Mike Edde with one of the many celebrity clients Eammon Holmes
When it comes to woman’s hair if you need a brand new hair style it really is worth paying top dollar to get the best attention and idea’s to create a new you.
But often with a trim round the bottom you can get the same result with out robbing the bank at your local salon just do not expect a cappuccino , five minute head rub at the back wash and latest recommendations to the top spots in town you would get in the really high-end Salons.
However, when it comes to men’s hair, I gave up years ago getting my friends to cut my locks. It took too long and they never really did what I wanted except for the brilliant Martyne Fletcher who used to tend the late Joanne Rivers.
I gravitated to going to Sassoon’s who really never once made me happy and other high end Salon often leaving feeling robbed at £50 -£80 for a trim. One day I was just about to give up when saw a man in the gym who’s hair I liked so following my own advise I asked where he had it cut. “Mike the Barbers ” he replied. A local men’s shop that I had seen but would never dream of trusting my blond do to a shop a barbers.
I actually stood outside for three or four minutes to get up the nerve to go in, before asking for Mike, a dashing bubbly local legend in Earl’s Court. For sure there was not cappuccino in sight and no head rub, in fact unless you request it they do not wash your hair, as I more than often had to take the brush off the stylists in the high end salons and dry it myself so it was no loss to me.
Mike in his shop in Earl’s Court is legendary
Unlike many Sassoon people I noticed they where experts with razor’s and thinning scissors. I told Mike what i wanted and he asked if I would like the harsh line softened a bit, it had always bugged me that they could not soften it. Always ended up with a server wedge or fire fly. With in 15 minutes for the first time in years I loved my hair and did not need to grow a bit back or wish it had been cut shorter.
Even better it was £11, I get it cut every two weeks now to keep it neat and I go with out worrying it will be yet another disappointment . Mike has been doing my hair for six years and every fella I recommend goes again and again and one or two short hair ladies love him too. You never know who you will bump into Wayne Sleep might just come pirouetting by or one of the many celeb clients that know the secret.
Now colouring is another thing only to go high-end.
Doctor Giles Gyer is a British trained specialist musculoskeletal Osteopath who has worked within health and fitness for over 12 years; he combines a variety of articulation and manipulation techniques alongside a variety of rehabilitation exercises within his treatments, and works with patients from office workers to professional strength and international sports athletes at his central London clinic.
Giles is a senior lecturer at www.omttraining.co.uk and teaches grade 5 / HVT Spinal Manipulation, Osteopathic Articulation and Manual Therapy techniques throughout UK and internationally to professional therapists from all over Europe, he has lectured at national conferences and has lecturered and run MasterClass training events for groups such as the NHS, MK Dons FC and Liverpool Football Club physiotherapy department.
Giles has authored two books within manual therapy, first a specialist book on dry needling and secondly on spinal articulation techniques.
Eight tips for looking after your body.
We are now in an age where more people are desk bound for most of the week, working long hours, glued to their iphones, laptops with a blur of thumbs as they swipe left and right and tap away, and with all this inactivity, increased postural problems, fast paced lifestyle, it can have an impact on health and well being.
Staying fit and healthy is everyone’s top priority. But, because of our busy work schedules and poor lifestyle choices, we often make it the biggest challenge of our lives. If you’re here to overcome this barrier, the first thing you have to understand that the path to being healthy and fit is an ongoing process and includes many elements. However, it’s not something that is impossible to achieve. With a little focus on nutrition, being a bit health-conscious and doing a few exercises each day, you can easily win this challenge.
Here is how you can do this.
1. Adopt a Healthy Eating Style
The key to a healthy lifestyle is adopting a well-balanced diet that has all the nutrients for the optimal functioning of your body. According to NHS, a balanced diet means eating a wide range of foods in the right proportions, so that you can maintain a healthy body weight. However, it is also important that you are making realistic changes to your diet; otherwise, you won’t be able to stick with it. Use these tips to make the right changes:
· Get as many low calorie, nutrient dense, and antioxidant rich foods into your diet as possible. These include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre, milk, nuts, and lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, egg, tofu and beans.
· Drink plenty of water, as it keeps your body hydrated.
· Cut back on unhealthy foods and replace them with healthier alternatives.
· Eat less or avoid foods that are highly processed and contain unhealthy ingredients, such as saturated fats, hidden sugars, salts and artificial sweeteners.
· Try avoiding red meat or eat it only once in a week.
