What to do about brittle nails
The most common nail wreckers are harsh detergents and water, which can stress nail fibers. So be sure to put rubber gloves on while you clean or do dishes.
Also, avoid using perfume lotions that usually contain alcohol if your nails are brittle. It will only make your nails worse.
It may be possible that your calcium intake is low, as well.
How To Give Yourself A Manicure
Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know-how.
1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Using a double-sided emery board, file nails using a gentle stroke. Avoid corners of your nails as this can weaken them.
3. Begin to shape your nails. The most popular shape to use is oval, but choose what is most suited to your hand and finger shape.
4. Check to see how well you have done. Run your nails over an old pair of pantyhose. Your nails should not snag the hose.
5. Apply a softener to your cuticles. Allow to site for a minute or so.
6.Transfer hands to a bowl of warm water and soak for an additional few minutes.
7. Gently push back the cuticles. This should not be painful. If hangnails are present, carefully clip them.
8. Apply hand lotion and begin to massage the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand. This will help to circulate the blood. Work your way over the remainder of the hand and then repeat giving equal time to the other hand.
9. Before color is applied to nails, they must be cleaned and the easiest way to do this is with an orange stick that has been wrapped with cotton. Dip into nail polish remover and then rub over the surface of the nail. Check the nail for any creamy residue. When none remains, your nails will be ready for polishing.
10. Time for color. Pick up a small amount of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail. Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done. The nail should be completely colored in three strokes. Allow to set for a minute or so before applying the second coat.
11. Wait until polish is set (dry to the touch) and then apply the top coat. Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your manicure, it will protect your nails as well.
12. Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next time - maybe a French manicure.
Tips:
Nail polish can be stored in the fridge.
If your nail polish is too thick, try thinning with a polish thinner.
To prevent the cap from sticking, coat it with a little Vaseline to prevent this from happening.
Express Nails
How To Do Your Nails Fast
When you are in a rush, decisions have to be made. Prioritize. Do you shape or polish? Do you quick-dry or go the long, slow route? New formulas allow for snap decisions:
Speed-dry enamels are worthy of their name (you can open mail, search for keys, or put on your tightest long-sleeved shirt within seconds), but there's a downside: "As fast as they dry, that's as fast they chip," insists manicurist Elisa Ferri, so save them for emergencies. Eke a few extra days out of a fast-dry manicure by doing a daily touch-up with a quick-drying coat.
In the other corner, there are strong, chip-resistant formulas - the torttoise of the polish race. To pick up the pace of these tougher enamels, like L'Oreal Shock Proof, carefully submerge freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 seconds to harden still-groopy polish.
Light or sheer shades are best for hasty manicures, Ferri says. "You can even get away with just a wide stripe down the center" rather than painstakingly painting the entire nail.
If a manicure is beyond the repair of a topcoat or two, face facts and call in the remover. You can keep single-use packets of nail polish remover (Cutex and Get Fresh make them) on hand so you can strip away color on the run.
When there is no time for polish, just clean underneath the nails, rub on a buffing cream, and shine them with a chamois buffer.
Beautiful Nails Made Easy
Beautiful Nails Made Easy
By Linda Buttle
Everyone wants nails to be proud of so if yours are less than perfect here are a few quick tips to get them in great condition in no time. Stunning nails
Linda Buttle is a freelance journalist specialising in beauty, health and fitness for both magazines and websites. She is currently available for commissions. Further details
Nutritional Steps to Healthy Nails
Nutritional Steps to Healthy Nails
By Corinna Richards
What you eat will reflect on the health of your nails, too.
Here are the guidelines to follow for improving the health of your nails:
Eat well and your whole body will be better, healthier, more beautiful!
Long Nails
About Long Nails
Long nails on women are considered sexy by many people, but there is caution. According to a study done by Shelly McNeil, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, nails longer than three centimeters (just a bit over one inch) are five times more likely than trimmed nails to carry the pesky pathogens that cause staph and yeast infections.
To be on the safe side, Dr. McNeil warns that you need to be diligent about washing your hands (especially after contact with such germ-prone items as doorknobs, public toilets and gym equipment). You also might want to carry an alcohol-based hand gel that can be used to disinfect your hands when soap and water aren't available.
Note: Acrylics and other falsies can carry more harmful bacteria and are more difficult to disinfect.
Stylish Nails
Quick and Easy Designs for Stylish Nails
by Kathryn D'Imperio
Whether you have a hot date or a job interview, a wedding or a casual night out at the bar, get creative and try some new styles for your nail painting needs. Follow the following quick and easy tips to achieve a glamorous look in only minutes!
Basic Hues:
Perhaps the simplest style of them all is the basic solid color manicure. For open-toed shoes, be sure to apply a coat of the same color to your tootsies to accent your outfit and make you feel even more stylish and sexy. Basic styles in neutral and mild tones work very well for first impressions. Save the black and silver for future engagements.
Choose a color that complements the clothing you intend to wear. If the outfit is patterned, pick a shade that appears within the design a bit less than the other colors and use that same shade of nail polish to emphasize that hue.
For an even more fashionable look, do your nails in the solid color and allow them to dry completely. When they are finished drying, use a thin brush or a toothpick with a different color and trace a diagonal line going the same way on each nail. Try to make them as uniform as possible, and as you become more and more adept at painting extra designs, create your own styles for fun.
School Spirited:
If you are still in school or attending college, an exclamation of school pride would wear well on your nails by painting them in your school colors. You can do this in one of many ways:
A Girl�s Night Out Styles:
Attract some attention with a wild and crazy style � be it zebra stripes, metallic glints or otherwise. Perfect for a night to the clubs or a date out on the town.
Do a quick version of a French manicure by painting the base coat of your nails in a neutral tone, such as a salmon color. With a white hue, once dry, paint the tips of your nails carefully and as uniformly as possible. This works best if you are able to grow your nails out a bit so you can use your natural nails� anatomy as a guide.
Glitter and glamour � Choose a base color to use on all of your nails to complement your outfit. Allow that coat to dry � paint another coat if necessary. Once the nails are smudge-proof, take a glass coat of clear gloss or a sparkle coat that matches the chosen color and add your own special touches. Dark blue and black look very nice with silver glitter, red with gold glitter, though the combination possibilities are endless. These glittery styles may complement wedding apparel, semi-formalwear and even casual attire.
To save even more time, apply a clear coat to your nails each day to protect the polish from chipping. Experiment with decals and nail transfers if you are not up for designing your own artistic themes. Be creative, do not get discouraged and remember, the more practice you get, the easier it will become each time you try a new style!
Nail Designs
There�s never been a better time to renew and revamp your image. For a fun, flirty and attractive look that takes only a few moments to an hour to achieve, make a conscious effort to keep your nails in tip-top shape with new nail designs this season.
Metallics are all the rage this year, and spring is a great season to sport a trendy new look. For the best impact, keep your nails trimmed relatively short and show off a splashy metallic look. Silvers, greens, blues, blacks � anything sparkly goes.
Greens are especially hot this year, so apply a pretty green hue to get in on the latest color craze. Take an extra step toward creativity and find a color that matches your car�s shiny coat!
For a lovely feminine look, consider a French manicure. Beautiful pale pink nails with emphasized white tips accentuate your fingertips and complement any outfit, swimsuit or occasion. For a flawless manicure, head over to the salon and get your nails done, either naturally or with acrylics.
