Natasha Marsh

Our relationship with our hair can feel very personal. An unwarranted haircut or color could bring up feelings of inadequacy. Braids or protective styles could lead to exterior unprofessionalism, leading to loss of jobs or missed opportunities. Short hair can allude to boldness for going against the age-old stereotype that women are to have long hair. Hair can be a beautiful tribute to your heritage or a crown of pride, regardless of what texture or style you wear. And seeing your hair shed regularly or continuously thin in one area can be alarming. If you are dealing with hair loss or thinning, you are not alone. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses between 50 to 100 hairs a day, and according to Cleveland Clinic, more than 50 percent of women will experience hair loss in their lives for a plethora of reasons. If you're seeing more than a few strands come out in your hairbrush or on your pillow, you might be experiencing another form of hair loss that can potentially be treated with topical products, non-invasive procedures, or hair transplants. To gather the 411 on how a hair transplant could be beneficial, PS spoke to five experts who provided insights on what to look for when deciding on a treatment plan, as well as detailing the pros and cons of treatment, and why Turkey has solidified itself as the hair transplant capital of the world. What Causes Hair Loss? Certain chemical hair products or excessive use of hot tools, protective hairstyles (often leading to traction alopecia), stress, poor diet, hormonal problems, genetics, age vitamin, and mineral deficiencies are just a few of the reasons people experience with hair loss, according to EsteNove, a hair-transplant clinic in Istanbul. It's important to note that some forms of hair loss are temporary, while others may be permanent - therefore, treatments can vary depending on the underlying causes. According to Hardik Doshi, MD, lead surgeon of hair restoration at Ample, shampoos infused with ketoconazole, minoxidil, or saw palmetto may help improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth. Additionally, growth supplements containing biotin, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D may support hair health and promote regrowth. Other hair loss treatment options include low-level laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma therapy. If you continue to lose excess strands a day, it might be time to consider something more permanent, like a hair transplant. What Is a Hair Transplant? Este Nove defines a hair transplant as a surgical procedure where hair follicles are moved from one part of the scalp (usually the back or side, known as the donor area) to the areas where thinning or balding is occurring, known as the recipient area. This is the only permanent solution for hair loss. There are two main types of hair transplants in America, where a report by Coherent Market Insights cites the global hair transplant system market was valued at $7.22 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $28.06 billion by 2030. They are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as strip surgery. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) During FUE, the entire back and sides of the head are shaved (where hair is genetically resistant to balding) and the follicular units are individually placed to the thinning or balding area with a punch-like instrument. Dr. Doshi says the process requires great attention to detail as the surgeon carefully implants to ensure natural-looking placement and optimal growth direction. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Craig Ziering, D.O., F.A.A.D., dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and owner of Ziering Medical, explains that during the FUT process, an elliptical-shaped strip of tissue is removed from the donor zone. The follicular units are dissected under a microscope and then placed into the recipient sites at the proper angle and orientation to match the natural growth direction of your hair. "This strip is dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units, which contain one to four hairs each," Dr. Doshi says. Both methods aim to redistribute a patient's existing permanent hair to restore natural-looking density and hairlines in a manner that complements their hair characteristics and growth patterns. In terms of final appearance, the only difference is that FUT leaves a nearly invisible linear scar in the donor zone and FUE produces tiny, pinpoint dots on the scalp that can be visible in public at the beginning of the recovery stage. Both types of scars are easily camouflaged by your hair and should not be too much of a concern as they will dissolve quickly. Popular Turkish Hair Transplant Options Outside of America, Istanbul has quickly grown to be the hair transplant capital of the world due to medical tourism, performing more than 100,000 surgeries a year, according to EsteNove, where they perform FUE and Ice DHI hair transplants. During the Ice DHI process, hair grafts are extracted one by one from the donor area and inserted into the recipient area through a special tool called the DHI Choi Pen. The small pen resembles a syringe that is used to individually insert each graft into the small incisions before transplanting them. The rounded tip of the pen makes it a minimally invasive process, allowing the surgeon to aim for maximum density and transplant natural hair in areas without damaging it. The 'Ice' refers to how the extracted grafts are stored. Typically, transplantation takes five to seven hours; however, according to Dr. Zafer Çetinkaya, head of the hair transplant medical team at EsteNove, after two hours, about five percent of the grafts die due to the removal from their natural blood supply. "In the Ice method, grafts are placed in a special solution that feeds them and are then stored at around 25-46°F," Dr. Çetinkaya says. "This technique increases graft survival rate and