Author: Stephen M. Jackson

The key to any hair styling profession is having the best quality hair scissors, along with other styling tools. This would guarantee client satisfaction and improved styling performance.

But then, choosing the right kind of hair scissors is not enough. You must also maintain its durability and quality, to prevent it from wear and tear. Even hair scissors of the highest quality still need to be taken cared of, in order to maintain its sharpness and cutting prowess.

Always bear in mind that your scissors are your primary tools, hence they are part of your entire occupation. So it would only be proper to keep these styling agents squeaky clean after each usage, or at the end of every work day in the salon. To prevent yourself from using damaged or rusty scissors, develop the habit of checking them before anything else. Examine its blades, and test its cutting capability first before trying it on the actual hair to be cut off.

Proper storage is also a way to preserve your scissors quality. When not in use, place the styling tools in a clean, dry place, safe from children’s reach. Do not place it with other cutting tools, as this might lead to the scissors’ ruin. Other cutting tools might expose the hair scissors to nicks and cuts, so it is advisable to put your hair scissors in a separate container or case so that it could not mess up with other sharpened tools.

Regular lubrication would also prolong the service of your hair scissors. Sharpen the scissor blade through applying oil, as doing so would prevent these styling instruments from being blunt.

It would also be important to remember that hair scissors should only be used for the purpose it was made for, that is, for cutting hair strands. Using it to cut other materials such as paper and cloth could only result to poor cutting performance.

Remember that hair scissors are among your most prized possessions as a dedicated hair stylist. It is an investment to make, and you should maximize that investment through proper maintenance.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-articles/how-to-take-good-care-of-your-hair-scissors-3630295.html


About the AuthorCalled the Doctor of Hair by many, Stephen M. Jackson is a teacher at heart who loves to help young hair stylists become hair professionals. He is a very big believer that quality scissors are an essential component to creating a memorable look. He only uses the best hair cutting tools on the market: Hattori Hanzo Shears.

By: Anita Grant

That’ll be the Epicatechin. Epicatechin is a chemical that occurs naturally in the brain of all humans, but also in a woman’s uterus (which explains a lot). When triggered, Epicatechin releases a happy hormone, and it is that sense of happiness that we women yearn for every time we reach for that elusive bar of chocolate. That is because the taste of chocolate triggers the Epicatechin, and makes us feel happy.
So, why are we all so scared of chocolate? Well, our bums, tums, hips and thighs don’t appreciate it quick as much as our emotions. Well, they don’t appreciate all the “nasties” that are put into the chocolate bars that we consume. However, did you know that before the chocolate companies, like Hershey and Cadbury added milk, preservatives etc, the cocoa was actually full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals that your body loves.

How to make Chocolate
Chocolate is created using the beans that are picked off trees in countries like Central America. The beans are dried under the sun, before being ground into what is called cocoa liquor. The cocoa liquor is then compressed into cocoa solid and cocoa butter cakes, which are finally ground into cocoa powder, which many of us are familiar with.

Pure Cocoa
Cocoa powder, or pure cocoa, is 100% natural, and has absolutely no preservatives, perfumes or colourings added to it at this stage. The pureness of the cocoa means that it is full of all those little goodies, which are good for almost every part of your body.
Cocoa contains several vitamins, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous, chromium, sodium, magnesium and calcium, all of which promote healthy hair and scalp. However, two little goodies are even more special. They are:

• Caffeine
• Epicatechin

We all know that caffeine is a natural stimulant, whether that’s in your coffee, moisturiser or even in your hair products. Many people might not know that caffeine can stimulate healthy hair growth.
Epicatechin, on the other hand, is a member of the Polyphenol family, which are found in various types of beans and plants. However, why are polyphenols so good? Here’s why:
Polyphenols:

• Strengthen capillaries, ensuring that oxygen-filled blood in distributed to every part of your body
• Are anti-inflammatory, meaning that they will help to protect your scalp and hair from damage
• Prevent scarring and damage to the collagen tissues. This is important, because collagen keeps skin firm, especially during the inevitable aging process.
• Keep your hair’s elasticity.

