Posts in category: Life Style

Cold plunge devotees swear the wellness practice can do everything from lower the risk of depression to reduce muscle soreness, and there is a little research to suggest they may be on to something. But what if cold plunges are actually bad for women? That surprising messaging is suddenly popping up all over the place.

Take a recent Instagram video from acupuncturist Katie Pedrick that’s gone viral. “I have been saying this for years. And, once again, Chinese medicine is just way ahead of its time,” she said in the video. “Cold plunges are not great for women.”

Pedrick then cited a recent study on cold water immersion in women, noting that it found “no benefit” for study participants (more on that research in a sec). “But it did spike cortisol and stress the women’s bodies out,” Pedrick continued. “This is why you need to use wellness data that has actually been studied on women and not just copy and paste it from men. Our bodies are not the same.”

This also came up in a recent episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, where exercise physiologist Stacy Sims, PhD, said that “inherently, women don’t need as cold” temperatures as men with cold plunging. “When women get into ice cold or cold water…it invokes such a severe strong stress response, much stronger than a male’s response, that her body goes into more of a shutdown phase,” Dr Sims said. (She suggested that women focus on warmer temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit instead.)

With that, it’s fair to wonder if your cold plunge habit is doing more harm than good. We tracked down researchers, a women’s health expert, and two sports medicine specialists to get to the bottom of this.

A few things happen in a woman’s body during a cold plunge

Research into cold plunges is ongoing, and it’s hard to make any definitive declarations about any aspect of it. But Ron Clijsen, PhD, co-author of that study Pedrick name-checked and head of research at the Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, tells SELF that there are a few major responses worth noting when women do cold plunges:

There’s a “cold shock” response

When someone of either sex immerses themselves in cold water (usually at or below 59 degrees Fahrenheit), their body reacts quickly. “You might start to breathe faster or gasp suddenly,” Dr Clijsen says. “This triggers your body’s stress response, releasing adrenaline and other chemicals, which cause your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to rise.” Blood vessels in your skin and extremities narrow—a process known as vasoconstriction—to help maintain your core body temperature, Vanessa Wellauer, study co-author and researcher at the Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, tells SELF.

Your body temperature adapts

This happens anywhere from a few minutes to 10 minutes or more, per the researchers. “The body starts to produce its own heat by shivering and activating brown fat tissue,” Michael Swartzon, MD, sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopaedic Care, part of Baptist Health South Florida, tells SELF. (This process is called thermogenesis, FWIW.)

You’ll see brief spikes in stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines, per Wellauer. “These cause short-term increases in white blood cells and immune activation markers, which are normal acute responses and not harmful,” she says. (When you continue to do cold plunges, your body adapts and reduces this response, she says.)

Cardiac strain

Cold plunges put a temporary strain on your heart. “The body’s fight or flight response occurs, causing hormonal changes that increase the heart rate,” Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, tells SELF. There can also be an increase in blood pressure, according to Dr Clijsen.

For her birthday celebration in Jamnagar, Isha Ambani Piramal opted for a scarlet-hued co-ord set from the London-based luxury label Saloni.

The ensemble, crafted with thousands of hand-embroidered sequins, featured the Venyx Camille Crop Top with a plunging V-neckline, full-length sleeves with fitted cuffs and a flattering cropped hem that highlighted her waist.

Paired with it was the Aidan Venyx Skirt in the same tone, a fluid, ankle-grazing silhouette that flared softly at the hem. This midi trumpet-shaped skirt featured a fitted structure that fell into a fluted base, enhanced by tonal striped sequin detailing. Together, the separates created an effortlessly statement-making look.

Founded by Saloni Lodha in 2011, the label is known for its vibrant colours and detailed craftsmanship. Lodha’s creations, inspired by her Indian roots and international experiences, celebrate confident, joyful femininity.

Instagram.com/biancaa_bee

Ambain Piramal styled the sequinned outfit with diamond jewellery: a pair of oversized diamond earrings that framed her face and a solitaire ring. Her accessories reflected her signature approach–minimal yet striking–letting the shimmer of her outfit take centre stage.

Her makeup was soft and radiant, with dewy skin, subtly defined eyes and a rose lip that balanced the vibrancy of the ensemble. She wore her hair sleek and straight, parted neatly down the centre; a simple and polished finish that complemented the overall look.

