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There’s nothing quite like a great haircut. That feeling when you can’t stop catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or running your hands through your new layers is priceless. Unfortunately, a bad hairstyle can cut through all that confidence and leave you looking older than you are. We asked some of our favorite hairstylists to share the biggest mistakes they see women making with their hair. Mistake #1: Too Long Long hair can sometimes act like gravity in that it pulls your facial features down, and we definitely don’t want that anti-facelift. Split ends can also lead to thin and unhealthy-looking hair, so it’s best to keep it trimmed regularly (every 6-8 weeks). Mistake #2: Too Short Super short, that is. If you make sure to keep your hair healthy, there’s no big rush to get a short cut, as so many women think is necessary once you reach a “certain age.” Instead, focus on getting flattering cuts that use layers and the right color tones to keep your hair a little longer and still appropriate. Mistake #3: Too Dark As we get older, very dark, dyed hair can look too harsh. The monotone look of dyed-dark hair that’s necessary for fully covering gray strands ages you because it lacks dimension and can look dull and life-less. Mistake #4: Too Light If you’re still going bleach blonde, it’s most likely not the right move. Not only can light hair wash out your complexion, but it can make your strands look way damaged. Add dimension with lowlights to give life to your hair and darken the overall tone a bit. Mistake #5: Getting The Wrong Cut Length aside—the actual cut is important too. As we get older, anything too blunt won’t flatter our features. Likewise, hair that is all one length is not flattering because it pulls down your features and lacks movement. Layers are your best friend—they add movement, color dimension, and face-framing. Mistake #6: Using The Wrong Products There’s a delicate balance when it comes to using hair products. You don’t want to use too many different products at once, as that can lead to product overload and build-up in your hair that weighs it down. But we do understand the power of a few key, high-quality products to help boost your ‘do. We’re huge fans of the power of oils. Mistake #7: Ignoring Heat Damage We know it’s downright crazy down here in the South with our pesky humidity to not (at least, sometimes) use hot styling tools to tame your hair. But after a long time of usage, your hair can suffer from heat damage that increases split ends and makes your hair look fried. You can invest in pre-heat product to protect your strands or splurge on a high-quality deep conditioning treatment to get your hair healthy and smooth again. Mistake #8: You Go All In On Gray – Without A Plan Whether you’re letting your gray hair grow out because you’re courageous, rebellious or just exhausted by the tedium of coloring, it can be a gorgeous look that might just change your life. One thing to watch out for, though: The texture of your gray hair is probably not the same as the texture of your former color, so you’ll need to care for it in a different way. Many grays are wiry and dry, yet can look youthful, shiny and sleek if you give them the proper attention. We recommend first sitting down with your hair stylist and assessing the grays: Your hair might be lacking elasticity (protein treatments can help), or moisture (try a hydrating mask). You may also want to treat your grays with a clear gloss to seal the cuticle layer for added softness and shine.

Ladies, some of us spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on countless hair care products to achieve the bombshell look models wear on the runway. However, the secret to restoring the health and beauty of your hair could be found right in your home, specifically the kitchen. Whether you want to add shine to our dull strands, or add a super smooth look to your frizzy and tangled hair, these best-kept beauty recipes from around the world will show you how to tame your mane… Australia’s Hair Secret: Eucalyptus Oil Women from Down Under maintain their locks healthy, shiny, and dandruff free by using eucalyptus oil. The oil, distilled from the Eucalyptus leaf, can be added to your shampoo with a few drops, or can be rubbed on the scalp every night. The popular Australian oil helps to strengthen the hair follicles, as well as calming an itchy, inflamed scalp. The natural chemical compounds in the oil makes it a great follicle stimulator because it is believed to promote proper blood vessel constriction and have a cleansing quality to it. Avoid leaving the oil in for long periods of time though because it can damage the hair, and have a greasy feel to it. Colombian’s Hair Secret: Egg Whites & Avocado The secret to achieving super-smooth hair could be in the avocado salad you had for lunch. Colombian women use two egg whites and half of a mashed-up avocado and apply it to their hair for 15 minutes, then wash and condition. The fruit is high in vitamins B and E which work at the cellular level to protect, strengthen, and promote regular hair growth. The natural remedy is a fast and inexpensive way to defrizz and detangled rough hair. Guayana’s Hair Secret: Sardines If you don’t like the taste of sardines, you may want to acquire it quickly. The fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids that will promote hair growth, and provide a shiny texture. Foods like sardines help protect and repair damage to hair, especially for those who experience thinning. Achieve shiny, long tresses with this hair superfood. India’s Hair Secret: Coconut Oil To have thick and lustrous hair, Indian women use a very popular oil that serves multiple uses – coconut oil. The super ingredient helps keep your hair super soft and manageable by providing deep and real moisture. A little goes a long way with this hair care product. Simply heat up coconut oil, and massage it into your scalp once each week to achieve shiny, thick hair. You can go to sleep with it, and then wash your hair the next morning to have instant healthier hair. Italy’s Hair Secret: Olive Oil & Yogurt Italian women keep their locks glossy using nothing other than olive oil and some yogurt to substitute as a conditioner. The protein in the yogurt gently nourishes and conditions. We recommend mixing one cup of plain whole-milk yogurt with one teaspoon of olive oil and coat washed hair for five minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants that help keep the skin of the scalp in shape while reducing damage from the overuse of hair care, and styling products. Jamaica’s Hair Secret: Cactus Ladies in Jamaica protect their hair from the scorching sun using a cactus. To restore heat-damaged hair, women peel the cactus and wash their hair with the oil to keep hair shiny and hydrated. The oil promotes faster hair growth, prevents hair loss, and maintains locks soft and smooth. The omega fatty acids are essential for growth and development. Japan’s Hair Secret: Camellia Oil Japanese women keep their locks straight and silky smooth with camellia oil. The oil contains vitamins A, B, C, and E and is a great scalp conditioner and healthy hair growth promoter. Camellia oil is best when obtained by cold pressing seeds of the Camellia japonica flower without any chemical or heat refining. Philippines’ Hair Secret: Aloe Vera Women from the Philippines maintain their long and glowing hair by rubbing aloe gel all over their hair to give it a glossy finish, and protect it. It contains rich moisturizing properties that can protect the hair, enhance the shine, and strengthen it. Aloe Vera’s anti-pruritic properties can also alleviate itching and dryness.

Blow drying your hair can give you the benefit of creating a variety of different styles for great looking hair. But, getting it wrong can have exactly the opposite effect. Here are some common mistakes that people make when blow-drying their own hair that you can avoid to put those bad hair days behind you. TOO HOT The most common error is drying hair on too high a heat setting. The belief is that it will dry the hair faster and have greater styling impact. Not true. A hair dryer that is too hot will simply burn and damage the hair leaving it looking dry, dull and frizzy. Medium heat is ideal for styling even though it may take a little longer to get the desired effect. Even if your hair is thick, try to avoid the highest heat setting. Section your hair instead. TOO COLD On the other hand, a cold blow dry will simply dry the hair without styling it in any way. But there is a place for that cold setting on your blow dryer. After applying heat, use the cooler setting to lower the temperature faster and set that style in place for longer. TOO CLOSE Holding the blow dryer too close to the hair, especially when using heat, will result in the hair frizzing and breaking and can cause burns to the scalp. About a hand width from the head is ideal unless you are using the cold setting. TOO WET Hair that is too wet will take longer to style than dry hair. It is best to allow hair to air dry or use your hair dryer to dry the hair before using a brush or curlers to begin styling the hair. Slightly damp hair is ideal for styling with a blow dryer and brush to minimize potential damage. You should never use heated styling tools on soaking wet hair as water amplifies heat and it could result in damage to the hair. TOO FAST Styling hair with a blow dryer takes time and it is important not to rush the process. Depending on the length and thickness of the hair, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete to your satisfaction. Make sure that you put the ideal amount of time aside to blow dry your hair so that you aren’t tempted to use a higher heat setting to speed up the process and damage the hair. TOO MUCH (HAIR) Many people make the mistake of trying to dry and style large amounts of hair in one go. It is best to dry the hair in small sections, starting with the hair at the nape of your neck and ending at the top of the head. Use clips or elastics to section the hair allowing you to dry and style one portion at a time. TOO CHEAP Cheap hair dryers with low wattage are more likely to do damage to your hair than give you the look you desire. Invest in an expensive hair dryer (preferably ionic) which will dry the hair faster without the damage. Pay attention to the size of the nozzle – it shouldn’t be too wide or too narrow to direct the flow of air to maximize styling. TOO HARD Blow drying your hair should be a slow, gentle process. Don’t pull the hair taut or use quick, rough strokes with the brush. This will break and damage the hair and could even pull the hair out at the follicle. Rather use long, slow strokes with your brush to get the best effect. Remember that it is brush you are using and allow the bristles to brush through the hair as you blow dry each section. TOO MUCH PRODUCT Ideally, you shouldn’t use hair gel, spray or other products on the hair before or while blow drying. Hair products contain chemicals that can damage the hair when heated and could also dull the hair. It is best to use these products to keep the style in place after drying. However, some products are designed to be used with heat and can protect the hair shaft during the drying process. If your hair tends to frizz, it is advisable to use a heat protective product before drying your hair. TOO STATIONARY Holding your hair dryer in the same position for long periods of time will not dry the hair faster and only burn or damage it. Your hair dryer should constantly be on the move and never stationary. The angle of your hair dryer is also important. Try to keep it as horizontal (parallel to the floor) as possible while moving it around the head.

