Students Of Success

Isn’t it a shame when you have to worry about covering
split ends (or trichoptlosis)-the bane of every self-
respecting woman’s life! They happen when the protective
cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair
fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or
brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include
excessive dying or vigorous brushing.

Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to
replace. Typically, the hair splits into two or three
strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in
length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of
the damaged fiber.

But you don’t necessarily have to go to the salon every
week to keep your split ends in check. Back in the sixties
and seventies, women used to burn off their split ends!
Sure that’s a little excessive. And there are easier ways
to get rid of those dead ends before they split further…
do-it-yourself hair trims.

These do-it-yourself trimming tips are for women who are
happy with their hair; for those who don’t need a restyle,
but simply want to freshen things up with a ‘homegrown’
sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the
professionals!

To Remove Split Ends:

* Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a
gentle downward motion. Any split ends will automatically stick out.

* Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don’t
cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove
the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.

* Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each
twist.
Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive,
ideas are the best. So get trimming! You’ll not only save a
bundle but also time that will ease your life.

Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latest
hair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hair
removal. Click for daily updated blog of hair news and
articles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/

There really isn’t a huge debate on this subject, but there are some differences of opinion. This article looks at some of the differing opinions related to pigtails hairstyle definition, attempts to find some middle ground (perhaps unsuccessfully), and closes with this author’s own definition and description of the ideal pigtails.

A ponytail is when the hair is tied together into a bunch and hanging from the back of the head. Most would agree on that. But if that ponytail is braided, is it still a ponytail? Some say it is, others say that this is called a braid. The same question applies to pigtails, the most common term for the gathering of the hair into twin ponytails (one on either side of the head). Can pigtails be braided and still be called pigtails? Do the terms “braided pigtails” and “unbraided pigtails” make sense? Some argue that “braided pigtails” are just “braids” and not pigtails at all!

The Random House College Dictionary defines “pigtail” as “a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head.” Huh? It refers to ONE pigtail hangs down the back of the head, and calls it a braid? Hmm, there’s no mention of TWO pigtails at all! Something doesn’t seem right here. The dictionary entry for “ponytail” matches the definition I gave above. So what’s up with all this? Is the dictionary wrong? Are there multiple dialectal or regional terms for twin ponytails, hence the difficulty for a dictionary to properly address the word’s definition? Has the definition been too fluid over time for the dictionary to pin it down? And why doesn’t the definition include the phrase “the cutest hairstyle ever?”

The word pigtail is also a wire cabling term that applies to a particular method for terminating an electrical cable’s braided shield. (There’s that word “braid” again!) Another technical, and even more contemporary, use of the word pigtail is for some sort of wireless accessories for radios or cell phones, or something like that - I haven’t completely figured this one out yet.

A few years ago, a survey was done in a college classroom regarding the term pigtails. The students pretty much agreed that pigtails are two ponytails, one on each side of the head, and that they cannot be braided. If they were braided, they were called braids. The class instructor, being of a different generation, had a different definition. He believed that pigtails specifically meant two braids and that two unbraided ponytails should actually be called doggie tails. My personal analysis of this “experiment” is simply this: The instructor must have been elderly, or nearly so, and possibly losing his memory, so who knows what his generation really called “twin ponytails.” And doggie tails? There is no way I could ever adapt to using such a term. The word dog, or anything like it, can never be used to describe a woman with the playfulness, boldness, and/or superior self-esteem to wear her hair in pigtails. The students clearly had a much better handle on what pigtails are all about.

So, where does this leave us? There appears to be generational differences and possibly regional or dialectal differences contributing to the debate (if you’d call it that). So, I’ll put it this way: Pigtails are two gatherings of hair hanging on the left and right sides of the head. They may be braided or unbraided. But I’ll add my preferences here as well, because the way I see it, there’s one right kind of pigtail. Pigtails are far more attractive when unbraided. They should be located on the sides of the head, maybe a little behind and above the ears. Pigtails that are too high on the head, too low, or too far around in back, just don’t possess the true spirit of pigtails. And pigtails without this true spirit are simply unable to work their undeniable magic on the wearer and those around her.

Bob Decker is a pigtails hairstyle aficionado and one of the webmasters at http://www.PigtailDreams.com. The website tastefully honors “the cutest hairstyle ever.”

In order to ‘cure’ acne a drug must aggressively address the root causes of the disease, and stop it in its path. Unfortunately there are so many contributing factors that cause acne, there is never going to be a single miracle cure that is able to address all of these causes. However there is a drug that statistically helps 60% of people treated with it, to effectively be cured from acne, and not require any further treatment.

