Bet you thought raw eggs should be used for breakfast or a soufflé. Think twice! This very important item can be used as part of your beauty routine and not just for your meals. This valuable food product can be used as a conditioner for your hair to give you an overall amazing shine! Here are a couple of recipes for conditioner and shampoos. Just one word of wisdom: Remember to rinse with cool or tepid water, so you don’t cook the egg into your hair. Use this conditioner before you shampoo. Simply mix the yolk of one egg with 2 teaspoons of castor oil, massage it into your hair, then rinse thoroughly.

Castor oil is a very interesting product. Did you know that the castor plant can grow as large as a small tree? Another recipe to be used as a conditioner before shampooing is as follows. Simply whisk two raw eggs together, work them into your hair and allow your hair to dry. You can then shampoo the eggs out by using vinegar and a water rinse. What a great way to soften your hair nicely! You can repeat this procedure once a month if you like.

Try mixing one egg yolk with a quarter cup of yogurt and a little lemon rind. Work this into your hair, then rinse thoroughly. You will be amazed at what plain yogurt can do not only for your hair but also as a beauty staple. Another neat thing to try is mash a small avocado combined with an egg yolk, which can be used as a moisturizer for your hair. Apply to your hair thoroughly, do something for 15 minutes while the ingredients go to work, then rinse it out well. Now shampoo and follow with your conditioner.

Now here’s another couple of good recipes for natural conditioners after shampooing. Beat two egg yolks well with two tablespoons of water and then rinse after 15 minutes. For a remarkable sheen to your hair, try using a whole egg whisked together with a little lemon juice. This great concoction is remarkably thorough when it comes to removing previous product buildup. As another thought, try using one raw egg with your shampoo for added benefits. There you have it, some neat hair care tips. Your hair will love you for it!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.laser-hair-removal-discount.com/index.html -for other fun articles and information on hair care and hair removal.

We all have a favourite myth about hair care – some of them are as old as the hills! In this second in a series of 3 articles, we examine some of the most widely known myths - and seek out the reality…

1. Dry hair is damaged by too-frequent washing

FALSE: Hair is more likely to be damaged if it’s left too long between washes. Not washing can cause the scalp’s natural oil to be blocked, and unable to lubricate the hair shaft. As a result, hair can become dry and brittle. Things that damage hair include bleaching, coloring, styling and brushing when wet.

2. To stop the frizzies, use shampoo only twice a month. The rest of the time, rinse daily with conditioner

FALSE: Oil becomes rancid when it stays on the surface of the scalp, so regular shampooing is required to keep hair and scalp clean and healthy. Avoid frizzies by conditioning after every shampoo and try a leave-in conditioner, too.

3. A rinse out conditioner does not provide benefits because it is rinsed out

FALSE: Rinse out conditioners applied to your hair after washing will leave a deposit of moisturizing proteins and other ingredients on the hair shaft giving hair that is softer, shinier and better conditioned.

4. Blow-drying hair can cause it to smoke

FALSE: This strange myth has circulated in different variations for many years. On the rare occasion that hair “smokes” it is due to the evaporation of condensation on the hair from styling gels or similar hair care products.

5. Brushing thinning hair makes it fall out faster

FALSE: Although, brushing can damage hair (see above), as long as you use a good brush, normal daily brushing will not accelerate the normal loss of hair from the scalp. If your hair is suffering from a hair loss condition like alopecia brushing will only cause you to lose hair that is already ready to fall. Excessive brushing is always discouraged under any circumstances.

6. Shaving a baby’s scalp will alter their natural hair texture

FALSE: The hair that a baby is born with may or may not be the hair that they grow up with. Shaving a baby’s head will not alter the texture of their ultimate hair nor will it cause their hair to grow faster or thicker.

7. Gray hair can only be covered with permanent color

FALSE: Depending on the percentage of gray hair that you have, you may be able to blend or cover the budding gray with a semi-permanent or demi-permanent blend that does not contain harsh chemicals.

