Thursday, September 30, 2010

Orovo, the Easy Way to Better Health

When I heard about Dr. Pericones discovery of the 10 superfoods featured on Oprah Winfrey's talk show "10 Years Younger in 10 Days," I immediately wanted to try the challenge myself. After making a list of these 10 superfoods I set out to find them. It should be pretty easy, right? After visiting 3 different grocery stores, I had only collected about half and realized the challenge would be more difficult than I originally imagined!

I thought, someone needs to bottle this mixture up and sell it as a single supplement! Then I found that someone already had. The wife of the CEO of Orovo happened to be watching that day and decided to take on the challenge of incorporating these foods into her diet for 10 days. Looking younger is a matter of perception, but what was measurable were the pounds and acne she lost in the process.

To make incorporating these superfoods from all around the world into her and others diets, they created the Orovo dietary supplements with high quality extracts of these 10 superfoods. Combining these extracts with green tea and wrinkle removers, Orovo was designed to help people realize their health goals -- whether that is to lose weight, detox their body, improve their skin or just become overall healthier.

How to Airbrush Nails?

All women enjoy having their nails beautiful. Anyway, going to a salon can get a little bit expensive. For learning to airbrush nails on your own, you can save money or if you are lucky maybe even make some money from this.

Things Youll Need to airbrush nails on your own:
First of all youll need acetone and a nail stencil. You will also need some nail polish (you will need minimum 2 diferent colors), an Airbrush gun will be very useful and a topcoat nail varnish to finish.

How is done:

If you dont have yet a nail stencil you can buy from a supply store. This kind of stores have lots of stencils. If you are wondering what kind of nail stencil to buy we recomand you purcase a simple but very eficient design such as a plain line when you first airbrush nails.

You may use polish remover - acetone and gently wash your hands before starting the procedure - thats eliminate any kind of oil or old polish from your nails becouse if your nails arent perfect clean the the airbrush design will not last so long as you wish.

You must apply a basecoat to your nails. When this basecoat is perfect dry you can apply wich color do you want or have for coloring the nails - this color will be the background color.

Now you will position the stencil on top of you nail in the position you want to make the design. After this you will may use an airbrush gun to paint over the stencil with the color youve chosen for your design. For the last touch you can remove with acetone any over spray near your design.

You can brush on a long-lasting topcoat and let your nails dry and remember to let them dry without touching anything; of course if you posses a professional nail dryer you can use it.

After all this steps are done you can declare yourself a little specialist and in the future you can use and experiment with more elaborate stencils.
You if are a little scared to start doing this procedure on your own you cand buy from a store synthetic hands or even fingers to experiment on them before starting to airbrush your real nails.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes Are Big Business for Dentists

Blame it on Hollywood for the dramatic increase in cosmetic dentistry.

Thanks to those stars with the dazzling white teeth and photo-op grins, more Americans are choosing to brighten up their smiles with veneers, teeth whitening and oral laser surgery.

In fact, according to the American Dental Association, more than $35 billion a year is spent on cosmetic dentistry. But $10 billion of that is being spent on correcting botched dental makeovers, states the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

To eliminate that risk, many cosmetic dentists are choosing to place Lumineers.

Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers do not require any removal of sensitive tooth structure, making the need for anesthesia or pain shots unnecessary. They give patients a glamorous smile, but also preserve and protect the natural teeth - something that traditional veneers are unable to do.

"I'm shocked when I see the damage done by some cosmetic dentists," said Dr. Louis Kaufman, a Lumineers dentist based in Chicago. "A Lumineers procedure is so minimally invasive that it can fix virtually any botched smile makeover."

Because Lumineers leave original teeth intact, the process is reversible. In addition, Lumineers provide instant teeth straightening and permanent whitening, which makes them a convenient alternative to braces and other orthodontics. They may also be placed over crowns and bridges to improve aesthetics.

More than 9,000 dentists now use Lumineers, which are made from Cerinate porcelain. Lumineers restorations are ultra-thin, yet strong enough to resist any micro-cracking, which can typically damage restorations.

Lumineers have garnered numerous professional awards as well as a spot in Dental Products Report's "Top 10 Products" list and "5 Pluses" in an ongoing two-year study in Dental Advisor.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

IS Clinical Active Serum - Repair Damaged Skin

IS Clinical Active Serum can be considered one of the best skin medications. IS Clinical Active Serum is formulated to rapidly reduce and fight the signs of aging and to repair damaged skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and by stimulating the production of collagen. IS Clinical Active Serum also can help control and prevent skin breakouts plus reduces sebum blockage and blackheads. IS Clinical Active Serum is an intensive active serum that was designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and reduce pore size. IS Clinical Active Serum encourages the production of Collagen to improve skin hydration and fight acne.

Immediately after the application of IS Clinical Active Serum, skin will appear and feel smooth. While no prescription is necessary to purchase IS Clinical products, it is recommended to get professional assistance to help select products best suited for your individual skin care needs.
IS Clinical Serum is a revolutionary serum that was one of the first to combine anti-aging 15% Vitamin C, hydrating 0.5% hyaluronic acid, lightening 1% arbutin, pentapeptide amino acid, acne controlling and lightening 1% kojic acid, restorative 1% Vitamin B5, centella asiatica, and anti-inflammatory zinc sulfate. IS Clinical C-15 Serum is made to be fast absorbing and oil free, that delivers 15% stabilized L-ascorbic acid to the skin.

Clinical Active Serum helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles, controls acne, and evens skin pigmentation. IS ACTIVE SERUM is endorsed by leading physicians and experts. IS Active Serum can produce outstanding results in an amazingly short time period. IS Active Serum was specifically designed to encourage the natural process of exfoliation, revealing the underlying healthier layer of skin. Surface skin damage caused by pollution, sun, and other skin damaging factors is reversed by the effects of IS Clinical Active Serum. When you use IS Clinical Active Serum it is strongly advised that you use HydraCool over it.

IS Clinical's expert pharmacologists, physicians, and skin care leaders work together to design and create products that deliver fast and safe long lasting improvements in skin texture, appearance, and overall integrity.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Watches for Fashion and Time

Although the main purpose of a watch is to tell time, it has evolved as a fashion statement over the centuries. The era of the hourglass watches and sundials is long gone. Watches are now considered to speak volumes about the wearers standing in the society.

Earlier, there were only pocket watches that were carried in a pocket and hung with a chain to the neck. The wristwatch is a smaller version of the pocket watch and is a fairly recent invention. There have been and are watches that are powered differently, like the self-winding, battery, digital, kinetic, light powered, and thermal powered watches.

The varieties of watches that are found in the market are mind-boggling. There are watches that show two times. If you are traveling, the time back home is also shown along with the time of the place you are in. There are waterproof watches that can be used under water too. They have a covering on them that protects them from getting wet. In fact, you can buy them just to protect your watch from getting spoiled during day-to-day activities or when raining. Stopwatches are used in sports to track exact timing, to the second.

Watches that have heart monitors show the heart rate when exercising. This is really good for those with heart problems.

Today, watches are also dressy, classy, and exude style. You get watches to match every outfit, every mood, and every occasion. The various features combined with a great look make the most in demand accessories.

There are several brands in watches today, like Invicta, Casio, Seiko, Timex, Citizen, Rolex, Swiss watches and hundreds more.

Watches come in all metals, including gold and silver. They are also set with precious stones, the most popular are diamond watches. Diamond watches are a craze in spite of being the most expensive. People are spending as much as they would on jewelry, or in some cases more. Even jewelry stores stock watches these days.

These jewelry watches made from precious metals and precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies etc., are available for both men and women. Mens watches have totally undergone a transformation, and even if they are still large and have a different look when compared to a womens watches, they come in all styles and shapes and look very fashionable.

There are many leading brands that are making these jewelry watches, and they include big names in the watch business, like Gucci, Rolex, Tag Huer, Tiffany, and Tissot, Swatch and some others.

If you are also fashion conscious and wish to wear a watch that does its duty of telling the time as well as attracts envious glances, go in for one of these jewelry watches that are the order of the day. They also make the best gifts to that special someone. If you are a guy, go ahead and gift a precious watch for your girl. She would be thrilled to receive on and she sure doesnt expect only jewelry anymore.

Eyelid Surgery

A persons eyes are probably the most eye-catching feature of his or her face. Even if people dont have the most perfect nose, the smoothest skin, or the most luscious lips, a pair beautiful eyes are more than enough to make up for whatever shortcomings their other facial features have.

The problem is, even the most beautiful of eyes tend to lose whatever radiance they possess when they are surrounded by or swollen with bags. More often than not, tired, droopy or swollen eyes are interpreted as a sign of aging or worse, a really stressful life. You really wouldnt want people to think youre living such a troubled life because you can barely sleep, as indicated in the bags surrounding your eyes, would you?

Age is one of the reasons why eyes may seem droopy. As a person ages, many parts of the body droop, and eyelids are no exception. The skin of the upper eyelids will look saggy as the outer parts of the eyebrows droop. Droopy eyelid fat also causes tired eyes. Held back by a thin wall of fibrous tissue, this fat sags as a person grows old, thereby giving a persons upper and lower eyelids that baggy look.

If youre sick and tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a pair of old, baggy and tired-looking eyes staring back at you, then you may have to consider getting help from cosmetic surgeons such as Dr. Philip Miller of New York.

Dr. Miller, considered one of the best cosmetic surgeons in New York, is adept at performing blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery can give a person dramatically younger eyes.