This drug is called Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), and it works by stopping the driving forces behind acne – the excess production of sebum, and the building up of the ducts, which combine to cause blockages of the pores. The treatment is both very powerful, and at the same time causes a range of troublesome side-effects, including:

1) Extreme dryness of the skin

2) Extreme dryness of the soft mucous membranes such as inside the lips and eyelids

3) Muscle and joint pains

4) Acne can be worsened for the first 8 weeks of treatment

5) Foetal damage if the drug is taken during pregnancy

6) Elevated liver enzymes

Regular blood tests are required during the treatment, which generally lasts 4 months. This is a critical requirement of the treatment, and is part of the licensing of the use of this drug for acne, and should not be ignored. The blood tests will monitor liver enzymes which can be elevated by the use of the drug. This potential adverse effect on the liver may also preclude individuals that already have liver damage (for example from excessive alcohol abuse) from taking the drug.

This drug is very much a doubled edged sword, in that it is both very powerful, but has some serious downsides. It must only be taken under the close supervision of a specialist in this area, and the full implications should be spelt out, at the outset of the treatment. You should insist on a copy of the leaflet produced by the drug company, to make sure you fully understand all aspects of its use. This is not the sort of treatment you buy over the internet, and administer to yourself.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.

The typical modern medicine answer to outbreaks of acne include antibiotics, drying agents, skin peelers and in some cases a very toxic and strong drug Accutane TM. All of these will normally work for a short period of time, but eventually, if the original cause of the acne is not addressed and treated, the acne returns, usually stronger and more widespread than before.

Many of the common theories regarding the possible cause of acne point to the improper release of toxins. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it helps to eliminate toxins and waste through sweating if the kidneys and liver are overburdened. When a person’s diet is unhealthy, their hormones out of balance or their skin clogged, acne is usually one of the red flag symptoms.

In using natural therapies to treat acne, the focal points of treatment are to decrease the amount of toxins that need to be excreted, balance the hormones, and in general, bring the body back into balance. All of the above can be regulated through diet, herbs and other nutritional supplements.

Vitamin and mineral therapy is a good place to start in the quest to clear up a case of acne. Crucial additions to the diet include essential fatty acids, chromium picolinate, and zinc. A variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex with extra B3, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E are also helpful in supporting the body while it works to come back into balance.

Herbal therapy includes any herb that works to detoxify the liver and kidneys. Examples include burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle and red clover. Burdock root and red clover also help in cleansing the blood which is another important part of the overall therapy to decrease acne outbreaks. For hormonal balancing many claim that chaste tree berry works very effectively.

Regardless of the type of treatment you decide to use, always check with your doctor first about the natural therapies you would like to try.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com, a health related portal.

From firming the skin, decreasing wrinkles to achieving a healthy glow - we now look towards the healing power of nature for assistance. And, manufacturers have responded to your need in some form or another.

Natural and chemical

However, most commercial skin care products that advertise as “natural” or offer “botanicals” still contain chemicals, emulsifiers and/or synthetic elements. We encounter these chemicals every day in shampoos, cosmetics, creams and don’t even know it. And aside from the skewed advertising, for most people, there is no problem.

However, for others these chemicals penetrate the skin and cause skin irritations and for some, even an allergic reaction. Chemicals do have a necessary place in our lives. But with the multitude of chemicals found in our skin and health care products and even in some of the foods we eat, we should and can find healthier alternatives.

It is not to say that natural ingredients don’t cause allergic reactions and not all natural skin care products fit everyone. But the reality is that anything you apply to your skin ends up inside your body just as if you had ingested it. So, when chosen correctly almost every skin type responds well to natural skin care products.

Being Hip versus Being Educated

While going “natural” in the beauty field is hip, most customers are still attracted to fruity or flowery scents not found in nature.

Yet, this is not the disconcerting issue. What is disturbing is that the beauty industry is becoming two camps. One on the side is the “natural” industry and on the other stands the chemical (mainly traditional skin care products).

What is most interesting is that the chemical camp claims the natural ingredients; natural skin care formulas have no factual basis or scientific legitimacy, a kind of quackery.

The Oxymoron

There is evidence that toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed through the skin into the body’s circulation system, through hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

The chemicals and toxins found in most commercial skin care products also have a detrimental effect on the environment, although this effect is just beginning to be understood.

It is now acknowledged that while these ingredients are in limited amounts; compound these chemicals in almost every product we use and used daily, its allergy overload.

