hi, Greg, you probably don't know who I am, but I just wanted to let you know I drink this shake you've been drinking that your coach told my dad about, and we all love it and feel great." And he was like, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
That's wild. Have you ever tried an extreme diet?
I actually have. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, which is a thyroid autoimmune disorder [that can interfere with thyroid function and affect metabolism]. This Korean acupuncturist put me on a super-strict diet, where I was a pescatarian [eating fish but no other meat]. I also couldn't eat any sugar, wheat or dairy. I did that for about two months, and it was so intense.
Did you feel better?
I think it made my skin clearer and glow more. They had put me on this thyroid medication, and I think the levels were too high for me because it caused my skin to break out. All my life I've always had great skin, so it was really devastating. Also, at first, I was losing a lot of weight, then I went on tour and I started gaining weight, and it was the most I'd ever gained in my life. I was, like, 115 pounds. Then when I filmed a movie last summer, I actually went under 100 pounds. It was crazy, but things have leveled out, and I'm back to normal.
How do you cope with public scrutiny of your skin or your weight?
It definitely did affect my confidence, and it made me a little bit more self-conscious. But at the end of the day, I had the support of my family and friends. I knew that the people around me had my back. Now I really empathize with people who have issues with their skin, because it can get you down.
Do you still deal with Hashimoto's?
I still have Hashimoto's. But my numbers are back to normal, and I'm not on medication. I feel good.
You have an incredible amount of social media influence. Do you have fun with posting on Instagram and the like, or does it feel like pressure?
At times it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different ways to use social media. But at the end of the day, it's just a great way to stay connected to the people who've supported me since the beginning. They've kind of grown up with me, and I know a lot of them by name and have relationships with a lot of these people. The best part is being able to share bits of my personality so they can see who I really am.
You never share too much; there's no dirt on you!
Thank you. And knock on wood! There isn't a lot of dirt, because what you see is what you get with me. I'm not pretending to be a different person on social media. I do it myself. I am who I am. I feel like if I was a diva or if I were doing all these crazy things on the side, people would find out. There's not much you can hide nowadays.
When are you happiest?
When I'm with the people I love and trust. I'm such a homebody. I love watching movies with my dogs by my side. I also love discovering new music and making music, and to be onstage and let loose and have fun. To have people know the words is one of the best feelings ever.
The stuff that rocks her world.
In my hair kit
"Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. They are really good and sulfate-free, which is nice. I'll put in a pea-size bit of oil to smooth down the flyaways, then blow-dry."
Skin savers
"I try to use the Clarisonic every other day because it really deep-cleans. Your face feels like it's glowing. I have a gel cleanser from Avalon Organics that I get at Whole Foods. And since I live in L.A., it's so important to protect my skin from the sun, so I apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF by Revision Skincare."
Makeup musts
"Burt's Bees pomegranate lip balm is my favorite. I love this Bobbi Brown lipstick pencil in rose-brown. And, oh my God, I always have blotting sheets!"
Dream meal
"I'm a huge sushi fan. I have it every couple of days. Also Cuban food, like roasted pork and rice and beans. And tostones, when they're flattened and fried and you dip them in garlic sauce."
Favorite things in my closet
"I'm a jeans fanatic. It's ridiculous how many jeans I have. I love DL1961 because they hug my body really well. Also Joe's, Citizens of Humanity, Paige. But I recently gave a lot away to Goodwill."
It's little surprise that the 22-year-old loves good music: She has been singing and acting since she was 12. Victoria has worked practically nonstop for a decade, starring in two shows for Nickelodeon (Zoey 101 and Victorious) and one for MTV (the acclaimed Eye Candy), recording music, doing two tours and landing roles in feature films. This fall, she stars in The Outskirts, about high school misfits who overthrow the popular kids, and Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List, about a girl who's in love with a boy who's in love with a boy.
When I ask how she finds time to exercise, she leans in as if to share a secret: "To be honest, I used to hate working out, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that it gives me so much more energy, and it just makes me feel so much better. I love taking classes to switch it up, so I'll do a dancing class or a twerk class—"
Wait—a twerk class?
I'm not kidding. It's actually a really great workout. After 10 minutes of twerking, your thighs and your butt feel it right away. [Laughs] But it's so much fun. You feel free. It's like, "Who cares? I'm twerking!"
Do you have a trainer?
I do, and we basically work out everything. He has me doing push-ups, squats, crunches, lifting free weights, jumping rope and all that stuff.
Any moves you dread?
Squats—especially when I'm carrying weights.
What helps you feel good about your body?
