Screenshot Maybe it’s just my algorithm, but it feels like my timeline is full of women rejecting — or at least rethinking —...

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Maybe it’s just my algorithm, but it feels like my timeline is full of women rejecting — or at least rethinking — ambition. Author (and fellow Canadian journalist) Amil Niazi wrote the book Life After Ambition: A Good Enough Memoir about her personal journey away from the pressure to lean in. “Ambition is still an important and necessary tool, but in capitalism, it’s also designed to work against you,” Niazi told Toronto Life earlier this year. Similarly, comedian Phoebe Robinson did a standup special last year called “I Don’t Wanna Work Anymore” all about dismantling  girl-boss culture. “Not being a girlboss has allowed me to have a fuller life, which I think is great, not only for my own personal happiness, but it [also] inform[s] my work and the way that I approach it,” Robinson told the LA Times. It feels like we’ve been in an anti-ambition moment for a few years now but I mention Niazi and Robinson specifically because they are both women of color. And for awhile, the girlboss craze and then its subsequent backlash all felt very white. As a workaholic who was raised by immigrant parents to work “twice as hard” as my peers to be successful, I didn’t think leaning out was an option for me, and neither was the c-suite. But, like many millennials, I am burnt out and frustrated with working myself to exhaustion for little reward, especially at this point in my career when I am in a senior position. 

I also know that, as irritating as it is, my ambition is an integral part of who I am. While I relate hard to Niazi and Robinson and understand the (much needed) shift away from hustle culture, I am still hustling. My job is still my life and a key part of my identity. And I’m OK with that — for now. I just hate the systems we’re forced to work under that create a lack of boundaries and a breeding ground for burnout (capitalism is so annoying). “When I hear about women losing ambition, I take it with a grain of salt,” The WIE Suite founder and CEO Dee Poku tells me over the phone days after she hosted a two-day summit for women entering the third act of their careers. “Women might be fed up with systems, but I don’t think we ever lose that drive. It just takes a different form. We’ve done the traditional sort of workplace ambition and this is a different ownership of our own destiny.”

That mindset was at the core of The New Guard Summit, a two-day event in The Berkshires curated by Poku and The WIE Suite, “for women leading the next era,” says the event’s press release. “The flagship in-person event, gathered for senior women leaders navigating the third act — the career and life phase defined by impact, legacy, and purposeful reinvention. Programming spanned keynotes, expert breakouts, fireside conversations, table braintrust exercises, and partner activations.” When Poku invited me to the event, I was hesitant considering the aforementioned burnout and overall networking fatigue. But the summit was so much more than just another conference designed to push you back into the workforce with increased productivity or a place to rattle off your resume. It was a reset and a challenge: what do you want the next phase of your career to look like, how will your goals affect the rest of your life — mind and body — and how will you make it all happen?

The Summit 101 — & A Reminder Your Third Act Isn’t About Age  

“Community is really important to me,” Poku says about why she wanted to create the New Guard Summit. “Curated community is really important to me. And the reason that it’s important is that we should have as many different types of people in our lives as possible because we are multidimensional people. There is something so valuable about curating women who have goals and aspirations in common, who are at a similar place in their lives and careers, and can be deeply useful to one another. It really helps us move forward in our careers and certainly in our ambitions if we have that peer support.”

That curated peer support was on full display throughout the summit. The theme was The Third Act and focused on three pillars: health, wealth and influence. Speakers included Victoria’s Secret CEO Hillary Super, Scale AI co-founder and world’s youngest self-made billionaire Lucy Guo, celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, DIOTIMA and Proenza Schouler Creative Director, Rachel Scott, and renowned women’s health expert Dr Sharon Malone.

When you think of a third act, you may think of being in your 60s, post-retirement, but Poku described it as a career stage of maximum choice and autonomy, where one leverages established expertise for personal impact, distinct from age or retirement. Act One, according to Poku, is the very early stages of a career when you are just entering the work force, finding mentors and yourself. Act Two is when you’ve found yourself and your stride, you have reached a leadership position and are in a position to shape the way decisions are made, but you are still beholden to a system, your bosses, or authority figures around you. And Act Three is all about freedom, baby. You are in control of who you work with and how you live. “It’s less about doing what’s expected or doing what you’re boxed into,” Poku says. “It’s saying, this is how I want to live and these are the people I want to work with and this is what I know and how I’m going to apply it to the rest.”

So, to speak in Beyoncé albums, I would consider myself in the Cowboy Carter era of my career; confident, creative, and been around long enough that I consistently deliver excellence. I’m a senior director. I love my job. But that freedom Poku speaks of is still out of reach. The media industry is shrinking so editorial directors are now also content creators, editors, video editors, writers, reporters, talent bookers and social media managers. I am not able to how and when I’m going to work — or with whom — yet, but it does feel like that Third Act is fast approaching. Could a trip to the Berkshires with a bunch of ambitious women get me there faster?

The Drive To The Berkshires That Felt Like Crossing Into A Different Chapter

I flew into Newark airport the morning of Day 1 of the summit and headed to WIE Suite member Stephanie Roberson’s house in New Jersey. She’s the Chief Merchandising Officer at Shopbop and graciously offered to drive us to the summit at the Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa. Before I even got out of the car, I realized that Poku’s curation skills were already on display. Roberson is one of the most impressive and kind people I’ve ever met and learning about her work, her advocacy for mothers and maternal health, was so inspiring. 

By the time we wound our way through the rolling roads of the Berkshires, my out-of-office reply had been active for a few hours, and I was already resisting the urge to check Slack.

Old habits die hard. But chatting with Roberson brought me back to the purpose of the next 48 hours and the temptation to fall back into the grind subsided. 

If a Third Act is the phase of life and career that exists beyond the relentless climb, it was time to ease up on the incline. As we pulled up to one of the most bougie and beautiful resorts I had ever seen, it was exciting to know that I’d be surrounded by founders, executives, investors, board members, and creatives who had already accumulated the titles, the promotions, the exits, and the accolades that society tells women they can’t have.

