Health tips for better life

Proms are special occasions when you want to be the center of attention. The right prom hairstyle can enhance one’s appearance enormously.  However, selecting the right hairstyle for a prom can be confusing. There are many factors to consider before asking one’s hair-stylist to transform one’s hair. One has to keep in mind one’s hair length, texture, hair-type, facial shape and complexion to pick the right prom hairdo. There are additional aspects like the prom dress (its neckline and length) and accessories that need consideration.  The latest prom hairstyles (2009) are a colorful fashion statement encompassing an entire array of different kinds of hairdos – both classy and chic.

 

Prom Hairstyles For Long And Straight Hair

 

Long and straight hair, when arranged in the right manner can do wonders for a prom look. But classic hairstyles and prom updos are evergreen and popular today. A ‘classic Chignon’ is an ideal prom choice provided one has medium or long straight hair. It looks graceful and sophisticated and goes well with an elegant prom gown. People who want a slightly more causal prom look can opt for side-swept bangs, loose and wavy bangs and a ‘half up/half down’ hairdo. When it comes to ‘bangs,’ one hairdo that stands out in 2009 prom hairstyles is the ‘sassy-messy updo.’ It provides a carefree, unfussy look and appears beautiful at the same time. The long side-swept bangs can be streaked with a tinge of hair color. The hair side-sections can be rolled back and arranged loosely so that they emerge like a cluster of silky hair-hoops. Side-parted hairstyles along with proper hair accessories can really highlight the best features of straight and silky textured hair.

 

Prom Hairstyles For Curly Hair

 

Curly hair has a different appeal altogether. When adorned with the perfect hairdo, it can look amazingly sensual and attractive. ‘Pinned-up ringlets’ is an all-time favorite prom hair-do. It is a prominent choice among the 2009 curly prom hairstyles. In this style one’s curls are basically pinned from the crown of one’s head to drop down seductively to one’s lower neck and shoulders. Hair accessories like small crowns go very well along with this style. For shorter curls, one can opt for a ‘tousled-curl’ style that looks refined and classy.

 

Prom Hairstyles For Short Hair

 

Several new trends are doing rounds for short prom hairstyles this year. Popular among them are ‘short-braids’ and ‘bob or blunt-cuts’ and ‘pixie’ styles. By and large, a ‘pixie’ hairstyle is being flaunted by most women in current prom parties. It is funky, cool and hip at the same time. ‘Blunt fringe’ cut is yet another hairdo that is being tried frequently. Depending on one’s skin complexion, these cuts can have a splendid effect especially on ash-blonde hair color.

 

However, it is always advisable to get in touch with a good hair-expert prior to any type of experimentation.

Blow-drying your hair is not necessary but it sure does make styling your hair a lot easier. Another advantage of using the blow dryer is that it is so much faster than air-drying. This gives you more time to attend to other important things.

Another benefit of using the device is that you can achieve more hair volume if you have a fine hair with its proper use. It also allows you to have the hairstyle you want without stepping out of your home. It saves you time and money to go to a salon and you are sure that your hair will remains manageable throughout the day.

In hair styling, blow-drying is an essential step. Before using a curling iron or a hair straightener, the hair has to be thoroughly dry. If not, it will burn the hair and the steam produced will burn the scalp and other parts of the skin.

Proper usage of the dryer will also help tame those dry and thick curls. Of course, the user has to be extra careful with it. Even the heat of professional hair dryers can be very damaging for curly hairs. Proper facilitation of the device with the aid of appropriate comb is necessary or else, it will end up a nightmare.

Although the use of blow dryers has several advantages, there are also disadvantages. Since you are not paying anyone to do it for you, you have to be patient to do it yourself. This can be tiring but once you get the hang of doing it, it will be a whole lot easier.

If you are thinking of using the blow dryer daily, you have to learn to take care of your hair according to your hair type. Blow-drying your hair will strip it off its natural oil. That makes it necessary to pick a good hair dryer that is hair friendly. Ceramic and ionic hair dryers are both popular choices.

