Hair dilemma

Okay, so I'm bored of my hair. I've been growing it out all year and this is the longest time in AAAGES that I haven't done something cool with it. My hair is really fine and smooth, but it bleaches really easily and takes colour well. I had white hair for a while last year, which was awesome, but it grows so fast that regrowth was always a problem.

I want to keep the length but make it more interesting. Better colour, more volume, maybe even some extensions but I'm a bit iffy about them - they're pretty expensive and from what I heard they sound like a pain in the arse. If you've got extensions and love them, please tell me about it!

Anyway, I'm going to take advantage of the new poll function and let you guys vote for what you think I should do :)

Chapped lips care

During the cold winter months, dry and chapped lips are quite common and they can be very painful too as the skin on the lips is very delicate. Dry, chapped lips may be caused by different factors such as dehydration, smoking, medication, use of harsh skin care products or licking your lips. One of the most common causes of dry, chapped lips is excessive sun or wind exposure. The best way to prevent and treat chapped lips is to keep the lips well-moisturized at all times.

To prevent or care for dry chapped lips you need to exfoliate at least once a week and this can be done using a soft toothbrush and exfoliator. Use a moisturizing lip balm regularly. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can be used to make lips soft and keep them well moisturized. If you are in the habit of licking your lips then you will need to avoid doing so and also cut down on smoking. Use good quality lip products with natural ingredients that contain moisturizers and SPF. Never go out in dry, cold weather without applying lip balm or lipstick. Take proper care of your lips in order to prevent dry, sore lips.

To get professional treatment for your skin care needs and regular facials done, visit Shangri-La Lotus which is a full service Spa & Beauty Salon dedicated to the pursuit of customer friendly, efficient and professional service. Use their services for all your skin care needs as they specialize in European facials and use Jan Marini beauty products for skin care. They also specialize in Hair Styling, Hair Extensions, Japanese Straightening and Perm. Their services also include Spa Reflexology Pedicure, Air brush makeup and bridal makeup, Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing. They offer fabulous discounts too on their services. Check their website http://www.jennysbeauty.com for more information.

Get a flawless look with foundation

Foundation is one of the very popular makeup products around. It covers imperfections on your skin and gives an even tone to your skin. Foundation hides minor blemishes, small pimples, dark and red spots, blackheads and whiteheads. It not only moisturizes your skin but also helps protect your skin from dust, dirt and environmental pollution. There are many types of foundations like powder foundations, liquid foundations, stick foundations, mousse foundations, creamy foundation and oil-free foundations. Select the right foundation according to your skin type. Powder foundations are good for oily skin. A liquid foundation usually comes with oil-free ingredients and sun protecting factors and also contains more moisturizers. The stick foundation is easy to apply more suited for normal to oily skin. A mousse foundation is combination of liquid foundation and a powder and is good for aged skin.

To apply foundation correctly, follow these steps – 1) Cleanse your skin thoroughly.

2) Apply moisturizer on your skin which will act as a protective layer. 3) Use concealer if needed on problem areas. 4) Pour foundation on your palm and use either your finger tips or makeup sponge or you can also use a brush. 4) Start applying from the center of your face and move outwards in circular motion. It should blend well with your skin. 5) Apply loose powder to set it.

To get professional treatment for your skin care needs visit Shangri-La Lotus which is a full service Spa & Beauty Salon dedicated to the pursuit of customer friendly, efficient and professional service. Use their services for all your skin care needs as they specialize in European facials and use Jan Marini beauty products for skin care. They also specialize in Hair Styling, Hair Extensions, Japanese Straightening and Perm. Their services also include Spa Reflexology Pedicure, Air brush makeup and bridal makeup, Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing. They offer fabulous discounts too on their services. Check their website http://www.jennysbeauty.com for more information.