· Skip milk if you’re lactose intolerant.
· Try cooking meals at your home.
· Do not overeat and enjoy balanced meals at regular intervals.
· Do not skip breakfast, as it helps maintain a stable blood sugar level.
2. Take Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are not essential for everyone. If you are already following a balanced diet, you do not need them. You can get all the nutrients you need from you diet. However, some people may need to take supplements.
According UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), supplements are advised to the following groups of people:
· Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you are suggested to eat folate rich foods and a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. This recommendation is applicable until the week 12 of pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to take 10mcg of vitamin D per day.
· Older adults. With age, our bodies become less effective in absorbing certain nutrients from our daily diets. These include calcium, potassium, folic acid, omega-3, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Therefore, if you are over age 50, you are advised to take a supplement containing these nutrients.
· Children below the age of 5. If your child is not a good eater, the FSA suggests that he/she may need to take a supplement containing vitamins A, D and C. However, this advice is not applicable for those who eat a wide range of foods and have a good appetite.
· People who are vegetarian or eat no meat or fish. People in this group often lack nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, from animal sources. If you are in this category, you are advised to take a supplement containing these elements.
· People who do not receive sufficient sunlight. Insufficient exposure to sunlight causes vitamin D deficiency. If you rarely get outdoors or spend most of your time indoors, you may need to take an additional 10mcg of vitamin D per day.
I really do believe “Movement is medicine” and consistent regular exercise is essential for being healthy and fit, as it prevents fat gain, improves muscle strength and tone, helps with the cardiovascular system, and more importantly helps to improve mood and boosts energy. It also helps combat against a number of diseases and conditions that can be caused through inactivity or dietary issues, the NHS states that a lack of exercise can contribute significantly to issues such as,
· Coronary heart disease
· High blood pressure
· Stroke
· Metabolic syndrome (including obesity and abnormal blood cholesterol levels)
· Type 2 diabetes
Therefore, you should get rid of all the excuses for not exercising regularly and try making it a daily habit. No matter you have only 20 minutes form your hectic daily schedules, you should do it.
However, if you are really unable to manage time for an actual workout, you can use these simple tips to keep yourself physically active:
· Practice light yoga or stretching moves while watching TV or talking on the phone.
· Take regular breaks from your work and go for a short walk.
· Make fidgeting a habit while you work.
· Use the stairs instead of the lift.
· Walk or run to the nearby shops instead of driving.
· Take your kids or dog for a walk.
· Get off one bus or tube stop early and walk to your destination.
· Go out for a 10-minute walk before breakfast and after dinner.
4. Get Your Health Checkups
Regular health checkups are required, even if you are healthy and fit, because these tests help you find risk factors and problems before they start. Ultimately, this helps you to get better treatment, and in the end “prevention is better than cure”, when you are diagnosed early with a disease. So visit your doctor for routine health exams and tests to make sure you are not susceptible to any diseases and everything is fine and normal.
Depending on your age, ethnicity, lifestyle choices, physical activity, family medical history and smoking status, your doctor will suggest which exams and screenings you need. Although these advices vary from person to person, there are some common exams and tests that are often performed during a routine health checkup. These include:
· Total blood count (TBC) and urine tests
· Hearing and vision tests
· Tests for cholesterol level and blood pressure
· Measurement of body mass index (BMI)
· Risk assessment for diabetes (if high blood pressure or high cholesterol is already present)
· Screening for colorectal cancer (if there is a family history or age is over 50)
· Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
· Screening for breast and cervical cancer
· Screening for prostate cancer
· Checking of immunisation schedules
5. Monitor Your Weight
It’s always a good practice to track your progress regularly, because this will help you to keep yourself motivated about your goals. However, do not check your weight excessively, as this may cause the opposite. So try checking your weight only once in a day.
In addition, there are many weight loss apps are now available on both Android and iOS. Check the reviews of these apps, and download the most suitable one according to your needs, so that you can track your food, connect with like-minded people and stay focused on your goals.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep has a profound effect on your life. It benefits your health both physically and mentally. Studies suggest that getting enough sleep can strengthen memories, improve mood, enhance cognitive functions, boost sex drive and improve overall quality of life. In fact, adequate sleep allows your body the time it needs to repair and rejuvenate.
On the other hand, insufficient sleep is linked to a number of health problems, including lower testosterone levels, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, poor cognitive functions, chronic pain and obesity. So if you are not getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night, this can adversely affect your health, mood, motor skills, weight and even sex life.