You also have to invest in good hair protective products. They come in all sorts of forms. There are creams, mousse, spray, and gel. Name your choice. The important thing is that you choose a product designed for your hair. Know when to apply and how to apply them as well. The shampoo for example is good for daily use for those who have very oily hair. Dry hair on the other hand requires two to three times a week of shampooing.

Blow-drying your hair has many benefits. It gives you the freedom to style your hair without going to the salon. It also makes your hair manageable throughout the day; but if you plan to blow-dry your hair daily, pick the best among the professional hair dryers in the market. Choose the one that will not damage your hair. Remember, heat can get your hair into so much trouble. In addition, since you will be taking charge of your hair every day, you have to learn how to care of it. Invest in good protective hair products to avoid the heat from frying your hair.

Hair is an important part of your appearance. Many of us have perfect shiny, bouncy hair but just because we do not take good care of them we now encounter suggestions from every person we meet. Your hair needs Vitamin E for shine and you can get this much needed vitamin by incorporating brown rice, nuts, wheat germ and leafy green vegetables into your diet. Different hair textures need different ingredients to make it shiny. Healthy, shiny hair enhances the beauty of a person.

Rinse your hair with cold water to enhance the shine of your locks. Rinsing with cold water will close & smoothen the cuticle making it look shiny. Two ways to close and smoothen the cuticle after shampoo a 1 gallon of distilled water add 1tbls of vinegar. b. Apply acidic conditioners after rinse.

The color will add little shade to the hair shaft that would make your hair shine when light falls on it. The simplest way to have shiny hair – deep conditions them. Vitamin E is essential for your hair. Include brown rice, nuts, wheat germ and leafy green vegetables in your diet. In a bowl mash avocado, one tbls of olive oil and a tsp of baking powder. Mix well and apply it on your hair. Rinse it after 15 minutes. Vitamin E for shine and you can get this much needed vitamin by incorporating brown rice, nuts, wheat germ and leafy green vegetables into your diet. For blonde hair use a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water. This will make your hair shiny. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair, but do not rinse. Dry as normal.

Shiny Hair Tips

1. Use heat-activated shampoo

2. Deep condition at least weekly

3. Don’t use a lot of styling products as they can dull the hair by coating it.

4. Use Strawberry hair mask: mash eight strawberries with one-tablespoon mayonnaise.

5. For blonde hair use a few tablespoons of lemon juice to your rinse water.

6. Don’t use too many styling products that can dull the hair by coating it.

7. Vitamin E is essential for your hair.

You might think it’s a good idea to buy the same iron your best friend has, but if your hair texture is different, your results may never be the same.

Everyone asks me “Which flat iron is the best?” and I always answer, “What is your hair type?” before I answer with a specific flat iron. Unless you’ve tried it firsthand, chances are the iron you are thinking of buying might not be the best one for your hair. Let’s narrow down the choices with a few key questions.

Which plate width?

Determine which plate width you need – one inch does not fit all. Selecting a plate width for your specific hair length will save you styling time and prevent damage. Not all irons come in all sizes so this can help you narrow down your selection.

Fixed or variable temperature settings?

Flat irons come in fixed or variable temperature settings. The type that works best for you depends on your hair’s texture and your styling needs.

Is your hair thin, delicate, damaged or fine? Choose a flat iron with a variable temperature setting so you can control the heat and keep the iron from getting too hot.

Is your hair thick and hard to straighten? A fixed temperature would be a good choice for you so you can crank up the heat on those pesky pieces that just won’t straighten.

Is your hair is somewhere in between? Most likely you will be fine with either choice. My personal preference is a variable setting – I like control.

Does it create curls?

Most flat irons today will create curls, but (ahem) the curls are only as good as the user who creates them, so brush up on those curling techniques.

Which Technology?

