Monday, May 20, 2013

How to Do a Surfer Haircut

For decades, surfer haircuts have remained in style. Both males and females wear surfer haircuts, which are distinguished by their messy, tousled look. Surfer haircuts are especially popular in the summer, but they can be worn year round. Achieve the "disheveled from the beach" look to make a surfer haircut. Does this Spark an idea?

Dampen the hair by spraying with a water bottle. Avoid soaking the hair, as slightly wet hair is the easiest to cut with scissors. Part the hair in the middle and comb thoroughly to the tips.

Place the hair on the top of the head in a large clip, if the hair extends to or past the shoulders. Cut the bottom hair first, gradually releasing hair from the clip and working your way through the hair from the bottom to top layers.

Make choppy, somewhat haphazard cuts to the hair with scissors. Since surfer hair is messy and disheveled, hair need not be perfectly even. Add layers to the hair by cutting the hair on the top and sides of the head shorter than the hair at the bottom and nape of the neck. For long layers, allow several inches between layers. For shorter, more subtle, layers, allow 1/2 inch between layers.

Brush cut hair from the neck and face. Style by adding a dollop of mousse or gel to your hand and running this product through the hair with the fingers. Mess the hair with the mousse or gel and allow to dry to create a surfer style that will last all day.

How to Make Ancient Roman Jewelry

Roman women were highly regarded throughout the ancient world for their elegance and good taste. Because their clothing was relatively uniform, they distinguished themselves from each other via elaborate, plaited hairstyles and finely crafted, pounded metal jewelry. One of the most recognizable forms of adornment from the Roman world is the snake bracelet. Romans believed that the snakes represented good luck and brought prosperity to wearers. Try making a snake bracelet for yourself and see what kind of luck it brings you. Does this Spark an idea?

Bend the florist's wire in half, but do not crease the bend. The bend should be slightly rounded, and your wire should make a 'V' shape.

Bend each half of the wire towards the other half approximately 1/2" below the first bend. You should now have a triangle in the middle of the wire.

Bend the wire below the triangle so that the two ends now run parallel to one another and create a body for the snake.

Twirl the wires together at the ends to make the snake's tail. You should now have a wire frame for a flat snake.

Wrap the gold foil around the frame, trying not to wrinkle or crease it too much.

Poke the body of the snake all over with the dry pen to create a pattern. You are not drawing on the foil, but instead trying to make it look like pounded metal.

Wrap the snake around your arm so that the head does not touch the tail and you make an open spiral.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Best Treatment for Acne Scars

Acne scarring can result from picking or irritating acne pustules and cysts, leading to either skin discolorations or deep "ice pick" scars on the skin. The latter must be treated by a licensed dermatologist in order to remove or reduce their appearance. The former can be treated quickly, effectively, and easily at home. Does this Spark an idea?

Baking Soda Exfoliant

Baking soda makes a wonderful exfoliant, which can both buff off and lift dead skin from the face. Because baking soda is so alkaline, it can exfoliate the skin without the need to scrub or rub it in. All that is needed is to combine baking soda with water until a paste is formed, then massage it gently around the face for 30 seconds. Rinse well with warm water when finished. This can significantly reduce the skin discoloration and light scarring that can be caused by acne.

Lemon Juice Toner

Lemon juice is an acid high in vitamin C which can help fight off free radicals on the skin and increase cell turnover. This can help the skin slough off old cells to reveal new skin underneath, helping to balance out the skin tones on the face. Lemon juice can be used in the undiluted concentration up to three times per day and can be applied to the skin using a cotton ball or a cotton pad or towel. It can be helpful to apply the lemon juice following the baking soda exfoliant in order to receive the greatest benefits and results.

Urine Therapy

Urine is packed full of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, hormones and antibodies, and is also sterile and hygienic. Although unorthodox, human urine has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments all over the globe. When applied topically to the skin it can dramatically reduce redness and balance out the skin tone. This can increase the results of the baking soda and lemon juice, allowing the skin to repair itself and become smooth and even in texture. Soak a cotton pad or towel in your own fresh urine, and apply it directly to the acne scars.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Rasta Hair Products

Rasta, or Rastafarian, hairstyles often include thick dreadlocks. To maintain this look and keep the hair healthy, you should consider using products specifically made for dreadlocks. With little effort and some care, your Rasta hairstyle will not only look great, it will be healthy. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoos

Contrary to some beliefs, dreadlocks or Rasta styled hair needs to be washed in order to be healthy and look good. For normal hair (not excessively dry or damaged with split ends), try a moisturizing shampoo that will keep the locs looking healthy and strong. Lockology Mint Medley is a shampoo that combines a blend of spearmint, peppermint and rosemary that soothes as it cleans. It's made from all natural products and promotes hair growth. For kids, consider using Little Locs Lavender for a moisturizing deep cleansing that blends together lavender with other natural products. This shampoo is made to condition and protect your child's locs while keeping them strong and healthy.

