An Overview of Hair Removal Methods

Modern style dictates that certain body hair is not attractive. This mostly includes the torso in men, but it tends to apply to all body hair in women. However, most people have some degree of hair on body. Removing this hair is common, and there are many different methods of doing so. They all fall into two main categories, though.

Epilation is the removal of hair at the roots. Methods of epilation include:

- waxing

- epilators

- tweezing

- threading

- laser treatments

Waxing is the most common method of epilation. It involves spreading a hot wax or sugar solution on the skin where hair is to be removed, and then covering it with a piece of cloth. Rapidly removing the cloth in the opposite direction to the hair growth also removes most of the hairs at the root.

Devices called epilators also exist. These machines look like electric razors, but the rotating heads are full of mechanical tweezers instead of blades. Moving the rotating head over the skin removes hair at the roots by plucking it out.

Tweezing is typically used on small areas of the body. Many women tweeze their eyebrows or other unwanted facial hair. This method involves removing a single hair, or at most, a few hairs at a time.

Threading is the use of rapidly moving pieces of thread or string to pull hair at the roots. It is commonly used to shape the eyebrows, but is an uncommon method for removing hair from other areas of the body. Typically, threading is only performed by aestheticians, since it takes practice to learn to do it correctly.

Laser treatments destroy the hair follicle permanently. However, they do not necessarily cause permanent hairlessness, since new follicles can grow. Most people treated with lasers experience a 90% reduction in hair growth in the treated area.

The main advantage of epilation is that it lasts longer than depilation. Depending on the rate of hair regrowth, smooth skin after epilation lasts 2-8 weeks. After 6-12 sessions, laser treatments cause permanent hair reduction. The main disadvantages include time, discomfort, and cost.

Depilation is the removal of hair at the surface of the skin. Methods of depilation include:

- shaving

- depilatory creams

- abrasion

The most common method of depilation is shaving. This can be done using a safety razor and shaving cream, or using an electric razor. Electric razors are typically used on dry skin, but some are made to be used on wet skin for those who prefer to shave in the shower.

Depilatory creams dissolve the hair at the surface of the skin. They do not penetrate the follicle, so the root of the hair remains intact, just as with shaving. Typically, the cream is spread over the area being treated, left for several minutes, and then washed away, taking the hair with it.

Abrasion has been posited as a possible method of hair removal. This includes products that are rubbed on the surface of the skin with the intention of removing hair. However, an abrasive that is harsh enough to remove hair is also harsh enough to cause damage to the skin.

The advantages of depilation are that it is quick and painless. The major disadvantage is that the hair grows back quickly. On people with light skin and dark hair, depilation can also leave dark spots where the roots of the hair can be seen under the skin.

An Overview of Electrolysis Hair Removal

Electrolysis hair removal is the practice of removing hair from a person's body through electrical means. When applying this method, the effects are almost permanent. In the U.S., it is the only means of permanent hair removal that is accepted by the Food and Drug Administration. It includes a number of treatments or steps to be completed, and is done through injecting a needle probe into your hair follicle, allowing the electrical current to flow through it. Any area of your body except the inside of the ears and nose can have hair removed through this method.

There are basically three types of electrolysis procedures. The first is called galvanic electrolysis, and it damages the hair follicle through creating a small quantity of sodium hydroxide (NaCl), a chemical used in making soap and removing clog in drains. The damage caused is enough to avert the follicle from growing hair again.

The next common method is overheating the follicle through the procedure known as thermolysis. The blend technique combines the first two to attain the same outcome in a short period of time. This short span of time can be fairly valuable as electrolysis hair removal is a very time-consuming procedure. The electrolysis needle should stay in the hair follicle for several minutes, and each hair needs to be removed this way. Even a small area of hair follicles can take several hours, depending on the number or amount of hair that needs to be removed.

Pros

The method remains the most effective method of permanent hair removal available.

It is also able to help a broader range of people compared to laser hair removal. For example, while particular skin colors may dissuade people from removing their hair through lasers, electrolysis damages the hair follicle instead of the pigment of the hair.

People with any form of hair or skin can use this treatment.

Cons

The tiresome process of electrolysis hair removal may be its major disadvantage.

The cost is anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the amount of hair that needs to be removed.

It is important that the patient have undergone numerous treatments, no matter how little or how much hair is being removed, because of the recurring way in which your hair develops from its root.

Localized swelling and redness are common after the removal process.

