Expensive Hair Treatments Didn’t Fix My Hair Loss Because It Was PTSD

Jessica DeFino is a writer and vocal critic of the beauty industry. She reminds me that “the beauty industry’s focus on treating trauma with consumerism (classic ‘retail therapy’!) is a manifestation of toxic individualism. It convinces consumers that trauma stemming from systemic issues — whether that’s feeling insecure about getting older due to ageism, or losing your hair from chronic stress resulting from overwork, overwhelm, racism, colourism, classism, ableism, low wages, high cost of living, climate change, whatever — is fixable on the individual level, via individual product use.”  read more

These Will Be the 12 Most Coveted Skincare Gift Sets This Season, Guaranteed

You knew it was coming—the holiday season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about what to buy for every kind of beauty lover in your life. Some may want a few buzzy new skincare items to add to their routine while makeup enthusiasts might simply need a few good brush sets. If you’ve come to the conclusion that you have quite a few skincare-obsessed people on your list, look no further for gift inspiration. Below, we’ve rounded up *the* skincare gift sets of the season anyone on your list would love to get their hands on. Keep scrolling—good stuff ahead. read more

So You Want To Increase Your Libido? Sexologists Share Their Best Advice

Sex-positive therapist Aleks Trkulja also reminds us that libido is influenced by numerous factors: “emotional, mental, physical, relational wellbeing, as well as socio-cultural influences,” to name a few. “You can’t consciously ‘change’ it, but [you can] review influences that either help or hinder it,” she says, pointing to antidepressants, chronic illness, relationship stress, and unhelpful beliefs about sex and sexuality.  read more