Monthly Archives: October 2018

Hair growth can occur due to hormonal changes or it may be caused by genetics. If you’re bothered by the hair that grows on your face, follow these tips to remove unwanted facial hair:

SHAVING

Shaving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove hair. Whether you’re using a disposable shaver or an electric shaver, both have a built-in blade that lifts and cuts hair at the skin’s surface. Shavers can work on different parts of the body however, the results aren’t permanent or long-lasting. Your face will remain hair-free for one to three days, and then you’ll have to re-shave.

Keep in mind that while this method is relatively safe, ingrown hairs can be a side effect of shaving. These small bumps develop when hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs usually improve on their own within days.

TWEEZING

Tweezing is another effective and inexpensive way to remove facial hair. This method works slightly differently than shaving. Instead of removing hair with a razor blade, tweezers are designed to pluck or pull hair from the roots.

Tweezing works on any facial hair. It’s particularly useful when shaping the eyebrows. Typically, the results of tweezing last longer than shaving — up to three to eight weeks.

Be sure to disinfect your tweezers with alcohol before and after plucking. Like shaving, tweezing can also cause ingrown hairs.

EPILATION

Epilation is another option for removing facial hair. This technique can eliminate hair for up to four weeks, which might be a better choice if you’re busy and don’t want to regularly shave or tweeze.

Epilators work similar to tweezing and shaving. The difference is that epilators eliminate facial hair by grabbing multiple hairs at the same time and removing them from the root. Because hair is removed from the root, it takes longer to grow back. Sometimes, epilation results in hairs growing back softer and finer. Strands may become less noticeable.

You may only think of epilators when removing hair from the legs or from larger areas of the body. But epilators come in multiple sizes, making them ideal for eliminating hair on all parts of the body.

You don’t have to prepare your skin when using an epilator. However, exfoliating a couple of days before helps soften the skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

AT-HOME WAXING

Waxing is an effective way to remove all the hair in an area. There are two different types of waxing kits: wax strips that you warm between your hands before applying and

wax that’s melted in a warmer and then applied to the area with a stick. When you’re shopping for wax, look for soft wax, or wax that’s formulated for using on the face. Hard wax is better for your legs and bikini area.

If you choose wax that needs to be warmed at home, purchase a wax warmer. A wax warmer will heat the wax evenly and allow you better control over the temperature. Also, make sure to purchase plenty of waxing sticks to only use each stick once. “Double-dipping” can introduce bacteria into the wax and may cause a skin infection.

Before you wax, do a patch test on your skin to see if you develop an allergic reaction, and to make sure the wax is the right temperature. The wax shouldn’t feel uncomfortably hot. It should easily glide over your skin.

AT-HOME LASER HAIR REMOVAL

The main problem with many hair removal methods is that results are temporary or only last a few weeks. For longer results, consider laser hair removal. This method uses a laser and pulsating beams to damage hair follicles, resulting in the loss of hair. It’s a semi-permanent solution — hair grows back after about six months. Sometimes, hair never grows back. If hair returns, it may be finer and unnoticeable.

Laser hair removal can be expensive. Achieving desired results typically requires multiple trips to a doctor or spa. If you want the benefits of laser hair removal without the expensive price tag, one option is buying an at-home laser hair removal kit. At-home treatments are cost-effective and convenient. You’re able to complete hair removal treatments around your schedule in the comfort of your home.

Laser hair removal can be performed anywhere on the face, such as the upper lip and chin. But you should avoid lasers when removing hair from around the eyelids and surrounding areas.

DEPILATORY CREAMS

Depilatory creams are another option for facial hair removal. The results can last longer than shaving and these creams may be cheaper than waxing.

These creams have chemicals such as sodium, titanium dioxide, and barium sulfide, that breakdown proteins in hair, so that it easily dissolves and washes away. Although these ingredients are generally safe, there is a risk for reaction.

If it’s your first time using a depilatory cream, do a patch test first and apply a small amount of the cream to your skin. Signs of a reaction include skin redness, bumps, and itchiness. Wait at least 24 hours after a patch test before applying the cream over larger sections of your face.

THREADING

Threading is another option for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted facial hair on the upper lip, side of the face, and chin. This method uses a thread, which pulls and twists unwanted hair until it lifts from the hair follicle. The results can last longer than shaving or tweezing, plus this method doesn’t cause ingrown hairs.

Threading also doesn’t involve chemicals. So, there’s no risk of a skin reaction, although you may experience minor pain or discomfort as your technician removes hair from the follicles. To reduce pain, ask your technician to apply numbing cream to your face, or apply a warm compress afterward. This method of hair removal requires skill, so you’ll need to find a trained cosmetologist or esthetician.