If your hair is on the long side, or you have a lot of it, you know exactly how long it takes to complete the entire hair care routine. Wash it, condition it, dry it, style it–the process seems to be never-ending. Instead of opting for the famous ‘chop’ to avoid the incessant styling, here are some hacks on how to get the same results, but faster. Air dry your hair until it’s 80% dry This is one of the most effective ways to cut down time on your hair routine. Of course, this trick won’t work if you’re in a rush to get out of the house, but if you’re washing your hair on a week night or on a lazy Sunday, always be sure to follow this tip. Not only will it cut down actual blow-drying time by a lot, it will also damage your hair less, as it’s not good to apply direct heat to hair that is soaking wet. When you get out of the shower, gently pat your hair dry. A cotton t-shirt would work best for this and will prevent damage to the hair, but let’s get real…how many cotton t-shirts do you have lying around to be used after every shower? S,o use a regular towel and pat hair dry very gently with it. Try your best to avoid twisting it, rubbing it, or making a turban on your head as this is what can truly cause damage to your hair in the long run. After you pat it dry, place a nice fluffy towel on your shoulders and while your hair dries, use this time to catch up on emails, do errands, chores, or watch your fave tv shows. Apply hair products before your hair dries If you use any sort of hair products, be sure to apply them before the hair is completely dry. If you wait too long, you’re just spraying new moisture into the hair which only prolongs the process. Do hair masks before or during the shower to save time Moisturizing your hair is literally the number one priority, as this is the biggest factor in having beautiful, healthy, bouncy, shiny hair. Here are a few ways you can incorporate hair masks into your routine. Apply the hair mask before you shower. Then proceed with a regular shower routine. While you wash your body, scrub, and shave, the steam from the hot water opens up the cuticles of your hair and allows the mask to penetrate and moisturize it deeply. Last step: shampoo and condition, and you’re all done. If you do hot yoga or go to the gym, apply a hair mask and put your hair in a bun or braids. You’ll have to shower after your workout anyway, so why not let your hair have a full hour or so to soak in the good stuff? Same goes for steam rooms, if you ever visit one. Just pop some of the hair mask into your hair before you go and let it do its magic in the steam. During summertime, take your hair mask to the beach, or to the backyard. Not only will it moisturize your hair while you sunbathe, but it will also protect your locks from the sun. All these methods above are completely doable by every single one of us, so really, there is no excuse to skip out on treating your hair with what it deserves. And just think about how much time you’re saving by incorporating this into your regular routine, instead of dedicating a separate time slot for hair care. Blow drying long hair faster To speed up the drying process even more, take off the nozzle that concentrates the air into a thin stream and blow dry your roots upside down. As soon as you feel your hair is about 90% dry, it’s time to put the nozzle back on and use a round hair brush to fully dry the rest of the hair, and smoothen it out in the process. Use the cool setting When you are done blow drying, put your hair dryer on a cool setting and run the cold air through your hair with a round brush one more time. This will seal the cuticles and make your hair appear even shinier and healthier. How to curl long hair faster Ah, curling long hair. No one can argue that having beautifully styled long hair is absolute goals, but the effort and time that normally needs to be put into styling it is quite on the lengthy side. One of the best hacks on how to style long hair fast is to pull it up in two ponytails, and curl in sections. This works for two reasons: You’re essentially cutting the length that needs to be curled in half and the sections are so much more manageable to curl, that the process of curling long hair is expedited significantly How to add volume to long hair A quick trick to add volume to the roots is to simply use a texturizing powder, or a natural dry shampoo, which will help create volume. Massage well into the roots, or you can even put some in your hand and scrunch the hair upwards to create texture and body throughout the length of the hair. With these tips and tricks that we just shared with you, you should be able to cut down your hair styling time significantly. We hope that you’ve found them helpful.

Have you ever wondered why your hair tangles and what you could do to fix it? It’s no secret that maintaining long and beautiful hair requires good care. But, as we can all agree, one of the most frustrating things about having long hair (other than it taking forever to dry) is having to constantly deal with knots and tangles. Not only is it time-consuming but can also be quite painful and damaging. If you can relate, then this blog post is for you. Read on for our best tips on how to detangle your hair and minimize knots. Why Does My Hair Tangle Anyway? There could be a few reasons why your hair is constantly tangling. Hair texture, frequency of brushing, exposure to wind, as well as the healthiness of the hair can all contribute to matting. Your hair is more likely to tangle if: It is super thick and curly It is long and fine It is very dry and damaged You don’t brush your hair throughout the day You sleep with your hair down How To Minimize Tangling Whether we like it or not (and we clearly don’t), our hair as well as hair extensions will tangle, especially if you fit one of the above categories. While there isn’t a magic formula on how to get rid of tangles forever, there are some things you can do to minimize tangling and the damage that comes from detangling your hair. CONDITION YOUR HAIR AND HAIR EXTENSIONS Never, ever skip on conditioner. Conditioning your hair after shampooing will restore moisture back into it, leaving it smoother and less likely to tangle. Tip: apply conditioner first thing after washing your hair, and then proceed with washing your body, shaving, and singing in the shower before washing it out. This will give the conditioner extra time to soak into the hair longer, increasing its effects. DO A HAIR MASK AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK If you’re not the kind of girl who likes to spend time doing hair masks, it’s time to reconsider. Doing a hair mask once a week, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, will significantly improve the condition of your hair. Hair masks are quick, highly potent treatments that restore the hair with moisture and lost nutrients, leaving it silky, shiny, healthy, and less prone to tangling overall. One of our all-time favorite natural hair treatments is Pure Coconut Oil. Leave it in for 30 minutes before your shower or overnight, wash it out with shampoo and enjoy gloriously smooth and silky, hydrated hair. USE A WIDE TOOTH COMB Although it may be tempting to use a brush because it’s ‘faster’, using a wide tooth comb (or a special detangling brush) is a much better idea, especially when taking your hair’s health into consideration. Not only will it remove the tangles more efficiently, but you will also protect your hair from tearing and damage. Start at the bottom of the knot, and patiently work your way up until it is combed out completely. PROTECT YOUR HAIR WHILE YOU SLEEP Speaking of sleeping, did you know that hair can also get tangled while you sleep? This is due to the friction of your hair against the pillow when you toss and turn. To combat this, we recommend to loosely braid your hair and tie it with a scrunchie before sleeping, or tie your hair up in a loose bun. BRUSH YOUR HAIR CONSISTENTLY If your hair is prone to tangling, it’s probably not a good idea to let it down all day (especially in the wind) without brushing it. Brush your hair two to three times a day using a soft bristle brush, especially before a shower and before sleeping. Be gentle while brushing, ladies! RINSE WITH COLD WATER We know, this one sounds a bit daunting, especially during those cold winter months. But after a hot shower, your hair cuticles are open, which leads to frizz and tangling while drying. Rinsing your hair with cold water before you hop out of the shower will help to seal the cuticles, close them up, ensure they dry smoothly, which prevents tangling. Try it next time…if you dare! CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS Although there is a whole list of ingredients we recommend to avoid when choosing your hair products, alcohol is really the one that you want to avoid as it dries out your hair, making it more prone to tangling. Instead, go for natural, sulfate and alcohol-free products, or those specifically designed for tangled hair. KEEP HAIR DYES AND BLEACHING TO A MINIMUM Try to keep the hair dyes to 3 times a year at most. No matter what, it’s still dye, and will ultimately cause damage whether we want to believe it or not. The more dye you use, the drier upir hair becomes, and tangles become more frequent after dying. Keeping dyes to a minimum is best to keep your hair less damaged and less tangled. HAIRSTYLE VARIETY IS KEY When dealing with tangled hair, it’s easy to just throw your hair into a ponytail and forget about it. If you’ve done any research at all, however, you know how damaging even a simple hair elastic can be to your hair. Tying your hair up in a ponytail constantly causes hair breakage and split ends, so it’s always a good idea to try to style your hair differently regularly or to tie your hair in different spots on your head. You can also try cordless coil hair ties or gentle fabric scrunchies for your ponytails and buns. On the other hand, we recommend braiding your hair, especially if your hair is long and tangles easily. We love braids simply for their sheer versatility. You can start the day off with a tight braid (say, a French or a fishtail braid) and go on with your day. Jump, dance, run, do whatever you want—the braid will normally stay, but even if it doesn’t and it comes undone, you now have yourself a pretty, loose, messy braid as if you were going for that look all along. The best part? No knots. No untangling and silently crying as the hairbrush pulls on your scalp once again. Because doing this every day can get old. Simply undo your braid at the end of the day, and gently brush through your tangle-free hair! Helpful Detangling Tips If you’re anything like us, detangling hair is a whole routine. So we’ve learned to make it something to look forward to instead of dreading it. Some tips: Take a deep breath Put your fave tunes on or a movie in the background Grab a glass your fave beverage Prop up an e-book and read while you detangle This sounds silly, but if you distract yourself with some of your favorite activities, you will be a lot more patient, stress-free, and gentle when detangling your hair. THE METHOD Always split your hair into manageable sections. We recommend splitting it into four parts—two top parts, and two bottom parts, and working with one section at a time. Always use your fingers first to gently detangle as much as you can from bottom to top. This is the most-gentle method to reduce the size of the knot considerably. Then, follow by a wide tooth comb from the bottom up. You can also use a special detangling brush, but we recommend to only use ones where the bristles are flexible and soft. That’s it—once all the knots are detangled, you’re good to go! OTHER HELPFUL TIPS Don’t shower with tangles. Not only can this be painful and make the tangles worse, but detangling wet hair makes it much more prone to breakage. Tie your hair in a braid or a ponytail on windy days or when being active to avoid those pesky tangles. Use leave in conditioner if you feel your hair is still dry after the shower for extra moisture and smoothness.

