Answers and Advice From Real People

Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category

Do Pheromone Colognes Work?

April 21st, 2013 |

We get a lot of single readers here at AskDeb.com, and many of them are looking for new ways to meet members of the opposite sex (or same sex, as the case may be). Because of this, one question we’re repeatedly asked is, “Do pheromone colognes work?”

While there’s no definitive answer on the subject, we’ll do our best to examine the issue. We’ll look at some of the top-selling brands of pheromone cologne on the market, plus study the results of research conducted by scientists and news organizations.

Benefits of Pheromone Colognes

So what are the benefits of pheromone colognes? If so many brands are available, the promised results must be pretty amazing, right? Let’s take a look.

• Pheromone colognes will help you get more smiles and eye contact from members of the opposite sex.
• Pheromone colognes will help improve your business relationships.
• Pheromone colognes will earn you the respect of members of the same sex.
• Pheromone colognes will lead to a boost in self-confidence.
• Pheromone colognes will encourage the opposite sex to talk to you.
• Pheromone colognes will put the opposite sex at ease.
• Pheromone colognes will make you more sexually attractive.
• Pheromone colognes will provide a spark for you current relationship.
• Pheromone colognes will lead to more dates and more sex.
• Pheromone colognes will improve the quality of your sex life.

Keep in mind that these are the promised results; that doesn’t mean that pheromone colognes actually deliver on any of these claims.

How Pheromone Colognes Work

When asking “Do pheromone colognes work,” it’s helpful to first know how they work. This section aims to do just that.

In 1703, scientists were said to have discovered the VNO or vomeronasal organ, an organ in the nasal cavity which they believed was no longer used by humans. In recent years, however, some scientists have concluded that this organ detects pheromones, a chemical excretion which attracts members of the opposite sex.

While people naturally give off pheromones, these products claim to boost the normal amount. Pheromone colognes are also designed to replace pheromones which are washed off or covered up by clothing.

Top Pheromone Colognes

If you want to do some personal experimentation to answer the question “Do pheromone colognes work,” you might consider buying some of the product and trying it out. The following list details some of the top pheromone colognes currently available over the Internet.

• Athena Pheromones – Includes genuine pheromones and is recommended for use as an aftershave additive. A bottle of this product costs $99.99.
• Pherlure Cologne – This product claims that it has been tested at a university. A single bottle is $49.99, and two bottles are $99.99 (buy two, get one free). They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• PherX – Costs $29.95 per bottle and contains androstenone pheromone.
• Primal Instinct – Boasts the most potent concentration of pheromones on the market. Each bottle is $69.95.
• Nexus Pheromones – Offers double the concentration of pheromones. One bottle us $49.95, two bottles are $69.90, and four bottles are $129.80.
• Androstenone Pheromone “Full Strength” Concentrate – Featured in Playboy Magazine, this product costs $39.95.

Research by 20/20

To answer the question, “Do pheromone colognes work,” the television news program 20/20 conducted their own research. Two sets of twenty-something identical twins (male and female) were sent to a speed dating event. One twin received a spray of pheromone cologne, while the other received a placebo.

Each twin went on 10 dates lasting five minutes each. Afterwards, their dating partners filled out cards to indicate which people they would like to see again. Sarah (who had the pheromones) drew interest from 9 out of 10 men, while her twin, Bridget, had 5 men interested. Of the male twins, 10 out of 10 women were interested in Dave (wearing the pheromones), while 6 were interested in Paul.

Do Pheromone Colognes Work?

So do pheromone colognes work? While the above research from 20/20 might indicate that they do, keep in mind that this was only one test–hardly enough to be considered definitive.

Many scientists believe that simply knowing (or thinking) you’re wearing pheromones will lead to an increase in self-confidence. Of course, this placebo effect makes it very difficult to actually gauge the effectiveness of the product.

Ultimately, enough scientific data doesn’t exist to prove or disprove the effectiveness of pheromone colognes. The makers of the product will argue this fact, but they want to line their pockets with your money. Don’t trust any sort of “scientific” data found on their websites, as you can bet it’s slanted to their benefit.

If wearing pheromone cologne around the opposite sex seems to help, then go for it. If not, skip it and find a more effective technique. It’s just that simple.

 

How to Select Good Nail Care Products

March 19th, 2013 |

Many of our female readers like to keep their fingernails looking good. Because of this, AskDeb.com often receives questions such as, “How do I select good nail care products?”.

The fingernails are comprised of a protein known as keratin. While the nails are meant to protect the ends of our fingers, people have begun to look at them more from an aesthetic point of view over the centuries.

This has led to the art of manicuring, which is designed to care for the nails and hands. It’s recommended that basic maintenance be done on your nails at least once a week, and a manicurist should be consulted every month to six weeks. This will allow your hands and fingernails to look their best.

Nail care products have also become increasingly popular over the last several decades, leading many to ask, “How do I select good nail care products?”. While hundreds of products are available, this article will focus on a few key factors to consider when making your choice.

History of Nail Care

Before we answer the question, “How do I select good nail care products?”, let’s look at some interesting historical facts about the evolution of nail care.

• Starting around 3000 BC, Chinese royalty painted their fingernails black and red. The paint was made with a mixture of egg whites, gum Arabic, bee’s wax and gelatin.
• Babylonian noblemen used golden tools to give themselves pedicures and manicures.
• Red nail color indicated the highest social status in ancient Egypt.
• Military commanders in Rome and Egypt would sometimes paint their nails the same color as their lips before departing for war.
• In 600 BC, the Chinese royal nail colors were silver, gold and metallic. Anyone from the lower classes who wore nail polish was put to death.
• In 1800, almond-shaped fingernails were the fashion. Nails were kept short and slightly pointed.
• In 1920, nail polish was introduced to the consumer in a shade of rosy red. As per the fashion of the time, nail polish was only applied to the center of the nail.

Selecting Good Nail Care Products

Each person’s nails may respond differently to various products. For this reason, it’s suggested that you not be afraid to experiment when it come to selecting good nail care products. When you find one you really like, stick with it.

The following tips can be useful when it comes to answering the question, “How do I select good nail care products?”:

1. A base coat is an essential part of your nail product kit. Applying a base coat keeps the color of your nail polish from staining your actual fingernails. You don’t need any special brand of base coat; just make sure that it’s clear.
2. If you suffer from dry skin or live in a dry climate, cuticles can sometimes split apart and bleed. This can be prevented by keeping cuticle cream or cuticle oil in your nail care kit.
3. When you want to remove your fingernail polish, you’ll need to have acetone free nail polish remover nearby. All-natural versions of the product are now available, and they won’t dry out your skin like other brands.
4. Neutral colors such as light pink, nude and beige tend to match any outfit. Keeping neutral nail polish colors on hand is a must for proper nail care. Also make certain that the nail polish dries quickly. As a general rule, drying your nails should never take longer than 5 minutes.

 

What Are the Dangers of Lip Piercing?

February 23rd, 2013 |

What Are the Dangers of Lip Piercing?

Piercings and body modification are more popular than ever — it is now “mainstream” to have a tongue, lip, or other “alternative” piercing.

The dangers associated with lip piercings are not obvious. You rarely see someone with a new lip piercing in excruciating pain or facing the potential of infection — so it seems relatively safe. As with any piercing, tattooing, or body modification procedure, complications from getting a lip piercing can really add up and get worse over time.

If you are considering getting a lip piercing, you need to understand the potential complications. You could be doing permanent damage to your face or your mouth, especially if the procedure is done by someone with little experience or regard for health.

Why Lip Piercings?

People get their lip pierced for a variety of reasons. Some people are committed to body modification as an art form, still other people just like the way a lip piercing looks.

Lip piercings are seen as “seductive”, sexy, alluring . . . for some body modification enthusiasts, piercings and tattoos are themselves addictive. Since there is only so much modification you can do to your body, a lip piercing is a pretty common piercing. Piercings are becoming acceptable in the workplace, so people are starting to feel more free and open about their body piercings.

Because there are more lip piercings now than ever, there’s been a similar rise in the number of lip piercing complications. A lip piercing affects multiple body parts at once, from the lips and teeth to the tongue and jaw. Our mouths are intricate tools that require all parts be in perfect working order — throwing in a piercing can lead to complications in the mouth, especially if the piercing isn’t cared for properly.

Possible Lip Piercing Complications

While you may go your entire life wearing a lip piercing and experiencing no discomfort, you could also face some serious health problems due to your piercing. The more experienced your piercing artist is, the more likely you are to have a successful piercing experience. The main threats to the mouth from piercing are from erosion to the tissues of the mouth and the teeth, and infection from piercing equipment.

When a lip piercing procedure goes wrong, it goes really wrong. An inexperienced piercing artist may not do the piercing the right way and damage the tissues of the lip itself. In some cases, a person’s body may simply reject the piercing even though the piercing was performed perfectly. There are many reasons a lip piercing may go wrong.

Complications from lip piercings usually take a while to appear, sometimes even months or years after the piercing itself. Many of the dangers of lip piercing take time to develop and may show few or no symptoms along the way. The point is, you need to know the potential dangers of lip piercing to make an educated decision about having your lip pierced. If you know the potential dangers and damage to your mouth, and you still feel that your desire for this particular brand of body art outweighs the dangers, it is time to have your lip piercing done.

The various consequences of lip piercing are discussed below.

Infection

It is easy to pass infection when needles are involved. Infections after a lip piercing procedure could be caused by improperly disinfected piercing equipment, an unsterile piercing environment, or poor after care on the part of the person who got the lip piercing. Follow the piercing artist’s instructions for best results.

Nerve damage

You can cause immediate and potentially permanent nerve damage during the actual piercing if the piercing artist you’re using doesn’t know where to place the piercing.

Tooth erosion/cracking

Much of the damage caused by lip piercings has to do with your teeth and gums. If your piercing artist doesn’t locate your piercing in the precise spot it should go, the jewelry in your lip will rub against your teeth, causing the enamel to erode or crack.

Tooth decay

Once teeth begin to erode and the enamel starts to wear away, decay is just around the corner. Tooth decay eventually leads to tooth loss.

Gum erosion

Gum erosion happens when your lip piercing jewelry rubs against your gums. Gum erosion starts out as a little bit of bleeding and can turn into full on gum disease in no time.

Gum recession

The end result of gum erosion is gum recession — in recession, your gums shrink away around the spot where your jewelry rubs against it, leading to further tooth problems and even halitosis.

Tooth scrambling

When your gums start to recede, your jawbone is exposed to infection and erosion. Infection in the jaws causes teeth to loosen and eventually change position. Scrambled teeth are the first sign of gum problems, usually caused by gum erosion in the case of lip piercing complications.

Sensitive teeth

Gum recession also causes tooth sensitivity.

HIV

Potentially the scariest result of a bad lip piercing experience is the acquisition of HIV. Most piercing artists use perfectly clean tools and pierce clients in a sterile environment, but all it takes is one bad piercing decision on the part of the piercing artist to transmit HIV or another STD.

Hepatitis

Much like the risk of acquiring HIV, the risk of acquiring hepatitis from a poor lip piercing job is much higher than in the population without body piercings. Make sure your lip piercing artist is working in a sterile environment, using clean tools, and knows the proper lip piercing procedures. Check your local shop’s most recent health inspections for an idea of how clean they are.

Altering the body is everyone’s right, and piercings and tattoos as body art are now more popular than ever — but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be honest about the possible consequences of this kind of body modification. If you are a smart consumer and a self health advocate, you can protect yourself even when getting a lip or other body piercing. Keep your long-term health in mind when making decisions about body modification.

See Also:

1. How to Prevent Bruises
2. Is Tanning Bad for You?
3. Reasons to Quit Smoking
4. Best Acupuncture Books
5. Weight Loss Surgery Pros and Cons
   

How to Cut Your Own Hair

February 14th, 2013 |

For some people, going to the hairdresser to get their hair cut is a fun, enjoyable and affordable experience.

For others, getting a haircut is something they put off, because they view haircuts as needless, too expensive, they don’t like to chatter with the hairdresser or they don’t like staring in a mirror that long with nothing to distract their attention. If this sounds like you, then knowing how to cut your own hair will save you plenty of frustration.

Tips For Cutting Your Own Hair

Cutting your own hair is not the easiest thing in the world, but when mastered, doing your own haircut saves a money and is more convenient. In the following paragraphs we’ve listed some tips for cutting your own hair that should help you get started.

Hair Cutting Preparation

Cutting your own hair when it’s wet is easier than cutting dry hair. Make sure the hair you’re cutting is nicely soaked in water. It’s also a good idea to shampoo beforehand.

Brushing through your hair is important, too. An individual trying to cut his own hair should make sure it is tangle free. Cutting tangled hair is a recipe for disaster.

Simpler is Better

Cutting your own hair is best done when trying to recreate simple styles. A shaved head or a simply hair cut is much easier than trying to recreate the most stylish and intricate hairstyles of the moment.

If a person wants a nouveau stylish style, they’re best paying the extra money and going to the hair salon. A simple hair cut should be no problem, though.

Investing in a good quality shaver, or pair of sharp scissors, is always a good bet. This pays for itself after a few missed trips to the hair salon. The better quality the utensils you cut your hair with, the better haircut you get. Poor quality razors or scissors cause very uncomfortable moments where a person might even pull out their hair by accident.

Hair Cutting Tips

One tip is to start with a professional hair cut that you have paid for. After it grows to the point you want it cut again, get the scissors out yourself and cut it the same amount all around. This keeps the same style as the professional haircut you paid for earlier, but it means you don’t have to pay for another professional cut.

When cutting your hair for the first time, have a friend sit with you, to make sure you don’t do anything too drastic. Like with any skill, you’ll improve with practice. Having an extra pair of eyes your first try helps to avoid a disastrous stage, when learning how to cut your own hair.

Other related articles: How to Keep Dreadlocks Clean.

 

Where to Find Good, Discounted Perfumes?

January 30th, 2013 |

If you want to smell great but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, you might ask yourself, “Where can I find good, discounted perfumes?” The answer is actually a simple one, as numerous online businesses exist with the sole purpose of selling you top fragrances at low prices.

Top Discounted Perfume Retailers Online

Below is a list of five of the top discounted perfume retailers online. Many others exist, and I would urge you to shop around before settling on just one. This list should include discounted perfumes and cologne, discounted perfumes online, discounted perfumes and fragrances, cheap discounted perfumes and designer discounted perfumes.

Perfumes At Scentiments

While it started as a brick-and-mortar business, Scentiments has been available online since 1996. Besides women’s perfume, they also offer fragrances for men and children, as well as skin care and gift sets. You can order online or via a toll-free number, and free ground shipping is available on all orders over $75.

Discounted and clearance prices are also available on perfumes and colognes. If you’re wondering, “Where can I find good, discounted perfume?,” Scentiments.com is a great place to start.

Check out the prices on these discounted perfumes and fragrances at Scentiments.com:

• Dior Addict (1.7 oz) $49.99
• Chanel No. 5 (1.7 oz) $72.99
• Dolce & Gabbana (1.7 oz) $51.99
• Versace Woman (1.7 oz) $36.89
• Gucci by Gucci (1.7 oz) $46.99

Perfumeania Discounted Perfumes

Billing themselves as “America’s Largest Perfume Store,” Perfumania.com specializes in discounted perfumes and colognes, as well as designer discounted perfumes. They also offer cosmetics, skin care products, bath & body and gift sets. Free product samples are included with every order, and free shipping is available with purchases greater than $59.

Here are some of the discounted perfume prices offered by Perfumania.com. Compare them to the other companies listed in their article to find the online fragrance store that’s right for you.

• Dior Addict (3.4 oz) $74.99
• Crystal Noir for Women (1.7 oz) $55.49
• Dolce & Gabbana (1.7 oz) $49.99
• Versace Woman (1.7 oz) $48.99
• Gucci II for Women (1.7 oz) $51.99

Perfumes and Colognes at OverStock Perfume

Enjoy savings up to 85% on over 10,000 products. Brand name fragrances are available, as well as cologne for men, testers, miniatures and unisex fragrances. If you really want to know, “Where can I find good, discounted perfumes,” be sure and check out their clearance category for huge savings.

• Diesel Plus Plus Feminine Women Perfume (2.5 oz) $42.00
• Chanel No. 5 Women Perfume (1.7 oz) $89.99
• Dolce & Gabbana Women (1.7 oz) $84.99
• Crystal Noir Women (1.7 oz) $29.99
• Gucci Eau De Parfum 2 Women (1.7 oz) $42.50

Perfume.com Discounted Fragrances

Online since 2003, Perfume.com carries all the leading brand names and offers discounted perfumes and fragrances, and designer discounted perfumes. Customers can receive up to a 60% discount on brand names, and there’s free shipping on orders above $59. Skincare and hair care products are also available through their online store.

• Diesel Plus Plus (2.5 oz) $23.49
• Chanel No. 5 (1.7 oz) $79.99
• Dolce & Gabbana (1.7 oz) $59.99
• Versace Woman (3.4 oz) $48.99
• Gucci Addict 2 (1.7 oz) $60.99

Imitation Perfume.com

If you want to smell like you’re wearing the top designer perfumes, but you don’t want to pay those high prices, why not try an imitation perfume? At Imitation Perfume, their brand name imitations are 90% cheaper than retail, and all products are only $5.95. Here are just a few of the imitation perfumes that they offer:

• Heaven Scent (smells like Angel by Thierry Mugler)
• LaTour (smells like Chanel No. 5)
• Allusion (smells like Allure by Chanel)

 

How to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight

December 29th, 2012 |

How to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight

You’ve got a big date on Saturday–it’s Friday night and you’ve got a giant volcano of a pimple on your face. What to do?

Thankfully, you’re not the first person in the world to have to deal with a problem pimple in less than twenty-four hours. Follow this simple plan to get rid of your pimples while you snooze.

1. Wash your face with an acne soap. Use the soap of your choice, something like Clearasil. For people with really oily skin, two washes may work better. Be careful when it is time to dry your face–you want to dab the water off, not rub it. The rubbing can irritate your skin.

2. Use an ice pack on your face. You should prepare this ice pack as much in advance as you can. In fact, it is a good idea to keep one in your freezer at all times for just such an

occasion. To make your zit-zapping ice pack, you need a “zip lock” style plastic bag, a thin towel, a thin sheet of aluminum foil, and some ice cubes. Crushed ice works best because of the increased surface area, but any ice will do.

Building Your Ice Pack

Place crushed ice inside the aluminum foil and seal it very well. You “seal” the foil by pinching the edges together. This keeps the ice cold so it doesn’t all melt away. Now place this foil contraption inside the zip lock bag. You want this ice pack to be as cold as possible.

Wrap your zip lock bag/foil ice pack inside a thin hand towel. This protects your face from the ultra-cold ice pack. Place this whole thing in the freezer for a few hours before you plan on applying it for even more healing.

3. After you wash your face, place the ice pack on the specific area where the pimple is. This is a targeted attack–the foil should allow you to form the ice pack into a “mold” that can be shaped and fitted to the part of your face that is affected. Some people make a giant foil ice pack and place it on their whole face as a preventative measure against acne, but you don’t have to do this for a single problem pimple.

4. No matter how cold it feels, you need to hold the ice pack on the pimple for at least 10 minutes. There’s science behind this–your pores “freeze” and shut, forcing out oil and dirt that led to the pimple.

5. After you freeze the pimple, use a medicated cleanser like Noxzema on your entire face–this is done in case any oil from the pimple leaked out and is already forming another. Your pimple should already appear smaller.

6. Be sure to dab with a towel instead of rub your face dry.

7. Use more of your medicated acne cream of choice–the cream will absorb any excess oil that leaked out when your pores closed. It will also medicate and help your skin to heal.

8. For best results, perform this whole treatment again in four hours. Ideally, you should do this two or three times. If you want, you can keep your medicated acne cream on your face overnight to prevent the oil from building up again.

How Much Should I Weigh?

December 24th, 2012 |

How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

December 23rd, 2012 |

Tips for Black Lines and Bags Under Your Eyes

Learn how to get rid of bag under eyes, starting with the simplest remedies you can do at home, all the way to the Botox or cosmetic surgery routes. All of use deal with the effects of aging, but you can age more gracefully by taking care of your face and skin with a few tips and techniques.

Some might be harder to follow than others, but if getting rid of puffy eyes, black lines, and bags under the eyes, you should find options to help you look younger.

Swollen Face and Bags Under the Eyes

Bags under your eyes come with age, when your skin starts to lose its elasticity, and when the ligaments in the area of your face around your eyes start to weaken. Various effects cause the skin around your eyes to swell throughout the day. When this happens, you skin has to swell, too.

As aging happens and your skin loses its elasticity, as your eyes swell, your skin has to compensate by growing larger. If your skin isn’t elastic enough, you develop bags under your eyes when your eyes aren’t swollen. So many of the conditions which bring on puffy bags under the eyes have to do with what makes your eyes or face swell, while many of the remedies involve attempts to limit swelling in your face.

What Causes “Bags under the Eyes”?

Below are some of the conditions which lead to bags under the eyes. If your family has a history of swollen bags under the eyes, you are genetically more prone to this condition. Remember that those conditions below make your swelling worse, while the lack of elasticity in the skin is caused by heredity, and exacerbated with the natural aging process.

• Poor Nutrition
• Sleep Deprivation
• Alcohol Consumption
• Water Retention
• Allergies

Any of these activities or conditions can make your skin’s tendency to swell and become baggy even worse. You’re well aware that allergies can cause redness and swelling around the eyes, while anyone who’s ever had a hangover knows that water retention and alcohol consumption cause similar swelling of the face. Poor nutrition, such as eating too much salt, can also cause swelling to occur.

How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes for Men

There are plenty of products to help women attack the bags under their eyes, but what is a man with baggy eyes to do? Thanks to the “feminization” of men’s beauty products, there are plenty things that men can buy in the drugstore to combat bags under the eyes. Gone are the days when a man could wash his hair with soap and splash on a little Old Spice — men now have as many bath products to choose from as women.

Lines of skincare products made especially for men, such as Clinique Skin Care for Men, are really simple beauty products that men can use without filling their medicine cabinet with girly creams and lotions. If you don’t want to use a facial care product, men can use any method that is traditionally used by women for getting rid of bags, including cucumbers on the eyes, a frozen Q-tip rubbed directly on the bag of the eye, or even a spoon placed in the freezer to press against the eye for a few minutes in the morning.

How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes Fast

The fastest way to get rid of the dark circles under your eyes requires a little preparation. The night before a big presentation or the morning before a hot date that night, place unused teabags in the freezer. They need a few hours to get good and cold, but once they’re appropriately cold, you can simply drape the frozen tea bags on your dark circles for about ten minutes. Voila — no more bags.

How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes Naturally

The most natural way to combat the problem of dark circles under the eyes is to handle the swelling problem where it starts — in your diet. If you intake too much sodium, or don’t drink enough water, the areas under your eyes are far more likely to swell and turn dark an unattractive. If you eat a lot of salty snacks and foods during the day, consider switching to low sodium alternatives. Instead of eating a bag of chips, cut up an apple or another piece of fruit. Increase your intake of water at the same time as you limit how much salt you eat. You should drink as much water as you can stand, at least 12 glasses a day. Over time, you’ll see a lightening in the dark circles under your eyes until eventually they won’t exist at all. Simply changing the way you eat and drink is the most natural way to combat bags under the eyes.

It’s harder for someone who is aging to keep the area around their eyes from swelling, than it is to make your aging skin more supple or elastic. Keeping that in mind, let’s discuss ways to slow down or stop swelling your face. (Though there are methods to help that, too.)

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to your eyes 1 to 2 times per day for up to 15 minutes gets rid of the swelling under your eyes. This remedy only works for a few hours at a time at first. Over time, though, this limits the amount of daily stretching of your facial skin, which means the development of bags should be limited over time. Buy a cold compress mask, chill the compress, and wear it on your face for 10-15 minutes about two times per day.

The cold compress helps reduce swelling around your eyes. When the skin around your eyes don’t swell as much, this reduces daily damage to that part of the face and naturally limits the size of the bags under your eyes. Again, this is only a temporary remedy, maybe for a few hours, but making this a part of your daily routine does make a difference over time, because your skin is less damaged.

Some people will tell you to use a thinly sliced cucumber slice to cure bags under the eyes, but these tend to be better for black circles under your eyes, instead of eye bags.

Apply Chilled Green Tea Bags

Green tea contains an antioxidant known as Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This catechin works to slow the aging process on your skin. These effects are not the same in black tea (“iced tea”), because EGCG is converted into a type of polyphenol in black tea. Heating converts EGCG to gallocatechin gallate or GCG, so you must use cold or chilled green tea to help your skin.

Use this in much the same way as you would the cold compress. If the compress isn’t working, move on to green tea.

Identify Allergens

Because allergies are so often a cause of bags under the eyes, if you can identify which allergens touch off your allergies, you can reduce the bags under your eyes by avoiding those substances or conditions. Get an appointment with an allergist, who can learn which materials you are allergic to by taking skin tests. Process of elimination should finally get to the truth of your problem allergies.

Treat Your Face

Treat the bags under your eyes overnight with overnight skin treatments. Try to keep the skin on your face looking as young as possible with exfoliates and other skin care products.

Address Water Retention Issues – Limit Sodium Intake

Since water retention often leads to puffy bags under your eyes, address what causes water retention. One big way to do this is to reduce sodium intake. This is harder to do than it sounds, because so many foods have hidden sodium. Restricting the salt content in your food is a good start, though.

