< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HAIR & BEAUTY Bold, sustainable, and versatile styles Bold, sustainable, a nd versatile stylesLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 HAIR & BEAUTY © stock.adobe.com/Tetiana The Shag: Retro, Reimagined One of the standout trends for 2025 is the shag haircut, a ‘70s-inspired style that’s made a strong comeback. This cut features choppy layers, volume at the roots, and a messy, lived-in vibe. The shag works well with various hair types, from straight to curly, and adds texture and movement. This style is perfect for women who want a low- maintenance cut that still offers plenty of volume and character. The shag is being reinterpreted for 2025, with variations such as the curly shag and shaggy bob gaining popularity. It’s a versatile cut that can be worn with or without bangs, allowing for plenty of room to customize based on face shape and personal style. Curtain Bangs: Soft and Flattering Curtain bangs are continuing to be a huge trend for women in 2025. These bangs, which gently frame the face and part in the middle, are universally flattering and perfect for those who want a bit of drama without a full fringe. Curtain bangs have the advantage of being low- maintenance, as they blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair as they grow out. For 2025, curtain bangs are being styled in various ways - softer and more wispy for a light look, or bolder and more structured for a sharper appearance. Whether paired with long flowing hair or a short, textured bob, curtain bangs continue to be a popular option for adding a youthful, fresh touch to any hairstyle. Textured Waves: The Effortless Look 2025 is all about embracing natural textures, and textured waves are one of the easiest ways to achieve a relaxed, stylish look. This trend focuses on volume, movement, and a carefree vibe, with a nod to beachy, tousled waves that work for any occasion. Textured waves are achieved with minimal effort - either by using a curling iron for loose waves or simply letting hair air dry to enhance natural texture. Products like sea salt sprays or lightweight mousses are popular for creating volume without weighing the hair down. The key is to keep the waves soft and undone, reflecting a natural, effortless beauty that is ideal for women seeking a low-maintenance style. Hair trends for women are embracing individuality, creativity, and sustainability. From daring cuts to vibrant colours and a return to natural textures, the latest styles are all about self- expression and versatility. Women are stepping away from overly polished looks, opting for more effortless, eco-conscious choices that allow them to showcase their personalities through their hair. Here’s a look at the top hair trends to watch this year. The Modern Bob: Short, Chic, and Versatile The bob remains a timeless style for women in 2025. This short, chic cut is incredibly versatile and can be styled in various ways. Whether it’s sleek and straight for a polished look or textured and messy for a more relaxed vibe, the bob continues to be a favourite for women of all ages. The bob is being reimagined with asymmetrical cuts and tousled textures. A bob with bangs is also gaining popularity, particularly with softer, wispy fringes that complement the overall shape of the cut. This style works well for women with fine hair, as the bob adds volume and structure, making the hair appear thicker and fuller. The Pixie Cut: Bold and Effortless The pixie cut is making a strong return, especially among women who want a bold, edgy style that’s easy to maintain. This short, chic cut is perfect for those seeking a dramatic change without the upkeep of longer hair. The pixie cut can be styled in various ways - sleek and polished for a refined look or tousled for a more relaxed, messy style. It works well with both fine and thick hair, and the minimal length makes it ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. The pixie continues to be an excellent choice for women who want to stand out and make a confident, stylish statement. Sustainable Haircare: Eco-Conscious Choices Sustainability continues to be a major focus in the beauty and haircare industry. More women are opting for eco-friendly haircare products, such as organic shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that are cruelty-free and free from harmful chemicals. The demand for sustainable packaging, including refillable bottles and biodegradable materials, is also on the rise. This trend aligns with a broader movement towards embracing natural textures and minimizing heat styling. Many women are choosing haircare products that nourish and enhance their natural hair, rather than relying on chemical treatments or excessive styling tools. Sustainable haircare is not just about the products; it’s about adopting a more eco-conscious lifestyle and making choices that benefit both the hair and the environment.42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY O’BRIEN’S OPTICIAN If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or painful for most or all of the time, you are quite probably suffering from Dry Eye Disease (DED), especially if you continually feel “there’s something in my eye.” One in five, and nearly 800 million people worldwide, suffer from DED. Over 50% of females over the age of 40, and over 90% of menopausal females, are thought to live with this condition. More recently, the condition has become more common in all ages and genders due to environmental factors, use of cosmetics and medications, excessive screen use, and underlying conditions such as blepharitis and Sjögren’s syndrome. The front part of your eyes is lubricated by a special moist film consisting of a mucous layer nearest your eyes, a middle, watery layer derived from your tear glands, and a third, outer layer, which is oily (lipid) and produced by special glands (the Meibomian glands) in your upper and lower eyelids. If your Meibomian glands are not producing enough oily film, the other lubricating layers will continually dry out and that is what causes the irritation and other symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. This new therapy for Dry Eye Disease offered at O’Brien’s in Brigg is safe, non- invasive, painless - and doesn’t involve any eyedrops. It is known as Intense Pulsating Light (IPL) and Low Light Level Therapy (LLLT), though it may also be referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM). IPL uses thermal pulses to stimulate the Meibomian glands, and LLLT uses a specific wavelength of light to gently heat the eyelids. This revolutionary new treatment helps the Meibomian glands to work properly and therefore stabilises and improves the quantity and quality of the oily layer of the tear film. The treatment provides an immediate relief of symptoms. Now available in Brigg Breakthrough treatment for Dry Eye Disease (DED) The new therapy for Dry Eye Disease uses Intense Pulsating Light and Low Level Light to warm a patient’s eyelids to stimulate the Meibomian glands. This improves the patient’s tear film and gives immediate relief from the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease - no eyedrops needed! Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special clinics held regularly at O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg. He can be contacted on 01652 653595. 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Offering a unique combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work, water aerobics is an increasingly popular way for people of all ages and fitness levels to get active. The benefits of water aerobics extend beyond traditional land-based workouts, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fun, engaging, and effective way to stay fit. We explore why water aerobics is gaining traction, the benefits it offers, and where you can take part in this enjoyable workout. What is Water Aerobics? Water aerobics, also known as aqua aerobics or water fitness, involves performing aerobic exercises in a swimming pool. These exercises can range from water walking and jogging to full-body movements like jumping jacks, squats, and arm raises. The resistance of the water enhances the intensity of the workout, making it an effective way to tone muscles, increase cardiovascular fitness, and improve flexibility. Unlike traditional aerobics on land, the buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on joints and muscles, making it an excellent option for individuals with arthritis, injuries, or other conditions that make high-impact activities challenging. However, its low-impact nature doesn’t mean it’s an easy workout, water aerobics can be quite intense, depending on the exercises performed, and offers an excellent calorie-burning workout. The Benefits of Water Aerobics Low-Impact, High-Intensity Workout One of the main reasons people gravitate towards water aerobics is the low-impact nature of the exercise. The buoyancy of the water supports the body and reduces strain on joints, making it LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 HEALTH & FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/nagaets 46 Á resistance ensures that your heart rate stays elevated, improving overall cardiovascular fitness. Regular participation in water aerobics can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and increase lung capacity. This makes it a great option for individuals who want to maintain or improve their heart health without the risk of injury associated with high-impact activities. Full-Body Workout Water aerobics engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout. Whether you’re doing leg raises, arm strokes, or underwater squats, you’ll be targeting your core, arms, legs, and back. The resistance provided by the water means that your muscles are constantly working against the pressure, which helps build strength and endurance over time. Additionally, the natural resistance of water allows for a gentler workout, ideal for those looking to ease into fitness or avoid injury. Increased Flexibility and Balance The fluid movements in water aerobics can help increase flexibility and improve balance. Moving through the water’s resistance requires coordination, which helps build stability in the body. The nature of water also encourages a greater range of motion, as it supports the body in positions that might be difficult on land. For older adults or those looking to easier on the knees, hips, and lower back compared to high-impact activities like running or jumping. This makes it a great choice for people with joint problems or those recovering from injuries. Despite being gentle on the body, water aerobics can be surprisingly intense. Water provides natural resistance, which increases the difficulty of movements without requiring heavy weights. The resistance works the muscles more efficiently, allowing for both a cardio workout and muscle toning in one session. Improved Cardiovascular Health Water aerobics is an excellent cardiovascular workout. Whether you’re performing high-intensity intervals or continuous movement, the water’s 46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS improve their flexibility, water aerobics can be a safe and effective way to work on joint mobility and overall flexibility. Stress Relief and Mental Well-Being Like many forms of exercise, water aerobics can have a positive impact on mental health. The soothing properties of water help to create a calming environment, allowing participants to unwind and reduce stress levels. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep, all of which contribute to better mental well-being. The social aspect of group water aerobics classes also provides an opportunity for people to connect and build friendships, further boosting emotional health. Popularity of Water Aerobics The popularity of water aerobics has surged in recent years, with more fitness centres, gyms, and community pools offering water aerobics classes. According to recent reports, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women and men participating in water fitness classes, from those seeking low-impact workouts to individuals looking for a fun and effective way to stay fit. Many public leisure centres and local pools now offer a variety of water-based exercise classes, including aqua aerobics, aqua Zumba, and deep-water running, making it easy for individuals to try different styles of water fitness. The appeal of water aerobics lies not only in its health benefits but also in the fun, dynamic nature of the activity. The cool, refreshing environment of the pool is a welcome change for many people who may not enjoy the heat of a gym or outdoor exercise during the summer months. If you’re unsure where to start, checking local swimming pools, leisure centres, or even university sports complexes can give you a good idea of what’s available. © stock.adobe.com/InputUX