Threading might not be an option if you have acne, as it can cause bumps to rupture.

If there’s time to be saved when getting ready in the morning, we want to know about it. So, to keep things quick (and maybe earn you some extra zzzz’s), we’ve pulled together expert tips and industry advice that will cut your hair styling time in half. From the tools to invest in to product picks, say hello to a longer snooze…

Condition & Comb

Here’s something we bet you didn’t know – conditioner not only smooths your strands but it can also help them dry faster, too. The silicones in conditioner coat each strand and seal it down, repelling water in the process. Keep a wide-tooth comb inside your shower and comb through when applying conditioner to ensure an even application.

Hit It Part Dry

No matter your hair type, blow drying from soaking wet is often unnecessary and can be a waste of time. Instead, let your hair partially air dry or rough dry your hair, using your fingers but no brush, until you reach the ‘conversion point’. This is the moment when hair starts to go from wet to dry, and when the new shape and texture get locked in. At this point, grab your brush and blow dry section by section.

Hit The Pillow

If you find your hair routine is eating up precious time in the morning, try washing your hair at night and letting it air dry as you sleep. This reduces heat exposure, which can dehydrate hair and also accelerates color fade. In the morning, use a styling cream and apply to any rough, frizzy sections and brush through with a flat brush. For very unruly areas, use a round brush and give hair a quick hit from the blow dryer to create a sleek, professional look.

You can also braid your hair and wake up with beautiful waves the next morning when you remove the braids.

Go Cold Turkey

Albeit more suited to the warmer summer months, air drying your hair will not only nurture strands in the long run but can emphasize your hair’s natural texture for a beachy, lived-in vibe.

Focus On Your Face

For those with unruly strands, going without heat isn’t always an option. If time is of the essence, make like the pros and focus your styling attention on the sections of hair around the face and the crown/top of the head. These are the crucial zones. By concentrating solely on these areas, you can create a polished look in a fraction of the time. The perfectly blow-dried hair on the top will fall over the frizzy, unruly hair beneath – so you’ll only be showing the smooth, silky top layer.

Dry Shampoo

You don’t always have to shampoo your whole head to walk away feeling so fresh and so clean. When you’re tight on time skip the wash altogether and fake it with a spritz of dry shampoo. If your hair is clean but you just finished a sweaty workout, take the blow-dryer and blast your roots to dry up the sweat. Then spray dry shampoo into the roots to absorb oil and instantly look fresh and smell good again. You can also spritz your hair with dry shampoo at night to wake up with “fresh” bed head hair that looks good.

Go Pro

It may sound obvious, but investing in your dryer can make a huge difference – a less powerful, cheap or older model can take significantly longer to do the same job. When looking for a hairdryer, go for one with at least 1,800 watts of power and one that uses ion technology and ceramic heat. This will reduce frizz, static and heat damage as well as cutting down on drying time – like our V3600 Ionic Pro Blow Dryer or our V3800 Turbo Pro Blow Dryer. Both are easy to handle, lightweight and deliver performance that you can count on.

Argan oil comes from the fruit of the native Argan tree in Morocco. The fruit is so nutritious that goats climb the trees just to eat them. Inside of that fruit is the little nut from which Argan oil is produced. For centuries, dating back at least as far as 600 BC, people have relied upon this oil for healing as well as for enhancing beauty.

Natives of Morocco’s Argan Forest, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1998, have pressed the nut to extract its precious oil, for use as a dietary supplement, wound healing, and to nourish the skin and hair.

What makes the oil so beneficial, is that it’s rich with vitamins A, C and E, as well as being loaded with antioxidants, linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids. When applied externally, it can help boost cell production which results in healthier skin and hair – that’s why you may have noticed that among the list of ingredients in high-end beauty products, Argan oil is often included.

How can Argan Oil help you have more beautiful hair?

1. Eliminate dandruff and dry scalp

Argan oil is a great moisturizer and can be used to fight both dandruff and dry scalp as it’s extraordinarily high in vitamin E and antioxidants. The essential fatty acids in the oil are also believed to help reduce skin inflammation and prevent dryness.

Many people suffer from flakiness and dry scalp as they tend to shampoo with drying chemical agents without restoring it with moisture which it needs to stay healthy. If it’s neglected for too long, dandruff often results. And, if you have dandruff and use a medicated dandruff shampoo, not only is your body getting a hefty dose of chemical ingredients, but it will actually dry out both your scalp and hair more, adding to the problem over time.

Instead, use Argan oil on your scalp to reduce dryness and nourish your hair by warming 5 or 6 drops of the oil between your palms. Apply the warmed oil to your scalp and massage well, and then put on a shower cap and allow the oil to soak into the hair and scalp for at least a few hours, or ideally, overnight. Treating your scalp twice a week with the oil will help eliminate dandruff and dryness.

