Hair Extensions

Who gets hair extensions? What are hair extensions, methods, etc.? When can you get hair extensions? Where do you get hair extensions? Why would you get hair extensions? And perhaps the biggest question?.How are they attached?

A good place to start is explaining what hair extensions are all about. In a society where immediate results are very popular, the beauty industry has developed and improved the ancient technique of adding human or synthetic hair to your own hair and making it look like it grew out of your own head.

We say 'ancient' because people have been doing this since forever, with wigs, hairpieces, weaves and such. Many of today's methods have been adapted from African-American stylists that weave human or synthetic hair into corn rows for a long, flowing and natural look.

So who gets hair extensions? Many celebrities get hair extensions for various movie roles. The celebrity factor is what has catapulted the popularity of hair extensions over the last 5 years. When you see magazine covers with famous actors having long, flowing natural looking long hair, you begin to think that maybe you could get the same look. Once thought as a rich person's service, hair extensions have become much more affordable and even practical for everyday consumers.

The main reason for getting hair extensions is to add length to your hair style, although they can be used to thicken your hair or even add highlights. Hair extension expert Rod Sickler, Owner of Images by Rod & Company in Rantoul Illinois says, "Don't limit yourself to just adding length to your hair. Hair extensions offer a simple solution to fine hair and can add a little pizzazz to thick, curly or wavy hair in any color or style."

"Any hair type can support hair extensions", says Sickler. Sickler makes hair extensions easy by creating cutting-edge hair styles for his clients. Some examples include sleek and straight hair, vivacious ringlets and striking color enhancements with the use of different highlighted and lowlighted hair extensions. He describes the hair extension process as very painstaking and challenging as it requires many hours and various techniques to complete. The rewards are many as he is able to re-invent hair, tweak techniques and fulfill his clients' needs.

When can you get hair extensions? Whenever you have a few hours available! Most hair extension stylists will offer a consultation prior to your actual appointment to get the hair extensions attached. The human or synthetic hair typically needs to be pre-ordered so that it matches your own hair or the intended color you are interested in. In the consultation, the stylists will discuss your current hair health, how the extensions will be attached, possible side effects and what you will need to take care of them. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, hair thinning or have extremely damaged hair, the stylist should recommend that you do NOT get hair extensions until your condition improves.

Where can you get hair extensions? As the hair extension service becomes more and more popular, you will find many more stylists that go to training and education classes to become certified in hair extension services. The stylist does not necessarily need to be certified, but it is very important that they have been trained and educated properly in hair extensions. Hair extensions are a big investment, financially and emotionally. If the stylist you select does not have proper training, many things can go wrong, including some of your natural hair falling out or even being ruined. Make sure you do your homework in selecting a stylist. Ask to see before/after photos, get references, check if any complaints have been filed against a stylist, etc. All hair extensions have the potential to cause damage to your hair. The experience of the hair stylist is the biggest factor in positive results.

Finally, the biggest question, How are the hair extensions attached? There are a variety of methods to attach hair extensions. The type and style of hair selected can be a determining factor in how they are attached. Human and synthetic hair can be attached strand by strand or in wefts. A strand of hair would be considered to be 30 or so pieces of hair. A weft is a section of hair that is attached together at the top. The weft is typical sewn or bonded in to the natural hair. Other innovative methods include fusion, bonding, locs, clamps, using string and more.

There are advantages and disadvantages to every method of hair extension available today. There can be a big cost difference between one method and another. There is a direct relationship between time and cost. Most hair extensions are time-intensive, resulting in the major portion of the costs involved. Another major factor is the quality of the human or synthetic hair that is used. Quality hair is expensive. The hair industry is not regulated so determining what or who supplied quality hair can be difficult. Research and education is a primary factor in a successful hair extension service.

After you have hair extensions, it is very important that you take care of them properly. Some methods will require the use of special shampoos and styling appliances. There may be recommendations from your stylist in reference to sleeping, brushing, swimming, shampooing and styling your hair extensions. Regular maintenance is also an important step to keep the hair healthy and looking good. Long hair requires work. So make plans to put your time in??. as well as your money!

For additional information on hair extensions, visit Hair Resources at http://www.hairresources.net and http://www.hairresources.com

About the Author:

Perriann Rodriguez is the award-winning author of the number one best selling E-book, '2005's Most Popular Hair Extensions' and 'Wedding Hair Styles' available at the Hair Resources Bookstore, <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.net">http://www.hairresources.net</a>. She is also the founder of Hair Resources, <a target="_new" href="http://www.hairresources.com">http://www.hairresources.com</a> a global resource for hair styles, hair extensions, global beauty salons, hair stylists, and much more.

