Growing facial hair doesn't have to wait for no-shave November. Many men struggle and find it challenging to grow facial hair or a full beard. Growing a beard is a complex process that requires patience and dedication. It can lead to questions on whether it is an issue with hormones or poor grooming techniques. Whether starting from zero or improving the look of an existing beard, this article shares some tips on growing a healthy beard.

The science behind facial hair
There are three stages of hair growth. The anagen phase (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). The beginning stage, known as the anagen phase, is the growing phase, where hair follicles divide and grow. The average daily growth rate is between 0.3–0.5 millimeters. The growth rate also varies with genetics and environmental factors. Androgens, also known as sex hormones, are essential to hair growth. In puberty, increasing levels of androgen hormones replace the small and thin hairs with thicker and darker hairs, such as a beard. Beard hairs are thick, stiff, dense, oval, and vary in angles. Their diameter is twice the size of scalp hairs. In addition, the skin surface of the neck is rougher than the skin on the cheek. The rough surface inhibits the hair follicle from angling itself, increasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

Reasons men struggle to grow a beard
Facial hair differs for each individual in its shape, form, and growth patterns. Some people can grow a thick and full beard. The advantage comes from good old genetics.
Ethnicity also contributes to the pattern of hair growth. For instance, a study that evaluated hair growth by country states that there is eight times more facial hair mass in Caucasian men than in Japanese men. In addition, men from Mediterranean countries produce the most facial hair.

Is it an issue with testosterone levels?
Maybe. Testosterone levels do affect beard growth. During puberty, the body converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an enzyme that contributes to hair growth within the hair follicles. However, some studies argue too much DHT connects to male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. In addition, low testosterone can reduce the volume of body and facial hair. Other symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:

• Decrease in muscle mass
• Low sex drive
• Mood changes
• Hot flashes

There is limited research on the relationship between testosterone levels and facial hair growth after puberty. A doctor can check and address concerns regarding testosterone levels.

While we can't change our genes or ethnic backgrounds, there are plenty of tips and strategies for growing a more impressive beard from skincare to supplements and lifestyle changes.

Skincare before hair care
Healthy facial hair relies on a solid foundation that involves a healthy skincare routine. Dermatologists suggest a three-step skin routine beneficial for developing or maintaining a healthy beard.

Cleanse facial skin and beard
We know that washing the face removes dirt, germs, and oils on the skin's surface. The same goes for facial hair. Experts suggest washing with a skin-type specific cleanser — generic soap is not recommended as it can dry out the skin.

Moisturize
Moisturizing helps to prevent dry, flaky, and itchy skin causing facial hair to feel prickly. Just like with the facial cleanser, moisturizers are skin-type specific. During the stubble phase — the first phase of beard growth with little to no visible facial hair — exfoliate once or twice a week to prevent ingrown hairs. Once the beard has grown in, it's time to switch to a beard conditioner or oil. A beard conditioner is recommended for acne-prone skin, while beard oil works best for people with normal to dry skin.

Proper grooming is key
Once the necessary skincare steps are complete, it's time to address hair care needs — it's time to groom. During the stubble phase, let facial hair grow freely. Experts suggest it's best not to trim or style a beard for at least four to six weeks. This is because even though people with beards want them to look good, they often cut too much hair than they should when trimming or styling before the beard has had time to fill in sufficiently.  For many men, growing a beard is regarded as a rite of passage. For some, it's not as simple as putting down the razor and waiting for nature to take its course.

Expert-approved tips to grow a beard
Beard has transcended its identity as mere facial hair. It's a symbol of style, personality, and a testament to patience. Whether you're aiming for a full-fledged lumberjack look or a neatly trimmed goatee, the journey to growing a beard can be both challenging and rewarding. Dr. Navnit Haror, chief dermatologist, cosmetic and hair transplant surgeon and founder of Dr. Haror's Wellness shares some tips.


Genetics plays an important role
People often overlook genetics in beard growth. According to Dr. Haror, genetics play a crucial role in determining the thickness and pattern of your beard. "The genes you inherit from your parents largely dictate your potential for beard growth. If your father and grandfather had a full beard, the chances are that you can achieve the same," he says. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's hair growth patterns, "Although your genes play a dominant role in determining your beard's growth, there exist numerous approaches to amplify and enhance it."


Hormones and beard growth are related
Hormones, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also play a significant role in beard growth, says the expert. "Such hormones stimulate the hair follicles in the facial area to produce a beard. If you have low levels of testosterone or if your hair follicles are less sensitive to these hormones, your beard may be thinner," he explains.

Vitamins and supplements
Incorporating vitamins and supplements into a daily routine to improve the growth and health of a beard may help. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, gained popularity for its hair and nail health benefits. More specifically, it's keratin production. Keratin is a protein that aids in forming skin, nails, and hair tissues. Vitamins such as vitamins A to E help with strengthening hair, building collagen production, preventing hair loss, and sebum production to retain natural moisture.


Lifestyle changes for a healthier beard
A healthy and attractive beard may require making a few lifestyle changes to help facilitate healthier beard growth.

• Stress-free. Manage stress levels, as stress can lead to hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium or alopecia areata. Studies state that low cortisol levels are beneficial in promoting hair growth.
• Eat well. Eat a balanced diet is beneficial; research shows low testosterone levels in obesity.
• Sleep. Melatonin is a hormone that not only plays a role in initiating sleep but can also help to regulate hair growth.
• Exercise. Exercise contributes to many health benefits. One of those benefits includes improving blood flow throughout the body, including the hair follicles, to promote hair growth.
  

Be patient
Remember that patience is the key to a successful beard-growing journey. "Give your beard time to grow and avoid trimming it too soon,"' advises Dr. Haror.
It can take a few weeks to several months to develop a full-grown beard.
If you face challenges growing a beard, consult a dermatologist. There are medical treatments available, such as minoxidil, that can help stimulate beard growth.


Does shaving help with beard growth?
No, shaving does not make a beard grow faster or thicker. When shaving, hair stiffness levels rise. After all, the hair follicle is a sensory receptor, and it is resistant to mechanical stimulation, such as a blade. Shaving affects the hair strands but does not alter the root of the hair follicles.
Remember that hair growth requires patience and a time commitment. Of course, snipping away strands on the face that get in the way is fine. After four weeks, a beard is typically ready for shaping, and the neck and cheek lines can be defined. Use a comb and brush to spread hair products on the beard evenly. Grooming is an essential part of creating a healthy beard.

Take care of your beard
Dr. Haror highlights the importance of proper beard care, "Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential for keeping your beard healthy. Trimming is also necessary to maintain the shape and avoid split ends." Today there are many beard-focussed products available in the market. Using quality beard oil can nourish and soften your beard.

Growing a beard takes time, patience, and dedication. Keeping a beard clean, nourished, and trimmed is essential to promote healthy growth. Lastly, be proud of your beard and wear it with confidence. With these tips, you'll be on your way to a full and flourishing beardBe patient
Remember that patience is the key to a successful beard-growing journey. "Give your beard time to grow and avoid trimming it too soon,"' advises Dr. Haror.
It can take a few weeks to several months to develop a full-grown beard.
If you face challenges growing a beard, consult a dermatologist. There are medical treatments available, such as minoxidil, that can help stimulate beard growth.

Having beautiful and well-groomed hands and feet not only adds to our overall appearance but also boosts our confidence. However, with the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often neglect the care of these essential body parts. In this article, we will explore some effective measures to keep our hands and feet looking and feeling their best.

1. Regular Moisturization for Soft and Supple Skin
Importance of Moisturizing
Moisturizing is a crucial step in maintaining healthy skin. It helps in retaining moisture, prevents dryness, and keeps the skin soft and supple.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Select a moisturizer that suits your skin type. For dry skin, opt for a rich and creamy moisturizer, while those with oily skin should go for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.

Daily Moisturization Routine
Make it a habit to moisturize your hands and feet daily, especially after bathing or washing them. This helps lock in the moisture and prevents dryness.

2. Exfoliation for Smooth Skin
Benefits of Exfoliating
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover, resulting in smoother and more radiant skin.

Gentle Exfoliation Method
Use a gentle exfoliator or create a DIY scrub with natural ingredients like sugar and olive oil. Gently massage the scrub onto your hands and feet in circular motions.

Frequency of Exfoliation
Exfoliate your hands and feet once or twice a week to avoid over-scrubbing, which can cause irritation.

3. Nail Care and Maintenance
Trimming and Shaping
Regularly trim your nails to your desired length and shape them using a nail file to prevent snagging and breakage.

Cuticle Care
Push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle pusher to maintain healthy nails and prevent infections.

Nail Polish and Remover
If you use nail polish, opt for acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid drying out your nails.

4. Hydration from Within
Importance of Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin and nails. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.

Infused Water Benefits
Add slices of fruits like cucumber, lemon, or strawberries to your water for added flavor and antioxidants.

5. Protect from the Elements
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen on your hands and feet to protect them from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging.

Weather Protection
During colder months, wear gloves and socks to shield your hands and feet from harsh weather conditions.

6. Pamper with DIY Treatments
Moisturizing Masks
Prepare a nourishing mask using ingredients like yogurt, honey, and avocado to rejuvenate your hands and feet.

Soothing Soaks
Treat yourself to a relaxing foot soak with Epsom salts and essential oils to soothe tired feet.
With these simple yet effective measures, you can keep your hands and feet looking beautiful and feeling pampered. Remember to moisturize regularly, exfoliate gently, and take good care of your nails. Hydration, protection from the elements, and indulging in DIY treatments will help you m

Glacial water is one of the purest and most natural forms of water on earth. It is derived from rain and snow that has been slowly filtered over time through layers of rock and sediment. This process results in water that is naturally high in minerals and other nutrients that are beneficial for the skin. About three-quarters of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers. Therefore, glacier rise is the second largest reservoir of water on Earth and the largest reservoir of freshwater on Earth! 

What is a glacier?
A glacier is a large, perennial accumulation of crystalline ice, snow, rock, sediment, and often liquid water that originates on land and moves down slope under the influence of its own weight and gravity. Typically, glaciers exist and may even form in areas where:

1. mean annual temperatures are close to the freezing point
2. winter precipitation produces significant accumulations of snow
3. temperatures throughout the rest of the year do not result in the complete loss of the previous winter’s snow accumulation

Over multiple decades this continuing accumulation of snow results in the presence of a large enough mass of snow for the metamorphism from snow to glacier ice process to begin. Glaciers are classified by their size (i.e. ice sheet, ice cap, valley glacier, cirque glacier), location, and thermal regime (i.e., polar vs. temperate). Glaciers are sensitive indicators of changing climate.

​Why Is glacier water blue?
​Glacial ice is a different color from regular ice. It is so blue because the dense of ice of the glacier absorbs every other color of the spectrum excerpt blue- so blue is what we see. Blue ice occurs when snow falls on a glacier, is compressed, and becomes part of the glacier. During compression, air bubbles are squeezed out, so ice crystals enlarge. This enlargement is responsible for the ice's blue colour. Sometimes the glacial ice appears almost turquoise. Its crystalline structure strongly scatters blue light. The ice on a glacier has been there for a really long time and has been compacted down so that its structure is pretty different fro the ice you normally see. 

Glacier ice is not just compacted snow. There are other things in the ice that make it much different fro the ice in your home. Glaciers move through roc and soil as they carve their way down a slope. This means the ice is going to have more ingredients than just water.
​
Glacial water in skincare products is actually beneficial for the environment. They point out that the water is a renewable resource and that the packaging of the products is often recyclable. The debate surrounding the use of glacial water in skincare products is likely to continue. However, there is no denying that the water is a natural and eco-friendly ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for the skin.​

Water does play an important role in helping the other active ingredients in a product perform. But what about specialty waters in skin care? Products that feature mineral waters from such geologically unique places as the Dead Sea or Glaciers, botanical waters including rose and artichoke, and, lately, waters that have been steeped in so-called healing energies, are all at the ready. Do these superwaters bring more purity to a product or more skin benefits than today’s typical water? Let's  dive in further..

These type of hydrator starts as rainfall, snow, and ice residing atop a glacier that trickles its way downslope, filtering through mountains’ porous, volcanic rock, dubbed “tuff,” and collecting trace minerals before running underground to pick up volcanic minerals from lava rock. Finally, it emerges via ancient lava fields and thermal baths. Yes,  glacial water is better traveled than we are. They have a revitalizing and cooling effect in cosmetics. The Glacier Water contributes to a naturally soft hair, and as a refreshing effect in skin care. It has a cleansing effect on hair and scalp.

Of the thousands of exotic and instant-results ingredients touted in skin care, one has remained at the forefront for hundreds of years: plain and simple H2O. Skin dry and tired? Drink more water! It’s a nice idea — that something so readily available can also be a cure-all for skin. But it’s also a pretty broken one. Research hasn’t really backed up the idea that consuming water will make skin more hydrated.

Here’s what we do know: Our skin needs hydration, which is why water is found in so many of our beauty products. “ Water typically acts as more than just a filler [in skin-care products],” says Raja Sivamani, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of clinical dermatology at UC Davis, who holds additional specialties in bioengineering and Ayurvedic medicine. “It contributes to the physical and chemical properties of a skin-care product.”

Glacial water is a superhero ingredient that boosts collagen production, supplies and protects the skin with potent antioxidants, and helps the skin maintain its hydration and elasticity.

Simply put, a glacier is a giant mass of ice that moves slowly over land. They form than more snow piles up than melts, allowing huge amounts of snow to collect over time. And these masses of ice are constantly moving. That's why glaciers are called slowly moving rivers of ice.  As you might guess, it’s an incredibly long process and Earth’s glaciers formed over thousands of years — so every glacier you’ll encounter is an ancient creature. 

​HERE ARE THE TOP 12 LARGEST GLACIERS IN THE WORLD 

​1. VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER 

• Location: Iceland
• Area: 3,100 sq mi (7,900 sq km)

At the top of our list is Iceland, known for having some of the largest and most impressive glaciers in the world. Presently, 11% of the land area of Iceland is covered by ice. Being here is like standing at the edge of the world. The vast ice world is both silent and shocking. As you trek on 1,250 ft (380 m) thick ice, gaze across blue crevasses, chasms, and rugged ridges.

At the foot of Vatnajökull Glacier ripples the dramatic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Take a boat ride and gape at the brilliantly white icebergs that sluggishly drift on their way to the sea. More often than not, seals bask on top of the icebergs, greeting visitors with soft grunts and “humphs.”


The ice caves form during the winter months in the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, one of the biggest glaciers in Europe by volume. Most of the ice caves are formed as canals for water that run through or at the bottom of the glacier. The water digs its way from underneath the glacier and forms the caves. Usually, they are formed in the summer when the flow of meltwater is at its peak. Then they are full of water and not accessible. When the shedding stops during fall, the flow of water in the cave greatly reduces and usually stops completely throughout the winter. The temperature becomes cold enough to strengthen the ice. As a result, what you have left is an ice cave.

2. ALETSCH GLACIER

• Location: Switzerland
• Area: 31.5 sq mi (81.7 sq km) 

Aletsch Glacier is the largest ice cap in the Alps. The 14-mi(23-km) long Aletsch Glacier stretches out like a frozen six-lane highway. The mammoth glacier curves around the might Aletschhorn, rising up to 13, 757 ft (4,193m).  With every step on the ice giant, discover new rock forms and deep holes formed by meltwater. The route ends at Lake Märjelensee, a small yet lovely stretch of water.

The Aletsch Glacier or Great Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps lying in the Bernese Alps of south-central Switzerland. It has a length of about 23 km, has about a volume of 15.4 km³, and covers about 81.7 km² in the eastern Bernese Alps in the Swiss canton of Valais. With an unbelievable 10 billion tons of ice, the Great Aletsch glacier is part of the Unesco World Heritage Site and is the Alps' mightiest ice flow. 

What is a Glacier Cave?
Glacier caves are very captivating. They form when a cave or hole is carved out of the glacier by the runoff meltwater that courses through the glaciers during the summer months. When the weather begins to cool, and the glacier takes back on some of its size, the caves will freeze allowing visitors to walk through them. It should be noted that it is never recommended to go inside one alone, no matter the outdoor experience you have. Glacier caves can change from day to day, and it takes the trained eye of a professional to determine if they are safe to enter or not.

3. COLUMBIA ICEFIELD GLACIER

•     Location: Canada
•     Area: 125 sq mi (325 sq km)

Columbia Icefield is the largest and most accessible ice field in the Rocky Mountains. The ice in the area dates all the way back to the last ice age. Walk the glacier and get an idea of how the place looked 12,000 years ago. The Icefield has six major outlet glaciers. Of these, Athabasca Glacier is the biggest and most popular. Surrounded by imposing peaks, visitors can touch glacial ice that is hundreds of years old! The six major glaciers that make up the icefield – Athabasca, Castleguard, Columbia, Dome, Stutfield, and Saskatchewan. The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in North America south of the Arctic. The Columbia ice field lies partly in the northwestern tip of Banff National Park and partly in the southern end of Jasper National Park.  It is about 325 square kilometres (125 sq mi) in area, 100 to 365 metres (328 to 1,198 ft) in depth and receives up to 7 metres (280 in) of snowfall per year.

