Scalp Care Tips to Protect Your Hair & Scalp

We all make a conscious effort to look after our hair, but often, our scalps are neglected. Your scalp is the skin which covers your head, and it’s important to look after your scalp, as it can become easily irritates, leading to dandruff, hair-loss, discomfort and other scalp-related issues.

We can’t see what’s going on with our scalps, as it’s not entirely visible, but the scalp is home to many nerve endings, which is what makes the scalp very sensitive to damage and sensitivity issues.

Scalp Care Tips to Protect Your Hair & Scalp

It’s important to look after your scalp if you want healthy hair. If you have an unhappy, irritated scalp, your hair is going to suffer too. By having a healthy scalp, it can help prevent hair loss, and promote healthy hair growth, as well as keeping the skin on your head fully hydrated, and preventing any potential discomfort.

The scalp works to protect the underlying structure of the head and neck from injury, and is thought to be an important part of your immune system. Did you know that the scalp can help regulate the body’s temperature? It can release sweat to help cool us down when necessary, so the health of our scalp is very important.

How To Prevent Dry, Flaky Scalps?

Dry and flaky scalps are common, and there are many different factors that can contribute to the dryness of the scalp. One of the most common causes of a dry scalp is a lack of sebum production in the scalp, as sebum is responsible for moisturising and protecting the scalp.

If you have an oily scalp, it could be a good idea to wash your hair less often, to ensure the scalp isn’t depleted of serum, as well as opting for a shampoo with as little chemicals as possible. Coconut oil works as a good hydrator for the hair and scalp, and can be left on the hair overnight whilst you sleep, and it’ll help to improve the condition of your hair too.

5 Simple Steps for Healthy Scalps

If you struggle with an itchy scalp, and dandruff, a sulfate-free shampoo is advisable. Sulfates in regular shampoos can dry out your scalp, leading to irritation and discomfort. Sulfate-free shampoos are a lot more gentle, and will not strip away natural oils, to keep your scalp in the best condition possible.

If you use a lot of hair styling products, the ingredients within the chemicals build up on the scalp, which leads to dryness. So, it’s important to regularly get rid of build-up once a week, by using a clarifying detox shampoo to remove all product build-up, dirt and impurities.

I suffer from a dry scalp myself, and swear by using a super nourishing hair mask at least once a week, and leave it on my hair for as long as possible. It really helps to give the scalp a hydration boost, and always helps if my scalp is feeling particularly itchy or uncomfortable.

Scalp Care Tips to Protect Your Hair & Scalp

It’s important to protect your scalp, and it’s easy to neglect the scalp. When we’re on holiday, we always remember to protect our skin and lips, but do you consider your hair and scalp being damaged by sun exposure? You can buy specific hair and scalp protection sprays, which will prevent any potential damage, and always wear a hat or head covering where possible.

When it comes to hairstyles, my favourite go-to style is a messy bun, but tight hairstyles like ponytails or buns can actually harm the scalp. Not only can those hairstyles lead to headaches from the tension, but you can even end up with traction alopecia, so ensure you don’t keep your hair in a tight ponytail or bun for long periods of time.

The Power Of Crystals

Crystals are gemstones, and they come in a variety of colours and shapes. Crystals have been used for centuries as both personal and spiritual symbols. They’ve become extremely popular, as crystals are believed to possess . They are used by people that believe they can help with their wellbeing, stress and mental health issues too.

The Power Of Crystals

What Are Crystals?

Crystals are all a type of mineral which forms within the Earth’s crust. They can be found in many different shapes, sizes and colours, with the most common crystals being amethyst, quartz and rose quartz. They’ve been used for centuries now, as a way to heal and protect oneself from negative energies, and different crystals are thought to have different health and wellness benefits.

How Can Crystals Be Used To Improve Health and Wellness?

The different health and wellness benefits vary from crystal to crystal, and it’s incredible how many different benefits are thought to be given by utilising crystals. Some believe by carrying a crystal in your bag, or on your person, can improve your mood or help with relieving pain after an injury.

The Power Of Crystals

Some people prefer to display crystals in their home or wherever you spend the most time, as healing properties of crystals can be attributed to the fact that they emit energy. It all depends on the benefits you’re wanting to experience by utilising crystals, and due to the varying sizes, you’ll be able to find your perfect crystal for your needs and situation.