8. Excessive use of hair products causes hair loss

FALSE: There are no known, (professionally produced) hair care products that cause hair loss. You may sculpt your locks with as much gel, mousse or spray as you desire. However, be careful of home-made remedies, or any product that you don’t know the contents of.

9. Hair care products advertised as natural are chemical-free

FALSE: Not all hair care products sold in health food establishments, etc are completely natural; some may contain chemicals like SLS. When in doubt read the label.

10. Eating Jell-O will make your hair grow faster

FALSE: According to dermatologists, there is no evidence that Jell-O will do anything for hair growth. Syncronized swimmers use Gelatin on their hair to protect against chlorine damage), but there’s no evidence that it will stimulate growth.

11. Stress causes your hair to thin

FALSE: Everyday stress won’t cause your hair to thin. The problem may be hormonal or nutritional in nature.

12. Steroids have no side effects on hair

FALSE: Bodybuilders beware! Anabolic steroids are very potent chemicals that have some treacherous side effects including acceleration of hair loss. The problem is that these side effects are usually delayed by several years.

13. Standing on your head cures hair loss

FALSE: Hair follicles need more than blood flow to grow hair. Standing on your head to increase blood flow to your scalp, may be great for your gymnastic skills, but will have no effect on your hair.

14. Split ends will travel

TRUE: Uncut split ends can travel up the hair shaft towards the roots. Hair that is not tended to, over time, may develop splits that migrate and split all or part of the entire hair. Some ends can actually tear multiple times so that your split ends have splits.

15. Hair will always remain the same texture

FALSE: Although you may be born with straight, curly or wavy locks, there are many circumstances under which your hair’s ultimate texture can be permanently altered. Pregnancy, medication, chemotherapy, age and other variables can cause your texture to be temporarily or permanently altered.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research – ask an expert! This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths – you owe it to your hair.

Michael Barrows

(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook "(Nearly) Everything You Should Know ABout Hairstyles and Hair Care" at his website; http://www.great-hairstyles.com

In addition, concerns have been raised about some of the potentially harmful ingredients being applied to our skin and thus absorbed into our bodies, with potentially harmful effects on our health.

These reports have led to a ‘natural’ skin care ingredient boom right across the skin care industry and increasingly we see advertisements promoting natural skin care products.

Toward the end of 2005 however, buyers have been realising that natural skin care products may not necessarily be all-natural skin care products and are starting to doubt the validity of advertisements promoting their skin care products as being natural.

Further, the men’s skin care market has been more strongly targeted with many well-known brands creating and promoting a skin care range specific for men.

So what can we expect in 2006?

I believe, that the above trends will continue during this year and will intensify in certain areas. These areas include:

I see the manufacturing of skin care products to be divided into three types of manufacturers:

1. Traditional Skin Care Manufacturers that produce skin care products that will provide good results, but these products are not advertised to be natural, organic or anything other than skin care products. Their products include emulsifiers, preservatives and possibly potentially harmful ingredients, but they do work and customers do get results.

2. Jump on the Bandwagon Manufacturers that market their products as being natural and actually do include natural ingredients or at least naturally derived concentrates together with other ingredients. They will promote these products as being natural and will attract buyers who are concerned about what they are putting on their skin and subsequently into their body.

   This category contains another type of manufacturer, I call it the Psydo-Natural manufacturer. This type uses only natural ingredients, but does not use these ingredients in their natural state. That is, they will not always use traditionally made herbal extracts, but will use isolated, active ingredients from herbs or essential oils in their products.

   The problem with this type of product is that the ingredients are no longer complete, they are ‘out of balance’ and as a result could cause potential health concerns. This has been explained in another article called ‘Natural, All Natural, Holistically-Natural or Pseudo-natural - that is the question‘.

3. The third type of manufacturer of skin care products are manufacturers that have resolved to provide purely natural skin care products to their clients and are dedicated to use holistically, natural ingredients to produce truly natural skin care products. They use pure essential oils, traditionally made herbal extracts, and follow the philosophies of natural medical practices such as herbal medicine and naturopathy.

The next 12 months or so will see consumers becoming more and more aware of what is truly natural and what is not. The Internet is a great source for gathering such information and women especially will start to research skin care products in ever increasing detail to find the type of products they prefer.