Water Retention – Drink Plenty of Water

Another method is to drink plenty of water. You might think drinking water is going to cause water retention, but you have to look at the underlying reason your skin cells retain water: it’s often a reflexive attempt at conservation. When you drink plenty of water, you body’s cells release the water they store, because they don’t need to conserve water. Drinking plenty of water has the added benefit of flushing impurities out of your skin cells.

Diuretics and Water Retention

Another reason cells retain water is when they take in too many diuretics. A diuretic causes the creation of urine in the kidneys, which naturally purges the body of water content. When you take in too many diuretics, your cells once again retain as much water as possible, causing puffiness and swelling. Alcohol is a diuretic, which is why people who have drank a lot tend to get puffy faces.

Eat a Proper Diet – Water Retention Tips

Eating a proper diet helps stop water retention, because there are a number of nutrients and vitamins you need to help regulate body functions. Avoid foods with monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. MSC contains too much sodium, while hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains MSG. Get plenty of B6 protein, which helps to regulate water flow in the body. Unfortunately, it might take up to 6 weeks for vitamin B-6 to help, so be patient and start today. Proper amounts of vitamin B-1 and B-5 also help.

Reduce Stress and Get Plenty of Sleep – Beauty Tips

It’s still not known exactly why getting less sleep causes black circles and bags under your eyes, but we all know this is the case. More than likely, lack of sleep causes the body to work at less than peak efficiency, so our body tends to absorb fewer essential vitamins and retain more water. Also, the body does most of its healing while asleep.

You also know that stress and worry cause bags under the eyes and premature aging. Do everything you can to reduce the stress in your life, which (I know) is easy to say and hard to accomplish.

Quit Smoking

Smoking causes the blood vessels under your eyes to appear more prominent or bluer. When you quit smoking, this should help reduce black circles and even bags under your eyes.

Don’t Rub Your Eyes

This should go without saying, but rubbing your eyes is going to cause swelling around your eyes, as blood rushes to the area. Keeping your hands out of your eye area only helps to reduce eye swelling.

Botox and Restylane Injections

One of the most effective treatments for the bags under your eyes are injecting cosmetic fillers like Botox, collagen and Restylane. These procedures get rid of the bags under your eyes for up to 6 months to a year at a time. Talk to your doctor and research thoroughly before deciding on this procedure.

Cosmetic Surgery to Get Rid of Bags

The “eye lift” is the most common form of cosmetic surgery to remove bags under the eyes. There are many surgical techniques that can help, though these are expensive and can cause problems, if you rush into the operation. Think long and hard about getting cosmetic surgery, because there is no such thing as “minor surgery”.

Also, choose a good plastic surgeon for your operation, which you should research just as thoroughly as the procedure itself. Ask for referrals. Look at “before and after” photos of former patients. Learn where this plastic surgeon got his degree, learn how long he or she trained, and learn how long the doctor has been performing this procedure (how many similar operations). Whether it’s performing plastic surgery, landing an aircraft or shooting billiards, the more a skill is practiced, the better a person is at that skill.

Tips for Getting Rid of Bags Under the Eyes

Once again, don’t rush into a cosmetic surgery. This should be a last resort, and it should be done by only the best. The last thing you want is to have the bags under your eyes become a secondary problem, because of bad plastic surgery. Usually, knowing how to get rid of bags under the eyes should help you mitigate many of these issues, without resorting to cosmetic injections and surgery.

Beauty Questions & Answers

December 13th, 2012 |

Beauty is a topic that’s often discussed by the members at AskDeb.com, and so we formed this “Beauty Questions and Answers” category. The goal of this section is provide beauty advice and beauty tips to help you get the best of
beauty products, find great locations for make up and hair and answer all your beauty related questions.

We’re always looking for more beauty questions from our readers, so if you have a
cosmetology question you’d like answered, please email us.

Cosmetology Answers and Beauty Advice

Featured Beauty Articles

Here are some of our more interesting beauty articles:

The following articles offer cosmetology tips & beauty advice provided by the AskdDeb Team. To read more about the AskDeb staff, please visit the “Who’s
Deb” section.

These cosmetology answers and beauty articles have been organized in the following categories:

• Hair Care
• Skin Care
• Nail Care
• Cosmetology and Beauty Schools
• Fragrances
• Teeth
• Tanning
• Miscellaneous Beauty

Hair Care

The wellness of hair is a topic popular to both men and women. This section consists of nine articles related to hair, its care and styling tips.

How to Cut Your Own Hair

For some people, going to the hairdresser to get their hair cut is a fun, enjoyable and affordable experience. For others, getting a haircut is something they put off, because they view haircuts as needless, too expensive, they don’t like to chatter with the hairdresser or they don’t like staring in a mirror that long with nothing to distract their attention.

How to Style Curly Hair?

For many man and women curly hair can seem like such a burden. Curly hair can often be difficult to style, cut, and not to mention that the slightest bit of humidity can make your hair frizz.

What Are Some Good Hair Care Treatments For Various Types Of Hair?

Whether you have curly hair or a dry scalp, you might be asking yourself, “What are some good hair care treatments for various types of hair?” Luckily, AskDeb.com has your answers!

What Is The Best Hair Loss Treatment?

Hair loss is a condition that afflicts about 60% of men and even about 10% or all women. It can be embarrassing and lead to problems of low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

How Do You Use Hair Straighteners?

Not everyone likes their naturally curly hair. It can get messy and tangled and is hard to upkeep. Sure some women pay big bucks to get their hair curled where it looks natural but for those that live with it everyday, sometimes you just want a different look.

How Do I Make My Hair Grow Faster?

Everyone has at some time or another had a bad haircut. You can’t wait until your hair grows back out but it seems to take forever.

Skin Care

In the following skin care articles we discuss the treatment of some common skin ailments such as pimples, stretch marks and wrinkles. We also review skin care products and provide tips to help you reduce the signs of aging.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are marks on a person’s skin that are made when the skin is stretched too far. There are a number of causes for stretch marks, including pregnancy, body building or other forms of weight gain the body might not be used to.

How Do You Conceal Pimples With Makeup?

It never fails does it? The night before the big dance, the prom, or the blind date that your nosey mother set you up on, you ended up with a big pimple. While you stare at it in horror, you then decide the best course of action would be to pop it.

Do Wrinkle Creams Really Work?

Many of our readers who are starting to show their age have written in and asked, “Do wrinkle creams really work?” Every brand of wrinkle cream claims to have some positive effect when it comes to rejuvenating your skin, but is it possible that the manufacturers would actually lie?

Nail Care

While our nail care category is still young we’ve began by reviewing some key topics including nail care products and the treatment of ingrown toenails.

How Do I Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

This article here is written purely out of experience and experience alone. I have had an ingrown toenail 3 times and each time I have had to go to the doctor to have it removed.

How Do I Select Good Nail Care Products?

Many of our female readers like to keep their fingernails looking good. Because of this, AskDeb.com often receives questions such as, “How do I select good nail care products?”.

Cosmetology and Beauty Schools

Get answers to common cosmetology questions including how to get into a cosmetology school, how to find financial aid and what to do after you graduate. We also covers the basics of beauty school, their requirements and costs.

Do Beauty Schools Offer Financial Aid?

If you’re thinking of enrolling in a cosmetology program, you should probably be asking yourself, “Do beauty schools offer financial aid?”.

How Do You Get A Degree In Cosmetology?

Readers planning on becoming cosmetologists often write in and ask, “How do you get a degree in cosmetology?” The answer is actually very simple, although the phrase “degree in cosmetology” can be somewhat misleading.

How Much Do Beauty Schools Cost?

Prior to searching for a cosmetology school, many of our readers write in and ask, “How much do beauty schools cost?”. It’s a reasonable question, especially considering the number of people who attend beauty schools each year.

Can I Attend An Online Cosmetology School?

Many of our readers have expressed an interest in becoming a cosmetologist, but they simply don’t have the time after working a job, taking care of kids, etc. That’s why many AskDeb.com readers have posed the question, “Can I attend an online cosmetology school?”.

What Can You Do With A Degree In Cosmetology?

If you’re considering enrolling in a beauty school, you might be wondering, “What can you do with a degree in cosmetology?”. This is a perfectly understandable question, as you want to make sure that you’re getting into a career field which offers diverse opportunities and an adequate revenue stream.

How Can I Get Into Beauty Schools?

A number of future hair stylists have written AskDeb.com and asked, “How can I get into beauty school?”. While colleges may have complicated requirements like the SAT, ACT and others, getting into an outstanding beauty school is simplicity itself.

What Are The Best Beauty Schools?

If you’re considering a career as a stylist, you should be asking, “What are the best beauty schools?”. When trying to answer, “What are the best beauty schools?”, it’s important to consider a number of factors.

Fragrances

A collection of guides related to the colognes, perfumes and pheromones. These articles feature advice on where to buy fragrance products and on the capabilities of certain pheromone colognes and perfumes.

Do Pheromone Colognes Work?

We get a lot of single readers here at AskDeb.com, and many of them are looking for new ways to meet members of the opposite sex (or same sex, as the case may be).

Where Can I Buy Discount Men’s Cologne?

There are few things that are as attractive to a woman as a nice-smelling man (except maybe helping out with chores around the house). Men’s cologne is different from women’s perfumes.

What Are The Differences Between Male Pheromones And Female Pheromones?

Attraction is a part of the social game we humans play. In the animal world, finding a mate is based on instinct but we have more choice in the matter.

Where Can I Find Good, Discount Perfumes?

If you want to smell great but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, you might ask yourself, “Where can I find good, discounted perfumes?” The answer is actually a simple one, as numerous online businesses exist with the sole purpose of selling you top fragrances at low prices.

Teeth

The care of teeth is an important aspect of our daily lives. As this section expands you will see articles related to tooth care, and tips for keeping teeth beautiful.

How Do You Get Whiter Teeth?

Many people write in to AskDeb.com wanting to know, “How do you get whiter teeth?” This is a common concern, as most people want to have a clean, white smile for friends and family (and members of the opposite sex).

Tanning

Information about tanning, different tanning techniques and safety while exposing your skin to sun light.

What Is Sunless Tanning?

With summer just around the corner, both men and women want to look good lounging by the pool. Sure, you can lie out in the direct sunlight to get a great tan, or you can spend time under the UV lights of a tanning bed.

How Do Tanning Pills Work?

If given the option, most people would like to have a nice golden tan. Many people, however, don’t have the time to lie under a tanning bed or soak up the sun by poolside.

Is Tanning Bad For You?

The beaches are populated with beautiful tanned bodies. They lay there all day soaking up the sun in order to get that dark bronzed look.

Miscellaneous Beauty

A section for general beauty articles that don’t closely related to one of the categories listed above.

What is Ear Gauging? How Do You Get Your Ears Gauged?

For many people body art and modification is nothing new. And as of lately, you do not hear body modification referred to as a way to “rebel” against your parents or other elders.

What Should A Girl Do To Prepare For Prom?

With the end of the school year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start getting prepared for the prom. While there are plenty of you out there that are calm and stress free about this event, there are just as many of you that freak out and pull your hair anytime someone mentions the word.

Common Beauty Questions and Answers

Beauty Tips

The following is a collection of beauty tips meant to address common problems submitted by our readers. Some of these articles feature profiles companies in the beauty industry and make up tips.

How Can I Fix My Hair Color If It’s Fading?

Your hair color might have faded due to sun exposure and or swimming in chlorine or salt water. Chemicals left in the hair (like chlorine) can really alter the color of your hair, especially when mixed with exposure to sunshine. It is important to rinse or shampoo your hair immediately after swimming in the ocean or in a pool. Hair color also fades in time. Reapply hair color as often as recommended to insure best results (refer to the instructions that come with the hair color product).

Since the damage is already done and your hair color has faded, the easiest thing to do to correct this problem would be to apply a very gentle, semi-permanent hair color in an ashy-tone (green or blue based). Choose a color that is slightly (only slightly) darker than your existing color for best coverage. Please make sure your hair is in good condition prior to applying color. It would be a good idea to trim off split ends and to give your hair a good conditioning treatment. This is the best advice I can give you without actually seeing your hair. You may also want to call the company that made the hair color product that you originally used. You can find the phone number on the box or bottle of hair color … or search for it on the internet. I hope this has been helpful.

What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Pimples?

The best thing to do is to keep your hands off of your face, don’t pick or squeeze your pimples and follow the beauty advice here. Wash your face twice a day with a mild facial cleanser. Using a clean washcloth is good too, but don’t scrub or aggravate your skin. There are some very good skin care products that in many cases can make your pimples disappear overnight (or at least have them look much better overnight, and have them heal much faster).

How Can I Correct A Home Hair Coloring Mistake?

Selecting a hair color is not as simple as it seems. Your end result will vary depending on your starting color (your hair color before using the product) and the shade you select. Here’s our beauty tip: use a semi-permanent hair color first, until you find the right shade for you.

Because the hair color you used is permanent and darker than you desired, you will have to use a lightener to “lift” the color (applying a lighter hair color over what you have now will NOT work). If you used a dark brown and it was too dark you could use something like Clairol Born Blonde to lighten your hair. If the Born Blonde lightens your hair but you still don’t like it, you can then reapply new permanent hair color over it. Your hair must be in good condition to do this (if it is damaged or over processed get professional help). You could also add highlights to your hair to break up the dark color (but this is a whole different look). Use a good conditioner too after the color process.

 

Do Wrinkle Creams Really Work?

December 13th, 2012 |

Many of our readers who are starting to show their age have written in and asked, “Do wrinkle creams really work?” Every brand of wrinkle cream claims to have some positive effect when it comes to rejuvenating your skin, but is it possible that the manufacturers would actually lie? After all, we’re talking about products which claim to have the same effects on wrinkles as expensive injections of Restalyne, Juva Derm, or Botox.

Top Wrinkle Creams

Before we investigate the question, “Do wrinkle creams really work,” let’s take a look at some of the top wrinkle creams on the market. We’ll explore their ingredients, price, and level of customer satisfaction.

• Prototype #37-C (Elldia Laboratories) – Peptides are believed to be an important component in wrinkle creams, but most only contain a 2 to 5 percent concentration. This anti-wrinkle cream contains a 99 percent concentration of peptides. Over the last several years, this product has been the highest-rated wrinkle cream by both consumers and experts. It costs $149.99 and comes with a money-back guarantee.
• Dermavexin (Dermavexin Laboratories) – This wrinkle cream uses “stem cell” technology to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. The manufacturer claims that users will notice results within the first week of use. 90 % of your wrinkles are supposed to disappear within 4 to 6 months of use. This anti-wrinkle product can be purchased online for $125.
• Regenerist (Olay) – The key ingredient in this anti-wrinkle cream is palmitoyl pentapeptide. The cost is $18 for 1.7 ounces.
• Principal Secret Reclaim Anti-Aging Night Cream – The key ingredient in this product is argireline. The price is $40 for one ounce.
• Strivectin-SD (Klein Becker) – The main ingredient in this best-selling wrinkle cream is oligopeptide palmitoyl. The price for 6 ounces is $135.
• Prevara (ENR) – This anti-wrinkle product combines moisturizing products and wrinkle treatments. It can be purchased only for a price of $29.99.
• Renuvie (Orovo) – Contains a mixture of peptides, natural oils, moisturizers, and antioxidants. The manufacturer claims that this product will brighten the skin, soften deep wrinkles and eliminate crow’s feet. For $70, you receive the wrinkle cream plus a kit with day and night anti-aging cream.
• Strivectin SD (Klein-Becker) – While trying to find a cure for stretch marks, this product was inadvertently created. It uses a blend of skin moisturizers, elesticizers and skin forming agents to eliminate wrinkles and soften the skin. Available for $135, it includes the following ingredients: deionized water, C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, sesame oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sweet almond oil, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, striadril complex, glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI copolymer, glyceryl stearate, PEG 100 stearate, cocoa butter, stearic acid, shea butter, tocopheryl acetate, mango butter, peppermint oil, methylparaben, xanthan gum, propylparaben, triethanolamine, butylene glycol, disodium EDTA, retinyl palmitate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
• Wrinkle Control Intensely Lifting Eye Gel with Revolox – The key element for this anti-wrinkle cure is acetyl hexapeptide-3. For 0.5 ounces, you‘ll have to spend $19.99.
• Wrinkle Relax by Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula – Costs $75 for 0.5 ounces and contains acetyl hexapeptide-3 and palimtoyl pentatpeptide-3.

Wrikle Cream Skepticism

So do wrinkle creams really work? Most dermatologists are skeptical; in fact, one pointed out that if wrinkle creams worked as advertised, they would be drugs and not cosmetics.

Many wrinkle creams focus on pentapeptides (peptides for short), groups of amino acids which act as chemical messengers in the human body. Researchers say that peptides help skin to heal and also to produce more collagen (which is what supports our skin and gives it a youthful appearance). Some anti-wrinkle products also contain herbs and vitamins which help combat the effects of aging.

But despite claims by many wrinkle cream producers, there is a lack of published medical studies on the topic. Until that situation changes, most in the medical community will continue to remain skeptical about the benefits of wrinkle creams.

The bottom line is this: using wrinkle creams may help to eliminate tiny wrinkles and prevent some new ones from forming, but it will not take away large wrinkles or completely block the effects of aging. If you want effective and long-lasting results on more noticeable wrinkles, you may need to look into Botox and wrinkle-filling injections.

 

How to Get Whiter Teeth

December 13th, 2012 |

Many people write in to AskDeb.com wanting to know, “How do you get whiter teeth?” This is a common concern, as most people want to have a clean, white smile for friends and family (and members of the opposite sex).

Fortunately, there are many options available for whitening your teeth. Some give faster results than others, while certain types of treatments may not work for everyone.

If you’re really serious about getting whiter teeth, you might want to consult with your dentist before beginning a teeth-whitening regimen. This is a good idea, because certain shades respond better to lightening treatment (yellow teeth are best).

In this article, we will examine a number of ways in which you may whiten your teeth. The price of these treatments varies greatly, as will their level of success. Just be patient, and don’t expect a bright smile overnight.

Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

There is a wide array of over-the-counter products teeth whitening products in the market. These usually contain hydrogen peroxide, and they are among the least-expensive treatments to use. Products using hydrogen peroxide can take longer to show results.

The following over-the-counter products are the most popular:

• Paint-on Gels – This whitening gel allows the user to paint it directly onto the teeth. While most teeth can be covered with the solution, it does tend to be a bit messy.
• Dental Tray and Gel Kit – Used daily, this method will often brighten your teeth one or two shades within a few weeks.
• Whitening Strips – These strips cover the front six teeth. To be effective, your teeth need to be straight.

Homemade Whitening Paste

Instead of shelling out money for over-the-counter products, you can also try making an inexpensive whitening paste using basic household items. To make this paste, you’ll need the following items:

• 3 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• You can also add a drop of mint flavor or bit of toothpaste to disguise the flavor.
• Small bowl or cup

Once you have your ingredients, mix the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together in a small bowl or cup. If you’re using any toothpaste or mint, you can also add it into the bowl. When it’s mixed together, it should have roughly the same consistency as toothpaste.

Next, brush your teeth with the paste, and leave it on for at least two minutes. Try to avoid swallowing any of the paste (especially if you haven’t flavored it).

When you’ve finished, brush your teeth again with regular toothpaste. This will remove the taste from your mouth and get rid of any hydrogen peroxide.

This home treatment can be used on a weekly or monthly basis. The results will be noticeable in a short period of time, but be sure not to use the mixture more than once per week.

Dentist Tray

If you use a dentist-made tray (which is kind of like a football mouthpiece), you’ll need to fill it with a gel solution and either wear it overnight or twice daily for an hour. These trays usually cost in the range of $300 to $500 and include carbamide peroxide. This gel solution is gentler on your teeth than hydrogen peroxide, and teeth can lighten up to several shades. You can also request products with fluoride to help reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.

Bonding

If you’re still wondering, “How do you get whiter teeth,” you might consider bonding as an option. Bonding is basically a resin which is placed over each tooth. This resin makes the teeth look permanently white (although they can be slightly re-stained with tobacco, wine, and coffee). The average cost of bonding is $150 to $300 per tooth.

Bleaching

For $500 to $1,000, you can undergo a 60 to 90-minute session with a light-activated bleaching formula. This formula contains around 35 percent hydrogen peroxide and can whiten teeth by up to 10 shades. One hour of this treatment equals several weeks of over-the-counter treatments.

Whitening Toothpastes

These toothpastes use a polishing agent to remove surface stains from your teeth. This is far less effective than the treatments listed above, and it can often take months before the user sees any results.

Note: Keep in mind that most whitening treatments (with the exception of bonding) aren’t permanent. You may need to get a touch-up treatment every six to 24 months. This will ensure that your smile stays at its best, and don’t be surprised if people start asking, “How do you get whiter teeth?”

 

Is Tanning Bad for You?

December 13th, 2012 |

The beaches are populated with beautiful tanned bodies. They lay there all day soaking up the sun in order to get that dark bronzed look. Just in case direct exposure for hours is not enough, they apply lotions to soak up even more of those rays for a faster tan. Tanning has been popular since way back in the 1920’s when Coco Chanel declared it the ‘in’ thing. But is it healthy? Can you take in too much sun? What are some of the side effects of too much tanning?

Why Tan?

Spending time outdoors and getting some sun has always been looked at as healthy. It’s the whole ‘fresh air and spending time in nature’ thing. Tanning is also fashionable. Celebrities show up at red carpet events looking dark and attractive. Many people view a tan as appealing and they think it makes them look better. It is all about self image and some people, no matter what the health warnings say, will do anything to maintain a golden skin tone.

Is Tanning Unhealthy?

The sun give off radiation in the form of UV rays which are what causes our skin to darken and tan. This occurs because the UV rays damage the DNA of our skin’s epidermal cells. This triggers enzymes that act to repair the damage caused by the sun.  However, sometimes these enzymes do not successfully repair the DNA and all of this sun damage can lead to minute genetic defects and mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.

Also, prolonged exposure to the sun without any skin care protection such as sunscreen, a hat, or shade, can lead to what doctors call sun poisoning. The human body cannot take too much radiation which is exactly what the sun’s rays are. If you spend all day out in direct sunlight without any sort of protection, then your body soaks up too much radiation which can make you extremely sick. Cases such as these are not common but they do happen.

What Are Some Health Issues About Tanning?

The major concern about tanning is that it canlead to cancer. Melanoma is the number one form of deadly skin cancer which is caused by over-exposure to the sun. Every year, there are more than one million new cases of skin cancer in the United States alone. While some of these cases may not be life threatening, they can still lead to disfigurement and prolonged health problems.

Tanning also ages the skin prematurely. Repeated unprotected exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots that may look similar to freckles but are actually damaged skin. If you continuously tan, even with protection, you will end up looking a lot older than you really are.

Is Using A Tanning Bed Bad For You?

At one time people thought that tanning beds were safer than tanning under natural sunlight because tanning beds only used UVA rays and only in safe doses. Now, after several studies that have reached the same conclusion, we know that tanning beds are more dangerous that the sun. Research has proven that UVA rays are actually a carcinogen and that they penetrate deeper than other UV rays. So the damage that they can cause can go past the skin and into your tissue underneath. Also, the usage of tanning beds can be abused. People have been known to stay in them far longer than the allotted time and the UVA rays exceed the safe limits.

Alternatives To Natural Tanning

Now, after all of this information, there will still be some of you out there who say “I don’t care. I want that bronzed look”. Some people just like the way their skin looks when it is darker than their natural tone. Well, lucky for you there are skin care products out there than can give you the look of a tan without exposing yourself to anything harmful. There are self-tanning lotions and creams that work by temporarily tinting the color of your skin. You can apply them yourself or get someone to help you reach areas that might be difficult to reach on your own. You have to be careful with some of these because they can cause streaking or lines or even give you an orange look. There are also spray tans which are very popular right now. These are preferred over lotions because they can be applied more evenly and you don’t get it all over your hands. Whichever type you use, it will wear off after awhile so you will need to reapply it before you go out somewhere like a party or a date.

 

What Is Sunless Tanning?

December 13th, 2012 |

With summer just around the corner, both men and women want to look good lounging by the pool. Sure, you can lie out in the direct sunlight to get a great tan, or you can spend time under the UV lights of a tanning bed. There’s also a third option: getting a bronze glow through something called “sunless tanning.”

So what is sunless tanning? Well, the term usually refers to the process of putting chemicals on your skin in order to make it appear as if it had a natural tan (although other ways do exist). Sunless tanning is also known as UV-free tanning or self-tanning.

Nobody asked “What is sunless tanning,” prior to the 1960s, as this was when the first sunless tanning methods were developed. Since that time, more and more types of sunless tanning products have appeared on the market.

Below, we’ll take a look at the various types of sunless tanning products. We’ll examine the ingredients contained within, plus we’ll also look at any possible drawbacks or consumer complaints.

Temporary Bronzers

If you’re only looking for a one-day tan, you might be interested in the temporary bronzers. They are available in lotions, powders, sprays, gels and moisturizers.

When these products are applied to the skin, they create an artificial tan which can later be completely removed with soap and water. Some of these products also have the ability to resist light amounts of sweat or water. This means you can lounge by the pool and not worry about sweating away your temporary tan.

If you’re going to be wearing tight-fitting clothes over your temporary bronzer, please remember that some of the product may rub off onto your clothing. For this reason, dark clothes work best, and light clothing should always be avoided.

Tanning Products Containing Canthaxanthin

If you’re wondering “What is sunless tanning,” you should be aware of products containing an ingredient called canthaxanthin. This ingredient is most commonly used as a color additive in certain foods, but it can be also added to a tanning pill for the purposes of temporarily bronzing your skin.