His Turn

When I think of my father I remember key events that taught or reminded me of what a great dad he was. Sure there was the everyday good dad stuff (mixed in with the times that I disliked/was embarrassed/disagreed with him). But there were certain times that he did big things that fit into the category of SuperDad and are recalled with "remember the time when..." There was the time that he pounded a hole in my closet wall because we thought our cat was stuck in there (it wasn't). And when he drove halfway across the US with one of the family cats who'd decided it would rather stay at the old house during moving day, thank you very much. Or when he drove 3 hours to pick me up on Christmas eve when my car broke down (interesting that the events had to do with cats or cars). Sure, stuff that we do do as parents. But memorable nonetheless.

Well, my husband is earning one of those memories for Alice today. She decided to put the extensions back in her hair (a whole bunch of people including me tried to talk her out of it since her short haircut is so cute, but she really wanted her long hair back - she felt that it was just more who she is). Only this time without gluing them in (she's having a weave and pinch braids?). And to pay for it with her Aveda money. She's having it done by her favorite stylist and was told it would 2 or 3 hours to have it done. Since I've accompanied Alice to pretty much every one of her haircuts and modeling gigs, and since I have a big project for work to finish, Patrick took her.

They left at 12:30 and I'm writing this at 8:00. They just left the salon.

So why didn't her just drop her off and get her later? With an estimate of a couple hours, and the salon about 30 minutes away, he figured as I would, to take work/reading/his computer with him and just wait. It's in an interesting/funky area of Minneapolis, food is nearby, so there's also places to explore and stay nourished.

Then the trap is set. Once the time estimated is past, and you're not sure how much more time it will be and you've lost faith in estimates, you just wait and hope that it doesn't take too long (which it did). You can't be too demanding or ticked off at folks because they are doing their best. Alice probably got right in. So it's not like they had to wait forever, then wait for the extension job. My guess is that Alice's stylist is not terribly experienced with all this, or ran into some challenges she didn't foresee, or is just doing a really, really great job.

Alice has to feel the pinch on the time because she's supposed to be somewhere else this evening besides sitting in a hair salon. And I KNOW she gets the imposition on her dad. And with time and perspective, as it was for me with the cat in the wall incident, Alice will really understand and appreciate what Patrick did today.

But sometimes it takes becoming a parent to understand just how much our parents did show their love for us.

How to prevent whiteheads

Both teenagers and adults are prone to this skin problem called Whiteheads. They are a form of acne and are tiny, pearly, white raised spots formed in the skin. They are not pimples though many times your skin might have blackheads, acne and pimples along with whiteheads. They are caused due to a build-up of oils, serum and dead skin that plugs up your pores. Whiteheads should be removed very carefully.

In order to take care of a whitehead prone skin follow the below routine –

• Clean your face at least twice a day with a mild facial cleanser.
• Never use harsh facial cleansers, soaps or lotions.
• Always apply a toner after cleansing your face in the morning and in the evening to close the pores.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly - twice or thrice a week.
• Steam your face at least once a week.
• Use a face cream or moisturizer containing salicylic acid.
• Always look for antibacterial skin care and cosmetic products and avoid oil-based makeup as they may contribute to the buildup of oil in the follicles.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body well hydrated and to remove the toxins from your skin.
• Never try to remove whiteheads at home - this may lead to serious skin infections.
• Avoid touching your face with dirty hands.
• Keep your skin clean all the time in order to prevent the formation of whiteheads.

Consult a good beautician to remove whiteheads as they use special methods and tools to extract them which will not harm your skin. The best way to prevent whiteheads is to keep your skin clean and well moisturized all the time. Regular facials can help prevent whiteheads because they will keep your pores clean. To get professional treatment for your skin care needs and regular facials done, visit Shangri-La Lotus which is a full service Spa & Beauty Salon dedicated to the pursuit of customer friendly, efficient and professional service. Use their services for all your skin care needs as they specialize in European facials and use Jan Marini beauty products for skin care. They also specialize in Hair Styling, Hair Extensions, Japanese Straightening and Perm. Their services also include Spa Reflexology Pedicure, Air brush makeup and bridal makeup, Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing. They offer fabulous discounts too on their services. Check their website http://www.jennysbeauty.com for more information.

Use tropical fruits on your skin for a glowing complexion

Tropical fruits are not only delicious to eat but they can also work wonders for your skin. You need to find out which fruit works best for your skin and what purpose it serves. Tropical fruit ingredients can be found in many skin care products or you can create a nice fruit mask out of these at home and see your skin glow with the many benefits that these fruits can offer.

