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A new <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355#b0205">study</a> published in Environment International found that 14 of the 30 tampon brands tested contained measurable quantities of 16 metals, including <keyword id="21287030" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heavy-metals" source="keywords">heavy metals</keyword> like lead and arsenic. Unlike other areas of skin, the <keyword id="22359234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaginal-tissue" source="keywords">vaginal tissue</keyword> readily absorbs substances, potentially leading to "systemic exposure" to these metals, warn scientists. The study acknowledges several possible sources for the metals in <keyword id="21056381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tampons" source="keywords">tampons</keyword>. They could be present in the cotton itself due to environmental factors or contamination. Alternatively, the metals might be added during manufacturing for purposes like pigmentation, whitening, or anti-bacterial properties. But how “safe” are they? We know what you're thinking: a relatively tiny chunk of Indians use tampons. But while this study claims to be the first of its kind for tampons, this is hardly the first time questionable materials have been found in a <keyword id="22359233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanitary-product" source="keywords">sanitary product</keyword> created for women. Other heavy metals, potentially harmful <keyword id="20406621" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chemicals" source="keywords">chemicals</keyword> and even carcinogens have previously been detected in sanitary napkins as well. And last we checked, over 40% of Indian women used <keyword id="584042" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanitary-pads" source="Orion">sanitary pads</keyword> while menstruating. <h2>Link between sanitary pads and <keyword id="22359235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reproductive-diseases" source="keywords">reproductive diseases</keyword></h2>A 2022 <a href="https://toxicslink.org/publications/reports/wrapped-in-secrecy-toxic-chemicals-in-menstrual-products">report</a> focused on two main culprits: phthalates and volatile organic compounds that are added for elasticity and absorbency in pads. These chemicals were detected in all ten tested brands, including both inorganic and organic varieties. Popular names like <keyword id="20280828" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="whisper" source="keywords">Whisper</keyword>, Stayfree, Sofy, PeeSafe, Nua, and Plush were included in the analysis. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111624399" title="How did over 800 students test HIV positive in Tripura?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Experts have repeatedly warned of the potential <keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">health risks</keyword> associated with these chemicals, going as far as to suggest that these chemicals could disrupt hormonal functions, potentially leading to PCOS, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism. Long-term exposure may even increase cancer risk. The concern is heightened by the vagina's high absorbency, allowing these chemicals to enter the body at a faster rate. A lot of this is conjecture based on what doctors and experts suspect, primarily because not nearly enough research has been conducted on the potential impacts of sanitary products on women’s bodies. Naturally, there’s a lack of regulation from governments on period products. <h2>The glaring lack of proper labelling of sanitary products</h2>Sanitary product manufacturers love to wrap their stuff in flowery and “girly” packages, with the size of a pad’s wings and how it will last you all day long advertised in bold letters. But they don’t think it’s necessary to test their products for their content and perhaps even share that little tidbit with their customers. Companies making pads and tampons are usually exempt from listing ingredients as these are categorised as "medical products." However, many argue this label is misleading as pads cannot be considered medical intervention, they’re just for absorption. The absence of research on quality standards raises red flags. Individuals and NGOs have voiced concerns about potentially harmful chemicals in some pads but to no avail. Even existing regulations offer no solace. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) did implement higher quality standards for reusable sanitary pads, sanitary napkins and period panties. However, Without ingredient lists, it's impossible for consumers to make informed choices about their health. <h2>A call for change</h2>This lack of transparency and outdated regulations create a situation where millions of women are unknowingly exposed to potential health risks. Sanitary pad companies should be required to list all ingredients on the packaging, empowering consumers with knowledge. The BIS needs to update its guidelines to include thorough testing for harmful chemicals, ensuring safety. Most of all, further research is crucial to assess the quality and safety of sanitary pads available in the Indian market. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111578389" title="Talc, found in baby powder and cosmetics, is “probably” cancer-causing, says WHO agency" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While the ongoing research sheds light on a previously unknown potential health risk associated with sanitary products, we acknowledge that using a pad is a lot more hygienic and safe than using a cloth rag. But clear labelling and stricter regulations are essential to ensure the safety of individuals who rely on these products.

Your go-to sanitary product likely has harmful heavy metals in it, even if the label doesn’t say so!

<ul><li>The Indian government has started installing sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators for women in CRPF (<keyword id="76600" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Reserve-Police-Force">Central Reserve Police Force</keyword>). </li><li>The first of its kind ‘gender sensitive’ Budget sanctioned ₹21 million to install nearly 288 pad vending machines, and an equal number of disposal units for sanitary napkins. </li><li>The CRPF will also install nearly 800 steel stands for drying clothes, especially for the women personnel. </li><li>CRPF has over 300,000 personnel — including 8,000 women personnel in the combat.</li></ul>The Indian government started installing sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators for women in combat, according to a<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/crpf-gets-sanction-to-install-sanitary-pad-dispensers-for-women-in-combat-1571932-2019-07-21"> PTI report</a>. Seeded in 2018 during the National Conference for Women in Police, the move aims to create better work conditions for ‘mahila battalions’ in the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allocated ₹21 million to its ‘gender sensitive’ budget. It aims to install nearly 288 pad vending machines and an equal number of disposal units for sanitary napkins. As many as 8,000 women are a part of India’s <keyword id="64987" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paramilitary-forces">paramilitary forces</keyword>. In fact, the CRPF will also install nearly 800 steel stands for drying clothes, especially for the women personnel. The Home Ministry estimates a cumulative cost of nearly ₹300,000 for each sanitary pad vending machine, disposal unit and drying stand. “The sanction will help the force in ensuring better living and operating conditions for the over 8,000 women personnel who are in combat,” the ministry noted in the official sanction orders. The Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) and CRPF also have plans to introduce women protectors for women in the battalion. Overall, the CRPF has over <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/jul/21/in-a-first-crpf-to-install-sanitary-pad-dispensers-for-women-in-combat-2007290.html">300,000 personnel</a>, including several employed in conflicted or naxal areas of the country such as Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry also said that the same will be used in other Indian forces as well. The idea to create a work environment for women in ‘Khaki’ was originated on the sidelines of a study on the issues of health, privacy and challenges faced by women personnel at workplace. The study was conducted by Renuka Mishra, IPS officer and additional director general (ADG) in Uttar Pradesh. The survey painted a dismal picture of women in police forces and highlighted their struggles to keep up with their jobs. Some of them carry on without drinking water so as to avoid urination as workplaces lack basic necessities. In fact, the women personnel dispose used napkins in a pit. "The women personnel said it was difficult for them to dry their inner wear due to lack of facilities. Clothes remain damp as they did not dry due to lack of sunlight, and led to urinary tract infections in women," Mishra told news agency PTI. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/world-menstrual-hygiene-day-indian-startups-that-are-working-on-menstruation/articleshow/69540331.cms">In a country where menstruation is still a taboo, Indian startups are breaking stereotypes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/odisha-celebrates-menstruation-and-womanhood-with-raja-festival/articleshow/69783157.cms">Amidst taboos against menstruation, this Indian state celebrates it with a 3-day long festival</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/Not-for-the-faint-hearted-More-CRPF-jawans-die-of-heart-attacks-than-Naxal-attacks/articleshow/47232175.cms">Not for the faint-hearted: More CRPF jawans die of heart attacks than Naxal attacks</a>

