Home Alone: Self Care

With so many of us working from home and/or self-isolating, any non-essential service is out. So, when I saw two inches of roots in my mirror, I decided to take the plunge into DIY hair coloring, which I hadn’t done in many years. I chose Tints of Nature, which is manufactured in the United Kingdom and promised salon-level results. Especially appealing: the company’s mission is to develop organic and healthier hair products that are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Tints of Nature does not contain ammonia, parabens, gluten, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, silicone, mineral oils, color stripping salts or animal by-products. It is ethically sourced, 75 percent certified organic and 95 percent naturally derived ingredients.

Application is simple, much like that of other permanent color. The whole process, including the post-color shampoo and conditioning, took less than an hour, and after the final rinse, my hair was soft in texture and color, with no “root line.”

I can’t say I’ll give up salon color when I’m once again able to get it, but in the meantime, Tints of Color will be my go-to stand-in.

Color choice is extensive. Tints of Nature is sold on Amazon and other outlets.

Hand-in-hand with hair color is hair maintenance, and here is where I turned to Keratin’s at-home products. Until fairly recently, I had associated the name Keratin with salon straightening treatments. Turns out there is an excellent line of at-home products, beginning with the Volume Amplifying Shampoo, which, though lightweight, cleanses the hair gently and eliminates the dreaded frizz, while delivering body and shine. The Keratin Volume Amplifying Conditioner complements the shampoo, which also delivers body and fullness, while adding softness, manageability and shine.

Keratin Complex’s Signature Keratin protein smooths and strengthens the hair, while hydrolyzed collagen prevents damage and repairs breakage in hair follicles.

Since the only outings I allow myself are long walks, sunblock is important and so is a good pair of sunglasses.  I am loving the pair from Eagle Eyes, a company that blends functionality with high style. The lenses have been created with original NASA Optic Technology. This means they block enough UV radiation and harmful blue light – and provide enough visual clarity – to be worn by NASA astronauts working in space. As for style the collections (one for men, another for women) has been designed to fit a wide array of faces and personalities. My style is called the Charlie, a club-style frame that has a hint of retro cool and has TriLenium® Polarized lenses, which offer protection against scattered blue light as well as harmful UV radiation.

For me, sheltering in place means a bigger emphasis on food and drink. After working at my computer and a pleasant walk when the weather permits, I look forward to a good dinner, either something I cook, or for an occasional treat, a delicious meal delivered by one of the local restaurants I support. To accompany my meal, I often turn to Gehricke wines from Sonoma, California.

To accompany my favorite fish dishes: the Russian River Chardonnay, which evinces aromas of quince, candied ginger and crushed leaves of kaffir lime. And for hearty stews and delicious steaks, it’s the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, which gives off aromas of ripe red fruits, tea, cocoa and more—and which  suggests red fruits on the palate.

Sometimes, however, if the day has been stressful–or if I scarf down that delicious steak too quickly–I end up with agita (that’s the Italian word for an upset stomach). Since I don’t like to take anything pharmaceutical unless it’s absolutely necessary, the solution often is Tummy Drops, which are all-natural, medication-free and made with just four simple plant-based ingredients, including ginger and peppermint. They are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO project, and kosher. Tummy Drops come in the following flavors: Organic Sweet Blackberry Ginger; Organic Double Ginger Peach; Sweet Ginger Pair; Natural Ginger; Natural Peppermint and Organic Fresh Crushed Peppermint.

And finally, when the dishes have been stacked in the dishwasher and the remaining wine has been put away, it’s time for a little reading. I’m trying to love Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror & the Light as much as I loved the first two books (Wolf Hall and Bringing Up the Bodies) in her trilogy chronicling the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell. It’s dense and (I think) overwritten, so at some point, I always stop and look for something really light.

Thank goodness for Netflix!