How to Use Crystals in Your Daily Life?

Crystals are a great way to add both colour and energy to your life. Depending on what you’re wanting from your crystals, there are different ways in which you can experience the benefits of crystals. If you’re using crystals to help with your sleep, you could place your chosen crystal underneath your pillow, or pop it on your bedside table.

The Power Of Crystals

If you’re in need of feeling more calm, you could try to hold the crystal in one hand, whilst closing your eyes, and use the crystals to help with meditating. Whereas, if you’re wanting to feel more grounded, try keeping crystals in your pocket or bag, but ultimately, you can use crystals however you wish, and even use crystals for jewellery, so you can experience the benefits whilst wearing the crystal jewellery piece.

Which Crystals Offer Which Benefits?

Jade – Jade is said to be a symbol of purity and wisdom. It is believed to balance yin and yang energies, attract good luck, and bring peace. Jade can also be used in feng shui to boost chi or life energy in a particular area.

Rose Quartz – Rose Quartz crystals are often used to bring love into one’s life. Rose Quartz is a crystal of love and peace, and it can help you attract like-minded people into your life.

Citrine – They help to balance your emotions and bring out the best in you. Citrine can also help with digestive issues, skin conditions, and more.

Amethyst – Amethyst is a calming and protective crystal. It can help with overcoming addictions and in healing emotional wounds. It is also believed to dispel negative energies and thoughts.

Onyx – Onyx is a very popular gemstone, and it is no wonder that it has been used for centuries to promote good health. Onyx has been found to help with a variety of conditions including anxiety, insomnia, depression and even epilepsy.

Agate – Agate has been used by many cultures for centuries as a healing stone. It is believed to clear, calm, and balance the energy in the body, while also balancing blood pressure and relieving migraines.

Aquamarine – It is said to be able to remove bad energy, transform negative thoughts into positive ones, and bring good luck. It can help people find closure and balance within themselves. In addition to these benefits, the aquamarine crystal also helps promote healthy skin, hair, nails and vision.

Opal – Opal is a precious stone that can improve one’s mood, ease the mind, and help with insomnia or anxiety. Opal also has a cleansing effect on the body and can reduce inflammation.

There are thousands of different crystals, and each crystal offers different benefits. You don’t have to spend a fortune on crystals either, but it might be worth giving crystals a try, to see if you can experience the power of crystals.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: How To Feel Relaxed & Energised For 2022

Nobody ever said that January was a good month. Motivation and focus often as empty as your wallet after an over-indulgent festive season, it’s the month of the year where it’s easier than ever to find yourself slumping into a pile of blankets and biscuits. Although a fresh page can bring with it a fresh opportunity, it can also bring with it a sense of anxiety that you should be doing more / trying harder / making up for lost time. January can become a pressure cooker of expectation, when actually what we should be doing is being kind to ourselves; ensuring we feel relaxed, energised and have a sense of wellbeing pays off to a far greater degree as we emerge from the sofa and back into the world.

If you’re feeling the strain already, here are my four top tips for taking back a bit of ‘me time‘ and ensuring I feel relaxed, energised and focused.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

DRESS THE PART


If you’d told me a couple of years ago my wardrobe would be bursting at the seams with loungewear sets, comfy tracksuits and PJs that get worn from 5pm, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! (One of the few benefits of lockdown is how we all embraced comfy clothes…) Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good, so switch up those mismatching 15 year old pyjamas or paint splattered joggers for a set or two that helps you to feel great. There’s something about changing out of the days clothes into something altogether more relaxed, not dissimilar to that feeling of slipping into freshly laundered bedsheets. Trust me – new PJs are life.