The question hanging over the summit wasn’t how to get more. It was, “What happens when you’ve achieved what you once thought would define success?” For many women, especially those who have spent decades proving themselves in rooms not built for them, that’s a surprisingly complicated question. As I arrived, New Guard tote bag now in hand and networking instincts fully activated, I expected conversations about scaling businesses, maximizing influence, and staying competitive. Instead, what I found was a collective interrogation of ambition itself.

The Message Was About Purpose Instead Of Pressure

There’s a familiar script at leadership events. Someone asks what you do. You answer with your title. You discuss growth, opportunities, goals, and metrics. Everyone leaves inspired to work harder. There’s pressure to be productive. This felt different and that was intentional. Throughout the summit, women who had reached objectively impressive heights spoke candidly about exhaustion, reinvention, caregiving, grief, menopause, aging, and the quiet realization that achievement alone doesn’t provide meaning forever.

On day one, there were movement sessions in the morning, journaling time to set our intentions, a cocktail hour and dinner where Poku and others shared remarks. One of my favorite moments came from Toni Wallace, Partner and Head of Global Music Brand Strategy & Partnerships at UTA. During dinner, Wallace was one of the select  few women asked to speak on their third acts. “As far as what I would like my third act to look like? I would really love to do something with purpose and impact,” Wallace said. “I’m deeply concerned, as I know many of you are, about what’s happening in the world right now and I have a very difficult time sleeping. I just feel like we all need to be using the incredible gifts that we have to help make a difference.”

Wallace’s candor was so refreshing and I witnessed multiple women approach her afterwards to thank her for being so real. So many of us aren’t sleeping. And now is the time to step up and lean into purpose. The stakes are too high. In the U.S., women are losing rights as this administration is hell bent on dismantling any progress that was made in the Obama era. As Wallace said, in a room full of women with influence, thinking about using that power for good is necessary.

The Conversations Around Aging, Wealth & Influence Felt Radically Honest

“I hear some version of women figuring out their health, wealth, or influence every day,” Poku says. “Women are really thinking about their health in different ways. And it’s not just about like self-care, but it’s really like, how can I live better longer? The women’s health space has exploded and is very much driven by women.  We’re really finding innovative solutions to how we live our lives. But it also feels really overwhelming. I just wanted to hone in on that and bring some experts to the table to help us understand how we should be living our lives in our 30s, 40s, 50s, and onwards.”

In many professional environments, aging remains a topic people approach cautiously, especially women. At the summit, it was discussed openly. Women spoke about visibility, relevance, changing identities, health, and the realities of navigating workplaces that often celebrate youth while simultaneously benefiting from experience. Rather than framing aging as decline, attendees described it as a period of expanded perspective. There was a noticeable absence of apology. When it comes to wealth and money, Poku wanted the summit to focus on more than just “doing the basics” or “what our financial advisor tells us to do.”

“How can we be really clever about building, growing wealth over the long term?” Poku asks.“Let’s think about generational wealth, which I think about a lot in terms of Black women. I’m in rooms where this sort of wealth information is being passed down by wealthy people to the next generation. They’re getting access to information because they’ve had access to this wealth over longer periods. So, how do we get in those rooms and how do we get access to that wealth information if we haven’t had generational wealth in that same way?”

One of the speakers during the wealth sessions said something I’ll always remember: “The real wealth is going from ‘how much’ to ‘what for?’” That brings us back to purpose. 

For the panels on influence, Poku says she wanted them to be about how “the concept of influence has changed. And I would say executive women want to also have influence in a way that’s different to being an influencer.” Her hope was to equip executive women to build a direct audience via platforms like Substack and podcasts, enabling a different kind of impact that they used to have. 

“It used to be that you build this career, you build all this knowledge, you build all these relationships and you became a VP or an EVP or CEO or president, and your influence was filtered down through the company,” Poku says. “And now we’re really thinking about the way you build your influence beyond being confined to the workplace. Now, there is the ability to have a more direct line to your audience.”

In the afternoon influence session on day two, Jo Cronk from Whaler spoke about the difference between creators (“storytellers”) and influencers (“endorsers”). Cronk was honest and irreverent about the state of the business and how to bridge the gap between marketing, branding, and real, true influence. Many of the women in the room shared their frustrations with the expectations for everyone with a successful job or business to now become an influencer as she gave honest feedback and tips on where to start. Not only did the summit act as a beautiful reminder to own our worth and power, there was also tangible advice we could take with us. 

Women talked about setting stronger boundaries, caring less about external validation, and becoming more selective about where they invest their time and energy. The honesty felt radical precisely because it was so ordinary.

Community Is The Real Power Move

“I host a lot of gatherings and I remember a friend, one of our members, saying to me that the thing that she loved about walking into an event that I had hosted was that as a CEO and as a mother, she was always the one making sure everybody else was taken care of. And what she loved about walking into a WIE Suite event was that she felt that someone was taking care of her,” Poku says. 

For all the discussions about leadership, the strongest takeaway wasn’t about strategy, it was about community. Many attendees spoke about the isolation that can accompany senior leadership roles. The higher women rise, the fewer peers they often encounter who understand the unique pressures they face. The summit created space for something increasingly rare: candid conversation without performance. People shared uncertainties alongside accomplishments. They exchanged lessons instead of elevator pitches. They asked questions without pretending to already know the answers. In a culture obsessed with individual achievement, there was something powerful about witnessing women invest in collective wisdom.

A woman I met during the summit (I’ll keep her anonymous for her privacy) worked at Meta and was laid off the morning of day two. She wasn’t upset, she was excited. Because she was surrounded by women who told her she was exactly where she was supposed to be. And she new that with this newfound community, she’d be okay.