Men will start to become more aware of their skin’s needs and will increasingly start to follow similar skin care regimes as women. However, I think it will take men a little longer to start thinking about the purity of their skin care. They will probably leave it up to their spouses to select their skin care range for them.

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you. www.wildcrafted.com.au/Natural%20Skin%20Care%20Newslett.html

Join our Natural Skin Care Newsletter – it’s fun, free and Informative and you receive a free eBook on natural skin care.
© Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2006

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretion

Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.

Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Step Two: Encourage extreme shedding of the skin

Using a peel is the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes.

Extreme peels
Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor’s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home use peels
Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate the skin and are safe for weekly use.

Step Three: Reduce the spread of bacterial infection

Using an astringent such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face. This reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of a pimple developing.

Step Four: Enhance Fat Metabolism

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, do consume essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid the gastrointestinal tract eliminate pro-inflammatory substances, which reduces the possibility of experiencing acne lesions.

Step Five: Reduce inflammation

A strong immune system serves as a buffer against inflammation. Stress reducing activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and sleeping well boosts the immune system. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E likewise enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.

These steps work via creating a bodily environment that is not conducive to acne. By adhering to the nutritional and aesthetic steps above, anyone can attain clear skin while simultaneously augmenting their health.

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com

There are discount nail salons on just about every corner these days and a great deal of competition within the industry. Salons that are higher in price are now going out of their way to specialize in different, branded systems that are inventive in the different ways they offer you to take care of your nails.

With Nail Salons on every corner, how do you pick the right one for you? There are many different types of Nail Salons, from your basic services to full out Retreats for weekends in the bed of luxury. How can you tell which one is right for what you want done?

You might enjoy paying less to have your fills done, but the cost of the product used to do that fill is still the same.All nail salons use the same kinds of products to work on your nails, so there really won’t be much difference in the type of products found in any salon you might visit. However, there ARE different brands available for each product type. If the nail salon you are going to uses a name brand product such as O.P.I, China Gaze, Creativespa,LECHAT Color Gel, Solar Oil, even at wholesale prices, the products cost about the same at either high end or low end Salons, so what extra value are you getting if you visit a more expensive nail salon?

What you are getting at a higher cost Salon are typically better services, benefits and in some cases, more personal care and attention. One of those benefits may be cleaner air.Indoor air pollution from the chemicals in nail products can be one of the biggest problems for those who have breathing problems, but still want to get their nails done. If you are getting your nails done at a higher end salon,there is a good chance that they have an air filter or fans or other air cleaners to stop the smell of acrylics from burning your nose or eyes when you walk in the door.

Many additional services are being offered at higher end Salons, other than just your basic acrylic overlays with tips, and simple manicures and pedicures. When we asked clients about the best Salons they had patronized, they said there were differences in what the place looked like, but even when it wasn’t called a Day Spa it was just a step down from it. Here is a common list of services offered by higher end nail salons.

• Spa-level Manicures,
• Spa-level Pedicures,
• Natural Nail Care,
• Silk/Cotton/Linen Nail Wraps,
• Nail Art beyond simple one color flowers,
• Full Sets,
• Gel Overlays,
• Massage Legs, Arms, Hands
• Organic and Botanical products for Pedicures,
• Reflexology.

The whole atmosphere is different at a higher end nail salon. There is no rushing to get your nails done, with your cuticles being roughed up because technicians are filing quickly because they must do many more manicures a day to make a living wage.

Each nail technician in a higher-end salon should be dressed for success or wear a smock with the nail salon’s name on it.They are typically not gossiping among themselves about other clients and not speaking to each other in languages other than English. Salon clients consulted in the preparation of this article made a very strong recommendation that one language should be spoken when there are clients in the room and technicians should wear little or no jewelry.

All these different services are going to cost more and there is no way around that fact. For those who don’t need more than just a fill every two weeks, these benefits may mean nothing, but for those who want more, it’s going to cost more.

