The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The average human brain and body will do better with six months of leave. However, is your human brain and body being paid for that time away? And, even if so, is your employer (and are your colleagues) supportive of six months in a culture that, by law, has normalized 12 unpaid weeks as “enough?” These are big questions to consider, and I’d be irresponsible to share the basic research without also telling you to think about how these other bias-driven factors may make things hard all the same.
So, if the financial piece of the puzzle is okay for you, but you’re in a workplace where the thought of six months makes people do a weird thing with their face when you say it, I encourage you to do three things:
1) Read up and internalize all of the good data and research that backs up 6+ months so you can broadcast that message to any doubters and see it as a strength to push things toward what’s right and fair for all (this report from Brigid Schulte and team at New America is loaded with compelling evidence).
2) Talk about your future at your employer—projects that are on the horizon for after your leave, your long-term career growth—so that people see, obviously, that you’re committed to staying.
3) Insist that your partner also take some leave. I know you’re thinking, but if I have six months do they even need leave? Yes. Because if they don’t have it, the gap between their non leave and your humane six months could set you up for uneven co-parenting for the long haul. By six months, trust me, you will be really good at the baby stuff, and if your partner isn’t as well, you risk becoming the default primary parent, which makes going back to work (or just arm wrestling over who’s staying home when the daycare floods) much, much harder.
The never-ending stream of nail inspiration from celebrities and content creators overwhelms us in the best way. Though each dessert-named trend is unique, they all require the best long-lasting nail polish to keep working hands from denting their perfectly manicured nails. The best long-lasting nail polishes glide, spread, and dry quickly. While the finish you choose (matte, cream, sheer, or metallic) is determined by your nail goals, some finishes help nail polish last longer. For example, “shimmer, metallic, and glitter finishes stay on a bit longer due to added texture,” says celebrity nail artist Michelle Saunders James.
Although we’ll never give up our nourishing cuticle oils and strengthening treatments, it’s also beneficial if their formulas include ingredients that promote nail health. Maybe one day the argument in favor of peeling, flaky polish will gain traction, but for now, we’re sticking with what we know works: a streak- and smudge-free finish that lasts long enough to make it from Monday morning conference calls to Sunday brunch debriefs.
Why We Love It: Essie’s line of long-wear polishes has a stellar reputation among professionals and novices alike, and it is quick-drying, durable, and looks far more luxe than its low price suggests. Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez have both been spotted wearing beige-pink shades. Swoon over the artist’s wheel of pastel, deep-hued, shimmer, and glossy varnishes that apply cleanly and easily, leaving no globby trail behind.
Who It’s For: Thanks to its two-step system, the gel polish can last up to two weeks, making it one of the safest ways to achieve the enviable, high-shine finish of a fresh gel manicure without being exposed to harmful UV light.
It’s worth noting that lighter colors may require multiple coats to reveal their true shade.
Why We Love It: We’ve seen Jennifer Coolidge wearing this polish on the Golden Globes red carpet. It’s one of the best options for color payoff with just one coat. Furthermore, the gel-like formula provides the same super glossy and long-lasting finish without the harmful effects of a UV lamp.
Who It’s For: This polish comes in an impressive 54 colors, so there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer pastels, vibrant shades, or a true black manicure.
Why We Love It: CND’s rich color payoff, ease of use, and luxe finish helped it become a salon favorite and celebrity-worn (hi, Rihanna) polish brand. Its rosy color palette is super sweet, and we think Candied is the perfect baby pink for a strawberry milk mani or as an everyday neutral. Thanks to this two-step, non-gel system, your manicure will last seven (or more) days while maintaining its glossy appearance.
Who It’s For: Because the polish hardens immediately, you don’t have to worry about your freshly painted nails getting damaged while they dry. It also contains vitamin E, keratin, and jojoba oil, which nourish the nail bed and promote growth, giving your nails a healthier appearance and feel over time.
It is important to note that in order to reap all of the benefits, you must apply the top coat.
Long, voluminous lashes are the perfect finishing touch for any makeup look, whether they’re achieved with mascara, eyelash curlers, fluttery extensions, or falsies. These temporary options give your eyes an instant, alluring boost. Still, the most natural, effective, and long-lasting way to achieve your dream lashes (without makeup) is to use a lash growth serum, especially one that is safe to use around your eyes. “The skin around the eyes is very thin and much more prone to irritation than other areas of the face,” explains NYC-based dermatologist Carmen Castilla, M.D., who recommends applying your preferred formula “slowly, using a small amount of product to ensure you won’t develop sensitivity to your lash serum.”
Applying a few strokes of serum along your lash line on a regular basis will result in healthy, fuller-looking lashes. InStyle tested 40 of the most popular lash growth serums for 10 to 12 weeks to see which ones made our lashes appear longer, fuller, and more voluminous while causing no irritation or sensitivity.
Why We Love It: This Borboleta serum deserves tens all around—we were impressed from start to finish by its chic packaging, ease of application, and lightweight consistency. The applicator brush resembles the tip of a liquid eyeliner, allowing you to easily reach your lash line with a single, targeted sweep. After eight weeks of consistent serum application, our tester’s lashes not only became noticeably longer (she even received compliments from strangers on the sidewalk!), but they also began to curl upwards. In terms of strength, she noticed that her lashes were not falling out as frequently as they usually did.
Who It’s For: If you can get past the initial irritation (which our tester experienced for the first few nights), this lash serum can deliver long, thick lashes in as little as two weeks for those who have always desired them.
