Niall Horan Is Unrecognizable With His New Hair

We have something to tell you and we don’t want you to get upset. Are you ready? Niall Horan, one of the four remaining members of One Direction, has dyed his hair. That’s right — his platinum blond locks that helped cement his heartthrob status are no more.

Take a good long look at the pic, because the boybander of the past is no more. Niall replaced his bleached blond pompadour with a much more toned-down look. And, while we’ll miss his signature style, we’re not hating the new one.

After he took home the People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Breakout Artist,” the singer further cemented himself as a solo act by debuting new dark brown hair. He showed off his new color on Wednesday at the Larry King Hairdressing Salon launch party in London. Though, if you scroll through his Instagram, it seems the change wasn’t as sudden as it feels but more like a gradual change over time.

Even with the new hair and song, we still have hope that one day One Direction will reunite again. So does Niall, it seems, as back in November he told Sunday People: “We will back. We would be silly not to… ridiculous,” he said.

What do you think of Niall’s new hair? Are you freaking out? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Kevin Winter, Dave Bennett/Getty)

Chances are, you’ve probably been sunburnt and you’ve probably experienced the scathing pain that a sun-singed scalp can leave you with. We certainly have. If you’re a frequent victim of the often-forgotten scalp-burn, you may be ignoring a critical step in your sun care routine.

As it turns out, you need to be regularly applying SPF to your scalp to protect your skin and hair from prolonged damage beyond your hairline. But why?

"Hair helps maintain body temperature during colder months and blocks UV rays," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to Refinery29. "When the hair is parted, or in cases where the hair is thinning, the scalp may be directly exposed to the sun; the scalp is at particular risk since it points upwards directly to the sun and often goes unprotected."

There you have it. Big Sunscreen’s got us in their grip again, and now we need to add another product to our haircare (Or is it skincare?) routine. OK, OK – that might be a tad dramatic. Though the scalp-specific SPF category is actively growing, you can actually use any sunscreen lotion, as long as you don't mind a little extra grease. If this is more your speed, save your scalp by taking “a drop [of sunscreen lotion] on your finger and run it down your part line," says Dr. Zeichner.

This is especially important for our colored-haired queens. "Besides increasing the risk of skin cancer, rays from the sun can bleach dyed hair," Dr. Zeichner says. "That's why sitting in the shade, wearing a hat, or using an umbrella is important."

If you are aiming for a grease-free scalp, we’ve rounded up all of the best formulas to try this summer and beyond.

1. OARS + ALPS Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35 ($16)

This lightweight mist lets you apply broad spectrum SPF 35 to your face and scalp without getting sunscreen on your hands. Aloe and Cucumber provide hydration to counteract drying sun exposure while antioxidant-rich Safflower Oil and Sunflower Oil defend skin from environmental damage, so you’ll be fully protected no matter what the activity.

2. Coola Scalp & Hair Sunscreen & Color Protection Mist with SPF 30 ($28)

Prevent UV color fade with Coola’s convenient mist. This spray is specifically formulated for application on hair, and will give your scalp a break from the sun for up to 80 minutes in the water.

3. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen, SPF 30 ($22)

This dermatologist-tested SPF has a lightweight formula with naturally sourced sea minerals absorbs excess oils and leaves a matte finish for a blended-in look.

4. Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen ($55)

If you have sensitive skin, this may be the scalp SPF for you. Plus – it’s intuitive design allows for easy (And less expensive!) refills.

5. Josie Maran Get Even Sun Milk SPF 33 ($46)

Trade in your greasy Waterbaby lotion for this silky alternative. If you prefer a cream over liquid, this is the sunscreen for you.

6. HABIT N°38 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 38 ($30)

This facial SPF mist is perfect for your hair, too. Its touchless application guarantees effortless, full coverage with the added benefit of soothing ingredients.

We’ll definitely be keeping our scalps safe with these fantastic options. Let us know what your go-to SPF is in the comments!

Find all of the latest in beauty with Brit + Co.