Skin discolorations and scabbing are likely in a short period of time term after the procedure as well.

Some people are worried about the safety of the procedure and may also be worried that the procedure is painful. Unlike newer procedures, electrolysis is a method that has been applied for more than a hundred years. It is proven to be safety by many experts around the world, especially if it is practiced by a properly trained or skilled technician, while there remains some fear about the safety of laser procedures. Many experts also said that new equipment and techniques greatly cut the amount of uneasiness that many people experience during the procedure.

Express Your Style With 2012 Hair Color Ideas

Have you found yourself being in the middle of 2012, but your hair color still remains the same as last year's? For a more stylish and unique appearance, hair color ideas from this season are precisely what you need. There are plenty of ideas that can even turn you into the trendsetter of the year. Creative options like cool and elegant monochromes or bolder color combos will give a dramatic effect on your overall appearance. So just take your time in browsing these new hair color ideas and find one that suits your taste.

This year, your options won't be limited to the same old blondes or brown tones. It's fun to express your personality through unique color choices for your hair. To get that stylish look, you don't need to always follow the latest trends. Remember that you want to be a trendsetter; this means that it is up to you to set a new and unique style going so others will follow you. Consider bold tones or an elegant alternative to freshen up your look. However, first and foremost, make sure that you're comfortable with the changes you are committing to.

There are two options on how you can switch your hair color: have a professional do it or choose the do-it-yourself way. Coloring hair on your own may cost less but sometimes the result can be far from satisfying, especially if you have minimum knowledge on hair coloring. On the other hand, a professional would know exactly how to best amp-up your hairdo. He or she will be able to mix the colors in the right proportion and know how long the color should stay in your hair to achieve that cool look. Besides, hiring a pro will help you avoid hair damage.

You may be the type of person who loves all-in-one hair color products. But can the resulting hairdo steal people's attention? Well, with a subtle trick you can make yourself the center of the attention without compromising practicality. Choose colors with rich pigments such as salmon pink, sun-kissed copper, or even blue-silver. With the touch of a professional, these monochromes will take your hair to a whole new level.

If you are daring enough to mix colors, glossy colored highlights will be worth a try. This hue is able to create an elegant effect to your hair. Ombre hair colors can also be a great choice if you want to stand out from the crowd, as the dip dye effect will give you a stunning effect. Blend these colors with your natural shade and use contrasting color to dip dye the tips of the hair to achieve the best coloring result.

Natural Detangling Shampoo

I cannot tell you how many times I've tried a detangling shampoo and closed my eyes and dreamed for the comb to just glide through my hair. Then the nightmare begins with about 15 minutes of pulling and yanking.

It all started back in 1995 when I decided to where my hair natural (afro). I stopped using relaxers and straighteners. Several reasons I chose to go natural were relaxers were damaging to my hair, I saved money and it was low maintenance. But there was a problem I began having recently and it was tangled hair after washing. I never had this problem and couldn't understand why in 2012, I would begin to hate washing my hair. Being an African-American woman I am afforded the luxury of not having to wash my hair every day, thank God. When it was time to wash my hair I would procrastinate terribly. So what can I do to make this easy and painless?

I did a little web search and came across a recipe for a detangling shampoo. It contained all natural ingredients like marshmallow root, burdock root and castile soap. Being who I am, I came up with my own version of this shampoo. I added coconut oil, castor oil, glycerin and African black soap. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

For the shampoo

1 bar of castile soap

African Black Soap

6 cups of water

For detangling

½ cup of Marshmallow Root

½ cup of Burdock Root

2 cups of water

Other Equipment You'll Need:

grater

large sauce pan or stock pot

Instructions:

1. Shred your soap with the shredder. I used Kirk's Original Coco soap because it was cheaper than Dr. Bronner's.

2. Boil 6 cups of water. Add two cups of soap flakes. I used 1 cup of castile soap and 1 cup of black soap. Stir the mixture, and the soap flakes should start melting. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit there for an hour or so.

3. Boil the 2 cups of water, remove from heat and add the marshmallow root and burdock root. Let it sit for about an hour and strain. You will end up with a "tea" that you will mix in with the shampoo. Let it cool and pour into empty shampoo bottles or bottles with a pump.

4. I mixed a teaspoon each of castor oil and coconut oil for moisture.

Results:

The mixture is a bit loose but there was amazing lather. I didn't get the glide I wanted but there was less tangling. I would suggest using a conditioner after because my hair was a little hard or too clean, probably because of the black soap. This can also be used as a body wash.