quality, and ultimately, the success rate of the procedure." As a wider part of the medical tourism initiative, the government funds much of the process - taking on a large percentage of machinery, employee salaries, and VAT discount support. This foundational backing allows clinics like EsteNove the option to offer all-inclusive hair transplant packages for $3,000, including airfare, hotel, procedure, car service, and special after-care parcels. This is one of the most convenient and economical ways to address hair loss. The biggest draw, of course, is the cost. According to Dr. Doshi, hair transplants cost between $10K to $50K by top surgeons in the United States, in comparison to the $3,000 charged in Istanbul. Who Is the Best Candidate For a Hair Transplant? All the experts agree that hair transplants should be the last step in your journey toward recovering your hair. "[I tend to consider] individuals who have done a degree of hair restoration or treatment series first," says Shann Christen, a celebrity hairstylist and trichologist based in Beverly Hills. "Putting the hair in its best and strongest condition prior to a transplant can help ensure a better outcome." As much as you might believe a hair transplant could be the right move for you, not every person with hair loss is a suitable candidate. Although it differs from office to office and country to country, candidates should generally be over 20 and under 65 with relatively stable hair loss patterns. "Candidacy is determined by many different things, including the type of hair loss, severity of loss, adequacy of donor hair, and most importantly, realistic patient expectations and goals," Angie Phipps, Bosley doctor and distinguished hair restoration expert, says. Anabel Kingsley, brand president and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, argues that a surgeon might not find hair transplantation appropriate if you have nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, or certain types of autoimmune scarring alopecia. Regardless of which surgeon or country you decide to get a hair transplant in, make sure that the process starts with a consultation. There are many factors that go into deciding if a hair transplant is the best solution. Trichologist Bridgette Hill stresses the importance of considering the diameter of the area with or without hair follicles, as the larger the diameter of the bald or scarring area, the more challenging it is to achieve an optimal result. "The amount of available donor hair, quality of donor hair, extent of hair loss, and the patient's desired goals of density versus coverage all play into candidacy," Dr. Ziering says. For example, because genetic hair loss is a progressive disorder, meaning you will continue to lose more native hair, the expert recommends hair prevention therapies in your daily hair care routine, in addition to the transplant, for better success. "As hair restoration specialists, we are committed to helping every patient navigate this journey and our treatment plans include both surgical and non-surgical components to deliver the best outcomes," Dr. Ziering says. How to Find the Best Hair Transplant Doctor Prior to making an appointment, you should ensure the doctor is accredited in dermatology or plastic surgery and has experience doing hair transplants. The experience, plus the doctor's interest in staying up to date with medical advancements, industry standards, and new techniques, will also help you select the doctor. Once you've decided on where to scout your doctor, be sure your journey starts with a detailed medical history review, physical examination, scalp assessment, and sometimes specialized diagnostic tests. Dr. Doshi examines these aspects to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate or if alternative treatments are more important. "The goal is to ensure the safety and success of the procedure while meeting the patient's expectations for hair restoration." In addition, the experts all suggest you do a deep dive into before and after images and reviews from former patients and potentially have the option to hear from these patients. As a second step in the pre-surgery process, make sure you know what machinery will be used and what your various procedures options are. You should walk away from the consultation with all your questions answered by a surgeon who clearly explains each step of the process. Furthermore, get clarity on who is doing the surgery and what parts of the procedure are being done by the doctor. The experts are aware that cheaper clinics may have nurses or technicians perform the procedure - to ensure a faster turnaround and bigger paycheck - leaving only certain parts left to the doctor. However, you will yield the best results when the entire process is performed by a reputable surgeon. Post-operation, walk away with the hard facts on what the aftercare and accountability will look like if you're not happy with the results. Hair Transplant After-Care Routine Immediately after surgery, regardless of which option you choose, an antibiotic ointment is placed over the area, and you'll be recommended to apply it twice daily for the first seven days. With any of the three surgeries, the recovery time lasts between three to six months with some redness, scabbing, or swelling. "Most patients are back to work within a week," Dr. Ziering says. "Transplanted hair falls out in a few weeks but then starts to regrow in a few months." Over the first several months hair growth will continue and tend to mature with final results visible between 12 and 18 months. In general, you should avoid touching or rubbing your hair three days post-procedure. The scalp is still numb and the slightest touch could alter some of the surgeon's work. You won't be able to wash your hair the first four days but after that, you will reap the benefits of luscious, permanent hair. Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan Magazine, British GQ, and Harpers Bazaar.