Whereas Aromatherapy (essential oils and blends have very powerful properties to promote and maintain healthy, beautiful and youthful skin) have been used for centuries for skin and beauty care. Unfortunately in the 19th century, new chemical processes made it cheaper to produce synthetic versions of these oils. These synthetic oils which are found in many of our skin care products have the fragrance but not the therapeutic qualities.

And, essential oils have a proven history of healing and treating many ailments.

The Ingredients are What Counts

Still not a believer? What about those nicotine patches, it’s not the patch that forcing the medication but actually your skin’s natural absorbability.

Scientific research is discovering that many chemicals in personal care products may actually pose potentially serious long-term health threats when used over an extended period of time, as the skin absorbs like a sponge.

We’ve also come to understand that when we inhale the essential scent molecules, our brains release neuropeptides that can have mood altering effects.

Essential oils also have such fine molecular structures, that when mixed with massage oils they easily penetrate the skin. Thus in an aromatherapy treatment the essential oils are able to enhance both your physical and psychological well-being at the same time.

They are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body. Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be assimilated; therefore, the oxygenating essential oils can help us maintain our health.

Other natural ingredients such as honey, considered the super food of the cells, tissues and organs with many vitamins including Vitamin “K” and “H”, Carotene and Folic Acid does offer moisturizing value when applied to the skin.

Then there is Carrot Seed Oil, particularly beneficial for dry, mature skin-types and can help to restore elasticity to the skin and could therefore reduce wrinkles. Hemp seed oil is very close to our skin’s oil as far as fatty acid structure and is easily absorbed by the skin. The list of benefits in natural ingredients can go on and on.

Now again consider the list of chemicals in lotions, creams, shampoos and so on we place on our skin every day.

It’s a New Car, Bob!

There is a lot of hype behind natural. But this is young growing industry is working hard at moving towards a standard of what will be deemed as “natural”. Take for example extracting a component from the plant almost always requires a process that is synthetically derived, should then Green Tea Extract not be considered natural?

But, perhaps the real reason the chemical camp is so upset is because their consumer is becoming educated, asking questions and now have the freedom of choice!

Or maybe they’re upset because the natural industry believes in full disclosure in our products. Or maybe, just maybe after you’ve experienced the feeling of these vital plant substances on your face, you may find it difficult to return to synthetic.

Cecilia Ponzi loves skin care products! So, it’s no surprise that she co-created http://www.anaturalperspective.com to be “The Place” for hard-to-find 100% natural, quality, holistic skin and health care products.

http://www.anaturalperspective.com is a resource for both, the consumer and retailers and spa centers that look to offer signature and quality skin care products. Facial care products for all skin types, anti-wrinkle products too!

There is nothing more heartbreaking than looking in the mirror and discovering that your hair is thinning, even worse, you are going bald. This just doesn’t happen to men either. There are a larger percentage of women that experience thinning of the hair, and on the odd occasion, baldness. If going bald really bothers you, you do have some options you can consider. One option is hair transplant surgery. No, we don’t mean those awful hair plugs used 15 year ago. Hair transplant procedures have gotten much better and today, surgeons can create a full, natural looking head of hair.

For most men, baldness starts with a receding hairline. This most often leads to what is referred to male pattern baldness. Hair is lost at the front and on the top of the head, leaving a fringe of hair around the sides. Hair transplant surgery is often performed to restore hair that is thinning at the crown and temples. The procedure works like this. Good, quality hair follicles are taken from the donor site which is most often located at the back of the head where hair tends to stay thick and healthy. The surgeon harvests one hair at a time and surgically implants it in the area of thinning or baldness. The process is slow, but the results are truly amazing. Surgeons are getting extremely good at creating natural looking hairlines.

Hair transplant surgery continues to evolve and get more sophisticated. Because this is a challenging process, it is not cheap. Most surgeons will hold a consultation with you so that they understand your expectations and you understand what they can achieve. Their goal is always to create a natural looking, full head of hair. Hair transplant procedures are not extremely painful, but expect some mild pain and swelling. The first several weeks after you have hair transplants you must treat you hair very well to ensure you don’t damage any of the transplants before they take hold and start to grow again. If this is something you are considering, speak to your doctor to get more information.

Amy-Jo Strutt is an expert author who regularly contributes to http://www.hair-loss-treatment-remedy.com For complete information on hair loss solutions, hair loss prevention, male pattern baldness and hair transplants, visit http://www.hair-loss-treatment-remedy.com/hair-transplant.html

Are there any cellulite reduction alternatives? With the rare exception, liposuction is generally considered cosmetic surgery. For this reason liposuction is not considered as medically necessary.