Ok, this is really the source of most flat iron confusion. Most flat irons on the market today have similar straightening technology, but which is best? Again, that depends on your hair type and styling needs.

Ceramic/Ionic

Almost all professional grade flat irons are Ceramic and Ionic these days. This technology is important in generating negative ions to smooth the hair cuticles. What you may not realize is NONE of the flat iron plates are 100% Ceramic. That’s a myth. All plates are infused with Ceramic (and/or other materials) to straighten and smooth the hair. I kid you not!

Industry research shows that pure Ceramic plates would be too soft to get the job done, so all manufacturers (this means all of them!) use Ceramic along with a much stronger, heat conducting surface such as Aluminum, Titanium, etc. to straighten the hair’s cuticles. And boy do they work.

Aluminum

Some older, lesser quality flat irons are pure Aluminum. These irons are usually referred to as the “drugstore variety” and do not contain Ceramic. This is why you notice a huge difference when you upgrade to a pricier iron – the addition of Ceramic.

So you know what Ceramic does, but what about all of those other materials you keep hearing about? Tourmaline, Nano-Titanium, Nano Silver, Nano anything? These are additional materials used in the plates to enhance the smoothness of the plate’s surface, generate additional negative ions to smooth your hair quickly, and create a snag free glide down the strands. Here’s a breakdown:

Nano

This is a process where the material, say Tourmaline, is micronized into superfine particles and infused into the plate surface. Whenever you see Nano, think teeny, tiny pieces of a smoothing material infused into the plates. Nano-Ceramic, Nano-Silver, you get the idea.

Ceramic and Nano-Ceramic

Smaller particles of Ceramic to contribute to your smoothing process. This is good for every hair type. Most flat irons with Ceramic technology provide silky, straight results but there are a variety of price points. As for most irons I’ve tried, the pricier Ceramic irons really are better. Plus the more expensive irons usually come with additional features and benefits so be sure to look into this if you are considering a Ceramic iron.

Nano-Titanium

Super smoothing surface, great heat conduction, straightens hair up to 40% faster. Is it necessary? If your hair is hard to straighten, this is one of the best materials out there for you, newer technology but comparable to Tourmaline. If you want the latest technology you’ll like this.

Nano-Silver

A smooth surface that eliminates bacteria on the appliance creating a germ-free environment every time you use it. Great for a stylist, or germ-a-phobe. It straightens hair well, but do you have to have it? Probably not.

Nano-Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone known for its negative ion generating and smoothing properties, and is infused into the flat iron plates. This is earlier technology than Nano-Titanium and Nano-Silver. I sometimes find that Tourmaline causes static, but still a very good material for smoothing most hair types.

Does it come with a warranty?

The warranty is another biggie to think about. Some manufacturers will only honor a warranty if you buy the flat iron in a salon. I would consider that a fine idea if the salon in my area carried every flat iron. Truth is, they don’t. But I have noticed the irons they do carry are way more expensive than online. What gives?

If you are buying a flat iron in a store or online, look for a flat iron that has a 1 year warranty or longer. We’ve all heard the rumors about a certain flat iron that breaks after only a few months. Honestly, it does. You might want to think about it. ‘Nuff said.

If you use a flat iron every day you want it to last. Make sure you select a flat iron guaranteed to survive your daily styling habits. If you use a flat iron sporadically, go for a less expensive Ceramic iron without all the technological bells and whistles.

I hope you take the time to ask yourself these simple questions, the flat iron of your dreams is waiting for you!