The procedure involves the removal of the upper eyelid skin through fine incisions placed in the upper eyelid creases. Through the same incision, the fat is trimmed. The skin will then be closed with a fine suture. The suture will then be removed after four days.

As for the lower eyelid, an incision on the inside of the eyelid is made so there is no visible scar. Through that same incision, which is considered the safest since it leaves the supporting muscles of the eyelid undisturbed, the lower eyelid fat is removed.

The procedure, when done alone on all four eyelids, can take only about one and a half hours of a patients time.

It takes a patient a week to ten days to recover from eyelid surgery. He or she may experience minimal blurry vision, but this problem quickly disappears. The corners of the eyes may show a bit of lumpiness, but all a patient needs are sunglasses, and they can go out in public immediately after surgery. The patient, however, cannot wear make-up until five days after the surgery. Within three weeks, a patient can resume normal activities.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Destination Spas Total Spa Vacation Package

Destination Spas are a total spa vacation package, with physical fitness facilities and programs, accommodation and spa cusine. You can choose your destination spa vacation by location, type of program, interest or from one of their current promotions. The study also showed that spa travellers like to include elements of destination culture, history, cuisine and shopping in their vacations. On a destination health spa vacation, guests can feel better than they ever imagined.

Tabacchi But for destination spa visitors, it's a different story, according to a recent survey of vacationers by Mary H. Tabacchi's study is believed to be the first to quantitatively measure the effects of a destination spa vacation. If you visit a destination spa your vacation is aimed at total wellness and the spa is full-service. Paradise Village is the ultimate destination among Puerto Vallarta resorts for family vacations, beach vacations, spa vacations and golf vacations. For the ultimate in vacation relaxation, nothing beats a destination spa!

Discover how rejuvenating and relaxing a Spa vacation package can be. You may also choose a honeymoon vacation package or spa vacation customized especially for you. Continental Airlines Vacations makes it easy to create your own customized spa vacation package in just a few clicks. If you're looking for the ideal spa vacation package, you've just found it! Choose a honeymoon vacation package or spa vacation customized especially for you. A spa vacation package with Spatacular-spas.com will do it every time.

Its ventures include the Luxury SpaFinder Magazine and spafinder.com, which helps vacationers find the spa most suited to their needs. Comfort zone: Luxury spas are hot, and for vacationers, money appears to be no object. What else could be better than enjoying a relaxing Caribbean spa vacation aboard one of the finest luxury cruise liners. We look forward to planning a relaxing luxury health spa vacation in South Africa for you and making your dreams a reality! Enjoy a luxury spa vacation with wonderful spa therapies.

We hope that your health spa, weight loss vacation experience is a pleasant one. Find the delight of health spa vacations and treatment products. Beauty, relaxation and health come together for an ideal spa resort vacation in Orlando. Cruises, too There's no reason a health spa vacation has to take place on land.

Plan a spa getaway or some time at a vacation resort. Get practical advice on how to select and plan your spa vacation. Get practical advice on how to select, plan and get the most out of your spa vacation. Either way, you'll return home feeling completely relaxed, refreshed, and probably wanting to plan your next spa vacation.
kxxp://www.health-spa-vacation-resort.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

What to Expect on Your First Visit to Cosmetic Surgeon?

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a popular treatment for over six million Americans. Given the history of cosmetic plastic surgery, it has proven efficient in changing the looks of many.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is connected with having the perfect figure and the perfect face. So you will have to make sure that you find the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the surgery, if you have decided to get cosmetic surgery. Finding a right cosmetic surgeon will make a difference in how satisfied you are with the results as well as whether the operation is efficient. The significant first step after you have determined that you want to change a feature of your body is researching for the right cosmetic surgeon.

You have taken the first steps to getting cosmetic plastic surgery and it is time to go to your first appointment.

You can expect a factor of things to happen, when you go to your first visit for evaluating your needs with cosmetic plastic surgery. This will help in preparing you for the surgery and will make sure that you are qualified. The first thing that will be done by the cosmetic surgeon that you have chosen is to ask a number of questions about what you are expecting with your cosmetic plastic surgery and why you are getting it done.

It should be standard procedure for them to also talk to you about your medical history. Cosmetic plastic surgery may not be as efficient if there have been too many medical complications. From here, the surgeon will move into more specific needs for the surgery.

The cosmetic surgeon will be required to do a physical exam after the proper communication and evaluation is made. This standard procedure will allow them to look at your body type and make sure that your medical situation is safe enough to perform the cosmetic plastic surgery.

Cosmetic plastic surgeon may decide that you cant get the cosmetic plastic surgery, if there are problems with the functioning in an area of your body.They may further examine that specific body part through an x-ray or regular exam, if you have already decided the area where you would like the surgery performed. This will allow them to further evaluate if the surgery will be safe. They will then take a side and front picture of the region that you want to get the surgery on, after the surgeon has evaluated and determined that cosmetic plastic surgery is right for you.

This will allow them to make the necessary adjustments through first measuring the changes that will be made. Some cosmetic surgeons will use digital technology in order to show you how the changes will look with the measurements that they have made.

This procedure will help you in determining whether the cosmetic plastic surgery will change your appearance to a form that fits you better. After this point, you will be able to schedule a time for the cosmetic surgeon to make the operation.

This can sometimes be up to a month or two in advance, depending on the schedule of both you and the cosmetic surgeon. In between the first visit and the surgery, you can make the proper preparations in order to make sure that you are ready to get the changes done.


Being prepared for the evaluations will help you to walk into the surgeons office and know what to expect from them. This will help you in moving forward to get the cosmetic plastic surgery done.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Skin Care Tips: Online Product Shopping Check List

There are so many good skin care products online, you'd be missing out if you didn't look into buying your products via the web. But, as with everything on the web, it's buyer beware: there's plenty of junk thrown in with the good stuff. Here's what to look for and what to look out for:

Skin Care Tips on Product Price.

Don't fall for the typical website trick of providing a low purchase price and then tacking on a substantial shipping and handling fee--or offering free shipping but then charging a "handling" or "processing" fee.

Skin Product Size

Any product listing has to say, at bare minimum, how many grams, ounces, or CCs the product contains.

However, it should also give you some idea of how many uses you will get out of the product. Ten ounces of one product might last 30 days, while ten ounces of another might barely last the week.

If the product listing doesn't provide this information, it should at least say how much is a recommended dose, and how much to use per day or week. Then simply divide the total size of the product by the usage size to get an idea. For instance, if you need to use half an ounce of product per day, a 16-ounce container will likely last a month.

Skin Care Products' Ingredients

At bare minimum, the product listing should show all the ingredients listed on the actual product label, both active ingredients (the ingredient that actually performs whatever treatment the product is supposed to provide), as well as inactive ingredients (ingredients used for filler, textures, scents, and other materials that are only there to help sell the product rather than fulfill its mission).

The site should also explain in plain English what each ingredient does. You should do a quick web search on one or two of the ingredients you don't recognize, to see if the product listing's explanation of what the ingredient is accurate or if it's distorted.

For instance, companies sometimes try to give the impression that ingredients that are really only used as colorants or preservatives provide some skin care benefit. They do this to mask the fact that the essential active ingredient in the product may be the same as dozens of other products on the market.

Guarantees

Don't take any guarantees at face value until you've checked them out. A money-back guarantee may hide the fact that it would simply be too much expense or trouble to return the product.

For instance, if the price of the product is ten dollars plus five dollars shipping and handling, and the money-back guarantee requires you to ship back the unused portion to get it, you will have spent five dollars on shipping, meaning you are only really getting five dollars back. Then of course there's the original shipping and handling fee, which is often not included in the money-back guarantee.

Faced with putting the gunk back in the jar, repacking it, mailing it back, and waiting for a meager refund, many people will simply give up--the money-back guarantees of many sub-par products depend on this phenomenon.

In short, if the money-back guarantee requires you to return the unused product and/or does not cover the original shipping and handling fee, it's not much of a guarantee.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Prom Hair Style Perfection

The prom is perhaps the most important event for teenagers during their high school careers. Only when put next to graduation does the prom take a backseat as one of the most memorable times during a teenager's life. That is why it is so important to find the perfect prom hair style to complete your look on this special night. And with so much thought and planning put into finding the perfect dress and gathering all of the right accessories, why not also take a little time before hand to choose and practice your prom hair style?

While the prom hair style does not necessarily have to be formal and intricate, there are some prom hair styles that require a bit of practice before the big night. Even it you are having your hair done by a professional, he or she will appreciate talking with you and helping you choose your prom hair style in advance of the dance. Doing so will eliminate any miscommunications and ensure that you are happy with your hair on the night of the prom.

But before you begin practicing your prom hair style or talking to your stylist about it, you need to first find a few different prom hair styles that you would love to wear to your prom. One of the best places to find the perfect prom hair style is right here online. There are literally hundreds of prom hair style photo galleries that can be accessed with a simple keyword search using your favorite optimizers.co.za">search engine (go to my website at kxxp://www.great-hairstyles.com/hair-article-resources.html for details of the best online photo galleries). And once you find the right styles, you can print the photos and take them directly to your stylist or to whoever is fashioning your prom hair style.

When looking through the prom hair style galleries, keep in mind the style and cut of your dress. Choose styles that will compliment both your personality and your dress while at the same time choose ones that will also work with your length and texture of hair. For example: If your hair is fine and limp, avoid choosing prom hair styles that are full bodied or intricate. Doing so would likely result in a messy heap of undignified prom hair before the end of the evening. Instead, choose a simple but classic prom hair style such as a French twist, which is easy to achieve and maintain on fine hair.