After asking different salon owners and those who get manicures and pedicures done regularly, all say one word: “ Sanitation.” The biggest difference between higher priced and discount Nail Salons is the level of cleanliness of the whole Salon, including the equipment and technicians. This should be the most basic criteria of choice.

Based on that, if you can’t decide whether you want to go to a discount nail salon or one that is higher priced, then here are a few additional ideas to might help you decide.

When you walk into a nail salon, either discount or higher in price, stop and look around. Are the floors dirty or does the carpet have big stains on it? What do the nail technicians look like? Do they look unkempt or have nails of their own that look like they need work? Are their stations disorganized and untidy? If this is what you are seeing, then the best thing you could do is just turn and walk away.

A health inspector we interviewed said that when she visited a particular nail salon, her first impression was that it looked clean, and the prices was reasonable. Then she began her close examination. What she saw was down right scary for the salon’s customers. The whirlpool for pedicures wasn’t properly disinfected between each use, and the foot baths provided the perfect environment for the growth of dangerous bacteria. When tested, the bacteria growing in the footbaths could have caused someone a major skin infection. Unfortunately, official inspectors regularly inspecting Salon premises are not as common as it once was. If the possibility of infection is something you are worried about,then a higher end nail salon would be a better choice because they can afford to take better care of their equipment and are typically more conscious of the welfare of their clients.

Today you can buy your own simple equipment for your nail technician to use on your nails and no one else’s. Many technicians use nail files that are single use. You can ask for them if that is something you would rather have used on your nails.

Nail technicians are there to give a service. If they do a great job, please don’t to forget to tip them - they have to eat too.

If you are not sure which Salon to patronize, ask your friends or family or work colleagues for recommendations about where they go to get their nails done. If you see someone with nails that you admire, don’t hesitate to ask them for a recommendation to their favorite Salon. Go with your friends and see their favorite salons for yourself, before having any work on done on your own nails.

Which Salon you choose should be based on many if not most of the ideas we have mentioned above, and on your income, where you live, and what you want done. Only you can decide what you are willing to pay to have the luxury of getting your nails and toes done.

Copyright Kim Snyder, owner Overallbeauty.com. Great lover of all natural beauty care and products. Never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all. Visit her at Overallbeauty.com to see the latest in cosmetics, beauty tips and tricks, beauty articles, and so much more.

Those hair care myths just keep coming! In this third of 3 articles, we examine some of the most widely known myths - and dig out the truth…

1. Hair should be washed every day

FALSE: There is no correct schedule for washing hair. Every person should shampoo according to the specific needs of their hair type and texture. While some people do benefit from a daily shampoo, others benefit from a variety of shampooing schedules.

2. More lather = a more effective shampoo = cleaner hair

FALSE: Lathering agents are often added to shampoos, but more foam doesn’t mean cleaner hair.

3. Hair develops immunity to the same shampoo over time

FALSE: There is no scientific evidence to prove this myth.

4. Brushing your hair is better than combing it

FALSE: Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.

5. Split ends can be repaired without trimming

FALSE: The only successful treatment for removing split ends is with a scissors. Some hair care products may temporarily merge split ends together, but this only lasts until your next shampoo. Always remember that damaged ends tend to grow slower than healthy, well-maintained, trimmed hair.

6. Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmful

FALSE (PROBABLY): Some physicians disagree, but most believe that coloring the hair during pregnancy is not dangerous to the baby. When in doubt always get your physician’s permission to color your hair during pregnancy. Most experts believe that the key danger with hair coloring is not the application of the product to the scalp but the inhalation of the strong chemical odor.

7. Virgin root hair should be treated differently

TRUE: The hair that is closest to the roots reacts differently to the application of new hair color and chemical treatments. Hair color applied directly to the roots will process differently that color applied on hair that has already been treated.

8. Lemon juice will bleach hair blonde

FALSE: Some naturally light haired people may notice a slight lightening or brightening after prolonged sun exposure soaked in lemon juice, but most people wont not see any obvious change in their hair lightness or brightness.