India sets aside money for 288 sanitary pad vending machines for the 8000 women in paramilitary forces

<ul><li>The lack of <keyword id="584178" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="menstrual-hygiene">menstrual hygiene</keyword> has always been a challenge in India.</li><li>According to UNESCO and Whisper, 23 Million girls drop out of school due to lack of menstrual hygiene and awareness.</li><li>Ergo, P&amp;G’s Whisper is on a mission to raise awareness and educate girls on Menstrual Hygiene Management.</li><li>We catch up with Chetna Soni, Category Leader - Feminine Care, P&amp;G Indian sub-continent to understand the state of menstrual hygiene in India and how Whisper is working towards improving awareness among young girls in the country.</li><li>We also look at Whisper’s marketing campaigns over the years.</li></ul>For the longest time, the Indian society has treated menstruation as a taboo. The word ‘Period’ is usually uttered in hushed voices and years of social conditioning have built a culture of silence around what is a normal biological phenomenon. With young girls and women having limited access to menstrual education and basic sanitary care products, the concept of menstrual hygiene has also remained a challenge in India. And periods don’t stop for pandemics. In fact, lockdowns intensify the impact of household level taboos and stigmas on women -- making it more difficult to manage menstruation without shame and discomfort in confined spaces. In rural India, the unavailability of sanitary napkins coupled with unhygienic and crowded washrooms and toilets in their localities have worsened the situation for women. According to Menstrual Hygiene brand Whisper and UNESCO, the global pandemic has forced girls to abandon sanitary napkins for menstrual pads made of cloth, which has raised the spectre of a looming health hazard. Adding to the misery, the lack of menstrual hygiene education in India is also impacting 23 million girls dropping out of school. Throwing light on how the global pandemic has impacted menstruating people in rural India, Chetna Soni, Category Leader - Feminine Care, P&amp;G Indian sub-continent, said, “These unprecedented times have made it even more difficult to keep girls in school. The premature closure of schools due to the pandemic affected access to education, especially for girls from marginalized communities. This has made them even more vulnerable to dropping out of school completely. Many of these girls would receive pads for period management from school which stopped, leading to them using unhygienic period protection. According to UNESCO, 74 crore girls were disproportionately impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and it may further affect their return to school. Now more than ever, it is important we ensure girls have access to period protection and education. And support them in every way we can to protect their future.” So, to help these young girls in rural India stay in school during the pandemic, Whisper launched ‘Mobileshaala,’ a free phone-based learning platform. It worked with supporters like Soha Ali Khan, Dutee Chand and Bhumi Pednekar to spread awareness. The brand also donated more than 32 lakh pads to essential workers, women in shelter homes, women from migrant families and communities in need across India, in partnership with various State Government bodies and relief organisations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="State of menstrual hygiene in India during a global pandemic" text="State of menstrual hygiene in India during a global pandemic">State of menstrual hygiene in India during a global pandemic</cmsannotation> The global pandemic has taken up all our medical attention and resources. On the other hand, period poverty is a decades-old, silent pandemic that is getting worse for menstruating people in our country. This is a direct consequence of social stigma, lack of awareness and poor access to menstrual products. Shedding more light on the current state of menstrual hygiene in India, Soni shared, “Even today, menstrual hygiene is not considered a priority in India. Out of a total of ~40 crore menstruating women in India, less than 20% use sanitary pads. In urban areas, this number only goes up to 52%. This indicates that nearly half of even urban-based women use unhygienic methods for period protection, making them vulnerable to health issues. In our conversations with various young girls, we discovered that many of them prioritize beauty products but are not ready to spend a fraction of the amount on an essential like sanitary pads. Adoption of sanitary napkins is less than 20% in the country whereas adoption of cosmetics like lipstick is significantly higher at 65%. In addition, there is still a social stigma associated with periods.” Whisper is on a mission to help India achieve 100% menstrual hygiene adoption. It is focusing on 3 A’s to build a better world for menstruating women, which are awareness, acceptance and access. As per Whisper and UNESCO’s studies, about 71% of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation until they get their first period, adversely affecting their confidence and self-esteem. Whisper aims to help all young girls arm themselves with enough information about menstruation. It launched #KeepGirlsInSchool movement with UNESCO. The partnership is aimed at developing an integrated puberty education module in school curricula and helping young girls in achieving their full potential. In addition to this, the brand Whisper has also taken a pledge to educate 3 crore girls in the next three years. Telling us more about the campaign's performance so far, Soni said, “The campaign truly sparked a national movement which was very encouraging. We will be impacting more than 90 Lakh girls and help keep them in school. Supported by UNESCO this year, we aim to integrate a period education module in the school curriculum in India - to ensure systematic changes ensuring girls are equipped to manage periods and don't miss out on school or their dreams. The movement has been able to drive awareness amongst 5.5 crore people in just one year. The support from key opinion leaders like Mr. Eric Fahlt and Dr. Huma Masood from UNESCO, Bhumi Pednekar, Soha Ali Khan, Dutee Chand amongst others has been testament to a movement we can collectively drive. We see this as a pivotal movement to attain 100% menstrual hygiene In India.” But there’s hope after all. 30 years ago, less than 1 crore women used hygienic sanitary protection during their period. Whisper has helped accelerate this number by 10X and it continues to grow. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Using the right marketing tools to empower women and girls" text="Using the right marketing tools to empower women and girls">Using the right marketing tools to empower women and girls</cmsannotation> Soni told us that the brand follows a simple principle for marketing. In every communication, it strives to be a force for female good. She shared with us a few key milestones that Whisper has crossed in its marketing journey so far. Recalling the first change-making campaign that Whisper worked on, Soni said, “Whisper was the first brand to show a sanitary napkin on television and mention the word ‘periods’ in advertising as well as demonstrate how the product works on National TV back in 1993. Pushing communication boundaries for societal good is at our core.” In 2014, Whisper bust the taboo around ‘touching the pickle’ during menstruation. <div type="Youtube" id="5s8SD83ILJY" title="Announcing the End of Period Taboos | #TouchThePickle" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5s8SD83ILJY/mqdefault.jpg"></div> “Whisper became the first brand in India in 2014 to take the topic of period taboos head-on in the globally renowned Whisper ‘Touch the Pickle’ campaign. The campaign went on to win several global awards including Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions and sparked a conversation in India that led to periods being front and center in the society. The campaign is also known as the trailblazer for bringing periods out of the closet in popular culture as the government, entertainment industry and social sector became part of the movement. We followed this up with award-winning revolutionary campaigns such as ‘Whispers Break Silence’ and ‘Meri Life Mere Rules’, characterized by local cultural insights and have led to organic consumer movements,” shared Soni. Under the same campaign, Whisper launched an advertisement urging chemists to not wrap sanitary napkins in a black plastic bag or newspaper. <div type="Youtube" id="SyZDsDthu0Y" title="My #TouchThePickle Moment" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SyZDsDthu0Y/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Its current campaign is the #KeepGirlsInSchool movement. <div type="Youtube" id="10b1vVe_SQ0" title="Whisper Keep Girls in School" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/10b1vVe_SQ0/mqdefault.jpg"></div> While there has been a sea of change in normalising the conversation around periods, there is still so much more road to cover. Here’s hoping that more menstrual hygiene brands stop using blue liquid in their ads to represent period blood and help normalise it.