"Came to LSU my freshman year and we made history," is not only a line in Flau'jae Johnson's 13-song mixtape "4 My Fans." It's also an accurate description of the rapper and LSU basketball player's life since she won the 2023 NCAA championship as LSU's All-American guard. Since those lyrics became a reality, the 5-foot-10 multihyphenate's life has been on a fast track. She's been featured in a Super Bowl commercial, secured multiple deals with sports and lifestyle brands, and signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Jay-Z's label, Roc Nation. This past March Madness, Johnson made headlines when the LSU Tigers lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semifinals and the team spoke honestly about their experiences with the media. Her support of Angel Reese, a fellow Black woman Tiger, was poignant. But despite the emotional moment, Johnson believes all the coverage of women's sports is a good thing. "LSU, Catilin Clark, South Carolina - these are great storylines and people are getting more interested to see, that's only going to grow," she says. Related: No, the Hate Angel Reese Keeps Getting Isn't "Normal" Johnson, 20, started playing basketball as soon as she could walk, and she realized she could take her skills far when she kept beating boys on the elementary school courts. Kia Brooks, the athlete's mother and manager, put her in Amateur Athletic Union Circuit, or competitive, basketball. It was here that her love of the sport grew. The Savannah, GA, native's intense focus led her to score over 1,900 points throughout her high school career, and she became the all-time leading scorer for her school's team before finding her place on the LSU women's team, where she averaged 14.9 points per game during the '23-24 season and 11 during the '22-23 season. Like most great athletes, Johnson is the first one on the court and the last one off. Rising at 5 a.m. every morning before class, the star player likes to take at least 500 shots a day to maintain her practice. But she has multiple commitments, and her strict schedule involves hours in the gym, conditioning and playing; studio sessions spent recording new tracks and mixtapes; and time to unwind and connect with family. "It's about being disciplined in my schedule," she says. Now, before you start thinking Johnson's music career took off because of her NCAA fame, think again. The multitalented entrepreneur has been performing since she was 7. As the daughter of Jason Johnson - also known as Camoflauge, a popular Georgia-area rapper who was tragically killed before her birth - Johnson has always used rapping as a way to continue her father's legacy. "I try to help people go through what they are going through," the rapper shares of the meaning behind her lyrics. "It's always something I'm going through, too. I just know how to bottle it up and put it in music. It's like therapy." "I see it, acknowledge it, but I don't let it get to me." Johnson was only 12 when she appeared on Lifetime's "The Rap Game," a television series hosted by Jermaine Dupri featuring aspiring kid rappers. At 14, she was on the 13th season of "America's Got Talent," and took both opportunities as a way to grow her brand and enhance her musical talents. Today, the Georgia star has more than 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Managing a full-time college basketball schedule and rap career would make many people's heads spin. But Johnson sees it as a blessing to be able to use two of her gifts simultaneously. It was the reason she chose LSU as her college; according to Johnson, it was the only school that provided options for her to succeed in both. But during basketball season, the star focuses on the sport, dedicating only three to four hours a day for music. "It gets stressful, time management wise. I'm still working on that," Johnson shares. "That's one of the skills when I get that one all the way down pat, I'll be gone. I'd be able to execute ideas and all the stuff I want." Johnson has an exciting year ahead with basketball and the May release of her new project, "Best of Both Worlds." As her first official EP, "Best of Both Worlds" boasts nine songs, including one that features hip-hop icon Lil Wayne. The sound represents a departure for Johnson. "I can't wait for people to hear this," the musician says. "Ain't My Fault," or AMF for short, is one of the three songs on the EP that was released early. Featuring Memphis rapper NLE Choppa, the song gives nostalgic nods to her late father and her basketball role models. She raps, "Balling like my daddy, stunning like my daddy" and "I keep on pimpin' like I'm Scottie," a tribute to Scottie Pippen, the former Bulls forward. Johnson says she spent a little less than a year crafting the tracks. Despite all her exciting accomplishments, Johnson hasn't always been cheered on by the public. "I've been getting way more hate than I ever did in my life," she shares. But she chooses to turn the other cheek: "I see it, acknowledge it, but I don't let it get to me. Because I'm able to choose whether it affects me or not, I don't even let it get that far." "Finally, it's our time. Women's sports and basketball is going nowhere anytime soon. That doesn't mean she isn't privy to the headlines, both positive and negative. And she is aware that she's being scrutinized for being a Black woman in America, and that she has Black girls looking up to her. "It isn't necessarily a weight, but it is very nerve-racking being in the public eye," she says. "They get a scope on you, so you've got to just move in a certain way, especially when you inspire so many people. Then trying to just navigate that with being a regular kid, it can be a lot." But all the hard work and dedication has been worth it. Johnson has monetized her name, image, and likeness (NIL) through numerous sports drinks, fashion, and beauty deals. According to On3, her NIL is valued at $1.1 million. And together, Brooks and Johnson have become a mother-daughter power duo that has landed deals with Powerade, Nike, Puma, Meta, JBL Audio, Experian, and many other brands. Where many 20-year-olds might rebel against their parents, Johnson holds Brooks close. "I just know she's got the best interest in me at heart," the point guard says of their professional relationship. "Nobody's going to have my best interest like my mom. She's learned the game, learned how to manage, and learned so much stuff [to get me where I needed to be] that it only made sense that she'd be my manager and walk me through these doors. I just thought, keep my mother by my side." In addition to family relationships, Johnson keeps a strong tie to her hometown. In 2018, Johnson became the first teenager to receive Savannah's key to the city, and she is very involved and committed to giving back to her community and state. Throughout her collegiate career, the star has teamed up with her various donors to gift headphones, school clothes, and sports shoes to kids in Georgia. Carrying out this work, Johnson's next big goal is to build a resource center for the children in Savannah. "I want to supply the kids in my city with an outlet where they can go to play sports, be creative, and learn," she says. Johnson is very aware that this requires a lot of time, resources, and dedication, and she's in it for the long haul. "I want my brand and business to grow because I don't want to do that just on holidays. I want to help the economy and environment throughout the year. I'm staying in school so I can learn business and gather the tools needed to successfully see these goals out." In everything she does, Johnson hopes to be an inspiration for others and keep the momentum up around women's sports. "The presence that women's sports occupies is so beautiful," Johnson says. "Finally, it's our time. Women's sports and basketball is going nowhere anytime soon. It's just going to be normalized." Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan Magazine, British GQ, and Harpers Bazaar.