Once you have found a few different prom hair styles that would be perfect for your big night, you need to practice creating the style on your own tresses to ensure that you achieve the perfect prom hair style on the night of the dance. Having a practice run or two also helps you to eliminate styles that are too hard to create or prom hair styles that you do not really like once you see them on yourself.

It is a great deal easier to decide that you don't like a particular prom hair style a week before the special night than it is an hour before you're supposed to walk out the door. As you can imagine, taking a little time to plan can greatly reduce your anxiety level on the day of the prom and help you to avoid prom hair style disasters.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

How To Buy Mens Fragrance

Men are often challenged in some cases even overwhelmed at selecting a proper mens fragrance. What should I buy aftershave, cologne, Eau de toilette? Contrary, to what some men believe, it is not that difficult to select the proper fragrance, once you understand each fragrances function and your personal needs. Often times, you may need more than one type of fragrance as your daily needs will vary.

To get started, you must understand the differences between cologne, Eau De Toilette (EDT) and aftershave. No, it is not all the same, even though it may appear both cologne and aftershave have a similar fragrance in the bottle, in reality there is a difference. Aftershave is designed to use after a man shaves. Aftershave, closes the pores and may offer an intense sensation after its application. Not to worry, this is the result of the aftershave closing the users pores.

Always remember, colognes scent is always stronger, and last longer than aftershave. Cologne is used as a fragrance to give a person a pleasant scent. The term EDT is a common term used in Europe, where cologne is a more commonly used here in the states. Thus, cologne and EDT are the same.

Next, you must understand that a fragrance is composed of many layers of scents. These scents are broken down into groups of scents known as top notes middle notes, and bottom or base notes. Top notes are usually light spices, fruity, citrus or minty scents that disappear after about ten minutes after application. Middle notes are usually middle spices vanilla, cinnamon, woodsy, and heavier citrus scents such as grapefruit or orange that last for about an hour. Lastly, the fragrance contains bottom or base notes. This is the mature fragrance, the scent that you will be known for after you leave the room. The bottom or base notes are composed of stronger scents: long-lasting leathers, woods, tobacco, and heavy spices such as peppers and cloves.

Lastly, it is time to select the fragrance that you need. Never buy a fragrance after just smelling the fragrance on someone or just smelling a sample sprayed on a scent card. The reason behind this is two fold. First, the scent changes after it matures. Second, and more importantly, all fragrances do not smell the same on all people! The smell created from fragrances is a result of a basic chemical reaction between an individual and the fragrance once it is applied. Since each person has different body chemistry, when the fragrance is applied, the reaction or scent may be slightly different than someone else who wears the same fragrance.

So how do I buy the right fragrance? Smell the fragrances on smell cards, once you determine that you may like a fragrance lightly apply it to a pulse point your wrist, neck or chest. Smell it in intervals, of ten, sixty, and ninety minutes. This is done to smell the fragrance in different stages of its reaction with your bodys chemistry. If the scent is one that you like and one that you would wear than purchase it either at the store or on the internet. You may chose to purchase both an aftershave, and cologne as your needs, and desired strength of fragrance may change based on what your particular needs are for the day.

Is The Tanning Bed Your Friend, Or Enemy?

How many people do you know who use a tanning bed? However many people you know to be using a tanning bed, you can bet that there are even more people using one than you would ever realize. Small businesses such as Laundromats or nail salons have added tanning beds as a way of generating more revenue. But, while the use and popularity of the tanning bed continues to grow, is it really safe to use or could you be increasing your risks for skin cancer?

Without question, UV radiation has been proven to cause skin cancer. There are two basic types of UVUltraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB radiation is produced by the sun and responsible for the sunburns people get when outside for too long. A tanning bed uses UVA radiation which is considered less harmful than UVB but has still been shown to cause skin cancer. Both have been shown to cause skin cancer but it is agreed that UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than its UVB counterpart. This is how a tanning bed can produce suntans in so little time.

Aside from increased skin cancer risks, a tanning bed may also cause other problems for users. When constantly exposed to the UVA radiation of a tanning bed, the immune system may actually weaken over time. Naturally, this will lead to increased chances for illness. Also, it is not known if the damage to the immune system is reversible after a person ceases using a tanning bed. Research is still being conducted to answer this question.

Consistent use of a tanning bed may also cause damage to the skin itself. This is because a tanning bed will evaporate the moisture in our skin and cause it to dry out. In time, the skin will appear leathery and wrinkled. The effects of long-term tanning bed exposure to the skin are irreversible and there is still an increased chance of skin cancer developing later on down the road.

Supporters point out that people who sunburn easily should use a tanning bed because it will pre-tan the skin. The idea is that if a person goes and gets a tan from a tanning bed first, then their skin will not be as vulnerable to sunburn when playing outdoors. Actually, this is a very valid point but remember that both UVA and UVB radiation have been shown to cause skin cancer. So, while a tanning bed may reduce chances of sunburn, it may not decrease chances for skin cancer.

Despite the risks, no one can argue that the popularity of the tanning bed continues to grow. If for no other reason than mere convenience, the ability to get a tan in minutes and have healthier looking skin is too tempting for many to pass up. This is especially true today where people have less and less time to naturally tan. However, just remember that a tanning bed can and will damage your skin after prolonged exposure and skin cancer is still a very real possibility. But, when used in moderation, a tanning bed can indeed decrease your chances of sunburn and give you beautiful, tanned skin in mere minutes.

Taking care of your tanning bed

All of us want our tanning beds to last as long as possible. This is why some people buy tanning beds that are touted to be durable. But tanning beds do last long and its lifespan can even be longer if the owners take good care of them.

Here are some hints and tips to expand your tanning beds life.
After each and every session, you need to do two things, examine and clean. You need to inspect the click strip and make sure that it is attached firmly. You also need to inspect the facial glass (if youre tanning beds got one) and make sure that it has no cracks, scratches or any other blemishes. Then, you need to clean all the important areas like the bench and canopy acrylics. Use only the right kind of cleaning liquid, no alcohol or bleach should be used. It is also important to use soft non-abrasive cloth only and dont forget to clean the tanning bed pillow. When tanning make sure youre not using outdoor or oil-based tanning lotions because that will cause damage to the acrylic. Lastly, you must clean and sanitize the goggles for your own safety.

You should do the same thing to your tanning bed every time even if its not used much, and especially if there are many users using the bed. You must inspect the acrylics for cracks, wear, or hazing. Then, you clean the pillow, the bench, and the canopy acrylics. You must also clean and sanitize goggles and the bed exterior every day that the bed has been used. Again, use only the approved cleaning solution and supplies.
Once a week, aside from inspecting and cleaning, you must do more things to make sure that your tanning bed is and stays in top condition. The lamps must be dusted without using your bare hands.

Then you must remove and clean the inside of the bench and canopy acrylic sheets. You must wipe and vacuum the fans, vents and the vent hoses. Have a look and see if the shock tension needs to be adjusted. If it does, then just adjust it to the right tension. You also need to check the set bolts if these are still tight. And check the power cord and the bench-to-canopy connectors if these are also snug with no wear and tear.

The bench and canopy acrylics should also be checked monthly and the reflectors should be cleaned using the appropriate cleaning solution. Inspect the vent hoses for optimum ventilation and do the necessary adjustments if needed. For sufficient ventilation, make sure that the bed is at least six inches away from the wall or any freestanding items finally check the voltage being supplied to the bed. It should conform to the ones stated in the manufacturers guidelines. If you need to replace a lamp, choose replacements that meet the frequency recommendations.
When you do all these things with your tanning bed, then you are assured that the quality of your tanning bed will last longer and it will cost you much less to maintain, so it really is worth your while.

Monday, September 13, 2010

The 6 Step Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Program

There is an anti-aging revolution occurring in healthcare today and that you are the main beneficiary. Nowhere in the field of anti-aging medicine are the breakthroughs and technological advances more exciting, more relevant and more readily available for immediate application and benefit to you than in the field of facial rejuvenation. Better, the most exciting, effective new discoveries are non-surgical methods for facial rejuvenation. Yes I said non-surgical and I said effective.

How do we change from that radiant 16 year old with smooth glowing fresh skin to the 40 something who is beginning to see her mother looking back at her in the mirror to the 65 year old with hooded eyes, puffy lower eyelids, jowls, and loose skin folds hanging under the chin. Lets review and clearly understand what these changes are that we must look for, recognize and then take steps to correct.

Skin Texture Changes (Surface Irregularities)

The aged facial skin looks dry when compared to a childs skin. Over half of the crucial natural skin moisturizing agent Hyaluronic Acid is lost by the time we turn 50 and you cannot replace HA by taking a pill or applying it to your skin. Loss of hormonal support during menopause accelerates this change. Dry aged skin loses its glow, looks dull, almost grey. The aged skin is wrinkled and rough and pore size is enlarged.

Uneven pigmentation, brown spots, and red spots (Pigment and Blood vessels)

Uneven pigmentation and over growth of blood vessels are characteristic of aged facial skin. These blemishes are a protective and inflammatory response of the skin to years of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and injury from free radicals released by harmful agents in our environment and diet.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are classic signs of facial aging. Static wrinkles are those that are present in the skin when the face is at rest. These wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. Collagen is destroyed by UV light from the sun and free radicals from other sources. As the collagen disappears volume is lost beneath the skin and the skin wrinkles. This is not unlike the way a grape wrinkles after drying to produce a raisin.