9. A sunburnt scalp can lead to hair loss

TRUE: Severe sunburn or a series of burns that occur over time may damage delicate hair follicles at the root level. People with a genetic predisposition towards hair loss may accelerate the onset of hair loss activity. Avoid scalp burns by applying sun protection products to your scalp along with your hair.

10. For thick, shiny hair, eat a diet that’s rich in iron and protein

FALSE: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, but dermatologists say the reverse is not true: eating extra iron will not give you thick hair. In fact, overloading on iron can cause serious health problems (the correct amount for optimal health is about 15 milligrams a day for a woman). The same thing is true with protein. Dermatologists say protein-deficiency will cause lackluster skin and brittle hair. It’s important to get enough protein, but eating more than normal won’t make hair any shinier.

11. Wearing hats causes hair loss

FALSE: In order for the hair to fall out, the hat would have to be so tight that it cuts circulation to the follicles. Milliners can breathe a collective sigh of relief!

12. Hormones are not related to hair loss

TRUE: Although hormonal imbalance can cause temporary hair loss, as is common with women after pregnancy, the important thing to remember is that the hair will grow back.

13. Swimming pool chemicals can turn hair green

TRUE: Frequent swimmers with natural blonde or chemically highlighted hair that is extremely porous may experience the development of green tints and shades over time. This problem can be prevented with regular use of moisturizing shampoo and conditioners that provides a natural barrier to chlorine and related chemicals.

14. Hair grows faster on different parts of the head

TRUE: There is some scientific evidence that the growth rate of hair may vary on different parts of the head for select people. There is also some indication that the growth rate of hair on babies may be faster on the crown than on any other parts of the scalp. Usually the growth rate differences are very marginal and will not impact the hair appearance in any way.

SUMMARY

Heard another myth about hair? Do your research – ask an expert! This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths – you owe it to your hair.

Michael Barrows
(With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

Michael Barrows is a web publisher specialing in niche marketing. Pick up his FREE ebook "(Nearly)Everything You Should Know About Hairstyles and Hair Care" at his website; http://www.great-hairstyles.com

What Is Skin Collagen?

Short Answer: A fibrous protein found in skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and other connective tissues.

The main structural component of the lower layer of the skin (Dermis) is a protein called collagen. Bundles of collagen molecules pack together throughout the dermis, accounting for three-fourths of the dry weight of skin. Collagen is also responsible for the skin´s strength. Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts, which are found scattered throughout the dermis.

Collagen is a connective tissue and is the cement that holds everything together-the primary mortar between the bricks of all of our smooth muscle tissues such as blood vessels, digestive tract, heart, gallbladder, kidneys and bladder, to mention just a few. Collagen, along with elastin, is a key structural component of bones, cartilage, tendons, the skin, lung tissue and blood vessels. Collagen provides structure and firmness to body tissues, while elastin provides flexibility to those same tissues.

As aging occurs, cellular proteins hook together or change shape. These changes keep the proteins from doing their jobs properly resulting in a loss of collagen and less firmness to body tissues. This process eventually leads to wrinkles. Thus, one important target of wrinkle prevention and elimination regimen is to reduce collagen breakdown and increase its supply. This task is achievable but you have to go about it in the right way.

Everyday your skin is exposed to environmental elements such as sunlight and air pollution. These elements cause free radicals to form in the skin, which attacks the collagen layer. This process prematurely ages and damages skin, resulting in everything from fine lines and wrinkles to loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. This process is known as photo-aging.

First, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen , a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered to skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. Action C products provide anti-oxidant protection from environmental damage.

Using face creams with vitamin C and Collagen will stimulate skin cells to produce collagen and can partly reverse this process. Stimulating collagen synthesis in aged skin was shown to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Please keep in mind that taking large amounts of vitamin C orally is of little benefit for reducing wrinkles because you cannot orally obtain high enough concentration of vitamin C in the skin to notably increase collagen production.

Action C Skincare is an exclusive 25% Vitamin C based skincare system, containing Aceromine, a natural Vitamin C derived from the Acerola fruit. Acerola is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C in the world. In addition, Acerola contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Niacin, Beta Carotene and minerals. All five products are non-abrasive and gently exfolliate to peel away dead skin cells, revealing a new and more beautiful complexion. Continued use of Action C products will improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, not only now, but also long into the future.