After swallowing the tanning pill, canthaxanthin goes throughout the body. By settling in the layer of fat below the skin, it gives your skin the appearance of being tanned.

Keep in mind that the FDA does not approve canthaxanthin as a tanning agent; in fact, the FDA has issued warnings related to its use. This is partially due to side effects including hepatitis, damage to the digestive system, and damage to the surface of the skin. Another possible side effect is canthaxanthin retinopathy, a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye.

Tanning Products Containing DHA

Products containing dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA) are considered by many experts to be the most effective for sunless tanning. Unlike other self-tanning products, DHA does not stain your skin; instead, it causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids contained on the dead layer of surface skin.

This type of tan will fade within 3 to 10 days. Products containing DHA are available in wipes, sprays, gels, lotions and mousses. Once the product has been fully absorbed by the body (usually in one to six hours), the user can go swimming without losing the tan.

In some cases, DHA can cause contact dermatitis on the skin of the user. It is therefore recommended that first-time users apply the product onto a small part of their body and wait 24 hours for any possible side effects.

In addition to the kits for home application, products containing DHA may also be applied at gyms, spas and salons. This application may take the form of a booth which sprays the solution all over the body of the client.

Other options include having the tan sprayed on by an airbrush or spray gun. These devices are usually portable, and clients can have the solution applied at their local mall or in kiosks near the beach. Airbrush kits can also be purchased which allow the client to self-apply the tanning solution.

DHA is considered nontoxic, and it has been approved for cosmetic use by the FDA. It has also been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, and the Skin Cancer Organization.

Tanning Products Containing Tyrosine

The amino acid Tyrosine is contained in lotions or pills and used to stimulate the formation of melanin. These tanning accelerators require exposure to UV rays in order to work properly.

 

How Do Tanning Pills Work?

December 13th, 2012 |

If given the option, most people would like to have a nice golden tan. Many people, however, don’t have the time to lie under a tanning bed or soak up the sun by poolside. That’s why large numbers of consumers turn to tanning pills.

Of course, this leads to the question, “How do tanning pills work?” We’ll answer that question in this article and also take a closer look at different types of tanning pills and their effectiveness.

Most Tanning Pills Don’t Work. Tanning Pills That DO Work Can Endanger
Your Health. So Order Some Sunless Tanning Lotion Instead Here.

How Tanning Pills Work

Answering the question “How do tanning pills work” is actually fairly simple. The most common tanning pills contain a pigment known as canthaxanthin. This pigment is primarily used as a color additive in foods, but it can also cause the skin to change color if used in high enough doses.

When canthaxanthin is ingested into the body, it is deposited into the fat layers just under the skin, and internal organs such as the brain and liver. As the ingredient is absorbed into the skin, it turns an orange-brown color, giving the appearance of the user having a golden tan.

Dangers of Tanning Pills

Now that I’ve answered, “How do tanning pills work,” it’s my responsibility to warn the reader about the possible dangers of tanning pills. Since deposits of canthaxanthin also reach the brain, liver and other internal organs, tanning pills have been linked to a number of side effects. These include hepatitis, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and canthaxanthin retinopathy (a formation of yellow deposits around the retina of the eye).

Different Types of Tanning Tablets

In order to better understand how tanning pills work, let’s look at three different types of tanning pills: Mayan Secrets, EluSun and Deep Tan. Each uses a different method to help the customer achieve a deep tan (assuming that the product actually works in the first place).

EluSun Tanning Pills

EluSun tanning pills contain caretenoid pigments, and the ingredient known as canthaxanthin is one of these. Other caretenoids include beta carotene and lycopene. These are the same substances used to color foods such as shrimp and carrots. These pills are banned in the United States, as the FDA has deemed them dangerous. Of course, they can still be obtained via the Internet.

Users of EluSun tanning pill have no control over where the deposits of pigment end up, so they may find themselves with splotchy discolorations or odd stripes. The fat around feet and hands may also turn a bright orange color and remain that way for an extended time.

The pigment will also cause discoloration of bodily waste, resulting in red or orange urine, feces and tears. This can be quite alarming to the unprepared user and result in unnecessary medical bills.

Mayan Secrets Tanning Pills

Another popular brand of tanning pill is the one known as Mayan Secrets. This pill is supposed to aid in the body’s production of melanin (which causes a tan). However, the product does not list all of its ingredients, nor does it state that the product has not been approved by the FDA (which is required by law). One ingredient contained in Mayan Secrets is a substance which produces vomiting (Loeselia Mexicana).

Deep Tan Tanning Pills

According to the manufacturers of this pill, you can get a tan without any exposure to the sun. This is especially appealing to those who have trouble tanning (such as those with very fair skin). Unfortunately, Deep Tan contains both lycopene and beta carotene (which are both dangerous caretenoids). The rest of the ingredients are so common that any average diet would include them on a daily basis. In other words, Deep Tan is a scam which doesn’t work.

A Final Word on Tanning Pills that Work

The only tanning pills which actually work are those which cause the fat deposits under your skin to change color. While this may give you the appearance of a tan, it is also dangerous and can lead to long-term health issues. Also keep in mind that none of these products are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

If you really want a golden tan, the best option is to get a spray-on version. You might also want to consider going to a tanning bed or doing it the old-fashioned way. Just be sure and cross tanning pills off your list of
sunless tanning options.

Most Tanning Pills Don’t Work. Tanning Pills That DO Work Can Endanger
Your Health. So Order Some Sunless Tanning Lotion Instead Here.

 

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

December 13th, 2012 |

Stretch marks are marks on a person’s skin that are made when the skin is stretched too far. There are a number of causes for stretch marks, including pregnancy, body building or other forms of weight gain the body might not be used to. In the next few passages we will provide you with some tips and advice on how to get rid of stretch marks.

Why Do Stetch Marks Happen?

The human epidermal layer, called the skin, is elastic enough that it allows us to flex muscles and even increase our bulk without stretch marks. Stretch marks occur because the bodies’ skin isn’t elastic enough to cope with extreme growth of the persons body. Many of these treatments get rid of stretch marks by making the skin more elastic.

Stretch marks are rarely permanent. In fact, if a person leaves mild stretch marks long enough, without any growth, the marks disappear over time. The epidermis simply expands enough to accommodate changes in our size.

This is a process that some people don’t want to wait for, of course, since any discolored marks on the human body are seen as flaws or imperfections. For this reason, there are a number of treatments a person with stretch marks can try.

Is Retin-A Good for Stretch Marks?

Retin-A has been shown to reduce stretch marks by scientific studies carried out in 1996. Retin-A must be prescribed by a doctor, in most cases. In some counties, though, Retin-A is available over the counter.

People who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use this cream because the chemicals have been known to be passed on to a child.

Non-Prescribed Ways to Remove Stretch Marks

Depending how deep a stretch mark is, a sufferer can try exfoliating the skin. Overtime this methods helps to remove stretch mark signs by lifting dead skin on top of the marks and encouraging new skin to grow underneath. People tend to use baking soda or oat meal in homemade exfoliation formulas.

To remove stretch mark appearance from your skin, a number of “off the shelf” solutions exist. One of these tends to work just as well as the others, so choice is determined by simple preference.

Treatments for Stretch Marks

If the stretch marks are particularly deep, more drastic approaches may be necessary. Treatments for stretch marks include laser therapy and skin grafts. These are really a last resort, since the processes are quite expensive and mildly painful.

Both treatments for stretch marks are medical operations, but I would suggest the laser procedure before attempting skin grafts. A skin graft is grafting skin patches from some other part of your body, and this is a procedure that should only be contemplated under dire circumstances.

These more extreme methods have been reported widely to vastly improve the look of stretch marks. However, keep in mind that most insurance companies are going to view laser treatment to be an elective procedure, and they might not cover the expenses. Check with your insurance provider before agreeing to medical procedures for your stretch marks.

Contact Your General Practitioner

If someone is really concerned about the stretch marks that they have, contact your local GP for advice. It’s important to remember that stretch marks aren’t rare. Even when stretching doesn’t go away, many people go their whole life without ever bothering to treat them, because stretch marks present no danger to person’s health.

 

How to Get into Beauty School

December 13th, 2012 |

A number of future hair stylists have written AskDeb.com and asked, “How can I get into beauty school?”. While colleges may have complicated requirements like the SAT, ACT and others, getting into an outstanding beauty school is simplicity itself.

Can I Afford Beauty School?

Before choosing a specific beauty college, always make sure that you know how much beauty schools cost. Next to, “How can I get into beauty school”?, this is one of the most important questions that you can ask.

Hair stylist programs at quality school often range from $10,000 to $15,000, while less is charged for those studying Esthetic and Nail programs. If you’re attending a New York beauty school, Chicago beauty school or Los Angeles beauty school, the cost of tuition may be even higher. However, there are institutions that offer beauty school financial aid.

If you (or your parents) can’t afford to put you through beauty school, you should take advantage of available scholarships. Over $3 million is available for cosmetology students, and even a partial scholarship can have a great impact on your bank account.

Beauty School Requirements By State

In most cases, a beauty school will accept any student who can (a) pay the tuition and (b) qualify for a cosmetology license. To qualify for a cosmetology license, you must meet requirements for the state in which the beauty school is located.

These requirements vary from state to state, but they often include a minimum age and fixed level of education. When it comes to answering the question, “How can I get into beauty school?”, the following information is absolutely critical.

• Alabama – A beauty school applicant must have completed at least the 10th grade.
• Alaska - The are no requirements to enter beauty school. If you can afford it, then you can attend.
• Arizona – Must be at least 23 years old or have completed two years of high school.
• Arkansas – Applicant must be at least 16 and have completed two years of high school.
• California – Must be 17 years old and have completed two years of high school.
• Colorado – Must be at least 16 years old to apply for a beauty school.
• Connecticut – Must have completed the 8th grade.
• Delaware – Must have completed the 10th grade.
• Florida – Must have completed high school, attained a GED, or be at least 16.
• Georgia – Must be at least 16 and have completed the 9th grade.
• Hawaii – Must be at least 16 and either completed high school or attained a GED.
• Idaho – Must be at least 16 ½ years old with two years of high school completed.
• Illinois – Must be at least 16 and completed the 8th grade.
• Indiana – Must be at least 16 and have completed the 10th grade.
• Iowa – Applicant must have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Kansas – If you have a high school diploma, you must be at least 17. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you must be at least 25.
• Kentucky – Must be 16 and have completed two years of high school.
• Louisiana – Must be at least 16 and finished the 10th grade.
• Maine – Must be 17 and have completed the 10th grade.
• Maryland – Must complete the 9th grade and be at least 17.
• Massachusetts – Must be 16 and have completed the 8th grade.
• Michigan – Must complete the 9th grade and be at least 17.
• Minnesota – Need to have graduated high school or attained a GED.
• Mississippi – Need a high school diploma or GED and must be 17.
• Missouri – Must have completed 10th grade and be at least 17.
• Montana – Need a high school diploma or GED.
• Nebraska – Need a 10th grade education and must be 17.
• Nevada – Complete the 10th grade and be at least 18.
• New Hampshire – Need a high school diploma or GED.
• New Jersey – Must be 17 and have a high school diploma or GED.
• New Mexico – Must be 17 and have completed 2 years of high school.
• New York – Must be 17 years of age.
• North Carolina – There are no minimum requirements.
• North Dakota – Need a high school diploma or GED.
• Ohio – Must be 16 and have completed the 10th grade.
• Oklahoma – Must be 16 and have finished the 8th grade.
• Oregon – There are no minimum requirements.
• Pennsylvania – Must have completed the 10th grade.
• Rhode Island – Must be 18 and have GED or high school diploma.
• South Carolina – Must be 16 and have finished the 10th grade.
• South Dakota – Must be 18 and have either a high school diploma or GED.
• Tennessee – Must be at least 16.
• Texas – Must be at least 17 and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Utah – No minimum requirements.
• Vermont – Must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Virginia – No minimum requirement.
• Washington – Minimum age requirement is 17.
• West Virginia – Must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Wisconsin – Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Wyoming – Must be at least 16 and have completed 10th grade.

 

Do Beauty Schools Offer Financial Aid?

December 13th, 2012 |

If you’re thinking of enrolling in a cosmetology program, you should probably be asking yourself, “Do beauty schools offer financial aid?”. While cosmetology schools aren’t as expensive as a four-year university, many people still have trouble coming up with several thousand dollars.

Beauty School Scholarships

Cosmetology schools in smaller cities may cost in the $6,000 range. Larger and more prestigious beauty schools, however, can cost in the range of $20,000. Regardless of which type you’re considering, a number of financial aid programs exists to assist you. These range from federal grants to beauty school scholarships set up specifically for cosmetology students.

Beauty School Grants & Loans

The following information not only answers the question, “Do beauty schools offer financial aid,” but it also details a number of options for the cosmetology student. To find application forms for various beauty school scholarships, simply perform an Internet search. Also keep in mind that a school must be accredited in order for students to be eligible for beauty school grants & loans from the federal government.

• Federal Work-Study – In this program, the student holds a part-time job in order to earn money for their education in the cosmetology field. The amount of money awarded to a student can be influenced by a number of factors. These include: the financial needs of the student, the funding level of the particular beauty school and the time of year in which the student applies.
• ACE Grant – These grants for cosmetology students are offered by the American Association of Cosmetology Students. They represent the first industry-wide push to ensure that highly qualified and motivated students have the necessary funding to obtain their cosmetology degree.
• Federal Pell Grant – Any student who is enrolled in an undergraduate program is eligible for this grant. These grants do not have to be repaid, and they are awarded based on the following factors: enrollment status, cost of attendance and family contribution.
• Federal Perkins Loan – Undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students are eligible for loan which must be paid off within 10 years. Undergraduate students can borrow up to $4,000 per year, for a total of $20,000.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – This grant provides cosmetology students (among others) with anywhere from $100 to $4,000 annually. This grant does not have to be repaid.
• National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers / Distributors and Associations Esthetician Scholarship – Esthetician students who are attending an AACS school are eligible for this scholarship. Multiple $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
• Sports Clip Scholarship – Cosmetology students who attend an AACS school are eligible for this beauty school scholarship. 25 of these $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. Only one cosmetology student from each school will be chosen to receive this annual scholarship.
• Diamond Beauty Products Scholarship – When asking, “Do beauty schools offer financial aid,” don’t forget about this annual cosmetology scholarship. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded, and the recipients must attend an AACS member school.
• Massage Magazine – For students enrolled in a massage therapy program, five of these $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
• OPI Scholarships – Thirty $500 scholarships are awarded annually to cosmetology students or nail technicians enrolled in an AACA school. To be eligible, students must complete an essay and have an industry recommendation.
• Pat Goins Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship counts towards tuition, and five $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to students of AACS schools.
• Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts Makeup Scholarship – Six $1,100 scholarships are offered annually to the 6-week Master Makeup Course at the Westmore Academy. Six $1,300 scholarships are also offered annually for the 12-week Makeup for Motion Picture & Television Beauty, Character & Effects Course.
• The Spa Foundation Scholarship – Students pursuing a career in the spa industry will be eligible for up to $9,000 in scholarships. The amount of each scholarship is based on the annual donations received by The Spa Foundation.
• American Specialty Health Scholarships – Twelve scholarships are offered annually to students who are studying various fields of complementary health. Message therapy students are also eligible.

 

How Much Do Beauty Schools Cost?

December 13th, 2012 |

Prior to searching for a cosmetology school, many of our readers write in and ask, “How much do
beauty schools cost?”. It’s a reasonable question, especially considering the number of people who attend beauty schools each year. According to a study in 2003, more than 1,600,000 professionals were working in barber shops, nail salons, beauty salons and skin care salons.

Cost of Beauty School
- How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

Since the question in this article was “How much do beauty schools cost,” let’s address that right away. The cost of a beauty school often depends on the location. For example, schools located in major cities may cost as much as $10,000 or $20,000, while smaller schools may only be $2,000 to $6,000.

By way of comparison, vocational and technical schools can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000. It all depends on the type of course being taken and the length of the studies.

Both of these pale in comparison to the yearly cost of a four-year university. The average cost for a public college is $16,357 per year, while a private college will set you back $33,301 annually. If you’re attending a public college as an out-of-state student, expect to pay around $10,000 above average.

Salary of a Cosmetologist

Now that we know the answer to “How much do beauty schools cost,” let’s take a look at how much a cosmetologist can expect to make each year. There are three ways a beautician can earn their paycheck:

• Hourly Wage – Cosmetologists receive a fixed hourly wage per hour, but they’re also eligible to earn tips from clients. This system is used in many small chains of beauty shops, and tips often comprise a large part of the cosmetologist’s actual income. Here’s a rough guide to the expected hourly wage of a cosmetologist:
  • Less than 1 year $8.07 per hour
  • 1 to 4 years $8.35 per hour
  • 5 to 9 years $10.11 per hour
  • 10 to 19 years $11.79 per hour
  • 20 + years $12.50 per hour
• Booth Rental – For a monthly fee, the cosmetologist can rent space in a salon. The cosmetologist must provide their own products, and they are considered self-employed.
• Commission – The salon pays for water, products, lights and rent, and the remaining profits are split between the cosmetologist. A commission may also be given to cosmetologists who sell styling products. A cosmetologist working on commission is often considered self-employed.

On average, a cosmetologist cannot expect to make more than $50,000 per year. The average salary is closer to the $25,000 range.

Financial Aid for Cosmetology Students

Beauty schools do offer financial aid for their students, as long as they are accredited. Scholarships are also available. Here are some of the financial aid options available to cosmetology students:

• Federal Work-Study – In this program, the student holds a part-time job in order to earn money for their education in the cosmetology field.
• ACE Grant – These grants for cosmetology students are offered by the American Association of Cosmetology Students.
• Federal Pell Grant – Any student who is enrolled in an undergraduate program is eligible for this grant.
• Federal Perkins Loan – Undergraduate, graduate and professional degree students are eligible for this loan which must be paid off within 10 years.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – This grant provides cosmetology students (among others) with anywhere from $100 to $4,000 annually.
• National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers / Distributors and Associations Esthetician Scholarship – Esthetician students who are attending an AACS school are eligible for this scholarship.
• Sports Clip Scholarship – Cosmetology students who attend an AACS school are eligible for this beauty school scholarship.
• Pat Goins Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship counts towards tuition, and five $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to students of AACS schools.
• Diamond Beauty Products Scholarship – Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded, and the recipients must attend an AACS member school.
• OPI Scholarships – Thirty $500 scholarships are awarded annually to cosmetology students or nail technicians enrolled in an AACA school.

Cost of a Beautician’s Equipment

Professional cosmetologists must also pay for the cost of their equipment. While the salon will provide fixtures such as drying chairs and barber chairs, items such as clippers, gels, hairspray and shears must be purchased by the beautician. Some rough estimates for products include:

• $289 for two pairs of shears. This item can also be purchased individually for less than $100.
• A hair razor costs around $39.
• Hair clippers are usually $100 or more.
• A moustache and beard trimmer is around $59.

 

What Are the Best Beauty Schools?

December 13th, 2012 |

If you’re considering a career as a stylist, you should be asking, “What are the best beauty schools?”. Knowing this answer could mean the difference between getting an average job as a beautician or working in a fast-paced salon where trends are created and defined.

What Factors Make a Good Beauty School

When trying to answer, “What are the best beauty schools?”, it’s important to consider the factors that make a good beauty school. These include:

• Cost – How much does the tuition of the beauty school cost?
• Location – Is the beauty school located nearby, or will you have to move?
• Credentials – Will graduating from the school look good on your resume? Make sure that the beauty school you’re interested in is highly rated by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (the NACCAS) and offers a cosmetology degree.
• License – Is the school licensed by your state board of cosmetology? You can learn the answer by writing to your state board or visiting their website. Be sure to check for licensing suspensions or any other complaints.

Summary of Cosmetology Beauty Schools

Once you’ve compiled the above information, you’ll be ready to look over your list and decide the best beauty school for you. We’ve also done a general search, and the following summary of cosmetology schools appear to meet the requirements which most cosmetology students might be looking for. Just remember, researching a beauty school before enrolling is just as important as researching a prospective college.

1. Arrojo Cosmetology School – Located in New York City, it is currently regarded as one of the most prestigious beauty schools in the United States. It is owned by Nick Arrojo, who has starred on TLC’s hit show, What Not To Wear.

Students learn the same techniques used by Arrojo, and upon graduation they’ll have an opportunity to apply for a job with Arrojo’s salon team. If you’re looking for a chance to work in the upper levels of fashion, then the Arrojo Cosmetology School may be for you.

2. Empire Education Group – Each year, over 8,000 students graduate from schools owned by the Empire Education Group. In total, they have 86 schools spread out across 18 different U.S. states. Available programs include: Esthetics, Nail technology, Cosmetology, Hairstyling, Massage, and Teacher of Cosmetology. Some of the Empire Education Group schools include:

• A Cut Above (Indiana)
• Arthur Angelo (Rhode Island)
• Artistic Beauty Colleges (Arizona and Colorado)
• Blaine the Schools (Massachusetts)
• Chic University of Cosmetology (Michigan)
• Concorde Academy (New Jersey)
• Empire Beauty Schools (Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia)
• European Academy (New Jersey)
• The Hair Design School (Kentucky)
• Martin’s College of Cosmetology (Wisconsin)
• National Motion Institute (New Jersey)
• Pierre’s School of Cosmetology (Maine)
• Scot Lewis Schools (Minnesota)

3. Aveda Institutes – 30 Aveda Institutes are located across 21 U.S. states. One of the country’s most prestigious beauty schools, its students were awarded 35 of the 100 Beacon Awards in 2007 (given to graduates who show particular promise). Programs include: Massage and Day Spa, Cosmetology, Nail Technology, and Esthetology.

4. Ogle School of Hair, Skin and Nails – When someone asks me, “What are the best beauty schools?”, I always make a point to include Ogle on the list. Founded by Shelton Ogle in 1973, four schools are located in Texas. Students can study in the following areas: Esthetology, Cosmetology, and Student Instructor Training.

5. Regency Beauty Schools – Always expanding, Regency Beauty Schools have 46 facilities in 12 U.S. states. All students receive the same quality training in nail, hair and skin care, regardless of which school they attend. This allows Regency Beauty Schools to maintain consistent quality from one beauty school to the next.

6. Paul Mitchell Schools – Affiliated with Paul Mitchell salons, this chain of beauty schools has been around for over two decades. 10 facilities are located in California, while another 50 beauty schools are spread across 25 states. Student programs include: Nails, Skin and Basic Cosmetology.

 

How to Prepare for Prom (for Girls)

December 13th, 2012 |

With the end of the school year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start getting prepared for the prom. While there are plenty of you out there that are calm and stress free about this event, there are just as many of you that freak out and pull your hear anytime someone mentions the word. So what can you do to make the prom easier on yourself? Prepare. And prepare some more. Preparation is key to ensure your prom is the most fun and memorable night that you and your friends will have. We would like to take some of the burden of your shoulders and offer some suggestions on finding the right dress, preparing your makeup and hair, and finding the right shoes and accessories.

The Prom Dress

This is the single most important item for your prom night as it sets the tone for the rest of your ensemble. The biggest piece of advice that can be offered here is to buy your dress in advance. Prom starts for everyone around the same time of the year, so you will have more to choose from if you start looking at the beginning of April. When choosing a dress it is important to remember that it will look the best when it compliments your body type, skin and hair tone, and you are comfortable wearing it. There is no need to buy something that you can hardly breathe in when wearing it, much less move. You should also consider buying a dress you can wear more than once if possible. For 2009 there are many styles and colors of dresses that are “in.” Bright colors such as orange and yellow are popular as well as features like sequins, feathers, and lace. Be sure to try the dress on and walk around in it. You will want to do this frequently, say every couple weeks leading up to the prom.

Hair and Makeup

Honestly, it would be very unwise for you to decide to dye your hair the night before the prom, hopefully for obvious reasons. Any experiments whether it is your hair, makeup, or tanning should be done at least a month ahead of time so you can fix or adjust anything that is needed. For those seeking professional help, it is very important to plan ahead. Much like buying your dress, everyone is scheduling to get their hair and nails done at the same time. Beat the crowd by scheduling ahead and confirming your appointment at least once if not twice before you actually go in. If you are on a budget, have a good friend come over a couple weeks in advance and try a couple styles so that you can pick the one you like best. That way you do not run into any surprises the day of the prom.

Treat makeup the same way as your hair. Schedule all appointments in advance and confirm. Make sure you try on different shades of makeup, preferably while wearing your dress. You want to find a color that compliments your skin tone and highlights your dress, not steal the show. The saying “less is more” has never been more true than tonight! If you are doing your own hair and makeup be sure to do a couple trial runs first. This is to make sure everything looks good and will compliment you perfectly as well as catch any flaws you may not like. Doing this will make the night of the prom a breeze as you have practiced and perfected your look.

Prom Shoes & Prom Accessories

Although shoes are at the bottom of your body and the bottom of this list, do not let it sit at the bottom of your list of priorities. Your shoes will not only have to compliment your dress, but your feet as well. And you will be dancing if not standing for several hours. When trying on shoes, take a walk around the store and wear them for a bit. Do the same thing at home as well when trying on your dress. Try them on and walk in them for an extended period of time to make sure it does not hurt to wear them. And per the trend we started earlier, prepare and buy them in advance. Give yourself time to take them back and start the process over again if needed.

