Green Prophet readers know we write a lot about hair. We have covered the halal and the haram sides of hair removal for Muslims. We have written about sugar waxing, Persian sugaring, threading, and the beauty secrets that came out of the Middle East long before salons started calling them trends. Our articles on sugar wax broke the internet a few times.

We have also written about people who would rather grow it all out. For them there is Januhairy, where body hair becomes a statement rather than a problem. We have written about Persian women with mustaches, once considered beautiful in Tehran. We have even looked at natural ways to lighten darkened knees for women whose prayer practice leaves a mark on the body.

Hair is never just hair. It is religion, culture, modesty, rebellion, fashion, hygiene, sexuality, and sometimes just one more thing we are tired of managing.

(If you have come looking for a hair transplant, you’ve come to the wrong place, but we did see tens of people in the airport of Istanbul with new plugs in their scalp – so that’s probably the place).

Today we are talking about lasers.

Once a woman or man reaches an age where laser hair removal is appropriate, it may be one of the more ecological choices for people who already remove hair regularly. That part matters. If you love your hair, keep it. If you remove it for religious, cultural, personal, or practical reasons, then it is worth asking how much waste your routine creates.

Razors, plastic cartridges, shaving cream bottles, wax strips, applicators, salon paper, depilatory creams, packaging, and water use all add up. Waxing every month or shaving every few days is not just a beauty routine. It is a supply chain.

I have spoken with women and men who have used laser treatment to remove hair on different parts of the body. Most say the same thing. After years of waxing or shaving, five, six, or seven laser sessions made the whole business easier. Not always perfect. Not always permanent forever. But enough to remove much of the hassle.

For many Muslims, hair removal is recommended within a forty day rhythm, depending on practice and interpretation. For traditional Jewish women, preparation before the mikveh can include careful grooming and cleansing before immersion after menstruation. How much hair is removed is personal, but the body, water, and ritual all come into the conversation.

Laser treatment enters that space in a practical way.

There are different kinds of machines, and this is where things get real. Not all laser treatments are equal. Some of the newer machines have better cooling systems, skin sensors, and settings for different skin tones. Someone in my family uses a more expensive machine and is told to stay out of the sun for about three days after treatment. That is manageable.

Other clinics are far more restrictive. We tried one while on holiday in Canada and were told to stay out of the sun for two weeks. Two weeks in summer is not a small ask. That is not sustainable unless you are planning your life around your legs.

The common machine types include Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers, along with IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light and is not technically a laser. Alexandrite lasers are often used for lighter skin with darker hair.

Diode lasers are common and can work across a broader range of skin tones.

Nd:YAG lasers go deeper and are often considered safer for darker skin tones when used by experienced professionals.

IPL is usually cheaper and more available, including in some home devices, but it is less targeted and may require more sessions. People can buy them online and teenagers use them often, but the efficiency is almost not worth it.

This is why you should ask questions before booking. Ask what machine they use. Ask whether it is a true laser or IPL. Ask if the operator has experience with your skin tone. Ask how many days you need to avoid sun before and after treatment. Ask what cooling system they use. Ask if maintenance sessions are likely later. And how many? Laser treatments aren’t recommended for teenagers before they hit peak puberty. Chances are the overdrive hormones will not have any effect on rampant hair growth.

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that laser hair removal can cause burns, scars, or permanent changes in skin color when done badly, especially in inexperienced hands. Cleveland Clinic says tanned skin can make the procedure less effective and increase side effects. Mayo Clinic also advises avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds before treatment, using sunscreen, avoiding sunless tanning products, and stopping waxing or plucking before sessions.

That may sound like a lot, but it is better to know before you pay. The machine matters. The person using it matters more.

When in doubt ask a friend of yours with smooth arms if they have ever been hairy. If yes, ask them about laser treatments.

From an ecological perspective, the logic is simple. Fewer treatments over time can mean less reliance on disposable products, less plastic, less packaging, less chemical runoff, and less repetition. It is not perfect. It is still a treatment. It still uses energy. It still costs money. But compared to a lifetime of razors, wax strips, creams, and salon waste, laser hair removal starts to look like a reduction model rather than a consumption model.

It is also not for everyone. Light hair, red hair, grey hair, hormonal conditions, darker skin tones treated with the wrong machine, pregnancy, medications, and recent sun exposure can all complicate results. A good clinic will tell you that. A bad clinic will sell you a package before asking enough questions. We actually had a clinic near Toronto turn us away because it was summer and the lasers might do damage if we came into contact with the sun.

So maybe the question is not whether you remove hair or leave it alone. That is personal. It can be cultural. It can be religious. It can be nobody’s business. The better question is how you do it.

Good luck and enjoy your summer. We love you.

The post A summer of sugar wax or time for laser treatments? The environmental answer appeared first on Green Prophet.

Hair loss is one of those problems that creeps up slowly. You notice a little extra on your pillow, a bit more in the drain, and suddenly you’re wondering what changed. For many people, the answer — or at least part of it — lies in what their body is or isn’t getting nutritionally.

Hair vitamins have become a popular topic in this space. But there’s a lot of noise around them, and it’s worth understanding what they actually do, when they help, and when they don’t.