Adoption of sanitary napkins is less than 20% in India, whereas adoption of cosmetics like lipstick is significantly higher at 65%: Chetna Soni, P&G

Ajmer, the quintessential Rajasthan city, has decided to put hygiene as a top priority in its agenda, for which it has launched the 'Sanitary Napkins Vending Machine', at 'Janana hospital'. 
 
In the coming future, about 70 such machines will be placed at various places including jails, bus stand, polytechnic colleges, schools and other area, thus making Ajmer the first Indian city to have these machines in a huge quantity. 
 
"In view of the stigma and social taboo associated with sanitary napkins, majority of the girls/women, feel embarrassed and hesitate to go to the commonly known outlets for sanitary napkins, manned and often crowded by men, resulting in unsafe practices, and use of unhygienic materials during menstrual periods. Thus, vending machine would be a good solution," said District collector Gaurav Goyal. 
 
"We have ordered for 70 such machines in total which would be installed at girl's colleges, schools, Women Polytechnic College, Jail and other parts of the district. More such machines would be installed at Beawar, Kishangarh and Naseerabad areas," Goyal added, thus hinting at his plans to cover the whole district. 
 
These machines, manufactured by Hindustan Lifecare Limited (formerly known as Hindustan Latex Limited), a government of India initiative, require the user to insert Rs 10, after which they would get 3 sanitary napkins. 
 
Not only this, ‘Sanitary Napkin Incinerators’ are also to be attached with these vending machines to solve the problem of disposal of safe napkins. 
 
<a href="http://www.lifecarehll.com/product/view/reference/202cb962ac59075b964b07152d234b70hYGF">Image source</a>

Ajmer becomes the first Indian city to launch vending machines for sanitary napkins at huge scale

A government committee headed by external affairs minister <keyword id="6355111" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sushma-Swaraj">Sushma Swaraj</keyword> has decided to frame a national policy that would benefit women. The government is aware of the fact that women in Indian society are often deprived of convenience that men enjoy. Keeping that in mind, the policy may lower income tax for single women, bring in Aadhar-linked health cards for basic health checkups at zero cost and introduce cashless medical facilities for pregnant women. The long standing demand from women to make <keyword id="4503887" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanitary-napkins-free">sanitary napkins free</keyword> would be dealt by waiving off taxes over women hygiene products. Another major issue that cripples movement of women on road is lack of proper sanitation. However, this policy would ensure availability of clean public toilets. There have often been incidents where NRI women are affected by matrimony related disputes including domestic violence. The policy is being framed keeping the same in mind. By 2030, each workplace across the country would be asked to have at least 50% of workforce comprising of women. For the women from rural background, the government intends to start <keyword id="251740" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kisan">Kisan</keyword> credit cards, which would have lower interest rates for women. Prime Minister’s pet project <keyword id="6392137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jan-dhan-Yojana">Jan Dhan Yojana</keyword> and Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan would cover all rural women and aim at making them 100% literate.