If you find yourself to be a little bit handy with nail polish or crafty in general, stop at your local drugstore or beauty shop and look for a French manicure kit. Many kits include little sticky strips to help you section off which parts of your nails will receive the white tips and white parts will remain pink. French manicures are still in style and many men find them sexy. Why not go for the girlie look?
It�s likely that pastel colors will never go out of style. Find a shimmery lilac or lavender, a dainty pink, peach or rose, or try other pale pastel shades.
For an extra creative touch, apply an iridescent, glossy, pearly or glittery topcoat. Or, for a modern twist, introduce a delicate white on your tips and enjoy a unique new French manicure.
For a no-fail look no matter what your personal style or wardrobe options, consider a standby pink or red. Softer pinks and reds seem to be making a strong appearance on nails, blending nicely with all skin tones, nail shapes and clothing color choices.
Reds and pinks tend to be classics in the world of lips and fingertips, so even if you can�t find a trendy look for your nails, you can stay in style with a tried-and-true color scheme. To get a little daring, gradually tone down your colors until you are moving from fire engine red and lollypop pink to paler shades of carnation, brick and maybe even peach!
If you can�t settle on a particular color, pattern or style for your nails, take a trip to the store and browse the shelves for ideas. You may spot a must-have color or an adorable set of adornments and decals. Get a little wild, a little crazy and a little unique this season. Don�t be afraid to express yourself and remember that healthy nails are important!
Do It Yourself French Manicure
Ooh La La ... Do It Yourself French Manicure
by Kathryn D'Imperio
Want professional looking nails without spending your day�s pay in the salon? With some practice and a little patience, you can enjoy fancy nails anytime you want for only the cost of your nail polish!
Their pale pink base and bright white tips characterize the ever-popular French manicures, which are a common request at nail salons everywhere. Professional nail stylists may paint your nails alone or they may apply fake tips if you desire. Based on your personal preferences, a nail designer will give your nails a strengthening and conditioning workout prior to painting them. If you get your nails done with fake tips, you may have to make a trip back to the salon to get your French tips �refilled� when your nails have grown noticeably.
Keeping longer, healthy nails will be most conducive to sporting a French manicure. To complete your own French manicure, begin with the following steps to prepare your nails for the procedure.
This procedure is best performed on a lazy morning or evening when no other pressing errands or tasks will get in the way. After painting your nails, avoid doing things with your hands while they dry.
For an easier painting technique, check the beauty section of a drug store or superstore for a French manicure kit. The set should contain, at the very least, nail polish in white and pink or beige and a clear topcoat. Some manicure sets - like COVERGIRL�s French Manicure Kit � will contain tiny, sticky nail guides. These make the manicure process 100 times easier by allowing you to place the guides on each nail individually, leaving a small margin where the polish can spill outside the tip without tainting the rest of the nail.
As the holidays approach, let your crazy side out by concocting a wildly modified French manicure - green and white for St. Patrick�s Day, pastel shades for Easter, black and orange for Halloween and red and green for Christmas. Have fun and remember, even if you find the do-it-yourself French manicure difficult at first, practice will provide you with the skills you need to create beautiful and perfect manicures all year long!
Natural Nails
Tips to Keep Your Nails Strong and Sexy
When you write down your shopping list, as you punch a phone number into your cell, while you wash dishes, do the ironing, clean the windows, or do one hundred other things that women do on any given day � do you take notice of the condition of your nails?
Our hands are such an integral part of our daily lives, and constantly, we risk their health and strength, often without even noticing, because of the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day activities. Take a few moments each day, or at least a few times a week, to monitor the condition of your nails � the color, the texture, the appearance of ridges or white marks.
Make a greater effort to take good care of your nails, and you will be thrilled with the way they complement your wardrobe and your own personal style. Consider the following tips as a way to enhance the health and quality of your nails.
Drink lots of water. Keep your body hydrated everyday to maintain healthy nails.
Fortify your diet with FDA approved vitamins or supplements. Your fingernails count on you to be responsible with your health and your diet. Unless instructed otherwise by your physician, increase your daily doses of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, protein, Vitamin B12, and zinc.
Touch up your manicure on a daily basis to prevent chips and cracks.
Your nails depend on you to maintain a healthy diet. Take in lots.
Start with a base coat to strengthen and protect the nails.
Store nail polish in the refrigerator to maintain a smooth consistency.
Try not to store nail polish in a room that becomes cold. The nail polish bottles may break without warning, leaving you with a big mess.
Increase the amount of calcium in your diet.
Use products containing alcohol, especially perfumed lotions, sparingly. These items can make nails prone to breaking.
Wear rubber gloves when you do chores that involve continual submersion in water or contact with harsh detergents or chemicals.
Red Lipstick
How to use red
Red lipstick, is it for you or not?
You bought red lipstick...but many times you found that the shade just wasn't right for you. Perhaps most of the time it was just too bright for your skin tones.
Triy adding a little brown to your red. It tends to tone down the brightness. Experiment a little. You will have lots of fun and create signature colors that are all your own.
If you manage to make/mix up the perfect color for yourself and you don't want to continue mixing your own color, take a sample to the mall with you and find a red that is as close as possible to the shade that you created.
The elegant choice
Choosing the right lipstick color is not as easy as it seems...
You have found a gorgeous shade of lipstick on a model in a magazine and you instantly run out and buy it. You spend a small fortune on the color and when you get home, you realize it looks terrible on you. The lipstick was a complete waste of money.
To avoid this trap, make an appointment at one of those cosmetic salons that will assist you in your color choices. That's their job, after all! Let them suggest colors to you, try them out and if you like it, then you buy. It's as simple as that.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Fuller upper lip
Not happy with your upper lip?
Outline the lips with a pencil that is the same shade as your lips. Then, on the center of the upper lip, use a brown pencil and draw a second line. Apply lip color and the brown will blend right in... but your top lip will definitely look fuller.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Lipstick And Lip Liner
How To Aply Lipstick And Lip Liner
A. Do Liner First
Lip liner is optional but if you use it, it should go on first. Don't use liner darker than your lipstick, because if the lipstick fades and the liner doesn't, you're left with just an outline. Use neutral or lipstick-matched liner.
Starting at the center of your upper lip, draw a line to each outer corner, following the edge of your natural lip line.
Fill in color all over lips if you want extra holding power for your lipstick.
*Hint: Chill lip pencil in the refrigerator for a few minutes to make sharpening easier.
B. Lipstick
A dusting of powder or bit of foundation beneath lipstick can maximize its staying power. Either can dry lips, though, so use a creamy formula lipstick.
Stretch your lips and starting at the center of top or bottom, glide color to corners. Blot, reapply and blot again for longer-lasting color.
*Hint: A lip brush gives you the most precision in applying lipstick.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Kiss Me Lips
Kiss Me Lips
The most kissable lips look? The same one that's pretty any time: your natural shade with a kick.
Step 1: Prep
Smooth lips with lip balm. Avoid slick products, such as Vaseline or anything else petroleum-based (they will make the lipstick slide off).
Instead, apply a waxy balm, such as Chapstick, and massage into lips with your figertips. Then let it sink in for a few minutes.
