Beauty Planning for a Second Lockdown

With most schools choosing to do online study and those who can continuing to work from home it feels like Fall is going to be much like Spring relative to COVID-19. There are even rumblings across the globe for a possible complete shut down. Much like stocking up on the food and cleaning items you need at the grocery store; it’s time to stock up on beauty needs. We can learn from the Spring lockdown and proactively plan for ourselves and family members.

Hair 

Depending upon where you live, there is a good chance that your beauty salon may be asked to close again. Some reports show over 60% of people colored or cut hair over the last lockdown so it makes sense to prepare in case this happens again.

Coloring – Having grey or multi-colored hair is a big issue for most. There are three options to consider as we move towards wave 2 of COVID-19.

  1. Salon home kit – many salons will make your custom color blend and allow you to drive thru and pick it up. They provide directions and you can take it home and complete the coloring.
  2. Temporary cover up. I’ve written about it before, I prefer EVERPRO GrayAway powder. The root touch up wider has magnetic properties and really adheres to gray hair. There are lots of shades and the powder does not change the texture of your hair like some sprays do. Best of all it’s available in most drug stores for about $9.99.
  3. At home color kits. I have used the LOREAL Magic Root Rescue 10 minute root coloring kit and had fantastic results but if you want a full coverage kit Good housekeeping does a great job of ranking ranking and highlighting and benefits of their home kits. check those details out here. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/hair-dye-reviews/g792/best-home-hair-color/

Cutting & Clipping –  Men’s trimmers and professional scissors are back in stock at Amazon and other locations. I would recommend searching the top 10 ranking and that way you can read reviews and comments before purchasing. I bought a pair of professional trimming scissors years ago to help with bangs and they are easy to use and make a big difference. Tip: check out tips and instruction on youtube. Now that we went through the first lockdown and there were some disasters, there is lots of help online.

Skin 

Home Spa Prep – Face masks, face scrubs and other facial treatments can make you feel and look better. Why not plan a family event for the future to help break up the in home routine? Want more ideas? Byrde outlines their top top 11 at home spa items

Stock up on Basics – You’re going to want to minimize exposure to retail outlets and/or where you buy your beauty items may be closed so stock up on your face creams and skin creams.

Nails 

If you enjoy manicures and pedicures it’s time to stock up on home supplies. Now that we have been through a lock down once, you know what’s ahead. If you have others with you, you can plan a nail beauty day; complete with mani and pedis. Want some tips from professionals? Check out refinery29 top tools.

Exercise 

Records show that the average person has gained about 5-15 pounds during corona. The “Quarantine 15” can be a very real thing. If you’ve gained weight it is likely due to less exercise, more stress and possible increases in “comfort food” consumption. Let’s face it, wearing a mask while outside exercising is not fun! Fall and Winter bring an added challenge as weather may limit time outside. Gyms and traditional forms of exercise are likely to be limited or not available. So what can you do to stay in shape? 

1. Invest in exercise equipment – If you have the extra budget it’s a good time to invest in free weights, matts or exercise machines. Many of these items have been out of stock but are now available. Tip: Watch our for shipping fees as they can be high and shop around. 

2. Leverage the on-line exercise training – there is a lot you can do without exercise equipment. Check out these top 8 from very well fit you can stream for free.

3. Build your own program – If you’re an experienced gym person you likely know what works for you. If you don’t mind the cooler temperatures then running or walking outside is always a good cardio option. You can round out your workout with weights or strength videos. You need to have discipline but building your own work out plan can be very effective.

Diet 

Experts say, your diet is the largest driver of weight loss both short-term and long-term.  Simple rule – if you move less, you should eat less. If you have the mental stamina being in lockdown is a good time to adjust your diet. I dropped caffeine, diet soft drinks and cut sugar during the first lockdown. To be honest, it was very rough the first week but as time has gone by I am not even tempted to go back to old patterns. I feel better, my skin has an extra glow and I lost a couple pounds. If you don’t keep tempting items in your house and going out to eat is limited you can really control your diet in a very aggressive way.

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Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

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