7. Do Not Ignore Pain
Pain is a common condition that needs no further description. We all know what it is and how it affects our overall quality of life. What you need to know that pain is usually caused by an underlying disease or injury. In fact, it is you body’s red alert, a mechanism of telling you that something is wrong. So even if your pain is mild, do not ignore or get used to it.
Pain is not inevitable; it is actually a condition that can be treated. However, if you do not want to go for the conventional treatments, you can also manage it without taking any painkillers or NSAIDs. There are a number of drug-free alternative treatments, such as osteopathy, available today that can effectively help manage your pain, injury or other issues and get you back fighting fit.
Doctor Giles Gyer on a resent trip to China -Shanghai with leading personal trainer friend and client Denise Couprie www.osteon.co.uk
8. Visit an Osteopath
Osteopathy is a whole body approach to help your nervous, circulatory and immune systems. Although it is still considered as an alternative medicine, it is by far one of the most effective ways of identifying, treating and preventing health problems related to musculoskeletal issues. Also, osteopathy is a more natural approach than conventional medicine, because it doesn’t use drugs or surgical procedures.
Osteopaths focus on restoring the normal function and stability of the musculoskeletal framework, so that the body can heal by itself. In doing so, they use a variety of drug-free, non-invasive techniques to relieve muscle tension, increase joint mobility and encourage blood flow to tissues. These techniques include:
· Spinal manipulation / High-velocity thrusts
· Medical Acupuncture / Dry Needling
· Message techniques
· Stretching
· Joint Articulation
· Exercise Rehabilitation
Therefore, if you are struggling with persistent pain due to an injury or other issue, you should visit a registered osteopath. An osteopath can not only help detect and treat your problem but also give you advice on self-help, posture, stretching and other activities, in order to aid your recovery.
Millions of people donate financially each year to charities.
However, many do not have the means to reach into their pockets and help. There are other ways to help from volunteering to raising funds by doing sponsored events like walking, cycling and even jumping from a plane. 2 Shades talks to someone who did exactly that, our columnist Dr Anna Kennedy OBE.
1. Anna, what on earth made you want to do a sky jump?
To be honest it was the last thing on my bucket list. We were brainstorming ways to raise funds for my charity Anna Kennedy online. One of our Patrons Steven Smith mentioned he had sky jumped out of a plane to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer charity a few years back.
Three of the team, Steven, Aston Avery and Lisa Robins, decided they would all jump to help raise awareness. Quickly I made it clear that my contribution was to wave firmly on the ground. My fear of heights was too great to even think about doing it. Steven kept teasing me “You’re always getting others to do things outside their comfort zone, and they thank you for it”, and “Lead by example”. Thanks Steven I thought!
Dream team dive for Anna Kennedy on line
A few months ago, I spoke to Marie Hanson MBE (one of our Autism Hero Award judges) who had just jumped out of a plane and loved it so much that she was considering another challenge. Marie also had a fear of heights and said, “Go on Anna, you can do it!” So, I did!
Alway supportive @spman631dbbf47d on hand to give his advice
2 Tell us about the location where you did the jump?
We travelled to Peterborough to “UK Parachuting” at Sibson Airfield https://ukparachuting.co.uk. It is about fifteen twenty minutes from Peterborough station and they really looked after us.
There is a great café, and they advise you not to jump on an empty stomach. Steven was gutted as new rules meant that if your over 100kg the insurance won’t cover you for the dive. He was 4kg over and was not allowed to jump. Our wonderful AKO volunteer Stacey Moore took his place what a hero she only came out to wave at us and was not allowed to jump.
K PARACHUTING PETERBOROUGH
3. Did you think about changing your mind in the lead up to the jump?
Steven travelled up with me and was making me laugh. It helped as I was not thinking about the jump. In the lead up, getting sponsorship occupied my mind and it was exciting as funds came in, so it took my mind off the fact that I was going to be hurling towards the ground to raise the money.
4. Was there training involved?
It was professional. After a weigh-in and registration there was a bit of a wait and time to grab a coffee. Then there was a class with the lead instructor who was clear and concise, so he kept you at your ease. They were not going to let you fly unless you had understood the whole process.
Just before you got on the plane, they went over any questions and were just brilliant and made it fun too.
5. Were you scared getting on the plane and taking off?
It would be a lie if I said, “No!”