Step 2: Pick Your Stick
Grab one that lets lips show through, such as a sheer lipstick or light gloss.
Apply...LIPSTICK straight from the tube. Blend into lips and along your lip line with fingertip.
Apply LIP GLOSS with the wand or a lip brush. Smooth out with your fingertip.
Step 3: Blot
When you are finished applying color, lightly kiss the back of your hand. This will get rid of excess product without cutting down on the sheen. Then, gently smack your lips together to even out the color one last time. Pucker up!
Beautiful Lips
Beautiful Lips
Some of us have less perfect lips than others. But don't despair! There are plenty of tricks of the trade to help make your lips more balanced and beautiful. Some of the most effective solutions:
* The best lip color fixative? - A thin layer of Chapstick. The formula holds lip color like crazy as it heals and protects.
* Powder lips also gives lip color or gloss something to cling to for longer, smoother wear.
* For longer wear, blot lips after applying lipstick to set color and remove excess. Add a thin layer of loose or pressed powder, then apply color again.
* Turn down too much shine by holding a single-ply tissue to your lips and pressing a little loose powder through it - just enough will sift through the tissue to adhere to color and reduce the shine.
* Turn up the shine with a thin layer of clear lip gloss over lipstick or alone.
* For high-voltage shine and color, try a lip lacquer over lipstick or alone.
* For fuller, poutier lips, spotlight lip gloss right in the center of your mouth.
* Keep matte lip color from drying your lips - use a lip primer or lip color fixative before you apply the matte color.
* For evening special-effects, apply a sheer lip gloss in silver, gold or an iridescent shade over the lip color.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Adjust Your Lips
How to adjust your lips :-)
* Make Small Lips Look Larger - Apply a little vaseline or lip gloss to the middle of the bottom lip, which brings the lips out, making them look larger.
* Make Large Lips Look Smaller - Use the deeper colors in your palette (deep color makes the lips recede), and stick to a matte formula; keep away from shiny glosses.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Lips And Lipstick
Your Lips And Lipstick
Quick Tips:
* To stop lipstick from bleeding, use a lipliner, or apply foundation over the lips first.
* If you have big lips, use muted colours such as purples, browns and bronzes.
* If you have small lips, avoid dark colours.
* Professionals prefer to use a brush for lipstick application. Brushes generally allow you to use much less lipstick.
The colors that suit you are:
* Light blondes can use wines, berry's and mauves. They also suit cappuccino colours.
* Golden blondes should use corals, apricots or peachy hues.
* Blondes with olive skin tones are best suited to warm peaches, browns or terracotta's.
* Brunettes suit terracottas, cinnamon's and brown tinted reds.
* Red heads can use warm terracotta colours, cinnamon's and peachy browns.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Easy Lip Tips:
* To keep lips going all day, first pencil all over lips with a soft lip pencil. Apply lipstick over and blot.
* To make lips look fuller, line lips with a pencil and then blend the edges with a sponge applicator. Cover with gloss or petroleum jelly.
* To keep lipstick off teeth, pucker lips into an extreme "O". Cover your finger with tissue, and pole it into your moutn. Slowly twist it out of your mouth, eliminating any excess color.
* To achieve a pouty, sexy mouth, emphasize your top lip by dabbing just a touch of gloss in the center.
* Highlight your lips with a verylight eye shadow color that coordinates with your lip color tones. Place it right in the center of your upper and lower lips.
* To balance unevenly shaped lips, use a lighter colored lipstick on the smaller-sized lip.
* To keep lipstick in place while dining, keep lips off utensils. Use your lower teeth and tongue to do the work.
* Gently rub with washcloth over lips before applying lipstick to smooth out lips.
* Apply foundation around the lips give a precise look without lip liner.
For Full Lips:
You are lucky if you've been blessed with those large lips. Women everywhere are trying to replicate with collagen. But large lips can take over your face if you're not careful.
* You really don't need lip liner, but if you like the look, soften edge with your finger or a Q-tip.
* Don't wear any lip color that is too glossy or shiny.
For Thin Lips:
* Draw slightly beyond the lip with a neutral-colored lip pencil. Then apply lipstick. Your lipstick will "catch" onto the liner.
* Apply white shadow on center of lips over lipstick and spread slightly.
* Don't wear a very dark shade of lipstick. It makes lips more smaller.
Virtual Kiss - Send a beautiful e-card or a kiss via email with this symbol: :-*
Lip Plumper Tips
Lip Plumper Tips:
By Joanne Elliott
Do you sometimes think that you would kill for beautiful full lips? Sure, you could get Collagen implants, or tattooed outlines around your lip... But it�s a little bit excessive, I�m sure you�ll agree! There are other cheaper, and much more practical, ways of achieving a similar affect. Here�s how to get beautiful full lips in four easy steps...
Step one: Lip balm babe
Prepare your delicate lips with a generous slick of lip balm in advance. Nobody likes cracked and frayed lips! And in this cold winter weather its important to take more care than usual. (Cold weather will dry the moisture from your lips). Make sure that the lip balm has sunk a little before you go on to step two, otherwise your lip liner won�t work.
Step two: Line and define
Get a natural lip liner, and carefully draw around the very rim of your lips. If you get a wobbly line, don�t panic (and don�t think nobody will notice it)... just carefully remove it and start again! When you have a firm line fill in the rest of your lips with the same color.
Step three: Now add some shine!
Here comes the glamorous bit, the lip-gloss! Again, keep the color natural. Forget lipstick that�s too dark or too light. One thing you�ve gotta remember though, gloss looks better but doesn�t have the staying power of lippy. Make sure you keep it in your purse and re-apply during the day.
Step four: Plump them up
This is the �hard bit�. But actually it�s not! All you�ve got to do, (after you�ve completed steps one through three), is dot a white shimmery product like eye shadow or an eyebrow highlighter in the very center of your lips. Start slowly, and blend very carefully. What you are looking to achieve is natural looking shading, with your lip color being lighter where your mouth opens. This will create the illusion of beautiful full lips.
Oh, one last thing. Remember, people always want what they haven�t got, so don�t fret... just make the best of what you�ve got. And you know what they say; if you�ve got it, flaunt it!
So pucker up, and be sweet!
Soft, Full, Younger, Sexier Lips
By Angelina Atkins
Have you always wanted lips as sensual and sexy as Hollywood starlets' and famous supermodels'? If so, you may be frustrated by lip-enhancers that burn and then quickly fade. And you may not want to risk the time, money and pain of injections. Now you can get that perfect look your lips deserve without spending a fortune. Get voluptuous lips
Enhance. Repair. Renew.
First Impression is the first three-part system specially designed to enhance the look AND the health of your lips. Without stinging, pain or inconvenience.
This advanced formula naturally and safely stimulates the production of both collagen and Hyaluronic acid, which contribute to fuller, softer lips. Recently, fashion magazines and scientists alike have praised these lip-enhancing compounds for helping achieve full, kissable lips without the swelling and irritation of cheap lip enhancers or expensive injections.
Water Damage
Too much water and chemicals
Get into the habit of wearing rubber gloves when you do any cleaning around the house.
The reason? Cleaning agents can be extremely harsh on both nails and hands. The nails when exposed to water, swell and then shrink back as they dry. This contributes to brittle nails.