As far as accessories are concerned, treat them in the same manner as makeup. Wear only the amount needed to achieve the look you are after. And if you are borrowing them, be sure to ask a couple weeks in advance so you can try them on with your whole outfit.

Now Have Fun

While getting ready for prom can seem like a stressful event, it really can be easy if you prepare in advance. The idea of the prom is ultimately one last “hurrah” before the end of the school year with your date and closest friends. Do not let something as simple as a dress or hair style ruin that. We hope that in some way our suggestions on dresses, hair and makeup, and shoes and accessories have made the path to your prom that much easier. Enjoy!

How to Conceal Pimples with Makeup?

December 13th, 2012 |

It never fails does it? The night before the big dance, the prom, or the blind date that your nosey mother set you up on, you ended up with a big pimple. While you stare at it in horror, you then decide the best course of action would be to pop it. You grab the tweezers or maybe you can pop it with your fingernails. Popping the pimple would make it go away, right?

Wrong! In fact if you pop that pimple not only will you have a mess of blood and pus to clean up, but it will irritate your skin even worse and in fact cause you to have more pimples. This of course only works against what you are trying to achieve. Not to mention the fact that you will have a scab and possibly even worse, a scar. So is there a way for women, and yes men too, to hide their pimples?

Using Makeup to Hide Pimples

First and foremost, you need to be sure that the area you are trying to cover is clean and free of any dirt or oil. Not only will it make the application easier, but you will prevent further irritation. You will want to use a concealer and will want to make sure that it is:

• Oil Free
• High Quality
• Does not plug pores
• Matches skin tone
• Green or yellow undertone which will offset the redness

Applying Makeup to Conceal Blemishes

Next time you need help applying makeup to conceal blemishes try following these tips:

• Apply an oil free foundation
• Apply concealer with clean fingertips, clean sponge, makeup brush, or cotton swab.
• Let the concealer dry, then use powder to set and blend with your skin.
• Men can use a concealer stick or a “Men Pen” which is designed for a man’s skin

Some other tips would be too disguise the pimple as a beauty mark. You can do this using a beauty mark sticker or using a eye liner pencil. It is important to know that if you use a pencil though that you will want it freshly sharpened and it is still possible to irritate the skin. You can also try a cover stick, which is just a stick version of concealer. The most important factor is to find a concealer with a similar skin tone so that the pimple or irritated area does not stick out from you trying to fix it. Some old “wives tales” would be to try toothpaste until the pimple is gone. If using the “paste” form of toothpaste it should cause the pimple to dry out and after a day or two be gone completely. Ice can also help by bringing down the swelling.

Skin Care

Although pimples can not be 100% avoided, they can be prevented by proper skin care. It is important to wash your face daily and even more so after events that cause you to sweat. You will want to make sure that you touch your face as little as possible and when you do, your hands are clean. A proper diet and lots of water can also help with the prevention of pimples. If you use our suggestions above you be able to properly disguise your pimples if not be rid of them almost completely.

 

What Are the Differences between Male Pheromones and Female Pheromones?

December 13th, 2012 |

Attraction is a part of the social game we humans play. In the animal world, finding a mate is based on instinct but we have more choice in the matter. Still, there are many processes that our body goes through when trying to find a mate. As humans we rely on body language and verbal clues as signs of attraction. These signs help to attract potential mates. They trigger the areas of the brain that control impulses such as sexual drive, feelings of desire, and the need for reproduction. All of our senses, such as sight, touch, taste, and smell are controlled by the brain.

One of the key elements that stimulates our brains in order to attract a mate is a
hormone known as pheromones. These hormones are found all throughout the animal world and help to influence sexual behavior. Humans are no exception. Everyone, both men and women, create pheromones to some degree (some more than others). So what are pheromones? How are they produced? Is there a difference between male and female pheromones.?

What Are Pheromones

Pheromones are invisible, odorless chemicals that are secreted through our skin with sweat and other bodily fluids. The purpose of pheromones is to induce either a biological or behavioral response in other people. Mammals and other animals have long been known to secrete pheromones as natural sexual attractants. Pheromones can cause such things as aggression or the desire to mate in most animals. They have also been known to change the hormone levels in others. These behavior-altering hormones are the driving force behind all sexual attraction, even those in humans. Pheromones can influence who we find attractive. Both men and women emanate pheromones into the air and it is that, more than their looks or what they say, which attracts those of the opposite sex.

For the longest time scientist thought that pheromones were only found in animals because humans were too advanced to rely on such a basic instinctual method of attracting a mate. But research throughout the years has since proven that theory wrong. Mammals, which includes any warm-blooded animal that has fur and gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs, have a special structure inside of their nose called the vomeronasal organ ( or VNO). This is a small bulbous organ with lots of blood vessels and is highyl sensitive to smells. The human nose has a VNO but it doesn’t exist in the same functional form as other mammals. In fact, sensing of human pheromones occurs well below the level of human consciousness. Signals that pheromones are being released are subconsciously picked up and then sent to the hypothalamus region of the brain. Most of the time, humans are not even aware that pheromones are being released.

How Are Male And Female Pheromones Different

Men and women both have pheromones. However, the chemicals in each gender are different. There are two main chemicals which are different: androstenone and copulin. It is these two chemicals which the brain processes unconsciously which causes a physiological and behavioral change in others. Unfortunately, even after extensive research, not too much is known about these particular pheromones.

The chemical androstenone is the primary pheromone found only in men. It is responsible for increasing the ‘animal attractiveness’ of a man as well as bringing about an increase in the luteinizing hormone (or LH) in a woman. The increase in a woman’s LH will cause a woman to have a heightened sexual response to a man.

For the other gender, the chemical copulin has been identified as the primary female pheromone. When copulin is secreted into the area around a woman, it brings about a surge of testosterone in men. The end result is that a man will have a heightened sexual response to a woman.

Sexual Chemistry

The existence of a functioning specialized pheromone organ in humans has been widely debated, and the role of pheromones in human behavior has yet to be clearly understood. In humans, pheromones are activated at puberty. Pheromones not only affect feelings of attraction and desire, they also seem to affect people’s general impressions and assessments. People with high levels of pheromones have more attention paid to them and are generally well-liked by members of the opposite sex.

Small can be a powerful tool in humans. A smell can trigger a memory that has been long forgotten. Likewise, a smell can trigger attraction (why do you think people wera perfumes and colognes). There has been recent evidence produced that shows that humans are likely to have an unconscious pheromone-sensing nose to match the conscious odor-detecting nose. What is more is that research has shown that certain male and female steroids activate different parts of the human brain depending not just on the smeller’s sex but also on the smeller’s sexual orientation. These circuits in the brain that are responsible for the detection of pheromones work along the same paths that control mood and motivation. Pheromones may also be responsible in how our brain functions intellectually. As we get older, our olfactory senses decline. This may be linked to why, as we age, our sexual drive also declines. Our nose simply is not capable of detecting the odorless scent of pheromones. All of this study is still ongoing but maybe one day science will be able to fully understand the link between pheromones and attraction.

 

How Do I Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

December 13th, 2012 |

This article here is written purely out of experience and experience alone. I have had an ingrown toenail 3 times and each time I have had to go to the doctor to have it removed. It is very painful and just simply a nuisance. Everywhere you go, you need to be sure not to stub your toe on anything or you have to watch for other people stepping on your foot. If you are wondering if you have ever have had an ingrown nail, you probably have not had one. You would know it if you did.

How Do You Get Ingrown Toenails?

More often then not, you will get an ingrown toenail due to poor grooming. When cutting your toenail, you do not want to cut it very short at all. The shortest that your nail should be is lined up with the end of your toe. If you cut the nail too short, then every time pressure is applied by walking the skin around the nail will curl up and surround the nail. This will cause the nail to grow and cut into the skin. Also, if the nail is cut too short it will naturally want to grow out and will start to grow into the sides of your toe. Other causes tend to be improper shoe or sock size and injuries such as stubbing your toe or having something fall on it.

How Do I Treat an Ingrown Toenail?

If you manage to treat your toe prior to it being infected, then it is possible for you to treat it yourself. The biggest known remedy is soaking your foot in a salt bath for about 10 minutes. This can cause the skin around your toe to be more pliable and it may be possible to dig the nail out and clip it. If this does not work, you next step is to see the doctor. Despite what you have heard, cutting a “V” near the side of your toe does absolutely nothing. It is believed to cause the nail to want to grow together, pulling the ingrown nail out from inside your toe. This does nothing and if you have an ingrown toenail, it is actually worse to cut it anymore than it already is. Your best bet is to soak it and apply an antibacterial solution such as Neosporin to try and prevent an infection.

In the event that your toe is already infected, it is best to see a doctor. If your toe is infected, bloody, and has pockets of pus, you are opening yourself a new can of worms trying to play doctor. Chances are that you do not have sterile enough tools to perform your own little surgery thus creating more chances for bigger infections. I tried this myself and best case scenario was pain and more encouragement to go to the doctor. When you are at the doctor they will try to do as little as possible to remove the ingrown nail. By this I mean that there are possibilities of having your whole nail removed permanently and having the nail bed killed with an acid solution. Most times they will try to remove a strip parallel to the side of your toe. In severe cases, or in cases where you are consistently having ingrown nails, they will remove the side of the nail as mentioned above and kill the root or nail bed with the acid solution. This is to prevent the nail to grow in the future. In cases where this does not solve the problem, you will more than likely have the nail removed permanently. You will then have your toe wrapped up and you should be as good as new the next day.

How Do I Prevent an Ingrown Toenail?

The most important thing you can do to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut your nails correctly. You do not want rounded toenails or to have the nail cut any shorter than the end of your toe. If you happen to have any sharp points toward the sides of your toe you can file them if possible. You always want to cut your toenail straight across. I was informed that scissors were a good way to do this.

You also want to be sure that you have well fitting shoes and socks. Not too big or too small. Either way, you can have unwanted pressure causing the skin to swell up around your toe and allow the nail to cut into it. And accidents do happen, but stubbing your toe or dropping something on it can cause future problems as well. Just be sure that whatever you do, you use common sense and seek medical help if needed.

 

What Are Some Good Hair Care Treatments For Various Types Of Hair?

December 13th, 2012 |

Whether you have curly hair or a dry scalp, you might be asking yourself, “What are some good hair care treatments for various types of hair?” Luckily, AskDeb.com has your answers!

Hair Care Tips

The following hair care tips should help you treat a variety of everyday hair problems and help you take preventative measures.

Trimming Split Ends

If you have split ends (which can be caused by everything from blow drying to chemical trauma), the only sure-fire remedy is trimming. Split ends are most common in long hair, although it can also be present in short hair which isn’t taken care of properly.

Despite common belief, trimming your hair does not cause faster hair grow or prevent hair loss. The rate of growth is governed by hormones and heredity.

Tangled Hair

Numerous combs are available which aid in the care of tangled hair. The best way to detangle hair is with a wide-toothed comb. Be sure to not share combs with others, as this can cause the spread of lice or dandruff.

Hair Styling Products

Hair styling products include gels, creams, waxes, sprays, hair straighteners and many other items. These do not include basic shampoos and conditioners. While these products will result in the hair drying out, no further damage should be caused. Some styling products do contain chemicals which result in dull hair through chemical build-up.

Shampoo & Conditioners

When asking, “What are some good hair care treatments for various types of hair,” you should realize that shampoos and conditioners are the most popular. Although they do clean the hair and scalp, these products are not necessary for maintaining healthy hair. In fact, washing with shampoo and conditioner more than three times per week may cause your hair to dry out and look frizzy.

Other options include organic hair care treatments like lime juice, vinegar and lemon juice. Coconut oil and olive oil may also be used to soften hair.

Chlorine In Hair

For swimmers, there are products available which remove all traces of chlorine from the hair. You can also try wetting the hair entirely and then applying conditioner.

Hair Buildup

If you suffer from a buildup of chemicals in your hair, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo. This leaves the hair without moisture, so be sure and use a conditioner afterwards.

Curly Hair

If your hair is curly, be careful about brushing it while it’s dry. Curly hair will dry out easily, so you may need to try some brand of leave-in conditioner. There are also products catering to curl definition and frizz control.

Minerals In Water

When asking, “What are some good hair care treatments for various types of hair,” you should be aware of how minerals in the water can affect the health of you hair. For example, copper can discolor hair, calcium causes hair to feel dry, and magnesium causes hair to lack shine.

These and many other minerals can be found in well water, although a shower head filter can help keep them from getting into your hair. If this doesn’t do the trick, you might also consider certain brands of conditioner or demineralizing shampoo.

 

How to Use Hair Straighteners?

December 13th, 2012 |

Not everyone likes their naturally curly hair. It can get messy and tangled and is hard to upkeep. Sure some women pay big bucks to get their hair curled where it looks natural but for those that live with it everyday, sometimes you just want a different look. You can use special products such as shampoos and chemicals to manage your locks but they can get costly and you really need that done in a beauty parlor. The best, and most inexpensive way, to change up your curly hair is with a straightener. But exactly what is a hair straightener? How do you use a hair straightener? Are they good for your hair?

What Is A Hair Straightener

A hair straightener is also known as a flat iron (not the same thing as the kind used in golf). A flat iron is an electric beauty tool that has a flat bar and clamp and is heated. There are several different brands of flat irons and you can find them in just about any supermarket, shopping center, or any place where beauty supplies are sold. The most recommended type of flat iron is the kind with a ceramic head because it is better as dispensing heat evenly and will cause the less damage to your hair.

Hair Straightening Tips

So the question is how do you use a hair straightener? Well, here are several hair straightening tips you can use in order to get the look that you want. You need to make sure that you follow them or you could risk causing heat damage to your hair.

1. The first thing you should do before using a straightener is to make sure your hair is clean. Wash your hair using both a shampoo and conditioner. Don’t bother with the two-in-one stuff because the conditioners generally aren’t strong enough for straightening curly hair. There are several professional-grade brands on the market that are designed for straightening hair. You can try Pantene, Vidal Sassoon, or Paul Mitchell.
2. About once a week you should apply a really deep conditioner. This is just to maintain your hair’s healthy state and to keep it strong after repeated straightening. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner is a good one but there are many others. Check the shelves and do a little comparison shopping. When you use the deep conditioner, apply it and let it sit for around 10 minutes or so before rinsing. This just gives it longer to work.
3. After washing and rinsing your hair, you need to dry it thoroughly. First, towel-dry your hair very gently. Don’t really rub at it. Vigorously rubbing your hair will cause friction that creates frizz. You just want to pat at it with a towel to get most of the drops of water out of it so that it is not dripping everywhere.  Next you are going to want to apply a smoothing spray or straightening balm. Apply it from the scalp all the way to the ends of your hair. Then blow dry your hair. Don’t worry about messing it up or having it curl up on you. You are going to use the iron on it anyway. One thing about using a blow dryer is you may want to use a heat-protective spray on your hair as well. Using both a blow dryer and a flat iron makes for a lot of heat and you don’t want your hair getting crispy over the long run. While you are blow drying your hair, don’t use a brush to comb out your hair. Only use your fingers.  If you have the time and you don’t want your hair to curl, you can always just let it air dry on its own.
4. Once your hair is completely dry, it’s time to use the flat iron. There are several brands available and some are more affordable than others. Pay attention to the watts when purchasing one because they can vary. Before you use a flat iron, read the directions and see what setting you should be using for your type of hair. The trick to using a straightener is to do only small sections of hair at a time. You will want to get the rest of your hair out of the way so I would recommend something like a claw clip. Separate your hair out into sections. Then take the first section and clamp it into the flat iron, getting as close to your scalp as possible. Remember that the iron is hot so if it is your first time using one, be patient and don’t burn yourself. Once the section of hair is in the iron, slowly pull the iron down the section of hair. It should take anywhere from 4 to 10 seconds depending on the length of your hair. Continue with this method on each section of hair until you have gone around your entire head. When you are finished, make sure you turn the flat iron off.
5. After you have straightened your hair, you may have some frizz sticking up. To take care of this, there is some de-frizz spray you can get to control it or you can just take some hairspray, apply it to a brush, and lightly go over your hair.

 

What Is the Best Hair Loss Treatment?

December 13th, 2012 |

How to Treat Baldness

Hair loss is a condition that afflicts about 60% of men and even about 10% or all women. It can be embarrassing and lead to problems of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. The reasons for hair loss are varied but the two most common are hereditary and side effects of medical treatment. There have been many different methods for preventing hair loss throughout the years, some not as successful as others. But if you are a suffering with this condition you will undoubtedly want to know what is the best hair loss treatment. Will it completely restore my hair to its original fullness? Is there anything I can get over-the-counter or will I need to seek professional hair care treatment?

The truth is there isn’t one particular treatment that is the best for preventing hair loss. People respond differently to different treatments so not every method works with the same effectiveness. The good news is there are a few treatments that produce decent results for a majority of people. The results are generally mild to moderate such as the hair may cease thinning and the patient may experience a little hair regrowth. Some people respond better than others but most fall somewhere in between. Since hair loss does involve several different factors, the best approach to finding an effective treatment is to address the specific problem that is causing the hair loss.

Causes Of Hair Loss

There are a couple of factors involved that lead to hair loss. The most common is simple genes. Hair loss has been proven to be hereditary and is passed down through generation after generation. If your father and grandfather have lost most or all of their hair, chances are you will, too. There isn’t a whole lot you can do about it. You certainly can’t change your DNA make-up. Pretty much, for every hair that you see fall, you can point the blame finger at your family.

Another cause of hair loss can be from medication or a medical treatment. Many medicines designed to cure one thing can have an unfortunate side-effect in some people. Have you ever heard one of those commercials for a new medicine where they list about a hundred different side effects that can occur? Well, hair loss is one of them. Before starting any new medication, check with a doctor or pharmacist for possible side-effects. If you notice that you are beginning to lose your hair soon after taking the medication, stop taking it and consult your doctor. There may be an alternative drug you can try. If the cause for hair loss is from a medical treatment such as chemotherapy used against cancer, there isn’t a lot you can do about it. Generally, just consider it a price that you should gladly pay in order to fight cancer. Once you stop treatments, you will eventually experience hair growth.

Hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and other such personal care items can also cause hair loss. The chemicals used in some of these items can have a bad reaction with your skin and damage your hair follicles. If you notice that your hair is thinning, try switching products until you find something that works.

Medicines For Hair Loss

There isn’t a magic pill that you can take to stop hair loss. There are a couple of treatments out there that you can try, though. Of all the programs out there on the market, research and clinical trials have shown that only two of these medicines for hair loss have any real effect. These two drugs are Propecia and Rogaine. Propecia (also known as finasteride) comes in a pill form and you have to take it  on a daily basis. Rogaine (also known as minoxidil) is a lotion or cream that you apply directly to your scalp. Both these drugs are approved by the FDA and have proven to be effective treatments for hair loss. While Propecia and Rogaine are both fine for men to take, Propecia is not allowed for women.

When using these drugs, do not expect instant results. At best, results may not appear for several months. For an internal medication such as Propecia, you may see results after 2 to 3 months. For any topical lotions such as Rogaine, 8 months is a pretty standard time frame.

Treatment Two: Surgery

Some people don’t want to wait months for moderate results. Others have tried medication without any success. If you fall into either of those categories, then the next step for you is surgery (don’t forget to disclose your medical history with the doctor before surgery). There are a couple of different surgical procedures for correcting hair loss. The most common is Hair Transplantation surgery. During this surgery, a doctor will remove small grafts of skin from areas of your scalp that still has full hair and place them to areas of your scalp that are bald or thinning. They might attach whole grafts with a group of follicles or they might implant individual ahirs into thinning areas.

Another type of hair loss surgery is Scalp Reduction. This procedure involves removing large areas of bald scalp without any hair folicles from your head. Then the doctor takes sections of your scalp with healthy full hair are strecth it acorss the bald areas. The stretched sections are then swen into place.

Another form of surgery is Scalp Flaps. This involves moving a large section of scalp containing hair from the side or back of the scalp to a bald area. One side of the flap remains attached to the scalp as the section of scalp with hair is moved to cover a bald area. The Scalp Flap procedure is a bit more complicated than other forms of hair loss surgery and the risks are greater. It is more prone to infections anf permanent scarring.

Hair loss surgery may be a quicker and more permanent solution than medicinal treatments but it is far more expensive. It also involves the same risks as any surgery and there is a chance that not all of the hair follicles will root or remain healthy.

Treatment Three: The Wig

I am only mentioning this in order to be thorough. Medication does not work for everyone and not everyone can afford surgery. The only other option left other than embracing your baldness is a wig. Yes, they often tend to be made fun of and can be, at best, misleading. But if hair loss really bothers you that much and you would rather have any hair than none at all, a wig may be your best option. In their defense, wig-making techniques have improved greatly through the years. Many wigs look very natural and are much better about staying in place. So if is a last option for you then go for it.

For more tips on hair loss we recommend that you read this article on how to avoid hair loss.

How to Grow Hair Faster

December 13th, 2012 |

Everyone has at some time or another had a bad haircut. You can’t wait until your hair grows back out but it seems to take forever. Some people just have hair that grows slowly. Women may want to have long, luxurious hair but they have trouble getting it that length. The basic cause with having hair that grows at a slow rate is due to genetics. And the unfortunate news is you can’t change your genes.

Another reason why your hair doesn’t get any longer may be due to split ends. Remember, the longer your hair is, the older it is. This means your hair may get brittle and weaker the longer it gets. So you simply can’t get your hair the length that you want it because you have to chop it off to keep it healthy. This leaves you with one main question: how do I make my hair grow faster? Well, there are no miracle cures to make your hair grow faster or prevent
hair loss. You can’t take a pill or use a magical elixir and immediately look like Rapunzel. But there are several steps and techniques that you can apply to give your hair growth a hand.

Growing Your Hair Faster – Hair Growing Tips

1. The most important thing that you can do to make your hair grow faster is to make sure you get plenty of vitamins.Hair will get weak and brittle if your body is deficient in the necessary vitamins and nutrients. The simplest hair growing tip is to get vitamin supplements that you can pick up at the store. Your body needs vitamins A, B, C, and E, along with plenty of calcium. If you don’t want to take a lot of different pills, you can get most of these vitamins by eating a balanced diet. Foods that are rich in iron and zinc have also been proven to encourage hair growth. You want to make sure that you get plenty of protein which you can find in meats and beans. If you don’t want to eat red meat such as beef, try some fish. It is rich in protein and a lot healthier. Soy is also rich in proteins and has even been found to strengthen hair. There are amino acid supplements out there that promote hair growth by supplying protein. But the reality is that most people take in enough protein through their diet so that they don’t need amino acid supplements. Only if you do not consume enough calories during your diet should you need to take amino acids.There are some specific ingredients that are essential to hair growth. Every hair care treatment and vitamin that is suited for hair groth should contain the ingredients Biotin and MSM. Biotin can promote the growth of cells and produce such things as fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. MSM can act to lengthens the phase for hair growth. By using a combination of these two ingredients is beneficial for healthy hair.
2. Another step in growing your hair faster is to get rid of the split ends. If your hair has a lot of split ends and it has been awhile since you had them trimmed, all that you are accomplishing is slowing down the growth rate of your hair. A way to solve this problem is to get your hair trimmed every month or so to keep the split ends under control. This in turn will help stimulate the growth rate of your hair and allow it to grow faster.
3. You might try stimulating your scalp. By doing this you can increase the blood circulation to your head which can keep the nutrients flowing to your scalp. One way to do this is by simply rubbing your fingertips in circular motions against your scalp. You should try to do this about two or three times a day if possible. Not only will it help with circulation, but it feels good, too. There is a trick that you can try when you wash your hair that will also help. Mix together a half a cup of rosemary and one cup of tea. Then mix half of this with your normal shampoo. When you use it, the treatment will help to open up the pores in your scalp and increase blood circulation. Another thing to try in order to stimulate blood flow to your scalp is by doing cardio. Cardio exercises are a great way to stay fit and it increases blood flow.
4. Exercise is another key. You have got to get out and move. Daily stress and little to no exercise has shown to be a factor in slower hair growth. You should try to get plenty of rest (doctors recommend between 7 to 8 hours a night) and start up an exercise regiment. You don’t have to work out every day but at least a couple of times a week is better than nothing. In the long run, you will find that it will stimulate hair growth.
5. You should keep your hair clean. Besides being important for growth, it is just good for personal hygiene. If you are neglecting your hair and have oily roots or a lot of dirt in your hair, you need to develop some better methods of cleanliness. Try changing up your routine to optimize your hair growth potential.
6. Be careful how you treat your hair when maintaining it. You should use a specific shampoo and conditioner that is designed for your hair type. After washing, don’t ever brush your hair or use
   hair straighteners while it is wet unless you want to damage it. Wet hair is very elastic and by pulling on it you ar eliable to break off bits here and there. A good method to use with wet hair is to work through the tangles with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. You should also be careful not to over-brush your hair and avoid bristle brushes. They will damage your hair. Brushes with widely spaced bristles are better for your hair and they can help to stimulate the scalp. Try not to use heated tools such as blow dryers or curling irons any more than you ahev to. If you do, use a heat-resistanent spray. And don’t forget that too many trips to the hair salon to get your hair permed or dyed can also cause damage over the long run.
7. One thing to help stimulate the growth rate of your hair is to protect your hair. You can keep your hair up so that it is not so exposed to factors of the environment. You can put it up in styles such as a bun, ponytail, cornrows, or French braid. Pull your hair up loosely because you don’t want to put stress on your roots or your scalp by having your hair pulled up too tightly. Always use smooth bands and clips and never use rubber bands. These can put creases in your hand and can break your hair off if you wear it in that style too often.
8. If you don’t have the patience to wait for your hair to grow or your hair simply won’t get to the length that you want, you can always try hair extensions.  They will give you the look that you desire and you can even wear them while your natural hair grows. There are, however, some drawbacks to the use of hair extensions. Whoever applies the extensions need st be a professional or they can look really fake and cause damage. Extensions must also be replaced every six to eight weeks and that can get expensive.