Banana is good to make your skin soft and smooth. It also works as an effective hair conditioner when mixed with honey. The other 2 tropical fruits that are commonly found in skin care are papayas and pineapple. These 2 fruits are rich in active enzymes that can work wonders on your skin by exfoliating and softening. Pineapple is a good choice on dry skin areas like elbows, knees and heels. Use these fruits on your skin for no more than 5 minutes before washing them off. Avocado is another fruit can be used as an effective moisturizer. It also has anti ageing effects. Coconut milk can also be used for its skin softening properties.

To get professional treatment for your skin care needs visit Shangri-La Lotus which is a full service Spa & Beauty Salon dedicated to the pursuit of customer friendly, efficient and professional service. Use their services for all your skin care needs as they specialize in European facials and use Jan Marini beauty products for skin care. They also specialize in Hair Styling, Hair Extensions, Japanese Straightening and Perm. Their services also include Spa Reflexology Pedicure, Air brush makeup and bridal makeup, Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing. They offer fabulous discounts too on their services. Check their website http://www.jennysbeauty.com for more information.

Real Housewives, Real Makeovers

Sky Tops, Botox and skanky-looking hair are the signature style for the Real Housewives of Orange County.  The Oprah Show met them in Culver City, California for a makeover photo shoot featured in November's O magazine. 

MORE

Tamra Barney before and after

"

MOVIE: Ekusute (2007)

Ekusute ~ Hair Extensions
2007
direction: Sono, S.
screenplay: Sono, S.

quickie:
Hair extensions. Duh.

general impression:
Creepy but at the same time quirky, odd and funny.

lows:
Has an overall goofy first-impression, has some dragging points, lots of sense of humor required from the audience

highs:
Sion Sono quirk. Chiaki Kuriyama good looks. Ridiculous and entertaining.

notes:
If you’ve watched Suicide Circle, then you probably know who Sion Sono is. And if you’ve watched Kill Bill or Battle Royale, you probably know who Chiaki Kuriyama is.

This movie is kind of odd and strange. It is about… hair extensions. I admit to the idea being more than just a little goofy. But truth is, hair extensions are creepy. It’s real human hair and who knows where it comes from.

Ekusute cleverly juxtaposes the idea of hair extensions with organ transplant. People put on this pieces without feeling at all iffy about the fact that it might come from someone who died of some terrible disease or if it was shaved off a rape victim (ok, maybe farfetched…).

I won’t go as far as saying that organ transplant concerns vanity but it is in the same line as getting a liver harvested from some kid who was abducted. Freakish, really.

Of course, Sion Sono can’t scare the heck out of a guy dying from kidney failure so he settles for frightening the… erm, hair out of girls and guys who put odd things in their head.

The movie is interesting and entertaining but only if you’re willing. Otherwise, I think you’ll end up disappointed or bored. It doesn’t have screaming moments or horrible, horrible imagery. It will make you cringe here and there but it’s mostly ridiculous and fun. The good thing is, Sion Sono wanted it to be.

The shop where Chiaki Kuriyama works in is named after a serial killer. Flashing sign saying ‘don’t take it too seriously’

And it’s kind of hard to. The fetishist character who propagates the extensions is silly to the bones, right up to his death. Despite the absurd violence, I laughed out loud as he died. It’s… ridiculous.

Horror fans might not like this, there are better gore-trip movies to see with your friends. I think this movie is for the seriously interested people. If you like the absurd, then Ekusute will provide some Goosebumps and laughs.

FINAL RATING:
[2] out of [5]

Important Hair Extension Care Tips

Hair extensions used to be something no one talked about until many celebrities started using them. Extensions are heaven-sent remedies for women who want long hair in an instant. Hair experts recommend hair extensions not longer than twenty-two inches or proper hair extension care will not be administered.

Before getting extensions, know the different types available and how to properly care for them. Synthetic and human hair extensions have different treatment methods that can be harmful if applied to the other, so know the right hair extension care before you decide on getting extensions.