I Left Thinking About Ambition Differently

On the bus ride back from the Berkshires, I kept returning to a simple idea that surfaced repeatedly throughout the summit: ambition doesn’t disappear as we age, it evolves.

For some women, that evolution means launching another company. For others, it means mentoring future leaders, pursuing creativity, strengthening relationships, protecting their health, or reclaiming time that was once consumed by professional demands. None of those paths are inherently more valuable than the others.

What The WIE Suite’s The New Guard Summit offered wasn’t a blueprint for your next chapter but permission to imagine the rest of your whole proverbial book. In a world that constantly encourages women to keep striving, climbing, and accumulating, the most transformative message I heard all weekend was that ambition can be measured by more than capitalistic achievement. Sometimes ambition looks like expansion, relationships, redefinition or reinvention. And sometimes, after decades of proving yourself, ambition looks like finally asking what you want — and allowing the answer to be enough.

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from an interview with Jill Scott (talking to Angie Martinez) about the stages of a career that, to me, encapsulates everything the summit taught me and what I’m striving for in the present and future.

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Masters of the Universe is one of 2026’s biggest blockbuster films, but is it worth watching ? The action-superhero movie is bas...

Masters of the Universe is one of 2026’s biggest blockbuster films, but is it worth watching? The action-superhero movie is based on the ’80s toys, which spawned its own He-Man animated series, and even a live-action movie of the same name starring Dolph Lundgren and Courteney Cox. This new version stars Nicholas Galitzine as Adam/He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn and Idris Elba as Duncan. The film itself delves into what it really means to be a hero (AKA, we just need confidence to be a hero in our own lives), and that power can come to the unlikeliest of people. It’s a whirlwind of action, comedy and heartfelt scenes, and it fits neatly into the US summer release schedule.

Below, entertainment writers Bernice Corral and Rachel Choy delve into Nicholas Galitzine’s transformation into He-Man, why Masters of the Universe is so entertaining, and who the real hero of the story is. Spoilers follow.

Rachel Choy: What did you expect going in, were you a fan of the original IP?

Bernice Corral: I didn’t actually know much about it aside from the memes that I’ve seen online. When I watched the trailer, my first thought was it reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor Ragnarok, which conveniently are two of my favourite Marvel films, so I was thinking, I’m gonna enjoy this.

RC: I never watched the cartoon. I don’t always love superhero films, and I’m not actually that into Marvel. I don’t hate them, just a bit indifferent. I was kind of curious about Masters of the Universe because it looked quite campy, a bit silly, goofy. But I was really entertained during it. I found it really funny, a bit stupid. They always make comments about Adam’s thighs, which never got old. I wrote this one quote that Skeletor says: “Your long sword dangling between your glorious thighs”.

BC: He was right!

RC: And everyone always goes on about his gorgeous muscles, his tan, and his loincloth.

BC: I wonder if in the cartoon that’s also a bit, or if they decided to bring it into the live action, but I think it’s quite fun either way.

RC: It’s also quite deep for a superhero movie too, because everybody has daddy issues, and it’s all about finding your inner power.

BC: The power is in YOU all along. I think if a kid were to go and watch it, that’s a great message to come out of the movie.

RC: Adam, played by Nick, is a bit useless, though. All the men are useless.

BC: Real. Teela was the glue of the entire planet.

RC: She’s such a badass.

BC: Yeah, and then having to also navigate her relationship with her dad amongst also saving everyone, and being like, oh Adam, you gotta lock in bro.

RC: Come on Adam! And she saved him from death many times. She sends him into the back of the plane, and he flies the wrong way. You think: how does the hope of this planet rely on you? It’s very funny though, how he comes from Earth. But his room is covered with drawings of a sword. If he brings a girl home, how does he explain that?

BC: And it’s funny because he put all the drawings of his actual family in a box, but what he wanted on display were his sword drawings.

RC: He’s basically saying, it’s just in case I forget what the sword of power looks like. I don’t think you’re gonna forget what it looks like my guy. I think you’re fine.

BC: I think five drawings are enough. That’s basically the wallpaper of your apartment.

RC: Nick was a great choice though, because he could portray both an awkward and silly side, but also lock in and become a superhero. But also low-key, when he first transformed from Adam to He-Man, he was basically naked.

BC: The POV is abs. They could have surely used a different shot here.

RC: My husband, when we watched the trailer, he was like, Galtizine is not big enough to be He-Man! He’s too small! I was like, are you seeing this? He’s huge.

BC: He’s massive! There were so many shots of his muscles, and at one point I was thinking one paper cut on a vein would actually draw his blood supply.

RC: When he went to the gym for the first time I was like, my guy. You’re obviously already big, I think you know what you’re doing.

BC: I’ve also seen people online always make the joke about how Nick will always portray a character as a himbo. That’s so true, he also did that movie with Charli xcx 100 Nights Of Hero. And then this one. I’m like, actually, I do see that about him, even if it’s not intentional.

There were so many shots of his muscles, and at one point I was thinking one paper cut on a vein would actually draw his blood supply.

Bernice Corral on Nicholas Galitzine in Masters Of THe Universe

RC: Maybe that’s his niche. Wait… imagine if he was this buff playing Prince Henry in Red, White & Royal Wedding.

BC: No! In the first movie when he hides in that closet, at this size, he wouldn’t fit in there.

RC: He would have burst out like, oh hey! Okay wait, back to Adam. So Adam also has daddy issues. He’s trying to get his father’s approval the whole time, that’s heavy. I feel that.

BC: Yeah, and spoiler, then he kills him. That got dark.

RC: And then he finally got reunited with his mum, and he’s like oh hey mum, yeah I saw Dad, I killed him, but I got his approval just before he died, so I’m good.

BC: I can finally heal my childhood trauma.

RC: I did love how he came from the corporate world on Earth though, and tried to implement his strategies into… war. He rallies everyone together to ideate during a war seminar. Adam, please!