Just prior there were a herd of elephants doing a Zumba class in my tummy. For sure the egg sandwich from the café though delicious seemed like a very bad idea. But the team spirit and the instructors once we got on the plane made me feel calm and excited.
6. What was the jump like?
The first few seconds of the jump and free fall were a little scary. Imagine being in a tumble drier that is also a freezer. Kind of “What have I done?!”
Once those few seconds were over, I thought ‘Anna get a grip’, then I began to enjoy the whole experience and the beauty of the environment. It was exhilarating.
7. Were you relieved when you landed?
A little but so happy too that I had enjoyed the experience and immediately gave a short speech about the charity and our work.
8. What did your family and friends say about you doing the jump?
My son Patrick was worried and asked for reassurance I was not going to die or have a heart attack. I said we were in the safe hands of professional people who have been supporting the public for years who wanted to experience the skydive.
9. Would you do it again and how much did your raise?
Yes, I would love to do it again now I know what to expect! We were all so grateful to raise £3700. If you sponsored us, we really do appreciate it. We are only a small charity and every £1 counts.
“What, a night out on a Saturday in London? Is that not just for tourists?!” This was my reaction when the 2Shades team suggested we let our hair down and party.
You can only get me out on a Saturday if it is a friend’s birthday, a wedding or some special occasion. The very idea of pushing through the crowds that descend on Soho and the likes fills me with dread. Favouring house parties or enjoying a few select friends over for dinner would be my choice at the weekend.
“Do not worry, leave it with me”, said 2Shades writer therapist Michael Power. “I will find somewhere different. Maybe drag brunch or somewhere new”. Telling him I had nothing to wear elicited the reaction, “Shut up!”
The 2Shades team at The Rising.
A few days later the 2Shades WhatsApp message with the venue flashed up. “The Rising” SE1. OK, that is Elephant and Castle. Sure, I go to Southwark Play House https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and it is not far from the tube. But let me be honest, it is not somewhere where (wrongly or rightly) partying springs to mind.
However, the web page looked interesting, you’re allowed to bring your dog (so ten points on that!) and they advertise cabaret. Mike rarely gets it wrong, liking to do his homework on everything from holidays to special occasions.
It was the first official 2Shades night out. The Rising is a five-minute walk (even in heels) from Elephant and Castle Tube, or 15 minutes bus ride from Canda Water. The bus stops right across the road by the Express Tesco’s and the Rising is almost opposite on Harper Road.
We should have of checked we where not wearing the same T-Shirts
Upon arrival it was hard to believe my eyes. Not just how stunning Adishiri, 2Shades Queen and Editor, and Mike were looking, but the vibe of The Rising. There was kind of a New York Village, Fort Lauderdale feel to it. Lots of outdoor seating and a friendly atmosphere.
A huge star was the wonderful security guard on hand, George. He is fully trained and unlike many gay venues when you’re greeted by someone who is as cold as the “ice bucket challenge”, George is gay, and blended a warm but no-nonsense approach to taking care of everyone.
Despite the football being on (this added a bit of camp to the evening), immediately we started to relax and enjoy ourselves. The bar staff are eclectic and very friendly and provide a great array of wines and beers plus some lethal cocktails and shots. There is no food, but you are welcome to order in or bring your own and they will provide cutlery.
No sooner than the football was over, it seemed half the crowd emptied out. It filled back up over the course of the evening. Football was replaced by live entertainment in the form of Drag Queen super star Ella Gant. Now Ella is a star performer you would pay to see. The Rising had laid her on for free.
Ella apologised at the start of the show she had not been well; her voice was not at its vocal best. Well, what a show Ella put on! She had us singing and dancing along for over and hour and if that was her voice when she was not at her finest, we all can’t wait to go back and see her full strength as we had an evening to remember
Drag Queen Ella Gant
The Rising might just be the best LGBTQQA bar we have been to in a while; it is really diverse and exciting, and you do not have to fight through the West End to get to it. It is just perfect for a group of friends to enjoy or even go on your own. Please try The Rising and see for yourself.
For the last five years I have been feeling tired, sluggish and just not myself.
Often in the afternoon, despite a hectic schedule, the need to lie down would be almost overwhelming. Flu-like symptoms with abdominal pains are a regular occurrence in my life.
My G.P. put it all down to having had glandular fever in my early thirties, and told me it was something I just had to live with.