Do you find yourself constantly scratching your head because of an itchy scalp? How about those annoying white flakes that fall from your head onto your shoulders? You’re not alone. Many people experience dandruff, which is not only uncomfortable, but can also be quite embarrassing in public. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite home remedies for dandruff that will help you reduce a dry scalp, relieve your itchy scalp, and say goodbye to dandruff. WHAT IS DANDRUFF? Dandruff isn’t so much about your hair, as it is about your scalp. Dandruff is basically due to the overgrowth of skin cells, which flake and fall off the scalp. Technically, it’s just a cosmetic problem and dandruff in itself is harmless, however, what is causing dandruff is worth some looking into. CAUSES OF DANDRUFF IRRITATED, OILY SKIN You likely have experienced dandruff if you suffer from a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis. This condition affects many areas of the skin, including the scalp. This causes scaly patches, and oily, irritated skin that flakes off as dandruff. DRY SKIN This is especially an issue during winter months, as the cold winter air, combined with heated rooms indoors can cause an itchy scalp and flaking skin. Have you ever noticed how your skin tends to get dry or flaky during the winter, and needs that extra dose of moisturizer? Your scalp is the same! During colder months, the skin on your scalp gets dry, resulting in white flakes. Dandruff that is caused by dry skin, rather than oily skin, usually falls off in smaller, non-oily flakes. NOT BRUSHING YOUR HAIR ENOUGH This may seem very simple, however, brushing your hair regularly increases blood flow to the scalp, and helps in the normal shedding of skin cells, reducing the risk of dandruff. An added bonus: it’s totally relaxing! USING THE WRONG HAIR PRODUCTS If you are still uncertain as to why you have dandruff, take a look at the hair products you are using, as some hair products can lead to an inflamed, itchy scalp. Shampooing your hair too often could also irritate the scalp further, causing dandruff, so we recommend to make use of dry shampoo instead, to soak up excess oils in your hair. OR… Other causes could include medical reasons such as eczema, psoriasis, fungus or bacterial infections on the scalp, in which case we recommend consulting a doctor. HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF BAKING SODA Baking soda is not only amazing for baking cookies, but is also a powerful disinfectant when it comes to cleaning anything, including your scalp. Baking soda removes the excess oils produced by the scalp, washing off that extra grease that contributes to dandruff. Not only that, dandruff is a natural antiseptic, as well as helps balance the pH level of the scalp, making it a great DIY dandruff shampoo. STEP 1 Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water until you reach the perfect paste consistency. STEP 2 For best results, part your hair in sections and apply a few drops of olive oil before spreading the paste on your scalp, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. STEP 3 Thoroughly rinse the mixture out. For best results, repeat this procedure regularly—once or twice a week. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Apple Cider Vinegar is a great home remedy for dandruff because it has probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties that kill viruses and yeast that cause itchiness on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe scalp irritations caused by dandruff, while the high acidity makes it more difficult for dandruff that causes bacteria and fungus to grow. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a mild conditioner, soothing the scalp and adding shine and bounce to the hair. Tip: even if you aren’t suffering from dandruff, Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing to keep your hair looking luscious during the dry winter months. STEP 1 Mix half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with half a cup of water. STEP 2 Massage it well into your scalp and then leave it in for about 10–15 minutes. STEP 3 Rinse off with cold water. Repeat this routine regularly every few days until you start seeing results. LEMON JUICE Have you ever gotten lemon juice on a recent cut? Did it sting like crazy? That’s because lemons contain antiseptic properties, which is why they are a great home remedy for an itchy scalp and dry scalp. Lemon juice, much like Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and therefore alters the pH level of the scalp, banishing unwanted dandruff causing bacteria and fungus. Keep in mind, however that lemon juice is just a temporary fix since the pH level of your scalp changes throughout the day. STEP 1 Massage fresh lemon juice onto your scalp and leave it in for 5 minutes. We recommend testing a drop of lemon juice on a small part of your scalp first—if it really stings, then dilute the juice with water. STEP 2 Repeat this procedure at least daily until the itchiness goes away. BANANA & AVOCADO This is pretty much a smoothie for your scalp. Bananas and avocados are great dandruff treatments because they are both extremely moisturizing, which means they can reduce those dry flakes and inflammation. Avocados are rich in antioxidants, which keep the skin cells on your scalp happy and healthy, while bananas are especially great for conditioning the scalp and hair STEP 1 Mash two bananas with one avocado and apply all over your scalp where it is itchy. STEP 2 Leave it in for at least 30 minutes. Rinse it out with cold water and repeat this regularly until the itchiness subsides or goes away. TEA TREE OIL Tea tree oil is one of our favorite essential oils! It has natural anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which will help relieve your dry scalp or itchy scalp. Tea tree oil comes from leaves of the Myrtle Tree, which is native to Australia, and has been widely used in Australia for at least 100 years. The uses for Tea tree oil are endless. It is used in making homemade cleaning products, healing skin issues, treating viral infections, and of course, getting rid of dandruff. What’s even better, a little bit of Tea tree oil goes a long way. STEP 1 Mix three drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil. STEP 2 Massage it well into your scalp and then rinse thoroughly with water. The smell of tea tree oil is a little bit strong, so you may want to do this before going to sleep or on days when you’re at home. An off-topic side note: if you ever get an unwanted pimple, dab a little bit of tea tree oil onto it and watch it dry out overnight. REF: WWW.LUXYHAIR.COM

Short hair is amazing! You get to feel the breeze on your scalp and neck, and you aren’t carrying around all that extra weight on your head. When you get out of the shower, your hair is dry in half an hour. It’s awesome! But what can you do to style short hair? Spray dry shampoo or texture spray on your bobby pins before insertion to prevent slippage. Sometimes short hair slips out of bobby pins more easily than longer hair does, so to keep your strands in place, spritz a dry texture spray on the inside of the bobby pin to give it a little more grip. Braid your hair into a chic crown braid. Pull your hair back into a chic crown braid by first creating a side-part and then Dutch braiding (where you cross the pieces under one another rather than over) your hair diagonally, starting from the left side of the part. Then Dutch braid your hair straight back on the right side of the part, securing both braids in a bun in the back with bobby pins. Keep your pixie cut smooth and sleek all day by crisscrossing two headbands over your hair. Stubborn short strands can be a pain to keep down. To ensure your pixie stays put, layer your bejeweled headbands for a flawless look Pin your bangs with one bobby pin, pushing the open end toward the ceiling. Complete the “V” shape by sliding one leg of another bobby pin at a downward angle through the looped end of the first pin. Repeat as many times as you’d like to get the look you want. Keep a cold cream or lotion in your bag in case you need to tame your tresses on the go. They can be used to fix fly-away’s or frizz if your hair wigs out when it’s humid. Create a faux bang by making a deep side part, sweeping the hair across your forehead, and securing it behind one side of your headband. Not all hair textures are suited for all hairstyles and cuts. For example, if you have super-fine hair, you might fare better with a pixie because it will create the illusion that you have thicker hair, and if you have a slight wave to your hair, layered and one-length cuts may work better, since wavy hair tends to hang a bit looser and longer (compared to curly hair, which coils up). Make your own salt spray with seltzer water and a teaspoon of sea salt to give your short hair beachy texture. Define your natural curls with a curling iron and go! If you want to rock your short hair, but also want it to look polished and defined, use a curling iron as your secret styling weapon. If you have super-tight coils, use a very tiny curling iron to create definition, and if you have larger curls, opt for a larger-barrel iron to make your texture more defined. Create a pompadour by teasing a section of hair from temple to temple and then pushing it against where you normally part your hair to increase lift. Creating a pompadour on short hair can be tough, but by twisting the hair you’ve gathered and pushing it against your part, it will make building this style that much easier. Secure with two bobby pins in an “X” formation and go. Blow your hair dry 50 percent of the way and then let it air dry. Not only will this cut down on heat damage, it will leave you with a natural #IWokeUpLikeThis kind of texture that you would otherwise have to use a salt spray or other styling product to achieve. Braid your hair from back to front, since any layered shorter pieces in the front might be hard to weave into a plait. Avoid weighing down your short hair by applying root lifter or volumizing mousse to your roots, and pomade and wax to your ends only. Too much wax and pomade, which tends to be heavier than a lightweight mousse, too close to your roots can flatten your hair and even clog the pores on your scalp. Create natural curls by alternating wrapping your hair over and under the barrel of the curling iron. Keep your bangs, or any shorter layers, out of your face by braiding them into a headband braid. Pull the hair off your neck and create a slimmer, chic bob by braiding the undersides of your hair. By French braiding the underside of your hair on both sides of your head, you can pull a major portion of hair off your neck. Avoid using a brush while blow-drying, since it will create a puffy, dated feel. Instead, use your fingers to move it around a bit and then let the power from the dryer blow your hair around. Then, once your hair is dry, you can create your shape. Boost volume by parting your hair and crimping the layers of hair underneath. After you’ve parted your hair where you normally do, clip up a 1/2-inch section of hair on both sides of your part, and use a micro crimper to add texture to the layers underneath to give them volume. Then, let the rest of your hair down. By crimping multiple layers, you’re creating zig-zag patterns piled on top of each other, which ends up adding overall body underneath the smooth hair on top.