Get Back that White Bright Smile with the Teeth Whitening Systems at Home

There are many poets who have written about the power of the smile. A simple smile can turn a bad situation into a more manageable situation. Smile has the power to throw even the bullies off balance; such is the power of a good clean smile. Let me add, a good clean smile with a brighter teeth to support. How often have we seen in movies and television the stars sparkle because of that charming smile with those white sparkling tooth. Many have never thought about the idea of they too can have that smile, with the whiter teeth. Well there is help now a days, there are many great products out there that can whiten your teeth and bring them back to their natural shade at the minimum. You don't have to go to the dentist for the bleaching process; just at the comfort of your home you can administer the process without much fuss and mess. You can do this even under a tight budget with very little money shelled out from your pocket.

The first and foremost to understand is that not everyone's tooth is alike. Each person has a unique shade that can be matched to one of the many standard one. This is the first and foremost to really understand before setting up realistic goals. The first thing these products provide is remove the stains from the tooth. As years pass by the exposure to many staining substances cause the tooth to loose it original color, and without proper treatment they are not going to go off. The popular drinks like coffee, tea, coke and other such soft drinks as well as red wine contribute substantially to the staining. There are many more factors that could cause this. The teeth whitening products contain carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient that does this trick of bleaching off the stains. This is an ADA approved ingredient in most of the products out there; a few also use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. The oxidation induced by the products helps to take care of the stains and brings back the natural shade to begin with. The whitening process is not effective against the crowns or other dental work performed on the tooth. So you should apply the dental whitening as long as needed and then go back to your dentist for a replacement with a suitable shade crown or add-ons. Generally the whitening process can show results in just a few applications and you can continue up until the desired shade is obtained. Then you can stop the application. There is a flip flop period after this as the shading becomes a little dull and the a little brighter and it stabilize at a particular shade. This is usually much brighter than the one you started out with. Don't worry this is usual and you have to wait for the shade to set in before going to the doctor to get your replacement crowns.

The price factor is one big thing that you need to consider, almost all products including the dental bleaching procedures employ the same active ingredients and you have to choose the product that can save money on top of the same effect. You should buy the OTC products that are either certified or developed by certified Dental Labs. Some products have a unique formula - pH balanced with high adhesion qualities designed to stay on tooth surface. These are some of the factors to consider while choosing to get that catchy, bright white smile you have always dreamt of.

You can reprint this article as long as the whole article along with active links is published as is. Freelancing at its best at <a target="_new" href="http://www.freelancefree.com">http://www.freelancefree.com</a>

A Beauty Salon Will Help You Look Your Best!

A beauty salon will help you look your very best with a price that will fit in almost any budget. A beauty salon will be able to make your hair, skin, toes, and fingernails look marvelous. In addition, most beauty salons offer their services for a fairly reasonable price. However, sometimes it may be difficult to choose what service you want. If that is the case, simply be on the lookout for any fashion style that you like. Look through magazines and cut out photos of styles and colors that you find pleasing. Take notes so that when you do go to a beauty salon, you will know exactly what you want. However, be aware that some beauty salons are better than others. To make sure that you are in high-quality beauty salon, check to see if it has clean beauty salon equipment and a clean work area. Also, be aware that in most states, beauty salons are required to publicly display their establishment license. If the salon or barbershop won't show you an establishment license, you don't know whether the shop's health and safety procedures have been approved by the state.

Time saving Beauty Salon Tips.

A beauty salon visit can be time consuming. To get the most from your visit and still have time left in your day, try these time-trimming tips. Before you leave your beauty salon, schedule your next appointment. Call ahead on your appointment day to see if your stylist is running on time. If not, you won't have to waste time sitting at the beauty salon when you could be home. If you want to be quickly in and out for your beauty salon appointment, try to schedule the first appointment for the day.

About The Author

Mike Yeager

Publisher

<a href="http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/" target="_new">http://www.a1-beauty-4u.com/</a>

What Are Pigtails?

There really isn't a huge debate on this subject, but there are some differences of opinion. This article looks at some of the differing opinions related to pigtails hairstyle definition, attempts to find some middle ground (perhaps unsuccessfully), and closes with this author's own definition and description of the ideal pigtails.