The natural hair movement, created in the 1960s, was fundamentally designed to be inclusive and to give Black women a space where they could celebrate their hair as it grew, sans manipulation. Although the movement was built to uplift natural hair types, that's not necessarily what happens in practice. In Chris Rock's 2009 documentary "Good Hair" - an exploration of the importance of hair in the Black community - the comedian says, "If hair is nappy, they aren't happy." Over a decade later, we still find ourselves in situations where this is true. Time and time again, those of us with textured hair experience discrimination in the workplace, schools, and daily life. Sure, movements and even laws like the CROWN Act have stepped in to help depoliticize Black hair, but discrimination is still deeply embedded. The idea that hair textures closer to straight hair are more acceptable still persists. And what might be propelling these ideals is the hair type scale. Who Created the Hair Type Scale? The history of the hair typing system is a complicated one. The original hair type system, the hair gauge, was developed in 1905 in present-day Namibia by Eugen Fischer - a German scientist whose ideas informed the Nazi Party's Nuremberg Laws - to understand an individual's proximity to whiteness based on their hair texture. Decades later, during South Africa's apartheid, this type of discrimination was echoed with the "pencil test," which stated if a pencil could perfectly position itself inside your hair while you shook your head, you could not be classified as white. Today, we often reference Oprah Winfrey's former celebrity hairstylist Andre Walker as the creator of the 1A-4C system we use today, widely known as the "Hair Chart." The scale separates textures into four categories, starting at 1 for straight hair, 2 for wavy, 3 for loose curls, and 4 for the coarsest and tightly curled texture. The scale then gets divided into letters A-C, with 4C hair being the kinkest and curliest of them all. For many, it's looked at as a guide - allowing individuals to name their curl pattern and follow routines and products to suit their hair type. On TikTok, for example, you'll see over three billion views on videos about type 4 hair: detailing product recommendations, how-tos, and hairstyles that complement the texture. "The chart is not a professional tool, but instead provides a visual reference for general relatability," Jatina Nixon, Mielle's lead hairstylist, tells PS. Does the Hair Type Scale Perpetuate European Beauty Ideals? Although it can be viewed as common language to understand your hair, classifying tools have been used throughout history to compare and contrast how "white" people are. It's led many to believe that the Hair Chart, which focuses solely on curl circumference, has alienated those placed at the end of the scale. (Walker did not immediately respond to PS's request for comment on the subject.). "It has inadvertently created a hair hierarchy, with many comparing curl types with one being presumably better and one being presumably worse," says Michelle O'Connor, Matrix's global artist director. Those with 4C hair are often charged more at salons for the preconceived notion that their hair is more difficult to deal with and might take a longer time. Walker himself told Elle in 2011 that unlike looser 1A-3C hair, "kinky hair can have limited styling options. That's the only hair type that I suggest altering with professional relaxing." Type 4 hair clients are also often required to come with their hair fully detangled or blow-dried before receiving braids, trims, or sew-ins. Not only can the scale alienate certain curl types, but it also doesn't include all hair types. Most naturals, myself included, have different curl patterns on our head. The front of my hair is 4A, while the crown is closer to 4B and the nape and sideburns are 3B. My 4A hair could respond very differently to someone else with 4A, based on products - making it even harder to create a regimen that works for all of the strands on my head. "Whenever there is a categorization, inclusivity becomes a problem," Leigh Hardges, stylist at Maxine Salon, shares. "There will always be those special cases that don't find their place within the groups, and because of the categories, companies and brands start to alienate the textures that aren't their core demographic." The hair type scale assumes we all fit neatly into these four boxes. But some professionals and those opposed to the scale say it doesn't account for all the factors that go into caring for your hair. "[The chart] is not the complete picture, because there are more hair types that exist than 1, 2, 3, and 4," O'Connor says. "Things like density, porosity, surface texture, elasticity - those are other elements that we look at in the professional environment in addition to curl circumference. The circumference of your curl doesn't tell you if it's fine, medium, coarse, or other things." How Has the Hair Type Scale Affected the Natural Hair Movement? Although the Hair Chart can assist as a visual aid to discovery, it doesn't necessarily mesh well with the natural hair movement. The movement originated in the 1960s when Afros and natural hair were embraced as a symbol of power and resistance, and groups like the Black Panthers were leading the way with big hair and natural curls. After a four-decade rise in chemical straightening - women were starting to join the workforce more, and straight hair was synonymous with professionalism and upward movement - the natural hair movement reemerged in the early 2000s with natural-hair bloggers on YouTube who moved away from relaxers and heat tools. These early influencers pored over research and advice on how to style natural hair. Back then, everything was explorative; it was exciting, informative, but most of all, a celebration of textured hair. Is the Hair Type Scale Necessary? O'Connor believes that the tide is changing when it comes to hair typing. "I err on the side of caution when I say [the Hair Chart] is necessary because curly hair is becoming so mainstream," she says. "Going into professional salons, the scale can help bridge the gap, but it's also not the full picture of information needed." So