What Hair Vitamins Actually Do

Your hair follicles are living structures. They need a steady supply of nutrients to go through their growth cycles properly. When certain vitamins or minerals are missing — even slightly — the follicles can shift into a resting or shedding phase earlier than they should.

Hair vitamins don’t create hair out of nothing. What they do is support the internal environment that makes healthy hair growth possible. Think of it like soil quality. The seeds might be fine, but if the soil lacks nutrients, the plants won’t grow well.

The Key Vitamins That Actually Matter

Not every supplement label is created equal. A few nutrients have solid, repeated evidence behind them when it comes to hair health.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Plays a role in keratin production — the protein that makes up hair. Deficiency is linked to brittle hair and hair thinning, though deficiency itself is less common than supplement marketing suggests.
• Vitamin D: Receptors for Vitamin D exist in hair follicles, and low levels have been associated with hair loss in several studies. Many urban Indians are deficient without knowing it.
• Iron: Not a vitamin, but critical. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair fall, especially in women. It affects how much oxygen your follicles receive.
• Zinc: Supports follicle repair and regulates oil glands around the hair root. Both deficiency and excess can disrupt hair growth.
• Vitamin E and C: Help protect follicles from oxidative stress, which can damage them over time.

When Supplements Help — and When They Don’t

This is the part most people miss. Hair vitamins are genuinely useful when you have an actual deficiency. If your iron is low, your Vitamin D is depleted, or your diet has been poor for a long period, supplementing these can make a noticeable difference over a few months.

But if your nutrient levels are already adequate, adding more won’t speed up growth or make hair thicker. The body doesn’t work that way. Excess water-soluble vitamins simply get excreted. Some fat-soluble ones, taken in high doses, can even be harmful.

The honest answer is: supplements are a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. Hair fall triggered by stress, hormonal shifts, scalp conditions, or genetics won’t be fixed by biotin alone.

Food First: Why Diet Is the Foundation

Before reaching for a supplement bottle, it’s worth looking at what’s on your plate. Whole foods provide nutrients in forms that your body absorbs more efficiently, along with co-nutrients that help with that absorption.

• Eggs are a strong source of biotin and protein
• Leafy greens like spinach provide iron, folate, and Vitamin C together
• Nuts and seeds offer zinc and Vitamin E
• Fatty fish like salmon provides Vitamin D and omega-3s
• Lentils and beans give both protein and iron

Supplements can help bridge gaps, but they work better on a foundation of real nutrition.

Why Root Cause Matters More Than Any Supplement

Hair fall rarely has a single cause. It’s usually a combination — nutritional gaps, hormonal imbalance, scalp health, stress, and sometimes genetics. This is why the same supplement works well for one person and does nothing for another.

Some treatment approaches like Traya hair vitamins are formulated with this in mind — combining nutrients that support hair growth internally while also addressing the broader reasons hair might be thinning in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Hair vitamins can be a meaningful part of strengthening hair naturally, but only when used with the right understanding. They’re not magic capsules, and they’re not useless either. The key is knowing what your body actually needs, addressing real deficiencies, and supporting that with good nutrition and a clear picture of what’s driving your hair fall.

Understanding the root cause is always the better starting point.

The post Role of Hair Vitamins in Strengthening Hair Naturally appeared first on Green Prophet.

In this Ozempic age, a person may diet themselves down unattractive gauntness. Hip dips, bony shoulders, withered hands; not to mention drooping breasts and flat buttocks: a sad list of body parts needing plumping up to look good again.

“Personal fat banking” is a solution. A person set on losing a lot of weight can have their own fat harvested ahead of time via liposuction and later reinjected into any part of the body that needs a smooth contour. Expensive, but it can be done. Read here about plastic surgery’s environnmental impact.

But what happens when there’s no personal fat left to harvest?

Well, turn to fat harvested from dead people instead. Cadaver fat returns the bounce to the breasts just as efficiently as your own fat. As much as five kilos of fat may be harvested from a corpse. Certified agencies use male and female cadavers from 18-71 years old. The commercial name for processed human fat is Alloclae.

Cosmetic surgeons call it “regenerative medicine. ” Their websites may refer to “donated tissue,” if they mention the fat’s origins at all. To squeamish patients, they soothingly explain that AlloClae is part of a “biologic revolution.” It encourages the patient’s own cells to migrate into the donor matrix, rebuilding tissue.

That sounds so much more scientific, even sort of natural, doesn’t it? It sort of takes the uncomfortable dissonance away, unless you remember that the fat injected into your living body came from a dead person who never consented to its commercial use.

There is no proof that any donor, while living, gave informed consent for companies to make money off their remains; the remains they nobly donated to research and science, not for someone to fill out their bikini.

In fact, it’s not entirely clear if family members who agreed to donate their dear departed’s body are aware that someone may exploit it for sale. The original donors or their families typically do not profit.

Who’s making money from human fat in 2026?

The first parties are companies are known as “body brokers,” officially called non-transplant tissue banks. They acquire, dissect, and sell human bodies and body parts for medical research and education. They are intermediaries between the recently deceased and commercial buyers, such as medical device companies, military researchers, and private surgical training programs.

Tissue banks generate substantial revenue by “parting out” a single body; for instance, a head can fetch roughly $1,000, while a torso might be sold for several thousand dollars. A single corpse can generate up to $10,000 in total sales.