Soft Hands
Soft Hands
So your hands don't feel soft anymore?
Before you go to bed, lavish on the Vaseline and then pop on a pair of cotton gloves. Your hands will be incredibly soft by morning.
Hand Massage
Hand Massage
To stimulate circulation, rub your palm over the back of the hand and then repeat with the other hand.
This movement is very similar to washing your hands and it does not only stimulate circulation, it also warms the hands.
French Manicure
How To Get A French Manicure
STEP 1
It's essential to prepare your hands and nails before applying nail polish. First, exfoliate your hands by massaging them using a small amount of body scrub. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. One of the main causes of chapped hands is not drying them properly after washing.
STEP 2
File your nails. If they are brittle or tend to split, keep them flat across the top with smooth, rounded edges. When filing, move in one direction, from outer corner to centre-sawing movements can damage the nail plate. Choose a nail file with a fine surface that glides over the nail.
STEP 3
Coat hands in a layer of sweet almond oil, to norish and soften, then wrap in a warm towel and relax for 15 minutes. Unwrap, and gently push back cuticles using a rubber hoof stick (available from most chemists). Never use cuticle clippers, as they can nick the skin. Rinse hands with warm water and dry thoroughly to remove any oil residue.
STEP 4
Apply one coat of base coat over your entire nail and allow a couple of minutes to dry. This will help strengthen the nail. Some products also level fine ridges and imperfections, leaving a smooth surface to apply polish. There's a wide range of base coats to choose from.
STEP 5
For a square look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in from each side to the centre. Some manicure kits include sticky strips to use as a guide. when applying, lay your hand on a flat surface and keep the ball of your painting hand steady and keep the ball of your painting hand steady by resting it on the same surface. Leave to dry.
STEP 6
Finally, apply a coat of translucent shell-pink nail polish over the entire nail to seal the whitened tip and complete the look. Allow 10 minutes for it to dry. For extra shine and protection, apply a clear, glossy top coat.
French manicure
Hand Treatment
A Quick Hand Treatment
Hands are the most visible parts of you, but they also take a lot of abuse. You use them in everyday activity, and yet, they are the ultimate accessory. You must give them the same attention you give your face.
* Soften your hands even while you do the dishes. Add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to dishwater. The water will soften rought skin while the oil seals the moisture.
* Slough off dead skin cells with a solution made of sea salt lemon. Brush it into hands with an old toothbrush. Do this twice a week to soften hands and remove discoloration.
* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, then, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags, then in a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes. The heat helps the treatment penetrate.
* Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for thirty seconds (or until warm, but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin. Not only is milk loaded with lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates dead skin, but its high calcium content will strengthen fragile nails.
Pubic Hair
Pubic Hair Removal - Shaving Pubic Hair
By Beverly Smith
For pubic hair removal, shaving is most utilized. Whether you're a male or female, get a fresh razor and follow these steps to avoid in-grown hairs and infections which feel itchy and appear as painful bumps.
Sit in a chair with your feet up above your waist and legs spread apart.
Trim your Pubic Hair
To make this process easier, trim the genital area before applying the razor! You'll save blades this way. Electric razors, clippers (with safety guards) or scissors work well. To get a closer cut and avoid unwanted nicks, pull the hair up then trim away.
Soaking
Take a long, warm bath beforehand. This softens coarse pubic hair and makes it easier to shave and style.
Lathering
Apply shaving cream or gel to lather the pubic area. A thin layer of petroleum jelly will help with a closer shave. Soap doesn't make the best lather for pubic shaving. Note that some people may have allergic reactions to certain shaving cream.
Shaving
There are many different ways to style your pubic hair. Think about it before you start and be as creative as you desire. It is recommended to shave the same way the hair grows. Avoid constantly stroking the same area during the shave because this may irritate the skin. Aim for two to three short strokes. Do stretch the skin to reach the difficult hairy spots.
Attention First-Timers! The pubic area is sensitive and may take time to adjust to the razor. Shaving once a week is enough for your first month. Don't worry about a smooth shave the first month.
Exfoliating (Removing dead skin)
It's important to clean your skin after shaving. The best way is with a "loofa sponge" and your normal body soap. Due to sensitivity of this area, rub lightly with the sponge to prevent skin irritation. This will help remove anything that may clog the pores.
Moisturizing
Rinse, dry and moisturize the freshly shaven pubic area. Baby oil and Aloe Vera work well. It's best to avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances and colors, since this may cause irritation. You may also want to use baby powder for comfort.
Hygienic Maintenance
Wash your shaven genitals on a daily basis. This helps remove unwanted oils and sweat. Moisturize and powder the area daily to avoid irritation. If you keep the hair short, you'll avoid stubbles, which causes itching. Try to wear cotton underwear and to stay away from tight fitting cloths pants. The lack of air circulation and friction of tight cloths may lead to in-grown hairs.
A Few Warnings
Dry Hair
How To Treat Dry Hair
Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair�s moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair�s ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers.
Good ones have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA�s) are great moisturizers. One of the best and most cost effective essential fatty acids is safflower oil. It is the kind you can buy to cook with. It is rich in EFA�s.
The scalp produces the best EFA�s called sebum. The problems is once the hair grows past the neck line or does not have direct contact with the scalp the scalps natural oils can not be utilized throughout the hair shaft.
You can manually replace the lost EFA�s by:
Doing the above as often as necessary will ensure your dry hair will have the proper amount of humectants to attract and reatin moisture. The key is that a small amount will go a long way.
Hair Volume
Pump Up the Volume for Your Hair
Flat hair step aside, full body hair is back. But that means using lots of products to build it up. To get the most of your perfect hairstyle make sure you start of with great clean hair. Use shampoos specifically for cleaning to remove any product build-up. Not only will it lift the weight of your hair, it will let your products work the way they are supposed to by giving you volume all day long.
For short straight or wavy hair start off with trying OSIS Volume Cr�me. Only apply a small amount of the lightweight combination cr�me right at the root. It can be applied in a fingertip application and it help your style all day long.
For long to medium length hair try JOICO's Volissima. Volissima is great to build volume on long straighter curly hair. Use half Volissima and half the mouse of your choice and apply at the root - viola! Those curls have definition and hold without that crunchy feeling.
If your hair is medium length and you want it straight with a lot of volume just use the Volissima gel on it�s own. When your hair is dry add more volume by using your hot rollers or Velcro. Use the bigger rollers so you get more volume and less curl. After leaving them on 15 minutes brush out your hair, whipping into style.
If you have thin hair, Juice's Ice Whip Mouse is sure to thicken any hair, but you may need a shine spritzer to spruce up your hair. The Ice whip works wonderful but it dulls your hair and shine is so important. Another product is Osis's Volume Shot. Its alcohol free application is great for fine hair. Only a drop is needed on any length to pump on the volume on your hair!
If you need another way to get volume without curls use big thick rollers. Spray and hold for a good 15 minutes. When the big rollers come off brush with a paddle or bristle brush into shape. If you have time to apply heat, it will hold it for a full day. The bigger the roller, the less curl and more volume.
Remember, always apply any volume product to the roots! That's where it all starts
Instant Volume
Bigger volume of hair
Do you have long hair and you'd like more volume?
Towel your hair dry and then it pull up on the top of your head. Secure with a fat "elastic" (that won't damage or crease your hair ) and then blow dry the scalp hair until it is dry.
