Health tips for better life

Make-up just got extended to the nails too! Nail art is the latest in thing in the fashion world, and is taking it by storm. ‘Nail art’ refers to the art of decorating the nails of a person using the various kinds of materials available in the market for the same. Today, technology has made it possible for one to flaunt the designs of one’s choice on his or her nails. Nails are now not only layers of keratin, but have evolved into the ultimate means to express one’s creativity. This article studies all about nail art from the process of its evolution to the various kinds that are in vogue today.

Previously, a manicure or pedicure, coats of nail polish and/or henna were all one could do with one’s nails. However, that is not the case now. In today’s times, the art that one can flaunt on one’s nails is limited only by one’s imagination. In other words, nails have become a vast canvas, on which one can express one’s creativity in whatever way appeals, out of the wide range of options available.

People are now trying to match their nails to the colours of the season or the colours of their dress. Nail art today is all the rage everywhere, and is the must-do for all kinds of places – schools and colleges, offices, weddings, parties, or just for at an outing with friends.

Modern nail art is believed to have its origin in Japan. Nail artists known all over the world, like Eriko Kurosaki, Junco Ogava and Michiko Matshushita, are Japanese. In ancient India, nail art in the form of designs with henna were very popular. Some Indian tribes were also very famous for their unique nail decorations.

Nail art has become very popular the world over in the last decade or so. Be it on the toes of one’s hands or one’s feet, nail art has emerged as a fashion statement. Simple nail art can be made at one’s home. There are several nail art studios that have come up all over the world, which one can visit for more elaborate and professional designs.

Commonly, nail art is understood to be painting the nails. However, in fact, nail art encompasses a wide range of alternatives, as under:

1) Painting on the nails:

Traditionally, painting the nails referred to a simple coat of nail polish. However, today, there is a large variety of designs that can be painted on the nails of a person. These designs can range from flowery and geometrical ones to highly creative, funky ones.

The process of painting the nails is an elaborate one, and gives the best results when performed by a skilled nail artist. First of all, the nails are cleaned and the dead skin and cuticles around the nails are removed. Thereafter, a base coat of paint is applied on them, usually of white colour, so as to ensure that the design shows up prettily. In some cases, if a natural look is desired, no base coat is applied. A coat of activation polish is applied on top of this, which ensures that the design dries quickly. Finally, the required design is painted on the nail. Bright colours like silver, gold, red, blue, green, and black are preferred over lighter colours.

Digital nail painting is the latest innovation in the area of nail art. It has made it possible for any kind of picture that the client wishes to be reproduced exactly on the nails. Under this process, the design is scanned into a computer. After the activation coat is applied on the nails, the client is required to put his or her hands into the machine, the design gets printed on the client’s nails in the exact reproduction of the original.

The application of a clear coat of varnish over the design ensures that it lasts for a considerable period of time.

2) Applying embellishments:

Some people have been known to decorate their nails using different kinds of embellishments. These decorations can be anything from glitter, beads, feathers, stones or flowers, and are glued on the surface of the nail. Precious or semi-precious embellishments can be made use of.

Tiny stickers are also available, which can be creatively utilized to make an attractive design on one’s nails.

Nail art can also be a combination of paint and various kinds of decorations. Paint and stickers, paint and glitter, and paint and stones are some of the most popular combinations.

3) Piercing:

Nail piercing is another form of nail art that is very popular in today’s times. It refers to the act of piercing the nail, in a fashion similar to the piercing of any other body part, and wearing a piece of jewellery in it.

Usually, small rings and other miniscule pieces of jewellery are preferred for use in a nail piercing. Wearing ghungroos is a popular fad in India in today’s times.

4) Acrylic nails:

Using acrylic nails is a perfect way of making one’s nails appear longer and more beautiful. Artificial nails made of acrylic material are stuck on the natural nails of a person, giving it a longer appearance. These nails can be smoothened and given a brush of polish, which makes it look extremely natural.

Acrylic nails hide the flaws of the natural nails of the wearer. Even if a person has chipped nails, the fact can be hidden by using acrylic nails. Modern acrylic nails are quite safe and convenient for use in day-to-day life.

To nail it down

There is no doubt about the fact that the preference and incidence of nail art is growing by leaps and bounds, in all across the globe. In spite of the rising popularity of nail art as a form of artistic expression, it still remains the women’s prerogative. It has not become as popular with men. Nail art has not remained restricted only to hip teenagers and college goers, but is being increasingly preferred by middle-aged women as well. Working women prefer nail art in sober colours and designs.