Completing her outfit, Ambani Piramal wore scarlet pumps that perfectly matched her shimmering co-ord set, elongating her frame while keeping the palette cohesive. Every detail came together seamlessly, reflecting her love for refined style and understated elegance.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“Isha Ambani Piramal shows us how to elevate sequins and take it out of the club. The trick lies in working with a tone-on-tone sequin work, the size of the sequin and the length of the garment. When working with sequins, it’s usually associated with a party look which is short but to elevate it and add a pop of fun to an outfit work with a midi sequin dress, a midi circle or fitted skirt in sequin. The latter if you want some relief and to break up the outfit with a simple top to balance the piece. Keep the jewellery and makeup minimal so that nothing outshines the sequins. Pair with strappy or pointed kitten heels to finish the look,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

Isha Ambani Piramal: “I’m very quick to say that my twins were conceived via IVF because that’s how we’ll normalise it”

21 looks from Isha Ambani Piramal to inspire your festive wardrobe, including Benarasi saris and craft lehengas

Isha Ambani Piramal confesses that she is a “Carbie Barbie”

Take a stand, make it fun and add your signature spark to the mix, Aquarius, and you have a cocktail the cosmos cannot refuse. You are sitting on something promising and brilliant at the same time, and you, my dear, are not just waiting by the sidelines;s, you are being urged to play out that drumroll, announce your entrance and make heads turn. Your spirit guides watch over you a little extra today—so if you spot a bird feather, a hawk or an eagle—take it as your spirit team saying hi and notice the thoughts you were thinking then. If optimistic, stay on track; if pessimistic, rewire and ask yourself how you can make it work because a solution is possible for you, Capricorn. You are stuck in your worst fears, Scorpio, and your survival-based instincts may be at their all-time high. Now here is the thing, you asked for an opportunity and you were given one, it is just a matter of time before you claim your worth. Admit it, Sag, while your past decisions may have been rooted in security and emotional balance, your present moment may be doused in passion. Remember to not let yourself become so fully immersed in this identity that you forget who you are and lose the way home. Check one thing off at a time, Aries, and you will be where you can see yourself already. Try not to get too dragged into what others may think or feel about you. Instead, try focusing on your inner compass and keep your gaze set internally attuned.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Check one thing off at a time, Aries, and you will be where you can see yourself already. Try not to get too dragged into what others may think or feel about you. Instead, try focusing on your inner compass and keep your gaze set internally attuned. You may feel like you are pouring in everything you can imagine into something that may or may not bear fruit; however, when you really do keep coming back to your inner guidance, you will trump what you set out to initially. This struggle-like phase is temporary, as it leads you to better places soon.

Cosmic tip: Keep finding your emotional anchors to keep seeding one bit at a time.

Your fortune is turning, for the better, Taurus. And you, my dear, are sitting pretty—in fact, you always have been, even if you may not have noticed it. Someone or something has always figured it out on your behalf, or the cosmos has chipped in in due time. And hey, things are about to pick up pace in even better ways. For some struggling with legal battles, you may be safeguarding your share or are being guided to take and uphold your share of things righteously. In the long run, you are protected, and you need to always remember that.

Starting minoxidil for hair growth is a bit like starting therapy. You go in for resolution, but first you’re handed a list of daily commitments, possibly uncomfortable side effects and a haunting little truth: things may get worse before they get better.

Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, minoxidil’s unexpected benefit—hair growth—turned it into a dermatology staple. It’s one of the most effective topical treatments for androgenetic alopecia and early-stage hair thinning. But what no one tells you is how mundane, messy and mentally taxing the day-to-day can feel. Between the routine changes, the texture complaints, and the existential crisis of watching more hair fall out before it grows back, most people abandon it too early.

If you’re about to commit to the long game, consider this your pre-treatment pep talk. Here’s what to expect before your regrowth era begins:

It’s a daily act

Minoxidil doesn’t stay active for long. “It has a half-life of just three to four hours,” explains Dr Spoorthy Nagineni, consultant dermatologist at Zennara Clinics. That means if you skip a dose, you’re potentially undoing the progress you made the day before.

Daily application is non-negotiable per experts. It’s just another line on your already stretched to-do list, wedged between renewing your gym membership and remembering to buy eggs. Glamorous? No. Effective? Yes.

Grease will happen

Even the foam formats, which claim to absorb faster, leave behind some residue. “If your scalp is greasy enough for dry shampoo, it’s time for an actual wash,” says Dr Hina Mukadam of Luna Skin and Body Clinic.