Header image via Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Welcome to winter 2019, where beanies, glossy makeup, and statement lips look that much better when paired with a pretty new hair color. Instead of keeping it classic with a monochromatic blonde, brunette, or red shade, why not shake things up with one of the most requested shades of the season? Whether you want to flaunt a deep brunette hue, a rich reddish brown, or a sweets-inspired blonde, ahead the industry’s top stylists walk you through the picks for the season.

Espresso Brown

Winter is a popular time to go a shade or two darker with your hair color, but Brooklyn-based colorist Chelsey Pickthorn urges you to not stop there. According to her, when it comes to being a brunette this winter, there’s no such thing as going too dark. That’s where espresso brown hair like Mandy Moore’s comes into play. (Photo via Valerie Macon/Getty)

To get the look, Pickthorn recommends asking your colorist for a black-coffee base mixed with a touch of warmth to add mahogany-like movement and depth. “This color [pairs well] with deeper complexions but can absolutely be pulled off with lighter skin tones,” Pickthorn says. The trick is to either go the tiniest bit lighter with your espresso mane or blend a tinted moisturizer into your skin to help balance the contrast so that it’s not too stark.

Rooted Balayage and foilayage

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you need to adopt a cool-toned hair color. “We‘re still in love with balayage and foilayage techniques to create warm movement and depth within a hair color,” says Linda De Zeeuw, a master stylist at Rob Peetoom in NYC. As with any soft hair color application, balayage and foilayage suit all skin tones since you’re keeping your natural base color. “You can also modify the highlights to work best for you,” says Stephanie Brown, a master colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon in NYC. “If you have cooler skin tones, go with neutral-to-warm highlights. For brunettes like Jessica Biel above, we’ll see more golden and coppery highlights.” (Photo via John Shearer/ Getty)

To achieve the low-maintenance look, Brown recommends pairing foilayage or balayage brush strokes with a faux root to help extend the life of your winter color. “The hair is always brighter at the hairline, but when you shadow the roots to make it slightly darker than the ends, you get a longer wear out of your highlights,” Brown says. If you’re a brunette, she also recommends adding a few piecey highlights around the hairline, as too many all over can make for a brassy mane.

Inky Black

If dark brown simply won’t cut it for your hair goals, it’s time to consider an inky black mane à la Lana Condor. “Inky black is rich and deep with a hint of blue,” Brown says. “This shade goes very well with the glass hair trend because the black will give the shine you want for the style.” (Photo via Sarah Morris/ Getty)

The bluish-black hair color is easiest to achieve on those who have slightly lighter hair colors. If you have dark brown or black hair, you’ll need to lighten your strands before adding the dark, cool-tinted dye to score the exact inky allure. When it comes to skin tone, fair, cool undertones rock the look best, especially if light blue, green, or gray eyes are part of the equation.

Titian Tones

Choosing between hair colors can be a tough business, especially if it’s between going brunette or red. If you’re on the fence, consider a titian hair color, like Bryce Dallas Howard’s above. “It’s a light [brownish] copper that has golden undertones that radiate like the strong heat of the sun,” says celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in NYC, Philadelphia, and Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/VMN18/ Getty)

To get the reddish-brown hair color, ask your colorist for a single process titian that suits your undertones. The warm hair color flatters fairer skin tones and can be tailored to both cool and warm undertones.

Sugar-Cookie Blonde

Immortalize your favorite holiday cookie with this caramelized beige-blonde hair color. As worn by Kirsten Dunst above, it’s the ultimate winter blonde since it maintains the light appeal while bringing a muted warmth to the coolest season of the year. (Photo via Steve Granitz/ Getty)

To recreate the look at the salon, KEVIN.MURPHY global design director Kate Reid says to ask your stylist for a warm caramel tone with soft shades of beige and gold. To maintain the baked hue, be sure to stock up on anti-brass haircare products, as well as an at-home glossing treatment. Using these once or twice a week will keep unwanted tones out of your hair while amping up the shine and deeply conditioning ends.

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Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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