Whilst in India, I met Doctor Prakash, who suggested a visit to his Harley Street clinic to undertake his anti ageing treatment would help. Both of us having such busy schedules, however, it was almost a year before I found myself sitting in stylish office.
The first thing he suggested was that I had some blood work done to check my hormone levels and look at various other health areas. Having had more blood tests than I care to remember – all of which pointed to my glandular fever – I was a little sceptical and the prospect of yet another test did not thrill me. But there was nothing to it and it only took a few minutes.
A week later I was back for the first of my results. Mr Prakash has a kindly air about him but I could see he seemed a little concerned. ” My goodness,” he said, “you are so stressed out. I have never seen a result like it.” I immediately came out in a cold sweat, fearing I had only weeks to live!
But to my relief – and on only my second visit Mr Prakash – he had got to the root of my problem. I had Adrenal Fatigue, brought on by not coping with stress. My cortisone level, which drives the stress gland and protects the body against its ill-effects, was one of the lowest he had ever seen. Despite my sunny disposition, and determinedly looking on the bright side, I was slowly collapsing under the weight of stress inside.
Mr Prakash prescribed Adrenplus – 300, a mix of vitamins and Adrenal supplement, and said I should take one a day. He also advised me on a new diet and suggested I do more resistance exercise. But his Meditation and yoga would help with this, and help me learn to relax. “You have been too busy looking after everyone else, Steven, it’s time to look after your body,” he told me.
He went on to explain that my body was like a kettle, but there was no putting vitamin supplements or medication in if the sides of the kettle were not well and truly sealed, as everything would just fall out. The sides on my kettle were wide open because of stress and only relaxation and breathing would help me seal it.
Five days later, I’ve been doing meditation tapes, taking my supplements and following my diet (BELOW ) . I am a long way from feeling like I did in my twenties but, just three days into Dr Prakash’s regime, I’ve found that, for the first time in years, I’ve not felt the need to take an afternoon nap.
Breakfast
Tea – green tea or ginger and lemon tea. Make your own with fresh lemon and peeled ginger
Omelette made with the whites of four eggs. Add vegetables of choice. Cook in a small amount of olive oil (no butter)
Fruit – a cup of fruit such as blueberry, pomegranate, coconut, grapefruit. Avoid high-sugar oranges, tangerines and strawberries.
Alternate with organic full fat yoghurt. Avoid low or zero fat yoghurt.
Snack
An hour or so later, have a snack, such as a handful of almonds, macadamia or cashew nuts, pomegranate, coconut shavings or blueberries.
Lunch
Tuna salad or chicken breast salad. If the tuna is tinned, make sure it is in spring water rather than oil. For the salad, spinach, watercress, spring onions, beetroot and celery. Use lemon as dressing or a tablespoon of Udo’s oil.
Snack
The afternoon snack can be the same as the morning. If you have worked out, have a protein drink with added water rather than milk, unless it is almond milk, or blueberry blended in almond milk.
Dinner
Chicken or turkey breast with a small portion of brown rice; steamed broccoli with added ginger if desired, or lightly stir fried vegetables.
It is important not to eat after seven in the evening but if you want you can have some cherries before sleep with a small cup of warm almond milk.
If you’re lucky enough to be travelling to sunnier climes this summer, you need to find room in your Louis Vuitton luggage for these great holiday beauty products.
Everyone has gone barking mad about one product this year: Dr. PAWPAW. Every top make-up artist I know has this little beauty in their make-up bag, including ‘make-up artist to royalty’ Ginna Bogle. Celebrities are begging for this latest must-have.
It is not only cruelty-free and vegan, it has the most amazing products from a lip-balm to moisturiser to shampoo; never is this not in my daily bag let alone my holiday bag.
Dryness frequently raises it head when the sun beats down, so these products are powered by a trio of ingredients: pawpaw (papaya) to nourish, aloe vera to soothe and olive oil to moisturise.
These iconic products make you look and feel good, AND benefit your skin. It honestly does what some expensive brands do. Try Dr.PAWPAW and it will have you wagging your tail!
The award-winning shampoo is a must for anyone’s summer bag. And if your hair is starting to thin, this should be your first port of call. My agent used it after a course of chemo and her hair is bouncing back. This powerful formula is infused with the ultimate
blend of biotin, rosemary, caffeine, niacinamide, argan oil, allantoin, and lupin protein, specifically designed to promote healthy hair growth and maximize your hair’s full potential.