Do you wish you had curly hair? Here’s a tutorial to show you how to style your hair so that it looks naturally curly. To pull this off you will need a styling wand like one of our clipless styling wands. The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Also note that your hair will drop and soften over time so it’s best to style your hair a little tighter than you want so it looks good all night. HAIR PRODUCTS If you have straight hair you’ll definitely need to prep your hair to make sure that your curls last. I recommend using a volumizing mousse to add some grip and texture to your hair and then just to roughly blow-dry your hair before you begin. This helps to activate the mousse into your hair and add a little bit more texture so that the curls will last. I recommend: HEAT PROTECTANTS As always when using high heat tools, we recommend using a heat protectant spray. If you’re starting with wet hair and using a mousse, check if that is also a heat protectant . FINISHING PRODUCTS For extra volume we love hair powders! STYLING TIPS: Change Directions The key to naturally looking curls is to alternate which way you’re curling your hair around the wand. Normally in curling tutorials, you only curl your hair away from the face. When styling tight curls, they can tend to clump together and they won’t look as natural. Natural hair is a little bit messier and they curls should sit apart from each other. Switch Up The Size Of Your Curls We recommend using two different sized curling wands to help give the look of more natural curls. It’s really normal to have a mix of different curl sizes in any naturally curly hair and so by mixing up tight curls with a few layers of wider curls it gives a more natural finish. Let It Cool To make sure that your curls really set in, let them cool before you touch them. You can use this time to get your make-up done and then finish the hair just before going out. Pump Up The Volume I’ve used a hair powder to add some texture and volume as I’m messing up the curls. The thing I love about a hair powder is its a little bit matte and it really works to add volume right at the roots as well. It definitely gives the curls much more of a lift and natural look and stops it looking too exact and perfect which they can be from a curling wand. Know When To Stop When you’re shaking out those curls, it’s really difficult to know if you’ve gone far enough or if you haven’t quite got there yet. You run the risk when you play with the hairstyle too much that you’ll undo a lot of your curls. So be gentle and remember to take a step back and examine how they are looking at all angles. Have Fun With Your New Curls The best thing about wearing this style is that everybody will think that it is your natural hair!

From leftover styling product on your flat iron to a dirt-clogged blow dryer, slacking on properly cleaning your tools can wreak havoc on not only their ability to prettify you, but also the health of your hair. Here’s the lowdown on the best way to scrub down your curling irons, combs, rollers, and everything in between. BLOW DRYERS While your blow dryer might look innocent (and clean!) enough, germs lurk in the less-obvious portion of the tool — the back vent. And, because you’re probably shelling out a pretty penny on one (it’s worth it!), it makes it that much more important to take care of. So, how do you go about tackling these hidden dirt balls? Some dryers have a back panel that you can twist off and pop off. Once you’ve done that, simply take a microfiber cloth and wipe [it] clean. If, for some reason, that vent won’t budge, he adds, A quick tip is to use the nozzle part of a vacuum to suck up all the dust and dirt! Genius. COMBS Whether you use combs daily or just once in a while, it’s kind of hard not to notice the numerous hairs that get stuck in the teeth. Hairs that, we’re sure, aren’t necessarily just-out-of-the-shower clean. In order to truly get rid of the gunk that lingers, try soaking your comb in water and shampoo and then rinsing and drying. For gooey stubborn buildup that’s still there afterwards, try mixing equal parts of vinegar and warm water together. Spray onto your comb, let sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse. BRUSHES Those hairs that lurk in your comb are even more present in the bristles of your brush — and, in a greater number. We recommend first pulling the hairs away by taking a comb through the brush. If the hair is too tough to remove this way, use a pair of scissors to cut the hair on the brush without cutting any bristles. The hair should be easy to remove after this. Once you get all of the stray strands out, wash the brushes with a cleansing or clarifying shampoo. You can either air dry them or use a blow dryer to speed up the process. FLAT IRONS AND CURLING IRONS Most of the buildup on curling irons and flat irons can be removed by wiping the barrel or plates down with a microfiber cloth and some water. Dab a cotton swab in some water to get to those weird crevices. For curling irons, don’t forget to clean the inside of the clamp if there is one, also! One last pro tip? For extremely hard to remove buildup, try cleaning them with a microfiber cloth while the tool is on the lowest heat setting. Remember to take precaution and use a heat-safe glove for extra protection. ROLLERS Velcro rollers should get a similar treatment to brushes. First, remove the hairs and then follow with a clarifying shampoo wash. Alternately, plastic rollers can be treated like combs. Soak in water with added shampoo and follow with a vinegar solution to get rid of any excess dirt or oil. HAIR ACCESSORIES Items like the hard-to-keep-track-of accessories like bobby pins can be thrown away (if you use them a lot, he suggests buying them in bulk at your local beauty supply store for a more cost-effective and sanitary solution). As for other items: Pin curls, duck bill clamps, and most hair clips can be soaked in a cleansing or clarifying shampoo mixture with warm water. Done and done, now feel free to go forth with glamming up your mane — guilt and dirt free!

Oily hair is the arch nemesis of hair goals. Greasy hair can throw off your whole appearance, turning your freshly washed hair into a sad and droopy mess, before you even walk out the door! Aside from being an eyesore, greasy hair feels yucky and if left untreated, will only make matters worse. Luckily, with this guide, you’ll learn what causes oily hair, and how to take to your hair from mess to impress. What Causes Oily Hair? Excess oil in your hair usually occurs for two reasons: issues in the scalp or poor beauty habits. To get to the root of the problem, you’ll need to understand the science behind hair growth. Every pore on your skin has a sebaceous gland, including your scalp. The sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum, which gives your hair its natural shine. Sebum keeps your hair healthy and smooth, and it keeps the hair from becoming dry and breaking. However, some sebaceous glands produce an excess of oil, which results in oily skin and greasy hair. Excessive oil production can occur for several reasons. It can be hereditary or due to hormonal changes (puberty or pregnancy), or even changes in seasons, lifestyle, or climate. Poor diet, improper hair care, and some medicines can also impact how oily your hair is. How to Prevent Oily Hair Controlling oily hair is within your own hands… literally. You can help prevent oily hair simply by keeping your hands off of it! This goes for brushing your hair as well, as both further distribute grease throughout your strands. Greasy hair is also a cyclical problem. Over washing or excess scrubbing during shampooing can irritate the scalp, causing more oil. Once you strip your hair of its natural oils, your scalp goes into oil production overload. For this reason alone, do NOT wash your hair more than once a day. It’s important to rinse your hair in cold water for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure that all shampoo and conditioner is out of your hair. Hot water stimulates the sebaceous glands, while cold water helps shut them down. Cool water also helps close your cuticle, reducing damage to your hair. Let your hair air dry naturally, or keep the heat at a minimum, as often as possible. Similar to hot water, hot air can stimulate oil production faster. Too much product can also cause buildup on the scalp, leading to excess grease. While you don’t need to stop using styling products altogether if your hair is naturally oily, you just need to know how to choose the right styling products. How to Manage Oily Hair Did you know you can actually train your hair to be less greasy? A well-designed care regimen for oily hair begins with a mild shampoo and a careful cleansing routine. A lightweight conditioner can help replenish and balance the moisture on your scalp without sending it into overproduction mode. Many times, a perceived accumulation of oils in hair is actually due to a poor rinse job. If conditioner still seems too much for your hair, try conditioning first and shampooing second to remove extra residue. Another option is to nix your traditional conditioner and opt for leave-in conditioning spray (on your ends only). Next, space out your washes. An oily scalp is a vicious cycle made worse by attempts at reversing the problem. Ideally, you should be able to go 2-3 days between shampoos to get oil production under control. Be patient, as you won’t get there overnight. In the meantime, you can experiment with dry shampoos and hair powders that are designed to help soak up that oil without stripping your scalp of its natural oils. You can also try using a clarifying shampoo or treatment twice per month. Despite your best rinsing attempts, your oily hair may be the result of buildup or heavy conditioners. Regardless of the amount of product you use, your hair may be good at holding on to traces of oil. Finally, remember that you are what you eat, and your intake of B vitamins directly correlates with your level of sebum production. Make sure you’re getting a sufficient amount of the B vitamins (B2 and B6 in particular) to help combat greasy hair. If these suggestions don’t improve your oily locks, it may be time to contact a doctor to consider other causes. This is especially the case if excess oil is accompanied by dandruff flakes. Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis may appear as dandruff at first but will persist despite shampooing. Common Oily-Hair Concerns Oily hair can be lifeless and therefore challenging to style. But the worst-case scenario is for the sebum glands to clog the hair roots, resulting in excessive hair loss and dandruff. Here are some tips and tricks to address these oily-hair concerns and get you back on the road to healthy hair, with the good kind of shine. Dandruff An excess build-up of oil on the scalp can lead to dandruff. Many dandruff sufferers produce an excess amount of skin oil that combines with Malassezia (a yeast commonly found on the scalp), which can irritate the skin. Wash hair regularly Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with salicylic acid twice a week. This serves two purposes. It ensures the hair is clean, which cuts down on scalp oil, and attacks Malassezia with yeast-fighting ingredients. Try at-home remedies. Products like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and coconut oil have vitamins and natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help with dry skin on the scalp and Malassezia build-up. Avoid greasy or sticky products like styling gels, mousse, and hairspray. Hair Loss An oily scalp is often associated with hair loss. The excess oil production is a sign of inflammation, and when hair follicles are inflamed, hair growth is slowed because the hair produced is weaker in structure. Severe cases that are left untreated block the hair follicles, inhibiting the natural growth cycle. Restore the normal biome of your scalp. As the scalp’s antimicrobial peptides, proteins, and waterproofing lipids are replenished, inflammation will gradually subside and sebum production will diminish along with excessive hair loss. Examine your diet: a lack of B vitamins, zinc, and good fats can lead to hair loss. Limp and Lifeless Hair Too much oil will weigh your hair down, leaving it limp and lifeless. Those with fine and straight hair are most susceptible. Use a dry shampoo (or powder). Spray the crown of your hair in short bursts and work in with your fingertips to soak up the excess oils that weigh your hair down. Curl your hair. Sebum can travel down straight strands with ease; adding curls will slow that process down. Best Haircuts and Styles for Oily Hair While straight, short and/or thin hair tends to have a higher likelihood of looking greasy, no one is exempt from getting there. So, what can you do to still look your best? If you are in hurry, using dry shampoo is a great way to hide oily hair. Distribute the dry shampoo on your scalp and allow it to work for about two minutes, then tousle or brush your hair to remove the rest. From there, here are a few ideas for styling your hair: Slick back into a ponytail If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Brush hair back and upward into a high ponytail and then secure it with a hair elastic to complete this sleek look. For extra oomph, braid sections of your pony. Cover it up Invest in a pretty silk scarf or a headband to cover greasy roots while looking trendy at the same time.  Wave grease goodbye Textured, wavy hair is the best way to hide unwashed roots. Oil travels easily down straight hair, but a little wave can prevent that. Embrace your texture by spritzing your hair with a wave spray to achieve sexy bedhead with zero effort. If your hair needs it, use a curling iron to add a few additional loose waves. Go halfway up The half-up bun was created for days with no time for a wash. Prep strands with a dry shampoo for volume and thickness, then section off the top section and pull it back into a messy topknot. Secure with a few pins, then loosen a few strands for an undone finish. Sleep with twists Prevent greasy-looking bedhead while achieving a soft wave and volume by sleeping with your strands in loose twists. In the morning, tousle hair and add a bit more dry shampoo to finish the look.