4. PERITO MORENO GLACIER

• Location: Argentina
• Area: 97 sq mi (250 sq km)

Perito Moreno holds the world’s third-largest reserve of freshwater and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Los Glaciares National Park, the jagged glacier rises 240 ft (73 m) above Lake Argentino. Expect to hear the sound of large ice chunks as they plummet into the turquoise water. Unlike most glaciers, Perito Moreno grows each day. 

Nobody knows the exact reason why this massive ice floe doesn’t seem to care about rising temperatures. However, one thing is for sure — the glacier is alive and kicking.

Believe it or not, this natural wonder isn’t actually in Perito Moreno – it’s over 500km south of the town. Instead, the vast glacier sits tucked away in the southwest of Argentine Patagonia at Los Glaciares National Park. Teeming with 600,000 hectares of glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks. Whilst most glaciers in the world retreat, Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina is one of the few that is advancing. This means as the glacier grows in size, cracks and crevasses appear at the terminus, resulting in chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the ice field below. Covering an area of over 250 square metres, as these dense masses of ice move from the glacier, they slowly carve into Lake Argentino depositing large icebergs.
​

5. MÝRDALSJÖKULL GLACIER

• Location: Iceland
• Area: 230 sq mi (595 sq km)

The fourth-largest glacier in Iceland, Mýrdalsjökull is an incredibly special place. The glinting ice sculptures and scenery are overwhelming. “The immense number of colors and sensations that are experienced climbing a glacier are innumerable,” Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland. It covers a whopping 232 sq. mi (600 sq. km) area and hides Katla Volcano in its depths. The glacier is located in the southern part of Icelandic Highlands.

Glacial ice caves come and go, often carved out by melt via water whirlpools that find their way through cones of sand or pumice embedded in the glacier. Located in South Iceland, Mýrdalsjökull covers one of Iceland’s largest volcanoes. When it comes to Mýrdalsjökull’s geology, scientists stand in silent awe. The impressive glacier covers Katla, the most powerful and active volcano in the country. The caldera of the volcano has a diameter of 10 km (6 mi) and has erupted a record 20 times since 930 AD.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier ice caves are remarkable natural wonders. They are formed when glacier meltwater carves an opening into the ice. Glaciers are living creatures that constantly move. Because of this, ice caves change all the time. Sometimes new ice caves form. Other times, they change their appearance and occasionally disappear altogether. Intriguingly, glacier guides come across undiscovered ice caves every year. In fact, Mýrdalsjökull is dotted with secret ice caves we may not even know about.
​

6. JOSTEDAL GLACIER

• Location: Norway
• Area: 188 sq mi (487 sq km)

Jostedal is the largest ice cap in continental Europe. Covering almost half of Jostedalsbreen National Park, Jostedal is a wonderland of ice-carved crevasses and oddly shaped pinnacles. Best of all, you’ll be in the fjords area in West Norway, known for its wild natural scenery. Usually, glacier hiking tours take place on Nigardsbreen Glacier, a glacier arm of the gigantic Jostedal. Hike the blue ice of Nigardsbreen and travel back in time. Scientists believe that the surrounding landscape looks similar to what it did hundreds of years ago.
​The Jostedal Glacier National Park surrounds Jostedalsbreen - the largest glacier in Norway on the continent of Europe. This is a big plateau glacier with many glacial outcroppings. In the national park there are also many smaller separate glaciers. Glaciers and water have shaped the landscape with many moraines and other geologically interesting phenomena like this blue ice cave. 
​

7. MENDENHALL GLACIER

• Location: United States, Alaska
• Area: 37 sq mi (95 sq km)

Mendenhall Glacier is a massive and mighty river of ice that extends 13 miles. Featuring vivid blue ice and awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Coast is part of the fifth-largest icefield glaciers in North America. To explore the ice cap, hike or kayak across the tranquil Mendenhall Lake to the base of the glacier. Then strap on your crampons and set foot on the frozen sea. Surrounded by Alaska’s vast wilderness, escape completely from the modern world. The Mendenhall Glacier is located in Auke Bay, The glacier extends from the Juneau Icefield to Mendenhall Lake.

The glacier is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide and more than 100 feet (30 metres) high at its terminus. It flows from the southern half of the huge Juneau Icefield, which begins in the Boundary Ranges along the Alaska-Canada border. A relic of the Little Ice Age that lasted until the mid-18th century, the Mendenhall Glacier is an example of a receding glacier (about 100 to 150 feet [30 to 45 metres] a year), displaying raw glacier moraine with exposed remnants of a long-buried forest. It is part of Tongass National Forest and is located 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Juneau.
​

Glaciers are Alaska's #1 tourist attraction. Alaska is home to more than 664 glaciers according to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). From the Juneau Icefield to the far North, tens of thousands of them cover the state. In fact, 10 times more of Alaska is covered by glaciers than is settled by humans! With so many to choose from, it's hard to decide which ones you should make an effort to see. Approximately one quarter (4.6 million acres) of Alaska's glaciers exist within national parks. Glaciers require three conditions to form: abundant snowfall, cool summers, and the gravitational flow of ice. Glaciers form in land areas where annual snowfall is greater than annual snowmelt. Some areas in Alaska, such as the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park, receives an average of 60 feet of snow each year. Large amounts of snowfall, combined with cool summers and gravity, form multiple, connected glaciers over time, known as an icefield.
​
We've put together this list of 10 must-see glaciers in Southeast Alaska to help make your decision a bit easier. You'll still have some choices to make though; it's impossible to see every glacier on this list in just one trip. But that just means you have to come back, right? You'll decide which of the first two glaciers on our list you'll see when you book your cruise. To prevent overcrowding and help with conservation, Alaskan authorities allow cruise lines to visit either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay, but not both. Both are spectacular, so no worries there.

Hubbard Glacier is a valley glacier that outlets near Yakutat, Alaska in Disenchantment Bay. The surging glacier has a tendency to dam off the waters of Russell Fjord on its left. The glacier closed off this waterway twice within about 15 years, causing the water levels in the resulting lake to rise dramatically. Hubbard Glacier is one of the more "active" glaciers, routinely calving icebergs the size of 10-story buildings. Most of this glacier exists below the waterline and the icebergs can appear quite suddenly, so your ship will be staying pretty far away from this one. No one wants a Titanic repeat
​

Laughton Glacier
Laughton Glacier is located just north of Skagway, flowing off the Sawtooth Range into the watershed of the Skagway River. It is an impressive hanging glacier. The teaming rush of glacial melt quickly grabs your attention until the dramatic backdrop of the Sawtooth Range and Laughton Glacier come into focus. 

Denver Glacier
Denver Glacier is another hike-to glacier off of WP&YR railroad. This one starts at mile 5, conveniently marked by an awesome red caboose (which you can rent overnight if you have the time!). The Denver Glacier is a hanging glacier. It originates at the Alaska-Canada boundary and extends northwest for 13.7 km (8.5 mi) until it reaches its terminus, which is located 2.6 km (1.4 mi) east of Twin Dewey Peaks and 6.4 km (4 mi) east of Skagway. It is situated in the Coast Mountains.

Davidson Glacier
The Davidson Glacier outside of Haines is an awesome valley glacier that originally extended all the way into the Lynn Canal. It's receded as of late but still cuts an impressive picture as you cruise the Canal towards Skagway. The glacial flow extends back through the Chilkat mountains until it merges with ice flow that forms Glacier Bay on the opposite side of the landmass. One of the more exclusive glaciers on this list.

Harding Glacier
President Harding is the only president to ever visit Skagway. Perhaps that's because shortly after his visit he died of an apparent heart attack. The mountain directly opposite Skagway's harbor was summited near his visit and renamed Mt. Harding. The hanging glacier attached to the peak became Harding Glacier. This glacier can be viewed from the town of Skagway. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Active glaciers still calve and crash into the sea. Sea stacks, islets, and tagged shoreline are remnants of mountains now inching imperceptibly into the sea under the geological force of the North Pacific tectonic plate. 
​

Taku Glacier
The largest of the Juneau Icefield Glaciers, Taku Glacier is a tide water glacier. Its claim to fame is being the deepest and thickest glacier known to man. The glacier is over 4800 feet thick! Taku Glacier also happens to be one of the few advancing glaciers left in the world and the only advancing glacier of the major glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. The Taku Glacier located in Taku inlet of Alaska is the deepest and thickest glacier of the world measuring a maximum depth of almost 1500 meters and a length of about 58 kilometers.

Glacier Bay (Grand Pacific Glacier)
Glacier Bay, as the name suggests, is home to a number of different glaciers. The Grand Pacific Glacier is located at the northwestern end of the Bay and is the widest glacier in the park, coming in around two miles wide. Glacier Bay collects many glaciers flowing from the tall surrounding mountains with abundant snowfall. As recently as 1750 a single glacier thousands of feet thick filled what is now a 65-mile long fjord. This glacial retreat has exposed a resilient land that hosts a succession of marine and terrestrial life. Most visitors will see either Margerie or Lamplugh glaciers. The steep drop off of the Margerie Glacier means that your ship can get up close and personal with this tidewater glacier. Glacier Bay is an interesting stop because you can actually view receding and advancing glaciers side by side. The glaciers of the Fairweather Range on the western side are advancing while the glaciers of the Chilkat Range to the east are receding.

Lemon Creek Glacier
Lemon Creek Glacier is geographically situated between glaciers in the contiguous USA. It is located in Juneau as part of the massive Juneau Icefield. It is about 5 miles from downtown Juneau, and if you're really brave you can hike the Lemon Creek trail. It's 4.3 miles of mud, stinging nettles, cordouroy log sections and washouts. Lemon Creek Glacier is located at the southernmost tip of the Juneau Icefield in Southeast Alaska, USA, approximately 6.5 km northeast of the city of Juneau. It is a subarctic alpine glacier in a maritime climate. It is a subarctic alpine glacier in a maritime climate. The glacier flows northward from its accumulation zone and spans 900 m of elevation, from approximately 600 to 1500 m. Lemon Creek Glacier is in a 31.9 km2 basin and had an area of 9.7 km.

The glacier can be divided into four sections:
1) Steep peripheral northern and western margins draining into the main valley portion of the glacier. 2) A low slope (40) upper accumulation zone from 1220 m to 1050 m.  
3) A steeper section (60) in the ablation zone as the glacier turns west from 1050-850 m.  
4) An icefall (180) leading to the two fingered termini at 600 m.  The maximum thickness exceeding 200 m is 1 km above the icefall

Herbert Glacier
The Herbert Glacier is 8miles long, another Juneau Icefield example, is about 5 miles north of the Mendenhall glacie. Herbert Glacier features a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Herbert Glacier drains the west side of the 4000 square kilometer Juneau Icefield in Southeast Alaska.  It is the glacier just north of the more well known Mendenhall Glacier and just south of Eagle Glacier. The glacier descended out of the mountains ending on the coastal plain
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8. PASTERZE GLACIER

• Location: Austria
• Area: 7 sq mi (19 sq km)

The longest glacier in Austria and Eastern Alps, Pasterze Glacier is a high-alpine fantasyland. Pasterze Glacier lies at the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner, rising to 12,461 ft (3.798 m). 
The most spectacular point of the Pasterze Glacier Trail is Hufeisenbruch, where the majestic towers of ice reign supreme. Go back in time and marvel at ice formations frozen thousands of years ago.  Pasterze Glacier spreads a length of roughly 8.4 kilometres (5.2 miles), and is Austria's and the Eastern Alps' longest glacier.
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9. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

• Location: New Zealand
• Area: 8 sq mi (20 sq km) 

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Franz Josef Glacier sits high on many hikers’ bucket lists. Franz Josef Glacier walk starts with a thrilling helicopter ride above ice falls. It can be pricey, but it's totally worth it for the chance to walk on terrain that's otherwise hard to get to. 
Once the helicopter drops you off in the middle of the ice, you might just freeze in awe at the icy expanse in front of you. The glacier is ever-changing, meaning no single trip to Franz Josef is the same. Named after Austrian emperor, Franz Josef is about 3 mi (5 km) from the town of the same name.
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Pakistan contains more glacial ideas than any other country on Earth outside of the polar region. Almost all of them are located in the northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Glaciers of Pakistan are absolutely fascinating. A country not known particularly for its tourism industry, Pakistan offers untouched beauty that isn’t always easy to find nowadays. But what do we need to know about the glaciers of Pakistan? Keep reading to find out…

Glaciers of Pakistan are a common sight along these trek sites and expeditions, as they are in most alpine regions. Pakistan has about 7,200 glaciers, making it the third pole beside the Antarctic and Arctic.

With that said, let’s dive into the first fact!

Pakistan, Home to More than 7,000 Glaciers
It is estimated that Pakistan has over 7,253 glaciers at the moment. Because of this number, Pakistan is one of the most glaciated countries outside the polar regions. Most of these glaciers are located in the northern part of the country and are breathtakingly beautiful.

These iconic glaciers are accompanied by hidden valleys, soaring peaks, and many trekking routes. If you are up for adventures, then you can pack your gear and set yourself up for a trekking venture along these marvelous glaciers.

​Glaciers are Growing in Size
Climate change has been affecting the glaciers of Pakistan significantly. However, resources have revealed that some of the glaciers in Pakistan are growing in size instead of shrinking. Environmentalists call this unusual phenomenon is as “The Karakoram Anomaly.”

Why this phenomenon is occurring in Pakistan still remains a mystery. Scientists believe the rubble covering the glaciers provides insulation against climate change. No matter what the reason behind this paradoxical phenomenon is, the Karakoram Anomaly remains a fascinating concept.

Homes the World’s Fifth-Longest Glacier
One least known fact about the glaciers of Pakistan is that it includes some of the world’s longest glaciers outside the polar regions. The Baltoro Glacier, which runs 63 km long, is the fifth-longest glacier in the world. Moreover, it is also home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II.

To witness this beautiful glacier in person is a treat for nature lovers. Baltoro has been famous for its unreal location and awestruck grandeur, which helped it get the nickname “The Throne Room of the World.” If you ever visit Baltoro glaciers, make sure to explore dozens of smaller glaciers nearby. ​

Biafo Glacier is Pakistan’s Longest Glacier
Biafo glacier is one of the longest glaciers of Pakistan. This scenic glacier runs 67 km long with the starting point in Askole and runs all the way to the North to trespass the Hispar Glacier. Among the many glaciers of Pakistan, Biafo is considered relatively comfortable for camping.
The bottom of the Biafo glacier has semi-arid meadows that the locals often use for grazing their cattle. The scenery at the Biafo glacier is stunning, and it even surpasses the beauty of the Baltoro.

The snow lake and the Hispar La pas are a few key attractions to visit at the Biafo glacier. Campsites along the Biafo are placed away from the glacier, near lateral moraines and steep hillsides.

Magnificent Alpine Landscapes at Siachen Glacier
​Siachen glacier hosts some of the most awestruck alpine landscapes and picturesque mountains. You might have discovered alpine landscapes, but none could ever be compared to the ones found in Siachen. Even though we all might want to visit this glorious glacier, however, right now, it is impossible. Perhaps there could be a time when the battle between the two nations would be resolved, and we can explore this snowy heaven. I am sure none of us is going to miss out on this one!Siachen glacier has some of the rarest species of animals, like snow leopards, ibex, and brown bears, besides picturesque glaciers and alpine landscapes. The saddest part is that these species are getting extinct because of the military activities in the region.
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Pakistan’s Longest Glaciers are in the North
Something we are already aware of is that the number of glaciers in Pakistan is enormous. If you ever travel to the northern region of the country, like Hunza, Chitral, or Baltistan, it is mandatory for you to run into a glacier. Most of these glaciers are the longest outside the polar regions and are a must-visit for adventure lovers.

Pakistan Gets a lot out of its Glaciers
The glaciers of Pakistan not only aid in the country’s beauty and promote tourism, but it also has many other benefits. One shocking fact is that the Indus river exists mainly due to these glaciers. This mighty river is accountable for the agricultural industry of Pakistan, mainly in the Punjab and adjoining areas. Apart from the rivers, these glaciers are also responsible for maintaining a normal temperature. Without glaciers, the temperatures in these areas would be extremely hot.

The Gasherbrum Glacier Lacks Vegetation
The Gasherbrum glacier is located at the base of Gasherbrum Mountain in the Baltistan region of Ladakh. The weather here is extremely cold and remains below-freezing levels, due to which vegetation in the Gasherbrum glacier is nearly impossible. However, as the Gasherbrum glacier provides stunning views of the Nanga Parbat and many other mountains in the surrounding area, tourists visit it for climbing, mountaineering, and hiking.