Consuming pure chocolate, however, is not always to everybody’s individual taste. Nevertheless, did you know that smelling chocolate also triggers those Epicatechin chemicals. That is why using chocolate in hair care products is becoming increasingly popular. Not only can the chocolate be almost 100% pure (because taste is not an issue), meaning that it continues to contain all of the above goodies, which will make your hair look and feel incredible, but also the smell will also make you feel incredible. This of course will give you a brilliant confidence boost.

So, why not give your hair and yourself an extra special treat, with an ultra nourishing chocolate hair treatment!


About the Author
Learn more about the benefits of using pure chocolate in your natural hair care and skin care regime visit Anita Grant

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Love Chocolate? Got Naturally Curly Hair? Read On

Many people think using a pair of scissors often used for office-related projects will do.  Because of the intended usages of these non-hair scissors, they are often dull or have residue buildup on the blades. When scissors with residue and or dull blades are used to cut or trim hair, the hair follicles can often time bend instead of being trimmed with a clean cut, causing an uneven cut.  The duller the scissors, the more uneven the cut will be. Regular office scissors are also designed to cut through thicker objects such as paper and even cardboard or plastic. Hair follicles are much finer than any of these materials and require a different shape of blade in order to get a clean cut. Every time you cut your hair, using professional hair scissors is absolutely necessary.

Dedicated hair scissors can be found at any drug store, many department stores as well as high-end hair product stores. Based on the style and quality you chose, professional hair shears can cost as little as 50 dollars or as much as several hundred.  A small price to pay when you consider the damage an old pair of dull scissors may inflict on your daily appearance. This regular hair maintenance is very important to keep a healthy, happy head of hair.

About the Author
Jade Greene focuses her expertise on hair scissors and flat irons.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Even the Smallest Trims Call for Professional Hair Shears

By: Carol Belanger

I was surfing the net and came across an article about expiration dates on cosmetics such as mascara, eye shadow, etc., and skin care products. The article automatically prompted me to look at my skin care products and cosmetics. My eye shadow I could not see an expiration date or my blush or mascara, but it could have been on the packaging. I also checked my night time moisturizers and neither of those had an expiration date but it could have been on packaging too. My daytime moisturizer by Olay however had an expiration date.

Did you know that in the United States, there are no regulations or guidelines from the FDA about the expiration date for skin-care or makeup products? The only exceptions to this are for over-the-counter drugs sold as skin-care products, such as sunscreens and anti-acne medicines, but even those can have inconsistencies.

Typically expiration dates are generally a rule of thumb on the products safety after its expiration date. However this can be ambiguous too, because cosmetics that have been improperly stored – for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale – may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.

Other cosmetics that might have a short shelf life are “all natural” products that may contain a preponderance of plant-derived substances conducive to all kinds of unhealthy microbial growth. It is also important for consumers to consider the increased risk of contamination in some “natural” products that contain nontraditional preservatives or no preservatives at all.

Additionally, sharing mascara and other cosmetics puts your products at risk for contamination thus reducing its shelf life. It is well advised to not borrow or share your cosmetics. Another point is to just use common sense: any changes in texture or color are a sure sign it’s time to replace a product, and if you can’t remember when you bought a product (or the last time you used it), it’s probably a good idea to throw it out!

Below are basic shelf life guidelines for your cosmetics and skin care product:
Liquid foundation, 6 months to 1 year
Mascara, 3 to 4 months
Lip gloss and lipstick, 1 to 2 years
Eye/lip pencils, at least 1 year and up to 3
Facial cleansers and moisturizers, 6 months to 1 year
Anti-aging and acne treatments, 3 months to 1 year
Body lotion, 2 to 3 years
Hair styling products, 3+ years

So after researching the shelf life of cosmetics I have concluded that it all comes down to plain old common sense!

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, facial peels, clay masks, etc., visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

About the Author
Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Skin Care Products And Shelf Life

By: Janessa Mondestin

Water, the ultimate moisturizer, is a key component in life to growth and stability. It is ever-present on our planet Earth, comprises much of the human body and is a major contributor to achieving soft, manageable Ethnic Hair. To achieve healthy luxurious tresses that any woman would want, one must first understand the importance of moisture to Ethnic Hair. Ethnic Hair’s ability to absorb moisture is contingent on its curl pattern, the type of moisture and the PH balance of conditioners or styling products. Maintaining a healthy textured mane, and the envy of others, is reliant on keeping your locks moist.