A ponytail is when the hair is tied together into a bunch and hanging from the back of the head. Most would agree on that. But if that ponytail is braided, is it still a ponytail? Some say it is, others say that this is called a braid. The same question applies to pigtails, the most common term for the gathering of the hair into twin ponytails (one on either side of the head). Can pigtails be braided and still be called pigtails? Do the terms "braided pigtails" and "unbraided pigtails" make sense? Some argue that "braided pigtails" are just "braids" and not pigtails at all!

The Random House College Dictionary defines "pigtail" as "a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head." Huh? It refers to ONE pigtail hangs down the back of the head, and calls it a braid? Hmm, there's no mention of TWO pigtails at all! Something doesn't seem right here. The dictionary entry for "ponytail" matches the definition I gave above. So what's up with all this? Is the dictionary wrong? Are there multiple dialectal or regional terms for twin ponytails, hence the difficulty for a dictionary to properly address the word's definition? Has the definition been too fluid over time for the dictionary to pin it down? And why doesn't the definition include the phrase "the cutest hairstyle ever?"

The word pigtail is also a wire cabling term that applies to a particular method for terminating an electrical cable's braided shield. (There's that word "braid" again!) Another technical, and even more contemporary, use of the word pigtail is for some sort of wireless accessories for radios or cell phones, or something like that - I haven't completely figured this one out yet.

A few years ago, a survey was done in a college classroom regarding the term pigtails. The students pretty much agreed that pigtails are two ponytails, one on each side of the head, and that they cannot be braided. If they were braided, they were called braids. The class instructor, being of a different generation, had a different definition. He believed that pigtails specifically meant two braids and that two unbraided ponytails should actually be called doggie tails. My personal analysis of this "experiment" is simply this: The instructor must have been elderly, or nearly so, and possibly losing his memory, so who knows what his generation really called "twin ponytails." And doggie tails? There is no way I could ever adapt to using such a term. The word dog, or anything like it, can never be used to describe a woman with the playfulness, boldness, and/or superior self-esteem to wear her hair in pigtails. The students clearly had a much better handle on what pigtails are all about.

So, where does this leave us? There appears to be generational differences and possibly regional or dialectal differences contributing to the debate (if you'd call it that). So, I'll put it this way: Pigtails are two gatherings of hair hanging on the left and right sides of the head. They may be braided or unbraided. But I'll add my preferences here as well, because the way I see it, there's one right kind of pigtail. Pigtails are far more attractive when unbraided. They should be located on the sides of the head, maybe a little behind and above the ears. Pigtails that are too high on the head, too low, or too far around in back, just don't possess the true spirit of pigtails. And pigtails without this true spirit are simply unable to work their undeniable magic on the wearer and those around her.

Bob Decker is a pigtails hairstyle aficionado and one of the webmasters at <a target="_new" href="http://www.PigtailDreams.com">http://www.PigtailDreams.com</a>. The website tastefully honors "the cutest hairstyle ever."

Sunless Tanning Salons Today

When the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, we are all drawn outdoors to enjoy the sun. Many will recall seemingly endless hours outdoors, soaking up the sun's rays without a care. Unfortunately, sunbathing isn't as carefree an activity as it used to be. These days, there's more to worry about, such as premature aging, scarring and blemishes, or even skin cancer.

The sunless tanning salon is becoming more and more diversified. High-end salons and spas are starting to supplement their UV tanning services with sunless. Sessions can cost anywhere from $25 per session to up to $100 for a few one-hour sessions.

When a person visits a sunless tanning salon, they have the option of using a spray booth or having a technician apply the tanner with an airbrush system. There are also the options of UV tanning via tanning beds and even application of tanning lotions by salon staff. The latter can cost up to $125 per session, and whether or not this service is available will depend on the salon.

Many salons sell tanning lotions, mousses, bronzers, and other products in addition to their in-house services.

The tanning spray used in a sunless tanning salon contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with dead skin cells on the surface of the body, causing them to turn brown. As dead skin peels off, the tan fades, just like with a natural suntan. Some sunless tanning salons add cosmetic bronzers to their formulas, which cause the effects of the tan to show up sooner, sometimes immediately. DHA without a bronzer added does not begin to show results for two to four hours after a session.