Say goodbye to lifeless, thin hair and hello to a head full of volume and shine. Experience the ultimate nourishment for your locks with each wash and feel confident with every strand.
My goodness! This is a game changer for those of us with fair skin. I first noticed what a lovely tan a red headed friend of mine had, “Use P20”, she said. It was hard to believe, but you apply it an hour before you take off to the beach and it shields you for the day.
P20 gives you a range of sunscreens that offer you the highest and best in sun protection.
The main difference is their ingredients. Mineral sun protection contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide whilst chemical sun protection includes organic and more active ingredients.
Okay. It’s not a beauty product but it’s a lifesaver!
I do not know about you, but as my luggage goes off, I always get that sinking feeling. Will it be there when I arrive? Or worse, will someone take my suitcase as indeed once happened to me.
It can make for bad start your holiday. With an “Apple Air Tag”, this problem ceases to be as you can keep track of your luggage.
In addition, this versatile item can keep track of those items that matter most from keys to your wallet. It is always a disaster when you lose one of those on holiday. If your Air Tag is nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to it using Precision Finding.
You’ll see the distance to your Air Tag and which direction to head in, all thanks to Ultra-Wideb and technology (compatible with select iPhone models).
When it comes to our feet, many of us take them for granted and are rather neglectful. From my personal experience, thirty years of standing on my tippy toes to style people’s hair caused my toes to rebel, and suddenly one problem after another began to emerge.
It started with an unpleasant ingrowing toenail, and moved on to developing Plantar Fasciitis. I am no stranger to pedicures. Still, if I were not being treated at the hands of an expert, treatment could become a torture rather than an enjoyable experience. I realised that just having my toenails cut and filed was not doing the trick, and in fact, was leading to health issues.
Many of my pals and those in the know raved about a woman they called “The Foot Queen”, Fiona Patterson, who was based at Beauchamp Foot Care.
Fiona trained under the renowned Dr Scholl in Islington, obtaining her degree in Podiatry at Durham University in 2010. Additionally. she also undertook her degree in anaesthesia at Dublin University. Fiona has worked at Beauchamp Foot Care for 24 years, along with her three partners.
Fiona is a fantastically camp but no-nonsense lady who really fills you with confidence. I personally hate anything to do with my feet and so I spent the first two minutes apologising for how neglected they were. Fiona just nodded, however, reassuring me that they were just fine, and she would get them back to their original glory. I quickly felt relaxed and at ease, and as she expertly worked on my feet, I felt like I was being lifted into the air. I got chatting to the Foot Queen and tried to prize out some gossip about which famous people have wiggled their toes at her.
Let’s find out more from the women herself.
What inspired you to start treating people’s feet?
I decided to do podiatry as I knew I liked treating people and I’m not squeamish.
Results fell into place. It all kind of came naturally to me, to be really honest.
How did you train?
I trained at the London School of Chiropody (as it was then) and then obtained my BSc degree from Durham.
What are the most common foot problems?
I would put them in this order:
Callouses
Nail problems – there are a plethora of those!
Corns
Verrucae, athlete’s foot, and other conditions.
How can we best care for our feet between visits to the clinic?
I would advise that before washing them, you file them, and after washing them, thoroughly dry them, not forgetting in between the toes. Hardly anyone does this. Keep nails straight and short (ish). Cream them every day too. Any problems should be seen by a podiatrist.
Some of Fiona’s awards and qualifications .
What would you suggest athletes, who are more prone to sweating, use to look after their feet?
For athletes, see above re drying, especially between toes. If you have any signs of a fungal infection (itching, maceration of the skin, little blisters), see a podiatrist. Do not spend all day in your trainers. Take them off when you can.
How do you treat ingrowing toenails?
Ingrown toenails are usually self-inflicted. Be careful how you cut them. I treat them in two ways. If it’s a one-off event, a conservative treatment is required – carefully cutting the offending spike out.
If they’re recurrent, nail surgery is required under local anaesthetic. Sounds traumatic but isn’t, and well worth it for pain-free toes.
Who are your average clients at the clinic?
I’d say the average age are people in their fifties. We have tended the feet of pop royalty, actors, and the odd client you might want to curtsy for (shall we say).
How do you care for your shoes to make sure your feet are healthy?
You must make sure your shoes fit. Take into consideration the length, width and also the depth of the toe box. Loose shoes are nearly as bad as tight ones, so don’t keep your favourite ones if you are slipping in them.
Are my feet ready for only fans like lily’s?