BC: He’s talking about team building and conflict resolution. And everyone’s standing there like, let’s actually get to saving the planet before you die.

RC: It’s so good! I feel the same way when we use corporate speak in our life. But that scene was so silly and fun, especially with all the names like Fisto. Even the music they use and slow-motion walking, you can’t help but smile in the cinema.

BC: Also, this is Mattel’s next IP movie after Barbie, which was such a big success.

RC: I wonder if we’ll see more and more of these IPs, because obviously existing IP is all the rage right now, because studios are just focused on making money.

BC: I also think when it comes to toys, they’re not reliant on following an exact storyline. You don’t have to go in thinking, oh, this scene I read in the book wasn’t how I imagined it on screen.

RC: You have a bit more freedom. which is fun!

BC: It’s such an easy watch even if you don’t know much about it. I’m curious to see people who grew up with the cartoon, what they think about it and how it compares.

RC: I know somebody who grew up with the cartoon, is a massive fan of He-Man and went to the preview screening. He said it was a perfect He-Man movie, and he loved it. What did you think of the post-credit scene? I interpreted it so badly.

BC: “Are they dating?” – Rachel Choy, about He-Man and his twin sister She-Ra.

RC: I was so sure they were in love. This is his wife. Nope. His estranged sister makes way more sense. It makes me think that it’s going to be a big franchise. I hope it becomes really popular and successful, because it’s a different offering to the other superhero movies out there. I think those who don’t love Marvel, DC or superheroes can get on board with this one.

BC: And even though we didn’t grow up with it, it also felt very nostalgic of the ’80s.

RC: Yes! It’s the costumes, the hair, the awkward jokes. So overall, do you think Masters of the Universe is worth watching?

BC: Yes, if you want to have a good time. It’s such an easy watch, and you don’t need to know the backstory.

RC: If you hate fun, don’t watch it. Sorry that your life is so bad.

BC: Don’t go in if you want to watch a movie that’s going to be nominated for 10 Oscars.

RC: And you know what? A lot of times Oscar movies are very pretentious, and I don’t want to watch three hours of war. I mean, this is about war, but there’s also a giant green cat and a planet called Eternia. But I’m keen for this one to continue.

I hope it becomes really popular and successful, because it’s a different offering to the other superhero movies out there.

Rachel Choy on Masters of the universe

BC: I’m excited to see if he comes back as He-Man, because I want to see his dynamic with She-Ra.

RC: Yeah, I’m interested to see him naked again.

BC: We had arm shots, but not many thigh shots, despite them talking about it constantly.

RC: That’s in the sequel!

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Masters of the Universe is now playing in theaters.

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I’ve worked in beauty for over a decade, and one of the questions I’m asked most often is: how can I get better hair ...

I’ve worked in beauty for over a decade, and one of the questions I’m asked most often is: how can I get better hair? Longer, stronger, shinier, thicker, healthier — the wish list is endless. The reality is that a range of factors influence hair growth. Good habits like washing your hair regularly, taking care of your scalp, and eating a balanced diet can all help, but genetics plays the biggest role.

That doesn’t mean you can’t give your hair a helping hand. Brands from The Ordinary to Dove are investing heavily in products designed to support scalp health, hair growth, and density — areas that were once considered almost impossible to tackle. And while no serum can completely override your genetics, the anecdotal evidence behind some of these formulas is growing.

The challenge is knowing which ones are worth your time and money. With countless products promising longer, fuller hair in a matter of months, it can be difficult to separate the truly effective from the overhyped. To help cut through the noise, we asked hair experts to share the hair growth and density products they recommend most.

First of all, what affects how your hair grows?  

Hair growth rate differs for everyone and can also change over a lifetime. Usually, though, factors like diet, overall health, and wellbeing — including conditions such as an underactive thyroid or deficiencies in nutrients like ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zinc — all play a role. But much of your natural growth pattern is inherited. As for hair length, that’s governed by the duration of the anagen (or growth) phase, which can last anywhere from two to seven years. 

Do hair growth products really work? 

Aga Tompkins, a board-certified trichologist, says that minoxidil is one of the most clinically proven and extensively studied topical treatments for hair growth, but it’s not the only topical ingredient worth knowing about. “What we’re seeing now is growing interest in ingredients such as peptides, caffeine, red clover, rosemary oil, and pumpkin seed extract, which may help support healthier hair through different pathways,” says Tompkins. 

Tompkins reminds her clients that healthy hair growth isn’t about one miracle product, though. Your shampoo and conditioner matter, too. “Your shampoo should be selected based on your scalp’s needs, whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, or balanced, while your conditioner should be selected based on your strands, such as fine, medium, thick, or damaged hair,” says Tompkins. Ultimately, she says that treating the scalp and strands separately means you’ll get a more personalized approach to healthy hair growth.

What can you do about hair loss specifically?  

It’s worth noting that if you’re experiencing hair loss, topical products can only do so much. 

“Hair loss is often a symptom rather than a diagnosis,” says Tompkins, who adds that while genetics can play a role, thinning and excessive shedding can be linked to other things. “Think nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, stress, illness, medications, or other underlying health concerns,” she says.  

As such, Tompkins always recommends consulting a dermatologist, trichologist, or healthcare provider if you’re experiencing sudden or persistent hair loss. “In many cases, blood work can help identify nutritional, hormonal, or medical factors that may be contributing to the issue,” says Tompkins, “allowing for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.” 

The best hair growth products for a healthy scalp and fuller-looking hair  

Certified trichologist Vanessa Ocando says that hair biology is deeply individual. “The same product can create completely different experiences from one person to the next,” she says, adding, “For example, minoxidil may deliver impressive regrowth with zero irritation for one person, while another might see mild irritation, dryness, or sensitivity even when they’re otherwise healthy.” That’s why she believes having a wide range of options — not to mention price points — matters

Whether you’re looking for a scalp-focused serum or hoping to improve hair density, these 11 expert-recommended products for hair growth could help you along your way. 