Wax

Putting wax in your hair may not sound like a great choice, however, Rasta/Dreadlock wax is specifically designed to keep your style moisturized and healthy. Wax products, such as Knotty Boy, are made to hold the locs longer and create a thicker appearance for thinner hair. Because of its thickness and strength, the wax should maintain through warm/hot water washings. The light-colored wax products are great for hair colors like blond and light brown. Knotty Boy also makes a darker wax for darker shades of hair like brunette and black.

Accelerator

Accelerator for Rastafarian hairstyles normally comes in spray form and is designed to keep locs healthy while promoting growth. DreadheadHQ Locking Accelerator is an unscented water-based product that does not leave residue on your hair. (Be careful not to over-spray.) There are no oils, so it does not leave hair greasy or slimy. When used properly, DreadheadHQ Locking Accelerator should tighten up your dreadlocks, giving them a neater appearance.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

My Skin Is Dry After Shaving






Your skin can get dry after shaving for a few different reasons, each of which is easily treatable. Find out what to do if your skin is dry after shaving with help from a talented and experienced makeup artist in this free video clip.

Video Transcript

Hi, my name is Risha Rox and I'm a makeup artist. Today, I'm going to talk with you about how to combat the dryness that is a result of shaving. Shaving is one of the most common do-it-yourself hair removal systems and plenty of women shave unwanted hair every single day. That can leave you with really dry skin. One of the benefits of shaving which you may not know is that it's a great exfoliator. So that's a good thing, however, you have to find a way to get the moisture back in and also deal with the resultant irritation that can come with shaving. The first step is to use Witch Hazel or some toner or astringent to prevent infection and deal with any abrasions or small nicks and cuts that you may have after shaving. Second you have got to put the moisture back in. I recommend a lightweight oil like Jojoba oil and also a rich thick moisturizer and you should be fine. My name is Risha Rox, and I've just discussed with you how to combat the dryness that's a result of shaving.

How to Cut a Kid's Hair Using Rubber Bands

If you're looking to cut a lot of hair at once, the fastest way to do so is by using rubber bands or hair ties to section off the hair, then cutting above the tie. This quickly gets rid of most of the length before you finish up with styling the child's newly cut hair. If hair is longer than 12 inches, consider donating it to a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients. This way children can learn about charity while taking on a new style. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash and dry the hair. Clean hair is easier to cut.

Part the hair in the center and separate it into four to six sections. Tie a rubber band or hair tie around each section. The more sections you have, the closer to the scalp you will be cutting and the more hair you will take off. If you would still like 4 to 6 inches of hair left, use only one ponytail.

Cut the hair above the rubber bands, as close to the scalp as possible.

Style the remaining hair with scissors to make the style you prefer.

Tips

- Leave rubber bands on the hair if you are donating it to charity. Donated hair should not be permed or color-treated.

Warning

- Be careful using scissors on a wiggly child's hair. If your child moves around a lot when cutting, try to cut at least 1 inch away from the scalp so as not to accidently hurt them.

How to Make Body Oils with Added Color

Body oils are pricey in the store, salon or spa. Making your own body oils at home is not difficult or time-consuming. It can be a little messy, so prepare the oils in the kitchen where it's easy to clean up. Adding essential oils to the body oils gives them a scent. Use citrus essential oils for energy, lavender to relax and rose for romance. Color is attractive and plays up the scent and use of the body oil. Does this Spark an idea?

Oil Base for Coloring

Put the dried powdered herbs in a stainless steel pot. Try dried cranberry for pink, tumeric for yellow, paprika for orange and parsley for green. Start with 1 tbsp. of herbs. Cover the herbs with 1 inch of a base oil. Another coloring agent choice is mica, but it's more difficult to find.

Heat the oil for two hours so it is warm but not hot. The color from the herbs will be absorbed by the oil.

Strain the oil if the color isn't dark enough after two hours. Repeat the process with fresh dried herbs until you reach the desired depth of color.

Add the colored oil to the body oil recipes a few drops at a time.

Energizing Body Oil

Place 4 oz. of almond oil in a bottle.

Add 2 oz. of coconut oil

Shake well and add five drops each of lemon, orange and grapefruit essential oil.

Add yellow or orange colored oil.

Relaxing Massage Oil

Place 4 oz. of avocado oil in a bottle.

Add 2 oz. of grape seed oil.

Shake well and add five drops each of clarey sage and lavender essential oil.

Add green colored oil.

Tips

- Experiment with different oils, herbs and essential oils.

Warning

- Food coloring doesn't work to color oil. It stays separate.