Thursday, June 21, 2012

How Alternative Uses for Beauty Products?

They are in all of my drawers and cabinets, my shower is overflowing, and now they are even taking over my son's bathroom (good thing he's only 2). Ever wonder if some of your beauty products have other uses? I was thinking about this the other day and decided to do a little research. Here are some of the alternate uses for products that I have found:
  • Use conditioner if you run out of shaving cream. Shampoo and hand soap also work, but conditioner is more moisturizing.

  • Have a "run" in your pantyhose? Use clear nail polish. It stops the run from getting any worse.

  • Have a shampoo that is not meeting your hair care needs? Use it as hand soap. People will start to ask you where you got your awesome smelling hand soap / lotion.

  • Winter is coming. Do you have dry cuticles or elbows or knees? Use lip balm - it's actually concentrated moisturizer. (I like the kind that comes in a tub, so I just rub my finger in there and then smooth it over my cuticles and the knuckles of my fingers.)

  • Traveling and forgot your makeup remover? Use Olive Oil - put a little on a washcloth and then rinse with warm water.

  • Do you have oily hair? Use Vinegar. It helps to adjust the pH levels. Wash your hair as you normally would, then rinse. Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar over your hair and rinse again.

  • Baking soda can be used to make an exfoliation mask or to brush your teeth. Don't forget, baking soda is super cheap!

  • Try a touch of shampoo or hand soap as laundry detergent. People will be asking what you use and why your clothing smells so wonderful!

  • Want to add a little "bronze" to your body? Break up your bronzer and add it to your body lotion.

  • Have some facial moisturizer lying around that you don't like for your face? It can be used on your body.

  • Ever use those makeup remover wipes that don't actually remove your makeup? Use them to clean up around your kitchen or bathroom.

  • Baby shampoo works great at cleaning makeup brushes. It gentle enough for a baby, right?

  • Do you wear costume jewelry? Use clear nail polish to hold the stones in place. Simply paint over the stones and viola!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

How Hair Extensions Aftercare?

These helpful tips will make sure that you care for your extensions in the correct way when washing and styling.
Firstly, it is essential to use products that are designed for dry hair. Although many hair extensions are made from 100% human hair, they can still become dry as they are no longer attached to the scalp. Therefore products that will add moisture to the hair must be used to stop them becoming dry and damaged.
Washing
Brush your extensions before washing so that they do not become tangled. Using a soft bristle brush, gently start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. Always use a shampoo and conditioner that will add moisture to give the extensions a longer life.
A good tip is to use warm water (never hot) and always tilt your head back to wash. After washing, pat dry and gently squeeze the hair but remember never to rub, massage or twist as this can cause damage.
Finally, to dry them, blast the roots with a cool heat to dry the bonds before styling. When drying clip-in hair extensions, again use a cool heat.
For those using clip-in extensions, you should only need to wash them after you have worn them around 4-6 times. Before washing, brush the extensions to remove knots and soak in warm water. Let the water run down the hair from the clips and apply a shampoo and conditioner designed for dry hair.
Gently run your fingers from the clip end downwards to clean the extensions. But do not scrub or twist. Pat dry with a towel and gently brush to remove any tangles. Finally, store them with the clips closed to avoid any tangling.
Styling
Just like your real hair, take care when styling hair extensions to protect them from heat and styling damage. A heat protector is essential when styling, so that there is less damage when blow drying, straightening and curling. A specific heat product for hair extensions will be most beneficial.
Start by separating the hair to avoid matting, and brush hair gently with a hair extension brush. Spray the heat protector on each section before styling. Remember to always blow dry hair on a low, cool setting.
It is also important to note that you should not apply wax and oil near the hair extension bonds. If hair is becoming a little dry and damaged, use a serum to revive damaged hair and smooth split ends.
A top tip is to braid hair loosely at night to stop the extensions becoming tangled. If you exercise, tie your hair up and if you swim, always wear a swimming cap as chlorine damages extensions just as it does your own hair! A good tip is to coat your hair thoroughly with a mixture of water and conditioner if you go swimming, and wash thoroughly afterwards, applying a generous amount of conditioner.