Record-Breaking Glacier Surge in Pakistan
Due to climate change and many other reasons, the glaciers of Pakistan have been reported to go through surges. Pakistan’s Kutiah Glacier records the fastest glacier surge. It traveled more than 12 kilometers in three months in 1953. Yearly a number of glaciers are facing surges due to many reasons, including climate change. Recently environmentalists have reported a faster-than-usual melting of glaciers due to high-temperature records. Since then, major villages and even cities in the North have been facing flash floods.
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The glaciers of Pakistan are essentially the backbone of all northern civilization as it provides much-needed irrigation to the nearby villages. The natives have been utilizing these glaciers for building networks of pipes to irrigate crops and remove chunks for the refrigeration of staples. There wouldn’t be any life in the harsh North without these glaciers!​
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Antartica is home to over 200,000 glaciers distinct from the ice sheets; and if all of these glaciers were to melt, they would increase sea level by just under half a meter (1.6 feet). If the entire Antarctic Ice Sheet melted, sea level would rise about 60 meters (197 feet). 

Antarctica is the world’s largest ice sheet, covering ~14,000,000 km2. Much of the Antarctic ice sheet surface lies above 3000m above sea level. This massive thickness of ice drowns whole mountain ranges, and numerous volcanoes exist underneath the icey exterior. 

The Antarctic continent comprises three ice sheets: the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet  and the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Most of Antarctica is covered by ice (~98%), with ice-free areas on, for example, nunataks (high mountains poking through the ice sheet), James Ross Island and Alexander Island on the Antarctic Peninsula, and the McMurdo Dry Valleys in East Antarctica.

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is drained by fast-flowing ice streams, which respond quickly to climate change; they can thin, accelerate, recede, or even stop flowing entirely. Beneath the thick skin of ice, there is flowing water and subglacial lakes. 

Antarctic glaciers terminate on land or in the sea, as floating ice shelves or grounded or floating outlet glaciers. The Antarctic Ice Sheet contains 25,400,000 km3 of ice, which, if it melted, would be equivalent to a sea level rise of 58 m. The ice sheet is over 4000 m thick in places, and in places, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is grounded more than 1500 m below sea level. The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was at Vostok: -89.2°C on 21st July 1983. 

At its thickest point, the Antarctic the ice sheet is 4,776 meters deep. It averages 2,160 meters thick, making Antarctica the highest continent. This ice is 90 percent of all the world's ice and 70 percent of all the world's fresh water.

Glaciologists unveiled the latest topographical map of Antarctica, developed by the BedMachine project, which is the most accurate profile of the land beneath the ice sheet. The researchers in the datasheet found the deepest point on continental Earth.

The lowest exposed point on land is located at the Dead Sea shore which is 413 meters (about 1,355ft) below sea level. But the lowest point on land goes even deeper, as revealed by the new BedMachine data. At about 3500 meters ( about 11500 feet) below sea-level, the world's deepest canyon on land was found beneath Denman Glacier in East Antarctica.

Mathieu Morlighem from the University of California, Irvine explained, “Ultimately, BedMachine Antarctica presents a mixed picture: Ice streams in some areas are relatively well-protected by their underlying ground features, while others on retrograde beds are shown to be more at risk from potential marine ice sheet instability.”

Outside the Antarctic, the largest glaciers (about 3,000 km2) are Malaspina-Seward Glacier in Alaska followed by Wykeham Glacier South in the Canadian Arctic and Bering Glacier in Alaska.

Antarctica is largely made up of three ice sheets (Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctic and East Antarctic), which are drained by outlet glaciers. Together, they contain 27 million km3 of ice. Some people divide these three ice sheets up further into 24 large drainage basins. These drainage basins can be further subdivided into outlet glaciers that drain the ice sheet. There are also many glaciers around the periphery of the three main ice sheets.

Wikipedia lists over 500 of named glaciers. Many thousands more, both large and small, have no name as yet. 195 distinct glaciers can be mapped on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula alone, including outlet glaciers that drain the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet and separate mountain glaciers and ice caps. Many of these have no name and so do not appear on the Wikipedia list. Bliss et al. found 1133 ice caps and 1619 mountain glaciers from glaciers around the periphery of the Antarctic Ice Sheet overall – so, exluding the three main ice sheets.

Denman Glacier is the deepest point on continental Earth. Researchers have found that the Denman Glacier in East Antarctica has retreated 5km in the past 22 years. If fully thawed, the ice in the Denman Glacier would cause sea levels worldwide to rise approximately 1.5m. This ice-filled canyon reaches 3.5km (11,500ft) below sea level. Only in the ocean are the valleys deeper still.

​Seller Glacier is a well-defined glacier, 20 nautical miles long and 4 nautical miles wide flowing westward into Forster Ice Piedmont, western Antarctic Peninsula, just north of Flinders Peak. The largest glacier in the world is Seller Glacier with an area of 7,018 square kilometers (2,710 square miles) located on the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Thwaites Glacier is an unusually broad and vast Antarctic glacier located east of Mount Murphy, on the Walgreen Coast of Marie Byrd Land. Thwaites is the widest glacier on Earth, at ~120 km (~80 miles) wide. Its fastest flowing grounded ice is centred between 50 and 100 km (31 and 62 mi) east of Mount Murphy on the north coast of West Antarctica



Pine Island Glacier (PIG) is a large ice stream, and the fastest melting glacier in Antarctica, responsible for about 25% of Antarctica's ice loss. Pine Island Glacier is one of the largest ice streams in Antarctica. It flows, together with Thwaites Ice Stream, into the Amundsen Sea embayment in West Antarctica, and the two ice streams together drain ~5% of the Antarctic Ice Sheet1. Pine Island Glacier flows at rates of up to 4000 m per year2. Pine Island Glacier is of interest to scientists because it is changing rapidly; it is thinning, accelerating and receding3, all of which contribute directly to sea level, and its future under a warming climate is uncertain. Pine Island Glacier is buttressed by a large, floating ice shelf, which helps to stabilise the glacier, but this ice shelf is itself thinning and recently calved a huge iceberg.

12. Flade Isblink Glacier

• Location: Greenland
• Area: 8,500 km2 (3,300 sq mil

Flade Isblink is an ice cap on the Crown Prince Christian Land peninsula, King Frederick VIII Land, NE Greenland. Studies show that some parts of Flade Isblink are gaining mass while other parts are losing mass. Meltwater from the surface of the ice appears to be causing its glaciers to surge, or speed up. 

This large and flat ice cap is separated from the Greenland ice sheet and is the largest independent ice cap in Greenland. It is located between the Wandel Sea to the north and Amdrup Land and Antarctic Bay to the south. Romer Lake and the Princess Elizabeth Alps extend southwestwards at the western end and to the east lies the Fram Strait and the Greenland Sea. The ice cap covers most of the northern part of Crown Prince Christian Land and is about 8,500 km2 (3,300 sq mi) in area. The underlying bedrock is roughly 100 m (330 ft) above sea level.

The Flade Isblink has two ice domes, the North Dome and the larger South Dome. Kilen is a roughly triangular stretch of unglaciated flat land in the eastern shore with its apex in the ice cap between the two domes. The northern section of the ice cap is drained by two outlet glaciers flowing in a roughly northwestern direction. The northeastern corner of Greenland, Nordostrundingen, extends into the sea at the eastern ​

There are healing places, as in, the restorative properties of a hotel balcony whilst sipping a glass of pinot grigio with your spouse after your little one is dropped off at the kids' club. And then there are capital-H Healing places of the enchanted ilk. These magical destinations, from mineral springs in the Empire State to primordial forests in Japan, fit the uppercase bill. Some may possess powers said to soothe various ailments, others may restore your spirits. Whatever the tonic on offer, expect magic at these 10 spots around the world — no pinot grigio required.

The Dead Sea, Israel

Besides being absolutely breathtaking, this landlocked salt lake has long been touted for its health-giving properties. From slathering the black mud over your skin for exfoliation and alleviating skin conditions like psoriasis, to its professed natural power to remedy asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other issues, the body of water also boasts a low content of pollen and other allergens. Another unique feature? At 400 meters below sea level, harmful UV rays are filtered through an evaporation layer above the Dead Sea, the ozone layer, and an extra atmospheric layer. This is said to mean that sunbathers can absorb the beneficial effects of vitamin D from the sun's rays, without risk of sunburn and ensuing skin damage.

And lest we omit a little mythic tale, it's also believed that Cleopatra journeyed here with her ancient Egyptian entourage to bathe in the waters and let the gentle waves do their thing. This healing ritual continues to modern times, as countless wellness seekers arrive at this site to pile on the storied mud.

Yakushima Island, Japan

If forest bathing is good for the soul, then being one with nature under the watchful shade of trees from time immemorial must really supercharge your cells. This special mountainous rainforest region that covers one-fifth of the island is a popular "power spot" in Japan, celebrated by the Japanese for its healing ability. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site — 35 miles south of the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island — each peak is worshipped as the home to gods, and there are many holy shrines around the island. A giant cedar tree known as Jōmon Sugi, which scientists estimate to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old resides here and is said to be the single oldest tree on the island. Jōmon Sugi, and a slew of millennia-old trees, are also reported to have remedial properties.

The Healing Hole, Bimini, The Bahamas

A freshwater pond unlike any other, and accessible only by boat, this tranquil space is situated in East Bimini. The cold channel of freshwater that swirls together with warm saltwater outside the Bahamian mangroves is purported by some to be quite the panacea. It's no easy feat to find this mineral-rich nostrum on your own, so hire a guide in a shallow boat to lead the way to salvation.

And it's worth noting that neurophysiology researcher Dr. Richard Wingate tested the Healing Hole's composition, finding that it contains high levels of lithium, sulfur, and magnesium. Lithium is used to treat mood disorders, magnesium is used to help muscle function and energy production, and sulfur is necessary for your body to function, which makes the Healing Hole a triple wellness threat.

Taos, New Mexico

Getting us to a health resort isn't a tough sell — especially when it's got natural mineral springs bursting with healthful properties. At Taos's Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest health resorts in America, you can take in the craggy desert cliffs and Cottonwood-studded bosque (a type of forest in the Southwestern United States), between dips in the mud, arsenic, or Kiva pools, each touting their own healing properties and aura. Ojo Caliente's claim to fame is its apparent status as the only hot springs in the world with four different types of sulfur-free mineral waters, including iron, arsenic, soda, and lithium. The iron-based spring is supposedly beneficial for immune health, and the arsenic spring is recommended for those who are searching for arthritis and ulcer pain relief. Hop into the rock-enclosed soda pool if you're hoping to calm your frazzled mind, or the lithium-rich pool for potential help with digestion and depression.

While in town, head to El Santuario de Chimayo, lauded for its so-called "holy dirt," located in a round well within a small room, with salubrious effects in every drop. They don't call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for nothing, folks.

​Salt Flats, Jan Thiel, Curaçao

The moment you arrive at this Dutch-Caribbean island, the spiritual hum is practically palpable. Yes, the wild flamingos are a sight to behold, but they don't hold a candle to the transformation alleged to take place at these storied salt flats. Guests will find that it's almost impossible to sink to the bottom of these natural mineral pools (much like the Dead Sea) due to the high mineral concentration and rejoice in these invigorating waters on the Eastern end of the island.

Thanks to Curaçao's "dushi" (the word for sweet in the country's native tongue) magic, a spiritual transformation at healing vortexes, as they're called, around the island is pretty par for the course. Bathing in these salt flats may quell skin flare-ups, make you feel more attuned to yourself, and cleanse you of whatever negative energy clings to you.
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Saratoga Springs, New York

Geyser Island Spouter? Hayes Well Spring? Charlie Spring? There are so many mineral waters to see in this ever-charming town named after its famed spring waters. In Saratoga Spa State Park, bike or walk your way around the verdant acres to sample the many springs, which contain iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and more. Alleged to treat skin conditions, help with digestive problems, and all-around make you feel better, visitors have come to Saratoga Springs to "take the cure" since the 1700s. During your trip, in addition to touring the springs to drink the waters, you can also take a private mineral bath in the bubbly, carbonated waters at the Roosevelt Mineral Baths and Spa for a treatment that will bliss you out for years to come.

Spotted Lake, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The town of Osoyoos is home to the mineral-rich Spotted Lake, which is known to the First Nations People of the Osoyoos area as Kliluk, a sacred spot that's been used for healing for centuries. The shimmering, shifting blue-green-yellow lake is simply otherworldly (the spotted surface changes in the hot, summer months as the minerals in the water evaporate). It's also brimming with some of the highest quantities in the world of calcium, sodium sulfates and magnesium sulfate. Additionally, the lake also contains astoundingly high levels of eight other minerals, as well as small doses of four others, including silver and titanium.

Each circle or "spot" in the water is alleged to have its own set of medicinal and healing properties. The land surrounding the lake was privately owned for 40 years, but in 2001, the federal government acquired it for the Okanagan Nation, thereby protecting it from development. Worth noting: out of respect for this hallowed area and for the native communities who reside here, visitors are not permitted beyond the viewpoint, but the vantage point from the highway is nevertheless stunning.

Ibusuki Sand Bath, Kagoshima, Japan

What's a sand bath, you ask? Kagoshima Prefecture's Ibusuki sand bath onsen is the only natural sand bath in the world. On this idyllic strip of Ibusuki's coastline, people from Japan and beyond have traveled for more than 300 years to lie in a shallow hole on the beach. Since volcanic hot springs line the shore, the sand is warmed to a toasty 122-131°F.

This unique style of TLC has some science backing it up. The Faculty of Medicine department at Kagoshima University have found that these sand baths improve blood circulation and decrease bodily inflammation. No wonder so many locals visit regularly for a Japanese-style sauna treatment. We're feeling refreshed just reading about it.

Niagara Falls, New York

As anyone who has visited these towering falls can attest to, the views are stop-you-in-your-tracks spectacular. But did you know that it's believed that waterfalls are a natural source of negative ions, and Niagara Falls is considered one of the world's largest sources? For those who aren't well-versed in their earthly particles, negative ions are molecules in the air charged with electricity that may have positive physiological effects on mood and stress levels. Translation: the cascading avalanche of water at Niagara Falls releases negative ions into the air, and perhaps a feel-good feeling into your heart and soul.

Lithia Fountain, Ashland, Oregon

Journey to Lithia Park, nestled along Ashland Creek in Southern Oregon, and you'll find a fountain filled with Lithia water, named for the natural lithium oxide deposits in the spring. These waters have been revered as health-supportive since the late 19th century, and in 1911, Ashland personnel discovered it was situated next to the second most lithium-loaded spring water. Officials decided to pipe the spring water into town with a multi-spouted drinking fountain near the city center. Since 1982, it's been designated a landmark by the American Water Works Association.

Therapeutic properties ascribed to the sulfur and other minerals in the springs include supposedly helping cure skin diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, sore muscles, and poison oak. Even if you're a skeptic about the spring water's detoxification abilities, it's safe to say you'll feel calmer and less burdened by the stressors of daily life at Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, a great place to experience this mystical H2O. The property has implemented a process of aeration that works to minimize the strength of the pungent sulfur odor while preserving the beneficial minerals. During your stay, you can drink the water or bathe in it. You can also grab an Adirondack chair by the landscaped pond in the wine garden and chase your vino with glasses of this rejuvenating water. Who said pinot grigio and healing can't go hand in hand?
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Hengam Silver Beach, Iran

There is a beach where the sand is rich with minerals glittering with a silvery hue. Under sunshine or moonlight, the view of the twinkling sand against the soothing waves is quite a serene experience not to be missed! So charming that some tourist could not help but take fistfuls of this sand, which led to visiting inhibitions by the coast authorities to preserve this unique beach.

Siwa Oasis Salt Lake, Egypt

Siwa Oasis has hundreds of salt lakes spread throughout the region. It has everything from hot to cold salt pools and salty to freshwater springs. Each one of the natural pools has its own unique pleasures and therapeutic properties. Siwa Oasis offers an healing experience. There are four main salt lakes in Siwa: Zeitoun Lake in the east, with an area of 5760 acres; Siwa Lake, with an area of 3,600 acres; Aghormy Lake in the north-east, with an area of 960 acres; and Maraqi Lake in the west, with an area of 700 acres. There are several other lakes in Siwa, including Taghaghin Lake, Al-Awsat Lake, and Shayata Lake.

Zeitoun Lake, the biggest salt lake in the Siwa Oasis,  has a fascinating scene of a lake appearing on the edge of the wilderness 30 kilometres east of Siwa. The shimmering crystal waters of Zeitoun Lake are jaw-dropping. Maraqi Lake, known as Fatnas Lake, has the highest salt concentration. Between Zeitoun and Maraqi, Aghormy Lake is found, and local companies use it for health treatments. Aghormy Lake is a perfect healing spot that leaves you delighted and full of life.