A new policy on women to exempt taxes on sanitary napkins soon

A team of engineers from Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad has developed <keyword id="576898" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanitary-napkins">sanitary napkins</keyword> which have greater absorption capacity than commercially available ones and can be safely disposed owing to their biodegradable nature. 
 
Under professor Chandra Shekhar Sharma, faculty, chemical engineering, the team has introduced the use of electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers as a material for an absorbent core in feminine sanitary napkins. 
 
 
It's benefit is that it eliminates the use of harmful, non-biodegradable SAP from commercially available sanitary napkins without compromising the performance. Instead, it's a better version because it comes with better absorbency and comfort. 
 
The current sanitary napkins contain harmful chemicals that are petroleum-based products and do not degrade readily in landfills. They compromise on the eco-friendly parameters. 
 “Nanofibers based feminine hygiene products (without SAP) provides a safe alternative to female hygiene as we know that prolonged use of commercially available products may even lead to toxic shock syndrome and ovarian cancer,” a statement issued by <keyword id="922152" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Hyderabad">IIT Hyderabad</keyword> said. 
 
The statement noted that menstrual hygiene is an important issue for every woman, as poor menstrual hygiene increases the vulnerability towards reproductive tract infections.

IIT Hyderabad engineers develop eco-friendly sanitary napkins which are far better than all the others out there

<ul><li>Pee Safe’s sister brand Raho Safe, a feminine-hygiene company started by a man, is trying to include men in the conversation around menstruation through its latest campaign. </li><li>The campaign aims to normalise men buying pads just like other things for their women counterparts and breaking the stigma around menstruation.</li></ul>Have you also wondered why pharmacists or shopkeepers awkwardly and hurriedly respond when you ask for a sanitary napkin? They rush to find a black bag or a paper bag to wrap it in -- as if we have asked for something illegal. It is mostly hidden inside the shop -- rarely can you spot them on the counter -- unlike condoms. A lot of women whisper when they buy a pad and we continue talking about menstruation and buying pads in whispers, as if we are ashamed of it. To address this taboo, we all need to come forward and start talking about it. Pee Safe’s Raho Safe is the first brand in India to include men in conversation about menstruation. It aims to encourage men to buy pads for women in their lives and remind them that menstruation is a natural process through its campaign #menbuypads. It tells them that a true gentleman is the one who buys pads. The brand has also on-boarded well-known influencers such as Rannvijay Singha (3.6 M Followers), Angad Bedi (490K Followers), Karan Wahi (2.7 M Followers) and Mohit Malhotra (200 K Followers) to address the taboo. <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> It is also using humour and memes to talk about an ‘uncomfortable’ topic and target GenZ through its social media. <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> The idea behind the campaign is to take forward the brand’s motto of removing the mental block around hiding sanitary pads inside a newspaper or black bag, especially when men buy them and enable the transition from ‘Men Can Buy Pads’ to #menbuypads. On Daughter’s Day, which is celebrated on September 27, Raho Safe launched a revolutionary digital advertisement that shows a man partaking in a conversation about menstruation. The video has already garnered 500k views. <div type="Youtube" id="x7LSJcx6zyA" title="When They Grow up too fast" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x7LSJcx6zyA/mqdefault.jpg"></div> The father decides to take his daughter to a mart to buy her a birthday present. He suggests a doll and a synthesizer. The daughter responds with a very innocent smile and reminds her father that she is 13 now and doesn't play with dolls anymore. He picks up a teddy bear because who doesn’t love a soft toy and finds his daughter in the hygiene section. She picks up Raho Safe’s Sanitary pad and her father looks at her proudly and nods. The voice over goes, “You don’t realise when the kids grow up. You should also act like an adult and embrace them. Help them maintain safe hygiene and stay healthy with Raho Safe.” (translated from Hindi) The song in the background balances the mood quite well and acts like a cherry on the top. It asks, “Why doesn’t the world understand that my world has changed now? Your daughter who used to play with dolls has now grown up.” Explaining the overall idea behind including men in the conversation, <keyword id="4970814" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vikas-Bagaria">Vikas Bagaria</keyword>, Founder, Raho Safe said, “It is a normal practice for me to buy sanitary pads for my wife. Neither am I ashamed to procure them nor do I hesitate to ask for them in a store. Young girls and women are the future and it is as much the responsibility of fathers as it is of mothers to ensure they have a hygienic and safe environment to realize their goals. Raho Safe sanitary pads are not only high quality but also affordable. I care about the women around me and it is time that other men do too in more ways than one.” Elaborating on the brand’s motto behind the campaign, Bagaria added, “Today, menstrual hygiene is no longer a women’s issue alone and has a major impact on various other factors related to the overall household. Hence, it has to be considered as an important area which gets attention from all. We have created the campaign in a quirky manner to connect with the Gen Z. Our aim is to eliminate all taboos, misinformation and hesitations related to menstrual hygiene. The idea is to convey the message that there is no taboo or shame in being a man and buying sanitary pads,” According to the reports by the National Family Health Survey, nearly 336 million women are menstruating in India and only about 121 million (roughly 42%) are using sanitary napkins, locally or commercially produced. Even though India has made great strides in addressing the taboo around menstruation and ensuring access to sanitary pads to those who cannot afford them; a lot still needs to be done. Pharmacists can play a key role in normalising buying sanitary pads. They also feel uncomfortable when a woman goes to buy a sanitary pad. <keyword id="4640229" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="PeeSafe">PeeSafe</keyword> and RahoSafe have made conscious efforts to sensitise them as well. “Pharmacists are key stakeholders in the whole process of ensuring optimal menstrual hygiene for women. They are responsible for making sanitary pads and all other menstrual hygiene products available to women all over India. Hence, they need to not only understand the importance of <keyword id="2067117" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="feminine-hygiene">feminine hygiene</keyword>, but also play a part in spreading awareness about the subject. We have consistently run campaigns that integrate various stakeholders into the process, and will do more in the future bringing in pharmacists as well,” shared Bagaria.