SCENT YOUR HOME


Behavioural studies have revealed that smells can trigger intense emotional memories, as well as helping to either enhance or hinder our mood. There’s no better way to set the scene than to light a candle, or even better, invest in an Aroma Diffuser that gently and effectively diffuse essential oils into the air. I’ve been using one of these for the past couple of years and adore it so much that every family member has since recieved their own for Christmas; they delicately fill the air with a scent of your choosing, helping to relax the mind or energise the senses when you need it most.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

TREAT YOUR SKIN


Skincare is more than just functional. It can be an emotive and relaxing experience, if done right. Taking your time to indulge in some of your favourite products and thoroughly massaging them into skin will not only benefit your complexion, but your mind too. Don’t skimp on your bedtime skincare regime: dedicate half an hour to effectively double cleansing (with something beautiful like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm,) steaming (I swear by a facial steamer to clear and refresh the skin,) massaging and lifting, before adding a night treatment (such as Elemis Plumping Pillow Facial) that will leave you looking and feeling amazing.

HAVE A PAMPER


Making time for regular pampering really does make all the difference, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to book in a spa day or pop to the salon. That’s where handy at-home solutions come in! My mum had a foot spa in the 90’s and it was the absolute height of sophistication, but did you know they’re making a comeback and better than ever? The Homedics Luxury Foot Spa is the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of the day; jets relieve tension in your feet, while massager rollers soak away muscle tiredness, leaving your tootsies relaxed and your mind at ease. A session in this followed by some great foot cream and even a cheeky polish paint is sure to leave me feeling so much better.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Remember: the last couple of years have been hard on us all, and you can’t be the best version of you if you don’t stop to have a little ‘me time’. Taking time out isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength and should be celebrated. My resolution for 2022 is to focus on the wellbeing of my body and mind just as much as my career, family and social life. What will yours be?

Feeling inspired? Check out all the beauty treats and wellbeing must-haves over on www.very.co.uk

How do you feel relaxed and energised? Let me know below!

This is a sponsored feature on behalf of Very; all opinions my own.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

The Ultimate Beauty Destination: Surprise That Special Someone With The Perfect Gift From Boots

It’s been a tough year. A tough couple of years to be exact. With the world still in a spin, and the lack of certainty causing even the most stable of us to lose our footing, it’s more important than ever to take a moment to reflect back on how far we’ve come. If you’ve made it this far in one piece, with your health and wellbeing still pretty much in tact, you deserve a medal! If you’ve not, then you still deserve a medal (or a very nice gift from Boots *wink*) for trying your best during unprecedented circumstances.

There are so many people to celebrate this festive season – from the NHS workers who have pushed forward so selflessly, to the key workers who have kept the world moving, to the parents who have juggled home schooling with a full time job, and the friends who have kept reminding us that it’s ok to have a wobble and feel like you’re losing yourself. I for one am grateful to my network of amazing people who have listened to me moan, been there when I’ve cried and reminded me that things will get better; what would we all do without a shoulder to cry on eh?

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

This Christmas Boots want to celebrate those special people who deserve an extra sprinkling of joy… And we all know more than one who has experienced a bit of a cr*ppier-than-most twelve months. Their incredible selection of Christmas gifts will undoubtedly include the perfect treat that’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face and show them how much you care, with price points that start at only a few pounds up to extravagant gifts that will certainly surprise and delight.

MY SPECIAL SOMEONE

2021 has been especially hard for my family, as my 91 year old Grandad succumbed to dementia and moved into a full time care home earlier this year. Despite my Nan believing she could cope, it became increasingly apparent that he required more care than she was now able to give. Sleepless nights, panic attacks and anxiety ridden days have left their toll – and worried the rest of us no end. But six months on and she’s found herself (and her freedom) once again, despite being separated from the love of her life for the first time since they were married over sixty years ago.

When Boots asked me to choose someone to surprise with some of their beauty gifts (that make the best Christmas presents,) there was no question of who that special someone would be. My Nan is so deserving of a treat, and picking out some pretty gifts was an absolute pleasure; the little squeal she made when I delivered them melted my heart!

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

THREE MAGICAL GIFTS

With the iconic ‘Boots 3 for 2’ there’s always a great deal to be had and amazing savings to be made – with the cheapest of your choices coming absolutely free. (Bonus!) Here’s what I chose for my Nan…

1. Liz Earle Superskin Beauty Sleep Ritual (£45.50)


For the last year she’s struggled with anxiety, especially at night, so anything that will encourage self-care and relaxation is gratefully received. This gift set includes some of Liz Earle’s iconic products (including Cleanse & Polish) alongside a little terrarium she’s already got plans for in the bathroom.