I try to meditate every day. It's important to take that time, even if it's just 10 minutes, to block everything out and get grounded again. And I love to lie on my hammock and read things that are inspirational and motivational, whether it's a self-help book or an autobiography.
What books have you loved lately?
Ones from strong, smart, positive women. Tina Fey's Bossypants, Mindy Kaling. I also have Amy Poehler's and Lena Dunham's books on my list.
Is it true you're into natural health?
I'm all about the supplements. I take fish oil every single day, as well as vitamin D, magnesium, B complex, vitamin C. I drink lots of water, and I've been trying to do daily wheatgrass shots, but they're awful and I have to plug my nose. We also have this shake in my house that we pretty much have every morning. It's made of rice milk, bananas, Udo's oil and protein powder. I've been drinking it ever since I was little.
Where did you hear about this magical shake?
My stepdad was at work, and [Olympic diver] Greg Louganis' coach came in and said something like "Greg swears by this, he drinks this." My stepdad came home and told my mom, my sister and me about it, and for, like, 15 years we've been drinking this shake.
Did you ever meet Greg Louganis?
One time at an event, my mom was like, "Oh my gosh, that's Greg Louganis." So I went up to him and said, "Hi, Greg, you probably don't know who I am, but I just wanted to let you know I drink this shake you've been drinking that your coach told my dad about, and we all love it and feel great." And he was like, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
That's wild. Have you ever tried an extreme diet?
I actually have. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, which is a thyroid autoimmune disorder [that can interfere with thyroid function and affect metabolism]. This Korean acupuncturist put me on a super-strict diet, where I was a pescatarian [eating fish but no other meat]. I also couldn't eat any sugar, wheat or dairy. I did that for about two months, and it was so intense.
Did you feel better?
I think it made my skin clearer and glow more. They had put me on this thyroid medication, and I think the levels were too high for me because it caused my skin to break out. All my life I've always had great skin, so it was really devastating. Also, at first, I was losing a lot of weight, then I went on tour and I started gaining weight, and it was the most I'd ever gained in my life. I was, like, 115 pounds. Then when I filmed a movie last summer, I actually went under 100 pounds. It was crazy, but things have leveled out, and I'm back to normal.
How do you cope with public scrutiny of your skin or your weight?
It definitely did affect my confidence, and it made me a little bit more self-conscious. But at the end of the day, I had the support of my family and friends. I knew that the people around me had my back. Now I really empathize with people who have issues with their skin, because it can get you down.
Do you still deal with Hashimoto's?
I still have Hashimoto's. But my numbers are back to normal, and I'm not on medication. I feel good.
You have an incredible amount of social media influence. Do you have fun with posting on Instagram and the like, or does it feel like pressure?
At times it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many different ways to use social media. But at the end of the day, it's just a great way to stay connected to the people who've supported me since the beginning. They've kind of grown up with me, and I know a lot of them by name and have relationships with a lot of these people. The best part is being able to share bits of my personality so they can see who I really am.
You never share too much; there's no dirt on you!
Thank you. And knock on wood! There isn't a lot of dirt, because what you see is what you get with me. I'm not pretending to be a different person on social media. I do it myself. I am who I am. I feel like if I was a diva or if I were doing all these crazy things on the side, people would find out. There's not much you can hide nowadays.
When are you happiest?
When I'm with the people I love and trust. I'm such a homebody. I love watching movies with my dogs by my side. I also love discovering new music and making music, and to be onstage and let loose and have fun. To have people know the words is one of the best feelings ever.
The stuff that rocks her world.
In my hair kit
"Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. They are really good and sulfate-free, which is nice. I'll put in a pea-size bit of oil to smooth down the flyaways, then blow-dry."
Skin savers
"I try to use the Clarisonic every other day because it really deep-cleans. Your face feels like it's glowing. I have a gel cleanser from Avalon Organics that I get at Whole Foods. And since I live in L.A., it's so important to protect my skin from the sun, so I apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF by Revision Skincare."
Makeup musts
"Burt's Bees pomegranate lip balm is my favorite. I love this Bobbi Brown lipstick pencil in rose-brown. And, oh my God, I always have blotting sheets!"
Dream meal
"I'm a huge sushi fan. I have it every couple of days. Also Cuban food, like roasted pork and rice and beans. And tostones, when they're flattened and fried and you dip them in garlic sauce."
Favorite things in my closet
"I'm a jeans fanatic. It's ridiculous how many jeans I have. I love DL1961 because they hug my body really well. Also Joe's, Citizens of Humanity, Paige. But I recently gave a lot away to Goodwill."
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