2. Tame frizz, fly-aways, and repair split ends by using it as a leave-in conditioner

Our Revitalizing Argan Oil Serum can be used as a leave-in conditioner, to help prevent frizz and fly-aways, while also working to repair split ends.

Start with just a drop of the oil, warming it in your palms before spreading it throughout your hair with your fingers. Pay close attention to the ends of the hair. Afterward, add about 1/2 drop to your fingers and massage it into your scalp.

Most people experience immediate benefits by using Argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, it works incredibly well for promoting shine and gloss, taming frizz and leaving the hair softer and more manageable.

3. Protect your hair from the heat of blow dryers and flat irons

Unlike many styling agents which can cause long term damage to hair due to the many chemicals contained within, Argan oil enriches the hair, nourishing it with nutrients and repairing damage.

Before using any styling tools, apply 2 to 3 drops of our Revitalizing Argan Oil Serum using your hand, palm first. Then use a brush or comb to distribute it evenly throughout your hair from roots to tips coating it with the oil to keep it protected from heat damage.

4. Treat dry, brittle hair

Argan oil can be used as a very effective overnight deep conditioning treatment. If your hair is dry and brittle, once a week, treat it with the oil by warming 6 to 8 drops in your hands before massaging it into your scalp. Work it through your hair, applying to the ends and then pull all of your hair up into a shower cap. The shower cap helps retain your natural body heat which allows the oil to penetrate better, as well as keeping the oil away from your pillowcase. In the morning, wash your hair as you normally would and rinse well, until all oil residue is gone. Apply this treatment once a week to maintain healthier hair.

5. Protecting your hair from swimming

Chemicals used in swimming pools, as well as salty sea water, can have a devastating effect on your hair, leaving it dry and dull. Protect your hair from chlorine and salt by soaking it in water from the roots to the tip, and then applying a few drops of the oil, again, working it through from the roots to the tips to lock in moisture and act as a barrier. Repeat the procedure every time you go back in the water.

Wash and condition your hair as soon as you can after swimming. Afterward, gently squeeze the ends of the hair dry with a microfiber towel. Using about a dime-sized amount of Argan oil, warm it in the palm of your hand and then gently pull it through the bottom two inches of your hair. Comb your hair from roots to tips using a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute. Avoid using heated styling equipment, instead allowing your hair to air dry.

6. Treating hair loss

Many people, both men, and women suffer from hair loss. In fact, though many mistake it as a strictly male-related condition, 40 percent of American women experience it. When you first notice that you’re losing more and more hair in the shower, bathroom sink, and on your hair brush, your first reaction is probably denial, but as the loss increases, it’s important not to ignore it and take action. Argan oil is an excellent oil for stopping hair loss and even helping to promote new growth by treating the scalp three times a week.

Argan oil helps prevent hair loss by ensuring that you don’t lose more follicles than you’re able to grow – when that happens, hair loss becomes noticeable. Multiple studies on the oil’s effect on hair re-growth have found that it can stimulate the scalp due to its rich nutrient content to produce more hair. Other research has indicated that it helps hair grow faster in a shorter period of time. One particular study out of South Korea found that 44% of participants experienced “clear hair regrowth” with Argan oil treatment – as good as the drug minoxidil, but without the potentially harmful side effects.

To treat hair loss, place a few drops of the oil onto your fingertips and massage it into your scalp using a circular motion. Start at the front hairline, working your way back across your head and down each side and back. Continue the oil massage for 15 minutes to allow the oil to totally penetrate your scalp and help stimulate blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.

By following this treatment diligently, three times a week, you’ll notice fewer and fewer hairs left in your tub, and an improvement in hair texture, thickness, and length.

7. Define curls

For those with curls, Argan oil can help with manageability, and help define those curls for a more beautiful look. Just apply a few drops to the palm of your hand. Run your hand through your hair, focusing on the ends and layers. Next, put your hair in a microfiber towel and squeeze it gently without rubbing. Repeat, working from tips to roots each time. Your curls will not only be more defined, but they’ll be more manageable and stronger.

8. Give your hair a shinier, glowing look

Applying a few drops of Argan oil on your hair every day will make it look shinier, more lustrous and even give it a more glowing appearance. The oil immediately soaks into the hair fiber, providing it with essential nutrients for protection that lasts.

9. Sun protection

When you plan to spend time out in the sun, before going outside, apply a few drops of Argan oil to your hair to prevent sun damage. After you’ve worked it through from roots to ends, braid your hair to lock in moisture.

Ref: naturallivingideas.com