With pure blue waters and high amounts of salt, Siwa lakes are considered a primary tourist attraction to which Egyptians and foreign tourists from all over the world head for recuperation, swimming and relaxation. Trips to Siwa are often organised to enjoy the landscape, expel negative energy, treat skin diseases, and recuperate.
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Siwa has low annual rainfall but high evaporation rates, making its lakes exceptional with hyper-salinity. Indeed, salt lakes have incredible therapeutic capabilities. They are almost 95% salt due to the nearby salt mines. Siwa salt lakes have healing properties for skin, eye, and sinus conditions, promoting the oasis as a medical and recreational destination. Being rarely visited, the lakes of Siwa are still unique, pristine, and unspoiled.

Bonneville Salt Water Flats, Utah

The Bonneville Salt Flats are a densely packed salt pan in Tooley County in northwestern Utah,  United States. A remnant of the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville,  it is the largest of many salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake. Access to the Flats is open to the public. The Flats are about 12 miles (19 km) long and 5 miles (8 km) wide, with a crust almost 5 ft (1.5m) thick at the center and less than one inch (2.5 cm) towards the edges. When this large amount of fresh water slowly disappeared over time, large concentrations of dissolved minerals were deposited in the soils that form the watershed for the Bonneville Salt Flats. These minerals include gypsum (commercially used to make household wallboard) and halite (common table salt). It is estimated to hold 147 million tons of salt,  approximately 90% of which is common table salt. Sodium Chloride—better known as table salt—makes up the majority of salts on Badwater Basin. Other evaporative minerals found here include calcite, gypsum, and borax.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni (or "Salar de Tunupa") is the world's largest salt flat, or playa, at over 10,000 square kilometres (3,900 sq mi) in area. It is in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosi in  southwest Bolivia,  near the crest of the Andes at an elevation of 3,656 m (11,995 ft) above sea level. These salt flats vast salt deposits are the largest in the world, spanning more than 4,000 square miles.  The Salar was formed as a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes that existed around forty thousand years ago but had all evaporated over time. It is now covered by a few meters of salt crust, which has an extraordinary flatness with the average elevation variations within one meter over the entire area of the Salar. The crust serves as a source of salt and covers a pool of brine, which is exceptionally rich in lithium. The large area, clear skies, and exceptional flatness of the surface make the Salar ideal for calibrating the altimeters of Earth observation satellites. Following rain, a thin layer of dead calm water transforms the flat into the world's largest mirror, 129 km (80 mi) across. Truly unique in the world, the salt flats are the place where photos don't do justice: you've got to see the Salar in person to be truly wowed. 

Prada is set to launch its own skin-care and makeup ranges. Prada Beauty, which holds a licensing partnership with L'Oréal Luxe, has seen success with its recent fragrance launches, so these new categories are seen as obvious next steps. Prada's makeup and skin care will debut direct-to-consumer via prada-beauty.com and prada.com on Aug. 1, with subsequent rollouts at Harrods and Selfridges in London on Aug. 18; then Douglas in Munich, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, Germany and Rinascente in Rome in October. The U.S. retail launch is slated for Jan. 2024, 

"After the spectacular launch of Prada Paradoxe in 2022 that reinstated the brand's leadership in feminine fragrances, the skin and color launch opens a new chapter that will propel the brand to new heights," Cyril Chapuy, L'Oréal Luxe president, told Bougeoir

Prada co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons "jointly" said: "Abandoning all the clichés of the past, we believe that beauty today is the representation of one’s personality, freedom and self-confidence."

While many of the specifics of the range have yet to be unveiled, WWD reports that it will include six four-color eye palettes and a "soft-filter" foundation in 33 shades, developed with the use of artificial intelligence. Also per WWD, the product range will be priced from 45 euros (for a lipstick) to 360 euros (for a face cream). (The eye shadow will be 80 euros.)

Prada Beauty tapped Lynsey Alexander and Inès Marzat — aka Ines Alpha — to serve as the brand's global creative makeup artist and "e-makeup" artist, respectively. Both have worked closely with Prada and Simons to develop the line over the past three years.

As for the skin-care range, It is reported that it will feature a cream, serum and makeup remover that are different from existing skin-care products because they're "not about correcting faults."

L'Oréal first acquired the Prada Beauty license at the beginning of 2021. While its public-facing focus since then has been mainly on fragrance, the brand has indeed been subtly teasing this move since last summer, when it first launched a beauty-specific Instagram account. Though that feed has been largely dedicated to fragrance promotions, it seemed to pivot somewhat to conversations of color cosmetics over the last 24 hours, with posts asking "Why correct and not adapt?;" "What if pigments turn to pixels?;" "Is brown the new red?" (That last post also seems to visually tease a possible forthcoming lip color from the brand.)

Liquid lipsticks are the heroes of the lipstick world. They’re matte, long-lasting and make our lips look so sexy! But the downside of it all is that they’re also super drying on the lips. However, with a little prep and care you can easily save your lips from drying and creasing. Want to know what these liquid lipstick tips are? Read on…

Prepping is everything
If you’ve used a liquid lipstick, you’d know that mostly all of them are matte in finish and can be severely drying on the lips. But this hardly means we don’t love them. A little prep before applying liquid lipsticks is all you need to keep your lips looking kissable. While you apply your base makeup and finish the eyes, apply a lip primer on your lips and let it sink in while you finish your makeup.

Don’t rub your lips
You might rub your lips together after having applied other creamy lipsticks but when it comes to liquid lipsticks, this practice is a big no-no. Liquid lipsticks are like painting your lips and if you rub your lips together, it will only cause further drying and in fact, create a patchy application. Just apply it on your lower lip first, then on your upper lip and wait for it to dry.

Less is more
Excess liquid lipstick might end up looking overpowering on your lips. Our suggestion would be to pick less liquid lipstick on the applicator and then see if you need more on your lips. Keep in mind that liquid lipstick spreads very easily and you might need a wee bit only.

Don’t layer or double coat
The idea behind applying liquid lipsticks is that they dry completely matte. So if you layer your creamy lipstick and keep reapplying, know that with liquid lipsticks you can’t do that. The layering needs to happen before you apply this one. So Vaseline or any lip primer can be applied only before you actually apply your liquid lipstick.

Invest in a good makeup remover
Since liquid lipsticks are drying, they’re also slightly difficult to take off as they last for longer hours. So before you think of applying lipstick, you also keep a good makeup remover in your vanity as liquid lipstick might take a little effort to break.

On Thursday, Kering and Mayhoola announced that the former would acquire a 30% stake in Valentino, with the option to buy 100% of the company by 2028, for €1.7 billion. 

Valentino's been a part of Mayhoola since 2012, when the Qatar investment group bought Valentino SpA and the M Missoni license for $858 million. (Mayhoola also owns Balmain and Pal Zileri.) This announcement is "part of a broader strategic partnership between Kering and Mayhoola," the two conglomerates said in the announcement, "which could lead to Mayhoola becoming a shareholder in Kering." This will also allow them to "explore potential joint opportunities in line with their respective development strategies."

Jacopo Venturini, CEO of Valentino since 2020, will stay on. In the press release, both companies lauded the executive's work in elevating the fashion house on a global scale. Valentino's sales were up 10% in 2022, going up to €1.42 billion. 

Kering Chairman and CEO François-Henri Pinault said he's "impressed with the evolution of Valentino under Mayhoola ownership and very delighted that Mayhoola has chosen Kering as its partner for the development of Valentino, a unique Italian house that is synonymous with beauty and elegance."

Rachid Mohamed Rachid, CEO of Mayhoola and chairman of Valentino, added: "Under our stewardship, Valentino has strengthened its foundations as a highly desirable luxury brand, and we will keep reinforcing the brand in the next chapter with Kering. We look forward to our partnership with Kering in Valentino and also in other potential opportunities to explore investments together." 
Earlier this week, Valentino made some changes to its C-suite: Chief Brand Officer Alessio Vannetti exited; Andrea Cappi joined as chief e-commerce and omnichannel officer (taking over some chief brand officer responsibilities), Laurent Bergamo was named chief commercial officer and Yigit Turhan was promoted from director of brand strategy to chief marketing officer.

The spa industry is witnessing a significant shift as more men recognise the benefits of spa treatments and experiences.

There has been a 346% increase in men booking spa treatments and experiences since 2018, according to spa experience and booking agency Spabreaks.com.

Increased male audience
Spabreaks.com's analysis of booking and platform data revealed a clear change in its audience composition. In 2018/2019, men constituted 25% of its audience, whereas the current figures show that 40% of its audience consists of men. This shift signifies a growing interest among men in engaging with spa services and wellness offerings.

Surge in website sessions and bookings
Not only has the male portion of its audience grown, but Spabreaks.com has also observed significant increases in website sessions and bookings by men. Since 2018, the total sessions from men have risen by 89%. Impressively, the bookings made by men have experienced an outstanding surge of 346%. These statistics illustrate the increasing willingness of men to embrace spa experiences and prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing.

Real men relax campaign
To promote the benefits of spas to men from diverse backgrounds and professions, Spabreaks.com recently launched its "Real Men Relax" campaign during Men's Health Week (June 12-18). The campaign proved to be a success, driving a 73% increase in revenue through voucher purchases made by men throughout the week. The voucher conversion rate also saw a significant boost of 65%. Furthermore, the booking conversion rate for men increased by 12% during the campaign period.

Father's Day impact
The Real Men Relax campaign coincided with Father's Day, and Spabreaks.com sweetened the deal by offering a 10% discount with the code DAD. The response was strong, with the code being used 307 times for online bookings and 93 times for voucher purchases within a span of just three days (June 15-18). These numbers far surpassed the 22 uses of the code in 2022, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm among men to indulge in spa experiences.

Breaking barriers and overcoming challenges
Abi Selby, founder of Spabreaks.com, says “Throughout my time in the spa industry, it’s become clear that both men and women face barriers when it comes to health. “We all face both personal and general wellbeing challenges, they’re just different. “When it comes to men in spas, the challenge across the years has been changing the way we think about spas and making it clear that they’re a space for everyone to enjoy, men included.”

“I think men feel pressure to push through when they’re struggling, particularly when it comes to stress and anxiety.” Selby adds, “While it’s not the solution to all things, taking time to relax and proactively doing things to relax the body and its corresponding impact on mental and emotional health, it can make a huge difference. The spa industry is here for you.”  

Every woman will agree that the moment we wake up in the morning, the first thing that catches our attention is how our hair looks. It becomes messy, frizzy, knotted, with lots of hair strands on the pillow and bed. This happens because you might not be tying your hair properly before hitting the bed.

It is very important to tie your hair properly at night before going to sleep so that it helps with proper hair growth and maintain shiny, lustrous tresses. Give this article a read to know how to tie your hair properly before going to sleep at night, as suggested by experts.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix said, “Tying your hair tightly can damage your hair roots and cause traction alopecia. Hence, you need to wear your hair in a loose ponytail or braid which does not apply much pulling force on your scalp.”

However, it is recommended to tie your hair loosely at night to prevent knots and breakage.

How To Protect Your Hair While Sleeping?

• Make sure to gently brush your hair from the scalp roots to tips before going to sleep at night. This not only helps detangle your hair but also distributes the scalp’s natural oils evenly across your tresses.
• Never sleep with wet hair as damp hair is extremely fragile and can attract fungal infections, which can lead to severe hair fall.

However, it is recommended to tie your hair loosely at night to prevent knots and breakage.

How To Tie Hair While Sleeping For Hair Growth

• It is recommended to tie loose braids before going to sleep. This decreases the chances of hair damage.
• While tying your hair, never use bands made of metal, elastic or any rough materials. Always use rubber bands/scrunchies made of soft fabrics.
• If you have extremely short hair, then it is best to keep your hair open while sleeping.

We all know and love hairspray for helping to giving our styles hold—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what hairspray can do. If you want to up your hairspray game, it’s time to learn a few easy hacks for using this product. Nope, it’s not all about securing the shape of your style with hairspray. It turns out that there are quite a few smart, surprising ways to utilize your favorite mists. So, spray your way to fabulous style with these six hairspray hacks. We have a feeling hairspray is about to become your go-to styling secret weapon!


Hairspray Hack #1: Give Bobby Pins Added Grip
Bobby pins can be your style savior, helping to conceal lumps, pin down stray strands, and keep updos from falling down. But they can also be a major pain when they don’t offer enough hold. To punch up the power of your pins, coat them with a hairspray. While the bobby pins are still tacky—before the spray has dried down—insert the pins into your hair. The quick coating helps give the pins an amplified hold.


Hairspray Hack #2: Spritz Your Toothbrush
Most of the time you want to keep hairspray away from your toothbrush, but not today. Combining the two is a simple fix for flyaways. Spray hairspray directly onto a clean toothbrush (definitely not one that goes anywhere near your mouth), and brush over flyaways. This can help smooth your hair and keep flyaways in place. 


Hairspray Hack #3: Add Texture
Cut a product or two out of your routine by making your hairspray serve double duty. You can create texture by spraying a hairspray, throughout your strands. After misting, scrunch and bend pieces to add shape and keep your style from looking flat. For an added boost of volume, concentrate spray at the roots and lift with your fingers.


Hairspray Hack #4: Shield Temporary Hair Color Sprays
Vibrant hair color tends to fade fast, especially when you’re using temporary hair chalks or color sprays. To help lock your color in place for the time being—and keep it from transferring to your clothes—add a layer of hairspray overtop. The hairspray can act as a protective shield to help (temporarily) seal in color. When you’re ready to return to your natural hue, just rinse out! 


Hairspray Hack #5: Style Your Brows
For brows that need taming, pick up a hairspray, After filling in brows with a pencil, spritz a spoolie with hairspray and gently brush through your brows. The hairspray can help hold hairs in place (just like it works on your head). No more unruly brows!


Hairspray Hack #6: Neutralize Static
Did you know hairspray can help combat static cling? That’s right! If your hair is feeling super-static-y, just spray it. Brush the hairspray through and your strands will no longer look shocked, only smooth.
And there you go! Who knew hairspray had so many uses—and that there were so many ways to apply it other than just spritzing it directly onto your hair? It’s plain to see that hairspray deserves a starring role in your hairstyling routine, and the good news is, you have plenty of different products to choose from

There's nothing better than taking a dip in a relaxing hot spring after a long travel day. Hot springs, the result of geothermally heated water emerging from the Earth's crust, offer relaxation and health perks like stress relief and skin detox. Even better, many of the planet's best hot springs are found in dazzling destinations that may already top your travel list.

From Iceland to Italy and Turkey to Tibet, here are 16 of the best hot springs in the world.

1. Pamukkale Thermal Pools — Turkey

More than a dozen thermal springs decorate the hills of Pamukkale Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey. Striking turquoise water, made even more vibrant by the stark-white limestone terraces that hold it, allured royal soakers throughout history, allegedly including Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Visitors still seek tranquility and healing in these therapeutic waters, which are believed to aid everything from cardiovascular disease to blood pressure issues. The water here remains around 97 degrees Fahrenheit

​2. Kerosene Creek — New Zealand

Like all of New Zealand's nature, the country's hot springs don't disappoint — starting with the paradise of Kerosene Creek in Rotorua. This heated creak, warmed to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit by a natural subterranean spring, puts swimmers in the thick of the North Island's wilderness, from the lush jungle backdrops to a waterfall gently cascading into the creek. It's free to swim in Kerosene Creek, but getting here requires knowing where to go — and finding the right gravel road — something the New Zealand tourism board has directions to help with.

3. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs — New Mexico

Superlatives abound across the historic Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort, home to the world's only sulfur-free hot springs with healing mineral waters that run from 98 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. These springs, deemed sacred by Indigenous communities of northern New Mexico, brim with Southwestern charm: think a backdrop of shrub-speckled cliffs and subtle decorative touches that play off of the sandstone surrounds. In addition to the hot springs, Ojo Caliente features a popular Mud Pool where bathers can slather themselves in full-body healing with brown clay mud masks.

4. Kraus Hot Springs — Canada

There's driving to a geothermal pool, then there's paddling 20 mountain-flanked miles to a secluded hot spring — and the latter is what Kraus Hot Springs in Canada's far-flung Northwest Territories has to offer. This secret oasis is accessible via the Nahanni River, a multi-week paddle trail that weaves along dramatic canyons and thundering waterfalls, with a stop at these sulfuric hot springs. Natural launch sites make it possible to stop, soak, and unwind. And licensed raft and canoe guides ensure visitors explore this wild river safely.

5. Chena Hot Springs — Alaska

When it comes to aurora hunting, Chena Hot Springs offers one of the coziest seats in Alaska. The serene getaway just outside Fairbanks is the state's most accessible and developed interior hot spring resort. It's the perfect blend of Alaskan beauty, with steamy water and ice-laden winter scenery, including the resort's own year-round Aurora Ice Museum and the onsite Ice Bar (ice-carved martini glasses very much included). The northern lights dance above Chena Hot Springs' 106-degrees-Fahrenheit water from late August through April.

