Dry shampoo has been in our haircare arsenal (and our mother’s and even our grandmother’s) for years, but it does come with its faults. Many of the sprays leave our hair coated with a white, almost dandruff-like residue and feeling parched too.
One thing I'm trying to care more about as I get older? Maintaining the best hair health I can. When I was younger, I was pretty reckless with heat styling, and not taking care of my hair with the products and tools I used. Now as I'm getting older, I'm trying to maintain my length and softness of my hair by adding the right things to my routine.
I talked with Dr. Ross Kopelman, a doctor and hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, to get his secret tips on what the key is to maintaining healthy hair. In his work, he treats a lot of clients struggling with hair loss, so he knows just what products you should be using to prevent that! These are all the products he shared with me that you need to add to your daily routine!
The Long Hairs
Boar Bristle Brush
I love this brush, because it's made up of a blend of nylon and authentic boar bristle, letting you get all the dreamy benefits of a boar bristle brush, just on a budget. Dr. Kopelman says that boar bristle brushes are perfect for gently stimulating the scalp without tugging on thinning hair. He also says that it evenly distribute natural oils, which can improve the health and appearance of your hair, giving it a shinier and fuller look! This brush is the key first step in anyone's hair care routine!
Amazon
Wide Tooth Comb
Did you know there are different brushes you should use for the different states of your hair? Well, there are! This comb is ideal for wet hair after the shower. Dr. Kopelman let us know that this comb is great for anyone dealing with hair loss — detangling without causing damage is key! He also says that a wide-tooth comb is ideal, especially when your hair is wet and more prone to breakage. It minimizes stress on fragile strands, helping prevent further hair loss. Sounds like a winner to us!
Amazon
Scalp Massager
One thing Dr. Kopelman recommends often for hair growth? A scalp massager! He says that he often recommends these to patients, because they can help improve blood circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow can potentially promote hair growth, making it a simple yet effective addition to your routine!
I recently started using this every night, and can say that it genuinely does make a significant difference in your hair health. My hair is shinier, and the blood circulation is also seriously helping with my hair growth.
Amazon
Microfiber Towel
Traditional towels can create too much friction, which isn’t ideal for thinning hair, according to Dr. Kopelman. He claims that a microfiber towel is much gentler and helps reduce frizz and breakage, allowing your hair to dry without added stress! After using these for a couple weeks, you'll notice a significant difference in your hair post-shower!
Amazon
Heat Protectant Spray
As we all know a good protectant spray is essential to shield your hair from further damage, if you use hot tools! So, make sure you're using a heat protectant that is going to do the heavy lifting in protecting your hair and maintaining its health. Thinning hair is especially vulnerable to heat, so using this barrier can help preserve its strength and health. I've been using this one for years, and it's seriously heavy duty! And it's under $7! Who doesn't love that?!
Sephora
Thermal Brush
If you're going to use heat, I would recommend a brush that doesn't tangle your hair too much or cause frizz. This Mane brush was one of the few brushes I've used that doesn't tangle my hair when I try to do a classic blow-dry. It's ideal for easy and quick styling that won't cause further damage.
Sephora
Gisou Honey Oil
And lastly, top off your hair with some natural oil like this one from Gisou! It will make your hair buttery smooth and soft, while nourishing it with natural oils. This oil has honey, so not only does it do wonders for your hair, it also smells heavenly! Love this one!
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Cora Pursley
If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"
Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.
Amazon
The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir
Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!
Hot Topic
Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack
I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.
Sunday Best
Sunday Best Peggy Sweater
Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.
Amazon
Cotton Baseball Hat
For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.
Book of the Month
Book of the Month
Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.
Nordstrom
Espresso Martini Statement Earrings
It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.
Etsy
Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster
Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.
Etsy
Luke's Diner Mug
With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!
Etsy
Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup
If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!
Maisonette
Gina White Poodle
Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"
Handker Bandanas
Colorful Bandana
For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.
Etsy
Dragonfly Necklace
A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.
Etsy
Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt
Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.
Etsy
Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt
There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."
Walmart
Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection
One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook
Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide
Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!
Amazon
Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow
TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!
Cande Craft Company
Stars Hollow Scented Candle
This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.