A good sunless tanning salon will have knowledgeable, open staff that will explain procedures, precautions, and aftercare to clients. Follow-up care or maintenance is usually available in the form of repeat visits, touch ups, or advice on how to prolong the tan with products such as lotions.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.e-sunlesstanning.com">Sunless Tanning Info</a> provides detailed information about sunless tanning lotion, booths, sprays, salons, and pills, as well as reviews of best sunless tanning products and methods. Sunless Tanning Info is the sister site of <a target="_new" href="http://www.i-tanningbeds.com">Tanning Beds Web</a>.

Hyaluronic Acid Secures its Place Among Wrinkle Removal Products

Hyaluronic acid has firmly secured its place among wrinkle removal products. Specifically, hyaluronic acid is now commonly being considered for use alongside botox, collagen and fat injections in the fight against wrinkles. Moreover, hyaluronic acid products tend to last longer than its competition.

For nearly 10 years, Botox injections have been used to treat fines lines and wrinkles in the face. While Botox has few side effects, the desired anti-wrinkle effects only last three to six months. Collagen, a natural protein, has been used for over 25 years. Like Botox, however, the effects are short-term and the process needs to be repeated within three to four months. Another anti-wrinkle procedure, fat transfer, occurs when fat is removed from one part of the body via liposuction and used to fill in wrinkles. This is obviously a more involved procedure. Regardless, the results are not permanent, as losses of facial subcutaneous fat are a natural part of the aging process.

Hyaluronic acid, while not yet FDA approved, has been successfully used in Canada in Europe. It has gained respect for its non-invasive nature, and endurance versus Botox and collagen. In fact, Hyaluronic acid results tend to last up to six to nine months. Like Botox and collagen, Hyaluronic acid studies show a low frequency of allergic reaction.

The benefits of hyaluronic acid have resulted in its increased use among both men and women. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2004 the total number of Hyaluronic acid facial injections procedures in the U.S. increased nearly 100 times from the prior year, from 9,635 Hyaluronic acid injections in 2003 to 882,469 injections in 2004.

<a target="_new" href="http://www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com">Hyaluronic Acid Resources</a> is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products.

For more information go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com">http://www.E-Hyaluronicacid.com</a>

Contact Lenses and the Over 40s

The over-40s crowd are suffering from discovering that their arms are growing shorter as words become increasingly more difficult to read up close and they must hold small items at arms length to be able to see them properly.

This is obviously an eye complaint and is called presbyopia. This condition occurs as the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on objects close at hand. The problem,at first, may only occur in dim lighting situations such as in restaurants or other poorly lit rooms. Over time it will worsen until it is impossible to read or to carry out close work at all.

Fortunately for this generation of the over 40s or baby boomers they have more choice that ever before when it come to correcting their vision.

Reading glasses remain a popular choice for this generation and many keep various pairs of different styles around the home. They works well in conjunction with contact lenses and as this generation are more active than their parents were at the same age contacts are making more of an impact. The more sportily minded prefer the convenience of being able to see but without the hassle of wearing glasses.

Bifocal contact lenses are a modern option that allow the wearer to be able to see things at close range aswell as distance vision. These lenses are in wide use today aswell as monovision fits which allows one eye to see things close up and the other eye to see things at a distance.

Lorna Mclaren <a target="_new" href="http://www.ur-contact-lenses.com">http://www.ur-contact-lenses.com</a>

Skin Care Secrets ? You Can Have Beautiful Skin

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, just like your heart or your kidney. Its job is to protect your insides so it is important for it to be healthy. If you eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, keep it clean, and protect it from the sun, your skin will stay healthy all your life.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two factors play an important role in the health of a person's skin.

Diet - Eat Well

What you put into your body has a huge effect on how the outside looks and feels. Eating healthy foods is important. Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Eight glasses of are essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. You still can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

Hygiene - Keep your skin clean.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you use. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants.

Exercise - keep fit

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer.

Sleep - get an adequate amount of quality sleep

Be sure to get enough sleep. An adequate amount of quality sleep can help recharge and rejuvenate the body, making it more resilient. Lack of sleep can lead to tired lifeless skin and circles under the eyes. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed.