This will give you plenty of volume with little effort.
Drying And The Brush
Hair drying and the brush
We all want to have beautiful hair so we have to know about proper hair care.
The worst thing you can do if you color your own hair is to apply the permanent color throughout your hair every time you color.
You know how vulnerable your hair is while it is wet. Using the brush can really do some damage.
So, after you shampoo your hair, blot it dry with a towel and then try to detangle it with your fingers. Don't use the brush! This is the time when you can stretch the strands and weaken them to the point where they snap.
When you brush your wet hair you can also cause frizzing to occur. Don't pick up the brush until your hair is somewhere between damp and dry and then use the blow dryer and a round brush until it is styled and completely dry.
Hair Color Mistakes
Hair color mistakes
The worst thing you can do if you color your own hair is to apply the permanent color throughout your hair every time you color.
The reason? It makes the hair more porous with the repeated colorings and it grabs more color giving you uneven color. Also, it is not healthy for your hair.
So try a semi permanent color instead, if you don't have the time to do the job properly.
Fuller Head Of Hair
Have a fuller head of hair
Try a little scalp massage to stimulate hair growth.
It not only feels wonderful, it's good for you, too. Oh yes, the feeling is just, aaah, you have to do it! :-)
Hair Shine
Boost the shine of your hair
Once your hair is completely dry, finish it off with a cool blast of air to seal the cuticle.
The reason? If the cuticles are ragged, there is no shine...
Before You Color It
Before you color your hair...
Well, the week before you color you hair, make sure to really condition the ends so that they don't absorb too much color during the process.
The reason? The ends of your hair are usually the most porous and have a tendency to really soak up color.
How Often Should I Color My Hair?
Another pressing beauty issue...
"It depends on the growth rate of your hair," says colorist Giselle of the Pierre Michel salon in Manhattan. "You should go in for a highlight application every two to four months, and single process color application about every six weeks."
Giselle, who has pumped up the blonde in such actresses as Sharon Stone and Renee Zellwegger, also says, "During the summer hair grows faster, but it also naturally lightens up, so you don't have to get your highlights done as often as during the winter."
Dealing With Dandruff
How To Deal With Dandruff
Some are of the opinion that at the early stages of hair loss, dandruff begins to increase. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a "cause-effect" relationship resulting in the thinning of hair.
You should think of excessive dandruff as a warning sign as far as the health of the hair is concerned.
Dandruff is made up of bits of dead skin that peel away from the scalp as a result of the effects of metabolism. Normally, dandruff, in its early stages of growth, is not visible to the naked eye. It becomes visible only after enlarging into pieces of dead skin (what we normally call "dandruff") as a result of the propagation of bacteria and/or problems with seborrhoeic scalp conditions.
Persons suffering from prolonged dandruff are said to have a dandruff ailment. This type of ailment, accompanied by itchiness, can lead to eczema if it worsens. Suppressing the propagation of bacteria is one means of dealing with fatty dandruff. This is because bacteria is one of the causes of this condition.
If possible, try to shampoo on a daily basis to prevent bacterial propagation. One effective means of dealing with dandruff is to disinfect the scalp area with commercially available medicated shampoos specifically designed for dandruff removal. However, daily shampooing can lead to eczema for persons who suffer from dry scalps. Shampooing once every three days may be ideal for such persons.
Persons who suffer from persistent, hard-to-cure dandruff are urged to consult a skin specialist.
Brushing Long Hair
How To Brush Long Hair Properly
Bend forward, allowing hair to fall. Using only a wooden base natural bristle brush, bring hair from the nape of the neck over the head and down to the ends. Then,
stand straight again with hair falling normally and brush from the underside of the hairline down the strands to the ends. Now,
brush the top layers into place with long, even strokes. After each stroke, smooth hair with hands to reduce static.
Increase the number of strokes weekly, starting with five and increasing by one a week until you find a comfortable routine. If oiliness develops, reduce strokes.
Brush only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry, always comb before brushing.
Homemade Hair Spray
Homemade Hair Spray
Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.
Dandruff
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff
Cure for dandruff:
* Vinegar is poured into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes.
* Then the hair is washed.
* The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.
Reverse Hair Loss
How To Reverse Hair Loss
These are helpful tips to help regenerate hair follicles, but they do not cure any underlying conditions, or stress-related hair loss.
* Try drinking this - blend bananas with honey, yoghurt & low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
* Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc & saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources.
* Invert your head while you shampoo & massage your scalp. This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
* Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair!
* Get enough sleep.
Coloring Your Hair
Hair Colors
Coloring your hair is perhaps the quickest and most dramatic way to change your look. It is also an excuse to go out and buy a new wardrobe of clothes, because you'll find that what suited you as a brunette looks rather drab on a new blonde.
There are two types of hair dyes: permanent and semi-permanent, with variations of each.
A) Permanent Tints:
Must be mixed with hydrogen peroxide to lift hair color. The peroxide opens the hair cuticle so that the tint can penetrate the cortex and form the color. The higher the level of peroxide, the quicker and lighter the result.
B) Semi-Permanent Colors:
They don't actually lift the color - you can either vary the tone within your natural highlights or go darker. Quasi-color contains ethanolamine and 3% peroxide which slightly opens the cuticle. This means that the color can last up to 20 washes and will softly fade as you shampoo, causing no regrowth problem.
C) Semi-Permanent Vegetable Colors:
Contain only vegetable extracts and natural ingredients, so no color is stripped from your hair. It is similar to henna but it doesn't coat the hair (adds shine though). This color sits on the hair's surface and will wash out after about 8 shampoos.
Different coloring methods suit different hair styles, so get some expert advice when deciding which one to go for...
Skin Tone: Your new hair color should complement your skin tone. Light-skinned people don't look good with very dark hair because it draws color out of their skin. Dark, tanned skin doesn't look great when mixed with a one-tone blonde, but four or five blonde, chestnut or honey tones look fabulous.
BLONDE:
If you would love to be blonde, talk the process through with your colorist (or stylist) before you go for it. It should be relatively painless on virgin dark brown hair, but if your hair has been permanently tinted then the process will become a long saga.
Never attempt this kind of dye job on your own for the first time.
RED:
Red is the ultimate sexy shade, for color that cries out for attention. Hair holds on to red-toned pigments well, so going copper-top can be easy for most people.
But be warned - if you are blonde you will usually have to go two or three shades darker than your natural color to achieve a rich red (brunette), and it's not easy to reverse it.
BROWN:
Brunette is always a safe choice as it suits nearly every girl in town. Varying the shade with highlights can achieve a huge range of looks. From chocolate brown and bronze shades to honey or dark blonde, combinations of natural tones gives incredible shine as darker-pigmented tints add condition to your hair.
BLACK:
This is by far the easiest color to accomplish because the molecules in black tints are larger and will cover all hair types very effectively. Caution is needed when using black as it only tends to look good on people with darker and olive skin tones. it's great for getting the goth look, but definitely not for your granny.
Some popular coloring questions:
* Will coloring my hair damage it?
Only if the wrong level of peroxide is used or you are over-processing (too many permanent colors are applied) your hair. If you constantly change your hair color , especially if you go from blonde to brown and back to blonde, you must regularly use deep conditioning treatments.