2. Laura Ashley Fragrance Diffuser (£18.00)


My Nan loves scent as much as I do; I’ve definitely inherited my love of candles and room diffusers from her! This home fragrance is enriched with notes of Daisy and White Aloe to provide a delicately floral experience, while the glass bottle is a statement in itself. The perfect gift for any home decor or fragrance connoisseur alike.

3. Laura Ashley Luxury Hand & Nail Cream (£5.00)


One of the things my Nan has kept up for decades is her regular manicures and pedicures, and her hands continue to defy her age. Some of my earliest memories include her applying a fragrant hand cream and me thinking it was the most grown up thing ever, so suffice to say I was unsurprised when this was ripped open and applied in an instant!

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

So if you’ve got a special someone you’d love to treat this festive season, there’s guaranteed to be that last minute solution they’re sure to adore. It’s the season to show how much you care, and the joy really is in the giving…

Who in your life deserves to be surprised Secret Santa style this Christmas?

Check out all the Christmas gifts for her and Christmas gifts for him on offer on www.boots.com

AD: sponsored feature in partnership with Boots.com; all opinions my own.

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

WIN Buy-a-Gift Vouchers!

If you like entering competitions, I’ve teamed up with a whole host of UK bloggers for another giveaway. Back in August, I shared a Tesco gift voucher competition with you, and today I’ve got another gift voucher giveaway for you, but this time it’s a Buy-a-Gift voucher competition.

There’s two prizes up for the grabs this time, with a £100 gift voucher and a £25 gift voucher, which will come in handy in the run-up to Christmas. Buy-a-Gift offer so many fantastic gift experiences, gift sets and even short breaks, so you can get started on Christmas shopping, or of course, treat yourself!

It’s super simple to enter the competition. You just need to enter via the Rafflcopter, after reading the rules, and you’ll be entered to win the vouchers, so keep on reading to enter this fantastic giveaway.

WIN Buy-a-Gift Vouchers!

For today’s competition, we have two prizes to offer you. The first prize is a £100 BuyAGift Voucher and the second prize is a £25 BuyAGift voucher. Both of these awesome prizes will come in handy for Christmas this year. What will you buy with your voucher?

Who Brings You This Competition?

A collaboration of bloggers have got together to bring this prize to you, the prize comes out of their pocket as a thank you for supporting them over the past year.

You will find the links below, please pop over and visit them. You never know, you might find a blog that you really relate to. Sometimes we think we are the only person going through something, when in fact there are others. These bloggers share their ups and downs so that nobody ever feels alone. 

Spilling Life Tea / Weddings And Wishes / Extreme Frugal Living / A Year Of Food / Things That Start With / Yorkshire Wonders / Life In A Breakdown / Miss Makeup Magpie / Makeup Muddle / The Lifestyle Blogger UK / Socially Rach / The Grumpy Olive / Stylish London Living / Catch Up With Claire / Wot A Woman Diary / Being Tillys Mummy / Life Lessons With Vicky /Joanna Victoria / Alice In Sheffield / Ecoralive / Insequiral / Fox And Flora / The Best Things To Do In Cambridge / Mind Over Money Matters / Cotswold Lifestyle /  Frugal Home Project  

WIN Buy-a-Gift Vouchers!

How Can I Enter This Competition?

In order to be entered to win the vouchers, you need to leave a comment on the blog post. Click on the rafflecopter, and it gives you the instructions to do this.

Then there are other options to follow the bloggers on their social media. The more entries that you complete, the more chances you have of winning a voucher (or even both vouchers). You don’t have to complete all of the entries to be entered, but each one you complete is an entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Terms And Conditions

    • UK Entries only.
    • Blog comments must be over 8 words long otherwise it usually goes to the spam file.
    • This is a collaborated competition and is not associated with Buyagift or any other company.
    • You must be over 18 to enter this competition.
    • You don’t need to enter all of the other requirements, but if you do say you have completed them, please ensure that you have. Otherwise, your entry is void.
    • You have 28 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen. 
    • After you have claimed your prize, you will receive the voucher within 28 days