Amazon
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush
Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!
Rock Em Socks
Gilmore Girls Socks
Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.
Etsy
Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book
For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.
Favorite Child
Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag
Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.
Amazon
Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember
Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.
Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
The only Black hair growth products that help my thick, natural hair thrive have been found through intense trial and error. It's not that I didn't have a regimen before postpartum hair loss wreaked havoc on my tresses, it's more so my hair changed. It's like my hormones decided everything needed an overhaul, so I had to go back to the drawing board.
It's taken three frustrating years, but my hair and I finally have an understanding again. One of the things she craves is moisture so the following 4 Black hair growth products are the ones I absolutely swear by.
Though they're not specifically labeled as "hair growth" products, the ingredients found in these beauty goodies aid in repairing and strengthening hair. I also swear by some of Sephora's top-rated hair products!
Have thick hair that craves moisture like mine? Keep scrolling for my healthy hair must-haves!
Target
Donna's Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo
I'm a huge fan of Tabitha Brown so I was excited when she launched her haircare brand Donna's Recipe. I literally ran to my local Target to buy this Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo because I had a feeling my hair would appreciate the real sweet potato extract, cinnamon, and vanilla blend!
The first time I washed my hair with this shampoo, it felt like someone was giving me a personal scalp massage. It has a beautiful lather and it moisturizes my hair as I'm washing it. Not only that, but it smells like a baked sweet potato!
Besides that, I love that it's formulated without sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and other pesky ingredients.
Sephora
Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner
Sienna Naturals is another brand I couldn't wait to try after chatting with co-founders Hannah Diop and Issa Rae. I actually washed my son's hair with the Hydrating H.A.P.I. Shampoo and this Untangled Conditioner first because his hair gets dry easily and he has eczema.
Once I saw how his hair and scalp responded to them, I washed and conditioned with the amazing H.A.P.I. duo before braiding my hair. It's summer so I'll be wearing braids for the most part, but wanted to make sure my hair was protected and prepped beforehand.
It helps reduce frizz and makes detangling hurt less than it usually does. It has raw slippery elm bark, marshmallow root extract, and Brazilian Patauá Fruit Oil in it — ingredients that are super moisturizing and strengthening!
I can't wait to see how my hair feels when it's time to remove my braids for wash day again!
Walmart
Alikay Naturals Honey and Sage Deep Conditioner
I feel like a deep conditioner connoisseur at this point, but I've finally found one that passes my strict policy about moisturizing products. Not only does it smell sweet, but you can immediately feel how moisturizing it is when distributing the product throughout your hair. Plus, a little goes a long way!
It spreads evenly and has ingredients like aloe vera juice, honey, sage, and nettle. It feels like the perfect followup after using the Donna's Recipe Sweet Potato Extra Creamy Moisturizing Shampoo and Sienna Naturals Untangled Conditioner!
I like to call them the tender trio because they're truly gentle on my hair while providing the moisture it craves.
Target
Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Scalp & Hair Oil
The last thing I generally like to use is this Anti-Shedding Scalp & Hair Oil. This is the first product I discovered helped me combat postpartum shedding so I've stuck by it for the past few years. It's incredibly lightweight and helps tackle itchy spots on my scalp, which is a must!
I've also noticed a significant improvement in my natural hair's ends! I still have normal shedding, but I'm not seeing clumps of my hair fall out every time I wash, brush, or part my hair.
These are my tried-and-true hair products, and if you have thick hair, I hope you love them just as much.
If you don't have thick hair, here are the best shampoos to use for thinning hair!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Target
Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.
Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.
The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):
- Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
- Labs: $3,440.81
- NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
- Anatomy scan: $1,270
- RhoGam: $360
- Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
- Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
- OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
- Epidural: $5,720
- Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
- Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.
Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:
“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.
“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.
“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.
Mart Production / PEXELS
Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.
“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”
Sarah Chai / PEXELS
Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.
“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.
There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.
“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”
Anna Shvets / PEXELS
Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).
Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.
Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS
It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.
Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.
Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.
Jonathan Borba / PEXELS
Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.
“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”
To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:
- Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
- Office visits
- Lab work
- Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
- Hospital admissions
- Specialist consultations during admission
- Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
- Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible
“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”
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