Hair loss can be devastating, whether you are male or female, regardless of race or ethnicity. Typical hair loss among men crosses the boundaries of race and culture. However, African American hair poses a particular set of challenges with regard to hair loss.

Hair replacement clinics across the country note that while black men seem to suffer the same sort of male pattern baldness and challenges as Caucasian men, African American men and women seem to suffer a higher percentage of problems with hair loss for a variety other, culturally specific reasons. Hair replacement solutions to African American hair loss can be equally complex.

Every year, thousands of men and women of African descent struggle to resolve issues that have left them with receding hairlines and patchy balding spots. Many of these causes are due to hairstyling techniques that have become part of the African American culture, such as:

• Traction Alopecia – caused by braiding too tightly, long term use of corn-rows or tight pigtails in hair. This causes a constant tug on the root of the hair which eventually not only pulls it out, but can cause scarring on the scalp.
• Use of Chemical relaxers that contain lye (the same ingredient used in products like Draino) can actually cause chemical burns on the skin. Even the more natural relaxers use chemicals harsh enough to cause a burn.
• Use of hot combs or irons on the hair too close to the scalp, causing burns and scarring.
• Bleach–again, a harsh chemical not intended to come in contact with the delicate skin of the scalp.

What many people don’t realize is that all of these procedures can, if done improperly, cause permanent hair loss due to scarring of the scalp. Once hair follicles are scarred, there is no resurrecting them. That hair is gone for good. Hair regrowing products like Propecia and Minoxidil will not regrow hair here.

Hair replacement experts understand the emotional toll this kind of loss can take on somebody suffering from hair loss. Not only does hair loss cause embarrassment, the self-esteem can take a nose dive as well.

Janelle, a twenty-four year old African American woman, noticed that her hair had begun to recede around her hairline. She had worn pig tails as a child and as an adult, had begun chemically relaxing her hair. To save money, she decided to do it at home. The chemicals burned her scalp. Alarmed, Janelle discovered several bald patches the size of a half dollar on her crown. She saw her doctor and learned that Traction Alopecia was responsible for her hair loss around her hairline, and chemical burns were responsible for the now permanent hair loss on her crown. He sent her to a hair replacement specialist.

Janelle was dealing with three problems: Bald patches on the scalp and a receding hairline; but more importantly, her biggest problem was the toll the hair loss took on her self-esteem and emotional well-being. She considered surgical hair replacement, but this is a complex issue when it comes to black hair. Why?

• The cost is prohibitively high. And quite often, if simply doesn’t work. Hair does not regrow in the density required.
• The formation of keloid tissue. Keloid scarring is a condition to which black skin is often prone. While skin on the scalp rarely forms keloid scar tissue, the skin on the forehead and face often will. So if a receding hairline is the issue, often surgical transplantation is not an option on black skin.
• Grafting is tricky - Black hair is curly not only above the skin but below, at the root as well. So the grafting of individual hairs is complex and often impossible.

In the end, she found an expert who specialized in high end hair replacement systems to restore her hair to it original state. Using breathable lace mesh and hand tied hairs, the hair replacement specialist matched Janelle’s hair with real hair, then filled in the missing spots and her hairline with several hair systems to extend her hairline. The new hair blended in flawlessly with Janelle’s own hair.

African American female client before and after hair replacement

This hair system was not cheap either. A high end hair system that is virtually undetectable costs somewhere around $2500. But let’s face it, nothing good is ever cheap. Nor was the hair system without maintenance. She had to adjust the color monthly and occasionally have new hair tied to replace hair that routinely shed from the hair system. But in the end, she couldn’t be happier with her full head of hair. Restoring her hair has, made her less self-conscious and given her back her confidence. It’s hard to put a price tag on that. Every year, hair replacement experts help thousands of people just like Janelle reclaim their lives with the help of hair replacement systems.

There are other hair replacement options available to those with spotty hair loss like Janelle. Hair extensions made with clips are temporary or removable hair systems that don’t require glue to be fixed to the scalp. These are also made with high quality human hair in China and can blend invisibly with your own hair. If you have experienced hair loss and are looking for options, study hair replacement systems on the internet. Look for hair systems that are virtually undetectable, made of human hair, and have local clinics available for custom fitting.

About the Author:

Travis M. Keeler is a Hair Replacement expert who generously shares his expertise with hair loss sufferers and hair replacement wearers. For more information about the opportunities and pitfalls of nonsurgical hair replacement, please visit: http://youtube.com/watch?v=47hkD2uWvQ4

In an interview with Makeup and Mane, Dr. Persadsingh gives readers professional skincare advice and tips on how to tackle some of the most common skin conditions affecting women of colour.

When a white person’s skin is damaged it tends to turn red. When a black person’s skin is damaged it tends to turn black. So a lot of girls who suffer from acne get these black spots. Because we didn’t, until recently, have good medicines to treat them, they would try to treat it on their own with the bleaching creams and the steroid creams. As a result, a lot of them would end up with problems.

