Ten Steps for Skincare and Beauty

The deluge of beauty and skincare products available in the market today makes skincare look like an extremely expensive affair. It's enough to muddle the most organized of minds and trick the most astute of women into buying products that they do not really need. In spite of spending considerable time and money on beauty products most women are not sure if their beauty regimen is right for their skin. This applies to many men as well. A large number of people also think that a perfect beauty regimen would require more time than they can afford to spend. The truth is that a good beauty regimen is a fairly simple affair that neither requires too many products nor too much time. Here we go with what constitutes an ideal beauty regimen for all ages and skin types:

1: Start the day with Water

Start your day by splashing water on your face, pat dry (don't rub) and apply a good moisturizer. Moisturizer is a must in all seasons, for all ages and all skin types. Those with oily skin can go for a lighter moisturizing lotion or gel, but do not skip this step. Moisturizers containing alphahydroxy acids are good for normal to dry skin.

#2: Exfoliate your Skin

Exfoliate your skin in the shower with a gentle scrub once a week. If your skin tends to be dry, you can scrub less often. Scrubs with synthetic beads are better for sensitive skin.

3: Wash your Hair

Wash your hair as often as required with a shampoo that suits your hair type and follow up with a conditioner. Most people do not need to do much else for their hair. Sport a simple hairstyle that is easy to maintain and avoid frequent blow drying. Excessive use of hair styling products is also best avoided.

4: Apply a Moisturizing Sunscreen

Apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or more before you step into the sun. This is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do to delay the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

5: Good Cleanser

The most important product that you must use every evening is a good cleanser. Gentle soap free cleansers are the best for all skin types, including oily and pimple prone skin. Harsh medicated soaps are too drying for the skin and hardly help much with the oiliness. In fact, overuse can aggravate oiliness. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day in any case.

6: Skin Care at Night

Apply a heavier moisturizing cream for night if your skin is normal to dry. For oily skin light moisturizer is better. Before you tuck into bed, pamper your feet and hands couple of times every week. Apply a thick cream on your hands rubbing it well into the cuticles of your nails. Clean your feet with a loofah and massage with the same cream that you use for your hands.

7: Anti-ageing Cream

If you are in your 30s use an anti-ageing cream containing retinoids at night. Using an under eye cream to lighten or prevent dark circles is also a good idea at this age. If you are younger and have pimple prone skin, use a medicated anti-acne cream, preferably one prescribed by a dermatologist. Avoid experimenting with fancy anti-acne products. Just make sure that whatever skin care products or cosmetics that you buy are non comedogenic (that does not block your skin pores).

#8: Removal of Unwanted Body Hair

The three essential grooming processes for all women are removal of unwanted body hair, shaping your eyebrows and maintaining a clean hair style. If you are short of time, go for these three at a regular interval and skip other procedures such as a professional manicure, pedicure, and facial massage or hair treatments. Basic and regular cleaning and moisturizing can take care of your hands, feet and face most of the time.

9: Take care of your Teeth

Your teeth are a part of your face. Maintain good oral hygiene always. Consider a professional teeth cleaning every six to twelve months if you have stained teeth or plaque deposits that do not go with ordinary cleaning. A professional cleaning can add sparkle to your smile.

10: Aerobic Exercise

Get at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise every day. It's the best and quickest way to get glowing skin. Your skin will look dull and lifeless in spite of all beauty treatments if you don't get moving.

best foods for women

Although healthy foods provide nutritional benefits to people of all ages, ethnicity and genders, certain types of food may be particularly beneficial for women. Science has revealed that certain foods may help prevent the diseases and symptoms women are prone to such as heart disease, osteoporosis, breast cancer and hot flashes.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is practically unrivaled among all foods when it comes to protecting against cancer. Its powerful phytonutrients not only help neutralize carcinogens, but they also stimulate detoxifying enzymes that help the body rid itself of cancer-causing and other harmful toxins. Indole-3-carbinol, another compound found in broccoli, is particularly healthy for women; it’s been shown to reduce the risk of breast and cervical cancers and helps suppress the spread of existing cancer. This green vegetable also happens to be one of the richest food sources of the flavonoid kaempferol, which has shown protective benefits against ovarian cancer. What’s more, broccoli is a superior source of folate, a B vitamin that’s needed for making and protecting DNA, producing new blood, forming new cells, and synthesizing protein. Folate is one of the most essential nutrients for pregnant women. It supports proper development of the fetal nervous system and protects against neural tube (birth) defects. Second, research shows that women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, and numerous studies have linked folate deficiency with depression. The good news: There’s also evidence showing that boosting folate levels can increase serotonin levels and improve symptoms of depression. An added bonus: As a natural diuretic, broccoli helps reduce bloating and water retention associated with premenstrual syndrome.