Colosé Cream Egalisante (Collagen Cream) contains vegetable collagen from the leaves and fruits of the Australian Acacia Tree. Beware of products that contain native collagen as these are animal derivatives.

Action C and Colosé Collagen Cream are available at http://www.Make-UpUSA.com

CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina VanDoran, Editor of Make-up USA Newsletter: http://www.make-upusa.com. Ms. VanDoran is a top makeup artist using Bren Cosmetics and Colosé Cosmetics and Skin Care products exclusively.

Frizzy hair doesn’t discriminate. It plagues both the thin and thick haired alike. If your hair has even the slightest wave or curl, it’s susceptible to frizz. This article details the six critical things you can do to launch a full-on assault on those unruly frizzies…along with a list of things not to do.

INTERNAL FACTORS–Our circulatory systems deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which keeps hair growing healthy and strong. Make sure you’re getting enough of the nutritional requirements for smooth, shiny locks. These include:

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids, Evening Primrose Oil, Lecithin, Silica, Vitamin B8 (Biotin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Protein, and Water

KEEP IT COOL–I’m lumping 2 cooling techniques into one category here. Both are equally important. Coolness combats frizzies by closing down the cuticle (outer) layer of each hair strand. And of course, heat has the opposite effect, obliterating moisture and amplifying frizz. So cool your hair in these two ways:

- A cool rinse (with either just water or vinegar/water) will close down the cuticle and add shine.

- After heat styling with a blowdryer, use the cool shot button on your hair dryer to cool down the section you’re working with. That will increase the curl or volume you’re creating and amplify the shine!

SQUEEZE, DON’T RUB–When towel drying your hair, resist rubbing or creating any sort of friction. The best method for drying frizzy hair is to use a hand towel and squeeze the hair up from ends to roots.

KEEP IT TRIMMED–Surely you’ve heard it before, but it warrants repeating…regular trims prevent split ends. It’s stressed so often because of the nature of splitting hairs…they continue on up the hair strand, which exacerbates the frizz. And, once the hairs have split, the only way to repair the damage is to cut the hair above the split. So if it’s a bounty of smooth curls you desire, trim it up at least every two months.

PROTECT IT–Nature’s elements can wreak havoc on frizzy hair. Sun, wind, and environmental humidity are the main culprits. Here’s what you can do to defend against the harshness of the elements.

Humidity Control–Use an anti-humectant pomade to help repel water from the atmosphere. Conversely, too arid of an environment can contribute to frizz by drying out the hair too much. In that case, use a humectant pomade. Aveda makes both…keeps the invisible forces of nature from messin’ with your mane.

Sun/Wind Protection–Get yourself a stylin’ straw hat, bandana, or scarf to shield your hair from the harsh effects of sun and wind. Always cover your hair in tanning beds…just wrap it in a towel. Some styling products contain SPF’s, although their effectiveness is debatable.

PRODUCTS AND TREATMENTS–Product companies are clamoring for your dollars, continuously launching "new improved" products which promise to quell your frizzies once and for all. Here are some tips for wading through the claims and finding the right products.

Try a pre-shampooing treatment like "The Strokes" by LUSH Cosmetics, which sheathes your locks in all manner of goodies like beer, yeast, and olive oil. This treatment is applied before you shampoo so it keeps the cleansing agents from stripping away all the necessary oils from your hair.

Conditioning Products–If your hair is on the thick side, use conditioners formulated to "smooth". They’ll deposit a friendly film on the hair strands, adding weight and smoothing at the same time. On fine hair, however, the friendly film becomes more of a foe as it can add too much weight. In this case, use a daily conditioner formulated for colored hair. That’ll ensure your hair gets some extra moisture, without trading frizz for flatness.

Maximize the benefits of your conditioner! Keep a dry face cloth or hand towel nearby and, after shampooing, squeeze all the excess moisture from your hair into the towel. Then apply the conditioner. It’ll keep the product from becoming diluted by the water already in your hair, increasing it’s effectiveness.