How to Style Curly Hair

December 13th, 2012 |

For many man and women curly hair can seem like such a burden. Curly hair can often be difficult to style, cut, and not to mention that the slightest bit of humidity can make your hair frizz. But while it seems like a burden to you, there are so many people out there trying to achieve the curly look. Many straight haired women have several upon several curling irons and spend extensive time trying to make it work for them. So try to be happy with your curls and if you are having some of the common issues associated with curly hair, then you are in the right place. We have some tips to make it a bit easier to work with your hair.

Prevent Frizzy Hair

One of the biggest issues you will find with curly hair is how easy it is to get frizzy hair. Curly hair is naturally dry, so any excessive moisture will cause your hair to poof. Generally as a curly haired person you would want to have some sort of “leave in” conditioner and a styling serum that contains silicone. This can trap moisture and you will not have the issue of dry hair meets moisture. Aside from that it is best to shower every other day while deeply conditioning your hair once a week. You will also want to apply a leave in conditioner to the ends of your hair afterwards.

Blow dryers can be your enemy. If your hair is wet, the only needed ingredient needed for humidity is heat which as you know will cause your hair to frizz. It is best to let your hair air dry as much as possible and if you need to blow dry it then use a diffuser. Diffusers have little prongs and allow you to comb through your hair and evenly distribute heat.

Curly Hair Styles

There are many hair styles available to women with curly hair. Some very quick tips if you are ever on the run is to throw your hair in a headband. You will see many celebrities doing this as well. It is also possible with some good products or a strong arm to straighten your hair. It should be mentioned that using a hair brush is a no-no while a comb is ok and just finger brushing is preferred.

If possible find a stylist that has curly hair themselves. Curly hair is not the same as straight hair and you can be left with some undesired results. You will want to make sure your hair is layered well which can take care of the “Christmas tree” look. You will also want to be careful in how short you cut your hair if you choose as it can cause your hair to start puffing out on the sides. In most cases longer is better and that is because of the weight of your hair and curls. Ask around and find a good stylist. Do not go to someone because they say they can cut curly hair. See if you have an friends or family with previous experience.

With a little bit of patience and determination you can have great curly hair. The biggest thing you want to focus on avoiding is the lack of moisture in your hair combined with a lot of heat. If you use a product when you are in the shower such as a gel you can lock in moisture which will take care of frizz. So embrace your hair and love it because there are many people out there who wish they had hair just like yours.

 

What Is Ear Gauging? How Do You Get Your Ears Gauged?

December 13th, 2012 |

For many people body art and modification is nothing new. And as of lately, you do not hear body modification referred to as a way to “rebel” against your parents or other elders. It is starting to become more and more acceptable, even in the work place and other formal events. And from a personal standpoint, I feel that it is a great way to express yourself. I, myself, have 6 tattoos at the ripe old age of 25. However, tattoos are generally something that you do not see on someone under the age of 18. So is there a way for the younger generation to modify there bodies?

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Ears Gauged?

It costs nothing to get your ears gauged if they’re already pierced.
You do have to pay for the new, larger earrings though. And it does hurt
a little bit.

What is Ear Gauging?

Simply put, ear gauging is making the small hole you may have gotten from the ear piercer at the mall and step by step, you are going to make the hole much bigger. Gauges work their way down in steps of 2. For example, when you had your ear pierced they probably put a 20 or 18 gauge hole in your ear. 20 is smaller than 18, and 16 is bigger than 18. Make sense? To put this in perspective, if you have a pin dot of a hole now at a size of an 18 gauge, a size 2 would almost allow you to put your thumb through the hole. Smaller is bigger. Are you interested in gauging your ears?

How to Gauge Your Ears

Before this article jumps right in to telling you how to make the holes in your ear bigger, here is a few suggestions:

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT, REMEMBER THAT!

The reason for #1 is so that you are aware that everyone is different. This will mean that you will heal at a different rate of time, you may be more sensitive/insensitive to pain, and may be more prone to infections. Although a friends advice is helpful, they are not a professional. If you have any questions, talk to your local ear piercers.

• Be sure this is what you want. Some people’s ears will shrink back after time, others will not. Do not play that risk if you are not sure you want a big hole in your ear.
• Although there may be slight pressure when performing this, your ear should not be in excruciating pain or bleeding. If it is, take the jewelry out and go the next smaller size.
• Do not skip sizes. Give your body time to heal and in the meantime, really consider if going to the next size is right for you.
• Be sure to clean the area at least 2 times per day with a sea salt solution. You can find many of these prepackaged in local shops or in the form of an aerosol can.

  And with that, it is time to gauge your ears.

• If your ear has not been pierced, you will need to do that prior. If you would like a head start ask the artist to pierce your ear to a little bit bigger size.
• First thing you will want to do is clean your ear very well. I would even go as far as putting on gloves so that no oil or dirt from your hands can go near your ears and possibly create an infection.
• Clean the jewelry well. Use only high grade glass or stainless steel as other materials such as acrylic, plastic, and wood harbor bacteria much easier.
• Lube the piercing up a little bit as well as your ear. Start to insert the jewelry in your ear slowly and continue to do so until it is through.
• If you feel the need, use a taper and if you can push it more than halfway through you are definitely ready to accept the next size up jewelry.
• Be sure to clean your ears with a sea salt solution and continue to do so 2-3 times per day for at least two weeks. It will not hurt anything to clean your ears even when it looks healed and is better than an infection.
• Wait 1-2 months, maybe sooner or later, and go to the next size down. The jewelry will feel a bit loose in your ear and that is a good sign that you are ready.

As I am sure you can tell, it is not very difficult to gauge your ears. It takes more common sense than experience and if done correctly you will have avoided turning your ear into a scab and/or an infection. You need to be aware that this should be slightly discomforting in the worst case scenario. It should not be painful and blood should not be running down the side of your face. Ultimately, your body will tell you when you are ready to go to the next size or if there is any problems. Be sure to listen to it and if you have any other questions, ask your local artist.

 

Where Can I Buy Discount Men’s Cologne?

December 13th, 2012 |

There are few things that are as attractive to a woman as a nice-smelling man (except maybe helping out with chores around the house). Men’s cologne is different from women’s perfumes. Cologne is stronger and designed to compliment a man’s image and appearance. Some are more rugged than others while some are more sophisticated. There are so many different colognes, all with individual fragrances. The designer labels are usually a higher quality and last longer. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive. It may seem ridiculous to some people to have to save money in order to buy a tiny bottle that may last a month. But you do want to smell good, right? A stinky man is not an attractive man. The good news is that you can get quality men’s cologne at a cheaper price is you know where to look. So ask yourself this: where can I buy discount men’s cologne? Well read on, seekers of manly fragrances.

Buying Discount Cologne Online

For the best selection of discount men’s cologne, you can shop online. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer discounted men’s cologne from various manufacturers which makes buying discount cologne online very easy. Some of these products may be actual designer brands while others may be inexpensive knock-offs that copy the designer stuff. The good point about shopping online is that you have a wider selection to choose from and it is easy to compare shop. The drawback is that unless you tested the cologne out in a store, you don’t know what they smell like. You may order a specific cologne only to find out once it arrives that you don’t like it. Do some research and testing in the store before going online to find the best price. For some really good discounts, you can check out Perfumeland.com, Perfume-net.com, Perfumania.com, Ultrafragrances.com, and Fragrancenet.com.

Inexpensive Colognes at Discount Stores

Finding inexpensive colognes at discount stores is another great way to save on men’s cologne. These stores can be anything from a discounted dollar store to a family supermarket such as Wal-Mart, Target, or Ross. Dollar stores will naturally have better prices but they are also more than likely to only carry cheap imitations. If you want one of the designer brands, you would have better luck of finding them at Wal-Mart or one of those stores. The prices will usually be better than at a premiere retail store like Macy’s or Dilliard’s. In fact, these stores you should avoid if trying to find some inexpensive colognes. They will have the highest price of anywhere.

Visit An Expo

Another great place to find some discount men’s cologne is at a perfume expo. These are trade shows for the industry that gives manufacturers a chance to debut some of their new products. If you live anywhere near a major city, they usually have at least one show a year. The great thing about attending one of these perfume expos is that you get to meet the manufacturers face-to-face, they can tell you all about their colognes and fragrances, and you can test any number of their products. Another good bonus is that a lot of the vendors have free samples that they pass out so if you make the rounds to all of the vendors, you can really load up on some freebies. Some of the vendors, such as the distributors, may even have some cologne discounted specifically for the show. If you have never been to one of these expos and smelling good is important to you, they are definitely worth checking out.

 

Can I Attend An Online Cosmetology School?

December 13th, 2012 |

“Beauty is truth, truth beauty.”

The poet John Keats was undoubtedly drunk when he wrote this famous line at the end of “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” Either that, or he had no clue what Fanny Brawne was doing upstairs while he was waiting for her to come down. This has got to be one of the biggest lies ever told, right up there with the classics — “I’ll call you in the morning,” “I am not a crook” and everything ever said by a football coach to a potential recruit. Beauty is not truth, not in our society. As long as men have been chasing women, women have been going to extraordinary lengths to make themselves look better.

The Market of Cosmetology

Cliches about beauty are as common as the creams and powders meant to enhance it. Sure, beauty is just skin deep, but what people forget is that our skin is what’s up front. If we could wear our beautiful personalities on our heads, we would. You can change your hairstyle or your hair color, but it is in fact still our hair the world is seeing. You can paint your nails a bright color, a subtle “natural” tone, or just apply a clear top coat, but those nails are still a part of your body. You might choose an eye shadow that dramatically jumps off your face and into the world’s lap, or a smoky color meant to draw the eyes of the world in. There are a million conscious beauty decisions to be made — in order to make these decisions we often need someone to help us, to guide us on the path of beautiful deception. A beauty professional. That’s how the market for cosmetology was created.

This is where you come in. Offline and online cosmetology schools can make you the bearer of beauty and open up your path to a lucrative career, but you can’t just hang an “Open” sign on your front door and start handing out hairstyles. The state in which you live regulates cosmetologists and beauty work for a couple of reasons. First, and most obvious — you can’t have any Tom, Dick or Harriet working people over. While an incompetent cosmetologist will quickly lose business due to word of mouth. Sometimes a single botched job can be disastrous to a cosmetologist’s bottom line. Remember, a hair style is not a carton of milk — if you purchase spoiled milk you can simply pour it down the drain. A bad hairstyle or dye job is somewhat permanent. More importantly, there are hygiene issues associated with cosmetology and beautification work. Your barber or hair stylist didnt’ just dip his or her comb and other tools in the blue liquid because he loves it — there are honest to God diseases that can be transmitted from person to person if proper procedures aren’t followed. Outside of the transmission of disease, there are some nasty chemicals at work in your average cosmetologist’s workspace — beauty takes work, and sometimes that work requires the use of caustic substances.

Online Cosmetology Schools

Want to become a cosmetologist? You know that these days, an on-site education is not a requirement. Millions of people are turning to online cosmetolgy schools for a first degree or to expand their education. You don’t have to worry about becoming a “beauty school dropout” — online cosmetology classes are available from a wide range of sources, and the time it takes to become certified varies according to state licensing and the program you attend. For the most part, though, you can expect to finish your cosmetology training online in a matter of months

The first question you must answer is whether to go in person to a cosmetology school or seek your beauty school training online. Unlike some other degree plans, you have to seriously consider whether or not you want a more hands-on approach, like the kind available at on site beauty schools. Learning how to properly color hair, for instance, is difficult to put in practice if you simply learn the theory and never the practical application. However, if you are concerned about the time it may take to learn from a traditional beauty school, or if you need to keep a day job while you attend classes, the Internet based cosmetology classes available right now are probably the right thing for you.

How to Choose Online Cosmetology Courses

The first thing to do is to find what kinds of courses are available online. If you run a Google search on the term “online cosmetology school”, you’ll find well over one million results. Since you can’t visit each result and weigh the ups and downs (unless you don’t mind starting beauty school when you’re 134 years old) your goal is to narrow the choices down to a handful of web based beauty school options.

So what’s your first decision? Whether to chose an accredited school or a non-accredited one. It turns out that this decision makes itself for you. If you will require financial aid for Internet beauty school, you will have to choose an accredited school. Unfortunately, accredited online beauty schools are just not that common. Here’s a partial list of known cosmetology schools online that are accredited and thus able to offer some form of financial aid:

• Genesis Career College
• Salon Professional Academy
• Fortis College
• Remington College
• Virginia College
• CDI College
• Arizona School of Massage Therapy
• Eveline Charles Academy
• Empire Beauty Schools
• International Academy of Beauty
• Apollo College
• Marinello Schools of Beauty
• Regency Beauty Institute
• The Skin and Makeup Institute of Arizona
• International Academy of Beauty
• Imagine Paul Mitchell Partner School
• PCU College of Holistic Medicine
• Alameda Beauty College
• Federico Career Colleges
• American Beauty Academy
• UEI College
• Western Career College
• Salon Success Academies
• Western Beauty Institute

This is by no means a complete list, but researching some of these twenty-five accredited Internet cosmetology schools will give you a good idea of how much time and how much cash it will take to get certified in cosmetology on the web.

Just how much money will it cost you to earn this certification? As with any other aspect of an online education, that number varies by program. Some courses are quite affordable, like the Stratford Career Institute (admittedly non-accredited) which offers a full online degree plan in beauty for about $750.

Once you have been accepted in their program and are fully enrolled in Stratford’s aesthetics and cosmetology course, that one low tuition fee covers everything a beauty school student may need to graduate and earn the career diploma you need to start a career in beautification. What is included in most tuition plans online:

• All the necessary textbooks, workbooks, study guides, and videos (many of these videos are now online as well)
• A full range of student oriented services, including online exams, support, and even career counselling
• A personalized career school diploma upon your graduation to proudly display your certification
• Unlimited access to the school’s instructors either via e-mail or a toll-free phone number
• Free shipping and handling for your instruction materials, diploma, etc.

After you visit a few dozen online cosmetology schools and you think you’ve found the right beauty program for you, it is time to make sure this program will certify you the way your state requires you to be certified. This is crucial because of the nature of web based courses in cosmetology — you may be learning cosmetology skills from an online program in California, but you want to work in Florida. While many beauty schools online are equipped to certify you in your home state’s requirements, some art not. That’s why you need to find out what your state’s requirements are to begin with. For example, in my home state of Texas, (the original land of the big hair), the requirements for receiving your certification as a cosmetologist are as follows:

• Cosmetology: 1500 hours
• Aesthetics: 750 hours
• Nail Technology: 600 hours
• Hair Braiding: 35 hours
• Hair Weaving: 300 hours
• Instructor: 750 hours

Those numbers next to the various courses of study? They refer to classroom work as well as practical experience. Texas has rather stringent requirements in this area — 300 hours experience to be certified in hair weaving seems a bit much — but more and more states are going the way of the Lone Star state. Longer requirements in terms of hours means more training and less hassle for the state government. A better trained cosmetologist is less likely to have complaints made against them and more likely to follow the rules of beauty work.

If you’re having difficult pulling the trigger and choosing a cosmetology school on the Internet, you could try this method — make a long list of questions that must be answered before you can make a decision and plunk down your money for web based beauty training. Making an informed decision at the outset of your training is crucial to your potential for success in this field. To be sure, different people are looking for different things in an online beauty college. Maybe you want smaller class sizes (though online instruction may not put a premium on a low student to teacher ratio like a brick and mortar beauty school would) or maybe you need the lowest price possible. Whatever your requirements, put them in writing and make sure the school you trust with you hard earned cash fulfills them.

Questions to Help You Pick an Internet Based Beauty School

• Will I have access to an on site salon to get hands-on practice?
• Will you teach me to practice my beauty skills on mannequin heads or real models?
• What financial aid is available? (such as scholarships, grants, loans and even payment installment plans)
• Does your school offer flexible class schedules as well as part-time or full-time education?

To come up with a few more questions, visit a local salon or spa and talk to one of the employees, other students currently enrolled in cosmetology courses, or even the salon’s owner or manager. Their experience and recommendations are worth their weight in AquaNet. Be sure to ask them which beauty schools seem to produce the most “hirable” new cosmetologists or beauticians. If you have the luxury of talking to a manager, they see hundreds of applications from cosmetologists and beauticians a year — so don’t be afraid to ask them if there are schools to stay away from, or programs that produce bad employees. As a last ditch, you may contact an online beauty school that you like and ask them for a list of references from their recent graduates. Not every school will take so kindly to this question, but you can use that as a ‘weed out’ method as well. If a school isn’t proud of their graduates or doesn’t trust them to provide positive feedback, you may not want to get certified from them.

Examples of Basic Online Cosmetology Courses

If you’re completely bewildered by the idea of taking beauty classes on the Internet, take a look at these example courses offered at online cosmetology certification courses nationwide. Many of these courses are offered by a boatload of different schools, but the course description is the same. While you conduct your search for the top cosmetology schools online, keep these classes in mind. If these don’t get you excited, a career in cosmetology (and a lot of money spent on web based cosmetology classes) may not be the road you want to choose.

• Texas Cosmetology Continuing Education (12 credit hours) – This state-specific course offers students instruction in establishing a client base and building your cosmetology career. You will also learn about the latest in state HIV and sanitation training, becoming successful in the crowded beauty industry, and new methods in beautification methods like “hair coloring made simple”.
• Georgia Cosmetology Continuing Education (5 hours) – Much like the Texas course, this class will cover new procedures in HIV and AIDS prevention, the spreading of disease through the cosmetology industry, modern methods of sterilization, the differences between antiseptics and disinfectants, and how to sanitize hands and tools. Unlike the Texas version, there’s very little offered in the way of advancing your business, hence the much shorter hour requirement.
• Ohio Cosmetology Continuing Education (8 hours) – For another example of “continuing education” in the field of cosmetology, the state of Ohio comes in just between the extensive career and sanitation training of Texas and the “bare bones” stuff you’d learn in Georgia. 8 hours of instruction in Ohio will get you info on blood borne pathogens, an hour or so on building your career, an identical “hair coloring made simple” course to the kind you’d find in Texas, and an extra unit on marketing your business on the Internet.
• Electric Nail File Certification (4 hours) — This is a short course in the use of the electric nail file. Just four hours will get you certified to use this sanitary, precise, and time saving piece of equipment that is now a part of any good cosmetologist’s tool kit.
• Pedicure Essentials (4 hours) — Another short course, this time without the promise of certification. This is a required course for every state’s licensing board in America, so no matter where you plan on practicing cosmetology, you’ll need this four hour course in toes and toenails.
• Pedicures from a Podiatrist Perspective (2 hours) — When a beauty school on the Internet uses words like “from a ___ perspective” it generally means the instructor will be someone in that field. In this instance, a podiatrist will be called on to provide a medical opinion of beauty procedures like pedicures and other things you’ll do with your client’s feet. It is reassuring to know that you aren’t hurting your clients, and when they have medical questions you’ll have some kind of perspective from which to answer them.
• Skin Care Essentials (2 hours)
• Texas Cosmetology Laws & Rules (2 hours)
• Texas: Sanitation For Cosmetology (2 hours) — Courses in sanitation will most certainly be a part of your online beauty school curriculum. Poor sanitation is the enemy of the beauty salon, whether you’re a hair stylist, massage professional, or cosmetologist. A large chunk of your daily routine will be taken up with procedures for keeping your workspace clean, so don’t be surprised if you take several courses in sanitation or if sanitation is a constant hot topic. Each state has different rules for sanitation, so taking a course specific for the state in which you want to work in beauty is essential.
• Beauty Salon Management — Any online cosmetology training worth paying for should offer some career training, and class titles like “beauty salon management” are good indicators that a particular course is meant to help you succeed as a beautician. Depending on the quality of the Internet based beauty classes you take, these can be extremely helpful in the long term, or blow off classes that exist just to entice students to join a program. Again, asking former students about a particular online beauty school will give you an idea of the nature of these classes.
• Beauty Therapist — Have you ever been down in the dumps and sought treatment for the blues under the capable hands of a cosmetologist or other beauty professional? One of the newest areas that beauty schools are looking into is the therapeutic value of beauty treatment. As a cosmetology professional, the skills you learn from an online beauty school could be the difference between a bad day and a great one for your clients. Look for a program in beauty that offers some kind of class in this vein.
• Manicure and Pedicure
• Nail Technician
• Holistic Beauty Therapist
• Teenage Beauty Make-Over Specialist — Think back to your teenage years — your beauty needs were far different then. For one thing, there is modesty to consider. Especially in areas of the country where teen aged modesty is important (think Bible belt, small towns, rural areas, etc) special training in beautifying young people is required. Age-specific beauty training is important. You wouldn’t give your grandmother the same beauty treatments you’d give to a 16 year old. Any beauty school that doesn’t offer training for the different stages of your client’s lives is extremely limiting your ability to please customers.
• Booking Patterns and Consultations — This is a popular course title for accredited web cosmetology training. How good would your education in dye and manicures be if you didn’t know how to make appointments and keep them? Training in giving consultations is crucial as well. There’s more to being a cosmetologist than being highly skilled at your job — you also have to be an expert in marketing and customer relations if you want to retire before you croak.
• Color Enhancement on Textured Hair
• Applying Highlights
• Chunky Front Pieces
• Balayage Technique for Subtle Highlights — I know what you’re thinking — WHAT kind of technique? “Subtle highlights” you understand — but your online beauty academy will likely teach you all sorts of techniques you’ve never heard of or considered before signing up. If the Internet cosmetology college you’re looking into doesn’t provide courses in subjects like Balayage technique, move on to a different beauty school. There’s so many to choose from, picking a lesser school is just not necessary.

How to Prepare For Your Cosmetology Certification Exam

One of the downsides to an online education in cosmetology is that many programs simply don’t prepare you for your certification exam the way you need. Rather than be nervous about your certification, be confident that this is an exam just like any you ever took in school.

On the bright side, if you’ve chosen to attend a quality web based beauty program, you’ll receive plenty of certification exam prep. However, even some top notch schools skimp on the exam prep in favor of more courses in sanitation, marketing, or technique. In this case, or if you feel unprepared to take the exam, the burden of passing the certification exam falls to you. What good is your fancy new diploma without a license from your state board? There’s just no way to escape the reality of licensure. If you practice beauty techniques for money in America without a license, you could face penalties and will most certainly be shut down before you can make any money anyway. Here’s how to prepare to pass your state’s certification exam.

Though your state will have specific guidelines for issuing your credentials, the certification exam is given the same way to every student in America. This means studying for your beauty certification exam is a little easier — study guides are available in specialty bookstores and online. The test is called “The National Cosmetology Written Examination and Cosmetology Licensing Examination”. These tests are a basic objective assessment of your beauty school foundation, both in the area of knowledge and beauty skills.

Your cosmetology test scores are then used by the National / Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (better known as the NIC) and your state licensing board as an across the board standard of beautician qualification. Your entire future as a cosmetologist depends on the score you get on this certification exam.

In order to get the cosmetology test score you need to be successful, you’ll have to find out what study methods work in your case. We have known for some time now that individual learners respond to different test prep methods differently. Some people just don’t benefit from more traditional test preparation methods — if “cramming” wasn’t your style in high school it isn’t magically going to become your style now. High intelligence is not necessarily an indicator of your success with certification testing, either, so don’t depend on your freakish math skills or extensive memorized lists of sanitation procedures either. The truth is, good test prep (especially for a certification exam such as this one) is easy and the ditziest airhead in your cosmetology school could earn the highest test score.

Practice tests and example questions are good to give you an idea of the kind of test you’re facing, but most of these methods rely on teaching the test — not a good idea. This test changes from session to session, so simply learning how to answer a handful of sample questions from past tests may actually be detrimental to your score. Suppose you memorize one hundred questions from last year’s test only to find that not a single one is on this year’s version? You wasted your time. Rather than teaching yourself the test, concentrate on teaching yourself the material on the test. The application of knowledge is as important as the knowledge itself. Your work as a beauty professional won’t look anything like a certification exam — you’ll have to know how to apply what you’ve learned to a live human being.

How do you know what will be on the test? You’ve been training at an online beauty school for hundreds of hours. Here’s a tip — you already know what will be on the test.

Here’s some certification exam tips.

1. Read the question carefully. It is often the case that the question itself can help you eliminate some possible answers. So many people rush through the question, looking for “key words” and hoping to slam down the correct answer and move on. Take your time and read the question.
2. Know when, why, and how to simply “guess” at an answer. Even if you study twenty-four hours a day for a month, you are going to run into a couple of situations where taking a guess is to your advantage. Don’t be afraid of a guess here and there. It will save you time and stress.
3. Procrastination can kill your chance of success on the certification exam. Don’t put studying or test taking off to the last minute. If you do, your elevated blood pressure and heavy sweating will throw your chances of being certified right out the window.
4. Know when you’ve studied as much as you need to. Too much studying is as dangerous as too little.
5. Make a checklist of things you feel unprepared to answer questions about and run through that checklist several times. Eventually, your list will get shorter and shorter until one day you find you have no list at all.
6. If you insist on taking a “sample” test, use your time wisely. Take note of any way you can “predict” what the right answer will look like before you even see the possible answer choices. Knowing how to trust your first instinct is crucial to keeping those wrong answers from clouding your judgement. The test makers know your brain will want to question itself, and sometimes build in “test traps” designed to make you question yourself.
7. Avoid panicking in the face of a difficult question. Being knowledgeable will help you stay calm — taking deep breaths and pacing yourself is another great way of avoiding the certification Heebie Jeebies. If you run into a particularly hard question that you just can’t imagine answering, make the best educated guess. A potentially correct guess is better than a question left blank.
8. Practice grouping your different answer possibilities into “answer families”. This will help you narrow down the possible correct answers into just one or two. When three answers fit neatly together and the fourth answer sticks out, you can be pretty sure that the stand alone answer is the correct one. This is not just a score improving tactic, but a time saving one. Even if it only helps you eliminate two or three answer choices, it is worth your time.