6. Uunartoq — Greenland

Hot springs abound across Greenland, but the only springs warm enough to bathe in lie on Uunartoq, an uninhabited island off the territory's southern shores. Nestled among mountain peaks with views of drifting icebergs and breaching whales, Uunartoq itself is the definition of Arctic beauty. The hot springs stay toasty year round, at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Given their isolated locale, a private boat tour is the best way to snag that coveted soak.

7. Banjar Hot Springs — Indonesia​

Few hot springs boast the tropical serenity of northern Bali's Banjar Hot Springs, a palm-fringed oasis with steamy 100-degree-Fahrenheit water and traditional Balinese décor. The turquoise Banjar springs have two levels for swimming, with eight intricate dragon spouts, one family pool, and one central pool for all guests. The water's sulfuric content promises a restful, therapeutic experience — with lush gardens, towering palm trees, and charming bird chirps further transporting visitors to their state of Zen.

8. Cascate del Mulino — Italy

Cascate del Mulino is Tuscany's Instagram-famous hot springs waterfall, although it's often confused for the luxe Terme di Saturnia hotel and hot springs next door. While Terme di Saturnia is a restful stop, there's no beating the baby-blue water at Cascate de Mulino, where entrance is free and open 24 hours daily. Here, a thermal stream of water seeps through the natural limestone pools to create a sublime experience, with temperatures staying around 99 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. The Springs Resort & Spa — Colorado

Colorado's Pagosa Springs is more than your average hot spring getaway. Hot water in this stretch of southwest Colorado is fed from the Mother Spring aquifer, certified as the world's deepest aquifer by Guinness World Records. And The Springs Resort & Spa, which has the most geothermal hot spring pools in the state, is the best way to soak up this world-renowned water source. Try one of 25 thermal pools with varying temperatures; the pools are open to the public, with mineral-rich waters that promote healthy skin and help heal sore muscles.

​10. Yangpachen Hot Springs — Tibet

Tibet's first-known geothermal destination, Yangpachen Hot Springs, rests on the southern slope of the Nyenchen Tangula Mountains outside Lhasa. The mountain-fringed scenery here is made even more stunning by the haze of steam emanating from the springs' naturally heated waters. While some water across the geothermal field surpasses 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the Holy Medical Spring Resort offers indoor and outdoor — and safe for the public — pools at a staggering 13,700 feet above sea level.

11. Takaragawa Onsen — Japan​

The forested Takaragawa Onsen hot springs flow between the snow-capped peaks of Joshin'etsukogen and Oze National Parks, just north of Gunma, offering a relaxing getaway with dramatic mountain scenery. These four open-air baths beside the Takara River flow in harmony with nature. The idyllic bathhouse and a forest setting that changes colors with the seasons make visitors feel like they've plunged into paradise. The onsite facilities include a 42-room hotel and a restaurant, with food crafted using fresh ingredients from the nearby mountains.

12. Blue Lagoon — Iceland

No "best hot springs in the world" list is complete without the beloved Blue Lagoon, Iceland's shimmering teal gem. The lagoon, just 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, is the perfect Icelandic welcome. Its mineral-rich geothermal seawater is a relaxing way to recover from jet lag — or reflect on those Iceland memories before catching a plane back home. Blue Lagoon's toasty waters, around 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, flow along moss-fuzzed rocks with distant mountain views that are emblematic of Iceland's beauty. Visit for the water, stay for the onsite spa, and don't miss the swim-up mud mask bars for a full therapeutic immersion.

13. Castle Hot Springs — Arizona ​

Arizona is known for two things: Being one of the world’s premiere wellness destinations, and the heat. So, naturally, they would have some of the best healing hot springs in the world. So famous, in fact, that they’ve been visited by the likes of Vanderbilts and Astors, as well as a future president Kennedy in the ‘40s. The geothermal waters (rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates) of Castle Hot Springs are an oasis surrounded by the rugged sandstone shades of the Sonoran desert. The mineral-rich water supports relaxation as well as helps with joint pain and reduces inflammation. The resort is all-inclusive, covering farm-to-table meals, daily activities like yoga and guided hikes, and access to the springs.    

14. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz — Switzerland​

The Swiss baths are storied for the healing properties of the water found there, and they grew in popularity in the 19th century for curing the illnesses of wealthy tourists. Soaking in mineral-rich, hot water has been known to benefit blood flow, lung ventilation, blood pressure, muscle relaxation, and mobility. This luxury thermal spa is fed by the most well-known natural hot spring in Switzerland, the Tamina Gorge, which was discovered by Benedictine monks in 1242 and features 97.7 Fahrenheit waters. There are indoor and outdoor pools onsite, though the alfresco views of the Grison Alps can’t be beat. 

15. Yellowstone Hot Springs — Montana ​

Once you’ve seen the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States in Yellowstone National Park, take a drive over to Montana where you can actually soak in the geothermal waters. Surrounded by Paradise Valley peaks, the views of Yellowstone Hot Springs are as relaxing as its waters. Great for stress relief or naturally soothing sore muscles after a day of hiking through a national park, the springs also contain silica which helps soothe irritated skin. There is a hot pool (104 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as a 60-degree-Fahrenheit cold plunge — moving between the two can improve blood circulation.   

16. Termas Geometricas — Chile ​

This string of more than 60 springs is most recognizable by the red footbridges that traverse the wild ravine where you’ll do your soaking. The magic of the Termas Geometricas lies in the lush landscape of Chile’s Villarrica Sur National Park. Indulge in the misty, overgrown beauty of the natural surroundings from one of the 20 stone pools heated between 95 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
​
16. Ikogosi Warm Springs — Nigeria

The Ikogosi Warm Springs  Flowing abreast the warm spring is another cold spring which meets the warm spring at a confluence, each maintaining its thermal properties. Ikogosi warm spring is tucked away in the rustic and serene town of Ikogosi-Ekiti, Nigeria. What is mysterious about the Ikogosi Warm Spring is the fact that, flowing side by side the warm spring, is another spring, a cold one. The warm and cold springs of Ikogosi originate from a close proximity, come to a meeting point, and flow onward together with each spring retaining its thermal identity. The warm spring has a temperature of up to 70oC at the source and 37oC after meeting the cold spring.  Gossi Natural Spring Water is a spring water fully sourced from Ikogosi Warm Springs

17. Challis Hot Springs - Idaho 

Natural spring water bubbles up from the ground and seeps through gravel and river-rock bottoms to reach the two Challis Hot Springs pools located in Idaho. The temperature of the outside pool is regulated to be comfortable for swimming, while the temperature of the inside therapy pool is left entirely up to Mother Nature. Visitors can stay at the small bed and breakfast as well, which is comfortable and quaint. For a more rustic experience, camp on the banks of the Salmon River within walking distance of the springs.

19. Olympic Hot Springs - Washington

Take the gentle 2.5-mile hike to the Olympic Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, for a completely natural experience. The journey starts at the Boulder Creek Trailhead and follows the creek to several hot springs pools. At one time this area was developed into a resort, which closed when the lease expired. Now, only the trail and springs remain. The National Park Service warns visitors that they bathe at their own risk at the hot springs, where the water quality is not monitored and nudity is common.
​
20. Hot Springs National Park - Arkansas

If you want to visit hot springs in an urban setting, Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the place for you. There are two ways to soak in these waters. You can take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Baths, where you will soak by yourself in a tub, or you can enjoy the waters in a communal setting at the Quapaw Baths. Once you've dried off, tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, learn more about the history of the park and hot springs, and take a hike or a drive around the area.

21. Chae Son Hot Springs - Thailand

Chae Son National Park is located 75 km from Lampang city and is known for its natural hot springs that deliver 82°C water. A temperature that allows you to boil eggs, count 17 minutes for a perfectly boiled egg, you can buy bamboo baskets with eggs that you can dive into the water. This is quite common in hot springs in Thailand, the cooking time depending on the temperature of the water. Morning views ofthe hot springs with steam are quite famous. Visitors can also take advantage of this natural hotbwater by renting a small private bungalows with a mineral bath (50 THB). Only one kilometer away is Chae Son Waterfall, a 6-level waterfall.

22. Radium Hot Springs - British Columbia

Nestled in Sinclair Canyon, Radium Hot Springs, located in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park, includes a hot soaking pool and cooler swimming pool. Radium Hot Springs’ mineral water is uniquely odourless and clear, making this the perfect place for a relaxing soak. Radium's Hot Spring form when the earth's crust fractured along a 2 km-deep fault. Surface water has seeped through this fissure since then, where it is heated by a hot rock near the earth's centre. The pressurized water is returned to the surface at a rate of 1,700 litres per minute, containing over 700 milligrams per litre. Th stop minerals discovered in Radium Hot Springs are: Sulphate 302 mg/l, Calcium 135 mg/l, Bicarbonate 100.8 mg/l, Silica 31.8 mg/l, Magnesium 31.6 mg/l. Water temperature is kept between 37oC and 40oC (98oF and 104oF).

It’s always assumed that women engage in lip-filler injections to look younger or poutier, but I’m convinced many are simply trying to hang on to their lipstick.

I’m OK with the inevitable cosmetic outcome of 48 years of chatting and laughter, less cheery about the prospect of retiring my beloved bold reds to avoid “feathering” through fine lines and into the surrounding skin. If you feel similarly but are torn on anything involving needles and their associated cost, I urge you to consider a transparent lip pencil.

I’ll admit that their marketing is misleading and bound to disappoint – if you’re looking for a precise, enlarged or “corrected” (in my case, made less lopsided) lip line to wear with your lipsticks, then these are a poor substitute. A traditional coloured lip pencil is better. But used as a waxy dam for bolder colour, a clear pencil drawn immediately outside the natural lip line can stem the bleed of lipstick pretty well.

There are good examples available across price points. Dior’s Universal Contour lipliner (£25) is completely clear and glides especially smoothly without scratching (it also features an integrated lip brush that doubles nicely as an eyeliner brush, I discovered accidentally), meaning it can be applied all over lips to add grip to bold reds and more mobile glosses.

My own pick is Urban Decay’s Glide On Lip Pencil in Ozone (£19) because as with everything in its 24/7 line, it has great staying power and a firm texture that stays sharpish for longer.

If you have neither the time nor the skill for line drawing and are able to accommodate little more than a swipe of something pre-lipstick, then I recommend Guerlain’s KissKiss Liplift (£32) which I keep on standby. This is applied as you would a lipbalm, but somehow manages to give a grippy, matte finish without drying out the lips (and don’t be alarmed by the pale flesh tone of the bullet – it looks as though it’ll work only on white women, but goes on almost clear). It gives a smooth surface that stops even satiny lipstick from drifting outwards and smells deliciously like a pot of my nana’s best rouge.

Whether you sport the same signature makeup look every day or you change your style from one hour to the next, it pays to know which shades are most flattering on you. The key is to take your cues from the various color tones in your skin, hair, and eyes—all of which can sway your color palette in one direction or another. Women with brown eyes can wear a particularly wide range of lipstick colors since brown is a mix of all three primary colors, experts say.

"Since brown is considered a neutral color, the great news is there are endless options to compliment brown eyes," says celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli. "Brown eyes can really work with a range of makeup undertones. The key is to use shades that compliment your shade of brown, whether that's a bold color to offset your deeper brown shade, or a warm tone to bring out the hazel specs in your browns."

​Read on to hear from Scibelli and other beauty experts about which lipstick shades are drop-dead gorgeous on people with brown eyes.

1. Berry or plum
Scibelli says that berry tones are "some of the most commonly used lipstick shades amongst brown eyes.Berry tones—which can include plums, mauves, and deeper pinks—can really compliment medium to deeper brown eyes since these tones are bold enough to create that balance with the eye color," he says.

High fashion makeup artist Elaina Bardo agrees that berry tones are ideal, especially if you have "deep red or cinnamon undertones in your brown eyes." She suggests trying Bougiee Cosmetics' Blackberry,  MAC Cosmetics' Burning Love  or Tom Ford's Aphrodite.

2. Deep ruby red
Badro also suggests an intense, ruby-red lip for people with brown eyes. By pairing this look with a more neutral eye—think glowing gold, champagne, bronze, or taupe—you'll create an old Hollywood look that brings high drama. The warm tones and shimmer will help add dimension to the darker shade of the eye.

Scibelli recommends Chanel Rouge Tentation 169, Armani Rouge D'Armani 400 Four Hundred, which he calls his top favorite lip products of all time. "Their range of colors are perfect for brown eyes," he says.
​

3. Coral
Women with brown eyes should also feel comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones and playing with brighter-colored lips. Badro suggests trying coral shades for a lively look and specifically recommends Dior's 636 Ultra Dior. "This lipstick has a high shine finish, so you can skip the gloss," she tells Best Life. Also, Givenchy Rouge Interdit No 15 Orange Adrenaline and Hermes Rouge Satin #36 Corail Flamingo

Neutral brown, peach, or gold tones on the eyes will help round out the effect of your bold lip. Alternatively, using echoes of the same coral shade on the eyes and cheeks can also create a chic monochrome look.

4. Soft pink or dusty rose
For a no-makeup makeup look, women with brown eyes can opt for a soft pink or dusty rose shade, says Badro. In particular, she recommends YSL' Rouge Velopte Shine 163 Show Stopping Rose or Nars' 888 Dolce Vita.

However, the undertones of your eyes and skin may affect which exact shade you choose. "Cool skin undertones look great in pinks with blue and purple undertones. Warm skin tones look best with warmer undertones. Typically, neutral tones look good with either," Badro notes.

5. Nude
Finally, a nude lip is a great everyday choice for women of all eye colors, but it's an especially attractive option for those with brown eyes. This barely-there look can be paired with a subtle, neutral eyeshadow in soft browns, coppers, and golds for a sun-kissed, natural look.

Top recommended shade would be MAC Cosmetics' Whirl, Burberry Bespoke Beige or Gucci Katrin Sand 

If you’ve ever been puzzled by the plethora of lipstick applicators out there, trust me, you’re not alone! Think of lipstick applicators as the magic wands that bring your pout to life. Each type has its unique charm and purpose, designed to cater to different lip products and styles. It’s like stepping into a beauty wonderland filled with doe foots, flat doe foots, slanted tips, and more. But fret not, because we’re here to be your makeup fairy godmothers and guide you through this delightful lipstick applicator maze

1. Doe Foot Applicator
The doe foot applicator is a classic in the world of lipsticks. This applicator gets its name from its shape, which resembles a doe’s foot – wide and slightly rounded. The soft, sponge-like tip allows for smooth and even application. It’s particularly great for liquid lipsticks, glosses, and cream-based lip products.

2. Flat Doe Foot Applicator
A variation of the classic doe foot, the flat doe foot applicator is essentially the same shape but, as the name suggests, features a flat surface. This type of applicator is often found in liquid lipsticks and matte lip creams. The flat surface of this applicator offers a more controlled and defined application. It is perfect for outlining the lips’ edges and achieving a clean, sharp look.

3. Slanted Tip Applicator
The slanted tip applicator has a diagonal edge, providing a different approach to lipstick application. This design is often found in traditional bullet lipsticks. The slanted tip allows for a versatile application. Use the edge for a more precise and defined outline, and then fill in the rest of your lips with the flat surface.

4. Flocked Wand Applicator
The flocked wand applicator is a hybrid between a traditional brush and a doe foot. This type of applicator is commonly seen in high-end lip products, especially those with unique textures. The flocked wand offers a velvety-soft texture, ensuring a gentle and luxurious application.

5. Tapered Wand Applicator
The tapered wand applicator features a pointed tip, gradually widening as it moves towards the base. It is often found in lip glosses and liquid lipsticks. The tapered design allows for precision in hard-to-reach areas, like the corners of the mouth. It offers more control over the product’s distribution, making it easier to build up colour intensity gradually

So, which is the best lipstick applicator for you? It all comes down to your personal preferences and the type of lip products you use most often. If you love liquid lipsticks and glosses, the classic doe foot is a reliable choice. For a more defined matte look, opt for the flat doe foot. Meanwhile, traditional lipstick lovers may find the slanted tip or tapered wand more suitable. If you’re into luxury products with unique textures, the flocked wand is worth trying.
​
So go ahead, pucker up, and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect lip applicator match!

It’s a sunny day off the coast of Piru village on the island district of West Seram, in Indonesia’s Maluku province. La Samiun and his wife are out on their wooden boat, along with a cargo of three sacks of seaweed seedlings.Over the course of the day, they’ll attach the seaweed to a single nylon rope strung between two piles, then lower the line underwater where the seaweed will grow until it’s ready for harvest.
​
La Samiun says he hopes it takes the usual 45 days or so until he can harvest the seaweed. But he’s well aware, like many other seaweed farmers in this region, that he may have to harvest it sooner, when it hasn’t grown quite as big as he’d like — and thus fetch a lower price than he’d hoped for — because of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

“The east monsoon wind was supposed to have started in April. In reality, it’s still the west monsoon wind,” La Samiun tells Mongabay Indonesia. He wonders aloud whether climate change is the cause for the shifting monsoon seasons.