De-Stress - Relax

Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Breathing exercises are excellent for reducing stress. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion. A more detailed version of this article is available at: <a target="_new" href="http://hair-removal-tips.blogspot.com/">http://hair-removal-tips.blogspot.com/</a>

Copyright ? 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The Pregnancy Guide website at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.pregnancyguide.org.uk/">http://www.pregnancyguide.org.uk/</a> and he's also a regular contributor to the Cosmetic Surgery Guide blog at: <a target="_new" href="http://cosmetic-n-plastic-surgery.blogspot.com/">http://cosmetic-n-plastic-surgery.blogspot.com/</a>

This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable.

Beauty Tips for Luscious Lips

The last step in your makeup regime is lipstick application. Some women say if they could have only one beauty item it would be lipstick. Lip color brings the whole look together to create harmony. To keep your lips looking perfect, have lip color with you at all times and reapply when needed.

When you select a lip color take in consideration your clothing and blush colors. The color of your clothing and blush should complement your lipstick but doesn't have to be perfectly matched. However, the colors should be in the same intensity and range. Wear cool colors together and warm colors together. Pink lipsticks go with blue and pink colors and corals and russets go with clothing that falls in a yellow/orange range.

Steps to apply lip color:

1. Prepare your lips by applying foundation over them (this will extend the wear).

2. Outline and define the shape using a lip pencil that has soft, pointed top. Start at the V in your upper lip drawing down to the corners. Then, starting at the middle of the bottom lip draw a line to the corners. To help lipstick stay on longer, use your pencil to cover the lips entirely.

3. Fill in upper lip with lipstick or you can use a lip brush.

4. Fill in the lower lip and then blot with a tissue and reapply.

5. Dab gloss in the centre of your lower lip to create a fuller more glamorous look.

When defining the lips with a lip pencil be sure the pencil and lipstick colors are very close. The lip liner should not be noticeable. Lip liners are meant to keep your lipstick in place, keep lipstick from bleeding, define the shape and help them look more natural. Do not try to change the shape of your lips by going outside the natural line.

* Dark lipsticks will make small lips appear smaller.

Sheila Dicks is an image and wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmer. You can visit her at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com">http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com</a> to download her "Image Makeover" ebook and get "How to Build a Wardrobe" free.

Mineral Baths: Smart Bathing Versus Hard Bathing

"There is a power of choice-
what we do today with our time,
information and habits reflects our tomorrow"

Did you swim in a sea or an ocean ? You could not forget these beautiful sensations of energy and revitalization after sea mineral bathing. Can you restore these feelings at your spa? Purchase mineral salts , dissolve a desired (?) amount in warm water and relax as if you were swimming in a sea?No undiscovered information? You can ask : what is a desired amount- a cup, two cups, 1 kg (2.2 pounds) or more? I would answer : "You should add at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds) per bath ". Let me specify why.

The salinity (salt concentration) of sea water is at least 3%. It means that 3 kg ( 6.6 pounds) of mineral salts should be added to a bath to simulate sea bathing. The primary principle of a bath is to disperse botanicals in the water matrix. Then these botanicals can be available for skin absorption.But regular salt formula hardly provides these benefits because of the skin's low absorption rate for minerals , dissolving mechanism and the body's salinity.

The mechanism of dissolving of ANY regular mineral salts in the water is the following: crystals of salts are dissociated to many ions and these ions are covered by water molecules. These hydrated ions in water have a decreased level of energy and activity for proper absorption and assimilation through the skin.

I have been searching and studying for many years a lot of clinical studies of efficiency of mineral salt treatments. Results differ, efficiency differs, methods differ, salt types differ. But ONE common figure I did find is that for therapeutic treatment purposes scientists use at least 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of ANY regular mineral salts.

The minimum figure of 1(one) kg is originated from the fact that our body salinity (healthy blood plasma) is about 0.9% (salt equivalent of 900 g or 2 pounds per bath).

So, at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of REGULAR salts is required to support proper mineral absorption and assimilation through the skin to nourish and re-mineralize the skin and the body with deficient micro- and macro-elements. And water therapy professionals know this figure very well. More often medical spas, clinics and health resorts can use for therapeutic purposes 2 kg (4.4 pounds) , 4 kg (8.8 pounds) or more salts per bath!

For relaxing, balancing and other wellness purposes a less amount of mineral salts can be used. But you should understand that the main effect of 250-500 grams (one -two cups of ANY regular salts) per bath is more a skin's stimulating effect than a real nourishing effect.

That is why the only recommendation for REGULAR mineral salt bathing can be :"The more salts the better".

The more salts are added the better?. Nothing can be changed?.Hmm.