Careers in Beauty

There’s no such thing as a “beauty professional”, not really. You can’t get a general degree in the subject of beauty, you’ll have to target your schooling at one of dozens of specific fields. Not sure which field you want to work in? Here’s examples of jobs you can get in the field of beautification.

Cosmetologist — A cosmetologist is a particular type of beauty professional that is educated in treating people’s entire body, from hair and skin to finger and toe nails. A cosmetologist provides direct beauty care for their clients, but is also a consultant, talking to clients about their beauty potential and providing suggestions in the areas of hairstyles, skincare, and things like hair and nails colors. A cosmetologist is also highly skilled in the application of different cosmetics. This is often the most study-intensive field at an online beauty college, requiring as many as 2000 hours of classes and experience. Cosmetologists can also be trained in advanced skills like massages and other therapeutic treatments. A good cosmetologist is also an expert in hygiene.

Depending on the state law where you live, you may be required to be at least sixteen years old or older before starting your cosmetology training, and a diploma from a state and nationally approved cosmetology school or apprenticeship is a must. In order to be licensed as a cosmetologist, you’ll have to pass a licensing exam and perform a specific number of “field hours”. In most states, a high school diploma or equivalency degree is also required.

Hair stylist — A hair stylist, or hair dresser, is the most recognizable and well known member of the beauty family. The definition is straightforward — a hair stylist is a person who cuts and styles hair. He or she usually gets trained in other services to increase their bottom line — a hair stylist can be a colorist, massage therapist, hair weaver, etc. Work in the field of hair styling is varied enough to be difficult to describe — some hair stylists work 60 hour weeks and take home checks like medical doctors. Still other people only use their licensing from time to time, supporting their income from other work. Don’t confuse a hair stylist with a barber — the term “barber” has a specific definition and job-specific certification requirements entirely different from a hair stylist.

Hair braider / hair weaver — As the title suggests, people who specialize in braiding or weaving hair get certified in that field. This title requires the least amount of certification time, usually much less than 100 hours. If you’re in the market for a “fast track” to a beauty career, certifying in hair braiding or hair weaving is a good road to pursue. Many times, a certification in this field doesn’t require a high school degree or equivalency, Check with your state’s certification board for the whole story.

Massage therapist — Massage therapy is the most common form of therapy in the United States. Using comforting strokes and concentration on various muscle groups, massage therapists provide stress relief and general health care to the public. Massage therapy is the most obviously “therapeutic” version of beauty treatments. Courses in massage therapy are longer than other beauty school courses, though not quite as long as a license in cosmetology. Massage therapists focus on treating the outer layers of muscle, sometimes using oils or lotions to assist in treatment. Massage therapy even improves circulation — a good massage helps to oxygenate your body’s various tissues. Massage treatment relieves muscle tension and pain, and has been shown to increase a body’s flexibility and mobility. People get massage therapy for relaxation or for a variety of health conditions: back pain, stress relief, headache treatment, and

even certain repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel can be treated with massage.

Nail tech — When you get a pedicure or manicure, you’re using the services of a nail technician or “nail tech”. Nail technicians (sometimes simply called “manicurists”) cut, shape, polish, and prepare both men and women’s nails to look their best. If you want to pursue a career in beauty, a job as a nail technician means attending a specialized training program (admittedly a shorter one) and passing certain licensing tests that are state and country-specific. Be prepared to do anywhere from 300 to 500 hours of classroom work and practical experience. One benefit of a licensure in nail tech is that there are plenty of jobs in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 30% increase in employment and job availability for manicurists and pedicurists (or nail techs) by the year 2016.

Barber — A true barber is a rarity these days. Far from being a basic “hair cutter”, a barber gives proper shaves and trim beards according to a national standard. In fact, the word “barber” itself comes from the Latin word for bear. In the past, barbers took the place of dentists and surgeons, which could account for the strict requirements placed on licensure. Though most barbers today specialise in the simple act of cutting men’s hair, facial hair treatments are popular and require licensure. The stereotype about barbers is that they don’t prepare “fancy” hair styles, and this is generally true. Licensure as a barber is almost as complex as that for a cosmetologist.

Electrolysist — An electrolysist performs laser hair removal. A relatively new field, having electrolysis means no longer having to shave, wax, or pluck hair from sensitive or hard to reach parts of the body. Some men even have electrolysis to ease the routine of shaving. Training in electrolysis is lengthy, and practical work in the field is hard to come by. Expensive equipment and overhead is a fact of life for the electrolysist, though their services are expensive and the person licensed in the practice of electrolysis can earn tons of money in their career. For more information on programs in electrolysis, contact your local beauty school or look into online beauty school classes.

As more and more people turn to online courses for their initial schooling and continued education, taking web based courses in subjects like cosmetology and beauty training also becomes more mainstream. There are some instances in which hands on training at a more traditional beauty school — if you can afford it and you think you need the practical training of a traditional course in beauty, there are certainly plenty of places to learn. If, on the other hand, you need to keep making money while getting your training or there’s not an accredited or appropriate cosmetology school in your area, taking web courses in beauty is more than a viable alternative, it is becoming something of a norm. With more and more cosmetology schools online every year, your choice of teachers and courses is basically unlimited.

What Can You Do With A Degree In Cosmetology?

December 13th, 2012 |

If you’re considering enrolling in a beauty school, you might be wondering, “What can you do with a degree in cosmetology?”. This is a perfectly understandable question, as you want to make sure that you’re getting into a career field which offers diverse opportunities and an adequate revenue stream.

In this article, I’ll attempt to answer the question, “What can you do with a degree in cosmetology?”. I’ll examine the various jobs available to a cosmetologist, as well as look at possible levels of income.

Available Jobs With A Cosmetology Degree

Still wondering, “What can you do with a degree in cosmetology?”. This section should answer all your questions about available jobs with a cosmetology degree.

• Shampoo Technician – This position involves shampooing and conditioning a client’s hair before the stylist begins. Employed by concept and corporate salons, a shampoo technician may also remove color and chemical relaxers or rinse permanent waves. In many cases, this is an entry-level position for people looking to gain experience.
• Hair Stylist – This position specializes in cutting and styling the hair, as well as introducing color, relaxers,hair care treatments and perms into the client’s hair. The backbone of a salon, hair stylists can make or break a business.
• Nail Technician or Manicurist – Specializing in the care of nails, the nail technician performs manicures and pedicures, and works with nail wraps, artificial nails, gel nails, acrylic nails and other nail care products. This also includes applying jewels, decals and tiny paintings to the nails. While they don’t treat diseases of the nails, they are skilled at spotting them and referring the client to a physician.
• Esthetician – This brand of cosmetologist specializes in the area of skin care. They are skilled at facials, body wraps, microdermabrasion, waxing, salt glows and cosmetic make-up. Deep chemical peels may also be performed with a doctor’s supervision. An esthetician may also recommend skin care products to their clients. While they can have a cosmetology degree, some estheticians also receive a specialized degree.
• Beauty Therapist – An overall expert in the area of beauty, the beauty therapist may perform hair removal, body wraps, massages, skin care, brow tinting, eyelash tinting, faradic muscle tone and non-surgical facelifts. Electrolysis and laser hair removal may also be performed with additional training.
• Electrologist – Using an electrolysis machine, this specialized cosmetologist removes hair from the body of their clients. This is the opposite of hair removal through waxing.

Income Of A Cosmetologist

Most cosmetologists receive income in one of three ways: hourly wage, booth rentals and commission. While the average yearly income of cosmetologists vary, the maximum expected wage is around $50,000 per year (including tips). This is assuming, of course, that the cosmetologist doesn’t land their own television show or open a chain a trendy salons.

• Hourly Wage – Cosmetologists receive a fixed hourly wage per hour, but they’re also eligible to earn tips from clients. This system is used in many small chains of beauty shops, and tips often comprise a large part of the cosmetologist’s actual income.
• Booth Rental – For a monthly fee, the cosmetologist can rent space in a salon. The cosmetologist must provide their own products, and they are considered self-employed for tax purposes. This practice is not allowed in all U.S. states.
• Commission – The salon pays for water, products, lights and rent, and the remaining profits are split between the cosmetologist. A commission may also be given to cosmetologists who sell styling products and other items. A cosmetologist working on commission is often considered self-employed for tax purposes.

 

How to Get A Degree In Cosmetology?

December 13th, 2012 |

Becoming A Cosmetologist

Readers planning on becoming a cosmetologist often write in and ask, “How do you get a degree in cosmetology?” The answer is actually very simple, although the phrase “degree in cosmetology” can be somewhat misleading.

A degree in cosmetology suggests that the student has attended a four-year college. This is not usually the case, as most cosmetologists either attend a community college or beauty school. When students have completed their coursework (usually takes around a year), they take a state exam to become a licensed cosmetologist.

While most cosmetologists specialize in hairdressing, others may provide nail, skin or makeup services. In some states, a licensed cosmetologist can provide all services with a single license, while other states require an individual license for each service offered.

Getting A Cosmetology Degree

In order to answer, “How do you get a degree in cosmetology,” let’s take a look at each of the necessary steps. Getting a cosmetology degree could be within your reach.

1. First, the prospective cosmetology student must meet the minimum requirements for attending a beauty school. This differs from state to state. In some places, you’ll need to have your GED. In others, you’ll need to be a certain age. A few states also have additional requirements.
2. Make sure you’re familiar with the licensing requirements in the state where you plan on working as a cosmetologist. That way, if separate licenses are required for working on hair and nails, you’ll know in advance and can work towards them.
3. Next, you’ll need to select a cosmetology school which fits your needs.Hairstyling is always in high demand, so there’s a good chance that a beauty school is close to your present location.Name brand cosmetology schoolslike Paul Mitchell and Vidal Sassoon will cost more money to attend, sometimes in the range of $10,000 for a year. Smaller schools provide much of the same training at a lower price.Be sure to check your local community college, as many offer cosmetology classes through vocational/technical programs. You can also get a list of schools by visiting the website for the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences. Their site is located at naccas.org.
4. Work as an intern. In some cases, you can earn extra course credit by working as an intern at a salon. This is an excellent idea, as things move much faster than in a classroom setting. This is a perfect way to make sure that the life of a cosmetologist is right for you.
5. Study hard.At school, you’ll learn the basics of working on hair, nails and skin. Students will start by working on the heads of mannequins and then slowly progress to working on real people.Such skills as cutting, perming and coloring will be covered, and students will also learn how to do permanent waves. Treating and waxing the skin will be covered in the classroom, as will manicures and pedicures.Students should always work hard and attend their classes on time. This is probably the greatest key to answering the question, “How do you get a degree in cosmetology?”
6. Once you’ve graduated from cosmetology school, it’s up to you to become licensed by the state. This state board examination is part written and part practical (meaning you’ll be performing skills you learned in the classroom). Many beauty schools will go over the exam prior to graduation in order to help their students be successful.
7. Once you’ve passed the state examination, it’s now time to find a job as a cosmetologist.Your school may help graduates get jobs within the field, or you can always use the Internet or local newspaper to find openings.When applying for a job, be sure to bring a portfolio showing some of your work. These photographs should be as professional as possible and neatly displayed in a suitable photo album.

 

What Is BMI?

December 11th, 2012 |

What Is a “Body Mass Index”?

“BMI” stands for “body mass index” and is a measure of how overweight a person is. A person’s B.M.I. tells if that person is overweight and, if so, whether that person is obese. There are two ways to determine your BMI using height and weight in pounds.

One method of calculating BMI is to take your lbs and multiply them by 703. Then take your height in inches and square that number. Then divide the first number by the second number.

If you have a BMI of 25 to 30, you are considered overweight. If you have a BMI of 30 to 40, you are considered obese. If you have a BMI over 40, you are generally considered morbidly obese. Since the invention of the Body Mass Index since in the 1850s, doctors and scientists have developed their own BMI categories and tweaked the formula somewhat.

BMI Explained – Body Mass Index Example

Let’s use the above formula to come up with a BMI for a man who’s 6 ft tall. 6′ would be 72 inches and the square of 72 is 5184. If that man were 200 pounds, his weight x 703 would be 140,600. Next, you would take the 140600 and divide it by 5184, coming up with a BMI number of 27.1. This man would be considered overweight.

Next, let’s take a man who is 6 feet tall and 250 pounds. His weight x 703 would be 175,750. Divided by 5184, his BMI would be 33.9. The 6′, 250 lb man would be considered obese.

A 6′, 300 lb man would have a BMI of 40.68, making him technically “morbidly obese”. A 6′, 175 lb man, on the other hand, would have a BMI of 23.7, and would therefore be considered fit.

Alternate BMI Measurements

Another way to measure BMI would be to take your weight in pounds and multiply it by 4.88. Then take your height in feet and square it. Finally, take the first number (weight) and divide it by the second number (height), which would give you a similar BMI.

Finally, if you use the metric system (which is how BMI was first used), you would take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in meters squared. As you can see, the original formula was much less complicated.

Disputes Over BMI’s Usefulness

Though the BMI is simple to use and widespread, many doctors have disputed exactly how good the BMI is at measuring one’s health risks associated with weight. This is especially the case with U.S. doctors after 1998, when the U.S. chose to change its standards for the definition of “overweight” from 27.8 to 25, brining another 30 million Americans under the definition of overweight.

For instance, some studies have shown that a lower risk of heart disease in people who are slightly overweight than in those who are considered fit.

Also, experts have pointed out the rigid nature of the Body Mass Index can discount those who have naturally dense body types, or who have increased their body mass through athletic muscle weight gain and weight training. Many sports doctors prefer to measure percentage of body fat as opposed to the BMI, using test methods such as underwater weighing or skinfold measurements.

BMI is an important tool for medical insurance underwriting, because the higher one’s BMI, the more a person pays for medical insurance. At a certain BMI level, many insurers will deny coverage to a potential customer.

Related Posts

What Is BMI?
How Can I Get Affordable Health Insurance?
How Do I Know If I Have an Eating Disorder?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery?
I’d Give Anything to Lose Weight, But I Just Don’t Know What To Do or How to Get Started

How to Measure Bra Size

December 2nd, 2012 |

How to Measure Bra Size

Many women are surprised to learn that they’ve been wearing the wrong bra size. There’s lots of reasons why women wear the wrong bra size–poor measuring skills, changes in body size, and changes in wardrobe all lead to bra faux pas. Here are some tips for measuring your bra size and wearing the right size bra.

What Is the Average Bra Size?

You may have heard that 36C is the “average bra size” in America. The problem is, most women have never had a proper bra measurement, and with the little changes that happen to our bodies these measurements change all the time.

It turns out that most women who wear a 36C should actually wear something in a D or even DD. Most women wear bras that are much too small.

The true average bra size is more like 34DD. It is worth remembering that your cup size (the letter part of the bra size) is in direct proportion to the band size. A 32D bra is actually the same size as a 34C or 36B; the only difference is the size of the frame of the person wearing the bra.

This creates some interesting paradoxes in terms of brassiere size. In bra terms, a size of 28F is actually two full cup sizes smaller than a 38D bra. Notice the big difference in band sizes.

Slim women probably need a larger cup size even though their chest may not “look” like a D cup. Smaller band sizes tend to require larger cup sizes.

What Causes Bra Size to Change?

Small changes in weight make a big difference in your proper bra size. Losing or gaining just a couple of pounds (or changes in your body due to bloating) can change your bra size drastically. What happens is most women go so long wearing the wrong size bra that they don’t notice how uncomfortable it is.

If you learn to use a measuring tape properly and understand a few rules about measuring bra size, you’ll never have to wear the wrong size bra again.

Determining Bra Size

Unfortunately, to measure your own bra size you need at least one comfortable bra. You want to wear a very basic bra, one that doesn’t “hold down” or amplify the size of your breasts. Your everyday lying around the house bra should work fine.

If you don’t have a measuring tape (the soft kind used by clothing designers) you can use a piece of string that you can make marks on with a pencil. After you’re finished measuring with the string, you can just measure the marks on the string. Make sure the measuring tape or string you’re using wraps easily around your body.

Measuring Band Size

The first number on a bra size is known as the band size.

To measure your band size, measure the distance across the top of your breasts from armpit to armpit. This means stretching the measuring tape between your armpits high on your back and around across the top of your chest. Your band size is the number of inches you measured.

But that’s only true if you get an even number. If your band size measurement is odd, you’ll have to add one inch to get your band size. This is because bra manufacturers only make even-numbered band size bras.

For example, if your band size measurement is a 35, you should add one to get your final band size of 36.

Cup Size

The second part of a bra size (the part that is represented by a letter) is your cup size. To get a cup size measurement, you should measure loosely around the largest part of your breasts. Whereas the band size measurement was high on your breasts, your cup size measurement should be much lower on the breast.

Make sure you keep the measuring tape level, as a crooked measuring system could throw off your cup size measurement and lead you to wear the wrong size of brassiere. You also have to keep the measuring tape a little bit loose. The band size measurement needs to be very precise, but the cup size measurement requires a loose measuring tape.

Calculating Your Cup Size

Your cup size measurement will be larger than your band size measurement. To get the final cup size number, you simply subtract the band size measurement from the cup size number. Your cup size depends on this difference in sizes, and each difference in inches is represented by a different cup size.

Using the above example, let’s say your band measurement is 34 inches and your cup measurement is 36 inches. The difference between the two is 2 inches. Looking at the cup size chart below, we see that a difference on 2 inches means your cup size is B. That would mean a final bra size of 34B.

Cup Size Difference Chart

Less than 1” = AA

1” = A

2” = B

3” = C

4” = D

5” = DD

6” = E

See also:

1. What Is an Average SAT Score?
2. What Is an Average PSAT Score?
3. What Is an Average ACT Score?
4. How Much Should I Weigh?
5. What Is BMI? What Is Body Mass Index?
6. What Men Want in a Woman Physically
7. What Is a Good Credit Score?
   

15 Great Beauty Related Articles on Our Main Site

October 30th, 2012 |

Here are Randy’s 15 favorite articles about beauty from the main AskDeb.com website:

1. Cosmetology Training Advice
2. How to Soften Facial Hair
3. Kansas City Beauty School Enrollment Requirements
4. Swisa Beauty
5. Sunless Tanning
6. Pheromone Colognes
7. Wrinkle Creams
8. Whiter Teeth
9. Ear Gauging
10. Ingrown Toenails
11. Anti Aging Strategies
12. Prom Dresses, Prom Shoes, and Prom Accessories
13. Styling Curly Hair
14. Concealing Pimples with Makeup
15. Beauty School Financial Aid

How to Use a Foundation Brush

September 26th, 2012 |

How to Use a Foundation Brush

Learning how to use a foundation brush is the difference between perfectly flawless face makeup and a dirty, unpolished look. Foundation brushes keep your from applying blotchy ugly makeup, and help you perfect your even finish. This handy little tool is seriously misunderstood by most women who wear makeup.

Do you really need a foundation brush? Ask the experts. Having a good set of makeup brushes is important. Makeup artists depend on their makeup brushes as their main tools. Good makeup brushes aren’t cheap by any means, but if they’re properly taken care of, they should last you a long time.

A decent set of makeup brushes, containing all your essential brushes and a few extras for special occasions, is a perfect investment for a younger woman. They don’t have to be the priciest brushes in the store, but most kits that come cheap aren’t going to get the job done either. The only way to find a good set of makeup brushes that won’t break your checking account’s back is to shop around.

Why Do I Need a Foundation Brush?

You know that brushes are a necessity for perfect makeup application, right? Brushes help you blend, glide, cover, and add blush all with perfect even strokes. Brushes can also be used to make the drudgery of applying foundation a lot more easier.

Foundation application is tough, even for people with tons of practice at applying makeup. Foundation must be blended into dry spots, you have to deal with oily skin problems, and attempting to properly apply foundation in the nooks and crannies of the face is just plain difficult. Luckily, makeup brushes exist to help us with out makeup troubles. There are plenty of tools to help you apply foundation properly. Foundation application tools include everything from disposable sponges to wedges all the way up to expensive brushes — how do you know when to use which tools?

Sponges are useful tools for some makeup applications — some sponges are designed to “stipple” makeup effects, mostly for stage and screen acting. Some sponges and wedges are silky textured and light, still others are built of harder materials others and they’re meant to not “soak up” the foundation. Even though there’s a wide variety of sponges, makeup brushes are far more versatile and useful in all makeup situations and should replace the sponges and wedges in your current makeup collection.

Foundation brushes are useful for many reasons:

• Foundation brushes work well with all types of foundation, including liquids, creams, and even solids.
• Foundation brushes create a flawless finished product by allowing the makeup to cover the face evenly.
• Foundation brushes make putting on makeup and using it to cover your face easy — they are uniquely shaped and tapered to get the job done more efficiently.
• Foundation brushes, while expensive, are easy to keep clean and should last you for years.

Foundation Brush Basics

So you’ve never used a foundation brush or sponge before — you need to learn the basics before you rush out and buy an expensive brush set.

Pour some foundation (assuming you are using a liquid foundation) onto the back of your hand.

Use the brush to pick up some foundation. Do you prefer light or heavy coverage? If light, rub only one side of the brush in the foundation. For fuller coverage, use both sides of the brush to soak up the makeup.

Apply foundation using broad, downward strokes. The idea is to “sweep and blend” the makeup onto the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.

Now switch to the tapered edges of the brush to start blending your foundation into hard-to-reach areas like the corners of the nose, near hairline, and around the eyes or mouth.

If you use a foundation that isn’t liquid, such as a cream or powder foundation, just rub your brush over that product in its container. Many foundation brushes are designed for specific foundation types, but you don’t really need a foundation brush for every type of foundation.

Foundation Brush Care

So you’re now a master of the foundation brush — how can you take care of it to make it last longer? Cleaning makeup brushes is important in making them last longer, but also to keep them free of bacteria. Makeup brushes are notorious for harboring lingering bacteria, which can cause acne breakouts and other health problems. This happens when there is excess makeup buildup on the brush.

There are plenty of high-end brands of foundation brush cleaners, but you can avoid the high cost of these products by using baby shampoo. That’s right — plain old baby shampoo can keep your foundation brush clean for years. Just swirl your foundations brush’s head through a little puddle of shampoo and rinse. Pat the brush dry and you’re ready to go.

Makeup application should be fun and simple, not difficult and stressful. If you have the right tools, including a foundation brush and a proper way of cleaning that brush,then you’ll have all the tools you need to apply good makeup. Now that you’ve learned to use a foundation brush, you have taken the important first step towards applying perfect makeup.

See Also:

1. How to Hide Pimples with Makeup
2. How to Prepare for the Prom
3. Financial Aid for Beauty School Students
   

How to Describe Yourself

April 27th, 2011 |

How to Describe Yourself

Most of us aren’t comfortable with the idea of describing ourselves in any context. There’s lots of different reasons why you may need to be good at this. Online dating profiles are little more than self-descriptions with a few optional pictures and some emoticons. Even more serious–lots of job applications these days require you to describe yourself in a certain number of words. And what about meeting someone in public that you’ve never seen before? How would you tell them who to look for if you’re shy about describing yourself?

Here’s a guide to describing yourself. If you lack confidence or don’t really like yourself all that much, you may struggle with this at first, but I say “Fake it ’til you make it.”

1. Tailor Your Description to the Venue

The way you describe yourself to a prospective employer and the way you describe yourself to potential dates are two very different things. If you are describing yourself as part of a job application, you’ll want to tailor the adjectives to show off your compatibility with the company. Words like “hard-working”, “goal-oriented”, and “independent” are not words you’d want to use in an online dating profile, but they’d probably work great on a job app. Same goes for good adjectives to use for a dating profile–you wouldn’t want to tell an employer that you’re “looking for love” or that you have “a charming personality.”

2. Enlist the Help of Friends and Family

You may struggle with describing yourself, but you’d probably have no trouble at all describing your brother or your best friend. That’s why getting someone close to you to help you describe yourself is a great way to flesh out your description. Someone outside of yourself will help you see yourself from another person’s perspective. Don’t feel bad about getting help from someone else . . . the “describe yourself” box on your job application isn’t an essay question or a term paper. There’s nothing saying you can’t get a little assistance.

3. Tell the Truth

If describing yourself didn’t mean anything, you could fill your past with degrees from Ivy League schools, contracts with worldwide modeling companies, and daring adventures on the peak of Mt. Everest. Since your description is going to be read by someone, be it a future employer or your future wife, you want to tell the truth, rigorously. For a dating profile, you should admit to being fat (if you’re fat) or nerdy (if you’re nerdy) the same way you should admit to getting an online MBA from University of Phoenix if you’re applying for a job. The truth is always best, especially when it comes time to describe ourselves.

At some point in your life, you’re going to be asked to describe yourself. If you shy away from it, or don’t prepare for the possibility, you’ll probably flub it and look like a jerk. Take a long look in the mirror, read over your resume, and put together a brief self-description, leaving it as a mental note at the back of your mind. You never know when you might need it.