Because of this, the decision is up to you whether or not to undergo liposuction procedure. You may decide that it is not right for you. And you can make that determination right up to the point of actually having the procedure.
Liposuction Alternatives
• Exercise.
• Accept your body and appearance as it is.
• Change diet to lose some excess body fat.
• Use clothing or makeup to downplay or emphasize body or facial features.
• Try some of the other methods such as topicals or body wrapping.

Whatever method you select for cellulite reduction make certain that, you have done your due diligence and select the most suitable method with the least amount of risk to obtain the results you desire.

There really is no alternate for good, old-fashioned, healthy nutrition and exercise. The tried and true methods do work:
1. Watch your diet.
2. Incorporate fresh and natural foods into your diet.
3. Get plenty of fiber.
4. Avoid high fat foods.
5. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
6. Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol
7. Quit or cut down on smoking.
8. Get plenty of exercise.
9. Avoid medications not necessary to health and well being.

You can rid your body of excess toxins and promote a general state of health by following a regimen of good health, nutrition and exercise that is optimum for pursuing any program for dealing with cellulite.

Exercises

Cellulite exercises, which will help you to get rid of cellulite, are weight training and cardiovascular exercises. These two exercises when done together will help you a lot in reducing cellulite.

Cardiovascular exercises include walking, jogging and swimming. Where as weight training exercises are simple to complex, which include squats, lunges, leg presses, leg curls, etc. Along with this cellulite exercises a five minutes massage and drinking of plenty of water will increase the blood flow, which indeed reduces cellulite.

Walking
Walking is an incredible exercise, which is useful in many ways. Walking puts the body in continuous rhythmic motion and benefits most parts of the body. It is not just the feet and legs but also the neck muscles, shoulders, back, abdomen and arms that you are putting into motion.
Jogging
This is another wonderful exercise, which is useful in many ways. Body as a whole, will be getting benefited with jogging by strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation, toning up muscles and thus helpful an exercise to get rid of cellulite.
Swimming
Swimming is a great activity. It tones your entire body while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout; it strengthens your heart muscle and improves delivery of oxygen to muscles. Swimming is also a relaxing activity.
Weight Training
Weight training exercises to get rid of cellulite can range from simple to complex. Exercises such as squats and lunges are easy to do at home since they simply use the weight of your own body. Free weights can be used at the gym or purchased for home use and can be incorporated into exercises like squats.

You can find different weight training machines in Gyms and health clubs that have built in weight systems and provide a range of different exercises such as leg presses and leg curls.

Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website for more Information about cellulite, causes of cellulite, different treatment methods like cellulite creams, Body Wraps and exclusive information about Liposuction surgery.
www.cellulite-treatment-info.com

Have you found yourself in search of a safe and effective new acne medicine? With so many products on the market, it is tough to know which will be worth your time. You may find that the best acne medicine is natural rather than a prescription or an over-the-counter treatment.

Acne is a condition that starts beneath the skin. When pores become clogged, the oil within is trapped below the surface where it breeds with bacteria to create an infection.

There are quite a few options when it comes to prevention and treatment of breakouts. Clearasil and Oxy are the most commonly used over the counter medications, and are often the best acne medicine for mild to moderate cases. These topical applications contain benzoyl peroxide.

The Proactiv treatment, a fixture in late night infomercials, is a popular acne medicine consisting of a three part daily regime of a cleanser, toner, and lotion. It has been shown to heal and prevent breakouts. This product’s active ingredient is also benzoyl peroxide, which could cause some mild side effects.

Retin A is a topical prescription acne medicine for more severe breakouts that may improve the skin’s texture and appearance. Results are not immediate and once it takes effect, you must continue to use it in order for your skin to remain free from breakouts.

Accutane is a another prescription acne medicine that is not recommended for all types of acne. It is a last resort treatment for those whose skin has not cleared from using other products.

Some people find that the best acne medicine is a natural treatment regimen consisting of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbal extracts that can resolve the problem from the inside out, without the potential side effects of OTC treatments and prescription acne medicine.

There are a number of natural formulas on the market available in supplement form, with any combination of nutrients that can reduce acne blemishes, prevent future breakouts and restore a healthy balance to the skin.

In your search for the best acne medicine, compare the side effects of all treatments to their overall effectiveness and customer satisfaction rating. Prescription acne medicine is probably the most effective, but due to harsh ingredients they could cause major adverse reactions.