Before getting nail art done, it is necessary to choose a reputed nail art studio and nail artist to ensure that the process is completely hygienic and safe. It is also necessary to check whether all the paints, embellishments and jewellery used are in compliance with the health and safety standards laid down in the area in which the studio is located. If these few simple precautions are religiously followed, there is no reason why you cannot have your nails looking all glamorous and fashionable, and play safe and healthy too!

So, what are you waiting for? Get some fab nail art done, and then let your nails do all the talking for you.

A massive 48 percent of women claim that they are or have at one point suffered from hair loss. A recent study reveals that hair loss is linked with stress and 42% of them say that this stress is completely unavoidable. The top causes of said stress were ranked in order of the effect that they had on one’s life. Stress was the number one cases at 53%, hair loss was due to age was diagnosed for 23% of the women, 20% of women who were post birth, 13% for dieters and 17% attributed to hair styling. Many of the problems associated with hair loss are caused stress as it damages the immune system which breaks down as a result of our poor nutritional intake. Poor nutrition means dull, lifeless and brittle hair which will be prone to fall out especially where heavy amounts of styling are involved.

Stress also causes the release of chemicals which transmit messages to the follicles of the hair after which they enter the resting phase. The longer the hair remains at this resting phase the more likely the hair is to fall out.

It is tough when women start to lose their hair. Women do not have options such as Finasteride (sold as Propecia) for men because the drug is known to cause birth defects in the unborn babies of pregnant women. It is hard to imagine coping with hair loss especially as a woman. Women spend on average 600 pounds per year on the maintenance of their hair. Some types of hair loss cannot be avoided but there are some things that can help like the right kind of nutrition. It is thought sipping caffeine is good for the slowing of baldness. Over styling and harsh products are thought to be a great source of damage for hair so avoiding styling a few days per week would be preferable. Eating lean protein is good for the keratin of the hair (hair is mostly made up of this stuff). Women should not even touch Propecia or be anywhere near the drug.

Article by Salon Monaco Tampa

Most Tampa beauty and hair salons provide keratin hair treatments along with haircut, hair color, highlights and hair extensions. Not all hair salons in Tampa are truly reputable and reliable, though. You should make sure that you choose a professional salon in Tampa that is credible according to a large base of loyal clients. Keratin hair treatments after all are supposed to improve the looks and health of your hair and not damage it.

Keratin hair treatments make hair straighter by relaxing its waves and curls by as much as 50 to 80 percent. It also removes frizz and leaves hair soft, smooth, silky and shiny. Such hair is much easier to style and daily styling time can be cut by as much as 20 minutes. Results can last up to a maximum of three months. This is why keratin hair treatments are often called a long term blow dry.

There are various types of keratin hair treatment products but the proper product should not contain harsh chemicals. Keratin itself is a natural substance. As much as 88% of human hair is made of keratin. Proper keratin hair treatment should therefore be safe even for hair that has already been permed, straightened, relaxed, bleached, colored or highlighted.

Unlike other chemical straighteners that open and destroy the shafts or cuticles of hair before closing them again to achieve restructuring, keratin hair treatments coat and penetrate the hair, repairing internal damage, replenishing nutrients, reconditioning and protecting the hair from further damage. The result is added shine.

The keratin product is first applied to the hair and allowed to penetrate for the prescribed number of hours. The hair is then straightened with a flat iron. Upon leaving the salon, the client is instructed not to wet the hair for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the specific instructions on the particular product used. You are also warned not tie up your hair, put it in clips or even put it behind your ears. Any action that will bend the hair may create permanent bends because your hair strands are still very malleable for this period. Your hair will still be looking flat at this point but that is not yet its final appearance. You will only see how your hair will really look like after you have washed it and dried it. It will be a lot straighter but not as flat as otherwise straightened hair.

Keratin hair treatment wears off gradually and your hair will regain its waves and curls in a natural progression. You will not have to endure awkward periods of having stick straight hair with curly and frizzy roots. Repeating the treatment multiple times will not damage your hair but will even make it healthier.

Do not entrust your keratin hair treatments to hair salons in Tampa that have no proper testimonials. It is very important to find a reputable professional Tampa beauty and hair salon that employs genuine hair treatment professionals trained to use the proper products and tools to ensure the health and beauty of your hair. Such a salon staff will surely also be properly equipped to give you the finest haircut, hair color, highlights and hair extensions. It is crucial for every woman to identify such a salon in Tampa.