Hay Fever and Your Eyes If you are one of the millions of hay fever sufferers in the UK, you will know the symptoms… Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva – a thin layer of tissue at the front of your eye, which also covers the inside of your eyelids. It is caused by hay fever and allergies, often pollen allergies, but also allergies to animals and dust mites. Hay fever season normally runs from late March until September. When you experience symptoms will depend on which type of pollen allergies you have. The tree pollen season starts first, affecting around one in four hay fever sufferers. After that the most common pollen season – grass, which runs from late spring to early summer. The final type, weed pollen, can be released throughout the hay fever season. The main symptoms are swelling of the eyelids, and general redness, itchiness, burning and watery eyes. It tends to affect both eyes at once, and generally whilst not serious, it can be uncomfortable. If you’re concerned about your hay fever symptoms start by speaking to your local pharmacist – alongside the following tried and tested tips below: • Stay indoors especially in the morning and evening when the pollen count tends to be higher. • Wear sunglasses (wraparound if possible) when you go outside. • Don’t touch or rub your eyes. • Apply a cold compress. • If you wear contact lenses, think about wearing your glasses instead. • Keep your doors and windows closed – and don’t keep fresh flowers inside. • If you must go outside, change your clothes and shower when you get home. • Dry clothes indoors. • Put petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to trap the pollen. While there are several at home and over-the-counter remedies available for hay fever and allergies, if you find that your hay fever symptoms are hard to manage or long-lasting then you should reach out to a healthcare professional. Charlie Holland and Neil James For further information or to book an appointment visit hollandjames.co.uk/book, call 01652 408200 or pop into the store in Brigg to speak with Charlie or Neil directly.strong LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 FAMILY MATTERS © stock.adobe.com/Aleksej Warmer weather means more opportunities to get out and about – and that could be just what our elderly relatives need most. G rowing old isn’t fun when it comes to a loss of mobility and activity. There are more and more studies showing links between healthy eating and exercise and not only length of life but quality of life. Getting out and about isn’t easy, though. Not only do older people find it harder to move around but they often face stigma and subtle prejudice when they do – be it from people complaining at how slow they move, or how they might block the flow of traffic at a doorway. People can be incredibly impatient and older generations can be quite empathic, choosing to stay out the way so as not to be a burden. This shouldn’t be anything that a person has to go through, especially in their later years, but changing the way more selfish members of society act and think is not easy. It might be easier instead to talk to older family members and assure them Old and 48 Á48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FAMILY MATTERS that there’s nothing wrong with taking their time, and that those in a hurry don’t have the monopoly on public spaces. When it comes to exercise, there are also plenty of options for people who might not be as resilient as they used to be. Aside from walking or golf – both of which promote excellent cardio – there are many water aerobics classes in leisure centres and gyms that cater to older people. Water-based exercises are especially good for the older generation because they help take the weight off joints and provide much more safety in the case of falls. In terms of exercise benefits, it’s as good as other forms as well, and excellent for stretching muscles which can cause back pain. In fact, there’s a lot of research now that claims chronic backpain may have more to do with muscular issues than it does spinal ones (though of course both can be a problem in specific cases). On the topic of gyms, there has been a resurgence of late of elderly people becoming surprisingly buff due to strength training. Known colloquially online as “gym grandpas” and “gym grandmas” these people in their seventies, sometimes eighties and occasionally even older, have ranges of motions comparable to fifty-year-olds, and enjoy a much higher quality of life as a result of it. This may be due not only to the health benefits of exercise and lower body fat, but specifically to having stronger muscles. Our muscular system is something that deteriorates as we get older and more sedentary, but it controls all our movements and keeps us mobile. Strength training may be one of the best ways to stay younger for longer. Of course, everyone should start out slowly and grow from there, and the heat must be kept in mind as we move into warmer months. Seeking shade whenever possible and staying hydrated should never be passed on, as heat exhaustion’s no fun for anyone. Encourage older adults to drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolyte-rich beverages, as having plenty to drink helps prevent dehydration and maintains proper body temperature regulation, two more things which can be more difficult for older bodies to manage. Bring along a portable umbrella if you have one, or if you’re stopping for food, setting up or finding a canopy gives a reprieve from the sun’s intensity, allowing the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors safely. Time in nature is recognised therapy for lingering blues or frayed nerves as the seasons change and the world bursts into life. Encouraging outdoor activities significantly contributes to mental health, provided the elderly are adequately prepared for any weather. Once you’re prepared and out there, activities that allow you to connect with nature offer vital exposure to sunlight, which brings with it that essential dose of Vitamin D. © stock.adobe.com/ReadyAtTheEase/peopleimages.comLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 Eve Street | Louth | Lincs | LN11 0JJ T: 01507 604 828 E: leakesmasonry@aol.com www. leakesmasonry.co.uk L EAKE ’ S M ASONRY L TD Memorial Masonry Specialists Since 1840 New granite and marble memorials, additionals and cleaning work undertaken. 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