* Why can colored hair look dull?
Over-processing is the biggest reason. If your hair is starting to look dull, use semi-permanent colors where the pigments sit on top of the hair adding plenty of tone and shine.
* What's better for my hair, semi-permanent or permanent color?
Semi-permanent color give your hair a higher shine and enhance condition, but they won't lift natural hair color. Also, a semi-permanent tint will not cover large amount of grey hair (more than 50%).
If a permanent tint is used correctly, you will always achieve a beautiful effect and semi-permanent tints can be used to maintain these permanent treatments, adding condition.
Adding Shine
Adding Shine To Different Hair Types
Fine Hair:
Look for a shampoo that has wheat protiens and polymers as ingredients. They coat the hair shaft, making it appear thicker.
Learn to use spray volumizers. They light enough to deposit a light mist of shine in droplets on the hair without wilting it.
Normal Hair:
Use a shampoo that has silk amino acids. It adds softness and repair hair structure. Lecithin restores hair texture.
Gels and creams will add shine without weight. First, it's necessary to pour the product in your palm. Rub your hands together, and then lightly pat over head.
Thick Coarse Hair:
The best shine enhancers for this type of hair are old-fashioned pomades. They work not only to deliver shine, but to moisturize this type of hair.
Tips For More Shine:
* Use heat-activated shampoo
* Deep condition at least weekly
* Don't use too many styling products that can dull the hair by coating it.
Strawberry Hair Mask:
Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed, damp hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel. Wash out with a shampoo/conditioner combination. This luscious mix of rich acidic berries will leave your hair both conditioned and with rich gloss.
Split Ends
Hair Split Ends ...
Joanne Elliott
Split ends, hair SOS (or trichoptlosis), are the bane of every self-respecting woman�s life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.
Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.
But you don�t necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. In the sixties and seventies, woman used to burn off their split ends themselves! Ouch! I�m sure you�ll agree that that�s a little excessive. There are easier ways to get rid of your dead ends before they split further... DIY (do-it-yourself) hair trims. Don�t be afraid, everyone does it!
Supermodels who openly take the snip between salon appointments include Natasha Vojnovic, Giselle Bundchen (of Dior advertisement fame), and Liya Kebede. In a recent Vogue interview, Sam McKnight, hairstylist to the stars, said �I�m all for people doing their own hair. It shows confidence and individuality. You can loose dry ends, add layers, even do a whole haircut yourself, although this is not for the fainthearted.�
These DIY hair trimming tips are for woman who are happy with their hair - picture perfect hair; for those who don�t need a re-style, but simply want to freshen things up with a �homegrown� sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!
To remove split ends:
Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming your hair!
Joanne Elliott is an international freelance writer and illustrator involved in several different areas. Enquiries welcome: joelliott45@yahoo.co.uk
Crimping Clinic
Modern Crimping
By Joanne Elliott
What is crimping?
Modern crimping is a hair styling technique that has been around since the early 1970s. Just like a straightening or curling a crimping iron uses heat to cause a temporary change to the hair's appearance and texture.iron, Crimping adds texture, and the ability to do a completely new look to your hair. This is not a permanent style - you can wash it out in just one shampoo! The key to crimping is experimenting to find the look that is best with your face shape and current hairstyle.
Should I crimp?
The ideal face shape to support crimping is small and oval, however, any face shape can take advantage of crimping if it is applied wisely. Some face shapes can support an entire head of crimping, some shapes do best with only partial crimping. Crimping can be done to just the bottom layer of the hair, the top layer of the hair or all of the hair.
Crimping of the bangs will add texture and fullness to the front of your face while crimping of a topknot or ponytail will add height. Why not try experimenting, and crimping multiple ponytails, for example? Remember, if your hair is thin, crimping will give it body. If you have thick hair, it will make it look �big�.
With crimping, the �messier� you go, the better! If you want more volume, use a volume enhancing shampoo and conditioner and apply a little volume gel to the roots of your hair before you begin to blow dry.
How to Crimp
If you have analyzed your face shape, the condition of your hair and have figured out a great way to add crimping to your "look" follow these steps:
To crimp, or not to crimp?
If your hair is in good condition, then why not give crimping a try? But make sure you don�t crimp your hair too often (as in every day) as it will cause damage in the long run. If you are going to crimp, make sure that your hair is 100% dry before you begin, and always use a heat protective spray. Since crimping may cause some breakage to the hair, it is best to stop the crimp just above the ends of your hair.
If your hair is in bad condition, and is prone to snap or break, think twice. Even with the aid of a heat protecting hair product, your hair will sustain damage, and its condition will deteriorate still further. Also, don�t forget that crimping might not suit your face shape. Get an honest opining from your girlfriends or your Mom before you go out to the mall!
Where can I buy crimping irons?
You can buy a crimping iron at most beauty supply stores, retail stores and discount outlets like Best Buy, K-Mart and Walmart. But before you make an investment in a brand new crimping iron, you may want to get a professional hairstylist to fix your hair in crimps to see if you like it!
Healthy Hair
A Recipe For Healthy Hair
By Joanne Elliott
Forget hair revitalizing shampoos, great nutrition is the most effective way of getting awesome hair!
Shiny, healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body, so it's like two for the price of one. Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. So follow this recipe for healthier hair, and be amazed at the difference it makes!
Water
Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple, so make sure you get plenty of fluids. A key point is NOT to wait until you're thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means your body has already lost more water than it should have, and it's urging you to fill up the tank. Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Ideally, you should drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.
Protein
Protein is the building block of hair, so a diet for healthy hair contains an awful lot of protein! Protein will give the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reduce the likelihood of dame through snapping and splitting. You can get protein from foods like fish, meat, milk, cheese and cereals.
Minerals
Vitamins
So follow this healthy guide� be sure to add in a hefty dose of daily exercise to keep that blood pumping� then add proper hair care on the surface! Go ahead! Try it!
Soon enough you'll be turning down offers to do shampoo commercials!
Flip Today, Crimp Tomorrow
Flip Out Today, Crimp Out Tomorrow
By Lisa Lach
It's 4:50 and ten minutes to go before home time but the fun is just beginning. You have a date with a stylist for a blow-dry and you've prepared for your busy weekend. Drinks with the girls on Friday, a hot date on Saturday.
Get two days or nights worth of your blow-dry. Flip it out today; crimp some pieces tomorrow. Two looks, two moods and two deals for the price of one.
Saturday comes and your Friday night of fun is over. Now you're ready to get a second night from your great blow-dry. While the Crimper is heating for the final changes, brush out your hair in an upward motion to get out any tangles. Lightly spray Shine before adding the heat from the Crimper. (So the ends don't fry)
Use some clay, mud, wax whichever the best suited for your hair, and piece the ends outs. Take small sections and crimp one piece at a time. Try to do one in the front, one at each side and a few in the back. The crimping is not supposed to take over the style just enhance it. Turn it into va-voom!
The best part is that it's so easy you can do it yourself.
Also see: Hot Hairstyles in Five Minutes
Curly Hair
Hairstyles for Curly Hair
By Lisa Lach
Curls, tussles, waves, twists are back bigger than ever! Trend setting Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys at the Grammy wore sexy curls. Even Justin Timberlake did - but he can't help it.