In the United States, no central registry for body brokers exists. Legitimate companies identify themselves as non-transplant tissue banks. If you look it up, you’ll find The American Association of Tissue Banks. They list accredited non-transplant anatomical donation organizations.

Biotech companies buy human fat from body brokers, then process and sterilize it. The finished product, Alloclae, is considered a legal and safe, FDA-compliant human cell and tissue product. It doesn’t technically have to be “approved” or “cleared” by the FDA, per the agency’s web site.

But unlike the organ transplant system, which is strictly regulated by the federal government, this industry operates with significantly less oversight.

Tiger Aesthetics, a subsidiary of the Tiger BioScience company, is the biggest processor of human fat in the USA . They claim that Alloclae, cleansed by detergents, is purified down to DNA residues that may provoke immunogenic response.

And so it may be. The process is still new enough that we don’t have long-term studies on possible secondary effects in patients injected with Alloclae.

The processed human fat is then sold on to specialized clinics and plastic surgeons. Those clinics and surgeons earn big fees for plumping up body parts of the rich and the vain. How much? It depends. Scanning the websites of several clinics, I saw quotes between US$5000 to US$7000 per syringe.

Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani offers the procedure at his Manhattan clinic, Luxurgery. Interviewed by The New York Post, he said that the procedures typically start at $10,000, with costs increase depending on the scope of treatment.

“If you want a full breast augmentation, hip dip and some buttock treatment and you have to use hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of cc’s of AlloClae, well, that’s going to cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

What you get for your money

Traditional fillers come in 1cc syringes, while AlloClae is packaged in much larger 12.5cc and 25cc sizes. This makes it a unique middle ground for “micro-augmentations” – fixing hip dips, “scooped-out” breasts, or post-liposuction dents that are too big for standard fillers but not large enough to justify surgery.

But the effects don’t last forever. While some claim that the “donated” fat is a sort of scaffolding for the patient’s own body to build up tissue, more often the lovely rounded effect wears away and dissolves after 18 months at longest.
Now that can’t be bad for business.

It gets darker.

Brokers frequently target low-income families by offering “free cremation” in exchange for the donation. In effect, the family agrees to sell their relative’s fat to pay for funeral costs. Some funeral directors maintain partnerships with body brokers to provide low-cost burials or cremations for poor families.

Investigations have uncovered instances of families being misled about how bodies would be used, as well as cases of improper handling, such as dismemberment with power tools or the sale of remains to gruesome “exhibits.”

Makes you wonder if any low-income cremations were empty coffins, while the deceased’s body was sold to independent body brokers.

Human Remains, The Newest Cosmetic

Science has given us many medical uses for bits and pieces of the human body. Lives are saved by heart, kidney, liver donations; parts of eyes, of skin, and more. These procedures come from a place of value for human life and dignity.

And maybe you know someone who’s had cosmetic surgery, or had it yourself. Why not; if surgery enhances a person’s appearance, makes them feel more confident and secure, and they can afford it, more power to them.

But would you get yourself injected with Alloclae?

The post The Next New Cosmetic: Human Fat Known as Alloclae appeared first on Green Prophet.

Body hair is a big issue especially for those who have it. Some cultures adore body hair on women and men, others deny that women actually grow body hair on their arms, legs, face, and even chest. Muslims have a haram and halal guide to body hair, and Jewish women remove theirs every month before they go to the mikva when relations with their husband can resume.

Middle Eastern women can be hairy and those not wanting it use threading and sugar wax or sugaring to remove it. Removing hair, as men who shave daily, know, is a big hassle. Some get it removed permanently but that could be a big mistake as Januhairy and a new body hair trend is coming back stronger than Brooke Shield’s eyebrows in the 80s.

What’s a woman to do? Like Movember when men started growing moustaches for a cause, a new movement called Januhairy is encouraging women to stop removing their body hair. Look at Cypriot-American model Sophia Hadjipanteli and her unibrow. And the TikToker Unibrow Girl. Will you join the movement?

If you look to Takijistan a woman’s beauty is measured by the size of eyebrows. Traditional Tajikistan songs including Bukaran songs by Jewish Tajikis extol women and their large eyebrows. Tajikistan women paint their eyebrows a la Frida Kahlo to appear more attractive.

Egyptians are credited with inventing sugaring, believed to predate shaving. It’s similar to waxing, but uses a sugar-syrup paste that gets spread onto skin. When the mixture cools, it’s quickly peeled off, yanking hair out at the roots. You can eat the sweet pre-product if you use our recipe.

But why bother shaving? Women leading the Januhairy movement like Queen Esie believe that body hair can help a woman reclaim her body and redefine what is beautiful.

She offers some tips, “Most women have shaved and removed their body hair all their life that they don’t know what they look like natural, and feel shame when they body hair slowly starts growing back. If you want to stop be afraid or ashamed of your body hair and slowly start embracing it, here are a few tips:

Tip 1: Accept that you’re a hairy woman & that’s ok ?
Tip 2: Wear clothes that reveal your body hair in the comfort of your home?
Tip 3: Compliment your hairy body in the mirror ☀️
Tip 4: Let your body hair grow during the winter

“Once you get use to seeing body hair on your body you will slowly stop feeling shame.”