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Best for a balanced scalp & optimal follicle function: Nutrire T.2 Night Serum 

“As a board-certified trichologist, one product I recommend is Nutrire T.2 Night Serum because healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. This overnight treatment combines lactic acid for gentle exfoliation with ingredients such as rosemary oil, sunflower seed oil, tea tree oil, and pumpkin seed extract to help remove buildup, support scalp balance, and create a healthier environment for optimal follicle function. I love that it addresses several common barriers to healthy hair growth at once, from excess buildup and scalp irritation to hydration and follicle nourishment.” — Aga Tompkins, board-certified trichologist and director of salon service & education at Tricoci.

Best for creating the appearance of thicker, fuller hair: Nioxin Scalp + Hair Thickening System Kit

“Rather than relying on a single hero product for hair growth, I often recommend the Nioxin System Kits because they take a complete scalp-first approach to hair health. We know that healthy-looking hair starts with a healthy scalp, and many people experiencing thinning are also dealing with congestion, build-up, or excess oil that can affect how the hair looks and feels. The cleanser helps remove excess oil, product build-up, and impurities from the scalp; the conditioner provides lightweight hydration without weighing the hair down, and the leave-in scalp treatment helps create an environment where the hair can thrive. Using the full regimen consistently can leave the scalp feeling refreshed while helping hair appear thicker, fuller, and stronger over time, rather than chasing a quick fix.” — Neale Rodger, style director at STIL Salon.

Best for hair regrowth support: Calecim Professional Serum 

“This serum is incredible. I’ve been using it for two years, and I’ve had loads of results with my clients. The easiest way to explain it is that it uses cell messaging to remind your follicles how to work like they did when they were younger. I think of our hair follicles like an orchestra, and you have different instruments playing. Over time, as we age or go through ill health or stress, those orchestra players leave the theater, and they might be the ones that control density or pigment that makes us go gray, or that keep our hair anchored so our hair sheds more. But this serum gives thousands of growth factors, proteins, exosomes, glycoproteins, and fibronectins to replace those members of the orchestra. It’s easy to use — one or two treatments a week — and the results are undeniable. Like anything, though, hair growth, it takes time. You can’t bionically charge up your hair growth to be faster than it was as its best, but my clients say that their hair is always healthier, better, and grows thicker.” — Tom Smith, hair longevity expert. 

“This serum features an active ingredient called PTT-6, which is derived from stem cells and rich in growth factors and proteins, which promote hair growth. It not only calms inflammation of the scalp but also strengthens the hair and stimulates dormant follicles. For best results, apply to a clean scalp, ideally after washing, and gently massage the serum into the scalp using your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds, or until it has been fully absorbed. Ensuring good contact with the scalp is more important than the exact amount used per section, as the active ingredients need to reach the hair follicles rather than sit on the hair strands.” — Hannah Gaboardi, trichologist.  

Best for thinning edges and traction alopecia: CÉCRED Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

“I love the Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops because they’re targeted at one of the most common concerns I see in clients: thinning edges and areas weakened by tension and styling. The formula is lightweight enough for daily use and combines strengthening ingredients like bioactive keratin ferment to help reinforce damaged hair with scalp-supporting actives like peptides to help improve the appearance of density over time. Rose water and ginger root extract also work to nourish the scalp and support healthier, fuller-looking growth.” — Lorraine Dublin, celebrity hairstylist, expert, and educator.

Best for boosting hair density and volume: Kerativ Redensify Treatment Serum

“This was developed from my experience as a practicing dermatologist and the questions I hear every day from patients. People are overwhelmed by hair loss options and often unsure which ingredients are actually supported by evidence. I wanted to create a formula that combined clinically studied ingredients with a scalp-first approach that’s easy enough to use consistently. The serum combines 3% Redensyl, a patented antioxidant complex designed to target hair follicle stem cells and support a healthy growth cycle, with 1% Kopexil (also known as Aminexil), a molecule structurally related to minoxidil that helps improve the appearance of hair density over time. We also incorporated ingredients like caffeine, adenosine, zinc, and pumpkin seed oil to support healthier-looking, fuller hair. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, color-safe, and can be applied to wet or dry hair without disrupting styling. In a 12-week clinical study with board-certified dermatologist evaluations, the serum was clinically shown to increase hair density and volume.” — Dr. Joyce Park, board-certified dermatologist at Skin Refinery and founder of Kerativ. 

Best for maintaining a healthy scalp barrier: BÉSSA Beauty Cooling Scalp Serum 

“If someone wants a medicated option, minoxidil remains the gold standard [for hair growth] with strong clinical data behind it. For those who prefer non‑medicated formulas backed by ingredient science, I usually recommend looking at vitamin‑rich, barrier‑supporting serums and gentle exfoliating treatments. [My hair health brand] BÉSSA Beauty [includes the] Cooling Scalp Serum, which combines vitamins B5, B3, and E with moisture‑rich lipids and copper tripeptides to support hair thickness and overall scalp vitality, plus willow bark to help break up buildup and maintain a clean, balanced scalp.” — Vanessa Ocando, certified trichologist and founder and CEO of BÉSSA Beauty.

Best for minimizing hair breakage: OneSkin Hair and Scalp Serum 

“OneSkin Hair and Scalp Serum takes a distinct approach by focusing on scalp health and the biologic processes associated with hair aging. Its proprietary OS-01 peptide is combined with ingredients such as ginseng, biotin, antioxidants, and prebiotics to help support the scalp environment, reduce breakage, and improve the appearance of hair density over time. The lightweight, drug-free formula is also well-suited for patients looking for a non-prescription option.” — Dr. Anetta Reszko, board-certified dermatologist. 