The more salts are added the better? Hard bathing?

No new ideas?

This old dogma can be doubted and new approaches, scientific ideas and technology are discovered to create a NEW generation of bath products for Smart Bathing!

Oleg Moskvine, held the Senior Scientist position of the R&D department of Technofit cosmetic manufacturing company.

Oleg has the good expertise in hydrotherapy (balneology, water therapy) treatments with water, mineral salts and mud applications.

Web-site: <a target="_new" href="http://www.tonusworld.com">http://www.tonusworld.com</a>

Detoxification and your skin

Learn to help your body glow from the inside out. Nourish it with foods that are pure and natural. Remove harmful substances from your diet and you will notice a difference in the way you look and feel.

What is detoxification?

Detoxification is the process of removing toxins or poisons. We all know that toxins are harmful and cause damage, potentially even death if taken in certain levels. Living cells, whether in plants or in the body, are constantly in the process of bringing nutrients and fresh substrates in while eliminating by-products and waste that is not useful to the organism. Therefore, detoxification is a natural, ongoing process in our bodies.

Keeping your body healthy requires maintaining all of its systems in good working order. Minimizing the amount of toxins you take into your system is one way that we can detoxify our bodies. Benefits of detoxification may include increased energy and improved health, better breath, reduced allergies, and potentially fewer aches and pains.

Wastes leave the body in the form of gases, solids, and liquids. Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale. We excrete other waste from the body after it accumulates in the bladder and in the bowels.

Other organs that play a major role in detoxification include the:

- skin

- liver

- kidneys

- lungs

Blood also plays a critical role in the detoxification process. It carries dissolved gases like carbon dioxide to the lungs, and then it is traded for oxygen through respiration. Both the liver and kidneys help to detoxify the blood by removing wastes and sending them to the urine. In the form of stool, unused solids are carried away.

Benefits for your skin via detoxification

Your skin is a barrier but it is not impermeable. Just as products that you use on your skin are able to enter your body through this physical barrier, toxins are also able to leave your body through the skin. Free radicals and UV light in the environment also damage the skin which over time cause it to show signs of premature aging.

How can detoxification help your skin? By minimizing the number of chemicals in your body, you help you body to function more efficiently. Eating well is one way to maintain healthy skin with a smooth texture, elasticity, and a proper level of moisturization. Skin complexions troubled by acne and imperfections can also benefit from the inside out with detoxification methods. For example, vitamin A reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin cells and therefore pores are less likely to become blocked.

Ways to detoxify your body

Some of the best ways to detoxify include:

- eating a balanced diet

- juicing organic fruits and vegetables

- exercising regularly

- exfoliation

- using organic products for personal hygiene

Before trying any detox method always be sure to check with your doctor. People with serious medical conditions should also consult a doctor as these methods are not recommended. Pregnant women should not try these methods.

Eating a balanced diet

Nutrients in foods contain many elements that can help your body and especially your skin to remain in good condition. When your body is 'happy' and 'efficient', through detoxification, it will show on the outside.

Your skin needs:

- essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) found in oily fish and flax seeds

- antioxidants vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene to retaliate against the damaging effects of UV light and free-radicals

- minerals zinc and selenium to build tissues and heal wounds. Find these minerals in foods like seafood, nuts, grains, and vegetables

- vitamin B6 to balance hormone levels, particularly for women that have pre-menstrual break-outs

- vitamin A to help reduce sebum levels on the skin

- potassium to help maintain elasticity, water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body

- water to maintain hydration and flush toxins from the body

Juicing organic fruits and vegetables

Have you ever tried freshly squeezed juice? It is delicious and nutritious. You get a truckload of vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. The enzymes contained in vegetables and fruits help to digest your food so try drinking these natural cocktails with meals.

One important thing to remember is that you should always start with organic fruits or vegetables. Because most fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides, using non-organic products means that you will be ingesting harmful pesticides too. Keep these toxic chemicals away from your cells in order to maintain their proper functioning.

Exercising regularly

Oxygen is vital to life. Incorporating exercise into your lifestyle brings this element into your body and skin. Studies at the University of Wisconsin have shown that oxygen reduces the effects of free radical damage and premature aging.

Sweating encourages the release of toxins from the skin. Working up a good sweat during your exercise program will help in the detoxification process. You could also try saunas and steambaths to encourage the excretion of toxins.