Dynamic wrinkles are those that you see when the face is moving- frown lines, laugh lines, worry lines, and crows feet. These lines are actually caused by the pull of the facial muscles beneath the facial skin. Dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles after years of repeated pulling by the facial muscles.

Deep Facial Lines

Deep facial lines are those lines around the mouth called the Nasal-labial fold line and the Marionette lines. These lines are different from wrinkles in that they are caused by a combination of the pull of the facial muscles and loose sagging skin. As the face ages, the skin becomes loose and falls over the line created by the facial muscle pull, for example the smile line.

Loose skin

The skin of the aged face has lost its elasticity and has become loose. The cheek has fallen and created loose skin on the jaw called jowls. The skin beneath the jaw on the neck is also hanging down, a phenomenon called the turkey wattle.

What Is Facial Rejuvenation

The definition of rejuvenate is to make young or youthful again or restore to an original or new state. True facial rejuvenation requires correction of all of the above facial aging changes for the face to be made young or youthful or restored to an original state. The 6-step program mis designed to address all aging changes without surgery.
The 6-Step Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Program

The 6-step facial rejuvenation program consists of the following 6 steps:

1. Exfoliation
2. Stimulation of new collagen formation
3. Removal of abnormal pigment and blood vessels
4. Relaxation of lines of facial expression
5. Fill deep facial lines
6. Skin tightening

The 6-Step Program In Action- How its Done

Step 1-Exfoliation
I start all of my patients on an exfoliation routine consisting of topical exfoliating creams and microdermabrasion or superficial chemical peels with glycolic or salicylic acid. The latter peels are no down time procedures, you leave the office a little pink but with a refreshed glow. The exfoliating creams I use are Retin A or Tazarotine, although for patients with sensitive skin I use Vitamin C topically.

For patients with more severe aging changes I use a deper form of exfoliation called MicroLasaerPeel. This procedure goes deeper than a Microdermabrasion and is more effective, but you leave the office quite red and need 4 to 6 days for your skin to look normal. This is a great improvement over laser resurfacing, which goes much deeper and requires many weeks of recovery. MicroLaserePeel does not lighten the skin or leave demarcation lines as does laser resurfacing. Many physicians use deeper chemical peels with TCA, but I prefer the MicroLaserPeel because of its accuracy and reliability.

Step 2- Stimulate New Collagen Formation

After deep exfoliation, this is the most important step for removal of static facial wrinkles and fine lines. This step is also the most time consuming and tedious and requires patience on your part. There is no quick non-surgical way to remove visible facial wrinkles. Laser resurfacing can quickly and effectively remove facial wrinkles but I consider laser resurfacing a surgical procedure and the prolonged recovery and down time make laser resurfacing unacceptable for most people.

While the topical creams mentioned above and deep exfoliation stimulate new collagen production, additional stimulation is required. Several new laser techniques, IPL, and radiofrequency machines can stimulate the skin to form new collagen in the deeper layers without producing damage to the skin surface. These techniques are called non-ablative, meaning they do not remove the surface skin cells as is done in laser resurfacing, which is an ablative technique. Consequently these non- ablative techniques are no down time procedures meaning that after a treatment you are pink but recover quickly within hours.

There are many different brands of machines that can perform non-ablative stimulation of collagen formation often called photorejuvenation. I prefer one called Lasergenesis because it is easy, painless, and effective. IPL is also effective and is very useful in patients who have a lot of pigment and abnormal blood vessels, but IPL is stronger, involves contact of the machine to the skin and must be used with caution by a person who is trained and experienced in its use.

Collagen stimulation is a lengthy process. Effective results that you can see in the mirror, that is fewer wrinkles, requires at least 5-7 treatments and 5-7 months for the benefit to be visible. But, it took 30-40 years to form those wrinkles, so removal in 7 months without surgery and down time is pretty good.

Step 3- Removal of Abnormal Pigment and Blood Vessels

Although creams and exfoliation can remove many light brown spots and the lasers and IPL used in step 2 remove smaller vessels, more aggressive therapy is needed for removal of darker pigment and brown spots and larger vessels. There are many non-ablative lasers available for removing pigment and blood vessels. While these lasers are non-ablative they do leave a reddish mark which is visible for a day or two and easily covered with make up. I have used a laser called the Versapulse for many years which works very well, but new Versapulse lasers are so expensive that they are rarely being manufactured today. A newer laser called the Coolglide is very effective for larger blood vessels. Today, the IPL is the choice for combined pigment and smaller blood vessels that appear as a flush similar to Rosacea.

The above therapies are effective and results are visible in about six weeks. Usually 2 or 3 treatments are needed.

Step 4- Relaxation of Muscles of Facial Expression

Botox is a revolutionary new drug which effectively removes dynamic lines and wrinkles caused by the muscles of facial expression. The frown lines, worry lines, crows feet, and bunny lines all may be lessened or removed by the injection of Botox. Lipstick lines, the fine wrinkles around the lips may also be lessened with Botox but only small amounts can be used, otherwise the lips will be weakened.

There are several new peptides, one of which is acetyl 3 hexapeptide, which when applied topically as a cream are reported to have a Botox-like effect in reducing fine lines. Eventually these agents will be perfected, be more effective and possibly make Botox injections unnecessary.

You may read more about how these muscle relaxing, wrinkle removing agents work in Chapter 7, No Down time Facial anti-aging Procedures.

Step 5- Fill Deep Facial Lines and Contour Deformities

Soft tissue fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane, your own fat and other fillers can be injected into the skin beneath a deep facial line to plump the line and camouflage the line. They may also be used to plump the aging lip and to fill contour deformities caused by facial aging.

These fillers are temporary and must be repeated every 6 months to a year. Fat injections can last longer and if done properly may not need to be repeated. Remember however, the filler techniques are a camouflage, not a correction.

Step 6- Skin Tightening

Skin tightening is a very important component of any facial rejuvenation process. Prior to the past year or two, a face-lift was the only option for tightening facial skin. However new technologies using Infrared, Radiofrequency, and combined 1319/1064 wavelength laser energy are showing promising results as non-surgical skin tightening methods.

Two of these methods, Thermage, which uses radiofrequency energy, and Titan, an infrared device have been used for 2 years and results are improving. These methods are not a non-surgical face-lift as so often advertised, so do not be misled. They can however tighten skin by as much as 30% in properly selected patients. There have been complications with Thermage consisting of depressions in certain areas of the facial skin so knowledge and experience with the use of these machines is very important.

As with other non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques skin tightening requires multiple treatments and takes time to see the final result, often 5 months. As with the other laser and photo techniques above skin tightening is achieved by stimulating the deeper layers of the skin to remodel and form new collagen, a process which takes time, usually 5 to 6 months to see your result.

Non-surgical skin tightening is most useful for younger patients who are beginning to have loose skin in the neck, along the jaw-line, and in the cheek. Older patients with severe facial sagging can be improved but results will be less impressive.

The 6-step facial Rejuvenation Program is a carefully structured method for the application of revolutionary new methods to obtain effective non-surgical rejuvenation. This program takes time, but the results are visible and real after about 7 months, the same time frame most people spend using creams and diets only to end up seeing no difference in their face. Remember, it took a lifetime for your face to age, does it make sense that this damage can be reversed overnight-of course not.

The non-surgical facial rejuvenation program is expensive. These new technologies are costly and of course you need to be treated by a qualified physician. However, with the six-step program you get what you pay for, facial rejuvenation without the risk, discomfort, and expense of surgery. If you total the cost of your skin creams, facials, fad diets, and spa visits and save this money for the 6-step program many of you will be very close to covering the cost. For those of you who already have facial rejuvenation treatments in a doctors office, the 6-step program will produce better more effective results and save you money.

Serious, Persistent, Bad Breath IS Treatable

Chronic halitosis is a condition in which a person produces an offensive odor from their oral or nasal regions and theyre unable to eliminate it through normal oral hygiene techniques, such as flossing or brushing. The occasional morning breath most people experience at one time or another is not really true halitosis. Halitosis knows no boundaries when it comes to age, sex, race, or socioeconomic levels. Furthermore, it can be truly demoralizing, and it negatively impacts the lives of as many as 50-80 million individuals in the United States alone. Because its such an embarrassing problem we have found that many patients are reluctant to even mention their problem to either their physician or dentist.

Another unfortunate fact is that most halitosis sufferers have no idea that they have a breath problem unless somebody directly informs them. People suffering from halitosis have been known to become withdrawn and avoid social situations. There unfortunately have even been documented cases of suicide stemming from a halitosis problem.

At the Center for Breath Treatment we have found that about 90% of breath problems are caused from a proliferation of specific types of gram (-) anaerobic bacteria in the mouth. This has also been supported by extensive research in the field of halitosis. This proliferation is often a result of conditions such as allergies, sinus congestion or post-nasal drips, nasal polyps, and xerostomia which is a dry mouth condition. A common area where bacteria congregate can actually be on the tongue itself.
Because we rarely find bad breath resulting from a medical condition, we suggest that the first approach in eliminating bad breath should be an oral approach. This approach is more economical, noninvasive, and it has a much higher probability of success. We do recommend that all patients maintain their dental health by seeing their dentist regularly. Should a chronic halitosis condition persist, despite the noninvasive oral treatments that we offer, then we suggest that those patients should see their physician. It is very rare to see this occur as 99% of our patients achieve success, and the differential diagnosis we perform at the first appointment will quickly determine whether a chronic bad breath problem is of a medical or dental origin.