You might think that taking care of hair extensions is difficult and time-consuming; well it is not as long as you keep in mind what your hairdresser told you to do. Here are just a few tips on hair extension care that will help to keep your extensions and your hair in a better condition:

1. Washing your hair will keep it tangle-free and clean from dirt and sweat build up. Hair tangles when dirt and sweat build up, so wash your hair after strenuous activities like exercising, biking, running, swimming, etc. It is recommended to brush your hair and remove all tangles before washing it.Wash your hair in a downward motion and ask your stylist what shampoo is best for your hair. Gradually wet the hair and brush gently before you completely wash it. This is more common with less expensive extension hair. Too much water added at once to very dry hair will make it swell up and tangle.
2. Use a soft bristle brush when styling or brushing your hair starting at the ends of the hair gently working your way up. Always brush your hair gently in a downward motion 2 or 3 times a day. Be careful with the use of blow dryers and curling irons for they shorten the duration of your extensions. Just letting your hair dry naturally is an effective hair extensions care.
3. In exercising, wear your hair up or in a ponytail to avoid sweat from wetting your hair. Also wear a cap when swimming or keep your hair out of the water. Chlorine and salt water can cause the hair to tangle and mat up.
4. Make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping. Also wrap your hair together or gently tie it up to prevent tangling during sleep.
5. Hair care products like a good conditioner can keep your hair soft but avoid overdoing it. Too much conditioner or any other hair care product can cause a build up and tangling. Do not use hair products with alcohol content for it makes hair dry. Consult your stylist on the best products that suit your hair extensions care.
6. Enough of those other hair treatment, let your stylist take care of that. Do not perm, color or do any other chemical process to your own hair extensions for it might just ruin everything.

Getting hair extensions can be fulfilling if you consult a hair expert who knows more about your hair than you do. Ask him the type of extension that best suits you whether it is synthetic or human hair, plus the hair extensions care that will help you in flaunting your beauty inside and out. Growing your hair naturally may be the best thing to do, but acquiring lustrous hair in an instant is not bad at all as long as you go to the right person.

How Much Does Hair Extensions Cost?

Hair extensions cost depends on the quality, type and length of hair extension chosen, the method of application and the length and density of the natural hair. Extensions normally cost between $150 to $2,500 dollars depending on the type that you choose. Going to a stylist for an initial consultation will help you assess the right extension for you with the desired results and cost.

But first, make sure you are a good candidate for hair extensions. People who are losing a lot of hair, who have allergies to certain chemicals or who are not willing to make regular trips to the salon are not qualified for it. Find a salon by asking for a list of certified stylists from a reputable company that supplies quality human hair extensions.

Why is it necessary to consult a stylist first before getting hair extensions? It is because getting extensions is not as simple as getting a haircut, and an estimation of hair extensions cost must be made to know what type of extensions will fit your budget. At the appointment, the stylist will trim your hair and then use the chosen method to attach the hair extensions. After application, the stylist will trim the hair for a blended look.

Some salons charge an hourly rate to apply extensions you buy yourself; however, it usually is a better idea to purchase hair through a licensed hairdresser. Using a group of hairs that have been sewn together in a seam is practically a bit cheaper than strand-by-strand hair extensions, but this does not look as natural or allow as much versatility.

Clip-in hair extensions can be used for an inexpensive, temporary style; a stylist can show you how to put them in and take them out. Some salons also offer low hair extensions cost for senior citizens or cancer survivors.

Hair extensions usually last an average of four to six months, and some bonding techniques require regular application of a product to keep the bond in good shape every month. As the hair grows, extensions are needed to be taken out, reapplied, and trimmed , too. This re-application of hair extensions cost as much as the first for labor, but high-quality human hair usually can be reused. Color touch-ups are sometimes necessary on extensions, too.

Going to a stylist for consultation on your planned hair extensions will not only help you get an accurate hair extensions cost estimate but also the leeway to choose the type of extensions you want. Make sure that the hairdresser is qualified. Do not choose a hairdresser based solely on price because a beautiful hair costs a lot than you can ever imagine!