Feed Your Face - Natural Skin Care and Repair Treatments

Natural skin care means taking care of your skin by using natural ingredients including herbs, oils, flowers, roots and other pure ingredients. Many natural beauty care salons and spas focus on beauty care recipes to make remedies that can cure these problems.

Skin damage is basically caused when the epidermis is thick and is prone to chemical hazards or bacterial attacks. Skin is also damaged because of maximum exposure in the sun; change in weather conditions like extremely cold or hot also causes irritation and dryness.

Top cosmetic brands use cocoa butter in their daily care products for repair therapy. Different hand and body lotions, shampoos, creams, conditioners, balms and other essential oils heal you through moisture. Cocoa butter is pale, yellow in color with pure vegetable fat that is extracted from cocoa beans. By using Cocoa butter regularly, you can protect your skin from drying.

Many repair serums and nutrition supplements are recommended by doctors to improve and reduce repair process. Whether you are a man, woman, old or young, these repair and care issues apply. Obtaining a perfect care customized and modified solution can help your skin to glow naturally and make you outshine the crowd.

Top 7 Easy-To-Apply Tips for Natural Skin Care:

· Eat Healthy Food:

Healthy food is the utmost need of your body. Healthy and fatty food creates your body cells membranes, hormones and other necessary elements of your body. These fatty foods make your heart strong and prevent you from deadly diseases such as cancer. You should use fresh vegetables and fruits for naturally glowing skin.

· Skin Exfoliation:

Skin exfoliation is important to remove dead cells. It is very necessary for youthful, naturally glowing and healthy skin. Exfoliation also improves blood circulation and relaxes your nervous system.

· Hydration:

The texture of our skin is affected by our digestive system. Drinking water is the most effective way to control your digestive system. Taking 8 glass of water per day ease up the cleansing process of the cells.

· Stop Consuming Excessive Sugar:

Excessive sugar is also one of the major causes of these problems like aging, pigmentation, acne, damage and repair. The more sugar we consume, the more it will enter in our bloodstream. This condition can also result in glycogen and it can result in loss of elasticity and wrinkles and hence it will show sign of aging. Therefore it is better to consume less sugar in your day to day meals.

· Stay Active to Avoid Dullness:

Make your routine to walk around and reduce your stress level as well as acne, puffiness and bloating on your skin. Stretch your body muscles regularly by exercise, jogging, walking or attending a gym.

· Balance your Digestive System:

As it is believed that healthy skin indicates balanced digestive system. People who have imbalance digestive system have acne, stomach imbalance and other digestion problems. To balance your digestive system, drink plenty of water as it eliminates waste products and keep you fresh and healthy. Add fiber to your food as well to balance your nutritional diet.

· Avoid Sun UV Rays:

Sun UV rays are very dangerous for the skin so always protect yourself from sun rays when you go outside. UV rays may cause wrinkles, acne, dark spots and even skin cancer. Apply sunscreen lotion for better protection of your skin.

Coffee for Your Skin - Fight Skin Diseases by Increasing your Coffee Consumption

Caffeine has been considered to protect the skin by reducing puffiness, inflammation, dryness, and sun damage issues. Coffee also includes minerals like magnesium and chromium that help the human body to use insulin to control sugar in the blood. Researchers believe that three cups of caffeinated coffee a day can protect you against skin cancer. People who drink more coffee are 21 percent less likely to develop cancer cells as compared to people who drink less coffee. Daily care products made from coffee or caffeine provide natural moisture, remove dead skin and give radiant glow to your skin, making it smooth and silky.

Simple Household Ingredients But Good Skin Care Products

It's not a big secret that beauty products usually cost a lot of money. But do you know that you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars if you use normal food ingredients as beauty products? You probably don't think this is possible, do you?

All you have to do is to search through your fridge or kitchen, and you'll find many beauty products in the form of vegetables, fruits, and other food ingredients or items. Do you know that you can create homemade skin treatments and beauty enrichment with some of your daily meal ingredients like eggs, oatmeal, and lemon? Read more to find out how!

And if you're worried about their effectiveness, know that natural food items are just as good as (or perhaps even better than) those chemical products advertised on TV. Besides, organic compounds works better than over-the-counter cosmetic products. Here is a list of common household items and cooking ingredients that you can use as instant beauty products and face masks.