2. Onions Onions have many healing and health-promoting properties: They’re anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a natural blood thinner. Rich in chromium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, onions are also a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, tryptophan, folate, and potassium. This bulbous vegetable is used to combat cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis, and it helps fight infections, colds, fevers, and asthma. Onions also help prevent constipation, increase blood circulation, improve gastrointestinal health, promote heart health, and are thought to help lower blood pressure and triglycerides. They’re particularly good for women, who are four times as likely as men to develop osteoporosis—and who are at even higher risk for osteoporosis during and after menopause. Onions help prevent bone loss by destroying osteoclasts, a type of bone cell that’s responsible for the breakdown of bones. In effect, onions work like bisphosphonates, a type of medication that’s commonly prescribed to treat or prevent bone disease. But unlike those potent drugs, onions bust up osteoclasts without dangerous side effects. And, like broccoli, onions are a potent cancer-fighting food; high onion consumption has been linked to a whopping 25 percent reduced risk of breast cancer and a 73 percent reduced risk of ovarian cancer 3. Leafy Greens Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, watercress, cabbage, turnip greens, collard greens, and arugula share similar nutrient profiles, featuring impressive scores of vitamins K, A, and C; calcium; potassium; beta-carotene; manganese; folate; magnesium; iron; and dietary fiber. Well-known research tracking 66,940 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study found a 40 percent decrease in the incidence of ovarian cancer in women with the highest dietary kaempferol intake as compared to women with the lowest intake. Along with broccoli, kale is one of the best sources of kaempferol—which has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Kaemperfol is also found in tea as well as in Brussels sprouts and other greens. Spinach is extremely high in iron, which protects the immune system and helps the body produce energy. It’s especially important for menstruating and pregnant women, who require higher levels of this nutrient. However, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies for all women. Iron deficiency causes anemia and low energy due to decreased oxygen being delivered to the cells. You can find iron in most leafy greens; other good sources include chard, mustard greens, and romaine lettuce. Dark leafy greens like Swiss chard, spinach, kelp, and turnip greens are also excellent sources of magnesium, which plays a significant role in many key biological processes. This miracle mineral has been credited with a slew of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, strengthening bones, aiding in sleep, relaxing muscles, and relieving stress and anxiety. Magnesium has been shown to reduce the severity and recurrence of migraine headaches. And a study of 60 women with urinary urge incontinence found that magnesium supplementation improved the symptoms of overactive bladder in nearly half of participants. Magnesium also aids in calcium absorption, playing a significant role in preventing osteoporosis; several studies on humans have shown that magnesium helps maintain bone mineral density. Depression has been linked to low levels of calcium and magnesium, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a study comparing the bone mass of depressed premenopausal women to their nondepressed peers found that the depressed women had reduced bone mass and the most thinning in their hip bones, putting them at higher risk of fractures. 4. Beans No matter what type of bean you choose, each tiny package is bursting with a rich array of nutrients. Beans are an incredibly rich source of folate, fiber, tryptophan, protein, iron, magnesium, and potassium, and they’ve been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast cancer. Hands-down one of the best food sources of fiber you can find, one cup of cooked pinto beans contains nearly 15 grams of fiber (along with a score of other essential nutrients)-but you’ll find plentiful fiber in all bean varieties. Fiber is a wonder nutrient that fills you up, regulates digestion, lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, helps control weight, and has a preventive effect on diabetes and heart disease. Potassium is vital to the health of every type of cell in our bodies, and you can find good amounts of this mineral