what other factors determine how to care for your hair? The experts all agree that the chart can be used as a jumping-off point, but density, porosity, elasticity, and hair damage should also be considered. "What our hair looks like solely does not determine how we should care for it," Nixon says. Many see the LOIS scale or Circle Hair System as alternatives to the Hair Chart. The LOIS scale, originally published by former website OurHair.net, does not reference numbers but instead considers sheen, shine, frizz, texture, and strand thickness of the hair. They use the letters "L" to describe hair with no curve, "O" to describe hair that is rolled up into the shape of one or several zeros, like a spiral, "I" for hair that lies flat with no distinct curve or bend, and "S" for hair with a wavy line. The scale attempts to avoid hierarchy and visibly shows you if you have a combination of different curls or textures. The Circle Hair System, created by hairstylist Pamela Ferrell in 2014, is based on the circle size determining the characteristics of your hair. For example, when it gets wet, the circle size will determine if it stands up or hangs down. Ferrell states that the smaller the circle, the more the hair shrinks. Ultimately, many hair experts agree that the Hair Chart is an optional tool, not the end-all, be-all, holy grail. O'Connor encourages all hairstylists to "check within yourself about any specific feelings you may have about specific curl patterns so it isn't presented in a biased way to the clients." These steps could get us closer to decolonizing the way the public views and behaves toward people with tighter coils and spirals. Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan Magazine, British GQ, and Harpers Bazaar.

Angel Reese appeared on billboards in New York City for her Reebok endorsement. Flau'jae Johnson signed a rap contract with Jay-Z's Roc Nation and an apparel deal with Puma. Mikaylah Williams recently inked a deal with Jordan Brand. And several other Louisiana State University women's basketball team players as well - a squad mainly made of Black collegiate athletes - have excelled just as strongly in the outside world as they have on the court. Witnessing it all has ushered in a new era of Black Girl Magic for myself and many other Black women I know. It's the same joy and insane pride I felt as a Black woman when Reese and her team won the NCAA tournament last year with their edges completely intact, when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman and Black vice president in 2021, and when I screamed front row as Beyoncé became the first Black woman to headline Coachella back in 2018. Things are changing. Awareness is growing. In each of these iconic moments, I thought: people are celebrating us, and soon marginalized communities will no longer be marginalized. But similarly to last year's hard-earned win, LSU's celebration has been short-lived during this year's March Madness tournament. Instead of relishing in their success and additional fame, Reese and the rest of the team's experience has been marked and stained with discrimination, misogyny, and racism. "I've been through so much. I've seen so much. I've been attacked so many times. Death threats. I've been sexualized. I've been threatened," Reese said tearfully in a post-game interview after their 94-87 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday night, which took LSU out of the 2024 NCAA tournament. "I've been attacked so many times. Death threats." Reese was referring to the public's relentless interest in attacking her every move. You might remember how she was ridiculed last year for throwing up John Cena's infamous "you can't see me" gesture to Hawkeyes star player Caitlin Clark while pointing to her own ring finger to indicate where the championship ring would land. More recently, The Los Angeles Times, which primarily covers UCLA sports, received backlash for an opinion piece that stated LSU is "seemingly hellbent on dividing women's college basketball" and that Reese is a "taunter." But despite the media painting a picture of Reese as a villain who is undeserving of praise, the people who take the time to get to know her are continuing to back her. In the post-game interview, Johnson strongly defended her teammate: "Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y'all don't know her. I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy." Teammate Hailey Van Lith also came to her defense and said, "I think Angel is one of the toughest people I've been around. People speak hate into her life. I've never seen people wish bad things on someone as much as her, and it does not affect her. She comes to practice every day. She lives her life every day." While sisterhood is a beautiful necessity (and I'm happy to see Reese's teammates stand up for her), the support needs to go more mainstream. In addition to blatant racism, it seems much of the public has failed to realize Reese is a 21-year-old woman. And the most intense bashing of someone so young has come from the likes of white, middle-aged men. It's the David Portnoys of the world who can shamelessly rattle off "classless piece of shit," or white sports commentators like Keith Olbermann who utter, "What a fucking idiot." History has taught Black athletes, especially women, to be strong and hold their head high amid adversity. "There are so many things, and I've stood strong every single time," Reese said on Monday night. "I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don't want them to see me down and not be there for them." The fact that Reese and other Black athletes feel they need to curb their emotions, trash-talking skills, and other elements of the game exemplifies the double standards placed on Black women athletes. As writer Sumiko Wilson recently put it: "When Black women use their voices, the lightheartedness tends to disappear and the professional consequences and impact to their reputations can be significant. So who is actually allowed to engage?" Reese and many other Black women athletes are symbols of hope for me, Black women, and many other misrepresented communities. What she does on the court is a reflection of what can be achieved for those of us who are so