What Is Aloe Vera Gel?

April 20th, 2011 |

What Is Aloe Vera Gel?

Aloe vera is the scientific name of the plant known as “true aloe” or “medicinal aloe.” The plant form of aloe vera is a succulent, meaning it is a plant that stores water. These plants usually thrive in dry areas where retaining water is a survival tactic. Other types of succulent plants include pitcher plants and most species of cacti.

Aloe vera is prized in many cultures because of its uses in natural remedies. Reportedly, aloe vera and the extracts from the aloe vera plant can be used to treat wounds, burns, minor skin infections, certain types of cysts, and even chronic diseases like diabetes and elevated blood lipids. Aloe vera‘s uses in health remedies are said to be caused by the high saturation of chemicals in the sap–chemicals called polysaccharides, mannans, anthraquinones, and lectins.

Aloe Vera Gel Uses

Aloe vera gel is a generic name for any “gel” containing natural aloe vera extracts. People use aloe vera gel for many different purposes.

Soothing

People claim that aloe vera extract and aloe vera gel soothes the pain and itching of small wounds and burns. Unfortunately for proponents of the use of aloe vera gel for wound care, a study in 2007 found that wounds treated with aloe vera gel actually took longer to heal than wounds treated with conventional medical treatment. Having said that, the study went on to suggest that the use of aloe vera gel on first and second degree burns was medically plausible, showing that first and second degree burns treated with aloe vera gel healed faster and caused less pain to the patient.

Moisturizing

There is no scientific evidence yet that proves that aloe vera gel is a better moisturizer than anything commercially-produced. People swear that moisturizing products containing aloe vera gel or extract work well, and if you try an aloe vera gel moisturizer and like the results, there’s no reason to continue using it. The “gel” texture of aloe vera sap is the main reason for its use as a moisturizer and beauty product.

Antibacterial & Antifungal

The use of aloe vera gel in treating minor skin infections and fungal infections is widespread and has lots of science to back it up. Chemical compounds in the sap of aloe vera have antibiotic and antifungal properties that have been proven in the lab. Boils and cysts treated with aloe vera gel tend to heal faster and cleaner than the same wounds treated with medical products or nothing at all.

Healing

Besides simple wound and burn care, the ingestion of aloe vera has been shown to help control diabetes. An ingredient in aloe vera gel lowers blood glucose levels. Similar to its effect on diabetes, the ingestion of aloe vera gel has been shown to lower lipid levels in the blood. Even newer research has proven that ingesting aloe vera extract of any type can help to treat acute hepatitis and other diseases. Much of the research into the use of aloe vera as a medical treatment for diabetes or high blood lipids has shifted to using it as a cancer treatment, though this has only been proven in cats and dogs.

Food

Modern chefs are starting to turn to various aloe vera extracts to add a special characteristic to their gastronomic creations. Aloe vera gel’s unique texture makes it a wonderful tool for chefs interested in “molecular gastronomy”, who are more interested in texture and appearance than traditional chefs.

Aloe Vera Gel Benefits

The benefits of aloe vera gel are many, as you should be able to tell from the wide array of medical and other uses for the gel listed above. Because aloe vera is inexpensive to cultivate, adding it to a medical treatment won’t carry the burden of adding other forms of treatment. You can buy aloe vera gel at health food stores and even grocery stores and other retail environments. The low cost of aloe vera gel is a huge benefit for people looking to use aloe vera extract or sap in their lineup of  natural remedies.

Aloe Vera Gel for Acne

Unfortunately for acne sufferers, aloe vera gel won’t actually “heal” or prevent acne. But aloe vera sap and extract can help people suffering from acne.

The sap of the aloe vera plant can help to treat the redness and swelling that characterize acne. Basically, aloe vera gel can lessen the appearance of acne and help treat the pain and discomfort of lesions, but it will not keep acne from appearing.

Aloe Vera Gel for Face

Since aloe vera gel works well on acne, it stands to reason that using it on everyday pimples and blemishes is a good idea. Using aloe vera gel on problem blemishes is smarter (and cheaper) than using traditional medical treatments–you can keep an aloe vera plant in your backyard and break off a tiny bit of one of the leaves and apply it directly to your blemishes, rather than purchasing an expensive chemical treatment and smearing that all over your face.

Aloe Vera Gel for Hair

Adding aloe vera gel to your hair care products is a great way to turn an everyday hair product into a moisturizer. Aloe vera gel is an incredible moisturizer, and simply adding aloe vera gel to your commercial haircare product amps up that products moisturizing capability.

Aloe Vera Gel for Skin

Since aloe vera gel is a wonderful moisturizer on your hair, using it on your skin is a no-brainer. You can simply add some aloe vera gel to your favorite lotion or use aloe vera gel directly on your skin. Since aloe vera gel products are available in 100% organic or all-natural formulations, you can add aloe vera moisturizers to your skin without worrying about covering yourself in nasty chemicals.

Aloe vera gel and aloe vera extracts and saps are wonderful products with many uses. You can grow aloe vera plants in your yard, especially if you live in a hot or dry climate where aloe vera plants flourish.

 

What Is Wii Fit?

January 23rd, 2011 |

What Is Wii Fit?

Wii Fit is a video game designed by the Nintendo company for their Nintendo Wii video game console. Wii Fit is a fitness game, designed to lead players through an exercise program. The Wii Fit has been a tremendous success, selling the third-most copies of any console game in video game history (22.6 million and counting).

How Does Wii Fit Work?

Playing the Wii Fit game requires use fo the Wii Balance Board, a specially designed “platform peripheral”. The Wii Balance Board looks quite similar to a step-up body scale people use to measure themselves in their household. The device has a basic white top and a light gray base.

Wii Balance Board

When you play Wii Fit, you stand on the Wii Balance Board, which is outfitted with electronic sensors to record and chart your progress through the game. The board has about 60 hours of battery power, and it is thought to measure a person’s weight and center of balance more accurately than your average bathroom scale.

Though the Wii Balance Board is considered a top of the line, revolutionary video game peripheral device, the design is actually quite similar to the 1982 Atari Joyboard. Of course, the Nintendo Wii Balance Board is a great deal more advanced. The designers claim their device is based on the double scales that sumo wrestlers use to weigh themselves.

Does Wii Fit Simulate Exercise?

Wii Fit induces the player to get exercise in a number of different ways, involving both strength training and cardiovascular training. In fact, national health club chains have even bought Wii Fit devices to place in their gyms, while nursing homes have bought Wii consoles and the Wii Fit video game to help nursing home patients achieve better posture.

Wii Fit game play features mini-games involving aerobics, yoga, strength training, and balance contests. As the name implies, Wii Fit is meant to convince people to get a little exercise while they’re gaming. The main designer’s stated goal is to get the entire family to exercise together, though I’m not so sure the Wii Fit’s popularity has translated into family fitness games. As a single-person fitness game, the Wii Fit has had startling success.

While the Wii Fit has gotten gentle criticism from some fitness experts for the lightness of their exercise programs, the game has gotten generally positive reviews from most people–inside or outside the fitness world.

Wii Fitness – The Nintendo Video Game

Nintendo designed the Nintendo Wii to be inexpensive and to encourage people to become more active when playing video games. I know video game enthusiasts who have no desire to combine their video game sessions with gym sessions, the concept has been hugely popular with a large part of the video game community. Wii Fit is the current apex of electronic fitness gaming.

What Is Wii Fit Plus?

Wii Fit Plus is an enhanced version of the original Wii Fit, featuring all the original fitness games, as well as fifteen new areobics and balance games, 6 new yoga and strength training exercise games, the option to custom-build fitness regimens, the ability to register your babies (and pets) fitness profiles, and to keep track of calories burned with their own on-board calorie counter.

See also:

1. What Is Starz Play?
2. Good Movies on Netflix Instant Play
3. How to Find More Time to Spend with Your Wife
4. Are Computer Games Addictive?
5. The Red Ring of Death on XBox 360
6. What Is Angry Birds?
7. What Is Computer Software?
   

Bath and Body Works Coupons

December 31st, 2010 |

Go to the Bath & Body Works homepage and you’ll see that you might not need Bath and Body Works coupons to buy online, since the company is quite up-front about the good deals and promotions they’re offering at the moment.

The first thing you see (currently) is a yellow rubber duckie with a word balloon saying “Hello, Yellow! Sale” and “Limited Time Only! Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap $3″.

Scroll down the page and you’ll see promos for “Buy 3 Get 2 Free” on Body Care products, $3 on signature collection classics of other Body Care products, and $3 on Wallflowers & More (refills on scents). Click on these links and it leads you into a vast collection of $3 products.

Retail Me Not Bath & Body Works Coupon

You can get coupon codes for Bath & Body Works at the RetailMeNot.com Bath and Body Works page. These include $10 off a $40 purchase, $10 off a $30 purchase, and 20% off the entire purchase every time you shop. Other coupons include 50% off all “seasonal candies”, 3-for-$10 on classic body care products, and Buy-2-Get-1-Free on Lip Favorites.

This is just an small indication of a much larger number of promo codes and printable coupons you can get off Retail Me Not, which seems to have a particularly large number of Bath and Body Works promotions. Each of these offers has its own “success rating”, so you know exactly how often these coupons are accepted in Bath & Bodyworks retail outlets.

Coupon Mountain Coupon Codes – Bath & Body Works

Coupon Mountain also has a few Bath and Body Works coupon codes, which include the 20% off any purchase coupon code (SPECIAL20), the $10 off a $30 or more purchase (PERFECTGIFT10), and savings on select “big items”. For those interested in similar deals, you’ll also be able to scroll down the page and compare prices on other health and beauty coupons, including the “most popular” options.

Coupon Great Bath and Body Works Coupons

Coupon-Great also has its own Bath & Body Works coupons, though you’ll need to scroll down the page a bit to find them. The Coupon Great Bath & Body Works coupon codes include many of the standard offers, including $10 off a $40 purchase and the $10 off a $30 purchase.

But you’ll also find more novel options, such as the 2010 Great Escape Bag for $25 with any $40 purchase, free shipping with any purchase of $75 or more, and $1 shipping for any purchase of $25 purchase or more. There’s also free signature collection items with any purchase in the store.

Deal-Catcher Bath & Body Works Coupons

I’ll give you one more option for Bath and Body Works coupons and deals: DealCatcher.com. This website has pretty much the same promotions, coupon codes, bargains, and deals that I’ve highlighted before, so I won’t get into those again.

Since I haven’t mentioned DealCatcher before, I wanted to discuss it for a moment. They have a good presentation, along with information on whether it’s a printable coupon or online coupon (or both), when the deal expires, how to get the code, and a comments section. There’s even shipping information. I wish their ratings system was better, but the website is easy to navigate, the design is clean, and the information is easier to read than on certain other sites I’ve discussed recently, which are sometimes a mess.

Bath & Body Works Coupons

Anyway, that’s four places where you can find online coupons for Bath & Body Works, along with the Bath and Body Works official website itself.

See also:

1. Babies R Us Coupons
2. Crate and Barrel Coupons
3. Barnes and Noble Coupons
4. Applebees Coupons
5. Bed Bath and Beyond Coupons
6. Best Buy Coupons
7. Clairol Coupons
   

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn

December 16th, 2010 |

Getting Rid of Razor Burn Symptoms

If you have sensitive skin, then you probably already know what razor burn symptoms are like. Usually razor burn is exemplified by some of the following symptoms:

• A red rash
• Bumps on your skin
• Infected pores
• Pimples
• Blisters
• Itchiness

The itchy part is often the worst symptom of all. Razor burn varies in severity. Sometimes it persists for a week or more. Other times it’s gone within two hours or less.

Who Is Prone to Razor Burn?

If you shave, you might experience razor burn. The more sensitive your skin, the more likely it is that you’ll experience razor burn symptoms. But some shaving techniques and products can help.

Men usually experience razor burn on their faces. But anyone can experience razor burn anywhere on their body. (Different people shave different body parts. I don’t judge.)

Medical Conditions That Make Razor Burn Worse or Prevent Shaving

Any medical condition that inflames your skin can cause razor burn. Some medical conditions prevent shaving altogether. These include:

• Poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Acne
• Eczema
• Allergies

Don’t shave if you’re already suffering from a poison ivy or a poison oak rash. Your skin is already irritated. Don’t make it worse. And you don’t want to spread the poison ivy with your razor, do you?

Severe acne and eczema are two more medical conditions that can prevent shaving. Both of these conditions cause inflamed skin.

Many allergy sufferers experience inflammation of their skin, which can also prevent shaving.

Other Causes of Razor Burn Symptoms

Shaving irritated skin will always cause razor burn. What’s irritated skin?

• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Sunburned skin

Shaving incorrectly will also cause razor burn. Here are some common shaving mistakes that can cause razor burn:

• Pressing down on the skin when shaving. This scrapes layers of skin away, causing razor burn symptoms.
• Shaving without lubricant. Dry shaving will always irritate and cut skin. Always use a cream or lotion. If you can’t use lotion or cream, at least use soap and water to lubricate your skin. Some products include aloe vera. If you’re prone to razor burn, try these.

Other Shaving Tips to Prevent Razor Burn

Soaking your skin with warm or hot water is a good way to prepare to shave. It softens your hair and skin, making it easier to shave.

Always use a sharp razor blade. Dull blades are always bad.

Hard water can be a problem for people with razor burn issues. Check your water quality.

Home Remedies for Razor Burn

Ingrown hairs and skin infections are ugly and uncomfortable. Take some of the following steps to minimize the pain:

Pay Attention to Your Skin

Pay attention to the skin. If you see anything strange developing after a razor burn, you may need antibiotics or other treatment to prevent a serious health problems. Pay attention to your skin post-razor burn and prevent damage to your skin.

If you notice a small ingrown hair that doesn’t look infected, you can apply a warm cloth to the infected hair follicle to make them hurt less, release their pus, and break open.

Try Waxing

An alternative to shaving is waxing. This doesn’t work on your face, because you can’t do it ever day, but if you’re shaving other parts of your body, it might be worth checking into.

Consult a Dermatologist

If you have really bad razor burn, and nothing I recommended above helps, consult a dermatologist. You might need a prescription for a special soap or lotion.

See also:

1. How to Dress for a Job Interview
2. How to Attend a Job Fair
3. How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster
4. Online Cosmetology School
   

How to Stop Biting Your Fingernails

November 8th, 2010 |

How to Stop Biting Your Fingernails

Nail biting is a habit born out of anxiety. We’re not talking about the kind of heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, wake-up-at-3-AM type of anxiety that requires medication and counseling — for the most part, nail biters’ anxiety is reduced to little things. Everyday anxiety that we all have when speaking in public or making a difficult decision.

As a fingernail biter myself, I know the ugly side of nail biting. I’ve had all sorts of symptoms caused by nail biting, from upset stomach to infected nail beds. Fighting the urge to bite your nails is difficult for so many reasons.

Why We Bite Our Nails

Nail biting can be an embarrassing, painful, and annoying habit. But most of us don’t even realize when we’re doing it.

It’s obvious that most people bite their nails as a reaction to stress, anxiety, or some other heady emotion. I know that I’ve discovered biting my nails when I have to think hard — sometimes even biting my nails over what to order on an unfamiliar menu or which exit to take on the highway.

Some people’s nail biting habit is more serious. If your nail biting is seriously affecting your life, you may need professional help to quit. Believe it or not, some people’s simple act of nail biting is actually considered a mild form of obssessive-compulsive disorder. If you find yourself having particular trouble quitting, or if nail biting has negatively affected your life in the past and you haven’t been able to quit, you may consider seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Different theories exist about why we bite our nails. To some counselors, it is “internalized anger”. These people say that you rarely see Type A personalities or angry people with nail biting problems, as they allow themselves to express their anger. This theory, like all theories on nail biting, is controversial.

The truth is we don’t know one specific reason why we bite our nails. Each person’s road to nail biting passes through different towns. “Why” you bite your nails isn’t important. If it is time to quit biting your nails, you know it.

How can nail biting be hazardous to our health?

Potential Health Effects of Nail Biting

Red & Sore Fingers — Biting your nails leads to small puncture marks all around the nail bed, as well as torn cuticles and hang nails. Nail biters always have some sort of sore on their fingers from biting and pulling the nails away. This can also lead to cuticle bleeding, which itself leads to infections in the nail bed. Believe it or not, your nail bed is a very sensitive area, so constantly exposing it to the bacteria in your mouth and on your hand is a really bad idea.

Infections — You’d be surprised how easy it is to get a bacterial infection in your nail bed and your mouth. When the skin in your cuticle or nail bed is broken, the bacteria in your mouth have an easy way in. Think your hands are dirty? You ought to see what lives in your mouth.

These infections aren’t limited to the nail bed, either. Constantly biting your nails leads to teeth and other dental problems as well. People who bite their nails their whole lives are far more likely to develop diseases of the gums, this proven by research conducted at the Mayo Clinic. Your teeth can become damaged from wear and tear, leading to cavities and even broken teeth.

Nail Biting and Germs — How easy is it for germs to move from the mouth to the hand when you spend part of the day stuffing your fingers in your mouth? Our hands come into contact with terrible things over the course of a day, and the bacteria that live in the mouth are none too pleasant either.

The final impact of nail biting is psychological. We hate that we bite our nails and we get anxious over our inability to stop. If you could quit biting your nails, you’d have much less anxiety to live with — which in turn lessens your need to bite your nails.

How to Quit Biting Your Nails

1. Make an Effort

As with any bad habit, stopping your nail biting problem means you’ll have to actually put some effort into quitting. When you notice that you’re biting your nails, force yourself to stop. For some people, this is enough to help them quit. These are the nail biters who do it “absent-mindedly” and have some semblance of self control.

2. Make People Tell You When You’re Biting

Tell your close friends, family, co-workers, or whomever you see most of the time to give you a little warning when they see you nail biting. This is a great way to become conscious of how often you bite your nails.

3. Make Biting Your Nails . . . Nasty

There are a few different products available that help you quit biting your nails by making your fingernails taste bad. The idea is to convince you not to bite your nails by turning the experience negative.

The drug store stocks different products for this. Most of them are clear and colorless liquids with a bitter (but non toxic) taste such as bitter apple. You’ll not only hate the experience, but you can never say again that you weren’t conscious of your decision to bite your nails.

4. Polish Your Nails

The idea behind this step is to make your nails so pretty that you’d “hate to bite them and ruin them.” Taking time to give yourself a manicure may change the way you think about your nails and hands and further convince you to stop the nail biting habit.

If you’d rather not polish your own nails, or if you’re a guy, you could instead treat yourself to a professional manicure in a last-ditch effort to convince yourself to not bite your nails. Men, don’t be afraid — men have been getting manicures for years now, and strong, clear-coated nails are as much a part of the business world as laser-whitened teeth.

5. Wear gloves.

When all else fails, you may need to block yourself from biting your nails by wearing gloves. People may look at you funny, especially if it isn’t “glove season”, but I’ve had friends who were nurses who swear that once they got in the habit of wearing latex gloves all day at work, their nail biting disappeared. Give it a try.

If you think your nail biting habit is serious, or if you’ve started to have health problems you think are due to nail biting, contact your doctor for help giving up the habit.

See also:

1. Good Nail Care Products
2. Fast Wart Removal
3. Concealing Zits
   

How to Get Rid of Bruises

October 17th, 2010 |

How to Get Rid of Bruises

A bruise, known in the medical world as a contusion, is a simple injury in which the capillaries beneath the skin rupture, and blood flows into the surrounding tissue. Blood trapped in that tissue has a reddish-purple appearance, though bruises can be many different colors and sizes.

Bruising happens when the body makes hard contact with another surface. You can bruise from falling into water at a high speed just as easily as you can bruise from slamming your thumb in the door. People’s bodies bruise differently. Some bodies bruise more easily than others, so no two bruises are alike.

Why Do People Bruise Easily?

Some people bruise from the lightest contact, and this is a problem medically and aesthetically. Most people who bruise easily do so for specific reasons:

• People with platelet disorders or blood coagulation disorders will bruise easily.
• People with a deficiency in vitamin C are more susceptible to bruising.
• People with certain cancers and other serious diseases bruise easily.

If you’re concerned about your bruising, you should always contact a doctor.

If you’re interested in preventing recurring bruises, here are some ways you can make yourself less bruise-prone.

There are a large number of women, usually young, educated, single women, who seem to bruise easier than any other part of the population. This phenomenon is not new to doctors, and most of these women find out about the phenomenon when they ask their doctor about it. It seems that some ingredients in some forms of birth control (whether it is the chemical that controls ovulation or some other additive to the pill is not clear) can cause a person to bruise easily when combined with even moderate consumption of alcohol. It isn’t that these women are any clumsier than their male counterparts. But their use of birth control combined with an occasional drink means that their bodies are more likely to bruise from everyday life, like bumping into a chair or stubbing a toe.

Women who take birth control and drink alcohol, even occasionally, can do one simple thing to prevent this touch and go bruising. Consume lots of vitamin C. Most women with this bruising problem add a few extra sources of C to their diet and the bruising goes away. If you add more C to your diet and you still bruise easier than most, you should consult your doctor for further testing.

Medical Treatment For Bruises

There’s not much you can do to heal your bruise. Once a bruise happens, it takes time to go away. You can reduce any swelling and attempt to cover up the mark of the bruise itself, though.

Here are some tips to help a bruise victim deal with the pain and attempt to cover the bruise.

Medication

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs that you can take to deal with bruise pain. Always follow the instructions on the label of the medication you take, and consult a doctor before taking either of these medications if you have health problems or are pregnant or nursing.

Ice

Using an ice pack or a bag of ice directly on top of the bruise will help with pain and can reduce the swelling of the bruise. Reduced swelling means a reduced appearance of the bruise.

You don’t just have to use ice. If you roll Play-Dough up into a log and freeze it inside a freezer bag for a few days, it will act as the perfect moldable cold compress, and it will stay cold almost as long as ice will.

Other Bruise Treatments

Elevating the bruise above the level of your heart will both reduce swelling and pain. Some people believe that this also reduces the appearance of the bruise, but this hasn’t been proven.

If you want to reduce swelling quickly, apply a compression bandage tight enough to temporarily restrict blood flow to the bruise, and keep it elevated. This will reduce swelling fast, but it can keep the bruise itself from healing too. Also, be careful not to restrict blood flow for too long, as that can cause further injury.

Arnica is an herbal supplement to reduce pain, swelling, and to promote healing to bruises. It comes from a flower that grows in the mountains, and has been used for centuries to promote healing and reduce pain. Arnica has been proven scientifically to flush out the trapped blood of a bruise, and it could be your best chance to get rid of a bruise fast. Arnica is available as a paste or as a pill, though the paste is said to work better for bruises.

Folk Remedies for Bruises

Athletic trainers deal with contusions all the time. Football pads don’t protect the body from serious bruising. Many athletic trainers keep a small pot for melting chocolate in their offices. Many people swear that an application of melted chocolate on top of the bruise, wrapped in gauze overnight, can reduce healing time for bruises. If you have access to a steady supply of melted chocolate, you could keep yourself bruise free for years to come.

Eating foods that are high in vitamin E, or just applying vitamin E cream directly to the bruise, are said to reduce healing time, although this has never been proven medically.

Cover Up Your Bruise

If you want to hide a nasty bruise really fast, as in within the hour, you’re going to have to become skilled at applying makeup. If you’re a man, or a lady unfamiliar with makeup, try to ask the customer service people at the makeup counter at your local pharmacy for help. They’ll be happy to pick the color out and teach you how to apply the makeup.

Bruises aren’t the end of the world, and most of us don’t even notice the tiny bruises we all have all over our bodies. When bruises are ugly or particularly painful, it can seem like there’s no way at all to treat them. Use the above tips, and make sure to buy a pot for melting chocolate, to make bruises a thing of the past.

See Also:

1. How to Get Rid of Warts Fast
2. How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
3. How to Get Rid of a Headache
4. How to Get Rid of Stretchmarks
5. How to Get Rid of Mice
   

What Is an Eternity Ring?

October 8th, 2010 |

What Is an Eternity Ring?

The ring, a continuous circle, has been a symbol of friendship and relationships for thousands of years. The first people to make and wear rings were the ancient Egyptians. All rings, in effect, could be called ‘eternity’ rings, but as will be discussed later in this article, an eternity ring, because of its unique construction, is a special category of ring. Comprised of an uninterrupted circle of metal, often encrusted with precious stones, rings have long been a symbol of eternal love and friendship. The round, unbroken circle of an eternity ring meant then, and continues to mean, that two people are binding themselves into a relationship that cannot be broken, and with precious stones set completely or partially around the unbroken circle, they also symbolize the great value of the relationship.

In ancient marriage ceremonies, the ring symbolized the relationship on a number of levels. The unbroken circle symbolized permanence and eternity. The precious metal from which the ring was forged was a symbol of strength and durability, and the precious gems set into the metal symbolized the value placed in the relationship; the more valuable the stone, the more valuable attached to the relationship.

There are a number of types of rings which people exchange to mark various ceremonies:

• Wedding or engagement rings
• Friendship rings
• Eternity rings

Eternity rings, like more traditional rings, can be used for weddings, engagements, and as symbols of friendship. In addition, they are used to mark special occasions.