Sea kelp, which is a type of brown algal seaweed. Although true kelp has a specific classification in the family Laminariaceae or giant kelp (per the University of Rochester), we often see seaweed of this kind fall under the broader class of Phaeophyceae, also known as brown algae. As a food and cosmetic ingredient, it's incredibly versatile and may already be in many products that you are familiar with or have in your beauty collection.

For instance, you can find it as an emulsifier, typically in the form of alginates that join ingredients that don't usually mix, like water and oil. It's also a thickener and stabilizer for many products, helping you get the kind of smooth consistency you'd expect from your moisturizers or creams. It has many additional properties which makes it particularly useful as the base or as an additive for cosmetics.

It's also a great source of nutritional vitamins and minerals, and in some countries is considered a dietary staple. It's more common for people in the West to use it in supplements because it's loaded with antioxidants, which may potentially help with heart, gut, and overall metabolic health, according to Healthline. 

For Indonesian seaweed farmers like La Samiun, both the east and west monsoon winds and their predictability play a huge role in the planting strategy and growth of Eucheuma cottonii seaweed, a commercially valuable species whose extract is used in the food and cosmetics industries as a gelling agent. The east wind, characterized by the dry season, creates the ideal conditions for the seaweed to grow, while the west wind brings rain that farmers believe slow the growth of the plants. Ramli, a seaweed farmer from Wael village, near Piru, says he began noticing the shift in the monsoon period in 2020.

“The east monsoon wind used to blow in March. Between 2020 and 2022, it shifted to April,” he says. “It seems that this year it will miss the prediction again.” Ramli blames this change for the slower pace of growth of his seaweed, saying that if he doesn’t harvest while it’s still at a suboptimal size, the seaweed succumbs to a bacterial infestation that causes it to harden and whiten. That’s because when the sea surface temperature hits 31-32° Celsius (88-90° Fahrenheit), certain bacteria in the water grow faster than normal and start attacking E. cottonii and other marine organisms.

Indonesia’s national meteorological agency says the country is expected to hit the peak of the dry season around July and August this year. Muhammad Fadli, lead researcher in physics oceanography at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), says the changing local climate between 2020-2022 was likely worsened by La Niña, a cyclical climate phenomenon that pushes warm water toward Asia region. Along with its counterpart, El Niño, it typically occurs once every few years. But climate change may have shortened the period for each phenomenon, subsequently changing the pattern for the monsoon winds, Fadli says.

​“In 2023, there’s still La Niña and it doesn’t seem to be ending soon,” he says. “The seaweed farms will be very disrupted.

What are the skincare benefits of Seakelp?
Lets highlight some of the benefits of sea kelp and what it can do in your beauty routine. Spoiler: It's a lot.

It can help maintain the skin's barrier
The efficacy of the skin's barrier is related to water loss. Although our skin is constantly exchanging water, when we're losing more water than the barrier needs to function optimally, this can be detrimental to skin health. According to dermatologist Dr. Dray, when our skin barrier is damaged, we increase the risk of infections, irritation, inflammation, and a multitude of other skin issues.

Macroalgae (or seaweed as you might know them) such as sea kelp have a variety of biological compounds, which can vary substantially because of the whopping 1,800 different species found in the brown algae group alone (per American Scientist). And among these are those that can help protect against transdermal water loss, ultimately promoting moisture retention.

For instance, research in a 2019 journal of Natural Products and Bioprospecting shows that certain brown algae stimulate skin to make hyaluronic acid, a type of complex carbohydrate that can help bind moisture to the skin and therefore reduce water loss. In addition, because it contains alginates (found in the walls of sea kelp) which can draw in and retain water, it can be doubly effective in aiding with moisture retention and preventing loss.

It can help repair sun-damaged skin
A 2019 research in the Journal of Marine Drugs explains that since seaweeds are often exposed to extreme sun throughout their life, they have developed various processes which give them a unique set of protections from damage. One of these is a high antioxidant content which helps to mitigate the effects of sun damage, and another is phlorotannins, a unique compound that has photoprotective abilities, meaning it can filter UV.

Another notable compound found in the study is a molecule called fucoxanthin (a pigment that gives the seaweed color). This inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is the main catalyst for hyperpigmentation or excess melanin, one of the results of sun damage.

And finally, the third significant means of sun damage mitigation that brown algae offer is wound healing. In a 2022 study in the Journal of Algal Research on fermented sea kelp, it noted that fucoidan (another type of complex carb found in the cell wall) could promote wound healing. Researchers observed that it helped to stimulate the movement of skin repair cells to wounds, aiding in regenerating the top layer of skin.

Gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin
Although skin naturally undergoes cell turnover, the addition of exfoliating products can aid this process in clearing debris and uncovering fresh skin below. However, chemical and physical exfoliants can often be quite harsh and irritating to some skin types. For instance, people with sensitive skin generally have a lower tolerance to cosmetic products, and the body can trigger an immune system response in the form of inflammation, redness, and rashes, according to DermNet.

This is where algae-based (specifically brown seaweeds) products can aid in removing dead skin cells without irritation, while simultaneously maintaining moisture. When sea kelp is added to exfoliants, research in 2019 (per the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules) shows that its components help to decrease sebum (i.e., oiliness), increase skin hydration, and retain water better than synthetic ingredients. Moreover, when compared to the synthetic variety, the algae-based exfoliator also caused less redness and irritation.

This may be because the alginates we find in sea kelp appear to be very compatible with the skin (when compared to other products). For instance, reviews on their properties highlight that they have no toxic effects on cells, not even the eyes — so they're unlikely to cause irritation even in sensitive skin (per the 2021 book "Alginates – A Seaweed Product").

It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines
Probably what sea kelp is most famous for is its role in mitigating photoaging, i.e., when the sun prematurely ages the skin. Sea kelp does this by combating free radicals or oxidants. These oxygen molecules generated by UV are responsible for triggering photoaging and attacking the skin's cells, as well as causing cellular damage and a loss of structural integrity — two things which are the essence of wrinkle and fine line formation (per the Comprehensive Series in Photosciences, volume 3).

According to 2021 research in the Journal of Marine Drugs, sea kelp's fucoidan can act as an antioxidant, which means it breaks down destructive oxidants into more stable products. This reduces cellular damage while at the same time aids in restoring the skin's barrier. Coupled with another compound that brown algae species have — mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), molecules that form the building blocks of proteins — they can help to synthesize structural proteins like collagen, reinforcing the skin's structure to prevent wrinkle formation.

Sea kelp may help reduce the appearance of cellulite
In cellulite, fatty tissue pockets poke through the underlying skin, which creates the dimpled appearance that so many of us hate. While the causes behind this aren't fully known, there are a few factors that can affect the severity of its appearance. According to research published in 2005 in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, changes to the underlying skin structure, namely the collagen bands or fibers that join the upper levels of skin to blood vessels, suggest that collagen loss plays a role. Another factor is how well the body metabolizes fat buildup, with researchers noting that poor circulation of fluids can play a role in tissue accumulation.

However, sea kelp can target these two aspects in several ways. First, since they aid in collagen synthesis, they may be able to restore the collagen malfunction involved in cellulite. Second, studies highlight they can help our bodies to metabolize or break down fatty tissue better. They also have the ability to stimulate blood circulation, which may help to stop the buildup of fatty tissues, according to Cosmetics Journal in 2018.

Sea kelp's anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects
Inflammation is the immune system's response to damage or irritants. During inflammation, certain chemicals and cells act as mediators that make the blood vessels widen so that white blood cells can attack foreign entities, but in doing so, they actually trigger our pain response. And together, this can cause discomfort, swelling, and fever (per the National Institutes of Health).
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Anti-inflammatories (like aspirin and ibuprofen) usually have the ability to prevent these inflammatory mediators — specifically, an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (or COX), which stops the body from inducing the processes involved in an inflammatory response, according to WebMD. But what's interesting is that sea kelp also have this effect, giving them anti-inflammatory properties.

As 2021 research in the Journal of Natural Product Communications explains, the phlorotannins compounds (an astringent chemical in the sea kelp's cell wall) inhibit COX and other enzymes that play a role in the inflammatory response. In addition, they suppress the immune system chemical histamine, which plays a role in allergies.

Aids in strengthening nails
Brittle or damaged nails may be associated with deficiencies in various nutrients, according to Healthline. For instance, iron deficiencies can cause splitting; calcium deficiency can make nails weak; and white spots can be a sign of low zinc. There are also components like thyroid issues that can cause discoloration or brittleness, which the mineral selenium may help to mediate.

Sea kelp is a rich repository of such minerals. For example, a 2020 article in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Journal has found such brown algae species are high in selenium, calcium, potassium, and iodine, as well as quantities of iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.

It's also been marked as an antifungal agent, which can keep harmful nail infections at bay. For instance, according to studies published in 2019 in the Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, they're particularly good at tackling dermatophyte fungi, which can damage nail strength by feeding on keratin.

It can improve the shininess and softness of hair
Fucoidans, a type of (polysaccharides) complex carbohydrate, can not only help with hair growth, they can also be helpful in maintaining the gloss and texture of hair. A 2009 article in Kosmetische Praxis explains that polysaccharides can act as a film on the hair and skin barrier, which allows these barriers time to recover from external damage and retain moisture.

Another factor in the overall appearance of hair is keratin. Examinations of hair anatomy show that this is the protein that makes up the main structure of our hair, most of which sits in the cortex, the middle layer of the hair. And it is this layer of keratin that gives the hair its strength and elasticity, so its loss or degradation can make the hair brittle and weak, per a 2017 article in the Journal of Materials Science and Engineering.

This is where the fucoidans of sea kelp can help, as a 2019 study highlights that it increases keratin synthesis by activating the genes involved in promoting their production, per Journal of Marine Drugs. And in doing so, this can enhance the smooth, shiny quality of hair as a whole.

It can reduce the appearance of dark circles
Dark circles are a specific type of hyperpigmentation that occurs under the eyes. According to Medical News Today, some causes of undereye circles include anemia, lack of sleep, thinning skin, frequent rubbing in the area, smoking, eye treatments, and allergies. Sun exposure and certain nutritional deficiencies may be other causes. Because some of the causes are inevitable, such as aging or ethnicity (non-white people have a higher tendency to have dark undereye circles), this is a condition that's often difficult to treat, per Healthline.

This is where sea kelp can be helpful. Research in the Journal of Marine Drugs in 2018 notes that a combination of the compounds we find in brown algae species can target many different causes of dark circles at once. For instance, they help to inhibit melanin synthesis, which causes pigmentation, or induce collagen production, as they are filled with minerals that can help combat nutritional deficiencies.

Can help soothe irritated skin
But the benefits of sea kelp fucoidans don't end there. They're also humectants, a type of substance that can seal in water, creating a barrier around dry or irritated skin. There are various types of humectants that can do this, one of the most common being hyaluronic acid, a type of complex carbohydrate, per WebMD.

Of course, as we know, sea kelp is naturally rich in this humectant, but research in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2015 explains that irritation can also be the result of the chemical histamine that the immune system makes. It stops the skin from making certain proteins, which impairs the skin barrier. And this can cause the itching and inflammation you get when your skin's irritated.

Sea kelp fucoidans can also be helpful because of their antipruritic (itch-relieving) effects. As a 2012 article in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research explains, this works because they reduce the presence of histamine and suppress the corresponding inflammatory response.

​The shifting monsoon season has prompted seaweed farmers to adopt new techniques in response. La Samiun says he now visits his seaweed farm on sunny and windy days to raise the rope to the surface in an effort to prevent any bacteria from developing on the seaweed. On rainy days, he sinks the line a little deeper. “The reason for this is to prevent [the seaweed] from catching disease,” La Samiun says.

But the bacterial infestation can only be delayed for so long in these warming waters, and an early harvest is the only way to ensure it doesn’t take hold of the seaweed crop. For the farmers, this means hauling in less seaweed that they planned for, leaving them with less money from the sale. Indonesia was the biggest producer of the E. cottonii before 2014, growing more than 8 million metric tons a year. Today it’s second to China, but still accounts for 38% of the global supply of this red seaweed.

The industry took a massive blow from 2014-2016 when farms were hit by the bacterial disease, triggered by a rise in water temperature and changes in salinity and light conditions, the typical signs of a changing climate. The value of the global seaweed market in 2017 was more than $4 billion, and is estimated to exceed $9 billion by 2024. E. cottonii accounts for 90% of this market. In addition to its uses in the food and cosmetics industry, the seaweed is also being explored for alternatives uses, including as biomass for fuel, as well as for use in fertilizers, animal feed, and wastewater treatment. ​Syahidin Ali Maruf, another seaweed farmer from Wael village, says his strategy to deal with the impacts of a changing climate is to keep changing his farm site according to weather patterns. But he says he’d prefer a return to a more predictable climate.
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“If it continues to be unstable, there’s little we can do,” he says.

Every beauty professional has their nonnegotiable steps. In our series Like a Pro, we tap experts for the top three techniques they absolutely swear by. Here, you'll hear from a variety of industry insiders on the fail-safe tricks they always keep in their back pockets. We're all about simplifying your beauty regimen wherever you can, and sometimes the best routines are as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Let's just say this upfront: No treatment will completely get rid of cellulite. It's a deeper skin concern that will require more invasive skin procedures to actually eliminate. And even if you do invest in the in-office route, there's a good chance that cellulite will start to reappear over time.
 
See, "Cellulite is caused by herniation of fat bulges between fibrous bands that connect your skin to the underlying tissue," explains board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche, M.D., founder and director of Bella Skin Institute. "This tethering pulls down on your skin, causing the normal layer of fat beneath the skin to push upward. The result is a puckering appearance to the skin or skin dimpling." 
And despite its dreaded reputation, hear us loud and clear when we say cellulite is not a bad thing. It's incredibly common, affecting up to 98% of women, and it can be genetic—so you can have cellulite no matter what products you use on your skin, how old you are, or how much you weigh. 

That said, it's also very common to feel insecure about the dimples and divots, which is where Guanche comes in: "There is no way to completely eliminate cellulite, but there are ways that you can reduce its appearance through a combination of treatments, diet, and exercise," she says. Ahead, find her top three tips: 

Smart topicals
It's the million-dollar question (or, well, billion, considering skin care is a billion-dollar industry): Do "tightening" and "toning" creams really work for cellulite?

According to Guanche, the answer is a resounding it depends. "Contrary to popular opinion, there are some products on the market that can help with the appearance of cellulite," she notes. Not every "firming cream" on the market will yield the same results, but she praises formulas specifically with caffeine, which can help tighten the skin superficially and pink pepperslim, which has some pre-lipolytic properties (aka, reducing the size of fat deposits) and activates microcirculation. Again, completely eliminating or preventing cellulite is nearly impossible; that said, these topicals can help the uneven appearance, but the effects won't last forever. Says Guanche, "Supporting the skin's elasticity is key in making cellulite less apparent." Less apparent doesn't mean totally gone—it's important to be realistic here. 

A nutrient-rich diet
"A diet high in sugar, [unhealthy] fat, or salt can make cellulite more apparent," Guanche states. 
On the other hand, a protein-rich diet has been associated with a reduction in cellulite on the thighs: In one study, researchers split 43 women into three groups: One group followed a low-carb diet, the second group ate a high-protein diet, and the third group ate a control diet with a standard amount of macronutrients. The results? Women in group 2 had a lower amount of cellulite on the glutes compared to groups 1 and 3. 

Take it as your sign to load up on high-protein foods.  Bonus points if your meals are also rich in collagen,  which Guanche notes can "help strengthen skin tissue."  Research also backs up this claim: In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study4, women who had moderate cellulite took a daily dose of 2½ grams of bioactive collagen peptides, which led to an enhanced skin appearance, with fewer signs of waves and dimples. The theory is that the improved elasticity helps the appearance of cellulite because the fibrous bands are able to stretch more.

Lymphatic drainage
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and other organs that keeps body fluid in balance. And getting this system moving—be it through exercise or manual massage—can improve circulation and flush out excess fluid, both of which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

"Lymphatic massage, done on a regular basis, is a noninvasive treatment that can reduce the appearance of cellulite," says Guanche. "This technique helps the body to eliminate excess liquids and thereby minimize the appearance of fat." 

You may also consider dry brushing, which can similarly encourage circulation. It won't result in anything permanent (no at-home treatment will!), but it can cause a temporary "swelling" of the dermis, Guanche notes, which can help camouflage the dips and divots. 

We've all been there: A last-minute date pops up and you can't bare the sight of those naked cuticles  or, possibly far worse, that once-fresh manicure is chipped or smudged. It's almost inevitable, the natural order of universal law. And it leaves you wondering just what it will take to get budge-proof varnish.