in lima, pinto, and kidney beans. Potassium plays an essential part in bone strength, muscle function, and nerve function. Numerous studies have shown a positive link between dietary potassium intake and bone mineral density in pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women, suggesting an important role in preventing osteoporosis in all women. In addition, the Nurses’ Health Study, which recorded data from 91,731 female participants over a 12-year period, found that women with the highest dietary potassium intake were only 65 percent as likely to develop symptomatic kidney stones as compared to their peers with the lowest dietary potassium intake. Beans and other foods high in tryptophan can help regulate appetite, improve sleep patterns, and boost your mood. Like other beans, soybeans are an excellent source of dietary fiber. And just one cup of cooked soybeans also provides a whopping 29 grams of protein. Furthermore, studies have linked the isoflavones found in soybeans with improved bone density in postmenopausal women who previously had low bone mass; researchers believe these compounds may play a significant role in preventing bone fractures. Soy isoflavones have also been credited with easing menopausal hot flashes. 5. Wild Salmon Wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and iron, and it’s a high-quality source of protein. A word of caution: Independent studies comparing the nutritional content of wild and farmed salmon showed the farmed variety had drastically reduced levels of protein and healthy omega-3 fats. Farmed salmon were also found to have significant levels of carcinogenic substances and other toxins, as well as higher levels of inflammatory omega-6 fats. If you’re eating for health, opt for the wild variety. Salmon is one of the few food sources naturally rich in vitamin D, which is needed to absorb calcium, maintain proper levels of calcium in the blood, and promote normal bone growth. Due to these qualities, vitamin D is regarded as an important nutrient in helping prevent osteoporosis. Sockeye salmon scores the highest in vitamin D; a four-ounce serving of sockeye provides 739 IU of vitamin D-compared to Chinook salmon, which provides 411 IU for the same size serving. Vitamin D’s benefits extend beyond good bones, however. Medical and health experts now recognize this nutrient as playing an essential role in overall health. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem that has been linked to depression and multiple sclerosis, two conditions that women are at a higher risk for than men. Researchers have additionally linked low levels of vitamin D with obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Our bodies don’t produce essential fatty acids, so we must get them from our diet. Wild salmon is exceptionally rich in heart-healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids, which guard against inflammation, reduce the risk of strokes, lower blood lipids, boost HDL (“good”) cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and help prevent heart disease. Omega-3s might be fats, but-in moderation-they’re actually pretty figure-friendly: Not only do they slow digestion, which means you feel satiated for longer, but they may also help get rid of belly fat. Several studies link consumption of omega-3s with reduced abdominal fat. Other benefits of omega-3s include a reduced risk of breast cancer and improved brain function. Some research suggests that omega-3s may be helpful in treating depression, although further research is needed in this area. 6. Walnuts A 2008 study performed by the American Institute for Cancer Research found that eating two serving of walnuts each day is directly linked to the prevention of breast cancer, along with the reduced growth of tumors in the breast. Since women are at risk for breast cancer, adding walnuts to their diet is an important step to take toward prevention. 7. Cranberry Juice According to Cooking Light’s Callahan, cranberry juice helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections in women. Callahan reveals that cranberry juice contains certain antioxidants known as proanthocyanins which keep the infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls where it can breed infection. 8. Milk and Lowfat Yogurt According to Nursingdegree.net, lowfat yogurt is one of the top 100 foods that women should be eating, along with milk and other calcium-rich foods. Foods high in calcium are important for women since they fortify and strengthen the bones, which decreases and may even prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Taking Care of Your Skin in Cold Weather

