Tuesday

"I trust my read on a situation more than my second-guessing."

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

• The benefits of dark showering

• A guide to the types of hair removal

• What to do about unwanted facial hair

• Why hair changes with age

• Professional chefs use this cookware

Why "Dark Showering" Might Help You Sleep

There's a new twist on an old routine making the rounds online: showering in the dark. It's exactly what it sounds like, dimming or turning off the bathroom lights while you shower, and experts say it turns a simple habit into something genuinely calming.

The lower light seems to matter more than expected. Without bright lighting to process, the nervous system can settle more easily, which may ease racing thoughts and lower stress after a long day. Taken before bed, a warm, dimly lit shower can also support the natural drop in body temperature that helps trigger melatonin, making it a nice addition to any wind-down routine.

There's a mindfulness piece too. With fewer visual distractions, it's easier to notice small things, the sound of water, the warmth on skin, without needing a meditation app to get there.

It's not really a new idea either. Evening bathing by lamplight has deep roots in places like India, Japan, and ancient Greece and Rome, where dim, quiet baths were used for centuries to help the body and mind ease into rest. Turns out this "new" trend is really just a return to something people have known for a long time.

A Full Guide to Hair Removal Options

Picking a hair removal method really comes down to a few things: how long you want results to last, which area of the body you're treating, and how much prep or pain you're up for. Here's how the most popular options stack up.

• 🍯 Sugaring — Made from just sugar, lemon, and lemon juice, this ancient method removes hair at the root and works on nearly any skin tone or area. Results last four to five weeks.

• 🧴 Depilatory cream — The least painful method out there, great for beginners. Regrowth shows up in just two to three days.

• ⚡ Epilating — A mechanical device plucks hair from the root. Stings at first, hurts less over time, and lasts up to four weeks.

• 🪒 Shaving — Cheap, fast, and painless, but results fade in one to three days. Best done with a fresh blade and some prep in warm water.

• 🔍 Tweezing — Perfect for eyebrows and stray hairs, less practical for larger areas. Results last as long as your hair takes to regrow.

• 🍯 Waxing — Removes hair from the root for four to six weeks of smoothness. Best left to a professional, especially for sensitive areas.

• 💡 IPL — An at-home light-based option best for those with light skin and dark hair. Can reduce regrowth by up to 92% with consistent use.

• 🧵 Threading — Great for small, precise areas like brows and the upper lip. Lasts up to four weeks with minimal pain.

• 🔦 Laser — A longer-term option that works best with light skin and dark hair, though newer devices are improving for more skin tones. Multiple sessions required.

Whatever you choose, dermatologists agree that gentle exfoliation, proper hydration, and giving skin time to recover between treatments go a long way toward avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs.

Tired of Unwanted Facial Hair?

Facial hair is one of those things a lot of people quietly deal with and rarely talk about. Maybe it's your upper lip, your chin, or a few stray hairs you notice more than anyone else does. And wanting to remove it is completely fine. It's your face, and feeling good when you look in the mirror matters.

The trouble is the options. Waxing means appointments and stinging. Shaving can leave irritation and stubble by the next day. Plucking one hair at a time takes forever.

That's where Pluxy comes in. It's the world's first epilator made specifically for facial hair, designed to remove hair at the root for up to 4 weeks, quickly and with less fuss than the usual routines. Because it pulls from the root, hair tends to grow back thinner and slower over time.

Why people are reaching for Pluxy:

• Smoother skin without a salon visit

• Less pain than waxing, less irritation than shaving

• Hair that grows back finer the longer you use it

• A tool sized for your face, not your legs

• Years of use from a single purchase

• A routine you can do at home, on your schedule

For a limited time, Note To Self readers get $20 off 1 for a limited time, buy 1 get 50% off, or buy 2 and get 1 free. That includes free shipping! Plus, get the full set for 50% off today!

See how Pluxy works.

Thank you to Pluxy for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Why Hair Texture Changes With Age

If hair feels drier, thinner, or more unpredictable than it used to, that's not just in your head. Hair changes right along with the rest of the body, and understanding why can make it a lot easier to adjust the care routine around it.

A few things are usually behind it. Hair follicles naturally shrink and slow down over time, which can lead to finer strands, less volume, and even shifts in curl pattern. Hormones play a big role too, especially for women going through perimenopause and menopause, when dropping estrogen often means slower growth and drier strands. On top of that, oil glands produce less sebum with age, leaving hair more prone to dryness and breakage.

The good news is that a few small habits go a long way. Washing based on hair type, conditioning regularly, handling wet hair gently, and turning down the heat on styling tools can all help protect strands from unnecessary damage. A balanced diet with protein, iron, and omega-3s also supports healthy growth from the inside out.

If texture changes show up alongside things like fatigue, scalp irritation, or rapid shedding, it's worth checking in with a doctor, since those symptoms can sometimes point to something beyond typical aging.

The Cookware Behind 100+ Michelin-Starred Kitchens, Now in Brushed Copper

You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. They're the cookware brand used in 4,000+ professional kitchens and adopted by millions of home cooks. 

Their 5-ply Stainless Clad line is what put them on the map, and now it comes in a limited-run Brushed Copper finish.

Shop Copper Collection

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: False. This is a long standing myth. Shaving only cuts hair at the surface and has no effect on its thickness, color, or growth rate.

• 🌅 Sunset Of The Day: Sunsets are more than beautiful—they’re actually good for your mood. Got a favorite one? Reply to this email with your best sunset or sunrise photo for a chance to be featured!

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Not every part of your routine needs a reason. Some habits stick around simply because they make you feel steadier.

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]!