We did the research and spoke with three nail experts—Cyndi Ramirez, Georgia Rae, and Jessica Tong—to get a definitive answer to an age-old question: How long does it actually take for nail polish to dry? Keep reading to find out how patient you'll need to be for a dent-free mani.

How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry Completely?
It should take 45 minutes to an hour for your nails to dry completely if you've applied a base coat, two coats of colour, and a top coat, Rae tells us. "Formaldehyde-free polishes may take more time to dry," she notes. However, most nail polishes with dry enough for you to resume normal tasks like texting after about 20 minutes.

"Polishes can dry in a timely fashion as long as they are applied thinly and evenly on a clean surface and topped with a proper topcoat," says Tong. The operative words here are thin and evenly. 

How to Dry Nails Faster

• Wash off extra cuticle oil: "Don't leave your hands too greasy or oily before you apply polish," advises Ramirez. "It will most definitely chip or start bubbling."
• Always apply a base coat: Rae emphasizes that no matter what is needed for your desired look, don't skip your foundation.
• Keep the application as thin as possible: If you're short on time, Rae swears by a sheer manicure.  "You can apply less product, which means quicker drying time," she notes.
• Don't use old, sticky polish: Ramirez says to avoid using polish older than six months. If it has a thick consistency, this usually indicates that it is past its prime.
• Rely on a good top coat
• Use a quick dry oil or a nail drying spray: Both products lock in moisture and protect your nails from smudging.
• Run nails under cold water: You can also submerge your fingers in ice water for about three seconds; the manicurists say the temperature difference will keep the color in place. But be sure to take care when drying your hands and nails afterward—use paper towels rather than a hand towel, as the fabric may still stick to your nail polish. 

How to Maintain Your Manicure
Making it safely on the other side of a two-hour drying time doesn't always guarantee smudge- and dent-free nail polish. To help your manicure last longer, Rae suggests wearing gloves when cleaning. "The chemicals in detergents can dry out the polish, causing it to crack, and will also dry out the natural nail," she explains. 

She also recommends applying cuticle oil or balm two to three times a day or as much as possible. "It keeps the nail, cuticle, and surrounding skin hydrated, especially [after] excessive hand washing and sanitizing," she says.

Perfume can be one of the most playful and intoxicating aspects of your beauty routine. But despite how foolproof that little spritzer on the top of the bottle may seem, there is a right and a wrong way to apply your fragrance. In fact, there's something of an art to applying perfume, rooted in chemistry and based on tried and true techniques.

Ahead, we spoke to perfumers and fragrance experts to get all the best tips on how to apply perfume correctly, along with some things to avoid to preserve the integrity of your scent.

Do: Apply Perfume Directly to the Skin
Your skin provides the perfect canvas for your favorite scent. "In order for a perfume to truly unravel itself in the most divine way, it needs a proper medium to anchor itself," says Matthew Milèo, a chemist, former in-house fragrance expert for Chanel, and founder of the luxe oud-based skincare line, Mileo New York. "The lipophilic (oil-loving) properties of skin make it the perfect medium for the oils of perfume to attach to." He goes on to add that "the warmth of the skin starts the unraveling process, and the scent is free to fully express itself."

Do: Layer Perfume With Other Scented Products
For an even more powerful scent-to-skin adhesion, try layering perfume over body lotion or oil. "Fragrance binds to the oils in your skin, so applying it after your body lotion or oil creates a better surface for the scent molecules to bind to," explains Melina Polly, CEO and co-founder of Henry Rose.

Do: Apply Perfume Post-Shower
Similarly to skincare, fragrance adheres to the skin best when there's some moisture involved. "Fragrance lasts longest when your skin is hydrated, making the best time to spritz right after your shower or bath," says Polly. So post-bath or -shower, spritz away and get ready for the scent to be readily absorbed.

Don't: Apply Perfume Directly To Your Hair
Try to avoid using an eau de toilette in your hair, as an alcohol-based formula tends to dry and damage the strands. If you're set on spritzing your hair, be sure you're using a non-alcohol-based scent. "Since our Catbird perfumes are water-based, I love spritzing a bit in my hair," says Rony Vardi, founder and co-creative director of Catbird.

Do: Dab Perfume On Your Pulse Points
When applying perfume correctly,  you want to hit all the right spots. "It's important to select the areas of the body that are naturally warm and moist, like the insides of the elbows, back of the knees, chest, and the sides of the neck," says Milèo. "These areas allow the perfume to be truly enjoyed. If not, the top notes tend to fly away too quickly, and you can be left with a heady scent or a scent that can smell stiff and lifeless."  Greta Fitz, the founder of the fragrance company Ascention, encourages people to use a gentle application technique. "Try dabbing your fragrance on pulse points. Your body heat will activate it throughout the day as a natural diffuser."

Don't: Rub Perfume Into the Skin
Resist the temptation to rub perfume into your skin. "Fragrance application can be delicate," says Carina Chaz, who founded the unisex fragrance scent line DedCool in 2016. "Fragrance should sit on the skin in order to mix with your natural oils. When wrists are rubbed together, top notes will fade and evaporate. "When you rub your fragrance, you're then missing out on the overall experience since you're rubbing away, or drying out, a lot of the scent," adds Fitz.

Do: Walk Through a Perfume Fragrance Cloud (But There's a Catch)
Some users may prefer walking into a sprayed cloud before putting on their clothes to fully immerse themselves in the fragrance. This can be a romantic experience for the wearer and can make a morning routine more enjoyable. However, you'll want to make sure the scent is nontoxic: "You never want to inhale fragrance as traditional fragrance is a pollutant," says Chaz. "If you want to walk into a fragrance cloud, make sure that you're using a biodegradable fragrance."

Don't: Be Afraid to Layer Different Scents
Layering scents is an art unto itself. "We can layer with a complementary scent to refresh the scent without overpowering," says Fitz. "Single-note fragrances are the best for refreshing our olfactive pallet to our favorite fragrance, like a powdery musk." Fitz recommends avoiding multiple layers of bold fragrances together, as it can end up being too much and cause headaches for you and those in your environment. "If you love big fragrances but want a new take on them, layer them with single-note woody or musky fragrances to wrap the fragrance with earthy undertones," she states. "I would stay away from anything strong fruity because fruits can be overpowering or volatile based on what they are layered with."

Do: Apply Perfume to Clothing
Lots of people love to apply fragrance  to clothing. "During the winter, I like to mist my coat every once in a while to combat that winter mustiness," says Leigh Plessner, co-creative director of  Catbird. If this sounds like you, just be mindful of the clothing's composition. "Rule of thumb: If you can wash the fabric, then spritz away," says Fitz, adding that you should avoid materials like silk, which can be easily stained by perfume oils. "Make sure you wave the fabric in the mist for even coverage."
Also, note that you might not experience the full accord of the perfume if you spritz clothing. Milèo says, "Because of the nature of the fabric, it only catches some parts of the perfume and not the entire accord — which is why fragrances can smell more powdery on clothes." So, feel free to mist clothing with your signature scent, with the full knowledge that it's a different olfactory experience than when you correctly apply perfume to your skin.

Wonderful fragrances are often an investment, but there's nothing more infuriating than spritzing on a fancy scent only for it to be undetectable by the time your commute is over. But don't necessarily blame the perfume itself. There are right and wrong ways to apply a scent. (Spoiler alert: Dabbing your perfume on your wrists and rubbing them together isn't doing you or your bank account any favors.) What's more, how you store your fragrances and how well you moisturize your skin are key to making them smell their best and keeping them from fading quickly.

Keep reading to find out why your scent might not have the staying power it should.

Your Go-To Scent Is Grassy or Floral
A rule of thumb is that fragrances in the oriental or woody category tend to last much longer than citrus, floral, or green scents. (Of course, if you prefer a lighter scent, that's cool, too.)

You're Not Applying Fragrance in the Right Places
Important fact: Heat enhances fragrance, so it's best to spray it in places that generate the most body heat, such as the pulse points on the neck and the wrists—even your ankles and the backs of your knees.

Spraying directly onto your hair is a great hack since your strands are basically a built-in diffuser (with every hair tousle or flip, some scent particles are released). Better yet? Spring for an actual hair perfume. 

One thing to note: While it's practically ingrained in us from a young age to rub our wrists together, doing so actually breaks down the scent, making it fade more quickly than you'd like. Dab or spray it on, and just let it be.

You Aren't Moisturizing Enough
There's a direct correlation between your skin regimen and how long your fragrance lasts because the scent doesn't mesh well with dry skin. (Ensure your moisturizer is unscented so it doesn't compete with your perfume of choice.)

You're Not Storing Your Fragrance Properly
Did you know that fragrances have an expiration date? If the perfume changes color or texture, it's likely aged and lost some of its integrity. Natural ingredients will develop and often get stronger with time, but there's a fine line between a robust scent and something that just smells wrong, so use your best judgment. 

On the other hand, while all fragrances eventually go bad (or at least alter significantly), proper storage is key to making a bottle last. Ideally, keep your scents in a cool, dark place (though not the fridge) and away from air conditioning or heating units. Or, subscribe to a perfume subscription service to keep your fragrances up to date.

Toners and essences both come in bottles and look like clear liquids that could easily be mistaken for water, but both K-beauty staples serve different purposes.
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And if you follow any skincare influencer or dermatologist on Instagram or TikTok, you've probably seen opposing views on whether or not these skincare products are necessary steps in your routine. Confused about the difference between toners and essences? Don't know if you should be using these products? Same.


That's why we turned to two top dermatologists to demystify the difference between toners and essences, how to figure out if they're beneficial for your skin, and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.


What Is a Toner?
A toner is a water-based liquid used after cleansing the skin to further remove any dirt, oil, and debris, and preps the skin for the rest of the products in your skincare routine. Dr. Brendon Camp, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City says not all toners are the same, and formulas can offer a variety of benefits depending on your skin type and concerns. "They may be helpful for those with acne-prone skin by reducing oil levels on the skin," he says. "They may lessen the appearance of pores, aid in the absorption and penetration of skincare products, refresh the skin, brighten the appearance of skin, assist in exfoliation, and help maintain the pH balance of skin."

What Type of Toner Should You Use?
"Before adding a toner to your skincare regimen, determine what it is you want out of your toner. For example, selecting a toner that will help gently remove excess oil may be a good option for someone with acne-prone or excessively oily skin, but not appropriate for someone with dry skin," Dr. Camp explains. "An alcohol-free product is a better option for someone with dry skin as it is less likely to contribute to further dryness."
As for how often to use toners, that also depends on the formula. Most can be used every day, either morning or night, or both if needed. "Pay attention to how your skin reacts to a toner; it may not be necessary to use it twice daily if in combination with other skincare products it causes too much dryness," Dr. Camp says. Exfoliating toners can be used two to three times a week to experience their benefits with minimal risk of dryness and irritation.


What Is an Essence?
Although an essence is used right after cleansing, it does the opposite of a toner. "Essences refer to lightweight, liquid formulations, often water-based, that can add a boost of hydration or brightening to the skin and are meant to be applied as a first step after cleansing," explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

In addition to the extra hydration, some essences are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients to help the other products in your skincare routine better penetrate the skin, and some contain antioxidants to add further protection against free radicals and pollution.

Who Should Use an Essence, and How Do You Use One?
The good news: essences are safe for all skin types, and Dr. Garshick says they can be universally beneficial because they boost hydration.
Even better news: the product is easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. "An essence can be incorporated into a daily or nighttime routine and is safe to use one to two times per day," says Dr. Garshick. "It is generally best to apply after cleansing and prior to applying any serums or moisturizers."


Can You Use a Toner and an Essence Together?
The short answer? Yes – but it's important to use a toner and an essence in the right order.
"Essences are typically lightweight solutions that contain a high concentration of active ingredients, be they anti-aging or hydrating, that are pressed into the skin after cleansing," says Dr. Camp. "If using an essence in combination with a toner, essences are applied right afterward. Moisturizers can be layered on top of essences to seal them into the skin."

If you’re a huge skin care lover like us, chances are you’re familiar with most popular skin care ingredients and products you come across. That being said, there’s always room to learn about a product you may not be as familiar with, especially with new product categories popping up every season.

The product on today’s agenda? Astringent. Yep, it’s been around for quite some time and the term has been floating around forums and social media a lot. But ask yourself, do you actually know what astringent is and what it does? If you’ve ever considered adding it to your skin care routine then you don’t want to take a chance on “sort of.” Below, we’re sharing the details on what astringent is, the truth about astringent versus toner, if astringent is good for acne and more.


What Is Astringent?
Simply put, astringent is defined as a water-based cleanser  — but a much stronger, more potent one. For that reason, it isn't meant to replace your traditional face wash. The word astringent is also an adjective that means ‘to cause the contraction of skin cells.’ So as it relates to the product at hand, astringents are formulated to remove excess oil from your skin and tighten pores.


While you can’t shrink your pores, like many of us wish we could, you can make them appear smaller, and that’s part of the appeal of using an astringent. Consider astringents to be the perfect option for those who want an extra-deep cleaning or are all about pore-minimizing products.


Astringent vs. Toner: What’s the Difference?
Wondering what the difference is between astringent and toner? While both products are water-based cleansing options and may look similar thanks to their liquid consistencies, the two vary significantly in their formulas. Astringents are formulated with alcohol (so, yes, astringent is antibacterial), which is one of the reasons why they’re so potent. Toners are typically a gentler alternative, as they don’t have to contain alcohol.


Astringent and toner also offer different purposes. Astringents are centered around pore cleansing,  while toners can have a variety of uses. There are hydrating toners, exfoliating toners, illuminating toners and so on. You can use both astringent and toner in your routine, or you might find one or the other is better suited to your skin type.


Who Should Use Astringent?
Since astringents are formulated with alcohol, they can have the tendency to dry out your skin. For this reason, astringents are best for those with oily or acne prone skin. They work to reduce the sebum and residue that could be causing unwanted breakouts.


On the other hand, those with sensitive or dry skin should steer clear of astringents because of their drying quality. As a general rule of thumb, toners are suitable for all skin types, whereas astringents should be used with caution and in moderation based on your skin’s needs. As for whether you can use astringent every day, the same rules apply. If you have oily skin, you can use one in both your morning and evening routines. If you have sensitive skin, you might be better off avoiding daily use. Be sure to consult with your dermatologist before you introduce any new product into your skin care routine to ensure that it’s right for your skin care concerns. 


How to Use Astringent in Your Skin Care Routine
Think astringent is a product worth adding to your daily skin care regimen? Here’s how to put one to use in just three steps.


Step 1: Cleanse Your Complexion
First, you’ll want to cleanse your skin with a traditional facial cleanser. Consider looking for a mild cleanser formulated for your skin’s needs, Micellar water is gentle on your skin while removing makeup, dirt and excess oil in one step, leaving your skin looking purified and clear. Saturate a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your face.


Step 2: Grab Your Astringent
Next, reach for the product of the hour. Saturate a cotton pad with your astringent, and softly rub it across your face to deeply clean and purify your complexion. It’s that simple.


Step 3: Apply Moisturizer With SPF
Even though astringents are great for removing excess oils and residue from your complexion, there’s a risk they may be harsh on your skin, so follow up with a moisturizer. When all is said and done, finish your skin care routine with a moisturizer with SPF to soothe and protect your skin. We have a few star options to choose from.

It's funny. Hair seems to have a habit of growing quick where it's not wanted (that's you; toes, pits and bits). But, as for how to grow hair faster when it comes to our heads, um, why the glacial pace?

If you’re facing post-trim regret, or your hair splits and flakes as soon as it hits your shoulders, you may seek to find something that will accelerate the length, fast. The problem is, too many brands over-promise on miracle cures that cost a ton of money, then under-deliver.

We spoke to the country's leading hair experts to sort what really works, from what doesn't so you can quit wasting your money on fad products that promise the world. Plus, we asked them to share the best ways to speed up hair growth once and for all. Spoiler: a lot of it comes down to lifestyle and genetics. Hopefully there's some tips below that can help you in your long hair journey (or, if you change your mind, we've rounded up the dreamiest short hair inspo).


How fast does hair grow?
“On average, hair grows half an inch [around 1.3cm] a month,” says top trichologist and director of communications at Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley. Roughly, that works out at six inches, or 15cm a year, though this may very from person to person.

Are there any miracle treatments that can actually help to grow hair faster?
Beware of “cures” that promise to transform your hair overnight. “There are definitely effective treatments that help to encourage hair growth,” says Kingsley. “However, I would not use the term ‘miracle’. Firstly, bear in mind that any treatment or regime will take time; you can expect to see results at a minimum of 6 weeks, but more noticeable changes to hair growth occur from the three-month mark of starting something new. This is in part due to the rate of hair growth (i.e. half an inch a month), but it is also due to the individual growth cycles of hairs.”

“Secondly, it is important to realise that there is also no ‘one size fits all’ treatment,” says Kingsley. “It very much depends on your individual internal environment and your lifestyle. For instance, diet, nutritional deficiencies, hormone levels, genetics, general health and stress levels can all influence hair growth. You need to assess what areas need addressing, and act accordingly,” she adds.