often othered. And to continuously overlook her talent and humanity because of her skin color is a disservice to our hard, tireless battle toward equality for Black women athletes. Although I am glad that women's sports viewings have gone up significantly in the last decade - with more new fans understanding that women's athleticism can be just as exciting as their men counterparts' - I am growing very weary waiting for the majority to come around. Reese, like so many Black people in the eye of discrimination, is determined to turn the other cheek and take one for the team. "I'm going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that," she said. "Hopefully the little girls that look up to me, hopefully I give them some type of inspiration." Black women, like all other people, should have the freedom to show up how they choose, despite preconceived standards that have not been set by them. For Black people, our unwavering resilience is the byproduct of this constant adversity. Although I too take pride in this character trait, I wait with eager anticipation for the day where navigating the sports world doesn't force us to show our resilience. As Reese concluded for us all: "Hopefully it's not this hard and all the things that come at you, but keep being who you are, keep waking up every day, keep being motivated, staying who you are, staying 10 toes down, don't back down and just be confident." Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan Magazine, British GQ, and Harpers Bazaar.

Cosmetic treatments aren't cheap. According to a study by American Society of Plastic Surgery, the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, patients spent upward of $26 billion on both minimally invasive and surgical procedures in the United States in 2022. That could work out to multiple procedures per person. For instance: In New York, dermal fillers cost between $500 and $1,200 per syringe with a recommendation of at least two syringes and a refresh every three to six months, totaling anywhere from $4,000 to $9,600 a year. With demand at an all-time high (cosmetic surgery procedures are up 19 percent from 2019, according to the same study), it's no wonder that some people are turning to discount platforms such as Groupon for cheaper cosmetic and minimally invasive procedures. Clinics all over the world use these sites to promote lower-price services and bring in new customers, but it sometimes comes at a cost. According to Michael Keyes, MD, board-eligible plastic surgeon and founder of Celebrity Plastics, some patients have experienced serious side effects from discounted services and seek professional help in attempts to correct a botched procedure, request a reversal, mitigate any further side effects, and help better manage expectations. Yet, deals are still routinely offered on various platforms, with hundreds of treatments purchased at lower rates. Why Do Some Doctors or Clinics Provide Discounted Services? Doctors or clinics offer discounted services to appeal to a wider patient pool, in hopes of advertising their services, getting clients in the door, and gaining their loyalty, further increasing sales. Across industries, there are three simple steps to becoming a merchant on Groupon: complete an intake form, create a merchant account, and work with the self-service digital Groupon campaign manager to curate the deal. You are required to list your business name, address, and phone number in the intake form. For step two, you set up a username and password. And for step three, you supply your website URL, and list of services you provide (waxing, microneedling, laser, etc). From there, the campaign manager builds out the next step: your about me page, details on the deal, and the fine print - all of which you can adjust if need be. Once these three steps are done, Groupon takes a day to review the details and then either approve - at which point you'd then pay a publishing fee - or follows up for additional clarity. It is unclear how vigorously the platform vets its providers. PS reached out to Groupon for comment on the process and has not received a response yet. A couple of businesses that I pooled on the platform that requested to remain anonymous said they didn't experience any follow-up when joining, noting that the sign-up process was fairly easy. Not having a business myself, I completed all three steps with fake information in 14 minutes. Jennifer Levine, MD, a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, says that while providing a discounted service doesn't indicate incompetence, it may suggest a lack of experience. "You are not paying only for the service, but the education and training of the provider," says Ramtin Kassir, MD, triple board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Kassir Plastic Surgery and Inside Beauty. "Complications can be higher when inexperienced individuals offer discounted services. This doesn't negate the possibility of complications in experienced hands but generally occurs less frequently." Dr. Kassir put it this way: it's the difference between choosing a pilot with minimal flight hours versus a seasoned pro - tenure experience is a fundamental consideration for safety. What Are the Downsides of Discounted Services? While getting a great deal can be enticing, it's important to carefully consider the risks. "Products are expensive," Dr. Levine says, referring to injectables, prescription treatments, and equipment. "If someone is charging less than the product actually costs, that indicates that something is wrong." Equally, it could mean the product is damaged, expired, a counterfeit, or of low quality - posing strong risks to your health and well-being. All the experts agreed that as aesthetic services are medical procedures, there should be no cutting corners. "I've dealt with cases ranging from vascular occlusions due to improperly administered fillers to burns from laser treatments conducted with subpar equipment or technique, and poor outcomes from plastic surgeries, such as significant contour irregularities from liposuction or grossly overfilled and disproportionate Brazilian Butt Lifts," Dr. Keyes says. "These complications often arise from clinics prioritizing lower costs (and