What is Ethnic Hair?

Ethnic Hair is not privy to any one particular ethnic group, race or tribe; in fact, it can be found in people of all hues and complexions. Undoubtedly though, Ethnic Hair is beautiful and, without question, is sprung with versatility and vibrancy when it receives the nutrients and moisture it needs to maintain homeostasis. It comes in a range of textures; it can flow kinky, curly, coily or even corkscrew. All have their distinct pluses and minuses in terms of producing, maintaining and retaining moisture. Deciphering one’s hair type and utilizing correct methods, tools and products can change a bad hair situation to a phenomenal one.

Kinky Ethnic Hair takes the shape of a “z” pattern formation. This curl allows sebum, the scalp’s natural moisture, to be compacted near the roots, inadequately able to travel down the hair shaft to hydrate the ends. Therefore, the remaining hair ends tend to be parched from the lack of receiving sebum to retain moisture.  This curl pattern requires strict attention to supplement the hair with moisture to engage in proper hair growth. The bends and curves of Kinky Hair’s zigzags leave a coarse impression down the hair cuticle, making it difficult to seal itself flat like relaxed or straight hair.  Therefore the tresses are left susceptible to external forces like cold, heat and abrasive contact without proper protection. This hair is easy to absorb moisture, but the pattern also makes it easy to surrender as well.  Unfortunately without it, Kinky hair may suffer from brittle ends that will become easy to damage, thwarting all efforts to grow healthy ethnic hair. At times, Kinky Hair may appear dry but actually is well moisturized. The tight “z” formation tends to diminish sheen and brilliance, but allow the feel to be the tell-tale sign of healthy moisturized ethnic hair. Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Oprah Winfrey are visible examples of individuals wearing naturally ethnic Kinky Hair.

Coily Ethnic Hair is appropriately named after the shape of a coil or a spring. Its twists and turns are less compacted than Kinky Hair; however, it may suffer from the same cons. The coils are positively impacted by the hair’s sebum allowing more lengths of the hair to receive natural moisture because the cuticle is less coarse. However, this hair still requires attention to its ends and its cuticle to ensure moisture is absorbed and sealed in. Often this hair pattern takes a noticeable form when lubricated but may appear frizzy when dry. Frizziness may reveal true health. Too much manipulation to hair may be the cause of frizziness but also dehydrated ends may be a factor. This hair has less of a tight curl pattern so the sheen and radiance may be more apparent than kinky hair but again, rely on the feel of the hair to determine health. Jill Scott, R&B crooner Maxwell, and Lenny Kravitz are visible examples of individuals wearing naturally ethnic Coily Hair.

Corkscrew Ethnic hair is similar to Coily Ethnic Hair with one exception; the curl pattern is elongated and similar to ringlets. Since the formation is of a stretched “o” shape, it is easier for sebum to travel down the hair shaft than the previous two aforementioned. Corkscrew hair also takes a more apparent shape when lubricated; however, it can lose its moisture and appear frizzy as well. Its bends and curves allow the shingles of the cuticle to seal together smoother than the previous two, therefore, Corkscrew hair or ringlets have a likelier chance of reflecting light and vibrancy with less product than Coily or Kinky hair. Corkscrew Hair is not immune to frizziness and to maintain this Ethnic hair, it requires less dense moisture products, but moisture nonetheless. Cree Summer, Tia and Tamara Mowry are wonderful examples of naturally ethnic Corkscrew Hair.

Curly Ethnic Hair takes the shape of an elongated “s” pattern formation; if weighed down with product, one may venture to say it’s more wavy than curly. Curly hair can also battle its bout with the frizzies if improperly cared for. It also needs moisture based products to enhance and define the curl for duration of time. Unlike the others, however, it may take fewer products and less attention to this curl pattern than the rest to achieve a desired healthy look. Lisa Bonet, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tracee Ellis Ross are prime examples of Curly Ethnic Hair.
 Ethnic Hair tends to have personality and much like people, no two personalities are exactly alike. Take the time to analyze your hair when wet, when dry and after stylized to determine which hair type described above actually fits your mane. It is not uncommon that one’s head may hold a combination of two or three.