Leave-In Conditioners–Ordinarily, the concept of applying a slimy coating on your hair may seem unappealing…when it comes to nixing the frizz, however, slime is the ticket. Not just any slime, though, try Sebastian’s "Potion 9" for a leave-in conditioning treatment that’ll sooth your frazzled strands and offer just a touch of hold. I’m not sure how the folks at Sebastian will feel about me touting their product as a slime-fix. I really do mean it in the nicest way possible.

Styling Products–Here’s the truth. There does not exist a styling product that is going to smooth/straighten your hair in the miraculous way demonstrated in the ads. Surely this is not news to you and I’m certain you’ve got a cupboard full of cast-away "smoothers" to prove it. Cream styling products help condition the hair and silicones can disguise the frizz, but both need to be used in combination with the right styling techniques.

Color Glossing–Products like Sebastian ColourShines have a sealing effect on the hair, and dramatically amplify the shine. Great for frizzy hair! If you’re not looking to change the color of your hair, go for a clear gloss…same benefits, no commitment.

THINGS TO AVOID–Scan the list of "Don’ts" below to make sure you’re not unknowingly contributing to the problem.

Fine tooth combs and brushes

Excessive heat styling

Touching hair while it’s drying

High alcohol content in styling products (firm hold gels and hairsprays)

Any sort of friction on the hair

Consider yourself armed with sufficient knowledge to challenge the frizz and come out victorious. Combine all of the tips here for best results…and visit my website for detailed information on styling curly hair.

About the Author - Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of Style Hair Magazine, which offers hair style and hair color techniques and advice. Plus hair trends, hair style photos and new hair style ideas.

Rosehip seed oil has become widely recognized as an effective skin and beauty care agent in the last decade, with great interest surrounding its scientifically-validated beauty-enhancing effects. The oil has been heralded as a miracle cure for skin, useful for a great myriad of conditions, from premature aging and sun damage to scarring and other damage. What is this wonderful red liquid, where does it come from, how does it work, and most importantly, can it work for you?

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seed within the fruit of the wild thorny rose bush. Native to Chile, the plant is now cultivated elsewhere in South America with many countries producing the oil. Also found under the name ‘Rosa Mosqueta’, the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years, but only recently became known to the rest of the world.

The red colored oil can be either solvent extracted or ‘cold-pressed’ – pressing is the really way to go, as there is no chance of any solvent residues remaining in the final product, and it is easier on the environment. The cold-pressed oil is the closest to nature; it has a high essential fatty acid content, and is considered more delicate than other seed oils. For this reasons, pure rosehip seed oil should be kept in a cool place, out of direct light, and should be used within 1 year of purchase. Otherwise the more fragile of the fatty acids could begin to turn bad, and your skin might not be so fond of them.

Rosehip seed oil is an excellent source of natural vitamin E and natural vitamin A, or ‘trans-retinoic acid’. Retinoic acid, the acid derivative of vitamin A, is the active ingredient found in Retin-A or Tretinoin. Retin-A (a pharmaceutical preparation) has been heralded as a wrinkle cure because of its ability to increase skin cell proliferation – or speed the time it takes for your skin to regenerate. In fact, rosehip seed oil has been extensively studied for many of the same actions attributed to Retin-A, and has been shown effective without side effects (like over-drying and peeling – though unlike Retin-A, it should not be used to treat acne).

The first major study on rosehip seed oil was performed in 1983 by a team of researchers at the University of Santiago, Chile. The study’s participants included individuals with diverse forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other premature aging, UV damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring, dermatitis, and other problems of this type. Rosehip seed oil was shown to have significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and helping the skin to regain its natural color and tone.

Another later study was conducted on women ages 25-35 with extensive premature aging of their skin. Again, rosehip seed oil significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: "On some skin troubles like superficial wrinkles, chestnut spots and ephelides, good results have been obtained. After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible." The oil has been used to successfully treat a long list of skin related conditions, including: age spots, wrinkles and premature aging, sun damage, scars from acne, burns, and surgery, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, brittle nails, and even dry and damaged hair.