Many people simply don’t realize that a healthy scalp means healthy hair. Your scalp needs TLC too, to maintain your hair’s natural luster and shine. Many women suffer from a dry and itchy scalp, we know the frustration is real. There can be various reasons why you may find yourself scratching your head (literally), so here we will lay out the 3 most common signs that you’re probably suffering from an unhealthy scalp – and of course, how to treat it! ITCHY / BURNING SCALP If you are suffering from major itch, accompanied by either soreness or a burning sensation, chances are your scalp needs love. It could mean a few things, like inflammation of the follicles or a bacterial infection (you'll feel acne-like bumps too), and even allergies can cause this. Known as contact dermatitis, it is possible to develop an allergy to certain hair products. If you find yourself itching recently and have been using a new shampoo or conditioner, try changing it up and see if it goes away. But since that's not always the case, other ways to make sure you can relieve the itch, and maintain a healthy scalp is to wash hair 2 to 3 times a week, so that your locks can have an even balance of natural oils. Utilize coconut oil, tea tree oil, and also the wondrous salicylic acid into your regimen, as they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. THINNING HAIR / HAIR LOSS Thinning hair can be an indication of a couple things. First of all, it CAN simply be genetics and age, but there are other triggers which we call Reactive Hair Loss, which will result in thinning or losing more than just a small amount or here. That can be a result of stress, dramatic change in diet, and of course, a malnourished scalp. You want to make sure you are being attentive in the nutrients you’re getting, so your hair can be as healthy as possible. Make sure you get enough protein from things like legumes, vegetables and nuts, and complex carbohydrates are essential too (think fresh fruit and whole wheat crackers, etc.). To give your scalp some extra love, take fish oil supplements, and utilize a leave-in product rich in organic oils like geranium, peppermint, coconut, rosemary and more. FLAKING & DANDRUFF When you’re experiencing dandruff and flakes, that’s a big indication too that your scalp isn’t as healthy as it could be. The main reason why this happens is because there is too much oil buildup on the scalp. The excess oil causes your skin cells to build up, and ultimately shed. For mild dandruff, make sure to wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week with a gentle, nourishing shampoo to regularly reduce the oiliness of your scalp. If your dandruff is more severe or a regular shampoo doesn’t work, try a specialized dandruff shampoo. Like we mentioned above, tea tree oil is a great remedy for flakes. Another fabulous ingredient is geranium, which is also beneficial for hair loss. To sum it up, it’s always a good idea to remember to wash hair regularly, eat clean foods, drink tons of water and utilize organic oils, for not only your general health, but your scalp’s health too!

We all have our own reasons to look forward to the afternoon storms. Getting drenched happens to be on the top of that list. As much as we love it, getting wet in the rain is one of the most ignored causes of damage to our hair. It makes it especially difficult to keep your hair healthy and frizz free during the rain. Remember to follow these simple tips whenever you get drenched in rain to keep your hair protected from damage. Cleanse: Cleansing the hair properly plays a big role in keeping it healthy and tangle free. Frizz too can be kept at bay if your hair is clean and healthy. Once back home, wash your hair immediately with a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove all the toxins and atmosphere pollutants that get deposited in the hair through the rain. You can add some neem leaves in lukewarm water. Let it soak in for some time. Then use this water to wash your hair. Neem is well known for its anti-bacterial properties. It acts to remove any traces of dirt from your hair and also prevents fungal infections that can occur due to the humid weather. It is also a natural way to keep your hair free of dandruff and various other scalp infections. The pollutants weaken the hair shaft resulting in hair fall and unhealthy hair. For those who cannot get access to neem leaves, get a herbal shampoo that has neem in it. Condition: Summer storms are already humid and hair gets frizzy a lot. It is even more of a reason to make sure that your hair is well conditioned. Use a conditioner that is specially formulated to tame frizz. Ladies with naturally curly hair should stay away from silicone conditioners. Instead, look for anti-humectant hair conditioners. A homemade pack of eggs and yogurt will provide deep conditioning to hair. It is also a great way to tame the over powering frizz. Another alternative is to make a hair mask using olive oil and egg. Beat the ingredients to a thin consistency and apply all over. It provides some much-needed conditioning and also helps in fighting frizz. Hair Drying: The humid condition during storms expedites the breeding of bacteria in your hair. This can lead to various scalp infections. It is essential to dry the hair completely. Towel dry hair gently. For those who have the time, you can let your hair dry naturally. For those who do not have the time, you can opt for blow-drying your hair. Always use a heat protective spray to minimize the damage to the hair. Also try using the lowest heat setting.  Not Many Products: Using too much of anything is never good, styling products included. Stay away from using too many styling products or tools. Instead of piling your hair with chemicals, look for other alternatives. Opt for a good leave in conditioner that works at controlling frizz and let it manage your hair. Using too many products results in product build up which attracts more dirt and moisture. Messy Styling: Got drenched and no time for hair wash? There are many interesting ways to work around it!  The best way to work with drenched hair is to create some messy styles that are also fashionable. Opt for the classic messy hair up do. These are very much in trend and will be a great way to show off your style even if your hair may not be in the best of shape. Hair Cut: Getting a regular hair cut or trim is very important during the stormy season. This will help prevent any chances of split ends. It will also keep your hair healthy and looking good. Keep your hair in proper shape and length. For those of you who have a lot of travelling to do, opting for a shorter cut is best during the rainy months. Go for layers this season. These will give you natural waves. It is very low maintenance and you can easily shake it up and leave open if wet. These easy hair care tips will ensure you have a fun and hair damage free storm season.

Hair gloss treatments are often met with confusion these days. What exactly does it do? How are they different than hair color? And why is everyone getting them? A gloss treatment — also referred to as a color glaze or a glaze treatment — gives your hair shine, boosts dull and lifeless hair and helps smooth fly-aways. Gloss treatments can be clear or tinted. Both types of treatments revitalize hair, and tinted treatments can help enhance or maintain color, as well.  Here are some things that make a hair gloss treatment different than a classic dye job... and why you definitely should consider getting one. A gloss will repair any summer damage you have. Spent a little too much time in the sun and chlorine this summer? The gloss will return texture and deep condition your strands for ultimate silkiness and shine. It’s not as harsh or permanent as regular hair color. A gloss is very acidic and closes the hair and the cuticle up tight. The result is a very smooth surface texture that will reflect a lot more light and have a much softer feel to it. A gloss provides translucent color and intense conditioning. A gloss will work with the variation of tone that your hair naturally has, allowing for a more subdued shade. If you have gray hair and if you put a gloss on, it will have a very tonal effect as opposed to being one solid opaque color. It also automatically makes your hair super shiny and smooth. It can help tone down highlights. If your highlights end up looking a little too brassy, try getting a gloss treatment right after to tone down the color. You don’t have to change your natural hair color to get the benefits of a gloss. There’s such thing as a clear gloss, which is essentially a powerhouse of a conditioning treatment for your strands. All you’d be doing is lowering the pH level of your hair and imparting extreme conditioning properties. It’s a no-commitment change. The best thing about it is there’s no commitment to it and it’s going to fade on its own (within six weeks). And if you want to change your hair, it doesn’t interfere with any type of chemical change you want to do in the future. You can do it at home. If you want to save some money, there are gloss kits sold at your local drugstore. We suggest going into a salon at first. But if you do it at home, don’t go too far from one shade or two from where you’re currently at.