Why is water important to Ethnic Hair?

The option to wear healthy ethnic hair pin-straight or not comes with ease and minor damaging manipulation when it’s been tamed with proper moisture treatment and regular conditioning. But with improper or infrequent care, it can be unruly, thirst-quench, easy to damage, split or break. Therefore water becomes a catalyst to absorbing the nutrients found in styling and conditioning products, ensuring their infusion within the hair’s cuticle and remaining there.

According to Jane Carter, President and Creator of Jane Carter Solution, Home Grown Hair Care, Ethnic Hair loses moisture every two days on average. To re-supplement moisture, one must re-infuse the hair with water and water based products. Folklore has taught many inexperienced and do-it-yourself hair care specialists that oil based products, like those containing Mineral oil, petroleum and lanolin, are fundamental to moisturizing hair. Jane Carter solidifies that this is fiction and the fact is that these oils attract and trap dirt and grime to the scalp and hair. These “crude” oils prevent the scalp and hair cuticle from breathing and blocks tresses from receiving vital moisture. Essential oils, wholly derived oils of distilled plant whose essences were extracted from, are the only exception. Since essential oils are a lighter consistency than petroleum, mineral and lanolin oils, their absorbability is palpable. Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Jojoba Oil are popular examples of essential oils that have proven quite beneficial to Ethnic Hair. Suffice to say, these oils do not take the place of water altogether; they are to be used in conjunction with.

Retaining Ethnic Hair Moisture: Porosity and Humectants

Ethnic locks’ ability to retain the moisture received from favorable daily hair care regimens is contingent upon an industry known fact called Porosity. Hairfinder.com’s article, Hair Porosity and how to determine or measure the porosity of your hair, defines Ethnic Coarse Hair to have raised cuticles and thus high porosity. Again this fact supports that Ethnic Hair’s curl patterns allow moisture in as readily as it will relinquish it. In an effort to reduce the symptoms of highly porous hair, it is imperative that the hair care regimen of Ethnic Hair follows a high acid based treatment.

Acids, which are low on the PH scale, offer highly porous hair an opportunity to seal the cuticle tighter offering better detangling, natural shine and most importantly the chance to lock in potentially lost moisture. Salonweb.com offers a guide called Hair Products Chemistry and All about Dry Hair for readers to follow.

Humectants are substances that attract, absorb and retain moisture from its surrounding environment. They serve as an antistatic, treating surfaces with a coating that protects itself from binding with one another. In laymen terms, they keep Ethnic Hair moist and simultaneously detangle. Tony McKay of NaturallyCurly.com wrote CurlChemist: Humidity, Humectants and Hair for those who want to delve deeper into humectants. One easy and cost effective humectants that one can use on Ethnic Hair is the natural ingredient of Honey.

Thankfully for the internet, and the emphasis of Natural and Ethnic Hair care, all Ethnic Hair women and men have a plethora of engaging forums and blog sites for other like-haired individuals. It is relieving and exciting to know that one’s undisciplined hair personality is not alone and together, these forums from professional aestheticians to do-it-yourselfers provide a niche. No matter which one of the many one chooses to engage with, one theorems rings true: All Ethnic Hair needs is some tender loving care of 2 Hydrogen Atoms and 1 Oxygen (H20). Happy and Healthy Ethnic Hair Growing!