Story behind India’s first advertisement that features a man participating in a conversation around menstruation

There are very few movie stars as disciplined as <keyword id="2823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Akshay-Kumar">Akshay Kumar</keyword>. Popularly called ‘Khiladi’ in <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>, <keyword id="6381441" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="akshay">Akshay</keyword> has been giving countless hits since a few years. But when it comes to sensible film or method acting like <keyword id="6355923" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aamir-Khan">Aamir Khan</keyword> in Dangal, Akhsay has not many in his credits. 
 But thanks to his wife <keyword id="5357" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Twinkle-Khanna">Twinkle Khanna</keyword>, an actress turned writer, it’s time for Akshay to prove his mettle. <keyword id="31838" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Twinkle">Twinkle</keyword> is ready with her production venture and the first film is a biopic on an Indian man who handmade the first low-cost sanitary napkins in the country. 
 Well, that’s a different “Make in India” story altogether. Winner of <keyword id="25105" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Padma-Shri">Padma Shri</keyword> award, <keyword id="904175" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arunachalam-Muruganantham">Arunachalam Muruganantham</keyword> is a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore. He is the inventor of a low-cost sanitary pad making machine and has innovated grass-roots mechanisms for generating awareness about traditional unhygienic practices around menstruation in rural India. His mini-machines, which can manufacture sanitary pads for less than a third of the cost of commercial pads, have been installed in 23 of the 29 states of India. He is currently planning to expand the production of these machines to 106 nations. 
 Taking an inspiration from this, Twinkle <keyword id="1983" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khanna">Khanna</keyword> wanted to cast Akshay Kumar for this biopic ‘Pad Man’. And guess who’s directing the film? It’s none other than maestro <keyword id="72976" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="R-Balki">R Balki</keyword>, who has made wonderful films like Paa and English Vinglish. 
 Twinkle Khanna has recently said that convincing <keyword id="260416" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Muruganantham">Muruganantham</keyword> wasn’t easy. But thanks to Mrs Funny <keyword id="62532" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="bones">Bones</keyword> of Twitter, Akshay Kumar and R Balki, the world will know about the struggle to success of India’s Pad Man.

Akshay Kumar to play Pad Man: A movie on how an Indian man
made sanitary napkins for village women

Back in the good old days, going to the grocery store or the supermarket for a last-minute errand was commonplace. However, in 2024, <keyword id="19963428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quick-commerce" source="keywords">quick commerce</keyword> apps like <keyword id="19939134" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zepto" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Zepto" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Zepto">Zepto</keyword>, <keyword id="20069203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Blinkit" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Blinkit" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Blinkit">Blinkit</keyword> and <keyword id="19939135" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Swiggy-Instamart" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Swiggy Instamart" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Swiggy Instamart">Swiggy Instamart</keyword> have made lives easier in India. Need some supplies for a party that was planned minutes ago? You got it. Out of milk or vegetables? No problem. Almost any grievance can be solved by these apps and they keep on adding new features to enhance customer experience. But at times, things go awry and what starts as a simple delivery can spark public outcry. Let us take a look at some recent incidents where quick commerce platforms missed the mark, causing waves across social media. <h2>Big Basket’s combo gone wrong </h2> <keyword id="19939136" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BigBasket" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BigBasket" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BigBasket">BigBasket</keyword> recently found itself the subject of social media chatter after a customer praised a unique discount combo: sanitary napkins paired with Kwality Walls vanilla ice cream. Meant to cater to the needs of women during menstruation, the combo drew both laughter and admiration from online users. “Well played, BigBasket,” the user wrote, tagging the platform and attaching screenshot of the combo she received. However, things took a bizarre turn when BigBasket responded with an apology, assuming the praise was a complaint. “We regret the inconvenience caused,” they wrote, requesting the customer’s contact details. The automated response ignited further humour online. Users quickly jumped in with comments like, “Bruh, she’s praising you, why are you sorry?” and “Bot life is so awkward.” What could have been a PR win for BigBasket turned into a comical misunderstanding that highlighted the sometimes robotic nature of customer service. <h2>Zepto’s <keyword id="23584077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="I-Pill-notification" source="keywords">I-Pill notification</keyword> </h2> In Bengaluru, Zepto faced backlash after sending an inappropriate push notification to customer Pallavi Pareek. The message, reading, “I miss you, Pallavi. Says i-Pill emergency contraceptive pill,” followed by teary-eyed emojis, left Pallavi shocked. Given her professional work in diversity and inclusion, she took to LinkedIn to highlight the inappropriateness of the message, especially as she had never ordered the product. Pallavi’s post quickly went viral, with many users pointing out the dangers of insensitive messaging in quick commerce. Zepto swiftly issued an apology, acknowledging their error and promising to retrain their staff. While the company’s fast response tempered some of the outrage, the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible communication, especially in relation to sensitive products. <h2>Free tomato controversy </h2> In another curious incident, a Bengaluru-based product designer called out Swiggy Instamart for adding <keyword id="23540990" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="free-tomatoes" source="keywords">free tomatoes</keyword> to his order without consent. Chandra Ramanujan labelled it a “dark pattern”—a term used to describe deceptive design practices that manipulate user choices. Ramanujan took to social media to express his frustration: “I don’t want tomatoes, but I cannot remove them from my cart.” Though Swiggy wasn’t charging for the tomatoes, the incident raised broader questions about consumer autonomy in online shopping. Some users echoed Ramanujan’s concerns, stating that customers should always have the option to refuse freebies. Swiggy has yet to respond to the uproar, but the incident fuelled online discussions about transparency in e-commerce. <h2>Blinkit’s underwear mishap </h2> Last month, Priyansh, a Blinkit customer, ordered men’s underwear and received women’s bikini briefs instead. Unable to get a refund or return through customer service, Priyansh took to X, where his frustration quickly went viral. Blinkit’s failure to address the issue sparked discussions about the platform’s return policies, with many users calling for better customer support. Despite the widespread attention, Blinkit has remained silent, further aggravating the situation. As of now, Priyansh’s viral tweet, which has amassed millions of views, continues to serve as a cautionary tale for platforms ignoring customer grievances.