Everyone who has lived in an extremely cold climate can attest to the havoc that it can wreak on the skin. No one wants to age unnecessarily quickly or have their skin looking less than its best. Cold weather can do just that and be more of a hazard to the skin than summer because everyone knows to use sunscreen. What are the causes and remedies for cold weather skin care problems?

Guilty culprits of cold weather skin crimes include:

• Interior heating — most interior heating methods lower humidity levels significantly, this includes your car interior, and your skin loses moisture to the dry surrounding air.
• Winter winds — cold wind has two significant negative effects. The temperature can actually cause damage to surface capillaries in the skin. The more air that moves past your skin, the more moisture that air sucks out of your skin.
• Dietary changes — cold weather is not conducive to over-flowing produce stalls that supply most people with the bulk of the anti-oxidants and phyto-nutrients that defend skin from free radical and rebuild the cells.

Remedies against the ravages of cold weather include:

• To counteract the problems related to interior heating:
  1. Increase water consumption.
  2. Change to a richer moisturizer.
  3. Add a humidifier to your home or office.
  4. Add more plants to your home or office (they give off water vapor).
• To fight the damage of chilling winds:
  1. Increase water consumption.
  2. Cover you face with your scarf even if you are warm enough.
  3. Focus on your lips — they lack oil glands and need special attention like an emollient rich lip balm applied multiple times daily.
• To give your body the tools it needs:
  1. Increase water consumption — while important year round, it is especially important in the cold weather, thus the repetition.
  2. Eat what are termed “sticky” vegetables and real soup made with meat or fish stock. These supply the building blocks your body needs to make hyaluronic acid.
  3. Get as many fresh fruits, vegetables and green tea into your diet as possible — when you can not take a supplement with anti-oxidants so you skin can fight free radicals.

Cold weather can damage even the most pristine of complexions. A little forethought and planning can help your body to nurture your skin cells as much as possible. Extra care with the products you use, adding creams with more emollients and applying them more frequently will pay off. When you are thinking of winter skin, do not forget your hands. Exposure and sliding in and out of gloves can damage not only the skin, but also the cuticles. Indulge in a rich hand cream and perhaps even a warm, soothing paraffin treatment. Knowing your skin looks great will help you to battle the bad weather blahs.

How Drinking Water Affects Your Skin

Keeping your body properly hydrated plays an important role in the health and appearance of your skin. Drinking water does not actually “moisturize” your skin and can not make naturally dry skin less dry. Drinking plenty of water does, however, keep all of the cells in your body in peak condition. Your skin benefits from all of your bodily systems functioning at their best.

What are the best sources for hydration?

• Drinking water.
• Herbal teas.
• Fruit juices (or fruit juice and water combinations).
• Fresh fruits.
• Fresh vegetables.

Drinking water is the most obvious way to stay hydrated. But most non-alcoholic beverages will hydrate your body unless they have excessive caffeine. A nice, tall glass of iced tea on a warm summer day is perfectly fine. Many fruits and vegetables also have high water content and will give you phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants at the same time they replenish water.

Because your skin reflects your overall health, the benefits that proper hydration give to your entire body are displayed in a glowing complexion. Essential benefits from drinking enough water occur in:

• Digestion.
• Absorption.
• Circulation.
• Excretion.
• Toxin removal.

When your body can digest and absorb all of the nutrients possible from the food you consume, then circulate your blood efficiently and get all of the toxins out of your body and your pores, your skin will be luminous.

Why? Because the more anti-oxidants, nutrients and phyto-nutrients you skin has access to, the better your skin cells will function. All the cells in your body are roughly 2/3 water and maintaining the concentration allows them to work properly. Temperature extremes will dehydrate your skin cells and consuming enough water will maintain proper hydration.

How do you know if your body and skin are properly hydrated?

• You will not feel thirsty.
• You will urinate frequently.
• Your urine will be pale yellow.
• You will have sufficient energy.

When you are getting enough water from all sources then your skin will be properly hydrated. The results will be skin amply supplied with everything it needs to function optimally. Your reward for getting enough water? Skin that is as healthy and as beautiful as it can possible be.

Your Skin Is So Important

“Packaging is as important as the gift itself” – is something that most companies with gifts and production closely. The same is true for you. Your knowledge of the car outside skin is as important as your inner self. Many people do not realize that it is important for skin care. Well, that’s one reason why so many products forskin care market, most products for skin care does not seem right. We usually tend to associate with skincare, everything looks good. But there is more than that. There are many benefits associated with healthy, radiant skin.

Firstly, it is good for you. If you’re feeling fresh and energetic. You are able to do more work faster and with everything you do. More importantly, add to your enjoyment of freshness and makes your day. So, healthy skin also plays a role in trust. Yes, you can achieve the honor that (albeit a little late for skin care products).

