Pure Salon & Spa

Styles come and go: Fundamentals of Hair Styling

2009-11-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

Bored with your hair style? Looking for a new hair do? Hair styles can get outdated and trendy just as fast. Depending on people's face shape or their forehead, different hair styles can be experimented with. A true hair stylist will be able to judge what type of hairstyle best suits the person. Whether your face shape is oval, long, square, heart-shaped or round, there is a hair style that matches and complements your face shape. Technological integration has allowed one to decide on their hair style much in advance on the computer screen before they actually decide to go for a hair style of their choice. A hair style that looks great on some one with a heart shaped face might not go well with someone with a square or a round face. The basic principle to remember is that one must never fight against their hair type. Depending upon the form and texture, different hairstyles work for different people. Working with your hair rather than against it yields much better results. When we go to a hair salon, most of the times, we are unsure of what style do we go ahead with? Follow these simple tips to a great hairstyle:

Remove hair biases: People have certain hair biases, like only certain hairstyle work with certain people. They attribute a particular hair style to age, gender. It's high time you changed your attitude or changed your hair stylist.
Take advice from a third person: It always helps to take advice from a colleague or friend or neighbour, anybody as long as he or she doesn't live with you. This person is most likely to give you honest, unbiased feedback.
Consult a good hair stylist: It helps taking advice from professionals rather than your local hair salon or an aunt-claiming- to-be-a-hair-stylist.
Experiment: You do not have to finalize on one single hair style. Have two or more alternative ways to style your hair. If your hair is short or medium length, try styling it first with gel, conditioner or curls. There is always more than one way to style your hair style.
Hair style frustration is a common problem the world over. Your hair style reflects your self image and complements your entire personality.
Be specific: When you say cut it short, you need to specify 'how short'. For you, short maybe above the shoulder, for the stylist it might mean below your ears. It is important to be careful with the language and specifications.
Hair conditioning: People generally use hair conditioning twice a week. But it is recommended to use hair conditioning every time you shampoo.

Several factors decide your hair style: * Hair type * Skin type or tone * Face shape * Lifestyle

Probably the most crucial time for a good hairstyle might be at a wedding. People take extreme care when selecting their wedding hair dressers. Having best haircut for wedding is very important for a bride. Bridal hairstyles are meant to be beautiful and elegant. You can also experiment with appropriate jewels and make-up to make your hair a crowning glory.

Tips To Get Beautiful Nails - For A Beautiful You!

2009-11-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

Not just your face but even your hands say it loud when you need to get that perfect impression in a board meeting or on a special person. Your perfectly manicured nails look good and say it loud about how well you maintain yourself. However, nail care is essential for both men and women and few tips that will help you get that perfect nails sitting at home. So, say good bye to expensive salons and French manicurists.

If you devote a little care even once in 15 days your nail will look beautiful, giving you an edge over the others in today's world of competition.

Get a basic nail kit that has the necessary tools but is not prohibitively expensive as brand names do not mean great nails! Nail kits are available at every drug store so you can find one that suits you easily.
Wash your hands with a herbal based soap and lukewarm water and let it dry. When the nails are soft, they are easy to cut and file. However, be careful as improper filing can weaken the nails. Use a nail file and shape up your nails according to our desire with easy, gentle strokes. File from the side to the middle along the edge of the nail for the best results. Do not apply pressure on the top which will cause then to crack and break.
If you apply nail polish, do not put a thick coat and leave it. Beautiful, well manicured nails require 2 to3 coats of nail polish applications to give them that smooth, glossy finish.
As with hair and skin, nails also require attention. A well balanced diet and drinking plenty of water keeps the nails shiny and smooth while dehydrated nails look chipped and dry too.
Regular nail care is important and occasionally do apply cuticle oil to moisturize and soften your cuticles and nails. This will help the nails to look fresh and smooth, even without nail polish.
Never use alcohol based lotions or nail polish removers as they tend to weaken the nails and dehydrate them. The chances of fungi and other microbial infections increase when the nails are cracked and brittle. Always go in for natural, organic nail care products to safe guard tour skin and nails.
Unhealthy habits of biting nails also lead to unhygienic nails and spoil the look of the hands. So, if you are prone to it, give it up! If you follow these tips, you will have healthy, beautiful nails and hands in a short time span.