Best for maintaining a healthy scalp and supporting hair density: Obagi Nu-cil Biostim Scalp Serum 

“I love this serum because it focuses on scalp health as well as hair growth. A healthy scalp is the foundation for stronger, fuller hair, and this formula helps hydrate, balance, and support the hair follicles thanks to a blend of active ingredients like circulation-boosting caffeine, moisturizing glycerin, and scalp-strengthening peptides. It delivers impressive clinical results [with testers reporting an improvement in hair volume] for hair density and overall scalp health.” — Caroline Hall, trichologist, nurse, and founder of R&R Aesthetics.

Best for boosting hair thickness: Typebea G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum

“I’ve been using Typebea’s Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum and Strength & Length Shampoo for over a year now, and friends and family can’t get over how long, strong, and shiny my hair has become. It’s even more impressive considering I’ve always had short bob haircuts, and now my hair is just a few inches short of waist-length. The star ingredients in the serum are baicapil, salicylic acid, and provitamin B5. Baicapil provides a hydrating, smoothing effect on the hair fiber, which helps explain why my hair looks so glossy these days, but research also suggests the ingredient has shown promising results in reducing hair shedding. Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp, while provitamin B5 helps maintain moisture and hydration and has a plumping effect on strands. When I rinse out the shampoo, my strands feel instantly thicker and fuller, and the effect lasts through styling.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director at Refinery29.

Best for preventing hair shedding: Dove Beauty Density Boost Scalp Repairing Hair Serum

“I was lucky enough to learn about Dove’s Density Boost Scalp Serum earlier this year at the American Academy of Dermatology conference, and after using it for two months (in tandem with my Act+Acre Scalp Dermastamp), I’m noticing less fallout, softer hair, and a more hydrated scalp. In addition to balancing niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), the formula has nourishing glycerin and itch-soothing zinc — a trifecta of scalp benefits. And at just $10? It’s worth every penny and then some.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer at Refinery29.

Best for shinier, stronger hair: Vara Ayurvedic Hair Oil Treatment 

“For those who don’t want to use chemicals or take [any supplements], I always recommend Vara Naturals Ayurvedic Hair Oil. It is a weekly hair oiling treatment made with amla, brahmi, bhringraj, and hibiscus — herbs that have been trusted for centuries [in Indian medicine] to revive the scalp and restore hair’s vitality. I recommend sleeping with it in your hair and shampooing it out in the morning for healthy, thicker, shinier hair.” — Jae Manuel Cardenas, senior stylist at Ollin Salon NYC by Johnny Ramirez. 

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Your sun sign (also known as a star sign ) can reveal more than your basic personality . It can also show how you work, what ...

Your sun sign (also known as a star sign) can reveal more than your basic personality. It can also show how you work, what motivates you, and what kind of workplace helps you do your best. Every sign has a different relationship with pressure, creativity, routine, freedom, responsibility, and recognition. Knowing yours can help you understand why certain environments feel energising, and others feel like a slow drain. In traditional astrology, career is read through the whole birth chart, not just the sun sign. But the sun sign is still a useful starting point. It shows the style of work that feels most natural to you.

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Aries

Aries is a Mars-ruled sign. It runs on action, initiative, and a degree of competition. Aries people tend to know what they want before the meeting is over. They make decisions fast and they prefer to own them. They are suited to roles where speed has value: entrepreneurship, emergency services, surgery, competitive sales, the military, fitness, trades, and leadership positions where someone needs to go first. The environments that bore them fastest are the ones with too many layers between a decision and its execution.

Their great strength is the willingness to start. Most organisations have plenty of people who can execute once the path is clear. Aries is the one who goes before the path is clear. What Aries cannot work without is real challenge. Clear targets, genuine autonomy, and enough pressure to stay sharp. Micromanagement does not slow them down so much as it turns them off entirely.

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Taurus

Taurus is a Venus-ruled sign. It is built for patience, quality, and material understanding. Taurus people know what things are worth. They can assess value, build slowly, and produce work that lasts. Finance, property, food, beauty, design, craft, music, agriculture, luxury goods, and stable business roles all tend to suit Taurus. So does any field where the quality of the output matters more than the speed of production.

Their strongest quality is consistency. Taurus understands that good work is not done quickly, it is done properly, and that the difference between the two matters in ways that become obvious over time. The workplace that works for Taurus is stable, fair, and unhurried enough to allow good work. Rush them or underpay them long enough, and they become immovable.

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Gemini

Gemini is Mercury-ruled. It is the sign of language, trade, and the movement of ideas. Gemini people are quick, curious, and genuinely interested in what other people know. They collect information the way some signs collect things. They are well suited to writing, journalism, media, marketing, sales, social media, teaching, translation, publishing, technology, and research. Anything that requires explaining a complicated thing simply, or selling an idea to someone who did not yet know they wanted it, tends to come naturally to Gemini.

Their strongest quality is adaptability. Gemini can shift registers, read a room, and communicate across almost any context without losing the thread. Give Gemini variety, conversation, and the freedom to move between tasks, and they will work well. Take all of that away and the role becomes something closer to a slow punishment.

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Cancer

Cancer is Moon-ruled. It is connected to care, memory, emotional intelligence, and the protection of things that matter. Cancer people build loyalty slowly and keep it long. They work best when they feel personally connected to what they are doing. Healthcare, psychology, childcare, hospitality, food, education, social work, real estate, family business, and support-based roles all tend to suit Cancer. They are also often drawn to history and to any field where the human element is the central variable.

Their strongest quality is emotional perceptiveness. Cancer reads a room before it has said anything. In management, in care work, in any field where people are the variable, that quality is a significant advantage and a harder thing to teach than most technical skills. Cancer does best when the environment offers emotional safety, a team that actually functions as one, and work that feels like it is helping someone real. Performance metrics matter less to them than that last part.