In addition, this flow of positive energy, is an experience that people around you, and you also notes that they also have sex with you. You get more respect from others. They are more receptive to your questions. Experience fresh breath. They wanted to work with you and for you. Yes, that’s how it works. May be some people even go further and ask questions about products for skin care you use (or if you can get these secret products for skin care in order to display it.) So, healthy skin to create a comfortable and friendly environment around you. On the other hand, carelessness or negligence in this area so that unattractive and boring. You will not only boring but also sad. Your performance is reduced. Even the people he meets may not be as favorable. In fact, could lead to the aging process began much earlier.

Therefore it is important to skin care can not be ignored. However, his skin is not difficult. There are many products for skin care is available, it can choose which suits you best. There are several ways of products for skin care are sorted and knowledge about these classifications will help you better understand and choices.

* The classification is based on skin type – if you have skin care products for oily skin, skin care products for dry skin, skin care for sensitive skin, etc.

* Another way is to include products for skin care based on their use eg you have moisturisers, cleansers, skin peeling, toners, etc.

* Then you have the products for skin care in the treatment of various skin dilemmas, and products for skin care acne skin care products for stretch marks, skin care products for anti-aging, etc.

* Another classification is based on ingredients such as herbal products, skin care products, synthetic skin care cosmetics skin care, etc.

However, products for skin care are not the only way to skin care. It is also necessary to establish the basic procedures of skin care in daily life

Be Serious About Skin Care

“Serious skin care ‘about a healthy and shiny skin to maintain your life as you. Age, the body’s natural skin care mechanisms become weaker. Are therefore,” serious skin care “for respond to the changing needs of your skin so., “serious skin care ‘is about constantly evaluating, analyzing and changing your routine skin care. Their routine care skin environmental conditions, age and your skin type should change based on changes.

“Serious skin care ‘is about awareness. With technical development and research the facts more and more people are coming to light every day also., And skin care products for the creation of the nature. New products Try changing over time seems to be a part of serious skin care, but “serious skin care a small patch of skin (no skin is advisable to use a new product.) face first, just to see How skin reacts to it.

“Serious skin ‘care also means knowing how to use your skin care products, good practices include such things as applying moisturizers while skin is moist, better access to products with upward strokes. Skin Care, B go on, moisturizing or applying makeup, skin care, etc. so the right amount of products before use to remove makeup before cleansing, increase the effectiveness of skin care products serious skin care a focus area is.

Some precautions like avoiding contact with detergents, are part of serious skin care. “Serious Skin Care ‘to exfoliate your skin to be more like, use low-quality products, and products made of strong chemicals, which are all harmful to the skin to things like application. Some.. Seriously misconceptions about skin care serious skin care for them -. as often as possible, use large quantities of products, however, it really serious skin care (is not that is why awareness is so important .)

The “serious skin care is about your dermatologist for treatment of skin disease attack. Skin disorders can be deadly to ignore the skin and can cause permanent damage. So, if things do not improve with prescription medications, you should visit a dermatologist immediately. Auto, for example surgery acne / pimples is a big squeeze (it can cause permanent damage to the skin).

So, the more serious precautions and preventive measures (treatments) serious about skincare. Serious skin care is about being proactive and reactive. In fact, we say “serious skin care ‘about your skin needs that need to be responsive to a minimum is less about being active.

Types of Skin

nowing your skin type is the chief way you can ensure your skin feels and looks its best. Many people, however, get confused when trying to figure out exactly what their skin type is. Skin can be divided into various types according to its texture. It is essential to know what skin type you actually have and using the correct products on your face can really make a difference to those problem areas you may have.

Due to our higher levels of collagen, male skin is up to 20% thicker and tougher than female skin. Male skin is also oilier, with larger exposed pores, a richer blood supply, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat compared with women's skin.

There are five basic skin types. They are

1. Normal skin

2. Dry skin

3. Oily skin

4. combination skin

5. Sensitive skin

Normal Skin

Normal skin has a fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface. It has a proper balance between oil and moisture contents and is therefore moist and is neither greasy nor dry. The pores of normal skin are small and the overall skin tone is even. It looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes . The pores of the skin are fine and barely visible. It reflects good health and needs gentle treatment.