It typically takes about 2 appointments in our San Francisco bay area office to eliminate a persons halitosis condition but we also treat patients over the telephone and prescribe products that can be purchased over the Internet. At the completion of treatment we may recommend a preventive maintenance program that will prevent the reoccurrence of your halitosis. Recommendations are based on each individuals breath problem and their specific causes of their breath condition. If the program is correctly followed your breath problem will not return.

There is absolutely no discomfort involved in any treatment we provide. It is a noninvasive procedure that requires no anesthesia or injections of any kind. In no way can our treatment cause any harm or complications with a patient. The worse thing possible that can happen is for the procedure to be unsuccessful.

For those people that have no possible means of seeing us we recommend using our special alternative treatment program that is now available. See the information in our web site under Unique Treatment Kit for further details. Our breath treatment kit can be purchased online, or you can call us at 1-888-FRESH-03 (1-888-373-7403) to place an order or to obtain additional information.

Living with bad breath is not something anyone has to live with. Treatment is available and it WILL change your life!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Keeping your Veneers in Good Shape

Many people are scared to get dental veneers as they fear that maintaining them could be a pain. Fortunately, this is anything but the case. Dental veneers can be maintained with very little work on your part. You will find, however, that they may require a bit of habit adjustment.

For the most part, dental veneers should be treated as your own teeth. That means brushing and flossing them everyday. If brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis is uncommon to you, you should reconsider getting dental veneers. You will find that your investment will go down the toilet faster than you can say Colegate.

Now comes the part which many will frown upon - habit adjustment. Like it or not, dental veneers will require you to adjust your eating habits. Since they are somewhat delicate, you risk fracturing them in the event that you consume hard foods. It is best to talk to your cosmetic dentist about the foods which are allowed and not allowed to consume. A little spoiler - among the hard foods include apples and hard candy.

If any of the above sounds a bit scary to you, you should seriously reconsider getting dental veneers. At nearly $1,000 a tooth, veneers deserve to be treated with utmost caution and care. Asking you to brush your teeth daily is not asking much, but changing your eating habits can be a problem for many. Before making any final determination, it is advisable that you consult with your cosmetic dentist. He or she will be able to further elaborate on everything which goes into maintaining your dental veneers.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Airbrush Makeup

Catherine Zeta Jones wears it. So does Jennifer Lopez. Why? Airbrush makeup creates a flawless face - almost as if you took your picture and ran it through Photoshop.

Here's how it works. A tiny amount of specialized foundation makeup is mixed with a few drops of water, and then sprayed onto the face with a wand. The result is a sheer, yet full coverage. You end up wearing less foundation, but with a flawless finish. It even hides under eye circles and rosacea.

Tools for At-Home Airbrush Application



airbrush compressor

airbrush wand (sometimes called a pen)

hose (connects the wand and the compressor)

makeup foundation

bottled water

First time users can get this equipment in a kit. After that, all you will need is the foundation. Expect to pay from $120 to $600 or more as your initial investment. Once you've purchased your kit, the only further cost is foundation, which can be about $20. Some companies are making smaller compressors, which are easier for home use and for travel.

How to Apply

1. Place a few drops of foundation into the designated cup, along with a few drops of water. (Each brand will have its own instructions telling you specifically how many drops of each to use.)

2. Hold the wand about 6 to 10 inches from your face, and spray the mixture in gentle circles over your face and neck. Never hold the wand in one place. Keep it moving. And don't spray it into your eyes. Keep your eyes closed if you can.

3. Let it dry. If you want, you can apply a second coat. After that's dry, you're good to go. No need for finishing or setting powder.

What Kind of Foundation to Buy

Airbrush makeup foundations come in two types: silicone-based and water-based. Many professionals recommend the silicone, saying that it creates a slightly more flawless look. You need to purchase dedicated airbrush makeup - you can't use your regular foundation in these machines.

Cruelty-Free Companies

The good news is that many airbrush companies make non-animal tested foundations. Dinair Airbrush Makeup, OCC, and Luminess are among many cruelty-free brands.

Blush and Eye Shadow

You can buy airbrush-ready blush and eye shadow, although that may require the purchase of a special nozzle for your wand. But once your basic foundation is dry, there's no problem using your regular powder blush and eye makeup.

Airbrush Advantages



Once airbrushed, you are good to go for up to 10 or 20 hours, with an average of around 16 hours. It won't rub off on anything or disappear into your pores.



If you're sharing the makeup - at a wedding, for example - the airbrush system is sanitary, since it never actually touches the skin.



Some of the kits and foundations can be used on legs, to conceal veins and discolorations. That means no panty-hose, ladies!



Special effects, such as stencil tattoos, are easily applied.

Airbrush Disadvantages



It's expensive, especially at first.



Applying the makeup is time consuming and requires the equipment, a power supply, a water source, and enough space.



If you're applying it on yourself and you're alone, you've got to do at least parts of the application with your eyes closed. You don't want to get the product in your eyes.



You can't throw it into your purse like you can with mineral makeup or regular foundation.



If you use airbrush makeup a lot, you might consider some sort of face mask. No one has definitive information yet about how much of the product gets into your lungs.

Still, that ultra flawless, pore-less even look is a very appealing idea. Some women even say the makeup hides some of their wrinkles. If you want that look, airbrush makeup is certainly worth a try.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Reasons For Preferring Indoor Tanning

Getting a tan, nowadays, is no longer a cosmetic undertaking. A considerable number of people believe that a tan not only makes a person look healthy, but also makes them have stronger and healthier bones. A person who has tanned skin or regularly uses a tanning bed has been found to have bones that are denser and sturdier. Whereas a person who lacks exposure to either direct sunlight or ultraviolet radiation suffers from a lack of vitamin D.

Obtaining a gorgeously tanned olive skin can be done in two different ways. A person may either lounge directly under the sun or get inside a tanning bed. Not all people, however, have direct access to the sun. And then there is winter, a season not at all conducive to staying out and soaking in the sunlight. Thus, people resort to tanning beds. Tanning beds give them a great tan and, at the same time, help them stay warm amidst the cold season.

Yet, even when a person lives in a place where there is a hot sun all year round, he may still choose to use a tanning bed instead of spending a day at the beach. One major reason for choosing indoor tanning over outdoor tanning is the precious thing called privacy. Even with the permissive society, some people are still uneasy wearing skimpy swimwear. If these people wear swimwear at all, the design is conservative. Thus, when exposed to the sun, they will have undesirable tan lines.

To avoid the tan lines, the best recourse a person can do is to lie naked under the sun. But the desire for privacy is so strong that the next best thing is to use a tanning bed. Indoor tanning provides the overall tan and the privacy.

Indoor tanning also gives psychological benefits. Aside from the increased confidence of knowing that a person looks good, he can also take the opportunity to have a break from the dizzying everyday bustle. While having the tanning session, he can stay away from cell phones and pagers. The tanning session can be one blessed, undisturbed twenty minutes of peace and warmth. Such a relaxing break will help reduce whatever stress a person is currently carrying on his shoulders. And after the tanning session, he will be more ready and invigorated to meet the demands of his work and of his social life.

This completely restful session cannot be achieved when one chooses to tan outdoors. There will always be people milling around and several strangers asking for directions.

Eye Cream: Believe It Or Not?

Does eye cream really work? While we cannot say for every brand out there, but what we do know is that many do, in fact they help you lose those crows feet and help provide you with more skin tone that you can be proud of. What most people do not know, though, is that eye cream works because of what is inside of it being as natural as you will find. The products that defy age work because they are filled with great quality ingredients that would make anything do well.

So, what magical product is inside an eye cream that makes it work so well? It is not the ingredient per say but the vitamins that are in it instead. For example, those ingredients that are full of natural antioxidants are full of all the good stuff our bodies need. Many eye cream products are full of just that - antioxidants. These vitamins are super tough. They can help clean out your arteries and help you to fight disease as well as just helping to keep your skin healthy looking. In fact, many antioxidants are able to help rejuvenate various types of elements within the body including the eyes and skin. So, antioxidants that are in eye cream can, in fact, help to improve your look.

When you are out and about looking for the eye cream that you will use, flip it over and find out which natural ingredients are in the product. If you cannot tell, youll want to look for those products that have a lot of vitamins especially your vitamin Es. These are full of the antioxidants that your body needs anyway. A hint here; foods that are rich in antioxidants are usually very brightly colored greens, oranges, and other bright or dark colors. These are foods that you want to include in your diet anyway. Eye cream with antioxidants is just what you need.

The Power of Beauty

Have you ever wondered why women are so concerned about how they look? Why they aim to look like the beautiful women they see on the television and in magazines? Thats because beauty is power!

Even way back into ancient times women were concerned about their looks. Think of Cleopatra or Nefertiti who were beautiful women of their times.

The cosmetic industy is well aware of this and that women will go to great lengths to look beautiful. Thats why the cosmetic industry is a multi billion dollar industry.

When you think of beauty you think of what you see on the outside. But beauty is more than skin deep. And beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder! What one may find beautiful another may not. Even though there is no such thing as a definition for universal beauty all women know how to use their beauty to their advantage.

Men fall for this manipulation constantly. In fact they seldom know theyve been snared into the web with a womans beauty. Of course the know when exterior beauty is mesmerizing them but its the internal beauty that they have not idea is working. That pouty mouth, those sparkling eyes, that gentle laugh. The power play of the boardroom and the bedroom share many similarities.