It's a matter of convenience, less time doing your hair and more time having fun. Girls just want to have fun!
Prepare and get those curls bouncing, they're in!
For a loose sexy style curl scrunch your hair using a medium-to-strong gel. If you mix a little silk serum to soften, that's fine. Flip your head entirely over when scrunching. Try to bunch the hair in handfuls and keep the heat flowing between your fingers through your hair. After it's dry let it stay and cool for a minute, then flip it up.
To create loose curls, use a soft shine wax on the ends, if you want it to hold go in and curl with your finger any piece that did not curl so well, use some hairspray and Voila! If you want just a little wave use the soft shine wax from root to end.
If you want moving bouncing curls, invest in some hot rollers sold at Wal-Mart. Set your hair, it should take 10 minutes to heat and curl. Take the rollers out and before putting any product on it piece out the curls one by one. If you want a tighter curl, spray a little hairspray before wrapping the the hair on the roller. Spray the hairspray on your hair, not the roller itself. The harder the spray, the firmer it holds.
If you already have natural curly or wavy hair, lucky you; just remember to visit your stylist and get some long layers to revamp your curl. The same products apply in your case. Ask your Salon for more details and see more Curly Hair Tips
Blonde Hairstyles
Tragically Blonde Hairstyles
By Lisa Lach
What would you do to go blonde? Female Fatale, Rebel without a Cause is one determined blonde-haired woman.
You see them everywhere and against all natural odds - they are blonde. Sort of. They sit in the stylist's chair with frizzy blonde, black-roots begging for more bleach. Their hair is screaming for moisture. See picture on the left...
For under $20 dollars you could help fix that problem with some products that could actually make your hair blonde, healthy and shinny. Maybe even natural? Blondes do have more fun - see Jessica Simpson hairstyles, but if you are not in the Salon cutting your hair every 3 months, and have dry, damaged hair, don't despair.
Should I blow Dry?
Even if you do not blow dry 100% pure natural hair, it becomes damaged creating split ends, by ingredients like climate, dryness, over highlighting and mostly by avoiding your stylist. If you are using a moistening condition for dry hair, or a re-constructer for damaged hair, should able you to blow-dry just fine.
Adding heat from a blow dryer weakens the strands and sometimes it breaks off in extreme cases. So put the proper conditioning treatment in your hair and ask a Salon that has a good reputation to help you find that product that you need.
Conditioner or Re-constructer?
If you have just a few blonde highlights, mixed in with a few other colors, you probably just need a moisturizing conditioner. Try Joico's Moisturizer or K-Pac Daily Conditioner, Redkin's Extreme Shampoo, or Sebastian's Potion 9.
If you are heavily blonde, and haven't been dark since you can't remember when, then try bc bonacure's Repair Treatment, one of the best quick fixes out there. It's a honey/wheat protein base to help strengthen the hair. For longer term results try Joico's K-Pack Re-constructer. Both products do a great job.
Lowlights?
Lowlights might be the way to go and can add a lot more moisture to your hair. Lowlights are usually sliced through the other lightening foils to add depth and darken some of your over stressed blonde hair. Giving it a chance to recover and absorb its lacking pigment. The good thing is that you could go more a natural blonde or golden, if you're brave go for a caramel or a darker color. Pick your blonde back up in the summer, after it 's healthy and rejuvenated. You'll look good and feel better.
If you can't live with the idea of adding some lowlights (and they can be dark blonde lowlights) to your platinum do, then let's fix it the easy way.
After Blow-drying and assuming you are using your conditioner apply a small amount of Farouk's Bio Silk Therapy. It's silk in a bottle. It will also protect your hair from the damage it sustains without bleaching or blow-drying. The amount of no more then a dime rubs into your hands before you apply the clear less lotion to dry hair. Instantly all your fly away ends and dryness is gone. Until you wash it, of course.
For an extreme shine finish use Joico's Spray Glaze, Shine-Enhancer. It smells nice and really gives a nice shine. Keeping shine, keeps moisture and helps make you condition process that much easier. There's a reason why blondes have more fun! You go girls!
Stylish Updo with a Twist
Stylish Updo Hairstyle with a Twist
By Kathryn M. D'Imperio
This hairstyle has seen me through business class presentations, mid-summer�s outings in sundresses and casual �bum� days in jeans and sweatshirts. It is a great style with a unique twist!
To replicate this relatively easy hairstyle, gather these materials:
Step 1: Remove excess water from your hair. Hair should be damp, not drenched.
Step 2: Using brush or comb, pull hair back and up, into a smooth, �high� ponytail and securely fasten.
Step 3: Pull a small section of hair away from the ponytail and twist whichever way is more natural/comfortable. Fasten the twist to your head with one of the clips.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 - fasten each twist so that they start to hide the elastic band. By the time you are finished, a ring of twists should have concealed the band.
Step 5: Arrange the twists however you like them best� Feel free to experiment with the dynamics of the hairstyle. Try fastening the twists closer to the elastic band, or considerable farther away from it. Add more twists or try the style with fewer, thicker twists. You can create many different styles out of this single, basic technique.
Step 6: The ends of the twists should peek out from the clips. You can easily alter the length of these ends by merely changing the position of each mini-clip. For longer ends peeking out-a wilder style-rearrange the clips with more hair outside of the twist, just sticking out where the clip meets your head.
Step 7: Once you are pleased with the result, lightly spray the twists and the ends.
This style can be flirty and fun, or professional and sedate, depending on how you manipulate the twists and clips. Play around, have fun with the style and the many varied end results you can create in minutes!
Approximate Styling Time: 10-15 minutes.
No Fail Blow-Drying for Smooth, Shiny Hair
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Want that silky, touchable hair that Pantene Pro V products claim their shampoo will give you? Look no further-you can have that flawless look by spending only a few extra minutes blow-drying your hair! Ditch the designer hair products and follow these simple instructions to give your hair the same beautiful look and soft feeling:
Materials:
Step 1: Twist hair up into a towel in order to remove excess water. How long you keep it wrapped in the towel is up to you-my hair is long, so time permitting, I keep it like that for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Comb out any tangles and part hair as you wish.
Step 3: Gather hair and twist except for a thin layer at the base of your head. Pin hair atop your head with the clip or barrette.
Step 4: Begin drying the loose hair. (You can use a lower heat setting if you do not have a time restriction.) When hair is complete dry, turn off hairdryer and brush or comb hair.
Step 5: Remove clip and take another section of hair to be dried. Re-twist your hair and replace pin.
Step 6: Repeat step 4 as necessary. For thicker hair, you may need to separate hair into sections several times. My hair is of a medium thickness but long, so I separate it into 3 sections.
Step 7: Once hair is completely dry, brush and style as you wish, or leave it down, as it should be less dried-out and more manageable. If your hair is not completely frizz-free and cooperative, rub a small amount of gel in your hands (a nickel�s worth or a quarter�s worth) and gently smooth over your hair, paying close attention to the ends.
Drying and styling time will vary based on your hair�s thickness and length. Though I do not always have enough time to use this drying technique, it works wonders for my hair for those special occasions!
Approximate Time Required: 10-20 minutes, depending on thickness and length of hair. Long hair takes more.