If you lived past the 90s and notice some women have bald eyebrows, that’s because women over-removed their eyebrows and they never grew back. Some women, already back then and it’s always been more common in Europe, have stopped removing armpit hair, leg hair, nipple hair and all hair down there.

Say no to a Brazil body wax

What is a Brazilian wax? In a Brazilian wax common in the west pubic hair is removed from around the external genitals, between the upper thighs, and around the anus. Some women can choose to remove all hair in the area or leave a small strip of hair in the front.

For the last 15 years or the Brazil body wax has made it common for women to remove their pubic hair as though they are pre-pubescent women. The Januhairy movement is encouraging women to keep all their growth, personal and down their intact and to embrace one’s body as it is: hairy and beautiful. It starts with a few women but if women of the world unite, you can stop shaving forever. The other option: get married and save yourself the hassle.

“Female body hair challenges not only the world’s status quo on a superficial, visual level but also our deeper stigmas and beliefs surrounding female pleasure and sex,” says Caley Draws, who discusses sex and hair.

Thinking about growing out your hair?

Follow the Januhairy movement.

Thinking, no way, help me out. I got to this page for the wrong reasons: Start here with a simple sugar wax DIY recipe.

The post Grow a unibrow for Januhairy and embrace your body hair appeared first on Green Prophet.

Over​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the past ten years, facial rejuvenation has changed quite dramatically. No doubt the deep plane facelift is still a very powerful way to reverse facial aging, but the new Optimum Mobility Facelift has made quite a few people wonder if the old method can still be ranked as number one. Patients want to see youthful, lively, and natural-looking faces without the downtime and stiffness that used to be typical of surgical techniques. The deep plane facelift has been one of the most recognized methods of turning back the facial aging clock, however, with the introduction of the Optimum Mobility Facelift, most people are now wondering if this old-fashioned method is still relevant. Here is a concise explanation of both techniques and how their advantages match up in the current aesthetic ​‍​‌‍​‍‌world.

Deep Plane Facelift Explained

To understand whether it remains relevant, it’s important to first provide a clear deep plane facelift explained breakdown.

What the technique involves:

• Repositioning the deeper layers of the face, which also includes the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system)
• Lifting whole sections of your face together, like one piece.
• Tightening of sagging that caused the cheek, nasolabial fold, and jawline areas
• Freeing some deeper tissues to give your face a real lift.

Why​‍​‌‍​‍‌ it became popular:

• Provides a more natural look than just skin facelifts
• Creates very visible midface changes
• Provides long-lasting effects as it is done by repositioning deep tissues

Limitations of the Deep Plane approach:

• More invasive, as it requires a greater release of the tissue
• Longer recovery time with more swelling and bruising
• Less potential for customization as large areas are lifted together
• Reduced facial mobility initially, as natural movement can feel temporarily restricted

The method is still very effective, however, its invasiveness and limited adaptability make it difficult to meet the expectations of personalized, natural-looking results ​‍​‌‍​nowadays.

What Is the Optimum Mobility Facelift?

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Optimum Mobility Facelift is a further development of the deep plane facial rejuvenation concept of the next generation. The design of the facelift is such that it can reach areas that are inaccessible by a conventional deep plane method and therefore achieve results that are beyond its ​‍​‌‍​‍‌limits.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Instead of releasing everything, it focuses on moving specific tissues.
• It targets key areas like the midface, jawline, and neck.
• Preservation of key attachments that support natural facial motion
• Customized adjustments based on each patient’s anatomy and goals

Beneficial​‍​‌‍​‍‌ features of such advanced method:

• Less damage to the body as compared to a deep plane lift
• Quick recovery, usually with a visibly lesser swelling
• More natural facial movement, like smiling or speaking, etc.
• Improved contour transitions between the cheeks, jawline, and neck
• Higher accuracy that enables surgeons to adjust the amount of lift locally

This individualized approach aligns with modern surgical standards: natural in movement, structurally supportive, and specially ​‍​‌‍​‍‌made.

What’s the Difference Between These Two Methods?

Surgical depth:

• Deep Plane: completely releases tissues.
• Optimum Mobility: releases tissues in certain spots for better control

How it feels:

• Deep Plane: can be a bit uncomfortable for the initial period
• Optimum Mobility: keeps your face moving naturally.

Customization:

• Deep Plane: limited flexibility
• Optimum Mobility: can be adjusted to fit what you need

Aesthetic outcome:

• Deep Plane: strong lift but less adaptable
• Optimum Mobility: gives a smoother, better, and more natural look.

Is the Deep Plane Facelift Still a Good Option?

Yep, but it’s not for everyone.

Where the Deep Plane Facelift still excels:

• extreme​‍​‌‍​‍‌ situations of facial sagging
• more pronounced midface descent
• Individuals who want a maximum structural ​‍​‌‍​‍‌lift

A lot of surgeons are going with Optimum Mobility now because:

• Enables finer control of individual facial parts
• Delivers superior effects in motion, rather than only at rest
• Creates a more balanced and harmonious
• Has a shorter recuperation period and causes less tissue damage
• It’s perfect for folks who want a natural, custom look

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Deep Plane method is still effective but it is not considered to be the most advanced or flexible alternative in modern facial rejuvenation ​‍​‌‍​‍‌anymore.