Talk to your dermatologist about natural acne medicine and see if the less harsh treatments will help clear up your skin.

Acne in teens is very common. It usually appears at the onset of puberty and can be quite distressing for teenagers.

When the body begins producing hormones, the tiny oil glands known as sebaceous glands at the root of the hair follicle become over-active. This excess oil combine with the normal shedding of dead skin cells cause the pores to become clogged. The oil and bacteria trapped within a pore is the beginning of a pimple. It usually takes about two weeks for a pimple to surface which is why you can often ‘feel’ them before you see them.

There are many myths and misconceptions associated with the development of acne in teens - junk food, poor hygiene and even masturbation! Absolutely none of these ideas are true.

You do not ’cause’ acne. Hormone development is a fact of life and there is nothing that you can do about it. However, you can do something about the resulting acne. A good, consistent, skin care program can make a world of difference!

Acne is not caused by lack of cleanliness and excessive washing can exasperate the problem. Gently wash twice a day using warm water, a soft facecloth and a mild, hypoallergenic soap. Never scrub! You may even wish to try one of several very good acne skin care programs on the market designed specifically to control acne.

Most acne in teens responds well to over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient is available in a number of different lotions and creams. The percentage of available benzoyl peroxide varies among brands. Choose a product with the highest concentration possible - usually around ten percent. Always test a dab on an inconspicuous part of your body to see if there is any reaction. Use only what you need to ’spot treat’ the areas affected. Benzoyl peroxide can cause excessive drying of the skin if you use too much.

Although it is difficult, resist the urge to ‘pop’ pimples. This will only aggravate your acne by spreading the bacteria to other areas. It can also lead to permanent scarring.

It is better not to wear any makeup at all but if you do, choose cosmetics labeled ‘noncomedogenic’. They are specially formulated not to promote acne. Never go to bed without removing your makeup!

There are many options available today for treating and controlling acne in teenagers. If you find that you are having little success with your present skin care routine, visit the Acne Skin Care Guide for help.

Cindy English publishes informative articles and product reviews of today’s most popular
acne treatments.

Visit the Acne Skin Care Guide.
It’s the first step to a clearer complexion and greater self-esteem!

© Copyright 2006 by Cindy English

Do you love to crown your personal fashion statement? Do you love to carry latest hairstyles? And why not? The latest hairstyles seem to be sweeping the world slowly. The life cycle of any fashion trend is close to just a few years, from the emergence of a new trend to an ultimate fizz in the end. There are the 80’s bangs that just do not come off from people’s minds.

A lot of things go in to decide for the latest hairstyles. For your ease, I have here categorized the latest hair trends. So, just go reading!

Vintage Hollywood Glamour
The old, vintage glamorous Hollywood look is well-characterized by the smooth and voluptuous waves. The side parts are kept really deep. To get that hot look, you can have finger waving and pin curlings. You need some beautiful accessories to just top it off nicely. The vintage accessories are kept on the one side of the hair and also at the backside. Get the items such as feathers or rhinestones. All of these are latest in fashion these days.

1980’s Inspired
Your hairstyle can get you a journey to the past. Get an influence from the time of ‘80s. You will have movement and texture, plenty of waves, short layers on the top and tangled curls. Just dare to sport an old eighties’ mullet, it will get you back en vogue suddenly.

New Mod
Better call it Super-Fly Beatle. It is a re-born version of classical mod style of 50’s and 60’s. It has texture in the crown and short lengths. The sides and back of new mod can go from short to medium. It can also have lots of texture or distinct bluntness around the hairline. It tends to be heavy, nearly rounded bashes that can skim your eyelashes. You may feel it to be a little annoying. But are you bothered with a little discomfort and avoid that great fashion?

Faux-Hawks and Mohawks
It is a hot-trend for both girls and boys. It has an enormously versatile look. It is also promising to imitate on just any hair length. If you have short hair, you can use gel or wax to simply direct your hair forward and then upwards in center.

Asymmetric and Disconnected Cuts
The extreme angle makes for a figurine feel. The blunt edges show cuts in the unexpected places. You may not get any blend here. It is really edgy. You can still tame it down by getting an asymmetric cut. The asymmetric cut has one side long as compared to the other. The cut’s angle can range from one gentle slope to plummet. The one side is kept too short. It further graduates to the length of chin and comes about the head.

Select any one of the latest hairstyles here. But do remember it should suit your face cut and the whole personality.

Marcus Grant www.Prom-Hairstyle.net
www.Hair-Growth.co.uk