Dry shampoo is a handy solution, but it can interfere with how minoxidil absorbs. If you’re committing to the product, you’re also committing to cleaner roots and a bit more shampoo.

You’ll shed before you grow

At around the four-week mark, you may find more hair on your pillow and in the shower drain. This is known as the shedding phase. “It’s your body pushing out weaker, miniaturised hairs to make room for stronger growth,” explains Dr Nagineni.

The process makes sense on paper. But in real life, it feels like your hair is turning against you. The trick is to not panic and give the treatment time to work. It’s unsettling, but temporary. Hold your nerve when it feels like you’re losing the plot (and your hairline).

It’s a long-term relationship

Minoxidil isn’t a one-time reset. “If you stop using it, you’ll lose whatever new hair you gained,” says Dr Nagineni. “Discontinuation often leads to shedding, which is why many hesitate to start,” adds Dr Chytra Anand, founder of Kosmoderma Healthcare.

Think of it as a long-term arrangement. You can take a break, but you should know the terms of disengagement. Experts say this is not to dissuade anyone using minoxidil but understanding the daily commitment, patience and long-term use it takes to see the results we’re chasing.

Your scalp may protest

Mild redness and flaking can be an onboarding symptom of starting minoxidil for hair growth. Mild irritation usually settles with some TLC in 2-3 weeks of use, but if it persists, it’s time to speak to your prescribing doctor. Powerful, gold-standard treatments, like tretinoin, may not be suitable for sensitive scalps. If your scalp is getting too dry and itchy, minoxidil is not your only option for stimulating hair growth.

You’ve probably heard of CoQ10 before; it is a common ingredient found in many anti-ageing skincare products. Also known by its official name, coenzyme Q10, it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants currently available. But what exactly is this ingredient that promises to slow down the hands of the clock? And, how can it benefit us?

To find out more about CoQ10, we asked an expert: pharmacist Shabir Daya, the creator and formulator behind the supplement brand DoSe and co-founder of wellness and beauty retailer, Victoria Health.

What is CoQ10?

CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant compound found naturally in every cell of our body. “It is one of the compounds responsible for producing the energy needed for growth and maintenance of the body,” says Daya.

What is CoQ10 used for?

CoQ10 helps our cells respond. “It is used in our bodies, along with magnesium, for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that provides our cells with the energy they need for chemical reactions, repair, growth and other processes,” explains Daya. It is also a powerful antioxidant as it protects cells from free radicals generated by these processes, which can damage our genes.

What are the benefits of CoQ10?

The highest concentrations of natural CoQ10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas — these glands have high metabolic and energy requirements, and therefore require higher amounts of CoQ10. CoenzymeQ10 also promotes proper muscle function, perhaps due to its mild blood-thinning properties that help to improve circulation and oxygenation of all the tissues in the body. Finally, CoQ10 is necessary for the body’s largest organ, the skin. As Daya points out, “It helps maintain healthy cell growth in the skin, may protect it from free radicals and also helps protect it from photoaging caused by UV rays.”

What does CoQ10 do?

1. Protects cells throughout the body from oxidative stress
2. Protects skin from photo-ageing and premature ageing, stimulates collagen production, and prevents wrinkles
3. It could help ease migraines
4. It could prevent heart disease by boosting the production of energy needed for cardiac activities
5. It may protect against neurodegenerative diseases, due to its free-radical protective action on the nervous system and brain
6. May be helpful to athletes as it helps fight fatigue and reduces muscle aches and pains
7. May relieve gum disease
8. May help fertility
9. May help prevent certain types of cancer

Things you need to know about CoQ10 before taking

1. At high dosages (more than 100 mg per day), it may cause nausea and diarrhoea
2. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation
3. May interfere with some medications

Should I take a CoenzymeQ10 supplement?

Our bodies naturally produce CoQ10, but our ability to produce this nutrient, as with many other compounds, declines with age. And, although CoQ10 is naturally available in small amounts in foods like meat and fish, the amount in our body decreases dramatically with age, so much so that by the time you reach the age of 40, your body has, on average, half the levels it had when you were young.

Taking a CoQ10 supplement could be useful as we age — especially if we are prone to certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. “While it has no direct effect on cholesterol, I recommend ubiquinol supplementation for those taking statins, which deplete CoQ10 levels and often cause muscle pain,” explains Daya. “I also recommend it for anyone over 40, those with low energy levels, and anyone who wants to maintain healthy skin and protect it from premature ageing, as CoQ10 protects against oxidative damage.”