Who Should Choose Which Procedure?

Best candidates for the Deep Plane Facelift:

• Individuals with advanced aging
• Patients wanting dramatic structural lift

The Optimum Mobility Facelift is a better choice if you:

• Care most about a natural look
• Need to recover quickly
• Want very specific, fine-tuned results

Final Words

The Deep Plane Facelift is still a very valuable method for some particular situations, however, it is not able to compare with the range of features, natural movement, and improved comfort of the Optimum Mobility Facelift. With the progression of surgical techniques, the contemporary technique is clearly the more flexible, considerate of the patient’s needs, and hence, the most suitable method for achieving facial rejuvenation in the current time.

The post Deep Plane Facelift: Is It Still Relevant When the Optimum Mobility Facelift Is More Advanced? appeared first on Green Prophet.

Tattoo artists might be wondering if they will be out of jobs, or just able to license their NFT designs to a computer? A new Austin-based startup called Blackdot says it has built an AI-powered tattoo machine that is safer and less painful than getting a human-applied tattoo.

Called Aero for Artist Enabled Robotic Operator, Blackdot’s machine uses computer vision, fine control, and very shallow needle penetration to reduce discomfort. It is now installed at Bang Bang in New York, and already operating in Austin.

In some areas of medicine, robotics and machine learning have changed the name of the game and survival outcome for removing cancers like prostate. Robotics can help a human operator be more precise, but are we ready to hand over the controls?

Do we want a machine that takes the craft out of the hand of the artist? I make pottery out of earth because I believe there is spirit in matter. Is a tattoo applied by a machine giving the same vibes as a potter’s mug made in a factory or a violin made on a machine?

According to the people at Aero, the device tattoos in dot-based grayscale patterns, applying many minute points rather than deep continuous lines — a technique they say limits pain and improves precision.

One upside: fewer tattoos gone wrong?

Tattoos, not just in hipster times, have long carried a dual identity: as personal art but also no small part of getting a tattoo is about the pain and the act of bodily risk. Also, I wonder: does a machine-made tattoos open up the practice of skin art at a time when researchers are calling us to pay attention to the risks of the materials in tattoos and a possible link to auto-immune diseases and cancer. As there is little regulation, there is little known about the long-term health effects of tattooing.

What do the world’s religions say about tattoos?

From a Islamic perspective, tattooing is generally considered prohibited (haram) in many schools of thought. The Prophet Muhammad is narrated in hadith literature to have cursed both the tattooer and the tattooed (for altering the creation of God). Some scholars argue that tattoos break the ritual purity (ablution, or wudu) because they alter the skin surface.

We find some literature to back up the Islamic prohibition: ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: “May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (Al-Bukhari, al-Libas, 5587; Muslim, al-Libas, 5538).

In parts of Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, some Shiite communities have historically tolerated or quietly practiced tattooing, especially small religious motifs (like the names of Imams or sacred symbols). And among younger Shiites, especially in diaspora communities, tattoos are increasingly popular as personal or religious expression — though clerical authorities still discourage them.

In Judaism, tattoos are often discouraged based on Torah injunctions and Levitical prohibitions, and tattoos are not encouraged at all.  It is permitted to remove a tattoo and pierce your ears. That said many Jewish people do get tattoos. Common ones include the Tree of Life symbol, Hebrew and biblical expressions (The Nation of Israel Lives), and some people get tattoos of their grandparent’s numbers printed on them during the Holocaust.

In Christian traditions, the picture is more varied. Some conservative or literalist communities may discourage tattoos, particularly when associated with body modification or vanity, but there is no universally binding doctrine rejecting them. Many churches do not formally forbid tattoos, leaving it to individual conscience, church culture, or pastoral guidance. This blog offers some history of Christian tattoos in Jerusalem. The author points out that some conservative or literalist groups still reject tattoos outright, holding to Leviticus as binding.

Many other Christians see tattoos as a matter of conscience, arguing that Old Testament prohibitions were tied to ritual purity, pagan associations, or covenant identity, and are not binding in the same way after Christ. In some traditions (like the Razzouk family in Jerusalem), tattooing is even a Christian devotional act, marking pilgrimage and identity.

Unlike in Abrahamic religions, tattoos (godna in Hindi) have been widely practiced in Hindu culture for centuries. Tribal and rural communities across India have used tattoos for spiritual protection, identity, and beauty. Some designs are linked to deities, mantras, or cosmic symbols.

What about the art of it?

Almost painless tattoos may worry tattoo artists who will be out of jobs unless they figure out how to sell designs as NFTs, and also people who may more liberally get tattoos without possible health or spiritual implications.

In Sci-Fi dystopia, we’ve reported on how tattoos can be used for nefarious purposes, such as IDing and tracking people. Such as the tattoo below, from MIT Media Lab.

Tattoos could be used as a trackpad to remotely control your mobile phone or adjust the volume of the music you tune into. They can track user data and report back to you, like a body-integral Fitbit, with embedded thermochromic displays that change color in reaction to heat, reporting on body temperature, blood pressure, breathing patterns. It might also report on your immediate environment, checking air quality, weather conditions, and alert you to the presence of harmful substances.