Its a proven fact men are unable to release themselves from the beauty of women. A quick look, a wink, a big inviting smile, a relaxed posture are all indications that a man has succumbed to beauty. Studies have shown even the smartest men go stupid when entranced by the beauty of a woman.

Remember Sophia Loren, Jane Collins, or Jaqueline Bisset. Think about Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Madona, Marilyn Monroe. There beauty had an instant effect on the male population. Not only their exterior beauty but the deeper inner beauty of confidence and mystique that surrounded them.

These women were all show stoppers without even trying. In fact when asked they felt their features were flawed, but men didnt see it that way. And yet each of these women were totally different in looks and personality. But each brought a certain group of men to their feet. Each had the ability to take the smartest man and turn him into a walking talking zombie stuttering, and staring.

Remember a beautiful woman is more than the exterior shell. Beauty is the whole woman. Personality, charm charisma, seductive sexuality, a smile, or a stance. There are many elements to a womens beauty than capture a mans attention and lock him into a world of bliss.

There is no cure for the poor male population, no pill to pop, no treatment to make them free of the power of a beautiful women. There are no magic bullets to stop the bite of beauty from turning the male population into a drooling idiot or a walking talking zombie. And until there is women will continue to use their beauty as a weapon on the opposite sex. Sorry guys!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thinning Hair Is Not A Hair Color

Thinning hair is increasingly becoming one of the biggest cosmetic issues for men and women around the world. Treatment is not necessary if you are
comfortable with your appearance. If hair loss causes you anxiety and negatively affects your self-image, treatment can be beneficial. Organic shampoos only contain all natural ingredients, which means that it will not contain any harsh chemicals that can significantly damage your hair.

It may be much more expensive, but you will see that if hair care is what you want, organic shampoos are much better as it is gentle to your scalp and hair. However, there are alternative shampoos that can keep your hair clean and smelling nice, such as organic shampoos. The Nisim shampoo contains natural herbal and organic ingredients which stop hair loss within 7 days. "NISIM " The STIMULATING EXTRACT contains essential amino acids and natural organic extracts that help promote thicker hair for men and/or women who are experiencing thinning hair.

Women consider hair as one of the most important aspects of their beauty. An estimated 30 million American women have a genetic predisposition
to hair loss and balding. Women develop hair loss as frequently as men do, but because of hormonal differences women dont lose as much hair volume.
Women must learn at an early age to take care of their hair and understand what it takes to have healthy hair. Women frequently have hair loss due
to an iron deficiency, especially if they regularly skip meals or have heavy periods.

The only medication approved to treat women in the US is topical minoxidil; the 2% preparation recommended for women is available over the counter. When it comes to stopping or reversing baldness, the natural, organic active ingredients in Biofactors Shampoo, Conditioner and Extract are the best.

Biofactors' products are among the few to face clinical studies and emerge with scientific proof of success in overcoming hair loss and baldness by
neutralizing DHT though the use of natural Saw Palmetto (also known as Serenoa Serrulata). Because one of the powerful, active ingredients in Nisim Biofactors is natural Saw Palmetto, you are treating your hair with the safest products.

Energy Balance

When it comes to weight loss, the single most important thing you must keep in mind is the energy balance. In fact, this point is so important hundreds of books have been written about it. It's the funding principle of every single weight loss program and it explains why you lose or gain weight.

The energy balance is the difference between your intake and output of energy.

IN - OUT = BALANCE

Your IN is the food you eat. Food contains energy (that's why you die if you starve for weeks). The more you eat, the bigger your IN.

To keep things simple, your OUT is the energy you spend in physical activities (it's a little more complicated than that, but we'll keep things simple here. Keep reading). Physical activity doesn't mean just sports or exercise. Walking from home to work, walking around the shopping mall or grocery store all count. Even washing the dishes does, to a certain extend. We spend energy all day long. Anytime you're not seated or lying, you spend more than the minimum. Of course, the harder the activity you're doing, the more energy you spend.

At the end of the day, the BALANCE can be either:

1) Positive. More energy IN from food than OUT from physical activities. That extra energy is stocked by your body as fat for later use. The problem is, when the balance stays positive for a long period of time, you store more and more fat and become overweight.

2) Negative. Good news. More energy OUT from physical activities than IN from food. The missing energy is taken from your energy store-yep, fat tissue. If the balance stays negative for a long period of time, you lose some of that tissue and become leaner.

3) Neutral. Your IN equals your OUT. No change in energy (fat) stores, no change in body weight.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Choosing a Sexy Halloween Disguise

Naughty Pirates

Long known as the bad boys of the sea, pirate Halloween costumes can be sexy for both men and women. Both sexes can utilize high black boots, eye patches, sashes, and hats for accessories. For women, a short skirt and crop shirt can help finalize the look, and for men, tight black pants and unbuttoned shirts to show off their chests will work. Remember your own personal touches of gold jewelry and other accessories.

Fallen Angels

This sexy Halloween costume is largely geared for women. The idea here is that more is actually less. Combine the traditional halo and wings with a full-length, form fitting gown and sexy shoes.

Sexy Superhero

What is a sexier than a superhero coming to your rescue? Many superhero costumes will automatically be better fitted to show off your superhero physique. For men, this includes fitted pants and top, and for women, a fitted top and short skirt. Pair it off with a cape and you are ready to save the world (or at least your party)!

Not-So-Innocent Schoolgirl

The schoolgirl outfit is a traditional sexy Halloween costume for women. The idea is to give off the naughty girl vibe while still appearing innocent". Most of these costumes include a tight shirt that features your cleavage, plaid mini skirt, and knee high white socks. Add some pigtails to your hair and grab a book and your disguise is perfect.

Mysterious Egyptian

Bring the heat of the Nile to your Halloween party! These sexy couples Halloween costumes are perfect for both men and women. For women, transmit your inner Cleopatra with a revealing frock, high-heeled sandals, and rich makeup. For men, you can transmit your inner King Tut with lavish robes, fitted pants, and sandals. Some gold jewelry or a crown will aid to complete the style.

Love Slave
Being a slave for Halloween is definitely one of the naughtier costumes. Either sex can dress in somewhat exposed clothing and fake chains.

Inventive Sexy Halloween Costumes

Almost any Halloween costume can be redesigned to a sexy Halloween costume with a little work. Swap out full length dresses for mini-skirts, opt for low-cut necklines, or select fitted dresses or pants.

However, you should keep in mind that not all sexy Halloween costumes are proper for every occasion. If you are hosting a family party, for instance, you may choose for a costume that is appropriate for all ages and put aside your sexy Halloween costume for an adults only party. Several costumes can be converted either way by choosing a longer skirt or looser pants for daytime wear or picking out different accessories to complete your look.

With a little ingenuity and swagger, you can make your sexy Halloween costume work flawlessly for your strut!

Quick Guide on Dental Braces

Medical Statistics say that in nearly 50 per cent of people, teeth are irregular, crooked or not aligned. With advances in the field of dentistry, particularly in the branch of orthodontics which deals with correction of irregularities in the teeth and jaws, the treatment of such teeth is not difficult. Straightening of irregular teeth in the past was limited to the use of removable plates with ugly looking steel wires and the treatment was almost always a compromised one and too lengthy and painful.

Modern techniques are simple and painless and the treatment can be carried out in individuals of all age groups starting right form the age of three to four years and as late as 30-40 years, though the earlier the treatment is carried out, the better it is.

These days, there are a number of choices available regarding the type of braces to be chosen. These are different techniques and braces available nowadays, including the new tooth colored invisible braces and visible metal braces. Newer types of braces are further divided into:

1. Ceramic braces
2. Invasalign braces
3. Lingual braces
4. Metal braces

Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are made of tooth colored composite materials. They are strong and generally dont stain. Adults like to choose ceramic because they blend in and match with the natural teeth and are less noticeable to outsiders than metal braces. These are the type of braces Tom Curise had. The advantages are that they are virtually invisible, more comfortable and irritate gums less than the metal braces, but are more expensive and may require some extra sittings.

Invasalign Braces: Great for people who do not have severe problems. The braces consist of strong plastic trays that are fabricated especially on individual basis. They are indeed invisible. One can get the teeth straightened without anyone seeing that one is wearing braces. Trays for treatment are computer fabricated by align technologies. They are absolutely invisible to the outsiders.

Lingual Braces: These are placed behind the teeth rather than the usual front portion of the teeth and are virtually invisible to others. Only few specially trained professional orthodontists carry out treatment with lingual braces.

Metal Braces: Used for traditional orthodontics treatment. These are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first, they may irritate the gums, but after a few weeks, get settled. Though less expensive, these are more noticeable than other types.

And now few tips you should follow to get best out of whichever treatment you choose to take up:
1. Avoid fizzy drinks
2. Chew your food
3. Dont take drugs
4. Quit smoking
5. Stay away from Bleaching
6. Stop Biting nails

Watermelon, An Ingredient For Skin Care

Watermelon can be called more than a thirst quencher. With so many benefits lined up in its name it is not coincidence that it is stated as one of the favorite fruits for many people. It has been used in many forms such as fresh juices, smoothies, as well as pickles depending on your taste. As it is rich in fat and protein it is widely used as a favorite snack.

Watermelon servings per day would help you in the long run. It helps you with conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis. It has nature's best source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help in neutralizing the free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause lot of damage to your body.

Watermelon is very useful for removing blemishes on the skin. It was termed to be one of the treasured gifts of Native American. Rich in A, B and C vitamins keeps the skin fresh, radiant and hydrated. The acids in the fruits act as exfoliates.

