Spring in to Summer

The gloomy winter period is well behind us, and we are nearing the long sunny days of summer. Hoorah! I found the above vintage pic and thought it looked like the most idyllic setting - so it became the inspiration of this week’s article.

We want to make sure you’ve got a spring in your step as you enter the glorious season of sunshine, so we’ve put together a few tips to brighten up your insides and outsides and make sure you’re alive and kicking, happy, healthy and ready for summer.

Hair
Brighten up your complexion with the right hair colour and cut. 

Add a big dose of radiance to your appearance, by choosing a hairstyle that compliments your face shape and highlights your best features. When it comes to colour opt for a hair hue that flatters and illuminates your complexion. For tips on fitting cuts read our article on face shapes, and for complementary hair colours, check out our skin tone article.


Skin
Brighten up your skin with a good scrub and condition.

Exfoliating two to three times a week (less if you have dry or sensitive skin) will do wonders for your skin. By removing dead skin cells you will uncover the glowing new cells beneath, as well as revitalize cell renewal, boost circulation and give your complexion a smooth, fresh appearance. Following exfoliation, replenish and rehydrate your skin with a quality moisturiser to keep your skin soft and supple. As the summer sun intensifies, make sure you invest in a moisturiser with SPF protection to shield your skin from UV damage.


Fitness
Brighten up your body with a health dose of movement.

The winter months can be less than motivating when it comes to regularly exercising, but with the magnificent golden ball of heat and light now high in the sky it’s time to get outside and get moving! Not only is regular exercise important for weight control and general health, it’s also a key component for improving your mood, your energy levels and your sleep patterns. Choose to stay fit and limber by simply scheduling regular walks or bike rides through your local park. Why not try a Pilates or yoga class too…There’s even the option of a boot camp if you’re brave enough!

Nutrition
Brighten up your insides and outsides with fresh, whole foods.

You are what you eat! What goes in your mouth determines the state of your vital organs as well as your skin and hair. To cultivate and maintain a healthy, happy body inside and out choose to eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh, colourful whole foods (with the addition of occasional sweet treats of course!). Pack your daily feasting full of nutrient-rich foods like nuts (zinc, protein, omega-3 fatty acids), legumes (biotin, zinc, iron), leafy greens (vitamins A and C), berries (Vitamins A, C and E), eggs (protein) and seafood (essential fatty acids, protein, iron, B vitamins), to ensure your body receives the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to stay in mint condition.

Happy summer days to you and yours!

Healthy foods for healthy hair

[caption id="attachment_729" align="aligncenter" width="390" caption="Image courtesy of Pure and Healthy"][/caption]

Keeping your hair healthy, shiny and lush relies not only on what you put in your hair but also what you put in your gob. Your diet has a significant effect on the health of your hair, and your locks require important nutrients including protein, essential fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C and all the B’s to stay in tip top shape!

Perming, colouring and using heated stylers can strip your strands of the nutrients that keep them strong and moisture-rich. A wholesome diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and dairy can majorly improve the state of your tresses, preventing dull, brittle locks and the deceleration of hair growth.

Here are 6 foods that will help nourish your hair from the inside out…

Nuts
Packed full of necessary nutrients such as zinc, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts deserve to be a staple nutriment in your hair-care diet. A healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, and nuts provide two key elements for achieving this. Selenium is a great one for promoting a healthy scalp, as is vitamin E, which assists with blood circulation. Whether walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews or almonds – by snacking on nuts or sprinkling them over your salads and vegetables, you’ll start to notice softer, smoother locks with less split ends and frizz.

Legumes
Beans and lentils are an essential part of your nutritional hair-care regime. As well as generous offerings of protein, which is vital for hair growth, these power-foods are also a great way to inject iron, biotin and zinc into your hair. This combo of nutrients will ensure your tresses remain hydrated, shiny and supple.

Leafy Greens
Dark green, leafy veggies are chock-a-block full of vitamins A and C for a healthy scalp and resilient locks. Your body uses these antioxidants to help produce your body’s natural hair and scalp conditioner - sebum (an oily substance emitted by your hair follicles) - and maintain strong healthy hair by allowing your body to effectively absorb iron - avoiding weak and brittle tresses. Filling up on veg such as spinach and broccoli will help maintain strong, moisture-rich locks that will grow faster and break less frequently.

Eggs
Protein is an absolutely essential element for maintaining healthy hair, and eggs are a winning choice for attaining an ample supply. Boiled, poached or scrambled, eggs are considered to be a nutritionally complete food and they contain all the essential amino acids, which can only be obtained through your diet - the human body does not produce them. Your hair is primarily made up of protein, so it’s important to keep your levels up. With benefits such as thriving hair growth and stronger, brighter locks, having “an egg a day” really is a bright idea!

Salmon
The star nutrients in salmon are the essential fatty acids. As well as promoting a healthy, conditioned scalp, essential fatty acids also aid hydration and optimum hair growth. Additionally, salmon is rich in omega 6 and 9, protein, vitamin B12 and iron.  A salmon steak or a helping of salmon sushi on a regular basis is sure to provide the rich nourishment required for vibrant and bountiful locks. If salmon (or fish in general) is not your cup of tea, a few tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day is a great source of plant-based essential fatty acids.

Oysters
Oysters are a bit of an indulgent nosh, and are of course recognised predominantly for their “love potion” qualities. Yet these tasty little morsels are also packed full of goodness for healthy hair. Their central hair-care element is zinc – a mighty antioxidant that can prevent the thinning of hair and help boost your immune system, which in turn encourages hair growth. If you can’t quite stomach oysters, you can acquire zinc (as well as protein, B vitamins and iron) from beef and lamb.