After hearing all sides — from health warnings and religious prohibitions to the futuristic promises of AI-driven tattoo machines — I’ve made my choice. I’ll keep my skin tattoo-free, au naturel. For me, my body already carries its own stories.

The post Blackdot’s painless AI-based tattoos will make inked skin less taboo? appeared first on Green Prophet.

When it comes to self-care, Los Angeles sets the bar high. From Hollywood insiders to Valley Village locals, everyone here knows that a good facial isn’t just a luxury – it’s part of a healthy lifestyle. With so many spas and salons offering facials in LA, it can be hard to choose the right one. So where do people actually go for the best facials in Los Angeles?

We looked at local recommendations, reviews, and trending treatments, and here’s what stands out.

Why Facials Matter in LA

The Los Angeles climate is a mix of sun, heat, and city life – a recipe for clogged pores, dryness, and early signs of aging. That’s why facials are more than pampering; they’re essential for healthy skin. A Los Angeles facial treatment can:

• Deeply cleanse and detox the skin.
• Exfoliate to remove dead cells and smooth texture.
• Boost hydration and restore elasticity.
• Prep your skin for better absorption of skin care products.

This is why visiting a Gla skin care salon in Valley Village or Studio City has become a regular part of many locals’ routines.

Treatments Locals Love

Different facials target different needs. Some of the most popular facials in Los Angeles right now include:

• Hydrodermabrasion – a gentle but powerful treatment that hydrates while exfoliating. Perfect for instant brightness without downtime.
• Oxygen Facials – loved by celebrities before red carpet events. They infuse oxygen and nutrients, leaving skin plump and radiant.
• Back Facials with Extractions – great for clearing and refreshing skin in hard-to-reach areas.
• Classic Facials – timeless treatments designed for relaxation and overall balance.
• Affordable Facials Los Angeles – budget-friendly options that still deliver noticeable results, ideal for students and young professionals.

Where to Go for the Best Facials in Los Angeles

Among the names that consistently come up, Gla Skin Care Salon stands out. This top-rated esthetician in LA, based in Valley Village, has built a reputation for offering personalized facials that leave skin looking smoother, brighter, and healthier. Clients highlight not only the visible results but also the relaxing atmosphere and professional care.

If you’re searching for facial treatments in Los Angeles that combine expertise with a personal touch, locals often recommend checking out facial services in Los Angeles

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles has no shortage of spas and salons, but the best facials in LA are the ones that deliver real results while giving you a relaxing experience. Whether it’s a hydrodermabrasion glow, an oxygen boost, or a soothing classic facial, the right treatment can completely transform your skin.

For those who want expert care with a neighborhood feel, Gla Skin Care Salon is often the go-to choice for facials in Valley Village and Los Angeles.

The post Best Facials in Los Angeles: What Locals Recommend appeared first on Green Prophet.

In a fragrance market awash with synthetic blends and mass production, Le Labo stands apart like a whisper of nature in a noisy world. Known for its cult-like following and unapologetically minimalist aesthetic, this New York-born perfume house has garnered global acclaim not only for its handcrafted scents but also for its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical luxury.

Related: natural, green perfume by Ayelet Moriel

Natural Ingredients and Small-Batch Perfumery

At the heart of Le Labo’s ethos is a strong preference for natural, high-quality ingredients. While not every component is 100% natural—certain molecules must be synthesized to remain cruelty-free or allergen-safe—the brand is transparent about sourcing and formulation. Le Labo’s fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, preservatives, and artificial colorants. Their iconic labels are printed on recycled paper, and many of their bottles are refillable, with in-store refill stations offered in several global locations to reduce waste.

Each scent is freshly hand-blended and labeled at the moment of purchase—offering a small-batch, artisanal experience more akin to fine dining than factory fragrance. This model not only ensures freshness but also avoids the emissions and inefficiencies of large-scale warehousing.

Le Labo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond what’s in the bottle. The brand uses recycled packaging, glass instead of plastic, and minimal outer packaging to reduce environmental impact. Even their candles are made with soy wax and cotton wicks, and their shampoo and body products come in plant-based, refillable bottles.

Their studios, which double as retail spaces, are designed with natural, raw materials like reclaimed wood and industrial metal—encouraging a slower, more conscious retail experience that echoes their “slow perfumery” philosophy.

City Exclusives: A Scented Travelogue with a Conscience

One of Le Labo’s most beloved—and elusive—projects is the City Exclusives collection. Typically only available in their city of origin, these scents are like bottled postcards, each inspired by the energy, culture, and olfactory identity of a global destination.

For a limited time every year—this time starting August 1—these fragrances go on a world tour, available in 1.5 ml discovery sizes and full bottles come September. It’s a rare chance to smell Tokyo’s Gaiac 10, Paris’s Vanille 44, or Dubai’s Cuir 28, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

This year’s exciting addition? OSMANTHUS 19, the new Kyoto exclusive—bringing the soft floral sweetness of osmanthus flowers into the fold.