Free tomatoes to i-pill notification, recent quick commerce incidents that sparked outrage

<ul><li><keyword id="6357762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping" source="Orion">Online shopping</keyword> is India’s new pastime during the <keyword id="1138708" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-time" source="Orion">prime time</keyword> slot of 8 pm on weekdays. </li><li>Indians are taking their fitness very seriously with sales of fitness equipment surging 3X in 2022 on online commerce platform <keyword id="3480589" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="meesho" source="Orion">Meesho</keyword>. </li><li>Customers from Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands, Ladakh and the north-eastern states are addicted to shopping as ordering from these states outpaces others. </li></ul>There’s a new prime time slot, when Indians drop everything to do what they like doing most – shopping. It is not Saas Bahu drama that Indians are spending their time on these days after 8 pm. Shopping is the new competition that even <keyword id="1245953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ott" source="Orion">OTT</keyword> needs to watch out for. Meesho, the homegrown digital commerce platform, in its year-end report says that Indians shop the most on Sundays and after 8 pm on weekdays. The pandemic may be on its way out, but the after-effects are lingering as habits have been formed in these three years. Indians are continuing to spend as much time or even more on shopping apps, if the scale of order volumes is anything to go by. And even though the pandemic may be on its last legs, Indians continue to remain health conscious, with 10,000 steps becoming the new normal. Meesho says in its year-end report that the fitness frenzy is real. From dumbbells to treadmills, sales of fitness equipment surged 3X in 2022 as orders poured in from Srinagar and Mathura to Guntur and Siliguri. For metro dwellers, it is yoga over everything else, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai buying the most yoga mats. Meesho, which sought to democratise internet commerce for everyone, has done much to bridge the gap between Bharat and India. While its primary proposition is value for money, customers from across the length and breadth of India flocked to the portal in 2022 to search not just for low prices but also a variety of products. Meesho’s order volumes equalled the country’s total electorate: From Mumbai to Mirzapur, a record 91 crore orders were placed in 2022 (up 135% YoY), equalling India’s registered voter base in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. At roughly 140 million, Meesho’s annual transacting users exceeded the combined population of the top three nations in FIFA World Cup 2022: France, Argentina and Croatia. The most prolific shoppers are not from the metros. Customers from Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands are the most prolific with the highest number of orders per shopper. Ladakh comes close on the heels of the Andamans and the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim come after. Utkrishta Kumar, CXO, Business at Meesho, said, “2022 has been a breakout year for Meesho with the business growing exponentially. Our orders grew 135% YoY with growing demand not just from Tier 2+ regions but even value-seeking consumers from metros and Tier 1 who are increasingly shopping with us. This is a validation of our efforts to cater to customer needs for quality products at the lowest prices that were traditionally underserved by e-commerces.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What did India buy online in 2022?" comment="subhead2" text="What did India buy online in 2022?">What did India buy online in 2022?</cmsannotation> For years, grooming products found no takers as Indians were stuck at home during lockdowns. But men are now taking their grooming very seriously along with their fitness goals. ‘Smartwatch’ was the second-most searched product in 2022, showing how Indians are moving the needle on physical activity. And grooming products are not far behind as men from Tier 2 towns took better care of themselves, with more than 60% of orders coming from Tier 4 markets. Surprisingly enough, the biggest orders did not come from metro cities but from a small town in <keyword id="6357713" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="Orion">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>. The platform says that a customer from Uttar Pradesh placed an order every waking hour, totaling up to 6,384 orders in 2022. The most cricket-crazy state is Uttar Pradesh, according to Meesho. Consumers from the state bought the maximum cricket gear. The country’s largest state was followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Thanks to Akshay Kumar’s Padman, feminine hygiene has seen an uptick in Bharat. Orders for sanitary napkins grew 9X in Tier 2+ cities, demonstrating how e-commerce is creating accessibility for millions of women in Bharat. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/one-in-every-five-online-orders-had-a-kurti-or-saree-in-their-cart-redseer/articleshow/95598263.cms">Sarees </a>continue to be a particular favourite fashion item for women. With 148 sarees sold per minute and demand coming in from all corners of the country, India’s love for the attire has only grown. Close on the heels of sarees, 93,000 t-shirts, 51,725 bluetooth earphones and 21,662 lipsticks were sold every day. Haryana stocked up on bed sheets, Jharkhand snapped up extension boards, Rajasthan took a special liking to bluetooth earphones while Assam bought body lotions like nobody’s business. And even though reading may be fast going out of fashion, 8 in 10 orders for books came from Tier 2+ markets, with shoppers showing a clear inclination for self-help bestsellers like Ikigai, Atomic Habits, The Psychology of Money and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Meesho has not just democratised online commerce by taking it to nooks and crannies of India, but has also enriched sellers in the process as it does not charge commissions. Sellers saved ₹3,700 crore in commissions in 2022, thanks to its zero-commission model. Meesho also onboarded 500,000 suppliers in 2022, with 61% of them new to e-commerce and selling online for the first time.