To get the best brow shape for your face, it’s often ideal to have an expert attend to them first.

i) Tweezing pros: The most popular technique, plucking guarantees a clean, shapely arch. Cons: Since it requires precision, it can take time and be pricey.

ii) Waxing pros: This inexpensive and fast method pulls hairs out by the roots. Cons: With less control than tweezing, mistakes are more common. It’s not a good option for people with sensitive skin or those using retinol-based skin creams, because when skin is fragile, it can peel off with the wax.

iii) Threading PROS: In this ancient technique from the Middle East and Asia, a technician twists threads together and pulls out the hairs caught between them. It’s inexpensive, and unlike tweezing, which removes single hairs, it catches several at once. cons: Some regard it as unsanitary (one end of the thread is held in the technician’s mouth), and skilled threaders are often hard to find.

iv) Electrolysis PROS: A technician inserts a thin metal probe into each hair follicle. The probe delivers an electric current that, after several sessions, should destroy the root per­manently. Cons: Our brows typically thin as you age, so you may end up with none when you get older.

v) Staying in Shape

To keep brows looking more Dietrich than Groucho after a professional shaping, follow these simple upkeep steps.

1. In a well-lit area, with a slant-tip tweezer, nip away the stray hairs between your eyes, underneath your brow bone, and nearyourtemples. If these areas are excessively hairy, consider using a precision waxing product or a mini razor (for product suggestions, see page 202). To find your natural arches, brush your brows upward and out using a makeup comb or a clean toothbrush.

2. Tweeze the hairs outside the arch. Pluck only a few at a time. Every so often, step away from the mirror to gauge your progress.

3. Post-tweezing, ease redness by rubbing an ice cube over the area. A dab of hydrocortisone cream, enough to cover the tweezed area, can also help. If necessary, define brows or fill in thin spots with a pencil, powder, or pomade. Unruly brows can also be set with a clear gel, or just spray some hair spray on a brow brush or a clean toothbrush and comb it through.

Brow Powder

Brow powder can be used alone to emphasize a brow shape, or it can be applied over brow pencil for a more natural look than pencil alone. Powder adds texture and dimension, and it’s good for someone whose brows are not particularly thick. Dip a slant-angled brush into the color, tap off any excess, and apply it in short strokes, starting at the inside of the brow and working outward. (Avoid brushing on the color in one stroke).

Scissor Comb

BROW GROOMER SCISSOR: This type of two-in-one is safer than using sharp nail scissors near your eyes, and it makes snipping long hairs a cinch. Everyone should own a scissor-comb combo to trim regularly, because brows do grow to different lengths. The comb to brush hairs toward your temples, then cut smidgens at a time to avoid chopping off too much. Another tip: Hide it from the men in your life. Or, better yet, give them their very own.

BROW DEFINING PENCIL

Pencils are perfect for hairless gaps or extending shorter brows. Many contain wax bases, which adhere to the skin better than powders do. Choose a pencil that’s neither too soft nor too hard. When applied, the pencil should not crumble or pull the brow hairs or the skin underneath. Choose a pencil that comes in three shades, creates soft, defined strokes; the grooming brush blends in the color. For accuracy, sharpen the pencil before each use. Apply it in small, hair like lines, then blend.

Tweezers

To keep your brows in neat arcs, you need a sharp, slanted tweezer and possibly some extra implements, depending on your personal needs. The darling device of the pros, tweezers work for anyone who can bear the pain of individual hair removal. Choose a handmade, high-grade stainless-steel type. Unlike cheaper brands, it has a slanted tip with rounded edges to provide both control and precision, and it won’t poke or break the skin. For best results, always pluck hair in the direction of its growth. Going against the growth can bend the hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs.

How to Fix Common Mishaps

The only way to fix a botched brow is to let it grow. But to make it less conspicuous, try one of the following camouflage techniques.

THE MISTAKE: The slant of your brows was perfect, but you plucked one row too many. Now you look both perpetually surprised and angry. THE FIX: Shade the narrow area under your arches with pencil, then cover with powder to soften the harsh points and give the brows more body.

THE MISTAKE: You concentrated too much on the outer halves of your eyebrows. Now the inner brows look thick and bulky in comparison. THE FIX: Tweeze the undersides of the bushy parts to even out the halves. If you have little hair to spare, fill in the thin outer halves with pencil, then dust with translucent powder for a natural look.