Here’s the full travel-worthy list of scents:

• OSMANTHUS 19 (Kyoto)

• CORIANDRE 39 (Mexico City)

• MYRRHE 55 (Shanghai)

• CEDRAT 37 (Berlin)

• CITRON 28 (Seoul)

• TABAC 28 (Miami)

• BIGARADE 18 (Hong Kong)

• MOUSSE DE CHENE 30 (Amsterdam)

• ALDEHYDE 44 (Dallas)

• LIMETTE 37 (San Francisco)

• CUIR 28 (Dubai)

• TUBEREUSE 40 (New York)

• BAIE ROSE 26 (Chicago)

• POIVRE 23 (London)

• MUSC 25 (Los Angeles)

• GAIAC 10 (Tokyo)

• VANILLE 44 (Paris)

• BENJOIN 19 (Moscow)

This global collection is a creative reminder of the power of place and memory in fragrance—and an innovative approach to sustainability through limited releases, refillability, and responsible luxury.

A Quiet Revolution in Beauty

While many luxury brands are only now waking up to environmental responsibility, Le Labo has been whispering it from the beginning. From ingredient integrity and minimalist packaging to refill stations and city-inspired storytelling, Le Labo proves that sustainability doesn’t have to shout—it can smell like osmanthus, myrrh, or a hint of city smoke.

In a world oversaturated with fast beauty, Le Labo offers something different: a slow, mindful ritual that respects people, place, and planet. That’s why it’s more than perfume. It’s philosophy. In a bottle.

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For more, visit lelabofragrances.ca and follow the City Exclusives journey.

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Anyone who has enough capital and passion for making others look and feel beautiful can establish a salon. Unfortunately, the many environmentally-harmful products that are available nowadays are causing many of these people so passionate for beauty to have second thoughts about establishing their own salons. If you are one of the people held back by the presence of these beauty products made from harmful chemicals, know that there are ways to build an environmentally-friendly salon. These steps are highlighted below.

Use and Sell Recyclables

Each year, billions of pounds of disposed plastic leak into seawater. With global population slowly, but steadily increasing, the amount of plastic is expected to increase. Keep in mind that plastic is made from materials that can disrupt reproductive systems and worse, cause cancer. Fortunately, there now are are plastic salon products that do not contain these harmful materials, as well as glass salon products, that you can sell and use.

You should also consider sourcing from trusted eco-conscious suppliers, especially if you’re expanding into nail services. A good place to start is this nail supply store, which offers tools and products that are cruelty free and align with a more sustainable approach.

Use and Offer Cruelty-Free Products

Millions of animals die of cruel and unusual deaths annually due to animal testing, and millions more are caged to serve as test subjects for beauty products. Paying no heed to the undue suffering of these animals will eventually cause a major imbalance in the world’s ecosystem. When this happens, lives of billions of people are at risk.

Prevent severe ecosystem imbalance by only purchasing cruelty-free products endorsed by animal rights groups. There are many such products out there, so there’s no need to worry about having to slash a few services off your list of services.

Offer and Use Keratin Treatments that are Truly Formaldehyde-Free

People in the beauty industry are no strangers to the highly controversial keratin treatments. Many that are supposedly formaldehyde-free actually contain high levels of formaldehyde. While it’s true that formaldehyde is a substance can be found in nature, it is a known cancer-causing substance and thus should be avoided as much as possible. So do your research right now to know which treatments are actually formaldehyde-free. Then acquire these products for use in the salon.

Use Environmentally-Friendly Decorations

Show to the world that you truly care for the environment by putting up environmentally-friendly decorations in your salon. Eco-friendly decorations are recyclable artwork that were produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Compliment these decorations with paint free of VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs can cause considerable harm to those exposed. They cause breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and even cancer.

Make Energy Saving a Habit in Your Salon

There are so many ways to save electricity and water in your salon. These resource-saving methods may be small things but when combined together, they can help you save so much. Some simple practices that can be employed in your establishment include the use of skylights (like the one above) energy-efficient lights, bulbs, and other electrical essentials and the regular checking of pipes and taps for leaks.

Use Hair Colour That Does Not Have Ammonia

Offering ammonia-free hair colour (like henna) is most likely the best thing you can do for your old and new clients. While colouring with ammonia is effective—ammonia ensures that the colour will stick to hair for a very long time—their use is linked to numerous health concerns. In addition, these products, when mixed, bring about fumes that do more than just make the air in the salon irritating to the nose.

The above steps are proof that there is no need to put the environment at risk in the process of making people look more beautiful. So if you’ve long wanted to build your own salon but are having second thoughts due to your concerns about the environment, realise that there really is nothing to fear.

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The FDA is recalling certain acne medications for cancer link. Our herbalist takes her decades of experience and creates a guide to natural acne care.

Everyone wants smooth skin with a healthy glow. People are willing to pay plenty to achieve that, and many rely on anti-acne products to clear up those unattractive pimples and inflamed skin. As archeology has discovered, people  used cosmetic creams as far back as in ancient Rome.

Some products may bought over the counter, and some require a doctor’s prescription. But what we confidently regarded as safe allies in the fight against acne turn out not to be so safe after all. Benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent found in some popular anti-acne products, may break down into carcinogenic benzine. Read Karin’s post on the FDA’s recall of anti-acne products.

Think of applying a lotion or cream containing benzoyl peroxide to your face every day. You can’t know if the gel you squeeze out of that tube is in the process of breaking down into benzine, but research suggests that it will.