The skin on your scalp is just like the skin on any other part of your body. Doing a haphazard, 30-second routine won't cut it—and just like any solid skin care routine, that means exfoliating regularly. Keeping the scalp incredibly clean is going to help the hair we have now, it's going to help the hair grow thicker and fuller, and most importantly it's going to help that future hair grow really thicker and fuller. A clean scalp is one of the most important things we can do to ensure we have healthy growing hair.  Taking care of your hair and taking care of your scalp are two different things. It's really important to keep the needs of the scalp and the hair separate. If you're the type to use a ton of hairspray for styling your hair that means using a clarifying shampoo on the strands, plus a scalp scrub to get out the rest of the gunk. Use a scalp scrub once a week. We would recommend if you have a very dry or flaky scalp using a scrub once a week, perhaps even once every two weeks. Be gentle with your scrubbing. You wouldn't rub vigorously on your face, so it's the same with the scalp. Do nice and soft, gentle circular movements. That encourages microcirculation or blood to come to the surface of the scalp. And your hair is fed by the bloodstream. So, if we can encourage blood to come to the surface that's going to encourage hair growth as well. Look for key ingredients like zinc and copper. Zinc, in particular, is a great ingredient for scalp cleansing—and why it's present in so many dandruff products. If for some reason you have this over-acceleration of shedding skin cells, the zinc will help remove the skin cells and slow down the rapid turnover. Also, we encourage you to look for ingredients like copper, magnesium, organic essential oils, and keratin. Thicker Fuller Hair products include a vegan keratin, which helps hair grow healthier and stronger because keratin is the protein it is made of. Ease up on the styling products Things like dry shampoo and mousse that people keep piling on their hair every day don't help. The products tend to build up around the opening to the follicle and then what happens over time is if we don't cleanse that scalp you can get what's called miniaturization. The follicle becomes smaller. So, instead of having sort of two or three hairs growing out of a follicle, you get one or two hairs growing out. It's one of the causes of thinning hair. It's like going to work with full makeup on, and then you go home at night and you don't take the makeup off. You go to bed, you wake up the next morning, and then you reapply your makeup. And do that for three more days. Ref: www.elle.com

If you are looking for potent therapy for your scalp and hair problems, there’s neem oil. A highly revered and effective oil from the Indian subcontinent, it can remedy dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, scalp acne as well as boost hair growth. Neem is a large evergreen tree that likes to grow in hot, arid regions. No wonder it’s found all over India and its neighboring countries. Because neem is so beneficial for the crops and humans, it’s now grown in Africa, the Middle East and Central America. The neem leaves are small and delicate, and they grow packed in the multiple branches, which makes the tree look very dense. Neem tree provides shelter to the travelers, farmworkers and also grazing animals during a hot day. However, the most important function of neem is its fabulous healing potential. That’s why neem is also called as ‘sarva rogha nivarini’or ‘heal all tree’. Of course, it can’t, or it won’t heal everything; neem can help with many things: rheumatism, scabies, parasites, diabetes, liver function, wound healing, skin ailments, hair growth and general health. Every part of tree – leaves, twigs, bark, fruits – is useful, including the neem oil which is extracted from the small oval fruits of neem (that resemble green olives). Our interest in this article is the neem oil as it’s fantastic for hair and scalp. Let’s find out what it has to offer.   6 BENEFITS OF NEEM OIL FOR HAIR AND SCALP With its ability to fight bacteria, fungus, irritation and itching, neem oil is a great remedy for many scalp conditions. Plus, it can also sort hair loss and promote growth. Neem Oil Boosts Hair Growth The oil works multiple ways to save your hair. Firstly, by making the scalp healthy, neem oil helps hair follicles to flourish and thrive without any hindrance from microbes. Also, the yellowish-brown oil is super-rich in antioxidants which protect hair from damage and thinning. A regular massage with the neem oil will grow hair thicker, stronger and denser. How to use neem oil for hair growth, you need: ½ teaspoon neem oil 3 tablespoons coconut oil 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional) Place neem and coconut oil in a bowl and mix well and use. You can also add lavender essential oil for its hair growth-enhancing effects. Massage the neem tonic into your scalp and hair. Let it sit for an hour and wash out with homemade or natural shampoo. Neem Oil Rids the Scalp of Itchy, Flaky Dandruff Neem oil is effective against several human fungi including candida, which is one of the major causes of dandruff. Also, when you have dandruff there is some underlying inflammation going on that makes the scalp red and irritated. The star ingredient of neem oil is nimbidin – with antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s a perfect formula to relieve dandruff and soothe the itchy scalp. The fungus gets kicked out of the scalp, and the redness and irritation are pacified with the use of neem oil. To use neem oil for dandruff, you need: ½ teaspoon neem oil 3 tablespoons olive oil Mix all the ingredients and massage into your scalp and hair. Let it sit for an hour or so and wash it out. Neem oil Brings Relief from Eczema Eczema skin looks dry, irritated and crusty, and sometimes oozes fluid. It’s not easy to make it go away and can linger for months or even years. Neem oil is a great healer for the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm and soothe the skin, while its anti-histaminic effects reduce the allergic reaction that may be triggering eczema. There’s more, neem oil moisturizes and repairs the dry, cracked skin, bringing it back to being healthy and smooth again. To use neem oil for eczema, you need: ½ teaspoon neem oil 3 tablespoons almond oil In a bowl, mix neem oil with almond oil. To use, apply a small amount to the eczema patches on your scalp or skin. Massage gently until the oil gets absorbed and leave it on. Neem Oil can help Reduce Psoriasis Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal system, recommends the use of neem to reduce the scales and redness of psoriasis skin. Also, there’s a lot of anecdotal reports to suggest the usefulness of this herbal oil for psoriasis. Moreover, because of its anti-microbial properties, neem oil acts as a skin guard and protects the cracked or open skin from secondary infection. You can use neem oil same way as for eczema (see above), or try rubbing a few drops of neem oil neat on the skin. Neem Oil Heals Acne or Pimples It doesn’t matter where the acne is – scalp or face or body – neem oil will shrink those pesky breakouts and help you get smooth, clear skin. All thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, neem oil enhances the natural immunity and health of your skin and helps prevent future breakouts – which is fab. To use neem oil for acne, you need ¼ teaspoon neem oil 1 teaspoon fullers earth or bentonite clay (optional) You can simply apply neem oil on acne spot and leave on do its work. Or you can apply neem oil with the clay of your choice – fullers or bentonite. Place neem oil and clay in a bowl and add little water to form a smooth paste. Apply on the pimples and leave it to dry. Wash with plain water. Neem Oil Removes Lice Neem oil is pretty lethal for the head lice. Its insecticidal qualities disrupt the growth, feeding and reproduction of the lice. So, it will eventually kill them. And in the process of getting rid of lice, neem oil will benefit your hair by making it soft and smooth, and your scalp healthy and nourished. To use neem oil for lice, you need 1 teaspoon neem oil 3 tablespoons coconut oil 20 drop tea tree essential oil (optional) Put neem oil and coconut oil in a bowl and mix well. You can also add tea tree essential oil to make the mixture more potent – tea tree has lice killing properties. Massage into your scalp and hair and let it sit for a couple of hours before washing it out. Repeat every other day until the lice is gone. What Do I do About the Smell of Neem oil? Neem has a strong, pungent odor. It’s not the best of the smells, but as we saw above, neem oil is super beneficial for hair and scalp so you can ignore the smell, or you can mask it by mixing it with a carrier oil and essential oils. How to Use Neem Oil in General? When using neem oil, dilute it with base oils like olive, avocado, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. You can use between 10% to 20% neem oil in a blend. You can also add a few drops of lavender or ylang ylang or any other essential oil to mask the smell, as well as enhance its effects. Buying Neem Oil Many sellers add synthetic fragrances to neem oil to make it smell better. But such oil won’t be very effective, and it may cause more harm than good. Always buy cold-pressed, unrefined oil neem oil that’s in its pure state. Neem oil is yellowish-brown in color, and it gets solid in cold weather (just like coconut oil). Side effects and cautions It’s not common to have neem allergies. However, if you have never applied neem oil, do a patch test on your forearm to make sure you don’t react. Also, if you are pregnant, lactating or have a medical condition, check with your medical practitioner before using neem oil. Ref: www.hairbuddah.net

Nothing can kill a hairstyle quite like humidity, you know what I mean? If you live in a humid climate you understand the struggle is real! One. Products MATTER and the right formula + application method is vital to your success. We’d encourage you to better understand how the order of product application matters. We know for many humidity can cause frizziness, curl, or unwanted texture so a good product to invest in to control problems is a serum that you apply before you blow hair dry. It will help control frizz and fly-aways. Two. The way you style your hair + handle it throughout the day matters as well. The less you touch and mess with it, the better! If you curl or straighten it in the morning and need to refresh during the second half of the day, just focus on the top and front layers of your hair. Avoid adding more hairspray or any kind of “finishing” spray. It’ll make your hair feel too stiff. Three. If everything fails, have a backup plan that you can pull off in seconds. Like a clear elastic available for an easy low ponytail if humidity really ruins your hairstyle. That’s the quickest and easiest way to pull your hair back without necessarily looking like your hairstyle is too casual. Here are some tips on dealing with the humidity: Wash-day fix - Use a good conditioner and use it on more than your tips. A good conditioner can replenish hair with frizz-fighting lipids which work to fill pores with nutrients rather than with frizz-causing humidity. Conditioners can slow how quickly hair absorbs humidity. On-the-go fix – Smooth hair with a dab of oil. Oils can work on dry hair for a quick touch-up when you’re already well into your day. They help to block humidity from taking over your hair, keeping humidity on the outside where it belongs. Hot fix – Heat-style to get your hair back into shape between washes. Flat irons and curling irons are a sure bet for turning unruly hair back to “in-control” hair. That’s ok, as long as you take steps to shield your hair from extreme temperatures. Two ways you can do that: Turn the heat down on your iron. If you can get your look at temperatures no greater than 370°F, your hair will thank you. Temperatures above this point do a lot more damage. Use a heat protectant spray to more evenly disperse heat. Lasting fix – Hold the style you created with a humidity-resisting hairspray. Hairsprays have advanced far beyond the lacquer-effect they once had. They can now give you a more flexible hold and help your hair keep the look you created, even in high humidity. Natural fix – Embrace your natural texture. Frizz is the biggest problem for those of us who work against our natural hair texture. This can be the right time of year to try out new styles closer to your hair’s natural texture. You can try smoothing serums or oils to give you more definition without having to rely on heat. Think of frizz as a good reason to return to your roots. It’ll be easiest to touch up during the day!