Parting Your Hair
A Change in Part to Revamp Your Style
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Want to change your hairstyle without drastically chopping your locks? Before you shell out major cash for a fresh style, consider modeling a new do with a simple variation on the way you part your hair.
Though there is not necessarily a good or a bad way to part your hair, several mainstream options are easy to achieve. What matters most is that you are comfortable and confident with the style you choose. If you cannot immediately decide on your preferred style, try the following, or make up your own!
A very common method of parting the hair involves the natural part, which runs right down the center of one�s head. If this is your current style and you are ready for a change, try to form a new part a bit to the left or the right of your current part.
Parting your hair on your own is a cinch! If you aren�t familiar with doing so but want to try a new look, first comb your hair as if you are going to throw it back into a ponytail. Then take a thin comb and trace a straight line along your scalp where your hair meets your forehead to the back of your head. Separate the hair on either side of the new part and gently brush or comb it down until it lays smoothly. If you find difficulty with this, you may want to introduce a small dab of a non-sticky styling product to your hair to calm it down. Also, if your hair is very accustomed to a certain style, you may have to �train� it to respond to the new part by brushing in the desired direction and adding styling products when necessary.
To keep hair healthy and strong, it is important to schedule a trim regularly (or trim it yourself if you are scissors-inclined!) to prevent split ends. If you choose to have your stylist trim your mane for you, she should ask how you part your hair if she does not already know. It is important to �cut with the part� to keep your hair even and natural looking.
If you only want to change your look for a night, a chic zigzag part will stand you out from the crowd. Using your comb, simply trace the part back and forth from your forehead to the back of the head. Then separate the sections so that they lay evenly on either side of your head.
Though you already have a comb on hand, a handy, inexpensive tool makes the zigzag process a bit easier. The �Part Pizazz� is a tool with a point on one end and arms that swing open to separate the sections of hair when you are finished. To design the zigzag you merely trace the desired pattern on your head as if using a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. Hairagami� produces the �Part Pizazz.�
Whether you are enjoying your new look indefinitely or just for a night, remember not to run your hands through your hair too much as it may disrupt the style. Be bold, be conservative-be YOU-have fun and make a statement. Make sure you are confident in your new style as you sport it in public. Then bask in the glow of attention as those close to you notice something is just
Curls Galore
Curls Galore: Curling Iron Versus Hot Rollers
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Before digging out the spongy pink curlers or running to your stylist for a hasty perm, check out these effective alternatives for an evening of uncustomary curls!
Curling Iron:
Inexpensive, relatively user-friendly and quick for minor touch-ups, this device can give you a glam look with a few minutes� investment. If you�re donning only a partial head of curly locks, a curling iron could be just the tool you need for an immediate response to your need of a few well-placed curls.
Glamorize your up-do with a curling iron by emphasizing your style with a few loose spiral curls around your face or one or two seductively sweeping along the back of your neck. Creating these curls can be a quick and easy process, but don�t forget to spritz them with a little hairspray, or else they may not last the entire evening!
Another common use for a curling iron is tending to your hair�s ends. Tuck them under or flip them out a bit wildly, but you won�t get the same results with a set of hot rollers! A curling iron is versatile enough to curl precisely the strands that you want curled, in whichever manner you wish to achieve. Even if you wish to curl more than a few small sections of hair, a curling iron is capable of curling your entire head as well.
Time Involved: Curling Iron use may take anywhere from 5 minutes or less to 45 minutes or more, depending on style�s involvement.
Hot Rollers:
Just a touch more expensive than the curling iron, hot rollers can achieve a full head of flawless curls, typically in under an hour. Hot rollers generally have a small amount of wax inside that is heated when the set is plugged into an electrical outlet. When the curlers are ready for use, the color may change color so that you know to begin applying them.
Forget about fighting with the curling iron and trying to decide which way you want the curl to spiral. Instead, enjoy the remarkably easy process with hot rollers-once you have fastened the curlers in your hair, your hair will all curl simultaneously!
It is still a good idea to use some styling products such as a non-sticky hairspray or gel to retain the shape of the curls. (Curls formed by hot rollers tend to last considerably longer for me than those I create with a curling iron, as my hair is typically resistant to curling in general.)
Tip for Hot Rollers: Try to wash your hair the night before you want to employ the hot rollers. Sometimes very clean, sleek hair tends to resist curling.
Time Involved: Hot Rollers may take about 10 minutes to warm up and anywhere from 10-20 minutes to apply, and about 15 minutes to set. (Color of curler will revert back to original color to indicate that the curl has set.) Add additional time as necessary for styling your locks if you intend to use barrettes, bobby pins or other adornments and styling products.
Curling Iron Versus Hot Rollers:
Make Your Own Hair Accessories
You are in a hurry and you just can't find just the right hair clip or barrette... Sounds familiar? Well, why not make your own?
Let's start with the smallest hair decorations: bobby pins.
You can buy packs of these for quite a low price. Just get the plain black ones and decorate them with nail polish to create nice hair clips. Nail polish is the best to use as it dries quickly so you can do last minute changes.
You can also try painting stripes on. Use sparkly or metallic polish for interesting effects. Then you can also add tiny rhinestones, available at your local craft store, while the polish is still wet. Hold the stones in place until the polish dries around them. You may need to reapply them at a later date. Tiny glass beads can also be used for an interesting effect.
The larger hair clips that bend to snap into your hair will not take beads and rhinestones very well. They will tend to fall off due to the flexing of the clip, but you have lots of room for painting on designs! Use a toothpick to help you make tiny designs on the clip. You can do zebra stripes, polka dots and letters on these. Let your imagination take over.
How about large hair barrettes?
These are the metal ones that have a spring clip at the bottom. You can buy packages of them at the local craft store. These are lots of fun to decorate! Go ahead and experiment, you will surprise yourself...
Remedy for Oily Hair
Greasy Hair Solutions - Remedy for Oily Hair
By Lisa Lach
There are ways you can help stop the grease from appearing but you have to work at it.
Do not wash everyday. The cleaner your hair is the more it can seep into your glands and harder it is to get rid of. When you do wash make sure you are washing with a cleaning shampoo and scrubbing the build up off. Take in mind that you also have to have a ph-balanced mild shampoo and lite scrubbing is recommended. Try to avoid conditioner at the roots, apply in the middle or on the ends.
Try to avoid oil in your daily food intake. And do eat more vegetables. You could visit your doctor but only after you check and consider your diet, drugs, alcohol, and your fatty food intake. Let's face it we see what McDonalds can do to your heart in a month, can you image your hair. You would be dripping everywhere.
Maybe it's time to change your shampoo. Ask your stylist what she or he would recommend. Avoid using shine products at all costs. Keep away from two-in-one shampoos and conditioners and any frizz serums.
To fix at the moment, rub a little Talcum Powder on your dried hair at the roots. Just make sure you wash it out. I wish they would event that magic product, but this will help until they do.
Frustrating Bangs
Frustrating Bangs - How To Care For Your Bangs
By Lisa Lach
You know the bangs that when you walk out of your hairstylists they are perfect, but when you get your chance to do them - you can�t. They are side-angled, straight-layered, and maybe even long; but can you ever get them the same. Do you have a cowlick in the middle that never straightens out?
Here is what you can do for your bangs.
Apply a lite wax or shine, to keep your hair in place all day long. Lightly finish with a lite hair spray.