If you are not currently exercising choose something that you enjoy doing. Walking is a great way to increase your heart rate and pump oxygen through your lungs. Other ideas include yoga, swimming, cycling, and running. Whatever you do, choose an activity that you will be motivated to do on a regular basis.

Exfoliation

Shedding skin cells is a continual process. Dead skin cells sit on the uppermost level of the epidermis and they make the skin look dull and less healthy. Our clothes play a big part in helping to remove cells on a daily basis. By sloughing off dead skin cells from time to time, you can stimulate the skin renewal process. Try any of the following methods once a week to naturally exfoliate your skin:

- briskly towel off after a shower

- use an organic scrub during your shower

- use a washcloth during your shower

- use a loofah (Important: keep it dry when it's not in use to minimize bacterial count)

Using organic products for personal hygiene

Decreasing the number of synthetic chemicals entering your body through your food and personal products is yet another way to help detoxify. Modern research at the Herb Research Foundation found that the skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals in products that it comes into contact with directly into the bloodstream. This means that chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens, are entering your body and potentially causing unnecessary harm.

The next time you need to stock up on personal hygiene products, look for alternatives to the chemically items offered in most stores. Using organic products decreases the number of preservatives and chemical additives your skin comes into contact with and therefore, that may enter your body.

References:

- www.meriam-webster.com, accessed October 26, 2004.

- www.detox.org/skin.aspl, accessed October 26, 2004

- www.saga.co.uk/health_news/article/D2164785-92E3-11D6-B8AC-00508BAEC55C.asp?bhcp=1, accessed Oct. 26, 2004.

- Farley, Josephine. Organic beauty: look and feel gorgeous the natural way. Dorling Kindersley, London, 2001, page 66.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

Removing Unwanted Body Hair Permanently & Safely?

Both males and females have unwanted hairs in their body. Everybody wishes to be fresh and energetic. It can be done in a many number of ways according the level of hairs in the body. It is found that around 80% of the women and around 50% of the men are going for hair removal in some form or the other. Facial hair removal is more popular among men and women.

Hair removal in the hands, legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, face, and eyebrows are commonly practiced these days. Sports persons go for hair removal since it will cut down the wind resistance and improve their competitive speeds. There is a report saying that hair removal salons are getting more and more men customers for removing hair.

Different devices are used for hair removal in different parts of the body. Waxing, sugaring, and electrolysis are the most preferred methods for permanent body hair removal. Laser treatments are also used for permanent body hair removal. Waxing is a method of hair removal in which wax is applied over the hairs and then a cotton strip is rubbed on the wax in the direction of the hair growth.

Waxing and sugaring are done for male body hair removal. Waxing removes the hairs from the roots and hence the regrowth of hairs in the removed area takes between 6 to 8 weeks. After hair removal through waxing even if the hair grows it is thinner and is sparser in the area. There are not many hairs in that area. Upon further hair removal the hair may go off permanently. Usage of a hair growth inhibitor after male body hair removal through waxing is usually done to reduce the growth of hairs in that area.

Then the cotton strip is removed in the opposite direction of the hair growth for permanent body hair removal. Sugaring is also a method that is used for hair removal permanently. The difference is the sugar paste instead of wax for removal. Whether a person is using waxing or sugaring he is advised to use a hair growth inhibitor after the removal of hairs to prevent hair growth or to slow down the growth of hairs.

Most of the sports persons who are involved in the sports like swimming and cycling opt for permanent body hair removal, since permanent body hair removal would improve their speeds by reducing the air friction. There are many devices that are used for permanent body hair removal. Each device comes with its own functionality and ease of use with a price tag that is affordable.

Electrolysis and Laser treatments remove the hairs permanently from the skin. In these methods the hair follicle is destroyed so that the hair does not grow again. Electrolysis method uses needles to supply electric current to the hair follicles. This electric current creates some chemical changes or generates heat to destroy the hair follicles. In Laser treatment the laser beams are directed towards the hair follicles to destroy it. Laser treatments are costly when compared to other methods of hair removal.

If you need more information about body hair removal pls visit : <a target="_new" href="http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/hairremoval/hairremoval-intro.html">http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/hairremoval/hairremoval-intro.html</a> To learn more about various methods used to remove body hair permanently & safely, kindly visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/hairremoval/permanent-hairremoval-system.html">http://www.natural-treatment-guide.com/hairremoval/permanent-hairremoval-system.html</a>

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