Dry skin

Dry skin has a dry parched appearance and has a tendency to flake easily. It is prone to wrinkles and lines. This is due to the inability to retain moisture as well as the insufficient production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather and ages faster than normal or oily skin. Constant protection is very important. It needs a moisturizer during the day and a good cream at night.

Oily skin

As its name implies, oily skin is slightly to moderately greasy. This type of skin is caused by the over secretion of sebum making the skin surface oily. The excess oil on the surface of the skin attracts dirt and dust from the environment. Oily skin is also prone to black heads, white heads, spots, pimples and such skin will never be clear. This type of skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly.

Combination skin

This type of skin is very common. As the name suggests, it is a combination of both oily and dry skin with certain areas of the face oily and the rest dry. Usually there is a central greasy panel consisting of the forehead, nose and chin and a dry panel consisting of cheeks and the areas around the eyes and mouth. The greasy central panel is referred to as T - Zone. In such cases, each part of the face should be treated accordingly - the dry areas as for dry skin and the central panel as for oily skin and use skin care products made especially for combination skin.

sensitive skin

This type of skin has a fine texture and is very sensitive to changes in the climate. This skin type show the disadvantages of bleaching, waxing, threading, perfumes, temperature extremes, soap etc and for men sun, perfumes, shaving cream etc. People with this skin type should avoid products with dyes, perfumes, or unnecessary chemical ingredients that may irritate the skin.

Hair care tips for men

• It is important to wash your hair, shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils, any hair products you may put into your hair.
• When shampooing, rinse your hair out before applying any shampoo to remove any dust, dirt, and any other foreign items, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your finger tips and work your way outwards. After you are done make sure that you thouroughly rinse out your hair to remove any shampoo residue that may be left. Shampoo residue may dry your scalp/hair and or attract dirt. It is recommended that you only lather once to avoid drying your hair out, if you have oily hair, lathering again may stimulate your oil glands to create even more oil than normal.
• You should wash your hair as often as you feel necessary to keep it clean, but a general rule is for oily hair you should wash it every day or every other day and for dry hair only wash it 2-3 times a week.
• Try rotating the shampoo and conditioner periodically, your hair responds differently to different products.
• Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.
• Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.
• When conditioning your hair, try to spread conditioner evenly through out your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing out your hair.
• Put the conditioner in at about an inch away from the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils and usually don't need the extra conditioning.
• Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning, don't use excessive force rubbing your hair, remember hair is most vunerable when wet.

hair care tips

• Brush your hair regularly before going to bed each night.

• Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use very little but enough to cover hair completely with lather. Use a conditioner to keep hair manageable.

• Avoid brushing wet hair. This will cause the hair to stretch and finally break. Finger-dry, or use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to gently remove the knots.

• Restrict blow-drying your hair. The process of blow-drying is harsh on hair as it robs it of moisture.

• Avoid dyes. Use mehandi (henna) instead as a conditioner and colouring agent.

• Take a calcium supplement or drink two glasses of milk a day.

• Always hold hair dryer away from your hair. Direct air from the hair dryer down hair shaft and not directly into the roots and keep it moving.

• After a perm, never brush your hair. Instead comb hair gently.

• Trim your hair once in 7 weeks to avoid split ends.

• Avoid pulling back your hair tightly.

• Never use a rubber band on your hair as it can pull and damage hair considerably.

• Never go out in the sun without having your head covered.

• Stimulate circulation by massaging your head with oil to which some vitamin E has been added. This will make hair soft and silky.

• Never wash your hair with very hot or very cold water.

• Learn to relax. Hair loss can happen because of stress. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B, C and E.

• Add iron and minerals in the natural form in your diet.

• If your hair is oily, cut down on fried food and fat. Drink plenty of water.

  General
  A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair.

  Get enough sleep.

  Hair Products (Gel, mouse, hair spary...)
  Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.

  Avoid puting hair styling products directly on your scalp, if you put it on your scalp you'll clog the pores on your head.

  Swimming
  Before entering a pool, wet your hair so your hair will soak up the initial water instead of the chlorinated water.