A General Overview on Aromatherapy Massage

2009-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

The benefits of massage are known to all and sundry. They include relaxation, the improvement of blood circulation, relief of stress and pressure, lessening the effects of muscle tension, and the enhancement of both the physiological and emotional states. Of course it is necessary to include the use of the essential oils. They are known to soothe the body and mind. This is mainly the point of aromatherapy massage. It employs essential oils which are added into the base oil. When used, they are easily absorbed deep into the skin wherein they directly go towards the bloodstream. They may also enter the body when they get inhaled through the nose.

A Point Gets Strengthened
The advantages of massage are popularly known by many. Aromatherapy itself somehow strengthens the fact that massage can truly be therapeutic. The oils that are used are great additions to the effect that it poses. The aromatherapy techniques can either be done by a masseur or by an aroma therapist. Whichever is the case, you have two options too. It is either you go to a spa clinic or the specialist visits you at home.

Getting into Your Choices
The services of the aroma therapist or massage therapist always involve giving you the chance to select the essential oils or blends to be used on you. They can also blend the essential oils as per your request and they may give you what remains so you can bring it home. If you will be seeking this type of massage because you have some problems, then the practitioner will have to use a special mix to help alleviate your worries.

Aromatherapy at Home
The massage itself can be done even within the confines of your home. In fact, the massage oil can simply be prepared. If the oil is to be used to an adult, add 20 up to 25 drops of the essential oil for every two ounce of the base oil. If the oil is for a child, just add 10 up to 12 drops of the essential oil. If a baby is to be massaged, put on 5 up to 6 drops. It is as simple as that!

Available Aromatherapy Materials
Aromatherapy products are sold everywhere. Several companies are manufacturing them nowadays. After all, they are known for their pain relief, cleansing, and healing process advantages both for the mind and the body. There are also a variety of uses to which it applies. The medical arena sees it essential for lifting the depressive mood of the cancer patients. Athletes also enjoy the benefit of such in soothing their tensed muscles. At the same time, it energizes the body.

As you shop around, you will find different products being sold in the market. You will see the aromatherapy components contained in lotions, massage oils, conditioners, shampoos, candles, air diffusers, air fresheners, baby lotions, warm oil burners, laundry products, bath beads, bath salts, shower tablets, and the plug ins. There are products that are meant for both the adults and the children.

Most of the aromatherapy massage produces are safe to use. However, it is still necessary to consult your doctor prior to using any of the products in case you suffer from some special medical circumstances. You may also get in touch with a herbalist for more information on the use of the A General Overview on Aromatherapy Massage

The benefits of massage are known to all and sundry. They include relaxation, the improvement of blood circulation, relief of stress and pressure, lessening the effects of muscle tension, and the enhancement of both the physiological and emotional states. Of course it is necessary to include the use of the essential oils. They are known to soothe the body and mind. This is mainly the point of aromatherapy massage. It employs essential oils which are added into the base oil. When used, they are easily absorbed deep into the skin wherein they directly go towards the bloodstream. They may also enter the body when they get inhaled through the nose.

A Point Gets Strengthened
The advantages of massage are popularly known by many. Aromatherapy itself somehow strengthens the fact that massage can truly be therapeutic. The oils that are used are great additions to the effect that it poses. The aromatherapy techniques can either be done by a masseur or by an aromatherapist. Whichever is the case, you have two options too. It is either you go to a spa clinic or the specialist visits you at home.

Getting into Your Choices
The services of the aromatherapist or massage therapist always involve giving you the chance to select the essential oils or blends to be used on you. They can also blend the essential oils as per your request and they may give you what remains so you can bring it home. If you will be seeking this type of massage because you have some problems, then the practitioner will have to use a special mix to help alleviate your worries.

Aromatherapy at Home
The massage itself can be done even within the confines of your home. In fact, the massage oil can simply be prepared. If the oil is to be used to an adult, add 20 up to 25 drops of the essential oil for every two ounce of the base oil. If the oil is for a child, just add 10 up to 12 drops of the essential oil. If a baby is to be massaged, put on 5 up to 6 drops. It is as simple as that!