more profits) over patient safety and professional standards. Patients have to understand it costs practices money to ensure having the best equipment, newest technologies, safest medications, and qualified staffing. A portion of those costs have to get passed on to the patient or the business wouldn't be solvent." In addition to plastic surgery (liposuction, butt lifts, and the like), they stressed avoiding injectables, microneedling, and any type of laser. "No one should discount their face," Dr. Levine says. Each procedure could risk bleeding, infections, vascular occlusion, scarring, nerve damage, and more. "Complications can happen anywhere, but it is the recognition and management [often found in highly experienced doctors] of that complication that is most important," she says. With cost-saving services, consultations typically take place via video chat and patients sometimes only meet the doctor on the day of surgery, suggesting that the treatment might not be customized to your unique needs and facial structure. Plastic surgeons should consider your individual concerns and goals, ensuring the treatment is specifically tailored to the individual. With slashed pricing, you might not receive the personalized care and attention required for safe and effective results. Are There Any Procedures Safe Enough For Discounted Services? RealSelf board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Benjamin Caughlin, MD, says that even the simplest of products or services (like microneedling) can be dangerous if done improperly, so it's better to go with a reputable provider and do your research. "Procedures that inherently involve medical risk, alter the body's structure, or require anesthesia should always be performed by a licensed plastic surgeon," Dr. Keyes says. Think: liposuction, breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, and other invasive cosmetic surgeries. "Certified aestheticians can perform more superficial treatments such as facials, superficial chemical peels, and basic microneedling, provided they operate within the scope of their certification and training." In the end, if you are considering a discounted procedure, make sure you have all the facts. The experts encourage in-depth research on the provider, reviews of previous and on-going patients, and insurance of their credentials, like that an expert is board-certified. You should also ask to see before and after photos, and how they deal with complications if they come up. As a general rule of thumb, always have an in-person consultation with the doctor who will be conducting the surgery - it's important to be on the same page in terms of procedure, after-care, expectations, and goals. And most importantly, any surgery center that offers in-office procedures must be accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAA) to ensure it's safe, sterile, and up-to-date. Centers that fail to produce this distinction may not provide adequate health and safety inspections. There are many reputable clients that provide patients with different financing options if financial commitment is your top concern in selecting a service.

As a beauty editor who tests countless new products a year, I've seen some pretty outlandish product claims made. Due to the unregulated guidelines, brands are free to claim something as "clean" or say it "yields instant results" without having to prove these statements with hard facts. Not only does that make it tricky to decipher who is telling the truth, but it also makes it time-consuming to test products that don't deliver what they promise. This is why I was so excited when I heard Shiseido, a Japanese brand that's over 150 years old, added a new product to its Vital Perfection collection, utilizing a special ingredient that it's been researching for 30 years. I've been testing the Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream ($140) for over eight months and can confirm all the benefits claimed are true. Plus, Anne Hathaway endorses it. Judging by her luminous skin alone, I was further inclined to try it. Keep reading for my full review of the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream and find out why it's the multi-functional hero in my assortment. About the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream This product is a moisturizer that hydrates, firms, brightens, and lifts the skin. It's formulated for mature skin, has a rich texture, and no scent. The key ingredients include SafflowerRed, which promotes firming, lifting, and an even complexion; ginseng root extra, which aids in collagen production and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier; Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, which helps with hyperpigmentation and elasticity; and caffeine, which brightens the complexion and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. It comes in two sizes, 30 and 50 mL. My Skin Before Using the Shiseido Vital Perfection Advanced Cream What I Like About the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream I have a very minimalist skin-care routine of a gentle cleanser or balm, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Whenever I add something new to it, it has to be simple yet effective. As an existing fan of Shiseido - I own many of its sunscreens and cleansers - I enjoy the rich texture of this moisturizer as it glides across my skin into a lightweight finish sans residue. Thanks to the caffeine in the formula, it immediately improved the luminosity of my skin and, over time, the darkness around my undereyes and any post-breakout hyperpigmentation - two concerns I constantly thinking about. With three decades of research, the brand developed this new SafflowerRED technology that is paramount in supporting the skin's collagen production and aiding in how your skin delivers nutrients. Around month three, I noticed increased firmness in my jaw and forehead. Most noticeably, my skin is more radiant than it was eight months ago. There have been many mornings when I have considered forgoing my routine after seeing a bright and even complexion staring back at me in the mirror. Truly, this soft-to-the-touch cream continuously garners results each time I use it. How to Use the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream Following the brand's guidelines, I've been using the moisturizer each morning and night for eight months. I simply take two pearl-sized drops of product and smooth it all over my face, starting with my cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Like all moisturizers, make sure you wait a couple of minutes before applying makeup or the next step in your regimen. If you're using it in the morning, you'll need to follow the application with an SPF. What to Consider Before Trying the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream Although the cream is targeted for mature skin, it can be used on all skin types, but those with oily skin might find the texture a bit too heavy. If you consider yourself a minimalist, this is a great cream for you as it packs a variety of benefits. Rating:

