Wednesday

"I am growing and I am going at my own pace."

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Drugstore haircare is making a comeback

• Does your hair need some vitamin C?

• Feeling off lately? Try one week of therapy, free

• How to get the perfect haircut every time

• A natural way to achieve relaxation

Drugstore Hair Care Is Trending Again

You know that pink Herbal Essences bottle from high school? It’s quietly making a comeback. Turns out, plenty of people—including beauty editors and TikTokers—are rediscovering the joys of a cheap, bubbly lather and walking away with hair that looks... really good.

For a while, drugstore shampoos were cast aside in favor of pricey “clean” formulas, mostly thanks to concerns over sulfates and silicones. But those ingredients aren’t as scary as once thought, especially in moderation. In fact, they’re pretty good at what they do: cleansing and making hair shiny.

Luxury shampoos often lean into boutique ingredients and fragrance, while budget brands go for instant results. And because they’re tested on a massive scale, they often work. Big-box brands know how to make your hair feel soft right now.

So no, you don’t have to toss your salon favorites. But if your hair feels heavy, flat, or just blah, it might be time to revisit your local shampoo aisle. Sometimes, a little drugstore nostalgia is just what your hair needs.

A Surprising Way to Boost Hair Health

We all know vitamin C as the go-to for immune support and glowy skin—but it turns out, it might be your hair’s secret weapon, too.

Dermatologists say vitamin C can neutralize free radicals on the scalp (the same ones that come from sun exposure and stress) and help your body produce more collagen. That’s big news for your hair follicles: more collagen can mean stronger strands, less breakage, and potentially even more growth. Some research even links vitamin C with lowering levels of DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair thinning.

Another perk? Shinier hair. Vitamin C helps create a healthier scalp environment, which can make hair look brighter and smoother. If your hair is dull, damaged, or breaks easily, it could be worth a try.

The easiest way in: look for vitamin C-infused scalp serums or hair oils (not just your face serum—those can be too harsh). Use two or three times a week, and patch test first if you have sensitive skin. Like with most good things, consistency—not overdoing it—is key.

Feeling Off Lately? Try One Week of Therapy, Free

Life can be overwhelming, but getting support shouldn’t be. This May for Mental Health Awareness Month, BetterHelp is offering one week of therapy completely free, so you can experience what real support feels like—no cost, no pressure.

You’ll be matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 hours, and connect on your schedule—by phone, video, or chat. With 35,000+ professionals, there’s someone for you. 94% of BetterHelp users report feeling better after starting therapy, and now you can try it yourself, risk-free.

Start your free week here.

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How To Get The Perfect Haircut Every Time

Ever left the salon unsure if you like your haircut? It might have more to do with mindset than scissors. According to NYC stylist Andrean Noir, the energy you bring into the chair matters just as much as the cut itself.

If you’ve been polling your friends about a dramatic chop, pause and check in with yourself. Are you looking for genuine advice—or just someone to tell you it’s okay? Your gut usually knows what you want before you ask five group chats.

And about that “frizz” you hate? It might actually be baby hairs growing in. Noir says we often frame totally normal hair traits—like texture or volume—as flaws, thanks to decades of beauty marketing. Reframing your language around your hair can change how you treat it, too.

Before your next appointment, try this: look at your inspiration photos with a critical eye (most are styled within an inch of their life), and notice how you treat your hair day to day. If you're annoyed every morning, that might be your cue to make a change.

Small mindset shifts can lead to a more satisfying haircut—and a gentler relationship with your reflection.

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Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True. Studies show that nature exposure helps reduce stress and boosts mood.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first so you can take care of others.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!