Available Aromatherapy Materials
Aromatherapy products are sold everywhere. Several companies are manufacturing them nowadays. After all, they are known for their pain relief, cleansing, and healing process advantages both for the mind and the body. There are also a variety of uses to which it applies. The medical arena sees it essential for lifting the depressive mood of the cancer patients. Athletes also enjoy the benefit of such in soothing their tensed muscles. At the same time, it energizes the body.

As you shop around, you will find different products being sold in the market. You will see the aromatherapy components contained in lotions, massage oils, conditioners, shampoos, candles, air diffusers, air fresheners, baby lotions, warm oil burners, laundry products, bath beads, bath salts, shower tablets, and the plug ins. There are products that are meant for both the adults and the children.

Most of the aromatherapy massage produces are safe to use. However, it is still necessary to consult your doctor prior to using any of the products in case you suffer from some special medical circumstances. You may also get in touch with a herbalist for more information on the use of the essential plant and root extracts. essential plant and root extracts.

Something To Pout About

2009-11-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

You'll find it in nearly every female's handbag; the woman of today is armed with her lipstick to alter and rejuvenate her mood and take on the world. Some women admit they feel naked without it. Other shudder at the thought of stepping out of their houses without that vibrant smear across their mouths.

An ordinary lipstick contains a variety of waxes, oils pigments. In recent years, ingredients such as moisturizers, vit etc have been added to keep lips soften. You're sure to find it in every female's purse, be it on a frenzied shopping spree at a local mall, or a mundane day at work. By wearing it women feel transformed, so ladies daub that tube of color on your lips, which makes a girl feel a women and a women feel like a princess! That's the magic of the lipstick wand.

These days shopping for the right lipsticks requires no less decision making competence and complications as those involved in the development of a new microprocessor for the computer. While man batter their brains in bringing out new technology, women make no less effort in using their brains in choosing a lipstick to buy.

First, is the matter of choosing most reliable brand. With so many newly emerging brands and more compromising quality for lower prices they offer, it is never easy to say which one stand out from the rest. If that's not enough for a headache, try choosing a right color or right shade for a lipstick. With an enormous variety of colors available, they seem to come up with a new shade almost every other weak and then there is variety of types available.

You see, choosing right lipsticks not only about the right brand and giving the right look to the lips, a big role in the decision is played by the feel it has to the lips. Women prefer wearing lighter colors during the day, especially during summers in the bright sunlight. During the evenings however it is time to bring out the darker shades from your drawers. Lipsticks also comes in different styles such as glossy and matte finished, these days glossy ones are in fashion.

A man has always considered themselves to be the superior sex. They consider their brains and decision making power far better then the women. If only women had used the time and thought they put into buying a lipstick, into something more useful, the world would probably be a century more advanced than it already is.

Anti Aging Skin Care

2009-11-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

By Elizabeth Allard

Anti-aging is all-the-buzz. You've heard the phrase, "40 is the new 20." People are enjoying longer lives and want their appearance to reflect their good health and vibrant state of mind. Still, the aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects are increasingly evident throughout our lives. Since "anti-aging" is impossible, it is aging gracefully that we all strive for. By embracing a healthy lifestyle and using specific nutrients both topically and internally, slowing the natural aging process has become a goal shared by people from their 20's to their 80's.

Although theories abound about the underlying causes of aging, research shows that there are actually two distinct types of aging. Intrinsic (internal), which is caused by the genes we inherit, and extrinsic (external), caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun's harmful rays. More and more evidence is pointing to these two causes working together, although it hasn't been determined which has more impact. While aging affects every organ in the body, our focus is on the largest of them all - the skin.

Not only is skin the largest organ in the human body, it is also one of the most important. Because it interfaces with the environment, skin plays a key role in protecting against pathogens and excessive water loss. Its other functions are insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, and the protection of vitamin B folates. We tend to take our skin and its many roles for granted while focusing on our internal organs, forgetting that our skin provides a visual reflection of our emotional and physical well-being.

Skin is composed of two primary layers, each with their own sub-layers. The epidermis covers the body, serving as a protective barrier against the environment and infection. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis and consists of connective tissue and elastin. The average square inch of skin holds an amazing 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, (pigment producing cells) and more than a thousand nerve endings.

Intrinsic, or natural aging, is a continuous process that normally begins in our 20's. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, becomes more rigid. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most external premature aging is caused by sun exposure.