So what we do to keep our skins free of acne?

Here we have to look at the origins of acne breakouts. Genetics, unfortunately, factor in. If your parents tend towards acne, it’s likely you will too. You’ll probably need to make some lifestyle changes.

Other factors causing acne may be hormonal flare-ups, stress, not enough sleep, not drinking enough plain water, and a diet rich in sugar and processed and fatty foods. Like French fries and industrially-produced hamburgers, and packaged snacks. Cigarette smoke, lots of coffee, and frequent alcoholic drinks also damage your skin.

To maintain healthy skin, we need not only to avoid junk food, but to consume foods and beverages rich in anti-oxidants. Find something that falls into the popular “super-food” category that’s appetizing, and consume it every day. Green tea, very anti-oxidant; drink it instead of Coke.  Fresh produce, either cooked or raw, and preferably home-made…the list is familiar, but no less valid for that. Tons of any ideas for healthy snacks circulate around the Net. Find some that appeal to you. Then eat them, instead of junk food.

If stress is causing your skin to break out, practice yoga. Seriously. The gentle exercise increases blood circulation, bringing that all-important oxygen to every part of you, and in addition, relaxes and makes you feel more alive.

Drink a lot of plain H2O. Water scours your organs and helps eliminate toxins.

Keep your skin clean with herbal infusions that soothe inflammation and exert anti-microbial power over the grime you’re exposed to over the day.

Some suggested herbs to calm acne:

• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Green tea
• Echinacea
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Marigold

How to use the anti-acne herbs: Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon of herb, cover, and wait 10 minutes. Strain. Splash your face with the infusion; it feels good when it’s warm, but can be used cold. Pat your face dry with a clean towel; do not rinse the tea away.

Optionally, add a drop of tea tree essential oil – one drop only – to the herbal infusion. If using the essential oil, avoid getting the infusion in your eyes.

Raw honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Use clean q-tips to pat drops of honey on bad acne. Do not put the used q-tip back in the honey; get a fresh one if needed. Leave the honey on the skin for 10 minutes, the gently rinse it off.

Change your pillow case nightly, optimally after having cleaned your face.

Always remove makeup before sleeping.

Safe and natural exfoliating products

Sugar has its cosmetic uses. To exfoliate and cleanse the skin, wet your face with water or herbal infusion. Drop about a tablespoon of white or brown sugar into the palm of your wet hand and gently rub your face with it. Don’t scrub yourself to death. Rinse the sugar off and pat your face dry.

Some get acne on their backs. An effective remedy is a long, wet loofah sponge well saturated with soap, rubbed across the back in the shower. A long-handled brush with soft bristles will do the same.

Miracle meds containing benzoyl peroxide aren’t what you’re looking for anymore. Try a weekly facial mask made by combining an infusion of plantain leaf, chickweed, and marigold flowers with cosmetic-grade white or green clay. Plantain draws infected matter out of skin tissue and soothes inflamed skin. So does chickweed. Marigold flowers have strong anti-bacterial properties.

How to make a herbal mask against acne

Have ready a teapot or clean glass jar. Put 1 tablespoon each plantain, chickweed, and marigold flowers in it and pour a cup of boiling water over the herbs. (If using a glass jar, set it on a kitchen towel to avoid thermal shock, which might crack it.) Stir. Cover the infusion and wait 15 minutes. Strain it.

Dissolve about 3 tablespoons of cosmetic-grade clay with the herbal infusion enough to make a thin paste. Apply the paste to clean, moist skin. Put music on – read a book – drink green tea – hang out for 10-15 minutes. The mask will start to dry; that’s fine. Rinse it off with warm water or herbal infusion. Pat your face dry.

If you can’t source fresh herbs, you can probably find them dried in health food stores. Or find them online. I suggest combining those plantain, chickweed and marigold, but any but any one of those noted above can be used to make a skin-healing infusion.

Note: Chickweed is useful in drawing out pus from inflamed pimples or boils. I have also applied chickweed to styes in the eyes and to clean up pinkeye. A poultice of fresh chickweed is best: crush a handful of clean herb in your clean hands and apply the messy green stuff to the infected area. It will start to feel warm; even hot. At that point, remove the poultice and wash your hands.

However, dried chickweed also works, if infused into boiling water as described above. In that case, use only 1/2 cup water per tablespoon of dried herb. Dip sterile cotton into the strained infusion and apply it to the infection. Discard the cotton after a few minutes and wash your hands.

A cucumber and yoghurt mask against acne

For a skin-soothing facial mask that uses ordinary kitchen ingredients, blend a washed but unpeeled organic cucumber with 1/8 cup yogurt and 1 tablespoon raw honey. Spread the mask on and rinse off after 15 minutes. It won’t be as medicinal as the herb/clay mask, but it will reduce painful redness and leave the skin softer.

Editor’s note: store bought masks are expensive and contain preservatives to stop it from decomposing and going rotten. Like good food, a healthy face mask should be made with the freshest, local and most organic ingredients. Time to start grow

herbalisFor more on natural remedies see:

Za’atar is a natural anti-acne treatment
Some Tips to Consider Before Buying Beauty Products
5 Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Beautiful
The ABCs of Middle East Spices Medicines, Part IV – Oregano to Rosemary

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