At Vogue World 2025: Hollywood, Vogue India November cover star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan arrived in a Manish Malhotra creation that fused cinematic nostalgia with Indian craftsmanship. She wore a look that mirrored the event’s theme, where film meets fashion on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles. Since its debut in New York three years ago, Vogue World has evolved into a global phenomenon blending runway, performance and philanthropy, each edition reimagining fashion as a live cultural experience.

The bodice, sculpted close to the body, was meticulously hand-embroidered with rows of pearl beading and stones. Its off-shoulder neckline dipped gently into a structured U cut, while the draped sleeves, looped and beaded, fell off the shoulders in fluid arcs that softened the corset’s architectural shape. The construction featuring exaggerated, protruding hips recalled the discipline of mid-century couture, with internal boning and precision, but the surface spoke to South Asian ornamentation.

The voluminous tea-length skirt was cut from archival gold brocade woven with metallic floral motifs and evoked the elegance of the lehenga. The pièce de résistance was a version of a ghungat, a contemporary iteration of the designer’s signature veil. Hand-embellished on sheer georgette and draped to frame the shoulders, it bridged heritage with a modern silhouette.

Her styling continued the mood of vintage opulence with rhinestone-studded pumps, ear clips by Cartier, a delicate nose ring and a scattering of rings. With matte skin and hair swept into a side-part, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan embodied cross-cultural storytelling.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Opt for a hooded, tone-on-tone corset to mirror Maitreyi’s look. Balance the structure with Y2K-inspired, fitted flared denim, strappy, colourful heels and a baguette-shaped shoulder bag. A moodier eye and a nude glossy lip to finish the look,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Also read:

Kendall Jenner kicks off Vogue World 2025: Hollywood in a Moulin Rouge costume

The best-dressed stars from Vogue World 2025: Hollywood

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: “I think I’m living in one of my best timelines”

Meet the scroll-stopping, headline-making, VIPs of the zodiac wheel that not only make you feel like you are caught hook, line and sinker but also are unable to get away from their magnetic grasp. They serve mystery, drama, cosy reliability and quick-witted banter in equal measure, turning small talk into signature moves and single moments into highlight reels. These signs bring the charisma, the one-liners and the kind of energy that gets you following them into any weekend plan or chaotic group chat. Ready to meet the crew of charming zodiac signs that make all this magic look effortless, yet unmissable?

Ensure to check your sun moon and rising sign as well.

Scorpio

C’mon, we know you aren’t surprised that Scorpio tops the list of charming zodiac signs. The wit, the magnetism, the mystery and the sensual charisma all fuse to create this bomb that is not only charming but often the most attractive invisible hook in the room. They turn intensity into an asset: deep listening that feels like a soul scan, boundaries that read as confidence and a presence that makes casual moments feel meaningful. A Scorpio’s charm is quiet, unassuming, yet one that gets you hook, line and sinker—be it all the way to the bedroom or simply at a board meeting.

Leo

Can you miss a Leo in a room? Nope. They stroll in like the headline act. Loud laughs, big energy and probably the playlist. Dramatic, generous and effortlessly warm, they don’t just own the spotlight; they gift it to everyone around them. Romantic gestures feel cinematic, creativity pops off, and their confidence reads like a party invitation you can’t ignore. They lead with heart, hype up their crew and make generosity look like a personality trait. In short: charismatic, theatrical and endlessly lovable—the human confetti cannon.

Taurus

Taurus energy is cosy-core but make it iconic, they enter and the vibe instantly goes soft-focus. Think slow-cooked comfort, stubborn loyalty, and a dry joke that lands like your favourite meme. Their romance is tactile: playlists, home-cooked dinners, and gifts that scream “I remember your weird details.” They won’t chase drama; they’ll build a blanket fort and charge rent. Stick with them and you get security that feels like an upgrade.

Pisces

Pisces drifts in like a living moodboard: vintage jacket, wistful smile and a playlist for every feeling. They’re physically present but mentally curating a rom-com sequel, a poetry caption, and three alternate lives all at once. That “half-here” vibe isn’t aloof, it’s magnetic: they notice the micro-expressions you thought nobody saw and respond with an instinctive mix of artful advice and comfort, a care package in human form. Creative, endlessly empathetic, oddly practical when it counts, Pisces will ghost you with a song recommendation and then show up with the exact thing that heals you.