Prime time TV & OTT now have competition from online shopping – Indians shop the most after 8 pm, says Meesho

<ul class="summary-list"><li>An at-home abortion involves taking two pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy.</li><li>Take the first medication orally, and 24-48 hours later, dissolve the second pill in your mouth.</li></ul>While many people think of abortions as procedures performed in a clinic, medical abortions, aka "at-home" abortions, are less invasive and completed in the comfort of your own home. All it takes is two medications, which are FDA approved for pregnancies up to <a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 weeks</a> along. It's estimated that medical abortions are now more common than in-office procedures, accounting for <a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2022/02/medication-abortion-now-accounts-more-half-all-us-abortions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">54%</a> of abortions in the United States. Here's what you need to know about how at-home abortions work, steps for taking the medications, and aftercare. <h2>What is an at-home abortion?</h2>Having an abortion at home means using medication as a safe way to end an early pregnancy, says <a href="https://www.drkatewhite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Kate White</a>, OB-GYN and associate professor of OB-GYN at <a href="https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/profile/katharine-white/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston University School of Medicine</a>. The specific medications you use are <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-does-the-abortion-pill-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mifepristone and misoprostol</a>.When you take these pills, the pregnancy sac detaches from the walls of the uterus. After this, bleeding and cramping causes any pregnancy tissue to empty out of the uterus, White says.Mifepristone and misoprostol are very effective at ending pregnancies. However, your chances depend on <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how far along in the pregnancy</a> you are. <ul><li>If you're eight weeks pregnant or less, a medical abortion is 94% to 98% effective</li><li>If you're eight to nine weeks pregnant, a medical abortion is 94% to 96% effective</li><li>If you're nine to 10 weeks pregnant, a medical abortion is 91% to 93% effective </li></ul>White says if you are past nine weeks, you might need to take an extra dose of the second medication, misoprostol, to ensure that the process is successful. If you're nine to 10 weeks pregnant and take an additional dose, there's a <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill">99%</a> success rate. While the FDA approved the medical abortion for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, some people may have one slightly later. If you're 10 to 11 weeks pregnant, the success rate of an at-home abortion is 87%. However, if you take an extra dose, your chances rise to 98%. If a second dose still doesn't completely end the pregnancy, an in-clinic abortion is necessary.Note: Some fetuses have a protein called <a href="https://clearwayclinic.com/2022/05/25/risks-of-at-home-abortion-part-two/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhesus (Rh)</a> in their blood. If the fetus does have this protein and the mother does not, it could cause complications in a future pregnancy. For this reason, doctors recommend that you get tested for this if you are more than 8 weeks pregnant and considering an at-home abortion. You can get a <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/a3/ba/a3ba7c84-e107-4683-b08d-d4dbeb030123/icf_rh_testing_and_abortion_english.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shot</a> that will minimize the risk to future pregnancies. <h2>How to get abortion medication</h2>Depending on your individual circumstances, there are two ways to obtain mifepristone and misoprostol for an at-home abortion. White says you can go through a doctor or clinic and receive the medications in-office, where you will likely swallow the first pill (mifepristone) and bring the second medication (misoprostol) home with you to complete the process. Alternatively, in more difficult situations where you don't live by a clinic or it isn't legal in your state, White says you can order these medications online, and they'll ship to you. From there, you follow the same instructions that you would if you were to go through the medical system.<h2>A step-by-step guide to an at-home abortion</h2>It's important to follow the correct steps in order to ensure your at-home abortion goes smoothly. <h3>1. Take mifepristone</h3>First, you take mifepristone, which is a progesterone antagonist, meaning it <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blocks the hormone progesterone</a>, says <a href="https://dupontclinic.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Stacey Leigh Rubin</a>, an OB-GYN who specializes in complex family planning and advocacy at the <a href="https://dupontclinic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DuPont Clinic</a>. This helps start the abortion process since progesterone is necessary for a pregnancy to grow and thrive, Rubin says. While this medication works, you aren't likely to feel any major changes in your body. "People often don't feel any effects of this first medication, though spotting or light bleeding may begin that day," White says.<h3>2. Prepare to take misoprostol</h3>Since misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding, you you want to make sure you have:<ul><li>A supply of sanitary napkins or reusable period pads on hand to manage the bleeding. "Tampons or menstrual cups are not recommended during this time, as the blood needs to flow freely from your body to prevent infection," White says.</li><li>An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which you can take prior to misoprostol to help with some of the pain that comes along with cramping. </li></ul><h3>3. Take misoprostol</h3>Misoprostol is the second medication, which you typically take around <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-does-the-abortion-pill-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">24 to 48 hours</a> after ingesting mifepristone.Rather than simply swallowing pills, misoprostol is best absorbed by letting the pills dissolve and pass through mucous membranes. You let the pills dissolve. Rubin says there are <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three ways</a> to take it:<ul><li>Buccal: You place the pills between the cheeks and the gums</li><li>Sublingual: You place the pills under the tongue</li><li>Vaginally: You insert the pills into the vagina</li></ul>Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and bleeding, allowing the pregnancy tissue to expel out of the uterus, and ultimately through the vagina, says Rubin. <h3>4. Manage bleeding</h3>As soon as <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-does-the-abortion-pill-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one hour after</a> taking misoprostol, you will experience intense cramping and heavy bleeding including clots, which signals the pregnanct tissue passing. In most cases, the pregnancy tissue will pass after four or five hours, and you can expect the worst of the cramping and bleeding to last a maximum of six hours, subsiding after the pregnancy has passed, Rubin says.On top of cramping and bleeding, you may also experience symptoms, including:<ul><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Fatigue</li></ul>During this process, there are a few things that can make you feel a bit more comfortable. White recommends:<ul><li>Staying nearby a bathroom for easy access</li><li>Taking a hot shower or bath</li><li>Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen</li></ul><h2>When to seek immediate medical attention</h2>Medication abortions at home are safe, but it's important to monitor yourself for any complications. Rubin says red flags to look out for are:<ul><li>Heavy bleeding, including clots for over six hours after taking the second medication (especially if clots are bigger than a golf ball).</li><li>Soaking through an entire pad every half hour for more than two hours at any point after taking the second medication.</li><li>A fever or GI issues over 24 hours after taking misoprostol, which could be a sign of infection. </li></ul>In these cases, you should seek immediate medical attention. <h2>Abortion aftercare instructions</h2>During the first few days after the abortion, cramping will ease up and bleeding will slow down. White says it's normal to bleed over the next couple of weeks, with less and less bleeding as time goes on. After two weeks have passed, you should take a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/parenting/best-pregnancy-tests">pregnancy test</a> to confrim that you are no longer pregnant. Since everyone's body is different, there's a wide range of what's "normal" after an abortion. Rubin says this can range from very light spotting to more period-like bleeding throughout this time.<a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-michigan/healthcare/abortion-services/caring-for-yourself-after-an-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avoid exerting yourself</a> in the couple of days after your abortion, since this can cause more cramps and bleeding. You should abstain from strenuous exercise for a week. Remember that it's completely normal to feel a wide range of emotions after an abortion. Confiding in a trusted loved one and seeking support during this time can be very comforting.Additionally, you can ovulate within two weeks of an abortion, which means you can get pregnant again if you have unprotected sex. If you do not want to get pregnant again, Rubin recommends starting <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/birth-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some form of birth control</a> ASAP.<h2>At-home abortion takeaway</h2>An at-home or medical abortion involves taking two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy and expel the contents of the uterus. This is a safe and effective option if you do not want to be pregnant and would prefer to avoid a surgical abortion.Be sure to carefully follow instructions and monitor yourself during and after the abortion to ensure there are no complications. If at any point you notice red flags, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