1. Lemon

Lemon juice is effective in exfoliating dead skin cells and as a remedy for skin discoloration. If you have uneven underarms or inner thighs or elbows, lemon juice acts as a natural astringent. What you need do is to dampen a cotton ball with lemon juice and apply it onto the area. Do this twice a day, preferably before you sleep. You will be amazed at the result after some few days.

2. Cucumber

Putting cold cucumber on your eyes is an old practice as it soothes tired eyes and gets rid of dark circles and eyebags. Also, did you know that Cleopatra rubbed her body with cucumber? Try it and feel its effect on your skin.

3. Oatmeal

If you want to get rid of acne or pimples, you can make a facial mask out of oatmeal. This is one of the few homemade face recipes that actually works. The oatmeal absorbs oil and leaves your skin smooth and moisturized.

4. Egg white

Many young girls use egg white to lessen their facial pores. But you don't have to be a young girl to try this facial treatment if you want to prevent clogged pores.

5. Coconut Oil

If you want to have a beautiful skin by keeping your skin hydrated, apply coconut oil as lotion every night. This will moisten your skin. Keeping your skin glowing and healthy.

6. Avocado

Avocado contains natural moisturizers, so you can have your own by using it. Simply create a paste, and then apply it evenly on your face or your whole body. Leave it for at least twenty minutes, rinse, and then feel the difference.

Get Healthy, Shiny Hair In 7 Practical Steps

Picture this: You step out of the house looking like you're about to go and star in a commercial for shampoo. As you walk along the street, traffic stops because so many people are staring at your gorgeous, shining locks blowing in the wind. Don't you feel amazing?

Brrrrrinnnnggg! All right, time to wake up. Maybe stuff like that can only happen in your dreams, but you can make healthy, shiny hair a part of your everyday reality with the 7 tips you're about to learn. Even better news: Not a single one of these tips involves visiting a hairstylist!

1. Use Cold Water To Rinse Your Hair

Remove shampoo and conditioner from your hair with cold water, rather than hot water. The hot water can dry hair out and make it appear dull. Also, cold water helps to close up the cuticles of your hair. When they're closed, light can reflect off their outer surfaces, which helps to give your hair more shine.

2. Make Hair Serums Part of Your Routine

There are hair serums on the market that can take your hair from unruly and frizzy to shiny and sleek. You can find them at beauty supply stores, drugstores, and hair salons. Hair serums work by adding a small amount of silicone or oils to your hair to give it moisture.

When applying hair serum, start with only a pea-sized amount. (Using an excessive amount may not help, since your hair will be weighed down with it.) While your hair is still wet, rub the serum into it with your hands, starting at the tips and working upward.

3. Use A Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner can really help your hair shine, and can be found in both lotion and spray-on forms. The procedure for applying it is identical to the one for applying hair serum, described above.

4. Blow-Dry With Caution

When using a blow dryer, be sure that its nozzle, and therefore the stream of air, is pointing down the shafts of your hair, toward the tips, while you're using a round brush to hold up each section of hair. Pointing the nozzle up the shaft toward the roots is like petting a cat backwards - it makes the hairs stick up in the wrong direction.

Cooling your hair down with a blast of cool air after you're done drying it adds to its shine in the same way as rinsing it with cool water does: it helps the cuticles close, allowing the reflection of more light. This is the reason why hair dryers have "cool" buttons.

5. Stay Hydrated

Moisturizing hair from the inside is as important as adding topical moisturizers to it, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Ideally, you should be getting about the equivalent of eight glasses of water in a day. Have a water bottle handy all the time, and use it!

6. Get Plenty of Protein and Vitamins A and E

Vitamins A and E are essential nutrients for healthy, shiny hair. Eat foods that are rich in these vitamins and in protein, which helps hair grow faster. Nuts and eggs are great choices.

7. Avoid Coming Into Contact With Harsh Chemicals

Try not to expose your hair to chemicals that can damage it, such as hair-relaxing creams containing lye and the chlorine in swimming pools.

Other things that can damage hair are heated hairstyling tools and alcohol-based hair products. Alcohol tends to remove the shine from your hair and dry it out.

How To Choose The Perfect Foundation For A Flawless, Natural Look

For your foundation to look natural, its color must match the natural tone of your skin perfectly. However, foundations are available in so many shades that finding exactly the right one for you may seem daunting. Here are some tips to keep you on the right track when you're searching for a great foundation.

1. Choose The Right Coverage

Foundations come in different levels of coverage, and which one to use is a question of personal preference.