Steven!!!! I am not even justifying that with a reply .
You also perform pedicures at the clinic. What is the most popular nail-polish colour?
We use Essie products in the clinic, and I’d say two colours. Wicked, a deep plum colour. It’s been around for years. Also, Ballet Slippers.
Quick-fire round
Favourite place in London?
Favourite place in London is Greenwich. Really nice vibe.
The one thing you would change in London.
I’d get rid of the bike lanes that seem to have popped up everywhere.
The one thing that would turn you off a person.
Can I say two things? Noisy eaters and ill-mannered people are a put off for me.
Your favourite film?
My favourite film is Phantom Thread with Daniel Day-Lewis.
What do you most love about your job?
The sense of satisfaction when a patient leaves me pain free
Meet the woman with the magic touch: Iryna O’Kelly ! Iryna is not just a skincare expert; she is an aesthetic artist.
Unusually, along with her degree in medicine, Iryna also has a degree in fine art. She views her clients as a blank canvas on which she creates a totally natural look that will never reveal the secret that any work has been done.
It’s this unique and individually tailored approach to anti-ageing skin treatments that has the who’s who of London clamouring to see her.
Steven Smith chats to her and gets her top five beauty tips.
1. What would you say was the most important beauty tip you would maybe pass on to your daughter?
Inner beauty is important. Surround yourself with positive people and a strong core of family and friends. Just look at happy people—they have a sparkle in their eyes. If you go looking for trouble or drama, it will always find you, and it will show in your looks too.
2. Your aesthetic treatments are varied, but you are a huge proponent of PRP that uses the client’s own blood. Can you tell us a little about it?
PRP can be used to treat everything from skin rejuvenation, hair loss, arthritis, injuries, and it will help enhance fillers.
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma; it’s a substance that’s thought to promote healing when injected. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “factors,” or proteins, that help your blood to clot. It also contains proteins that support cell growth. Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it.
Blood is taken from the client, and then it is placed in a machine called the Camlab Clinical Centrifuge. It is spun around at 300-4500 miles per hour, and the blood is separated, leaving the clear plasma. It is also a good indication as to how your health is: the clearer it is, the better your health.
The PRP is then injected into the area needed. Most of my clients have it for hair loss or many into the face area. The results are often instant, giving them a fresher look, and it gets better over the next few weeks. It is also a very natural look.
3. What would you suggest is the most overrated bit of advice on the market?
Make sure you moisturise your skin; use a sunblock instead. Too much moisturiser can leave skin looking tired, so use a factor 20 sunscreen in the morning; you’ll see a difference quite quickly.
4. You have been in the news for your mesotherapy treatments for hands. Do you still use this method, or has something new come on the market for ageing hands?
I still use mesotherapy, but more in combination with stem cells and fillers. It gives an amazing long-lasting result.
5. There is a lot of buzz around stem cell therapy these days. Is it something you would recommend?
I am a huge supporter of stem cell therapies and believe that they are the future of aesthetics. Stem cell treatment aesthetics involves the injection of stem cells into the skin, through IV, or applied to the skin after laser or micro-needling procedures. The injection contains stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, hyaluronic acid, exosomes, and other cellular products which are involved in the body’s regenerative functions. Stem cells are there the future of aesthetics.
Fans of Iryna include EatEnders actress Nicola Duffett and beauty expert Steven Smith , Danielle Carly Mason .
Designed for babies’ bottoms to ward off infection, sores and to keep skin smooth, the wonder cream has to be one of the best anti-ageing moisturisers I have ever tried. At just £2.54 a pot, it is a must have in your beauty cabinet. Baby Bottom Butter by Waitrose is my Number One skin care product. I apply it in the evening before bed and I wake up with my skin looking fresh and feeling moist. It can be used during the day but use only a small amount as it can make you skin look waxy, particularly if you have Botox, when it can make your face look like a mask! But apply liberally before bed. You won’t believe how good Baby Bottom Butter is. It flies off the shelves so when you find it in stock, buy several pots at a time to ensure your supply.