History and symbology of the ring

The practice of bride and groom exchanging rings to mark the marriage was used in ancient Rome, but is in fact probably much older. The rings were not only a symbol of ‘eternal’ love but were used to symbolize the earnest money, or exchange of valuables that went along with the ceremony. In fact, because marriage in ancient Rome and medieval Europe was often more a financial contract between families than love between a man and a woman, the ring was more a symbol of the exchange of value than eternal love and affection. Rings were also used in ancient Celtic wedding ceremonies, and in these cases, they did symbolize the more or less ‘eternal’ nature of the relationship, or ‘forever and a day.’

The custom is usually for the man to give a ring to the woman upon the betrothal or engagement, and for the couple to exchange rings at the actual wedding ceremony. The wedding ring is worn on the right hand because this is the hand that is usually used for taking oaths, and wearing the ring on that hand ties it to the oaths taken during the marriage ceremony.

Friendship rings are often exchanged between people who want a symbol of the enduring nature of their relationship even though they might be separated by physical distance. While men and boys sometimes exchange friendship rings, this is primarily a custom of women and girls. Parents will sometimes give friendship rings to their children just before they leave home. This is a practice that dates from biblical times. Even though the bonds between parent and child are considered unbreakable, rings were exchanged as a potent symbol of the eternal nature of that relationship.

Eternity Rings

In addition to the familiar types of rings, such as engagement and wedding rings, eternity rings, sometimes called ‘dress’ wedding rings, are increasingly popular. They are also known as diamond infinity rings and diamond bands because of the way they are constructed.

The construction of eternity rings often make them look like a circle of precious stones – most often diamonds. This unbroken circle of gemstones symbolizes the unending, eternal love between two people. Quite often eternity rings are purchased to mark special or significant milestones in a couple’s relationship, such as a child’s birth, or a significant anniversary.

Eternity rings are basically a simple design; even-sized gemstones nestled together, either the full circumference of the ring, or half. Eternity rings with gems around the full band must be individually sized and cannot be resized, making the half bands more popular. The advantage of the full band is that when it is rotated on the finger, the stones are always in view.

The stones in an eternity ring must be nestled close together, making round or compact shaped gems the most popular choices. Full rings require not only compact shapes, but the stones also cannot be overly large.

The most popular gemstone for eternity rings is, of course, the diamond. But, rubies, sapphires, tanzanite and emeralds are also used, often alternating around the band with diamonds. Almost any stone can be used, however, to add unique symbolism to the particular ring.

Many women currently chose to substitute an eternity ring for either their wedding band or engagement ring. Depending upon the size of the stones in an eternity ring, even though individually they’re often smaller than the diamond in an engagement ring, their total carat value is often higher. When all the rings are relatively slender, some women also chose to wear an eternity ring along with the other two, taking care that the setting of the eternity ring is compatible with the others and the prongs holding the stones in place do not scratch the other rings.

Cost considerations

Prices for eternity rings vary widely, from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending upon a number of factors.

The first financial consideration is the metal from which the band is forged. The costs of white or yellow gold, platinum, or titanium vary widely depending on world market conditions.

The size and quality of the stones has a major impact on the overall price of the ring. Diamonds are the most expensive of gemstones, with prices that vary depending upon the quality of the stone, color, presence or absence of flaws, and the cut. Other stones, such as emerald and jade, will also vary in price based on color and flaws.

The size and number of stones in an eternity ring will also impact the price. Full rings, because they must be custom made, are often significantly more expensive than a similar number of carats in a half ring.

To ensure you get value for your money, only buy an eternity ring from a reputable store, whether it’s an independent retailer or a chain store. Consulting a licensed gemologist is a wise course of action when selecting the stones for your ring. An eternity ring symbolizes the eternal nature of your relationship, obtaining the advice of an expert to ensure the highest quality will yield you a symbol that will endure.

See Also:

1. Best Diamond Ring Sites
2. Emerald Engagement Rings
3. How to Write a Love Poem
4. How to Dress for a Job Interview
   

What Are Coach Outlet Stores?

October 3rd, 2010 |

What Are Coach Outlet Stores?

Outlet stores (also called factory stores) are retail shops where big name retail brands sell items directly to the public. In the beginning, factory outlet stores were literally attached to factories, “cutting out the middle man” so that the price for the consumer was much lower than in a retail store. These days, it is rare to find a factory or outlet store that is actually attached to a factory, and the discounts are not quite the same as at the factory outlet stores of the 80s and 90s. (See How to Be a Bargain Finder for more information.)

Coach is a huge leather goods brand, making a long list of clothing and accessory items such as ladies’ handbags, luggage, briefcases, wallets, watches, shoes, and other footwear items. Not outrageously expensive, but not cheap either, Coach goods are well-known for the beauty and their craftsmanship. Since Coach, as a brand, is considered somewhat “higher end”, factory stores that sell Coach brands are really popular, the discounts there turning once pricey Coach bags into something a little more affordable.

How Do I Find a Coach Factory Outlet Store?

Coach’s Factory Store locator can help you find a Coach outlet store near you. You can search by state or zip code and you can search within different ranges of miles. Check it out here.

What Do Coach Outlet Stores Carry?

There’s no way to look up the inventory of a particular Coach outlet store — no websites, no catalogs, etc. If you show up at a Coach outlet store, you never know what you’ll see from week to week.

If you’d like an idea of the items for sale at your local Coach outlet, you can call the store. It is best to ask about specific items by name or style number rather than simply ask “What are you carrying right now?” The employee will be able to look up a particular item for you and tell you if it is in stock. They may even be able to tell you about future shipments, if the item isn’t currently for sale at their shop.

Coach outlet stores will generally hold an item for up to two days, or (if your item is not in stock) you can have your name put on a contact list, and if that item arrives, they’ll let you know. All factory outlet stores have a really strange variety of items in stock, and one store may have a completely different inventory from the next, so if you have a few Coach outlet stores within driving distance of your home, you can always contact multiple stores.

How Much Cheaper Are Coach Outlet Stores?

This varies depending on the item you’re looking for. In general, Coach outlet stores sell their items anywhere from 15 to 80% off of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

Believe it or not, the Coach outlet store has its own clearance rack, where older items or items that may have a small factory defect are available for even lower prices, often an additional 20 to 40% off the discounted outlet price.

Are All Items at Coach Outlet Stores Damaged or Defective?

Once upon a time, selling flawed merchandise at a factory outlet store was very rare. Now, outlet stores often sell slightly damaged items at deep discounts. Often, the flaw is so small or is hidden in such a way that no one will ever see it — and don’t forget that most of the stock at your Coach outlet store is not going to be defective or damaged, and those items that are damaged will be marked.

How Do Items End Up in the Coach Outlet Store?

Besides damaged merchandise, the reason why stock may end up in a factory outlet is probably that they were sitting unsold on a shelf at a boutique store somewhere else in the country. The only way someone would notice that your Coach bag came from an outlet store is the tiny circle that is imprinted on the Coach logo of factory outlet items. The quality is still pretty much the same, but you should always inspect items you buy at outlet stores.

A good percentage of the handbags at Coach outlet stores come from “last season” — the boutique stores want to sell new styles, so they ship the old units off to outlets to make a small return on otherwise unwanted merchandise. Also, shipping items to an outlet store makes room for the more expensive new items.

When Do Coach Outlet Stores Get Shipments of New Items?

The beginning of the month is ideal Coach outlet store shopping time — that’s when the factory trucks arrive and the new outlet items are put up for sale.

Tricks for Shopping at the Coach Outlet Store

1. If you are looking for a specific Coach bag, call all the Coach outlets within an easy drive of your home and put your name on the list for that bag at each store. Most Coach outlet stores use those lists to determine if they need to order a lot of a specific item, so putting your name on the list could be the reason they decide to order the bag you want. Besides, putting your name in multiple outlet locations increases your chances of getting the Coach bag you’re after.

2. Shop with your hands. Grab anything that you think you may want to buy — remember, you can always put the item back or decide not to buy it later. If you don’t pick it up, a sneaky Coach outlet shopper could come behind you and snatch up the bag you really want. Debate your purchase with your Coach bags in hand.

3. Pay attention to price tags and other tags. It is easy to forget to look at all the tags on an item at a Coach outlet store, but you may end up buying a bag with a specific defect that you didn’t know about before you plunked down your cash.

See How to Buy Stuff on eBay for additional ideas on how to save money on Coach products.

See also:

1. What Is John Lewis?
2. What Is Ravel Footwear?
3. What Is Barclay’s Online Banking?
4. What Is the American Express Rewards Catalog?
5. What Is Wachovia Online Banking?
   

What Is Ravel Footwear?

October 2nd, 2010 |

What Is Ravel Footwear?

A better question might be what was Ravel Footwear?

Ravel Footwear was a shoe company based in the United Kingdom. They had a good reputation among shoe fanatics for making quality attractive shoes that were reasonably priced. Then in the spring of 2007, they absorbed by Clarks, a larger United Kingdom-based shoe company. The brand is no longer available, though Clarks promised to keep making some of the styles under their label.

Before they stopped making shoes, their shoes were available in a variety of styles, from pumps and sandals to flats and even boots. The popularity of Ravel Footwear was not confined to the UK — though they were sometimes difficult to find, shopping on the Internet was the main source for buyers outside of the UK.

What Is Clarks?

The company that absorbed Ravel Footwear is famous for making mules and flats, shoes known more for their comfort and durability — while Ravel made sexy shoes, Clarks has always been about comfort. The typical fan of Ravel Footwear is looking for strappy shoes, sexy sandals, pumps, and items like stiletto-heel boots that are far outside the creative boundary of Clarks.

Clarks technically took control of the company in 1974, but didn’t make any major changes to the women’s shoe line until discontinuing the line for good in 2007. You can no longer find Ravel Footwear on High Street or in any retail location, partly because Clarks shut down the retail stores that were competing with Clarks own stores. Just before the stores shut for good, they offered huge discounts on their stock, so many people bought up as many pairs as they could. That’s why you can still find Ravel shoes, some brand new in the box — people took advantage of the discounts just before closing and stockpiled shoes to wear (or to sell) later.

What Makes Ravel Shoes Special?

People love these shoes because they’re fashionable but not unreasonably priced. Ravel Footwear is famously sexy — these aren’t necessarily the best shoes for a job interview. (See How to Dress for a Job Interview for more information.) It is difficult to find well-made shoes that are both fashion-forward and affordable.

What was once a trendy London brand, aimed at the fashionista market, became a worldwide phenomenon. If you’ve seen photos of fashion in the 60s, you’re probably familiar with Ravel Footwear. Their famous high leg white patent boots became a hallmark of the 1960s. They were able to take that trendy image and update it to whatever was new in fashion.

Finding Ravel on eBay

You can find lots of Ravel Footwear using eBay. (See How to Buy Stuff on eBay for more information.) I found the following items for sale right now on eBay:

• A pair of size 5 pumps, brand new without tags, currently selling for $12
• A pair of blue pumps, brand new in box, currently selling for $8
• A pair of size 5 wedge platforms currently selling for $20

And this is just a sampling of the dozens of styles available right now on eBay.

When you’re buying Ravel Footwear online, especially from an auction site, you should pay attention to the description of the item. Since they’re no longer made, you’ll probably be buying something secondhand. It may even be used or have some light wear and tear. Read the description carefully so you don’t feel ripped off when you open your new shoes and find them a little scuffed.

You might also be interested in our article about the top 10 womens clothing websites.

What Are the Top 10 Diamond Ring Websites?

September 30th, 2010 |

What Are the Top 10 Diamond Ring Websites?

There’s tons of information about diamonds and diamond rings online. There’s also no lack of sources for diamond rings on the Internet. We’ve sorted through the pile for you and found the twenty best websites about diamond rings. We’re also including ten blogs and informational sites about diamonds so you can do a little research before you go shopping for a ring. (And if your intended isn’t interested in diamonds, you might want to take a look at our article about How to Buy Emerald Engagement Rings.)

Here are the ten most popular online retailers.

1. Blue Nile

Blue Nile is the most popular online diamond retailer. Blue Nile sells more diamonds than the next three most popular websites combined. They do an amazing amount of business, and they’ve only been in business for just over a decade. Using their Diamond Search tool, you can see the price of the diamond change as you change its characteristics, so selecting a higher clarity, for instance, raises the price of the stone right before your eyes. Try it out right here.

2. The Shane Company

The Shane Company has carved out a niche for themselves at the top of this list — they don’t sell as many rings as Blue Nile, but they offer a wider variety of stones. The website isn’t as slick and pretty as Blue Nile, but using their “design your own ring” tool was fun. Check out the Shane Company if you can’t find what you need at Blue Nile.

3.  Diamond.com

Diamond.com feels a little bit cheap, the colors make it difficult to see the diamonds as you shop for them, and I get the feeling their prices are too high. Still, they are the third most popular diamond retailer online.

4. Whiteflash.com

I love the interface at Whiteflash.com — they’ve managed to find a background color that shows off the stones but isn’t downright ugly. It’s comforting to see the GIA certificate for a diamond I’m about to drop a few thousand dollars on. This is a feature that’s easily found at Whiteflash, but harder to find at other retailers.

5. Szul Online Jewelry

I like Szul Online Jewelry because they are almost always holding a sale or offering a discount code. But they haven’t mastered this whole “build your own ring” thing yet — I’ve never been able to use their system. Glitchy website, but good prices if you catch them during a sale.

6. Abazias

This is another easy to use and attractive retail website. They are best known for selling loose diamonds, which is a specialty market (which explains why they’re not higher on the list of diamond ring websites).

7. Adiamor.com

Adiamor’s been in business longer than Blue Nile or the Shane Company, but they don’t have the volume that their larger competitors have. Still, you can get free Fedex overnight shipping for diamond rings from Adiamor.com, so if you need one post-haste, they may be your store.

8. Diamonds USA

You can find great prices at Diamonds USA if you’re willing to wait for your shipment. They’re located in Eastern Europe, and your diamond ring can take up to two weeks to arrive to America. Still, do a quick search on their “build your own ring” tool and compare the prices to your local jewelry store.

9. Solomon Brothers

Atlanta’s famous Solomon Brothers do a good deal of business online. The Brothers have been in the diamond business for a quarter century and that shows on their website. Lacking most of the modern features of other jewelry websites, the Solomon Brothers web presence is dated.

10. Union Diamond

Another Atlanta-based jewelry retailer, Union Diamond closes out the list of the most popular diamond retailers online.

Top Ten Educational Sites about Diamond Rings

When it comes time to buy your next diamond ring, do a little research ahead of time so you don’t get confused by terms like “clarity”, “color”, or “grade”. Here are ten great educational sites about diamonds and diamond rings.

1. Ring Envy

Easily our favorite diamond blog, Ring Envy is unique among websites about diamonds. It’s a simple concept — people post anonymous photos of their diamond rings and engagement rings. You can click randomly through rings as long as you want to. Use it for inspiration for your own ring purchase, or just drool in envy at the awesome rings.

2. Diamonds USA Blog

The blog companion to one of the ten most popular diamond retailers online, the Diamonds USA Blog is updated regularly, and while it is more on the “diamond news” side of the spectrum, fans of diamonds and people shopping for diamonds should find a good read here.

3. Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide

Think of this one as “Engagement Rings for Dummies.”

4. The Diamond Blog

Good information here — not the most attractive site, but easy to navigate.

5. Abazia’s Diamond Blog

Diamond news and blog posts categorized across two dozen different subjects.

6. Buy Like A Guy

A great blog based on an awesome concept — helping guys buy good diamonds by talking to them in language they’ll understand.

7. Diamond Writings

This may be the most pure “blog” of all the diamond blogs I’ve seen. Featuring writing on diamonds, the diamond industry, diamond shopping, and Celeb diamond rings and proposal stories, Diamond Writings is like the TMZ of diamond rings.

8. Jewelry Mall Blog

Though the Jewelry Mall Blog isn’t updated nearly as much as we’d like, their information is well-written and includes lots of good links to diamond sales online.

9. RingOBlog

Less of a blog and more of a cool search tool for rings, the RingOBlog is an elegant little ring search engine complete with user reviews and a little bit of advice and news thrown in for good measure.

10. Diamond Blog

There’s plenty to read at this blog, just don’t expect much in the way of links to relevant buying information.

This post is part of a series of top ten lists we’re posting. Some of the previous articles include Top 10 Dating Websites, Top Ten Mens Clothing Websites, and Top Ten Womens Clothing Websites.

Also, a friend of mine recently launched a site about diamond earrings. It’s worth taking a look at too.

What Is a Lane Bryant Outlet?

September 20th, 2010 |

What Is a Lane Bryant Outlet?

How to Get Rid of Warts

August 3rd, 2010 |

How to Get Rid of Warts

Learn how to get rid of warts, to avoid an expensive trip to the dermatologist or general practitioner, or simply walking around with embarrassing and unseemly looking warts. Warts pop up due to a virus called “human papillomavirus”, usually shortened to “HPV”.

HPV only infects the top layers of the skin, or your mucous membranes. There are over 130 known HPV types, though most don’t cause symptoms in people. Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 cause common warts. Eleven or more HPV viruses cause genital warts, while a few other HPV types cause much more serious conditions. Let’s focus on the 30 to 40 HPV virus types which cause warts, though.

How to Remove Warts Fast

Warts are not easy to remove, and most home remedies or treatments from the doctor take time. If you really need to get rid of a wart fast, you should seek treatment from a doctor. That may not sound very fast, but getting advice from a doctor on the safest and fastest way to treat your wart could keep you from trying a series of other “home remedies” that may not work. When at home treatments for warts don’t work, they tend to make the wart and the surrounding skin worse and not better. Your dermatologist knows how to treat warts properly, and can even advise on some courses of treatment that may make the wart go away faster, such as treating the wart with a product containing salicylic acid. The dermatologist also has special tools to help you remove warts with haste — devices that “burn” off or “freeze” off the wart. The fastest way to safely deal with your wart may be by talking to a doctor.

How to Remove Warts at Home

When you don’t need to see a doctor (or just don’t want to) there are plenty of at home methods used for getting rid of warts. From old wive’s tales to more modern over the counter treatments, you may not have to see a dermatologist to take care of your wart.

1. Rub a banana peel on the wart every morning. This may sound like an old wive’s tale, but there are components of the banana peel that help to shrink the wart.

2. Burn the wart. Hold a match as close to the wart as you can without touching it. The “blistering” action of the heat mimics what the dermatologist would do anyway. Just be careful not to burn yourself.

3. Soak the wart in warm salty water. Soak the wart as long as you can stand. This method runs counter to traditional wart removal methods that suggest “scraping” or even cutting the wart. Soaking it in water will keep your skin healthy and help get rid of your wart.

How to Remove Warts Naturally

The best “natural” method for wart removal is similar to the “warm salty water” treatment found above, but may actually work better. It is all natural, and doesn’t require any painful scraping or dangerous cutting that can lead to infection. With the “sea salt” method, you want to soak the wart in warm and salty water for as long as you want. Then, with a band-aid and a few chunks of sea salt at the ready, dry the wart and press the sea salt carefully up against the wart. Secure them in place with a band-aid, and allow the salt to sit on the wart for about a day. Replace the salt and the band-aid once a day for two or three days. Your wart should disappear within two or three days.

The Best Method for Getting Rid of Warts

Dermatologists tell us that the least invasive chemical treatment for a wart is using a product called salicylic acid, a substance derived from willow bark that is basically identical to aspirin. In this case, salicylic acid treatment for warts is in a liquid form. Salicylic acid is the ingredient of just about every commercially available wart remover. Salicylic acid acts as a blistering agent. It aggravates the wart and eventually makes it go away. The most popular wart removal method is probably a medicine called Compound W or its main competition at the drug store, Ocusal. Follow the package instructions, or buy your own salicylic acid and apply it to the wart after soaking the skin in water for 5 minutes. If you do this every two to three days, you should be able to get rid of even the most stubborn warts.

Types of Warts

There are at least 7 distinct types of wart, though most fall into the common wart category. I’ll give the common location for these different warts, so you might quickly determine which type of wart you’re dealing with. If it’s a lone wart and it’s not on your feet, eye or genitalia, you probably have the common wart.

• Common Wart – Usually on the hand, but anywhere on body is possible.
• Plantar Wart – Pressure points of the feet. Often painful.
• Flat Wart – Often in large numbers on neck, face, knees, hands, and wrists.
• Genital Wart – On the genitalia.
• Periungual Wart – Cauliflower cluster warts around the nails.
• Mosaic Warts – Clusters of warts on hands or souls of feet.
• Filiform/Digitate Wart – On face near eyelids or lips.

Over-the-Counter Wart Remedies

There are two main methods of getting rid of warts with over the counter remedies. The first is to burn the wart off with salicylic acid, which is a weak acid (compared to other acids you know) that burns off skin little by little. The other is to freeze off the war with a mixture of propane and dimethyl ether.

The freezing process is quicker, but has the greater chance of you hurting yourself with skin burns. If you keep the frozen tip on your skin too long, you can damage your skin with serious freeze burns, so follow the instructions to the letter.

Salicylic acid usually takes days and even weeks to burn off the wart, so it’s harder to absentmindedly harm yourself with salicylic acid, though it is still possible. In fact, there are a number of warnings you should follow.

Salicylic Acid Warnings

You may know salicylic better under its better marketed name of “Compound W”. Follow the same instructions with any product including salicylic acid, as you would with Compound W. This includes keeping the acid away from your eyes, lips, nose, and mouth. You also must keep salicylic acid away from the genitals and anal areas. Do not use on sunburned skin, chapped skin, broken skin or open wounds.

If you have the following conditions, consult your doctor before using salicylic acid.

• Poor Circulation
• Diabetes
• Liver Disease
• Kidney Disease

Also consult your doctor before treating a child with Compound W. Don’t use salicylic acid on moles or birthmarks, because the acid is not intended for either skin condition.

More Salicylic Acid Products

You are likely to find all kinds of products besides Compound W that contains salicylic topical acid. Here is just a small sampling.

• Dr. Scholl’s Clear Away Wart Removers
• Dr. Scholl’s Callus Removers
• Dr. Scholl’s Corn Removers
• Freezone Corn Remover
• DermalZone
• Oxy Face Scrub
• Stri-Dex
• Dermarest Psiorias Skin Treatment
• Wart-Off Treatment
• Sebucare
• Propa P.H.

If you experience extreme skin irritation from salicylic acid, you may be allergic to the substance. Those who experience undue skin irritation should immediately stop using salicylic acid products. You’ll need to use the freeze off method, home remedies, or professional treatments.

Wart Removal Home Remedies

These are just some of the home remedy tips I’ve seen for wart removal. I haven’t tried each and every one of these, but I am passing the information along, in case you are desperate enough to try them yourself.

• Garlic
• Basil
• Unripe Papaya
• Lemon Peel
• Banana Peel
• Vitamin C
• Vinegar
• Aloe Vera
• Castor Oil
• Duct Tape
• Hot Water (plantar warts)

These work for a variety of different reasons. Papaya, for instance, works because it contains an enzyme known to break down dead skin tissues. The chemicals found in lemon peels and banana peels dissolve warts. The vitamin C in the lemon peel also probably helps fight wart viruses.

Along the same lines, Vitamin C helps to fight off the HPV virus which causes warts. When you use duct tape (5 to 7 days), file off the wart with an emery board after removing the duct tape, then add more duct tape. This supposedly causes your own immune system to fight off the virus.

Physician Wart Removal

Doctors have a number of wart removal methods, including cryosurgery, laser removal, electrical currents, surgical incisions, chemical treatments, and drug treatments. Some techniques can be painful, with wart removal causes scarring at times.

The most common wart removal treatments these days are the cryosurgery. This is a more effective (or practiced) treatments than the wart freeze-off cures you’ll buy over the counter. The doctor freezes off your wart, though this frequently causes scarring and sometimes requires multiple visits. Freeze removal can be painful, so ask your doctor for a topical painkiller, if you have a low tolerance for pain.

Electrocautery doesn’t get to the wart’s roots, while Cantharidin chemical treatments (chemicals taken from a “blister bug”) causes blistering after a few hours, and might require multiple visits. Miquimod is often used for genital warts, and less commonly for plantar warts and flat warts. This drug causes an immune system response to the infected area.

Wart Prevention

Once you get rid of a wart, remember that warts are caused by viruses, just like many sicknesses are. Don’t touch one infected part of your skin to an uninfected part. Don’t touch someone else’s warts. Wear shoes or sandals in a gyms or other community area, where someone with plantar warts might infect the floor. Don’t share towels, shoes, socks, or razors, since these can transmit the virus. If your skin is broken, be extra careful about avoiding all the situations already listed.

Obviously, avoid touching the genital warts of an infected person, or else you can be infected with genital warts. As you can imagine, this is a commonly transmitted form of wart, since people are not likely to notice genital warts at all, or not until it’s too late. If you have genital warts, take steps to avoid infecting other people.

When you have a wart on your hands, avoid picking at the wart. Also avoid biting your fingernails or cuticles, which because you can spread the virus from one hand to the next. When a wart is wet, dry it off, because warts are more contagious when wet. Cover warts with bandages, so you don’t transmit the virus.

Getting Rid of Warts

When studying how to get rid of warts, remember that many warts go away after a few months, though some remain for years. Also, warts that have been removed sometimes return, if you don’t destroy the viral root. People can also remove their warts and be exposed to the same virus again, if the conditions that led to exposure in the first place still remain.

So you might be trying to get rid of warts periodically throughout your life. If so, we’ll be here, providing you with the latest on wart removal information.

See also:

1. How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
2. How to Get Rid of Bruises
3. How to Get Rid of Razor Burn
4. How to Get Rid of a Headache
5. How to Get Rid of Flies
6. How to Get Rid of Water Weight
7. How to Get Rid of Mice