If you prefer to look more natural and already have good skin, a foundation with light coverage will work well for you. You'll need one with medium coverage if your skin has blemishes or other flaws that you want to conceal. Finally, if you want to use makeup to hide very obvious marks (up to and including tattoos), look for a heavy-coverage foundation.

2. Texture Selection

Another factor to consider is the texture of your foundation.

Foundations come in three basic forms: liquid, cream, and powder. Which one you should choose depends mainly on your skin type, but you don't have to stick to only one type all the time - you can and should change types based on the weather.

Winter weather can really dry out your skin, so it's a good idea to use a cream foundation to prevent this. In contrast, in the summer, when you're more likely to sweat, you may be better off using a powder foundation.

In general, oily-skinned people should lean toward powdered foundations, while those with dry skin should choose a liquid or cream foundation.

3. Skin Type

Foundations are marketed and developed to cater to the needs of people with specific skin types. Some are formulated to blend well with oily skin, while others are packed with moisturizers to make dry skin healthier.

Often, the packaging of the foundation will tell you whether it's designed for dry or oily skin. If you've experimented with different foundation textures and found that you prefer liquids to other forms, try looking for a liquid foundation formulated for your skin type.

4. Effect

Some foundations produce particular effects or finishes. These are somewhat similar to those on a photograph.

For example, some create matte finishes, while others produce dewy finishes. A matte-finish foundation is recommended for those with oily skin, because adding a dewy finish to oily skin will make the skin appear tired and worn-down.

On the other hand, if you want to create a dewy, healthy, glowing appearance, look for a semi-matte or dewy-finish foundation.

These are some of the basic things you need to know about foundation in order to find the best one for you.

How To Make Your Nails Look Professionally Painted At Home

You don't have to go to a nail salon every time your toenails or fingernails need a new coat of polish.

Armed with the knowledge in this article, you can keep your own nails looking fantastic all the time, without ever having to enlist the help of a professional!

1. Getting Your Hands And Nails Ready For A Manicure

Before you paint your nails, use an acetone-based nail polish remover to get rid of any old polish. To keep cotton lint from getting stuck to your nails, apply nail polish remover with cotton wipes or a makeup sponge instead of a cotton ball.

After that, file and trim your nails so that they're neat and uniform. Then, soften up your nails and hands by soaking them in a bowl of either warm water and liquid soap, or lemon juice and olive oil. Gently push your cuticles back with a cotton-wrapped orange stick.

The final steps before painting your nails are to use either coarse salt and olive oil or a sugar scrub to exfoliate, and then add a little more moisturizer to your hands.

2. Preparation For A Pedicure

First, take a few minutes to soak your feet in a bowl of warm water, mixed with some Epson salts and perhaps a little bit of an essential oil you like.

Feet usually have more dead skin to remove than hands, which makes exfoliation a little more difficult. To exfoliate your feet, remove dry skin flakes with a pumice stone, then use a salt or sugar scrub, and finally, apply a heavy-duty moisturizing lotion.

The cuticles on your toenails deserve to be treated with just as much care as the ones on your fingernails. Put cuticle oil on them, too, and push them back the same way as you did on your fingers.

3. Selecting Your Nail Polish Colors

Here are a few ideas to help you pick the perfect colors for your nails.

Nervous about having an attention-grabbing color on your fingernails? Put the cherry-red or neon-pink polish on your toenails instead, and use a more subtle color for your fingers.

When in doubt, choose a color that coordinates with your skin tone. If your skin is a cooler color, you can use anything from a dramatic dark plum to beige with an undertone of pink. If you have a warm skin tone, your choices range from neutral colors with a yellow base to a deep, rich burgundy.

4. Polish Your Nails Like A Pro

First, put on a base coat of nail polish. This stops your nails from getting stained, and helps keep your nail color smooth.

Instead of shaking the nail polish bottle before applying it, roll it between your palms. This will reduce the number of air bubbles that end up on your nails. Also, your nail polish will be thinner and easier to apply if you mix one or two drops of nail polish remover into it every once in a while, and it will last longer if you keep it in the refrigerator.

As far as painting your nails goes, there are many ways to do it. The simplest technique is to make a single stroke down the center of your nail, followed by a stroke on either side of it. To keep your polish from smudging, apply several thin coats separated by at least 30 minutes of drying time.

Your nail polish won't chip at the tip of your nail if you paint the underside of the tip with a tiny bit of polish. It also helps protect your nail polish if, every other day, you replenish your clear top coat.