Best shower gel I’m Plant Based original source body wash
If you cannot afford Jo Malone or Molton Brown shower gel then try a gel packed full of Original Source plant based good stuff & consciously sourced natural ingredients. Pop the top for a lavish lather of lush, blooming lavender, harvested fresh from the field, along with evergreen sprigs of just-plucked rosemary. Naturally gentle, animal-loving, and oh-so-foamy. Immerse yourself in nature with their 96% Natural Origin body washes created to stimulate your skin & senses for a fresh, sensorial shower experience. I carry this in my gym bag and it is a must have at home. At around two pounds you cannot go wrong. https://www.originalsource.co.uk/products/im-plant-based/lavender-rosemary-body-wash/
Baking Soda gives body to the hair
Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with your favourite shampoo, apply to wet hair, then rub in well and leave for a minute. Rinse and condition then style. This will add body and shine and give your hair a new lease of life. Repeat every two weeks. It’s also better than most deodorants – just apply a teaspoon under each arm. But be careful not to use baking powder as it’s not the same as baking soda….
There are so many expensive hair loss treatments out there. Hair transplants can break the bank. At the first sight of hair loss, or if you just want to thicken the hair, try Watermans Grow me. Watermans was founded by Gail and Matt Waterman, who both suffered for many years with different variations of hair loss problems. In 2012 Watermans was launched and now today they sell a product every 30 seconds across their network of distributors around the globe. The company’s main focus is making products that actually help others in some way, by using the finest ingredients and putting customer results first before profits.
They donate their hair growth shampoo called ‘Grow Me’ to chemo wards across the UK and other Waterman’s products to the NHS and Ukraine, also supporting many grassroots and football teams across the country along the way. Matt & Gail Waterman pride themselves on giving back to the community through charity or when someone needs that helping hand.
It was hard not to snigger briefly at the sign on the old faithful London Underground, “DO NOT STARE”.
How can you possibly avoid making eye contact (no matter how hard you try) with that man who is picking his nose so hard his finger is almost coming out his eyeball?! Or that couple that are so engaged in kissing it is hard to know where to look, especially as they break contact for a second and she moves her tongue into his ear.
Let’s not forget the joy of living in London’s cosmopolitan city; the amazing, stylish people travelling through or living here. The Tube can be a reality show with a new episode every time you travel or change lines on your journey.
I personally loved going to the airport early for the joy of ‘people watching’ as they were just fascinating. I loved it in the days when the loudspeaker would call out, “Mrs Jones, please come to desk seven. You have an urgent message,” much as I stopped short of going to see who she was.
My mind was filled with plots that maybe she was running away with a lover and he had changed his mind, or the likes. Yes, I am sure it was something dull and simple but having an active imagination has got me through the best and worst of times.
The joy of observing life and its cast of characters is something that keeps me going. After all, Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.”
But back to the London underground that has been with us since 1863. Of course, I did not immediately notice the smaller print: “INTRUSIVE STARING OF A SEXUAL NATURE IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND IS NOT TOLERATED”.
I get the point now. Ten years ago, I interviewed twelve page three models about dating and sex. Not one had not been sexually assaulted on the tube one way or another, from being brushed up against to actually being touched, especially in rush hour. Certainly people should feel free to travel without any fear of sexual assault of any kind.
It is time, however, that we had some other signs put up and very clear announcements for travelling to remind people to make their journey easier, safer and better for others. Much as staring can be unpleasant, it is not as dangerous as some of the common practices I observe daily.
Here is my list for London Underground to add to NO STARING:
Please uncross your legs when travelling. No one wants your footprint on their clothes when the train comes to an abrupt stop.
Please take your backpack off and place between your legs. We do not want an eye taken out as you swing around, especially during rush hour.
Please remove your bags from the seat next to you and allow others to sit down.
It never goes out of fashion to offer an elderly person a seat or a lady who is expecting. Do not just look at your Iphone or newspaper and pretend you have not seen them. BUT DO NOT STARE.
Refrain from bringing fast food or any eatables on the tube. This is not the Orient Express; there is no dining carriage and people travelling do not want to arrive at their destination smelling like a KFC, MacDonalds or a number 12 meal from Mr Wok.
Please use the escalators safely. DO NOT STOP AT THE TOP to look at your phone because you now have a good signal, or to rearrange your shopping bags, forcing the unfortunate person behind you to either jump past you or be pushed back. MOVE CLEAR.
If someone touches you in a sexual manner report immediately.
We are SO lucky to enjoy one of the best undergrounds that is legendary around the world. Please let’s love it and travel safely with a little consideration for others.
If Sadiq Khan does not hike the prices to that of the Orient Express, it is still an affordable way to travel. But remember, DO NOT STARE, even if that Colin Farrell lookalike wearing rugby shorts gets on.
2Shades Magazine 