Not only that, a lot of women don’t use sun block and it is imperative to use sun block. A lot of them don’t use adequate moisturizers. A lot of our people use harsh soaps on their face, carbolic soaps and soaps like that.

MM: What are the main causes of acne in women?

Dr. P: Acne is caused by the hormones in your body. You don’t get acne until you see menarche, which is your first menstrual period. Acne is usually worse just before the period. Acne might get worse in pregnancy or it might get better. A lot of women find that they get acne at the time of menopause, when the hormones become unstable. So it is definitely hormonal.

Acne in Black Women

MM: I have heard many black women comment that over the counter acne medications such as OXY and Clearacil don’t work well on their skin. Does the treatment of acne in Black skin differ from that in Caucasians?

Dr. P: When we see acne in a black person although it may look very similar to acne in white person, if you cut out the lesion and analysed it under the microscope, you will find that there is much more inflammation in the acne in a black person.

This why you get more hyperpigmentation, more black spots and more scarring, because there is more of an inflammatory reaction there than in white skin. Now what that means is, we ought to treat the acne very aggressively in black people. So from day one you go out with your guns blazing.

Number two, you are always thinking about the side effects. For example, the holes they get in their face, the scars etc. In addition, some things like Benzyl-peroxide might tend to stain the clothes and stain the skin. Some things like Tetracycline can induce phototoxic dermatitis, which is a rash some people get when they go out into the sun that makes them look darker. Some preparations, like Retin-A, might in be intolerable in some black people in higher concentrations. So with a lot of medicines, I start at a very low concentration and then move up. Where as with a white person, you could probably start treatment using the strongest medication.

MM: Are there any over the counter medications available that are effective in the treatment of acne and hyperpigmentation in dark skin? Should hydroquinnone be avoided?

Dr. P: What I am saying is not that you have to avoid hydroquinnone. I am saying that you have to be careful with it. Now what happened is that a lot of hydroquinnone came out over the years and a lot of people used it and they developed ochronosis, which is the deposition of pigment deep into the dermis and it gives you an ugly colour and it is very difficult to treat.

Now in the past we have noticed that a lot of people developed this because they used high concentrations of hydroxiquinnone. Now if you are going to use this thing, it shouldn’t be more than two percent. Recently, they have come out with some four percent preparations. I’ve seen patients using six and eight percent concentrations for a prolonged period of time, without medical supervision.

This is what I am against. Potent steroids begin used on the face for a long period of time. This happens frequently within the black community. In Nigeria we had this problem, in Nassau we had this problem and also in some of the other Caribbean countries.

The came out with a gel called Reggae Gel which has clobetasol, the strongest form of steroid and we shut that down. So Reggae Gel went off the market and then they came out with Yellow Gel. The product was made by the same people, in the same tube but with a different box and they are selling it. So, we face that problem.

MM: Many  women suffer from the occasional outbreak. How does a person determine if a case of acne is severe enough to seek medical treatment or consult a dermatologist?

Dr. P: I think the paradigm has to shift and it is our responsibility, you in media and me in medicine, to educate the public. From the beginning we want to see the patient. I think that we have the resources now that if a person goes to the dermatologist early, the disease can be stopped completely.

Very often the dermatologist can put you on Accutane or use a suppression therapy. If you are in good hands you won’t end up with the ’sick wheel’. I have seen so many people carrying the burden, I mean a life-long burden, with the spots and scars when if they had been treated earlier, they wouldn’t have it. I also think that is the cheapest way to go, to treat it earlier.

MM:  When person is suffering from acne or has oily skin, the first reaction is to automatically stop moisturizing their skin. How important is moisturizing? What should a client look for when selecting a moisturizer?

Dr. P: You must understand the function of moisturizers. In the skin you have two layers, the epidermis and the dermis. The uppermost layer, the dermis, the outer part is the stratem corneum. Now, our skin naturally produces something called sebum. If you squeeze between your nostril and the side of your cheek, the white stuff that comes up is sebum. This is what keeps the skin soft and supple and smooth.

Now I tell my patients, if you bake a chicken and took a wing, put it in a plate and put it in the refrigerator and took the other wing, wrapped it in cling film and put in the fridge, after 24hrs one piece would be hard, the other would be soft.

The one that was wrapped had the moisture trapped in. This is what sebum is supposed to do. Now because of the weather conditions, we are loosing the sebum so we use the moisturizers and the creams to replace the sebum and keep the skin supple and young looking. It is absolutely important to moisturize, for men and for women.

MM: Aside from the use of hydroquinone, what other methods are available to help lighten hyperpigmented areas?

Dr. P: If you go to the dermatologist, he will probably recommend micro-dermabrasion and chemical peels, even laser treatment to get rid of the dark spots. We have technology to get rid of it. It’s just that the patients don’t come to us. They treat it themselves.

MM: Many doctors prescribe oral contraceptives for the prevention and cure of acne. In your opinion how affective is this?