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Leo

Leo is a Sun-ruled sign. It is built for visibility, creativity, and the kind of leadership that works through inspiration rather than authority. Leo people need their contribution to be seen. They are also, genuinely, very good at making other people feel seen in return. Performance arts, entertainment, teaching, branding, fashion, creative direction, events, management, and public-facing roles all suit Leo. So does work connected to children, or to building something that carries their name.

Their strongest quality is presence. When Leo walks into a room, the room notices. In leadership, in entertainment, in any role that depends on moving people, that effect is worth more than most formal qualifications. A role that keeps Leo invisible is wasted on them. They need creative freedom, recognition proportionate to what they actually contribute, and a clear outlet for their energy.

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Virgo

Virgo is Mercury-ruled, but where Gemini trades in ideas, Virgo trades in precision. This is the sign of analysis, systems, service, and correction. Virgo people notice what is wrong before anyone else does. They also tend to fix it quietly. Healthcare, editing, administration, research, data, nutrition, wellness, accounting, operations, project management, technical writing, and any role requiring sustained detail and consistent skill all tend to suit Virgo.

Their strongest quality is practical intelligence. Virgo finds what is broken, understands why it broke, and fixes it in a way that prevents it from breaking the same way again. Most organisations cannot function without someone who does that. Virgo needs clear expectations, useful work, and the sense that their effort is improving something real. They do not need praise as much as they need to see the results of what they have done.

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Libra

Libra is Venus-ruled, like Taurus, but where Taurus understands material value, Libra understands relational value. It is the sign of diplomacy, aesthetics, and the art of making things feel right. Libra people are good at finding the position where everyone can agree, or at least live with the outcome. Law, mediation, design, beauty, fashion, public relations, HR, diplomacy, client-facing roles, events, branding, and partnership-based work all tend to suit Libra. So does anything requiring tact, presentation, and the ability to hold two opposing views without collapsing prematurely into one of them.

Their strongest quality is judgement. Libra can hold two opposing positions simultaneously and assess both without flinching toward either. In law, in negotiation, in any field where fairness matters, that capacity is genuinely useful. The conditions Libra needs to work well are not complicated: a reasonable atmosphere, collaborative relationships, and an environment where presentation and professionalism are taken seriously. What depletes them faster than anything is sustained hostility or work that goes consistently unacknowledged.

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Scorpio

Scorpio is a Mars-ruled sign, like Aries, but where Aries moves outward and fast, Scorpio moves inward and deep. It is the sign of investigation, intensity, psychological acuity, and the willingness to engage with difficult material. Scorpio people are rarely afraid of what they find when they look closely. Psychology, research, medicine, surgery, strategy, crisis management, forensics, investigation, finance, therapy, and roles involving pressure or confidential information all suit Scorpio. They are often drawn to work others find uncomfortable.

Their strongest quality is sustained focus. Scorpio can stay with something past the point where most people stop, and the point where most people stop is usually well before the real answer appears. Scorpio needs trust, discretion, and real control over their own work. Surveillance is particularly corrosive for this sign. Responsibility, genuine and unqualified, is what draws out their best.

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Sagittarius

Sagittarius is Jupiter-ruled. It is the sign of expansion, belief, learning, and big-picture thinking. Sagittarius people need work that gives them somewhere to go, literally or intellectually. They struggle in environments that feel closed off. Teaching, travel, publishing, law, coaching, academia, international business, outdoor work, philosophy, media, sport, and entrepreneurship all tend to suit Sagittarius. They are also often drawn to spiritual or philosophical fields where questions of meaning are central.

Their strongest quality is the ability to make possibility feel real. Sagittarius can describe where things could go in a way that moves people toward it, which is a different skill from optimism and a considerably more useful one. Freedom, purpose, and something ahead of them: those are the conditions Sagittarius needs to stay engaged. When the horizon closes, so does their motivation.

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Capricorn

Capricorn is Saturn-ruled. It is the sign of structure, long-term strategy, and the kind of ambition that is willing to wait. Capricorn people understand that meaningful achievement takes time. They are comfortable with that in a way most signs are not. Management, finance, law, government, operations, engineering, architecture, property, executive roles, consulting, and business ownership all tend to suit Capricorn. They are drawn to fields with clear hierarchies and real standards.

Their strongest quality is endurance. Where other signs look for momentum, Capricorn looks for durability. The ability to sustain effort over years, without needing external reinforcement, is rarer than almost any specific technical skill. They do not need enthusiasm from their environment. They need competence, measurable progress, and the sense that their effort is being taken seriously. Give them that, and they will outwork almost anyone.

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Aquarius

Aquarius is Saturn-ruled like Capricorn, but where Capricorn works within existing structures, Aquarius tends to question them. This is the sign of systems thinking, reform, independence, and original ideas. Aquarius people often see patterns in institutions that others accept as fixed. Technology, science, social change, innovation, research, digital platforms, engineering, humanitarian work, astrology, and future-facing industries all tend to suit Aquarius. They are often drawn to work that serves something larger than individual advancement.

Their strongest quality is objectivity. Aquarius can step outside convention because they are not particularly attached to it. In the right environment, that detachment produces insight that more invested thinkers consistently miss. Aquarius needs intellectual freedom and genuine autonomy, and those are not negotiable. An environment that tolerates unconventional thinking will get far more from them than one that demands conformity.

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Pisces

Pisces is Jupiter-ruled, like Sagittarius, but where Sagittarius expands outward through travel and teaching, Pisces expands inward through imagination, empathy, and an unusual permeability to atmosphere and emotion. It is the sign most connected to the invisible, and to work that touches something beyond the routine. Art, music, film, photography, healing, therapy, charity work, writing, design, spiritual practice, animal care, and roles connected to imagination or emotional support all tend to suit Pisces.