In very extreme cases however, top trichologist, Stephanie Sey, notes “the only treatment that is clinically proven to grow hair thicker and faster is minoxidil (commonly known as Regaine), however this medication is only used for those suffering with male or female pattern hair loss.”

What causes hair loss?
"Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and high sugar diets can lead to scalp problems,” says Michael Van Clarke, hairdresser and founder of 3 More Inches. Crash dieting can be detrimental, too. “As hair is a non-essential tissue, it is the first part of you to be deprived of nutrients when your diet is lacking,” says Kingsley, “therefore restrictive eating deprives your hair of nutrients and this can cause excessive hair shedding.”

It might be worth keeping an eye on how tight you tie your ponytail, too – “this can cause traction breakage and may even pull out hairs from their follicles,” says Kingsley.

How to grow hair faster?
In general, the healthier you are, the healthier your hair will be, so rather than simply turning to products, it’s important to keep an eye on your lifestyle.

A well-balanced diet
“Poor lifestyle and diet has limited effect on the rate of growth but does impact on the quality,” says Clarke. “Hair is made of 97 percent protein,” says top trichologist, Stephen Carson. “Hair needs sufficient regular amounts of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and water as well as the omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, fruit and vegetables,” he adds. “To ensure your hair is getting the protein it needs to grow, eat at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch. Great examples are fish, eggs, lean meat, low fat cottage cheese, quinoa and pulses,” says Kingsley. “To help ensure that your hair is receiving enough energy for growth (hair cells are the second fastest growing cells the body produces after bone marrow), include a portion of complex carbohydrates with each meal. I.e. brown rice, whole-wheat toast, potatoes with skin-on or oatmeal,” adds Kingsley.

Quality sleep
“To enable your body to recover and repair itself, you need quality sleep,” says Carson. “If you have a stressed lifestyle, sleep is important for adrenal recovery.”

Supplements and vitamins
The experts all agree that a healthy, well-balanced diet should be the first line of defence. “Vitamins and supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a varied diet,” says Clake, “but they can help those with an unbalanced regime.”

“Your hair has especially high nutritional requirements which can be difficult to meet through diet alone,” says Kingsley. “Supplements can be very handy in that they provide your hair with easily accessible nutrients.” Look for protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, Omega 3 and Biotin. “Biotin is especially important to keep the hair healthy because it functions in the synthesis of hair proteins like keratin. Lack of biotin has also been associated with hair breakage and hair loss,” says Clarke. Meanwhile, “B12 is especially important for vegans, as B12 is only found naturally in animal products,” says Kingsley. Philip Kingsley's Tricho Complex Nutritional Supplement (£46) contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals including biotin.

Before taking supplements, it’s best to consult with a doctor and take a blood test first, advises Carson.

Regular trims
A trim won't make your hair grow faster, but it can make it look better. "A trim can help to improve and maintain the quality and density of your ends,” explains Kingsley. “Regular trims  will help get rid of the old weathered ends of the hair,” agrees Sey. “The ends of the hair are the oldest having gone through repeated washing, combing and styling. If you want to retain the length you are growing then it is essential to trim.” “As hair grows it changes shape. So regular reshaping as it gets longer is important to keep you happy with your hair all the way through,” says Clarke. As for how often we should trim, Carson recommends every six to eight weeks.

Scalp scrubs and regular shampooing
“Hair grows best from a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley. So it’s important to cleanse it regularly, since “shampooing gets rid of the dirt and debris on the scalp, which includes pollution, sweat and old skin cells,” says Sey. And to make the most of it, really massage your shampoo in. “Scalp massage is good for blood circulation which brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle and takes toxins away,” says Clarke.
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Finally, it’s a good idea to use an exfoliating scalp mask once a week “to keep your scalp supple and to remove dead skin cells,” says Kingsley. Both exfoliating and cleansing will also help to remove any blockages (like dead skin cells or product build-up) from impeding your hair from growing. You can use a scrub, just be careful to scrub gently so as not to cause breakages, or use a liquid exfoliator.

Natural scalp-friendly ingredients
It's worth noting that natural doesn't necessarily mean better, but there are some natural ingredients that are really worth the hype. Camelia oil has been used as a hair and scalp treatment in Asia for generations and has years of proof to back its effectiveness. "It has antioxidant properties, which neutralise free radicals to help keep the skin on your scalp healthy and strong," explains Peter Bailey, who heads up Unilever’s Research and Development team.

​Aloe vera can soothe scalps and moisturise strands while balancing sebum, charcoal can absorb excess oils, kelp and olive oil are gentle and nourishing and honey is antibacterial. We especially love Klorane's Anti-Pollution Shampoo (£8) which contains detoxifying aquatic mint. All are worth looking out for in our haircare. Meanwhile, chemicals like SLS do an impressive job of deep-cleaning our hair, but can create problems elsewhere such as dryness and itchiness on sensitive scalps, so may be one to red-flag if you're prone to irritation as a sore scalp isn't the best starting place for healthy hair growth.

Conditioners and masks
"Shampooing lifts the surface cuticle of the hair shaft so conditioner is essential for smoothing this down and protecting the hair shaft,” says Clarke. Using a good conditioner will help you restore moisture and also help give the hair a lovely look and feel – in some cases it may make it more manageable,” adds Sey.

“Conditioning masks help to strengthen your hair, reducing breakage – which can improve the thickness of your mid-lengths and ends. If your ends are breaking, your hair simply won’t be able to grow as long as it otherwise could. They also plump your hair shaft with moisture, giving strands the appearance of more body,” says Kingsley. 

Protection from heat styling
“If you are wedded to your styling tools you definitely need to use heat protectors,” says Carson. “In my opinion today’s powerful hair dryers set on the high temperatures are too hot,” he adds.

Kingsley agrees, noting that some hair tools can get hot enough to caramelise sugar. In order to reduce the damage, don’t hold your dryer too close to your hair “hold it approximately 12 inches away,” says Kingsley. Opt for a medium or low heat setting, and turn your dryer off as soon as your hair is just dry. “Applying heat to already dried hair evaporates precious moisture from within your hair shaft, which can cause brittleness and breakage,” says Kingsley, so try to limit using your straighteners or tools to once a week if possible. “And don’t go over the same areas of hair repeatedly,” warns Kingsley. Even better, we love these air-drying tips for embracing your natural texture.

Limit dying and bleaching
One of the best things about our hair is being able to have fun with it and play with colour. Phenomenal hair colour can do wonders for our confidence and while it does cause damage there are steps we can take to mitigate this as much as possible. Firstly, “go to a salon and have a colour technician look after your hair if you are going to bleach it,” says Carson. “This is a chemical process that should be carried out by a qualified professional.” Secondly, “take steps to hydrate and strengthen the strands between processing,” says Kingsley. “If your hair is coloured use a shampoo and  conditioner specific for this type. It will be formulated to keep the cuticle tight to try and keep the colour pigments locked in the hair,” Carson explains, while Sey recommends regular deep conditioning treatments.

Finally, “leave enough time between your colour appointments (preferably 8 weeks),” says Kingsley. “If you have colour done too soon, it is more likely to overlap and cause damage.”

Careful brushing
“Your hair is weakest when wet,” says Carson. “This is because water separates some of the bonds. When the hair is dry, the bonds are reformed,” so it’s important to be gentle when brushing it wet.
Detangle from your ends and use a gentle hair brush. “A brush with rounded, plastic prongs and a vented cushioned base is the most friendly of brushes,” says Kingsley.  Avoid anything with harsh boar bristles since this can remove sections of your outer hair cuticle says Kingsley and avoid brushes with metal prongs. “These have the tendency to get very hot when you heat style and can burn both your scalp and your hair.”

Gentle hair ties
​As for hair bands, soft fabric is your best bet. “Hard ties and clips in and out of the hair can lead to breakage,” says Clarke. “Anything that ties the hair should have some give so that if there is any pressure it can flex around the hair shaft.” Choose fabric hair ties. Hard metal edges can cut into your hair and lead to snapping, so avoid.

The question of how to get thicker hair is an all-too-common one for hairstylists. Upwards of 50 percent of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives, and that number has only increased in recent years: 22 percent of women reported dealing with hair loss after having COVID. Tackling hair loss is arguably the question most beauty experts hear most often—and there is no one right answer.

​From slapping on nourishing hair masks and scalp oils to popping hair-growth supplements and using thickening shampoos, most of us are willing to do (or buy!) anything that will help us achieve lush hair. But don't waste your time on pills or products that won't work for you. The biggest expert tip is to keep it simple. “Less is more when it comes to promoting hair growth, but compliance is key,” says Debby Vellozzi, the head of product development at Virtue Labs. “Growth products are meant to be used daily and while it takes time, they truly work.” Here, we speak with celebrity hairstylists and a trichologist to break down everything you need to know about growing thicker and longer hair—the right way. 

Eat Smarter
We have great hair news for avocado fanatics. According to Michelle Blaisure, product and technical specialist and certified trichologist for Bosley Professional Strength, a diet full of healthy fats is essential for thick and healthy hair. “While genetics determines hair texture and curl, our diet plays a role in how genes can get expressed,” Blaisure says. “Be sure to get plenty of good-quality protein and good fats like olive oil and omega-3s.” She recommends salmon, avocados, nuts, vegetables, and fruits to get all the key nutrients needed for growing stronger hair.
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Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
It sounds obvious but bears repeating: Different hair types require specific products that cater to their exact needs. Cutler x Arlo Salon co-owner Jenny Balding says those with fine hair should look for volume-building shampoo and conditioners, such as the Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo, to boost the appearance of thickness and add shine. For those with coarse hair, Balding suggests products that tame frizz and moisturize. A good rule of thumb is to pick a shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and a conditioner that boosts hydration (applied to the mid-lengths to the ends), says Lars Skjoth, the CEO and founder of Harklinikken.

Don’t Over-Wash
Too much of a good thing can harm your hair. According to Lucy Flora, stylist at Suite Reyad at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, the number-one mistake she sees clients make is over-washing.
“There is nothing better for shine than the hair’s natural oils,” Flora says. You can help distribute the natural oils by gently brushing your hair regularly (more on that below). Just don’t go more than a few days before a shampoo; you still need to rinse away product buildup to maintain a healthy scalp. And speaking of your scalp…
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Start with Your Scalp
When it comes to hair growth, don’t sleep on your scalp. (Well, you know what we mean.) The scalp has a rich microbiome of bacteria and fungus necessary to keep the skin—and hair it grows—healthy, explains Blaisure. When we don’t shampoo enough or use harsh cleanser, it leads to skin problems that negatively affect hair growth. “The skin has immunity functions and is our first line of defense against toxins and environment aggressors. When the scalp is compromised, the scalp cannot defend itself,” she says. “Keeping a healthy balance of moisture and natural oils is important on the scalp just as it is on your face.”

She blames overuse of hair stylers and harsh cleaning agents (think: sulfates) for stripping the hair and disrupting the scalp’s pH balance. She recommends limiting thickening products that leave behind a heavy residue and make hair look dull, as well as anything with a high pH level. Linda de Zeeuw, master stylist at Rob Peetoom in Brooklyn, suggests massaging your scalp to activate blood flow and to avoid washing your hair more than three times a week. De Zeeuw also warns against overusing dry shampoo—heartbreaking, we know—as it can build up a layer of residue on your scalp and clog hair follicles, preventing new, healthy hair from growing.

Get Your Blood Flowing
Before you stock up on promising products, try giving yourself a scalp massage, which encourages blood flow and helps break up scar tissue in the hair follicle to promote thickness. With your fingertips, move in small circular motions with a moderate amount of pressure. And although scalp massaging tools have grown in popularity, Skjoth warns that sharp rubber devices or metal massaging devices can potentially damage the follicles and prevent hair growth. “When done the right way, a regular scalp massage can work wonders for microcirculation of the hair follicles especially when used in conjunction with a serum” he adds.

Read the Ingredient List
Skjoth recommends avoiding products that contain silicones, artificial colors, or—if you're sensitive—fragrance. “These ingredients can cause scalp issues, which can sometimes cause dermatitis, folliculitis (infection of the hair follicle), and if left untreated can lead to permanent loss of hairs in the inflicted hair follicles.” Instead, look for ingredients that boast anti-inflammatory properties, which stabilize the scalp microbiome and balance excess sebum that often plays a part in hair thinning. 

Thanks to TikTok, powder puffs are surging in popularity, but they've been in makeup kits for decades. Nikki La Rose-Bonaldi, a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles, says professional makeup artists have used powder puffs for ages to smooth and mattify makeup without disrupting it. And some makeup artists even prefer a powder puff to other makeup brush styles. "Most brushes can give powder a patchy look and may disrupt liquid or cream makeup underneath," La Rose-Bonaldi explains. Meanwhile, modern powder puffs tend to result in a smoother, more airbrushed effect—especially around the under-eyes.

So how exactly do you use a powder puff for a flawless finish? Ahead, La Rose-Bonaldi and makeup artist Emily Gray break down everything you need to know.

What Is a Powder Puff?
A powder puff is a tool designed to apply setting powder to the face. And while the term might bring to mind those massive feathery puffs from the early 2000s, modern-day powder puffs are typically about the same size as your palm, feature a velvety texture, and are round or triangular in shape to powder the contours of your face.

"A powder puff gently locks in makeup without the tugging or streaking of a brush, giving an overall more flawless finish," says La Rose-Bonaldi. She adds that this technique also minimizes the appearance of pores and uneven skin texture. Gray is also a fan of powder puffs and uses them exclusively for setting makeup. "A puff can better control where the powder goes and, in my opinion, gives an airbrushed effect," she says. "I only use a makeup brush when I want to cover the entire face in setting powder."

How to Use a Powder Puff

Start With Base Makeup First
Before setting your makeup, ensure your base is complete, Gray says. So, apply your skincare, foundation, concealer, bronzer, and contour first. Then you can move on to setting your makeup with a puff.

Dip Your Powder Puff Into the Formula of Your Choice
To start, dip your puff into your setting powder. (Gray and La Rose-Bonaldi agree that this technique works with either pressed or loose powder.)

Choosing between a pressed or loose powder comes down to personal preference. Pressed powders will be less messy, making them a great option if you're on the go. However, La Rose-Bonaldi notes that loose powder formulas look the most natural. As for how much powder to use, our experts say it depends on your skin type and the look you're going for. If you have very oily skin, La Rose-Bonaldi recommends applying a generous amount of powder to combat shine.

For dry skin, La Rose-Bonaldi says less is more, so use it sparingly and in strategic areas. If your skin is generally balanced, Gray says to tailor your powder application to the look you're trying to achieve. For a matte look, apply more powder; for a dewy finish, apply less powder.

Warm Up Your Powder Puff
Once you have powder on your puff, before applying it directly onto the skin, La Rose-Bonaldi and Gray recommend patting the puff into the palm of your hand. This will remove any excess product and evenly distribute the powder on the puff, making it easier to achieve a flawless application.

Press, Don't Pull
La Rose says the key is gently patting (not rubbing) to press the powder onto the skin. According to La Rose-Bonaldi and Gray, the best place to apply product using a powder puff is the T-zone, where many people get oily throughout the day and under the eyes to set and brighten.

Powder Puffs Versus Baking
Using a powder puff is a different way of setting your makeup than the "baking" technique (although powder puffs can be used for baking your makeup). La Rose-Bonaldi says baking involves adding excess powder, leaving it on for a few minutes, and then dusting off the rest to brighten under the eyes. While baking may have been all the rage circa 2015, Gray says it's better suited for stage makeup, not everyday use. On the other hand, using a powder puff will still mattify and set your makeup but not look as heavy.

Picking the Right Puff
While tons of fancy powder puffs are on the market, you don't have to break the bank to add them to your routine. La Rose-Bonaldi loves these triangle velvet powder puffs that come in a 12-pack for under $10. Beautyblender also released its version of a triangle-shaped puff, a popular choice among makeup lovers.

On the other hand, Gray prefers powder puffs made of a velour material, like Laura Mercier's cult-favorite puff. "These feel soft and luxurious and pick up powder wonderfully," she says. Size and shape also matter, she adds. "I love smaller-shaped puffs like the circle or triangle-shaped ones to set the more delicate areas of the face."

Like most beauty tools, you should regularly was your puffs. "I suggest washing by hand in warm water using a gentle soap bar," La Rose-Bonaldi says. "Then lay them flat on a towel to dry overnight. Don't throw them in the washing machine since that might be harsh and impact lasting power."

That said, powder puffs are not meant to be used forever. Gray suggests replacing your powder puff once a week or so, depending on how often you use it. And when in doubt, use your best judgment. "You'll know in your gut when it's time to replace your puffs," La Rose-Bonaldi says. "Once the material starts to get balled up like an old sweater, that's when it's time."