About the Author


In 2006 I took the path less travelled and that has made all the difference. And as each new day arose, I became one day stronger; hence my literary pseudonym, One Day Stronger. Janessa Mondestin has had successful careers working in Retail, Real Estate and Corporate Banking. She ran multi-million dollar boutiques and brand name clothing stores of the likes of Barami, J.Crew and Liz Claiborne before the age of 21. She managed multi-million dollar banking portfolios for highly profitable offices of Washington Mutual and TD Banknorth in Bergen County and Passaic County, New Jersey. A former Rotary member of Teaneck, she continues to believe in the spirit of service and fellowship. She “retired” from the corporate world in 2006 to lead a life that encompasses the passions she had for each industry rolled into one; a life of flexibility, pride in ownership, and diligence. She thrives as a freelance writer who pens her blogs and articles with a perspective that is both canny and candid. Her bout with Lupus sparked her desire for a holistic makeover, better health care, hair care and healthy living.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Hydrate Your Thirst-Quenched Ethnic Hair


Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/hydrate-your-thirstquenched-ethnic-hair-1084136.html#ixzz0mnJXBj1l


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By: Ashton Renderly

Hair loss is a very sad occurrence that is experienced by people both young and old. It has been a cause of great distress for people, mostly men, not only because it greatly affects one’s appearance negatively but also because it could be an indication of some health problem lying underneath.

Types of Hair Loss

The manifestations of hair loss encompass a wide range of expression from mild thinning of the hair to the complete loss of hair. While people normally shed hair everyday, there are cases when the head sheds more than the usual amount of hair, and this results into balding. People experience different kinds of hair loss:

1. Telogen effluvium – this usually happens during episodes of great body stress such as after a major operation, a long bout of sickness, or a serious infection. This type of hair loss happens usually around two to three months of the stressful period and becomes evident by unusual amounts of hair in shower sink, a pillow, or on a comb.

2. As a sign of a disease – loss of hair can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as syphilis, lupus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, vitamin and mineral deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and other illnesses.

3. As a drug side effect - some medication can cause temporary or permanent hair loss. Among drugs that are known to have hair loss as a side effect are amphetamines, warfarin, beta-blockers, lithium, heparin, levodopa, among many others. Drugs used for cancer chemotherapy are also very known for their hair thinning effects.

4. Traumatic alopecia – this is the technical term used to refer to hair loss due to blunt forces such us when using abusive hair styling techniques that subject the hair and scalp to pulling, tight braiding, extreme heat, and harmful chemicals.

5. Tinea capitis – this is a fungal infection that occurs on the scalp. With this condition, hair breaks off from the surface of the scalp forming patches that lack hair. Children are susceptible to this form of hair loss.

6. Alopecia areata – this type of hair loss is due to unknown causes. What experts know is that the immune system fights the body itself causing follicles to weaken and hair to fall out. This could result into total hair loss, technically known as alopecia totalis.

7. Androgenetic alopecia or hereditary pattern baldness – this is a form of hair loss typically experienced by men, running in families. This is caused primarily by hereditary factors in conjunction with male hormones (e.g. testosterone) and aging. Women may also experience this type of hair loss, but it occurs rather rarely.

Manifestations of Hair Loss
A normal head loses around 50 to 100 hairs a day. Going beyond this range is a sign of abnormal hair loss. Most people discover hair loss when they see unusual amounts of hair on their brushes and clothing or in drains of their bathrooms.

To diagnose hair loss, a doctor, usually a dermatologist would examine a person’s medical history, nutritional profile, and hair styling habits. One may also be tested or fungal infection or other diseases.

Preventing Hair Loss

Doctors usually recommend having a healthy diet, decreasing stress, and proper hair care to prevent hair loss. Doctors also avoid prescribing medication that may cause hair loss for people who have evident tendencies of getting bald.

Treatment for Hair Loss

Hair loss can be treated according to the cause of the condition. Drugs that cause hair loss should be discontinued. A healthy diet and a relaxed lifestyle is prescribed for stress-related hair loss. Underlying diseases that cause hair loss are to be treated accordingly. Some drugs that promote the growth of hair may also be prescribed for extreme cases of hair loss.

Hair loss can be a devastating portion of a person’s life no matter how people say that it hair is just an indispensable part of the body. Knowing about hair loss is a key step in preventing it from happening or stopping it from occurring.

About the Author
Ashton has written extensively on hair loss on his site http://www.preventinghairloss.info. You can also checkout some useful resources about acid reflux as well.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Losing Your Crowning Glory: An Introduction To Hair Loss


Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/losing-your-crowning-glory-an-introduction-to-hair-loss-35964.html#ixzz0mnHTHxSM


Under Creative Commons License: Attribution