Every girl has gone through at least one bangs phase in her life, as bangs are one of the most transformational ways to change up your look. Whether the bangs phase you went through has you yearning to shake things up again or left you riddled with regret even years later, we’re here today to show you otherwise and to convince you that there’s no better time than now to try out bangs again. If you’re someone who is haunted by the memory of having bangs at one point, the reason is likely because they weren’t the right type of bangs for your face shape, or hair type, and coming across as unflattering. Choosing a style that works well to highlight your features is key when it comes to bangs. While some women look stunning with a bold blunt bang, others better suit a wispy side swept look. The second key area to think about when it comes to bangs is what your personal style is like and how you want the world to perceive you. Is your style laid back and bohemian? Why not try out a middle part and long face-framing bangs? Or are you eccentric and bold? How about a shorter micro bang straight from the runway? Today, we’re here to provide you with a jam-packed, definitive guide to all things bangs so you’ll never have haircut regret again. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid idea of what type of bangs will not only suit your face shape and features but also matches up with your personality and style. Follow along as we guide you through our roundup of all things bangs-related. Step one: how to choose the right bangs for your face shape   First things first, before choosing a style of bang it’s important to determine what is the most flattering hairstyle for your face shape and features. The basic rule of finding a great bang for your face shape is to choose a style that highlights your best features and creates the illusion of a perfectly oval face. We broke down the different face shapes into four general categories that most women fall under including round, heart, square and oval. For whichever face shape you have, here’s a general guide of what bang style we recommend for the most universally flattering look for each unique shape. ROUND FACE: SIDE BANGS CHARACTERISTICS OF A ROUND FACE If you have a round face, the length and width of your face are about equal. Your jaw is likely quite round with minimal sharp angles and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face. Think Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift as points of reference for a round-shaped face  THE BANGS If you’re someone who has a round face, we recommend opting for bangs that elongate the face, like side bangs. The angle of the bang, especially when it features a strong diagonal line, creates more length and elongates a round face in a flattering way. HEART FACE: PARTED BANGS  CHARACTERISTICS OF A HEART SHAPED FACE If you have a heart-shaped face, you likely have a sharp, pointy chin and a wider forehead, like the shape of a heart. Many girls with heart-shaped faces also have a widow’s peak in their hairline. Their forehead and cheekbones are often the widest part of the face and the jaw is the narrowest part. Think Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively as points of reference.  THE BANGS If you have a heart-shaped face, we love a bang style that balances the forehead and chin like a parted, curtain style bang that hits just above the jaw. Having length in the bangs that reach to the jaw helps to add width to the chin, which is often narrowest part of the face for girls with heart-shaped faces. Also, because this style of bangs is so long, it holds enough weight to work with and hold down a potential cowlick that’s common with widow’s peaks. SQUARE FACE: WHISPY BANGS CHARACTERISTICS OF A SQUARE FACE If you’re a square-faced gal, you likely have a squared jaw and minimal curve to your face meaning your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about equal in width. Think Hailey Baldwin and Angelina Jolie as points of reference! THE BANGS If you’re someone who has a square face, the key when it comes to bangs is to keep things soft due to the strong angles of your face. Whether you want a front bang or side bang, it’s simply important that the bang appears wispy and light. The tapered ends and layers of a style like this soften the angles of a square face and help to create the illusion of balance within the features. OVAL FACE: ANY BANGS CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OVAL FACE: If you have an oval shaped face, your face is likely slightly longer than it is wide and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face. Your jaw and forehead are also rounded and there are no sharp angles. The oval face is often considered the ideal, and most common face shape. Think Jessica Alba and Rihanna as points of reference! THE BANGS If you’re someone with an oval-shaped face, lucky you! The possibilities for you are quite open when it comes to the different types of bangs to explore. Soft, blunt bangs or a side-swept look could work well to draw attention up to the eyes, but it’s really up to you which direction you take. Oval faces are ideal for experimentation with hairstyles since a wide variety of looks appear flattering. Step two: choosing the rIght bangs for your personality While it may seem like there are quite a few guidelines to follow for flattering bangs that suit your face, they are really just suggestions. The secret to looking gorgeous is truly just to have a hairstyle that makes you feel confident and shows off your personality.  Bangs can spice up your hairstyle and show off who you are and the image you want the world to perceive of you. Whether you’re edgy, classic or a girly girl, we’re confident there’s a bang out there that will perfectly encapsulate your style and personality. Follow along for our roundup of the best bangs hairstyles for every type of girl: THE FREE SPIRIT: SIDE SWEPT BANGS If you’re a free-spirited girl, you’re likely someone who doesn’t like to commit and often dabbles in many different hairstyles. You’re fun loving, creative and often don’t take life too seriously. In all honesty, you’re the ideal candidate to try out bangs because you won’t overthink the style too much and will let your free spirit take the wheel. For the free-spirited personality, we love a whimsical side swept bang that hits just below the eyebrow. A side bang exudes youthfulness and lightness, which is perfect for you! BOLD: BLUNT BANGS The bold girl is willing to try out anything and wants people to notice when she makes a hair change! She’s all about the shock factor and no style is too experimental for her. Because of this, we’d suggest going with something blunt like heavy front bangs. Many people would shy away from such a drastic hair change, but the key to pulling off a bold style is confidence, which is exactly what you have! A blunt front bang was made for you to try out at least once. EDGY: CHOPPY BANGS If you’re an edgy girl, you’re likely someone who loves a purposely undone type of hairstyle. You like things to look a little unruffled and are all about the effortless look when it comes to both your hair and style. For all you edgy girls, we’d suggest a choppy bang of some sort that is textured and messy looking. A choppy bang that hangs a little into the eyes is perfect if you’re an edgy girl with a soft spot for a darker eye look or a smoky eye. This type of messy, choppy bang will highlight your eyes fabulously but also exude a total leather jacket, rocker chic type of vibe. CLASSIC: WHISPY FRONT BANGS If you’re a classic girl, you likely shy away from change when it comes to your hair so something subtle and timeless like a wispy front bang is what we’d suggest for you! You’re preppy, timeless and always sophisticated when it comes to your style. A classic girl loves a hairstyle that she can look back on years from now and still thoroughly enjoy, which is exactly the case with a soft front bag. It’s a style that has been around for years and will continue to do so. It’s feminine, whimsical and a style of bang that decades of women can vouch for as being highly flattering. GIRLY: PARTED BANG If you’re an uber-feminine girly-girl, a parted curtain-style bang is the look for you! A curtain style bang typically is longer near the temples and gets increasingly shorter near the center of the face where it is subtly parted. If you’re girly, you’re likely an expert in the hair styling department and are able to keep up with a style like this. The beauty of a curtain-style bang is that it really highlights the eyes and cheekbones, which will show off your glam eye makeup, perfectly crafted brows, and glowing highlighter. ECCENTRIC: MICRO BANGS If you’re an eccentric girl, you want a bang style that's totally unexpected and something no one else will have. For you, we’d suggest a micro bang! It’s definitely a risk out of many people’s comfort zones, but that’s exactly why it works for you. You get a thrill out of being unique and different, and a micro bang will undeniably make you stand out from the crowd. Not to mention, a micro bang is actually surprisingly flattering. It highlights the eyes and eyebrows beautifully, which is why it’s often seen on runways and high-fashion editorial photoshoots. BOHEMIAN: MIDDLE PARTED, LONG BANGS As a bohemian girl, you’re about as low maintenance as it gets when it comes to your hair! You love soft layers and natural-looking hair that doesn’t require a lot of work to keep looking healthy and flowing. For you, bohemian soul, we’d suggest a middle-parted long bang. A middle part obviously gives off the ‘70s and boho vibes, but the soft layering around the face adds a subtle modern feel as well. A style bang like this is quite simple to keep up with and looks equally as beautiful as it grows out. GLAMOROUS: ARCHED BANG If you’re a glamorous girl, you likely dream of red-carpet hair and full blowouts on a regular basis. You’re all about the volume and achieving bigger than life hair that catches people’s attention. For you, an arched bang is what we’d recommend! An arched bang is similar to a blunt bang, but rather than sitting straight on the head, it arches naturally with the shape of your forehead. It’s a style straight out of old Hollywood and one of the first bang styles that many celebrities opt for when they’re drastically changing their hair. Hopefully, this guide has given you some inspiration and narrowed down a few options for bangs that you could show off to your stylist! Bangs are such a great underrated way to spice up your style without the commitment of doing a dramatic chop. Whether you go the aesthetic route and work with your face shape or the personality-inspired route (or both!) we know you’re going to be hitting 2020 looking absolutely fabulous with your new ‘do. Ref: luxyhair.com