Why We Love It: A good mascara can give you the illusion of length, but GrandeLash-MD’s powerhouse serum delivers the real thing. Our tester discovered that when she used this radish root extract and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, her notoriously short lashes grew noticeably longer in about four weeks. She also noticed less breakage after she decided to use mascara and then removed it. Bonus: Because it is water-based, you can use this product with eyelash extensions.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking for the ultimate doe-eyed effect will appreciate the formula’s ultra-lengthening abilities.
Why We Love It: Although the package states that results will be visible in eight weeks, we were surprised (and delighted!) to see signs of fullness and growth after only a few. At the end of eight weeks, the serum’s full effect on our tester’s lashes was visible. They grew noticeably longer, more uniform, and fuller, allowing her to flaunt her new “I just woke up like this” look. While some lash serums require careful application to avoid a tingle, this lightweight serum felt like water on our tester’s lids and caused no eye sensitivity.
Who It’s For: If you’re concerned about shedding and breakage and want to achieve a natural, healthy look for your lashes, this option can help.
December is such a special month because there are so many holidays to celebrate. Embrace the holiday spirit with festive nail designs.According to manicurist Lia Smith, a good holiday nail color or design can lift your spirits and put you in the holiday mood. “Expressing yourself through color is like decorating your home for the holidays.”
Colors to consider for the holidays include rich jewel tones and metallics. Use chunky glitters, fine shimmers, and festive motifs (such as candy canes and snowflakes) to add a touch of holiday spirit to your look. Check out the 80 holiday nail ideas below to get inspiration for your look.
@madnails
Plaid nails have dominated winter nail trends. Choose an unexpected color, such as chartreuse, for a fun twist on the traditional pattern.
@sansungnails
“Classic red gets an upgrade with a jelly finish layered over silver chrome for a soft yet reflective effect,” explains nail artist Aja Walton.
@jess_nails_it
French tips, snowflakes, glitter, and candy cane swirls combine in this red-and-white manicure.
Scalp care is vital for growing long, strong, and healthy hair, much as skincare prep is to any beautiful makeup look. You can be an expert at blow-drying, overnight rollers, and have an arsenal of high-end styling products at your disposal, but unless you start emphasizing scalp care, you haven’t truly unlocked your hair’s full potential.
A scalp massage does not have to be complicated; you can use your fingers or a massage tool, add hair oil for extra nourishment, or simply rub your conditioner into your roots while showering. “Think about your scalp as an extension of your face,” trichologist Gretchen Friese previously told InStyle. “A scalp massage in the shower while your conditioner is on your head moisturizes the scalp and increases circulation to the hair follicles. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse out the conditioner before leaving the shower.”
A scalp massage, regardless of the method used, is a simple way to improve circulation to the scalp and encourage thicker, stronger hair. Learn how to give yourself a scalp massage and discover additional benefits from experienced trichologists.
Benefits of Scalp Massages
Aside from fundamental relaxation, scalp massages can increase blood flow to the scalp, hence improving overall hair health. “Scalp massage aids with reducing tight muscles and tendons that are located in the scalp in addition to improving circulation to nurture and deliver the necessary nutrients to the hair follicle for optimal hair growth,” according to Hill.
In fact, a tiny study of Japanese males discovered that six months of daily four-minute scalp massage boosted hair thickness. And there is evidence that lengthier massages may produce more obvious outcomes. A 2019 study tracked 327 (mainly male) individuals while they practiced twice-daily 20-minute scalp massages for ten months. In practice, individuals massaged their scalps for an average of 11 to 20 minutes per day, yet they still experienced results. About 37% of individuals stated that their hair loss had slowed, while 32% reported fresh hair growth.
Emmanuel warns that “Massaging your scalp alone will not make a significant difference with hair growth.” This isn’t to imply there’s no utility, but there are limitations. “Scalp massages are used as a technique in conjunction with other treatments such as detox treatments to exfoliate the scalp or to massage a scalp oil or scalp treatment into your scalp,” according to Emmanuel.
Scalp massages can help increase hair’s density and promote length.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
How To Massage Your Scalp
Hill advises to keep your neck and shoulders free of constricting apparel. Emmanuel advises massaging a scalp treatment with essential oils like lavender, peppermint, geranium, or chamomile into your hair before shampooing. Alternatively, you can skip the oil and simply massage your scalp as you lather, rinse, and repeat.
Hill shared her preferred scalp massage technique below:
Begin your massage from the nape of the neck, using both hands, and work your way up the head to the crown. Use your entire hand to experience various sensations; the finger tips can be used to provide direct pressure to pressure points, and the base of the wrist can be used to release and roll out the muscles surrounding the temples. There’s a large region to cover, so take your time. Spend three to five minutes rubbing the right oil into the scalp to soften skin cells, then exfoliate and remove debris to promote blood flow. Use a scalp brush for another three to five minutes. Begin brushing at the nape of the neck on either side of the head, moving forward towards the heart. Repeat this technique around the entire head.
What to avoid.
When you first start giving yourself scalp massages, it’s tempting to become excessive, but massaging too vigorously can damage your hair, creating knots and breakage. Instead, apply firm but gentle pressure, easing up on fragile places such as the crown of the head and the strands closest to the face.
If you prefer to use an oil in your scalp massage, find one that is appropriate for your hair type. Thicker carrier oils, such as coconut oil and castor oil, are preferable for coarser hair types, whilst lightweight almond and grapeseed oils work best for fine hair. Start with less oil than you think you’ll need, then gradually increase; applying too much at once might make it difficult to rinse off and cause buildup. Hill recommends rubbing your scalp with oil for up to 20 minutes before or during shampooing. If you like to massage your scalp while conditioning your hair, avoid using oil.