Gemini

Gemini is a one-person festival, flitting from topic to hobby to vibe with the speed of a trending audio clip. They make small talk feel like performance art, drop jokes that land and pivot conversations like pros because their curiosity never clocks out. Smart, chatty and endlessly adaptable, they’re equal parts trivia night champion and spontaneous road-trip planner. Brilliant, restless and wildly adaptable, Geminis keep your life feeling fresh, thrilling, slightly chaotic and impossible to predict in the best possible way.

Virgo

Virgo shows up like a life-hack tutorial: turns chaos into order, elevates snacks into artisanal desserts, and somehow makes emotional labour look efficient. Reliable, quietly brilliant, and low-key irresistible, they open up on their own terms, which only makes them more magnetic. A conversation with a Virgo feels curated: they notice the tiny things you missed, give practical comfort, and hold space without the drama. Practical romance, thoughtful gestures and a brain that organises your mess into a mood board—Virgo is the glow-up you didn’t know you needed. They’re the kind of partner who shows up with a spreadsheet and a playlist, fixes your flat tyre and somehow makes stability feel thrilling.

Also read:

The luckiest zodiac signs this Scorpio season

Your birth date numerology can tell you more about yourself than you think

These Ikigai questions will help you find the true meaning of life

Set in 1962, decades before the events of It: Chapter One, this prequel series dives into the dark history of Derry, Maine, and the terrifying origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. When Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), his wife Charlotte (Taylour Paige), and their son Will move into town, they are soon pulled into a wave of disappearances and sinister events. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, joined by Chris Chalk as a younger Dick Hallorann. IT: Welcome to Derry expands Stephen King’s mythos with new horrors, revealing what “It” is, what It wants, and why Derry is forever cursed.

Streaming on JioHotstar

Nightmares of Nature (October 28)

Vogue World 2025: Hollywood show at the Paramount Studios lot celebrated the intersection of fashion and film—so why wouldn’t one of the opening looks feature a top model in an iconic movie look?

Case in point: Towards the beginning of the show, supermodel Kendall Jenner walked the runway in a memorable ensemble from the 2001 movie-musical Moulin Rouge, famously directed by Baz Luhrmann and costume designed by Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie.

Jenner hit the catwalk wearing a glitzy showgirl look originally worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine. The crystal-encrusted bodysuit, created by Martin, kicked off the first act of the show—an ode to classic Hollywood glamour. (Kidman, meanwhile, opened the show in custom Chanel).

In addition to starring in the promo videos for this year’s affair, Kendall Jenner has also appeared on last year’s Vogue World: Paris runway, where she famously rode a horse on Place Vendôme alongside friend and fellow equestrian Gigi Hadid.

Also read:

The best-dressed stars from Vogue World 2025: Hollywood

Watch The Vogue World 2025: Hollywood Livestream

This seed that has been planted in your heart, Virgo, it is divinely sent and cosmically seeded. You may find yourself going back in time to a point where something similar may not have previously worked out to your advantage; however, today things are different. You not only have evolved differently, but so have your skills. And hello, you are now more ready than ever to magnetise these wonderful blessings your way.

Cosmic tip: What is killing you is not the wait but the anticipation of what happens next.

When you dance, the cosmos dances with you, Libra. When you draw a line in the sand, the cosmos takes a cue and helps bring only what is acceptable your way. Now think this through carefully and through your wisdom, not pure intellect. Your finances, like your tresses, need a more nurturing and grounded approach at this point. Enjoy them but also nourish them, and give them the TLC they need.

Cosmic tip: A little bit of magic and lots of love, faith and work will take you a long way.

Scorpio, when you allow support to flow into your life, you realise that you can, in turn, make time and space for yourself too. You can finally rest your mind and your metaphorical sword and anyway, whoever said Mondays are to go in heavy on work and stuff was wrong. Monday is the day of the moon and you know the moon is cyclical, rhythmic and intuitive, even creative. So Mondays, my dear, may just be for you to sync into your rhythm and intuitively chart out your week ahead. This is the way you take back the steering wheel in your hands, okay?

Cosmic tip: Think, feel, introspect, plan and then take action.

You’ve got your joker tucked away safely, Sag. And while that is a great move to make, you also need to make the rest of your hands work. Trust your own cycles, understand how you are syncing with the moon and you will realise that you are productive some days and you need rest some other days. So while you may feel the need to keep your candle burning all through, you will also realise that this need not necessarily be backed by constant action from your end. This is your time to withdraw and go within to then get out there and take things forward.