Watermelon seed oil is also beneficial for your body. The presence of omega 6 and omega 9 essential fatty acids helps the skin immensely. This oil has a very good absorption level which readily penetrates the skin and dissolves the sebum buildup.

It proves to be a good for skin care, due to its moisturizing properties. The non-greasy oil helps to smooth your skin by refurbishing the elasticity of the skin. It is widely used as massage oil, baby oil, facials, face creams, salt scrubs, shower bath as well as hair oil.

Some Beautifying Recipes

Watermelon Toner

You would require 1 cup watermelon pieces, 2 tbsp. witch hazel (a shrub), and 2 tbsp. water.

Preparation: Blend the watermelon pieces in a blender. Strain the liquid. Add witch hazel and water in the blended juice. Dab this juice on your face using a cotton ball. This mixture is rich in sugar and vitamins like A and B. The strong astringent properties and water content gets you a fresh and clean face.

Works as a Exfoliate

Mash a cup of watermelon chunks and then apply this paste on your face. Find a place to relax for 10 minutes. Rinse it later. It is a process of natural facelift helping in cleansing and tightening the skin.

For Dry Skin

Mash a cup of watermelon chunks mixed with a banana. Banana acts like a binding agent enhancing the effect of the watermelon.

For Oily Skin

Yogurt and watermelon are a great combination for oily skin. By applying this mixture on your face, it assists in the process of exfoliation. The lactic acid in the yogurt does wonders on your skin.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Reshape And Firm Your Stomach With A Tummy Tuck

In the present day, even the slightest of flab around the belly can be a source of embarrassment and social discomfort. Moreover, flaunting a protruding tummy wont help you much in wooing the opposite sex. Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. Abdominoplasty involves removing excess flab and skin around the belly button, thereby tightening the abdominal wall. This lends a slender appearance to the tummy, making the overall figure to be more appealing.

Though tummy tuck surgery is carried out on both women and men, the procedure is usually sought by women who have no plans to conceive any more children. People who have excessive fat deposits, which cannot be curtailed through diet and exercise, may also opt for tummy tuck plastic surgery. Abdominoplasty is a complex procedure that can be classified into two broad categories complete and partial. Complete abdominoplasty involves a series of incisions, tightening of muscles, removal of extra flab and skin, and replacement of skin flap to allow healing. The complete process may take around 2-5 hours. The partial procedure requires less and smaller incisions and takes around 1-2 hours.

Tummy tuck surgery may be performed in combination with liposuction treatment. Abdominoplasty, being complex, requires a significant amount of time for recovery nearly 4 to 6 weeks. The patient is recommended to avoid undue stress or exertion during the recovery period, since this might lead to unnecessary complications. Patients might experience mild discomfort and contusions around the abdomen. But, such complications subside with time as the patient recovers completely. However, smoking is strictly prohibited both prior to surgery and during recovery, since smokers are at a higher risk of facing complications.

On the whole, abdominoplasty is a superlative procedure that could help you attain the much desired slender look and awesome appeal.

All About Cataracts

The term cataracts refers to a clouding of the eye's lens that is located behind the iris and pupil. This particular lens operates by focusing light on to the retina, much in the same way as a camera lens. The lens affected by cataracts is also involved in the eye's focus.

This lens consists of protein and water. This protein is precisely arranged for optimum functioning. However, during the natural aging process, these proteins can become clumped together and cause the eye to cloud. This cloud is what is known as a cataract and will most likely get larger as time progresses if left untreated. Your eye doctor will probably want to wait until the cataract interferes with your eyesight before opting to remove it.

There are three different types of cataracts you should know about:

Cortical Cataracts: This type of cataract is formed in the cortex of the lens. Over time, a cortical cataract will extend from the outside of the lens to the center. This type of cataract is common to diabetes sufferers.

Nuclear Cataracts: Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts. Forming in the center of the lens, this type of cataract is caused by the normal aging process. When this cataract first forms, you may even experience improved vision. However, this effect will not last long.

Subcapsular Cataracts: This kind of cataract starts at the back of the lens. If you take steroids, have diabetes, or suffer from farsightedness, you may be susceptible to supcapsular cataracts.

Fortunately, all three types of cataracts can be removed with eye surgery. Today's surgeons implement the use of lasers and other innovative technology to remove a patient's cataracts with a minimum of risk or discomfort. Some cataract surgeries will involve removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens.

While cataract removal surgery is relatively safe, you may experience a few side effects such as swelling, bleeding or discomfort. Your eye doctor will advise you on the steps to take during recovery to aid proper healing.

Nutritionists are currently studying the role diet plays in the prevention of cataracts. Research has shown a favorable link between antioxidants and the prevention of cataracts. Antioxidants are vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E that work to fight harmful free radicals in the body.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Which Form of Vitamin C Does Protect Skin Cells?

Vitamin C is necessary for producing of collagen: a strong connecting cloth, which, literally, retains us in the entire form. Without the collagen we would go to pieces, because this protein retains together the skeleton bones, it fastens muscles to the bones and does not give any opportunity for the internal organs and for the skin to leave its places.


Can vitamin C free us from some forms of the inflammation such as: psoriasis or the sunburn?


As occurred, the problem isnt in the vitamin itself but in its solubility. The vitamin C solubility: whether it is dissolved in the water or in the fat, so it determines, into which part of the cell it can penetrate and as a result which part of the cell can be protected.


Natural form of vitamin C: L- ascorbic acid, is dissolved in the water. Therefore, although L - ascorbic acid is concentrated inside the cell, it cannot protect its shell from the free radicals. It also possesses strong acidic properties and sufficiently irritates the skin and then it rapidly decomposes and loses its force after 24 hours.


The ether form of vitamin C is the derivative from L - ascorbic acid with the fatty acid, isolated from the palm-tree oil. Its also called palm acid. The ideal medicine for the skin will come out if we add a small quantity of palm oil to the molecule of vitamin C. In this particular case ether wont irritate the skin and it is possible to bring that kind of vitamin C even to the open cut of the skin. So importantly that the ether form of vitamin C is capable to be dissolved in the fat; therefore it easily absorbs by the skin.


Thus the ether form of vitamin C is capable to penetrate the thin membrane surrounding cells. The membrane of cellular plasma itself consists predominantly of fat. As a result, the ether form of vitamin C will strongly protect against free radicals precisely that part of the cell, where they can cause the greatest harm.


The stability is another advantage of the ether form of vitamin C. Thats why it is possible to add this form into the creams and the lotions, and it will preserve the ability to act for months and even for years, completely without spoiling or losing its anti-oxidant effect.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Removing Unwanted Hair - One Woman's Journey

Hello. My name is Brooke. Im a single woman in my thirties (or more precisely, 29 again and again and again and)

Over the last 12 months Ive tried more hair removal products than I care to remember. Not purposely, mind you I didnt set out to evaluate a series of products or write a comparison narrative I just wanted to find the right product for me. And please dont think Im covered in hair. I have simple needs legs, underarms, touch-ups in certain other areas As it turns out, my simple goal turned out to be not so simple and lest my trials go to waste I thought Id share them with you, gentle reader.

I can only hope that you will learn through my experience.

Shaving
Probably like many of you, I started off in my hair-removal life by shaving. I shaved all parts that I wanted free of hair. This worked well for years or so I thought. Somewhere in my post-29 age, I started growing weary of the constant shaving. I needed to shave every day if I wanted to keep it smooth; every other day and I could feel the stubble. My tolerance for the inevitable nicks and cuts had been reached. Sure it was quick, but I finally started wondering if there might be something better.

Waxing
First, a quick note about waxing. When I was in college, my girlfriends introduced me to this method. Or should I say, this torment? You have to understand, I do not have an exceedingly high threshold of pain, especially when it comes to my own body. Others I can inflict pain on; such as old boyfriends who decide to dally with the short blonde from the corner caf, or who have an addiction to watching adult videos over the internet. But when it comes to me, my body is a temple and should be treated as such. Waxing, though effective in removing hair, rips it out like a band-aid on steroids. Plus, its messy and smells bad. I soon decided that was not an activity I would subject myself to on a regular basis.

Hair Removal Cream
After I decided that there must be a better option than shaving, the first thing I did was trot right out to my local store to see what products were available. What did I discover, but a cream that touted to remove hair simply by wiping it on, and wiping it off. Ah-ha, I thought. Now this is what I was looking for!
I bought the cream and brought it home (I wont tell you which one, but its widely available, begins with an N, and rhymes with hair). Following the directions, I wiped it on, let it stand for a few minutes, and wiped it off. Lo and behold, with a little prodding, the hair came off my legs.
The story would end here, except for two things the smell and the dryness. First, this product smelled bad. I thought I could get past that; after all, it removed the hair, didnt it? But try as I might, the smell was just too great of a cost for the benefit I received. Plus, it left my legs feeling dry and chaffed. I decided there must be a better solution.

