As we age, our hair undergoes significant changes, one of the most noticeable being the transition to gray. In our younger years, we might have opted for any shampoo or conditioner that was on sale or had a pleasant scent. However, when hair turns gray, this approach often falls short.

A common recommendation for maintaining the softness and shine of gray hair is to use purple shampoo, which helps neutralize any yellowing that might occur. Lisa Fennessy, a gray hair influencer and founder of The New Knew, a blog dedicated to clean beauty, highlights a frequent misstep many make with gray hair care: the misuse of purple shampoo.

Understanding the yellowing effect is crucial. Gray hair, having lost its pigment, is susceptible to discoloration. Brandie Devillier, a platform educator at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, has explained, “Think of a white T-shirt: the more you wear it, the less crisp and clean it becomes. The same thing happens to our gray hair—pollution, hard water, and even too much sun can cause it to become lackluster.”

To combat this, hairstylists often recommend purple shampoo and conditioner. Krysta Biancone, co-founder of Amari Salon & Spa, notes, “Purple shampoos neutralize yellow tones in gray hair, keeping it bright and vibrant.”

However, Fennessy warns against a common mistake: confusing blue shampoo with purple shampoo. In a TikTok video, she points out that blue shampoo can be problematic for gray hair. Cindy Marcus, a professional hairstylist and editor-in-chief of Latest Hairstyles, cautions, “When using blue-toned shampoo, the gray hair is very porous and will grab the blue tone which will turn gray or white hair blue.”

Even when using purple shampoo, there might be a method issue. Fennessy advises, “If you’ve tried using purple shampoo to brighten your gray (or blonde) hair, but it doesn’t work—you are probably doing it wrong!” She suggests that the key is to leave the shampoo in longer, treating it almost like a leave-in conditioner to allow it to effectively tone the hair.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a purple shampoo that is highly moisturizing. As hair grays, the scalp’s production of sebum, a natural hydrating oil, decreases. Fennessy recommends using a non-stripping shampoo that retains natural oils. “Most conventional shampoos are gonna strip the oils from your hair, which leave your scalp and your hair dry,” she explains. “You want a shampoo that’s low in surfactants and leaves the natural oils that your scalp produces in place while removing dirt and grime.”

For those seeking the ideal purple shampoo, Fennessy suggests a product from the German brand Bruns, available on her website, while Biancone previously recommended Clairol Shimmer Lights.

It’s important to remember that blue shampoo is specifically formulated to reduce brassiness in brunettes, not for gray hair care. By avoiding this common mistake and selecting the right products, you can maintain the vibrancy and health of your gray hair.

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A recent study from Northwestern University has unveiled a hidden world of viruses within our bathrooms, challenging our perceptions of cleanliness and microbial life. Everyday items like toothbrushes have been found to harbor a multitude of newly discovered viruses, forming their own unique ecosystems.

Erica M. Hartmann, PhD, who spearheaded the research, expressed her astonishment at the findings. “The number of viruses that we found is absolutely wild,” she remarked. “We found many viruses that we know very little about and many others that we have never seen before. It’s amazing how much untapped biodiversity is all around us. And you don’t even have to go far to find it; it’s right under our noses.”

Hartmann’s curiosity about the microbe populations in our homes led her to focus on bathrooms as an ideal study site. She noted, “If you think about indoor environments, surfaces like tables and walls are really difficult for microbes to live on. Microbes prefer environments with water. And where is there water? Inside our showerheads and on our toothbrushes.”

Using DNA sequencing, Hartmann’s team discovered 600 distinct viruses on toothbrushes and inside showerheads. Interestingly, there was “basically no overlap in virus types between showerheads and toothbrushes,” and minimal overlap between individual samples. This highlights the unique viral diversity each item possesses.

The study’s findings could have significant implications for combating certain diseases. Among the viruses identified was mycobacteriophage, which targets mycobacteria, germs associated with illnesses like tuberculosis and leprosy. Hartmann envisions using these mycobacteriophages to “clean pathogens out of your plumbing system.”

While the thought of invisible viruses lurking in our bathrooms might be unsettling, Hartmann advises embracing these microbial companions. “Microbes are everywhere, and the vast majority of them will not make us sick,” she explained. “The more you attack them with disinfectants, the more they are likely to develop resistance or become more difficult to treat. We should all just embrace them.”

Interestingly, the study also sheds light on the cleanliness of everyday objects beyond the bathroom. According to experts, cell phones can harbor ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Emily Martin, PhD, MPH, from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, highlights the issue: “Because people are always carrying their cell phones even in situations where they would normally wash their hands before doing anything, cell phones do tend to get pretty gross.”

Martin further warns about the implications of taking cell phones into bathrooms. “Taking a cell phone into the bathroom and then leaving with it is kind of like going in, not washing your hands and then coming back out. It’s the same level of concern.”

This groundbreaking study not only reveals the hidden viral ecosystems in our bathrooms but also encourages a more informed and balanced approach to cleanliness and microbial life in our daily environments.

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When embarking on a journey to shed pounds, it’s essential to distinguish between weight loss and fat loss. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different outcomes. Weight loss is a broad term that encompasses the reduction of total body weight, including muscle, water, and fat. On the other hand, fat loss specifically targets the reduction of fat, which is a healthier and more precise goal.

The traditional method of using a scale to track progress doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle loss. For a more accurate assessment, consider using tools like a body fat scale or skinfold calipers. These devices can provide a clearer picture of your body composition by measuring the percentage of fat and muscle.

“Tracking only your weight isn’t a reliable way to determine whether you’re losing fat or muscle and in what amounts.”

Focusing on fat loss rather than just weight loss is beneficial for several reasons. It can lower the risk of chronic diseases, minimize age-related muscle loss, and prevent fat regain. Losing muscle instead of fat can decrease the number of calories burned at rest, making it easier to regain lost weight as fat. Moreover, maintaining muscle mass is crucial as it burns more calories at rest, and helps regulate blood sugar and fat levels in the body.

“Losing muscle can be detrimental, as muscle is a crucial component of your overall health.”

Many quick-fix weight loss programs often result in losing water and muscle instead of fat. To ensure fat loss while maintaining or gaining muscle, it’s important to focus on a balanced approach involving diet and exercise. Protein intake plays a significant role in this balance. A study found that men on a high-protein diet lost more fat and gained more muscle compared to those on a lower-protein diet.

“Protein is also important for maintaining the muscle you have and supporting new muscle growth, especially when losing weight.”

Exercise is another critical component. A meta-analysis of studies showed that older adults who combined cardio and weight training with a calorie-restricted diet retained significantly more muscle than those who did not exercise. The combination of exercise and higher protein intake can amplify results, helping to maintain muscle while promoting fat loss.

“The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of cardio and muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups.”

Creating a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, but it should be done thoughtfully. Drastically cutting calories can lead to muscle loss. Instead, aim to reduce your intake by 500 to 600 calories per day, focusing on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach supports fat loss while preserving muscle mass.

Distinguishing between weight loss and fat loss is crucial for achieving a healthier body composition. By utilizing the right tools, focusing on protein intake, incorporating exercise, and managing calorie intake wisely, you can achieve sustainable fat loss while maintaining vital muscle mass.

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