Follow these, save these, rewrite them in your journal, whatever you choose to do, but believe us they really do help! Brushing Get an extension brush. This is vital, you will literally rip your head of hair out if you try and brush them continuously with a normal brush, so seriously get one, they are worth every cent. Roots This is brushing continued you could say - because it is very important to never brush your roots. Why? Because this is where your extensions are bonded to your head and you will damage them and potentially pull them out if you brush them. Instead finger your hands through the roots to keep them from tangling and then hold your hair in a fist just under your ear and just brush the ends. By holding your hair, you are taking pressure off the bonds therefore keeping them tight.  Shampoo Choose a natural or extension friendly shampoo. Stay away from any shampoo with Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) as this often damages and corrodes the bonds. Washing When in the shower, turn the temperature to cold just before you get out and give your hair a blast of the cold shower, this will help keep your bonds once again nice and tight and close your pores too. *NEVER wash your hair over the bath as all the bonds will tangle. Always wash your hair standing up. Conditioner Never condition the roots as you'll cause the bonds to unravel over time, instead, condition only the ends, this is all you need anyways. Drying Always fully dry your bonds, you can let the ends dry naturally if you want, but it is very important to keep the roots bone dry. Another tip is to put your hairdryer on the cold setting, as it is once again, you guessed it, better for the bonds. At night  When sleeping, a very good tip I learnt is to plait your hair before you go to bed, not only does this give your hair a fab beachy wave when you wake up, but it also keeps your hair from tangling. Back brushing Don't do it. It can result in hairs being pulled out. Hairspray Hairspray is OK, just remember to properly wash it out the next day! Itching When you get a new set of extensions, especially your first set ever, it is normal for them to feel a little itchy. Often, it’s just your head getting used to them and sometimes it could be because you need to give them a wash. Obviously if itching persists, go to your stylist but usually, it is normal!  And most importantly, ENJOY your new locks! We know you don't need these "enhancements" to feel a certain way, but if it gives you a boost to your self-esteem, why not go for it!

Giving bangs the right amount of curl can be a tricky task. If you over curl bangs, they can become a tight, tiny coil. However, if they aren’t curled effectively, they can fall limp and hang in your eyes. There are several proven methods for giving bangs some shape, each of which you can tailor to accommodate the qualities of your fringe and how much curl you want to give it. Round Brush Shape your bangs with a large-barreled round brush and a hairdryer set to medium heat. To smooth the hair without giving it a substantial arch, brush the bangs down as you aim the hairdryer toward them, angled downward. Once the bangs are straight, set the brush aside. Continue aiming the hairdryer at your bangs as you tousle them with your fingers to give them a little volume and shape. To give your bangs a more rounded shape, brush under the bangs, rotating the brush as you point the hairdryer toward it. Velcro Roller You can also use a Velcro roller to set your bangs in a curled shape while you style the rest of your hair or focus on other tasks. Grab a Velcro roller in the largest size available. Separate your bangs from the rest of your hair and smooth them with a comb or brush. Roll them with the Velcro roller and allow them to set for at least 15 minutes. You can expedite the process by giving them a blast of hot air from a hairdryer. Mist them briefly with hairspray before removing the roller. Curling Iron For a dramatic curl worthy of an old-school pin-up girl, grab a large-barreled curling iron set to high heat. Comb or brush all of your bangs together and use your non-dominant hand to pull them taut, away from your face. Hold the curling iron with your dominant hand. Then, roll the curling iron under until it is near your hairline. You only need to keep them in the curling iron for a few seconds, depending on how thick the fringe is and how round you want the curl to be. If they're not perfect after your first attempt, you can always try again until they're just right. Considerations Starting with semi-damp bangs will yield a more defined and lasting curl. After you finish curling them, apply a dab of smoothing cream to eliminate frizz and give the hair a finished look. If you over-curl your bangs, aim a hairdryer at them for a second or two to deflate them.

One of the things we love most about the holidays is that even ordinary outings feel special. The holidays are the time to dress up and put your best face forward, so it’s unlikely your everyday cosmetics and beauty routine are up to snuff. While you don’t need to run out and purchase a whole new makeup palette, you can make a few inexpensive tweaks to your beauty routine and up your game for holiday parties and time with friends and family. To gear up for the dinners, cocktail parties, and movie nights, inventory your makeup bag to make sure you’re prepped and ready for the festivities. Throw out clumpy mascara and that lipstick you hate, and set aside broken eyeshadows and blushes to resalvage and repurpose. EYES Double-Duty Eyeshadow You probably have a bunch of old or broken eyeshadow palettes lying around. These are perfect double-duty beauty products you can turn into bold, smoky eyeliners. Simply crush a bit of shadow in a small container and add a few drops of water to create a damp – but not soaking wet – consistency. Once the eyeshadow is damp, use a clean shadow applicator and line the top edge of your eyelid. The result is a thick, dramatic line, especially beautiful in dark blues, purples, bronzes, and golds. As an added bonus, damp eyeshadow is much easier to control than liquid liner. False Lashes Fake lashes cost less than $5 at the drugstore, and if you purchase them in individual lash clumps instead of a full strip, you’ll have enough to last the entire season. Use tweezers to remove the lashes from the packaging, then dip the stem into the provided lash glue. Put one or two clumps on the outer edges of each eye for fuller, eye-framing lashes. Just wash them off with soap when you’re done. Add Color You probably have black and brown eyeliner in your makeup bag, but because the holidays lend themselves to a more adventurous look, try experimenting with an inexpensive colored pencil for the holidays. If you have brown eyes, grab a navy pencil. If your eyes are blue, a maroon color looks best. Green-eyed girls can opt for a bronze color. A little unexpected color can perfect a festive look. LIPS Exfoliate Your Pout Dry winter air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin and lips, leaving them begging for a little extra TLC. I like to exfoliate my lips using a clean, unused toothbrush dipped in a small amount of baking soda. Rub your lips in a circular motion to slough off dry skin. After exfoliating, slather on a moisturizing lip balm before adding your lip color on top. The result is smoother lips and improved lipstick application. Volumize Your Lips If you weren’t blessed with Angelina Jolie’s perfect pout, try this trick for fuller lips. Slick on your lip color then blot your lips on a tissue. Use a clear glitter gloss, dotting it on the center of your top and bottom lip. This causes light to refract on the fullest part of your lips, making them look much fuller. Reapply often throughout the night to keep your pucker looking plump. CHEEKS Skip the Powder Even if you usually use powder blush, ditch it in favor of a cream-based blush for the holiday season. Cream blushes create a more natural flush and won’t aggravate dried-out skin. Look for a bright, sheer color that blends well for the best results. Master Color Placement If you’re not sure where to apply your blush, try this: Smile, then place two fingers beside your nose. Dot the cream blush on the apples of your cheeks beside your fingers, blending well for a natural finish. Use a Shimmery Eyeshadow To make your cheeks look even brighter, use a white, shimmery eyeshadow to highlight your cheekbones. Sweep the shadow over the tops of your cheekbones with a fan brush, then dust a bit on your brow bone and the bow of your lips for a glowing finish. FACE Moisturize with Makeup If your skin is dry, your makeup can flake and look obvious. Instead of using powder, mix liquid foundation with facial moisturizer in a one-to-one ratio and carefully press the mixture onto your face with a cosmetic sponge. The moisturizer hydrates your skin while thinning out the foundation, providing sufficient coverage without a flaky finish. Use the “Bronzer 3” Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to let go of your summer glow. Bring out your cheekbones and give your face a healthy flush by applying bronzer in a “3” shape. Take a big, fluffy brush, load it up with bronzer powder, and draw an imaginary number 3 on one side of your face. Start at the center of your forehead, sweep down around your eyes and onto your cheekbones, then drag it down and across your chin. Repeat on the other side for a perfect sun-kissed finish. Feature One Feature While you might want to try lots of new holiday colors, don’t go overboard. The rule of thumb is to only show off one feature at a time. If you’re wearing a ruby red lip color, tone down your eyes with a more natural color. If you’re applying a smoky eye, keep your lips pale or use a clear lip gloss instead. HAIR Color Well in Advance If you’re planning to freshen up your hair color or get new highlights, schedule your appointment a week or two in advance of any big event. Not only are salons busier during the holiday season, but your color needs a couple weeks to reach the perfect tone. If you’re doing your own color, only go a shade or two darker or lighter than your current shade. Drastic changes are best left to the pros. Get Sparkly Now’s the perfect time to add a little sparkle. A pretty barrette, a bejeweled headband, or a brooch secured with bobby pins can turn a plain ponytail or simple style into something special. While it’s true that the holidays are a great time to experiment with color and sparkle, you don’t want to go overboard. Dry skin and too much color can derail your attempts at the perfect holiday look. By adding a few new products and making special allowances for dry, winter skin, you can achieve a holiday-perfect look that lasts all season. Ref: www.moneycrashers.com