I got into running after my dad passed away. He was an avid marathon runner and I decided it would be a cool way to honor him and get fit at the same time. What I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy it. Eleven years after I first laced up my running shoes - and with eight half-marathons, one full marathon, and more than two dozen 5Ks and 10Ks under my belt - running has become my most valued outlet when I'm feeling happy, sad, overwhelmed, or frustrated. I love the runner's high I get when my feet hit the pavement. I love the discipline it requires to train for a race. I love the community it's created for me, meeting up with other runners at expos and events. What I don't love is what running does to my 4A coils and curls. My hair does just fine when I keep my runs under four miles, but when I increase the mileage, my curl definition diminishes, the shine turns dry, and the soft touch becomes rougher. Because curls have a more elliptical S-shape, they grow in a curvy and winding pattern, which can lead to more breakage due to dryness - making them more susceptible to harm caused by wetness than other textures. "The moisture and salt in the sweat causes your hair to revert and draw up, shirk, or start to frizz," Broadway hair designer Nikiya Mathis tells PS. Because of this, I and many other Black women have specific hair for exercising - leaning into protective styles when we know it's an active season. Many of us plan our training schedule around our hair. "Pretty please don't ask me to work out this week," my sister captioned a recent selfie posted to Instagram after she had her hair styled in a silk press. Why? Braids, silk presses, wigs, weaves, and other natural styles are time-consuming and expensive - risking ruining them prematurely with exercise is not always a path we want to take. In a couple months, I'll complete my second full marathon. With my hair concerns in mind, I was determined to find a protective style that not only would stand up to the sweat of training, but doubled as a style I could wear throughout the week for work events, meetings, dates, and girl time. After much research, I decided to turn to my wig from Hairvivi. I have been wearing the Noelle style ($416) on and off for a year after seeing glowing TikTok reviews of the brand. I love how the wig complements my skin tone and how smooth the human hair is. I've worn the hair in multiple scenarios: bachelorettes, weddings, weekend brunches, date nights, sun-kissed holidays, and Zoom meetings. And with my next training schedule, I was very eager to see if I could add the gym to my list. Does the Hairvivi Wig Stand Up to Sweaty Workouts? Many naturals I know have a dedicated wig they wear during their workouts, and the friends I spoke with prior to taking my Hairvivi for a spin strongly advised me not to use the brand for my runs. They said the wig - which is made from 100 percent human hair and without glue and features a premade fake scalp and a pre-plucked hairline - is too good to get tangled up in a workout. However, the wig not only survived my sweaty workout, but streamlined my beauty routine. Prior to using the wig, I would wash and style my hair twice a week during the five to six training days - a task that would add up to two hours a week, with styling or a refresh every two days. It was extremely taxing. But with the wig, I simply plait my hair into six cornrows, pop on the brushed-out Noelle wig, and run my race. Like all protective styles, it preserves my real hair underneath so I don't have to manipulate it up to four times during the week. In order to avoid the tangles and mats my friends warned me about, I brush out the wig before and after every run and take the time to wash it once a week, letting it properly air-dry (heat should only be applied if you want to change the style's texture). According to Mathis, it's imperative that you take off glueless wigs before going to bed because the friction from sheets and pillowcases could cause shedding, breakage, and frizz - so I've been doing that as well. Since I've kept up with this routine over the last four months - as well as adding a couple drops of hair oil to add moisture back - the hair has not tangled and looks as shiny as when I first got it. My sweat doesn't disrupt the wig lace, either. An adjustable inner band and a nape comb piece keep the wig on tight when I'm in motion. I've worn the wig when training on a treadmill, pavement, beach sand, and gravel. The hair has never wavered, slipped off, or lost its way in tangles. As for my natural hair underneath, I make sure I let the roots dry properly after a workout by sitting under my hooded dryer. "When sweat dries on your scalp, it leaves a residue that can clog your hair follicles with damaging bacteria," says Hairvivi founder Claire Bao. Because my hair is in neat cornrows, I don't have to re-braid them after each run. Instead, I spritz them with a hair oil (current fave: Gisou's Honey Infused Hair Oil) to make sure my natural hair stays hydrated. It can be tough to maintain great textured hair with a physically active lifestyle. As a Black woman, I don't want to have to choose between fitness and my appearance - thankfully, Hairvivi helps me achieve the perfect happy medium. Natasha Marsh is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan Magazine, British GQ, and Harpers Bazaar.