Their strongest quality is attunement. Pisces can sense atmosphere, unspoken need, and emotional undercurrent before anyone has said a word. That permeability is an asset in the right field and a serious liability in the wrong one, which makes placement matter more for Pisces than for most signs. What Pisces needs is harder to name than most: meaning, flexibility, and enough quiet to stay connected to their inner world. The jobs that suit them best are the ones that ask not just for skill, but for presence.

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A final note

Your sun sign is a starting point, not a complete picture. A fuller career reading would look at the whole birth chart, including vocation, motivation, and timing.

But even on its own, the sun sign shows something real. What energises you, how you approach work, and what kind of environment helps your strengths come through.

Neat Huizer is an Australian-based astrologer, artist and co-founder of DarkMuse Labs.

This article was originally published on Refinery29 Australia.

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The past week in Miami was a whirlwind of swimwear runways, presentations, activations, and parties that proved just...

The past week in Miami was a whirlwind of swimwear runways, presentations, activations, and parties that proved just how major the category is in the fashion industry. Among the many shows, I attended a majority of the runways presented by Paraiso Miami Swim Week… for the third year in a row! I always love coming back to Miami to experience swimwear in its neutral (hot and wet) habitat.

And this year was no exception. From some of my returning favorites like Oceanus, Sigal, and Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer to new-to-me brands like Fae and Vogue Mexico’s presentation of Gengi, there was a wide range of swimwear styles on display. However, there were some core swim trends that I noticed stretch across many of them.

From trending shades and patterns like midnight blue and chevron, unexpected silhouettes like longline swim tops and ponchos, to styling details like statement belts and matching headbands, read on for the top swimwear trends expected to blow up next summer (and that, yes, you can and should start wearing this summer).

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Midnight Blue

While statement shades from last year like Baywatch red and butter yellow returned to the runways, more shades like orange sherbet and whimsical periwinkle entered the chat. But the color that truly made an impact across many collections was midnight blue. The deep, dramatic shade found its way onto swimwear (including blinged-out styles), sheer coverups, and resort dresses for elegant and evening-appropriate styles.

From Eight Swimwear and Oséree’s navy bikinis and mini dresses to Monday Swimwear and Melissa Odabash’s head-to-toe navy blue coverup outfits, midnight blue is swimwear’s latest trending color.

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Statement Belts

Yes, chain belts and body chains are still going strong, but I was struck by all the detachable fabric belts that made one-pieces and even bikinis stand out from the sea of swimwear. Whether they cinched the models’ waists over coverups or hung low on their hips, like Halle Berry’s iconic James Bond swim look, they were a standout decorative detail (more so than being functional).

Brands like Luli Fama, Monday, and Oh Polly notably opted for the low-slung look via thick fabric bands and flowing fringe belts. So whether you find a matching swim belt or add one of your existing favorite styles, you can easily elevate your swim looks with this simple accessory.

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Jungle Fever

Even more than last year’s under-the-sea creature and shell appliques, wild animals overwhelmingly strutted down this year’s runways. From actual animal designs like giraffes and snakes to animal prints, the jungle took over Miami. Even more surprisingly, many of the prints were in super colorful iterations, like purples, pinks, and greens, rather than neutrals.

Oceanus is perhaps the most famous for its intricate beaded animal designs across swimsuits and mini dresses, but more brands stepped into the jungle, like Bikini Beach with its slithering snake designs. Plus, brands like Fae, Gengi, Luli Fama, and Oséree gave us abstract zebra prints and super-colorful leopard and cheetah prints.

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Swim Tops

Retro-inspired swim skirts and shorts were still as prominent as they were at last year’s runways, but the new unexpected silhouette came in the form of swim tops. Specifically, more elevated versions of tankinis à la halter tops were big and made a case for easily being styled as everyday tops paired with denim shorts or maxi skirts too.

Shan especially had several blouse-like swim tops grace the runway, while Hot Girl Summer had some cropped tee swim tops and Sinesia Karol presented a silk scarf halter worn with bikini bottoms.

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Stripes & Chevron Print

Taking over from last year’s polka dot and Pucci craze, prints like thin stripes and colorful chevron made a splash, offering sailor and Missoni vibes this time around instead. Aside from several animal prints, stripes and chevron truly proved that they are the prints of summer 2026.

From slightly more playful and junior-feeling (aka super colorful) designs from brands like Gengi, Kulani Kinis, and Oh Polly to more refined, elegant designs from Etnia, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree, these prints come in several varieties and vibes.

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Ponchos & Capes

Beyond swimsuits, coverups and resortwear are huge parts of Miami Swim Week’s collections. And this year, I noticed an increase in ponchos as popular coverup top options and capes attached to swim tops. (We also can’t ignore the many skinny scarves attached to or styled with swimwear, surprisingly proving that many winter silhouettes have found their way into the summertime.)

Cupshe debuted a few billowing capes attached to bikini tops, while brands like Sinesia Karol and Monday had their knit and sheer ponchos styled as resortwear make dramatic statements on the runways.

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In The Nude

While there were many vibrant colors to pull inspiration from, there were also many shades of nude that complemented many of the models’ skin tones. And designers didn’t shy away from styling models in shades that nearly blended into their skin — perhaps borrowing from Skims’ signature color palette — and creating many double-take moments for me.

More than half of Monday’s collection featured a range of nude swimwear and coverups, from pale peach to deep brown. Brands like Fae, Luli Fama, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree also spotlit the neutral shade range.

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Matching Headbands & Headscarves 

Aside from many floppy straw hats (which seemingly never go out of style), thick fabric headbands and silk headscarves that perfectly matched the swimsuits were a major hair accessory trend this time around. The ‘60s-inspired, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn-esque styling added a retro flair that still felt modern (à la Sabrina Carpenter’s current style).

Monday Swimwear was perhaps the most apparent example of implementing both the headbands and headscarves. Sigal and Oceanus also opted for matching headscarf styling that became the cherry on top of already-stunning swimwear.

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