How to have a safe at-home abortion: What to expect, aftercare, and effectiveness

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I used to work as a <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-looks-met-gala-2021-reviewed-by-stylist-photos">celebrity stylist</a>, and there are several <keyword id="12074279" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="surprising-things" source="Orion">surprising things</keyword> about the job.</li><li>The budget determined ahead of time is rarely ever enough to cover the expenses of a shoot.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-looks-met-gala-2021-reviewed-by-stylist-photos">I've styled amazing clients</a> around the world, from athletes and entrepreneurs to musicians and actors. And there's a lot that goes into achieving those <a href="https://www.insider.com/met-gala-2021-best-fashion-details-photos-2021-9">show-stopping looks</a>.The behind-the-scenes stress is high, but seeing the final results on a red carpet or set is worth it. Here are seven surprising things about the job:<h2>The original budget is rarely enough</h2>When you're hired for a job, someone in production goes over the budget with you and highlights what they're looking to achieve.Let's say you're given a $10,000 budget to <a href="https://www.insider.com/big-celebrity-music-video-transformations-with-photos">style a music video</a> for a three-day shoot. First, you have to consider who the talent is and how many additional performers there are. Then you break down the number of scenes and outfit changes.Pretty soon, that $10,000 starts to feel like $100.I've had to ask for more funding or submit receipts for money I spent out of pocket. <h2>Sizing clients can be hard when they have busy schedules</h2><div type="image" title="stylist posing with celebrity in pink shirt for photo" height="900" width="1200" msid="89908365" hostid="261"></div>The talent often has a busy schedule, so you're left to correspond with managers, publicists, and assistants in the hopes of receiving proper sizing.This is especially challenging with first-time clients. It's difficult to determine the perfect fit from <a href="https://www.insider.com/celebrities-who-quit-social-media-twitter-2018-8">social media</a> and press-package photos alone.It's always better to pull a few sizing options to help with this.<h2>The turnaround to produce the perfect look can be quick</h2>As a <keyword id="12054274" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stylist" source="Orion">stylist</keyword> for high-profile clients, I sometimes had to pull looks for last-minute appearances or <a href="https://www.insider.com/zendayas-best-red-carpet-looks-2018-10">red-carpet events</a> with a 24-hour notice.I once had a client who decided to attend the Emmy's two days before the event, so I had to pull every option available and secure an on-demand tailor for alterations. <h2>Relationships with brands and agencies are key</h2><h2><div type="image" title="sandra wearing a blue sequined top with an eye on it" height="2104" width="2806" msid="89908367" hostid="261"></div></h2>My key to success has been brand partnerships.Brands can be reluctant to allow stylists to pull from their showrooms, and designers sometimes shy away from lending their clothes for several days at a time. But once you've built a great rapport, <keyword id="11893303" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fashion" source="Orion">fashion</keyword> houses will usually give you first dibs on <a href="https://www.insider.com/fashion-trends-that-will-be-popular-next-year-in-2022">new looks and trends</a> that hit their showrooms. <h2>I've discovered some unique items to keep in my styling kit</h2>I always brought <a href="https://www.insider.com/easy-hack-for-threading-needle-twitter-2018-4">sewing</a> essentials, like tape, buttons, and scissors, and it's important to have undershirts, underwear, boxers, and deodorant available when needed.But I also kept a menstrual kit on hand. Sanitary napkins are good replacements for shoe insoles, providing some cushion while also absorbing sweat during long days on set. A glue gun has saved my life on several occasions, and clamps are great for gathering excess fabric to create the perfect fit during a photoshoot.<h2>I learned the hard way how to keep my accounts in the positive</h2>After every shoot, the staff is required to submit receipts and invoices to ensure everyone gets refunds for production expenses.But with a 30-day pay cycle, it's not uncommon to have a negative balance in your account.After many hard lessons, I learned to add any foreseen expenses at the top of a funding request. That way, if I have to dip into my account, I don't fall too short.<h2>Early call times are impossible to get used to</h2><div type="image" title="the writer posing with a celebrity for a photo" height="360" width="480" msid="89908369" hostid="261"></div>Every job I've done has started before the sun's out so the crews have time to prepare before the talent arrives.Early call times are great for organization, but I pulled many all-nighters so my assistants could be prepared on the day of.As the head <a href="https://www.insider.com/to-all-the-boys-3-outfit-fun-facts-from-costume-designer-2021">costume designer</a> or stylist, my eyes had to be on every area of the set.

You Searched For "sanitary napkins" and got 12 results

Your go-to sanitary product likely has harmful heavy metals in it, even if the label doesn’t say so!

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Free tomatoes to i-pill notification, recent quick commerce incidents that sparked outrage

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How to have a safe at-home abortion: What to expect, aftercare, and effectiveness

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I was a celebrity stylist for over 10 years. Here are 7 surprising things about the job.

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