Epilators
You might recognize this better if I called it electronic hair pullers. When I was at the store earlier, I had noticed some of these. When I went back to the store, I decided to try one. They all promised that I could go weeks between uses. I have to admit, the devices themselves looked a little intimidating. Staring at the trimmers made the hair on my legs stand on end. But I was determined to press on, so I purchased one and took it home.
Before I go on, you need to understand that I do consider myself an intelligent person. I have a successful career, get along well with my parents, and can point to several relationships in which my partner was totally at fault for screwing things up. Nevertheless, the only research I did so far in my quest for the perfect hair remover was looking at products on the store shelves.
I didnt use my epilator when I first brought it home. Instead, I took it out of the package and set it on my bathroom counter. I thought, Ill let it get the feel of the place, like a newborn puppy exploring its new home. Then perhaps it wont hurt as much as it looks like it will.
My kindness was not repaid. By the time I used my new epilator, I had some three-to-four days growth on my legs. The stubble was palpable. And what I learned about my epilator was that it hurt. Im proud to say that I used it on both legs. But in the interest of being honest, by the time I was done I was in tears. I couldnt bring myself to repeat the exercise. That epilator sat in a box in my closet until I donated it to charity at the end of the year as a tax write-off.
I now know there are far better epilators available than the one I purchased on that day. However, much as I like the thought of a quick electronic device to remove that hair, I have not been able to bring myself to try another one. Maybe someday, but not today.

Electrolysis and a friend
Discouraged, but not undaunted, I decided to do some research before my next foray into the world of hair removal. I had heard about electrolysis before, but something about it started to intrigue me more and more. Perhaps it was the claim of permanent hair removal; perhaps it was its documented history of success. I decided to give it a try.
After researching online, I determined that home electrolysis products including RF, ultrasound, etc are dubious at best. They may be effective, but you need to be careful and know what youre doing. Better leave it to the professionals, I thought.
While I was doing my research, I shared the story of my quest with a friend. She admitted that she had been looking into laser hair removal. We both agreed to make our appointments with the professionals me, electrolysis, and she, laser), and compare the results.
I made the appointment for my electrolysis treatment session. Now, you have to understand that electrolysis it not cheap. Fortunately I was in a position where I could try it but Im well aware that not everyone could afford the thousands of dollars that professional electrolysis can cost you each year.
So what did I learn about electrolysis? First, its sloooooow. I mean painstakingly slow. A trained specialist inserts a needle into each individual hair follicle while applying an electrical current to it. The current travels through the needle and kills the hair at its root. Then they pull the hair out with tweezers.
Second, its painful. More than I thought it would be. The bad news about my epilator was that it hurt; the good news was it was over rather quickly. Electrolysis hurts too; the bad news is that it goes on for hours. And thats just for one session. You need to schedule multiple appointments and come back for more sessions for different parts of your body. The solution is permanent but only after repeated visits. So if youre serious about electrolysis , you need to be prepared to spend the next 2-3 years minimum undergoing these long, painful, and expensive treatments. I had higher expectations than that. I havent been back for my second appointment.

Laser
At around the same time, my friend scheduled her appointment for laser treatment. There are a variety of laser hair removal treatments IPL, Ruby Red, IML, to name a few. They all share a similar approach; a laser beam is applied to the skin which kills the hair.
She had previously undergone electrolysis treatments, so she had a good deal of apprehension related to how much pain would be involved. She was much relieved to find the process relatively pain-free. There is a mild thumping on your flesh while the laser is being applied kind of like a rubber band being snapped on your skin. And, the process was far quicker than electrolysis it only took a few minutes versus hours with the electrified needle.
Drawbacks? Cost for one. The laser treatments she signed up for cost hundreds of dollars each well over a thousand in all. Through my research I also discovered that the government recently issued a ruling that laser hair removal is not permanent so the treatments (and cost) need to be continued indefinitely. For my friend, the benefit of quick and relatively pain-free removal was worth the cost. In fact, she continues her laser treatments to this day, and is quite satisfied. For myself, I decided to continue looking for a solution that would give me similar results but cost far less.

Back to the drawing board
By this time I was feeling very educated about hair removal. But where did that leave me? It seemed I had run out of options. Like any good researcher, I went back over my notes to see if I had missed something. In fact, I closely examined my first option the hair removal cream. I reflected upon what I liked about it simple to apply, simple to wipe off. And what I didnt like about it primarily the odor. So then I decided to do some research - on the internet, not just on the store shelves. Something I had failed to do the first time around.

Problem Solved!
After doing some research I purchased a different hair removal cream. And what did I discover? My new cream worked better than my original purchase, plus it supplied my skin with moisturizing nutrients and vitamins. Even better, there was no ugly odor that I had to endure! Soon after I first applied this cream, I discovered that I could go for weeks between applications with no worries of stubble. And the hair that does grow back is finer (not as coarse or rough). I finally found a product that meets my (perfectly reasonable but obviously demanding) needs!

My Advice
So what product did I settle on? This isn't a sales article, so as much as Id like to, I won't reveal which product I settled on. It's been months now, and I'm very happy with it. I find it difficult to recommend a product to you, because your pain tolerance or needs may be different than mine. My advice to you is do just a little research online before your next hair removal product purchase. A great source for independent reviews and product rankings is TopConsumerReviews.com at kxxp://www.topconsumerreviews.com/hairremoval. Their analysis is well thought-out and you can access all their information for free. Take a look at their reviews and see if you can find a product that fits your needs.

I hope you can benefit from my experience without having to spend the next few months (not to mention $1,000+) trying all sorts of products to remove your unwanted hair. Good luck and stay beautiful!

Caffeine Causes Wrinkles

If you have any intentions of maintaining healthy, wrinkle-free skin, you need to reform your body from the inside out. A good start is refraining from drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda. Caffeine, an addictive substance contained in numerous beverages, removes moisture from your skin. When your skin is dry, it is much more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. Since caffeine also acts as a diuretic, it also encourages more frequent urinations. These urinations contribute to the depletion of moisture within your skin. Although you can re-moisturize your skin using moisturizing lotions, we recommend tackling the problem from its source.

Those of you who are serious about maintaining excellent skin should drink plenty of water, fruit juices (unprocessed) and coconut milk. These beverages will keep your skin moisturized and will thus leave it less prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines. Since these drinks also aid in keeping many of your organs healthy, your skin will look better than ever before. As many of us know, numerous internal problems are reflected in our skin.

We encourage everyone to start dumping their caffeine beverages in lieu of healthier and less problematic drinks. The numerous problems which stem from caffeine consumption are endless and are not worth the hassle. If you are concerned about dumping caffeine all at once, we recommend gradually reducing consumption until you are no longer dependent. At that point, you can substitute your caffeinated drinks with healthier alternatives.

Good luck on your journey towards a caffeine (and wrinkle) -free lifestyle!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

How to Braid Hair

Hair braiding is a way to style hair you can do at home, but it does involve a learning process. Once you know how to braid hair, you can transform your own or someone else's hair into a cute new style in just a few minutes. Here are some easy instructions on how to braid hair.

To braid another person's hair or do the front of your own head

The hair should be clean and dry. If it is wavy or curly, you may want to blow dry it straight first to make the braid more even. Add some styling gel to smooth any flyaways and make the hair more manageable. Comb the hair to remove tangles.

Divide the hair into three even sections. Place the left section between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section hang free and place the right section between your right index finger and thumb.

Hold the middle section with your right middle finger and pull it so it passes behind the right section. Extend your right thumb and index finger so the right portion of hair becomes the new middle section.

Using the left middle finger, pull the middle section behind the left section. Extend or straighten the left index finger and thumb to move the left section into the middle.

Shift the portion of hair hooked in the right middle finger so it sits between the right index finger and thumb. Repeat the process. Then shift the portion of the hair hooked in the left middle finger so it sits between the left index finger and thumb.

Continue until the braid is the desired length. For a tighter, more compact braid, pull the middle section into a horizontal line as you move it to the right or left. If you prefer a loose, elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or left, letting it remain in a vertical line.

When the braid is done, secure the end of the hair with a covered rubber band. Add a bow or barrette as desired.

Be sure to pull the portions of hair as evenly as possible so the tension remains consistent. If the tension is tighter on one side, your braid will twist to one side instead of lying flat. Avoid pulling too hard, as this may lead to hair damage.

Braiding the back of your own hair

Comb your hair before you begin and remove any tangles. Divide the hair into three even sections. Some people have found that if you braid your hair when it's damp, say 30 minutes to an hour after a shower or bath, it does not get frizzy and is easier to work with.

Lift your left elbow to shoulder height and make a thumbs down fist around the left portion of hair. Do the same on the right side, letting the middle portion lie against your spine.

Extend your left index finger and hook the right section of hair. Pull it in front of the middle section, letting it slip completely out of the right hand. Take the middle section of hair with your right hand, pull it to the right side, and then resume the thumbs down fist position with both hands.

Extending your right index finger, hook the far left portion of hair and let it slip completely out of the left hand. Shift the portion of hair in your left hand into a thumbs down fist and then release the left index finger. Make a thumbs down fist with your right hand and then use your left index finger to hook the far right section.

Continue the process until the braid is complete. To braid very long hair, you may have to free a hand to pull the sections through. Secure the braid as it develops by pressing your knuckles into it as you shift your hands for the next cross. Use a covered elastic to secure the finished braid and decorate as desired.

Experiment with using different hand positions. You may discover a technique that works better for you.

Practice leads to success

The first time you try to braid hair, it will go slowly. Practice your technique and be patient until you know how to braid hair. It may take some time to discover your rhythm. Braiding will become much easier with the more times you do it.

If you're braiding a young child's hair, ask that she keep her head still. Give her a hand mirror so she can watch you do the braiding. If her hair is too thin and fine for an elastic to hold the braid, use pipe cleaners. These come in many colors and children usually have them readily available.

When you're learning how to braid hair, it might help to visit a hair salon where they do braiding and watch the stylists braid their clients' hair. Another good practice technique is to braid the hair of a doll or hair mannequin.