"Photo-aging" is the term dermatologists use to describe aging caused by exposure to the sun's rays. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks elastin. Over time, cumulative sun exposure sets the stage for wrinkles, brown freckles, broken capillaries and dryness. Ultraviolet light not only damages the DNA in the cells of the skin, it inhibits the mechanisms that repair damaged skin cells.

Contrary to popular belief, a sunscreen with SPF does not necessarily prevent DNA damage because SPF ratings measure only the effectiveness in blocking UVB rays. But in fact, UVA rays, once thought to be harmless because they produce no burning, actually penetrate much deeper into the skin leading to much more damage to DNA and other skin structures. Vitamins A, C, and E, protect skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV light exposure and are believed to do more to prevent and repair DNA damage than even the strongest sunscreen.

Other external factors that age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, poor diets, lack of exercise, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking. Internally, declining hormones contribute to the aging of the skin. Estrogen provokes collagen and a moisture factor known as hyaluronic acid. Men tend to have thicker skin than women due to the dominant hormone testosterone. However, in later years, the lack of estrogen in women and testosterone in men contribute to aging skin in both genders.

Stress, an unavoidable part of life, also plays a role in premature aging. Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands during times of stress, causes a loss of collagen and accelerated skin aging. Studies have shown that our emotions, particularly stressful ones, can unleash a torrent of free radicals and stress hormones such as cortisol that not only age our skin but cause a wide range of allergic and inflammatory skin ailments. It is estimated that between 30% and 60% of visits to the dermatologist are related to skin problems that result from psychological factors.

Science also substantiates the role that free radicals play in skin aging. The protein collagen is particularly susceptible to free radical damage, and when this damage occurs, it causes the collagen protein molecules to break down and then link back up again in a different way known as cross-linking. Collagen cross-linking and age both contribute to the normally mobile collagen shrinking and becoming stiff. We can feel the effects of cross-linking in our joints and ligaments, and see it in our faces and necks.

Changes in your skin begin early in life however fine lines, dryness, thinning skin, etc. are typically not visible until our 30's. By about 40, lines and wrinkles, decreased skin thickness, and uneven skin tone become more noticeable. In our 50s, the visible signs of aging seem to accelerate. The aging process has been unfolding for years, but the changes can seem sudden and dramatic. Collagen and elasticity are diminished, hormones decline, and the underlying fat padding begins to disappear causing sagging skin. As we approach our 60's, the shape of our face and our appearance changes.

We are the sum of our experiences and lifestyle choices. With the wisdom that comes with age, advances in anti-aging research, and the availability of scientific studies, we can recognize the things we wish we had done differently. For example, if we had known then what we do now, we probably wouldn't have covered ourselves in Baby Oil before spending the day in the hot sun. Unfortunately, the past can't be undone, but, regardless of your age, it's never too late to make positive lifestyle changes that will slow the aging process and enhance the appearance of your skin.

Healthy living delays many of the body changes that aging brings. Eating a nutritious diet goes a long way toward insuring good health. If you smoke and you quit at any time, you will decrease the chances of having a heart attack. Your skin will look much better too, with lines becoming smoother. Exercising or becoming more physically active improves lung function, sending more oxygen throughout your body to nourish your cells. Antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C and E, used both internally and topically, can partially reverse some aspects of skin aging.

Topical Support:
Scientific evidence indicates that, in addition to proper nutrition and health care, the daily topical application of antioxidant rich creams play an important role in the preservation and rejuvenation of skin.

Use high quality moisturizers with anti-aging properties each morning and night, rich in antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E, protect skin cells from sun exposure and are believed to do more to prevent and repair DNA damage from ultraviolet rays than even the strongest sunscreen.
It's good to moisturize the entire body after showering to keep it supple, hydrated, and protected.
Calm the nervous system, ease stress that leads to sustained cortisol levels, support adrenal and thyroid health and balance your hormones with a high quality bio-identical progesterone cream.

Internal Support:
Nourishing the skin with topical ingredients is important, but in addition it is essential that you feed your skin nourishing foods and drinks.

Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, bioflavonoids, and the minerals selenium, zinc, and manganese provide protection against damaging free radicals and help to repair, renew, and revitalize skin.
Essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9) are required by the skin to maintain a moist youthful appearance.
A sluggish thyroid, common as we age, manifests as dry, flaky skin. Nutrients and foods that support the thyroid such as sea vegetables, seafood, fish, and iodized sea salt, can help restore proper thyroid function and reverse skin aging.
Limit processed foods from your diet. Processed foods tend to contain high levels of sodium, sugar, fat, color and preservatives.
Eat foods that are natural such as whole grains, fresh or frozen vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Choose organic foods whenever possible.
Use hormone free meat and dairy products when possible to reduce your intake of pesticides and hormones.
Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water every day.
Eat foods that are high in antioxidants to help protect against oxidative damage and free radical attack of all body cells including the skin. Think the colors of the rainbow such as cantaloupe, spinach, berries, and cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, and sprouts).
Reduce the use of sugar, white flour and saturated fats. Highly acidic and spicy foods effect skin health too. Spicy foods, for example, are believed to contribute to broken capillaries.
Take a good, whole food, multivitamin formulation with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, vitamin E, and the "skin vitamin", A. The minerals zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese provide protection against damaging free radicals and the increased cellular energy helps the skin repair, renew, and revitalize.
Supplement with 2,000 IU's of vitamin D daily, especially if you are avoiding the sun. The skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently as we age making people aged 50 and older at increased risk of developing vitamin D insufficiency.
Foods rich in nucleic acids such as sardines, salmon, tuna, shellfish, lentils, and beans, help improve cell energy.

Lifestyle Support:

Adopt a good skin care regimen morning and night. Cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturize.
Learn to reduce and manage stress. Stress reduction techniques can decrease the release of pro-inflammatory stress hormones and chemicals and often results in skin that looks and more youthful.
Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
Get plenty of restful sleep. Avoid wrinkle producing sleeping positions.
Limit alcohol consumption to one drink daily.
Avoid more than a cup or two of beverages with caffeine daily.
Get plenty of exercise. Breathe deeply to increase oxygen flow throughout the body.

Sun Protection:
Dermatologists recommend comprehensive sun protection to prevent premature aging caused by the sun. Comprehensive sun protection includes:

Research shows that topically applied antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C and E, provide significant protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Avoid deliberate tanning, including the use of indoor tanning devices.
Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when outdoors during the day.
Apply sunscreen year round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors. Choose a chemical free sunscreen to avoid harmful, endocrine disrupting ingredients commonly used such as: Octyl-dimenthyl-PABA, Benzophenone-3, Butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octyl-methoxycinnamate, and 4-methyl-benzylidene.

Organic Excellence features 100% chemical free health and personal care products with the added benefits of certified organic herbs. Please visit: http://www.OrganicExcellence.com and sign up for our free newsletter to receive exclusive, money-saving specials every month.

Medical Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor. Organic Excellence does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect a mental or physical health condition, please see your healthcare provider.

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Types of Bikini Waxing

2009-11-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been troubled by the appearance of unwanted hair in your bikini region, you might want to consider waxing. Although this method of hair removal has scary reputation, it is actually quite safe and comes with many benefits.

Not only is the painful part of the procedure over quickly, but it also banishes hair for three to eight weeks and prevents it from growing back in a thick manner. This is because waxing is a method of epilation; with other words the hair is removed beneath the skin's outer layer.

Due to the sensitivity of the bikini area, waxing is best done by a professional, or esthetician. Don't be ashamed about making an appointment; salon staff members have seen it all. Make sure to indicate whether you want a basic bikini or a Brazilian wax.

Basic bikini wax just removes the pubic hair that might poke out the sides of your swimsuit bottom. The Brazilian wax, on the other hand, removes all hair from the pubic area, including the labia and the buttocks. In either case, warm wax will be applied to the desired region, followed by a strip of fabric. When the wax cools, both the fabric and the wax will be quickly ripped off against the direction of hair growth. Done properly, the pain will be minimal, and the redness should subside in a few hours.

People with diabetes should consult with their physician before undergoing such a procedure, since they are more prone to infection in the off chance that their skin is torn during wax removal. Anyone with a skin condition-such as rash, warts, or pimples should wait until their skin is clear before getting a wax. Otherwise, they run the risk of damaging their skin.