  When swimming where a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, if you choose not to wear a cap make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are done swimming.

  Drying
  Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting.

  Don't leave the blowdryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair.

  To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towell and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.

  Gently use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

  Combing/Brushing
  Use a brush whose bristles are made from natural animal hairs, it is softer and more flexible which means less damage will be done to your hair.

  Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing or combing when it's wet, or else it will cause breakage, wait until your hair is almost completely dry before brushing it.

  Use brushes/combs with widely spaced bristles/teeth and smooth tips. Sharp tooth combs can damage your hair, cause split ends, and scratch your scalp.

  To keep your brushes and combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo.

  Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it.

  Begin by combing your hair gently at the ends to get any tangles out and work your way up to the base of your hair.

  Always brush/comb with a downwards stroke.

  Avoid using plastic brushes/combs which create static electricity

  Shampooing and Conditioning
  Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type, trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair.

  Shower with warm water, hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.

  It is important to wash your hair, shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils, any hair products you may put into your hair.

  When shampooing, rinse your hair out before applying any shampoo to remove any dust, dirt, and any other foreign items, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your finger tips and work your way outwards. After you are done make sure that you thouroughly rinse out your hair to remove any shampoo residue that may be left. Shampoo residue may dry your scalp/hair and or attract dirt. It is recommended that you only lather once to avoid drying your hair out, if you have oily hair, lathering again may stimulate your oil glands to create even more oil than normal.

  You should wash your hair as often as you feel necessary to keep it clean, but a general rule is for oily hair you should wash it every day or every other day and for dry hair only wash it 2-3 times a week.

  Try rotating the shampoo and conditioner periodically, your hair responds differently to different products.

  Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.

  Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.

  When conditioning your hair, try to spread conditioner evenly through out your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing out your hair.

  Put the conditioner in at about an inch away from the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils and usually don't need the extra conditioning.

  Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning, don't use excessive force rubbing your hair, remember hair is most vunerable when wet.

Tomatoes and Your Hair

Many things can affect the tone and smell of you hair. Whether it's a green hue from too much chlorine or an overpowering stench from a run-in with a skunk, there's one thing that will have your hair good as new in a matter of minutes - Tomatoes. You can apply tomatoes to your hair in a variety of ways, tomato paste, sauce or even tomato juice should work wonders. The acidity in the tomatoes helps to balance the Ph levels in your hair, bringing back its natural color and smell!

Lemons, Chamomile and Your Hair

Rinsing your hair with a mixture of water and lemon juice can help to lighten your hair color. This works best on already light hair (light brown and blonde) and can be enhanced if you leave the mixture in your hair and then head out into the sun. Do not do this if you are worried about your hair going really light though! You can produce a similar effect by rinsing your hair with freshly brewed chamomile tea - just make sure it's cooled down before pouring it onto your scalp.

Coffee and Your Hair

To give brown hair a warmer glow, brew one strong cup of espresso and let cool completely. Pour the coffee onto dry hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Now rinse it out. Your hair should shine and glow like never before.

Egg and Your Hair

You may have heard that massaging a raw egg into you scalp and hair can help control dandruff and make your hair shiny. While eggs will probably give your locks a bit of extra sheen, they aren't the cure-all for dandruff that peeps make them out to be. If you want healthier looking hair, just keep up with your protein intake - hair growth and health depend on the protien levels in your body.

Homemade Hairspray for Your Hair

Chop one lemon into four pieces. If you have dry hair, you can do the same with an orange. Place the lemon or orange in a pot with 2 cups water. boil until half of the initial amount of water remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator. By adding one ounce of rubbing alcohol as a preservative the spray can be stored for up to two weeks un-refrigerated. If you find the hairspray is too sticky, just add more water.

Static and Your Hair

Most of us have experienced a day where our hair stands on end and there's seems to be no cure for the attack of the killer static! Fear not my flyaway plagued friends - there's no need to run out and buy those crazy-expensive flyaway remedies from the drug store or salon. Just grab a dryer sheet (those sheets your mom tosses in the dryer to make your clothes softer), and rub it from your roots to your ends. Voila! No more static flyaways.