Besides its regenerative properties, rosehip seed oil is also an excellent moisturizer. This is most likely due to its high essential fatty acid content (fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself), which are necessary for healthy skin. The oil penetrates the upper layers of the skin quickly and, being known as a ‘dry’ moisturizer, does not leave the skin feeling greasy or oily.

As for daily use of rosehip seed oil, it is considered extremely gentle and can be applied undiluted to the skin. It may also be blended with other oils like jojoba and sweet almond, and will still have wonderful effects at 10% of the total concentration. Further, rosehip seed oil makes an excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy – blends with essential oils having skin regenerative and soothing properties are highly recommended.

For improvement of scarring, a simple blend of 20 drops of Helichrysum Italicum per 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil, applied daily to the area, can be helpful. Helichrysum is known for its content of regenerative ‘ketones’. For a more luxurious beauty blend, try the following in 4 ounces of rosehip seed:

5 drops Helichrysum
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Sandalwood
3 drops Neroli
3 drops Carrot Seed
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop Palmarosa
1 drop Ylang Ylang

Even simply the Helichrysum and Lavender will go a long way – Lavender oil is very gentle, and is also known to have regenerative properties.

So, whether using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin, or simply giving it a little nourishment, you will almost certainly be happy with the results. This luscious oil, with its broad range of positive effects, is sure to take a prominent place in your natural beauty botanical collection.

Misty Rae Cech ND is a naturopath and yoga teacher practicing in Boulder, Colorado. She utilizes many natural therapies in her practice, including aromatherapy and flower essence therapy. She is the founder of the Ananda Apothecary Flower Essences and Ananda Aromatherapy Essential Oils.

Maybe you are ready to get rid of your old silver fillings. Maybe you don’t like you discolored teeth. Or maybe your smile needs adjusting.

This new dentistry goes beyond just fixing teeth. Its about helping people gain more self confidence by having a wonderful smile. Your image matters and tells your customers and friends that you value your image and expect the best in return. There are several different forms of cosmetic dentistry to give you that “winning smile”. Crowns, veneers, bonding and bleaching are all effective methods to varying degrees and price.

Cosmetic crowns can cover old, leaking silver fillings. They can also cover fractured and broken teeth. If you have visible fillings when you smile, porcelain crowns can eliminate that metallic look. Crowns are tooth colored to match your existing teeth. They are carefully tinted to match existing teeth. Cost can range from $550 to $800 per tooth.

Veneers are around $750 to $2,000 per tooth. But it will reshape your teeth. The dentist usually grinds down your teeth and adds a custom porcelain shell. Most people get the six to ten teeth in their “smile zone” fixed. Then you can have the others bleached. But the bad news – they usually have to be replaced about every 10 years.

Bonding is similar, but uses a plastic resin instead of the porcelain. Dentists have used these to replace chipped teeth. Bonding is done by hand by the dentist and is much cheaper at $300 to $700 per tooth. It can’t reshape your teeth like veneers, but it can whiten your teeth similar to bleaching.

Bleaching is good choice if you don’t need your teeth straightened or reshaped. Peroxide bubbles out some of the stains in the tooth enamel. Your dentist will make a tooth tray for about $200-$500 that allows you to wear and let the peroxide do its trick. Usually you can get your teeth 5 shades whiter.

You may have heard of Zoom! or BriteSmile. These are dentist-performed bleaching using special gels that are light activated. This can get your teeth up to 10 shades whiter! But this process can run from $400 to $1200. But it’s fast and your done.

Before you go to any extremes, it may be beneficial to try the Crest Whitestrips Premium. This may give you an idea of how much change you want before spending the big bucks at the dentist for a professional service.

Long ago, they used chlorine as a paste on people’s teeth. Looked great, but it ate off all the enamel and subsequent tooth decay set in causing unbearable pain. Thank goodness we have better options. There are several methods to whiten your teeth. These are some ideas on how to get your teeth, not only whiter, but also give you that wining smile you deserve.

Stuart Simpson http://www.teeth-whitening-review.com/articles