Dr. P: In the UK and in Jamaica, we use Diane-35, which is a progesterone compound that gives you birth control protection and helps the acne as well. A few of the other pills like Alesse and Femiane also contain things that help with acne but once you stop taking the birth control pill, ‘BAM! , the acne comes back. So it is not really curative, it’s just suppressing it until you have to stop it. Either the woman reaches 35 and she wants to stop the birth control pill or she gets pregnant. So that is really suppression therapy again.

MM: I have often read that acne is more of an internal condition and has very little to do with eating greasy foods or how often the area is washed. Is this true and if so why is such and emphasis placed on skin care products?

Dr. P: None of the products will cure acne. They only have one drug that cures acne and that is Accutane. All the other things are supportive and they suppress the acne and they wait for the patient’s acne to get better in the natural course of events. All the antibiotics etc, only suppress it for a while but they don’t get to the root of the acne. The only thing that gets to the root and stops the acne is Accutane.

MM: When a woman is suffering from acne, normally her first reaction is to cover the problem with cosmetics. Does this make the problem worse? Which types of cosmetics are safe and which ones should be avoided?

Dr. P: In the past we had a lot of cosmetics which were comedogenic, that means that they caused acne. But nowadays most, if not all cosmetics, are tested on a model, a rabbit-hair model. And what the found is that if you took a rabbit hair and you applied compounds onto it, if those compounds would cause acne, you get severe acne on the rabbit hair within a couple of days. So this is done to all products now.

A lot of women find that when they have acne, they try to cover it. I tell them that it is important for their feelings of self-worth, self-esteem, sense of pride that they use something to cover it. So what happens is, we use medications that you tend to apply at night so they can use their makeup in the day. If they have to use the medication in the day I tell them to put on the medicine, wait 10 minutes and then apply the makeup.

For more information on black skincare check out Dr. Neil Persadsingh’s book ‘Acne In Black Women’.

Lauren S. is a talented and prolific freelance makeup artist. Her ability to create futuristic and fresh looks using exotic and unlikely colours has earned her the title ‘Queen of Blending’.

In a quick interview with Makeup and Mane, Queen of Blending shares some of her favourite beauty must-haves and shows readers how to create gorgeous and exciting looks.

Queen of Blending

MM: How did you get started as a makeup artist and how long have you been doing makeup?

LS: I got started from basically just practicing on myself and anyone who would volunteer their face for me to practice on! I mainly started doing it just for fun and to kill time. I have been actively freelancing for about four years now.

MM: Where do you draw inspiration for some of the looks you create?

LS: I don’t really have a singular inspiration. I draw inspiration from anything and everything that catches my eye, or has a pattern, or unique color combination. I find myself looking at things and mentally interpreting it onto a face.

MM: Who (if any) are some of your favorite celebrity makeup artists?

LS: My two all time favorite makeup artists are without a doubt, Pat McGrath & Kabuki. Their work is breathtaking.

MM: If you had to choose only THREE of your favorite beauty products what would they be and why?

LS: My favourites would have to be:

1. Make Up For Ever Duo Matte Powder Foundation because it’s light enough to have on all day, but gives wonderful coverage.
2. Benefit’s Babe Cake Liner, because it’s long lasting and is the best sanitary substitution to liquid liner.
3. Chanel’s Inimitable Mascara because it adds so much volume and actually gives a slight curl & lift!

MM: In your opinion, what are some of the most common mistakes women make when buying and/or applying makeup?

LS: I’d have to say the biggest one is buying a new foundation. I always hear from clients that they didn’t seem to get the right shade because when they got home it didn’t match. The trick is to try (the foundation)on in the store, but take a step outside to see what you look like in natural lighting.

Also, if you’ve gotten help from someone at a counter or makeup store, don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like something or are not comfortable with it!

When it comes to applying makeup, I think a lot of people forget or just don’t know about applying an eyeshadow base. A base helps the eyeshadows to last for hours and brings out their true color. I highly recommend MAC’s Beige-Ing Shadestick to help eyeshadows pop!

MM: Would you please share one of your magnificent makeup tutorials with our readers?

LS: Here’s one of my favourite color combinations:

 

MM: What can Makeup & Mane readers expect to see from you in the near future?

LS: In the near future my personal website/blog ( www.queenofblending.com ) will be up and running and I am also still working on developing my own makeup line!

To find out more about Lauren S. aka Queen of Blending check out the following sites:

www.queenofblending.com
www.myspace.com/iheart_makeupartcosmetics
www.youtube.com/queenofblendingmua
www.modelmayhem.com/queenofblending

Luscious lips are always in style however, for Spring 2009 less means more. When choosing a lip colour, opt for natural and nude lipstick shades.

Nude lipstick can work on any complexion or skin tone, so women of colour should not shy away from the trend. This look is perfect when teamed up with smokey, smoldering eyes.

Celebs baring beautiful nude lipstick shades Top Left to Right - Kerry Washington and Beyonce Bottom Left to Right - Rhianna and Taraji Henson

Here are a few fantastic nude lipstick colours that will help you to create the perfect pout:

1. Covergirl 24 Carat Q830
2. MAC Blankety
3. Smashbox Wicked Lovely Lip gloss Trio
4. Maybelline Toffee Cream
5. NARS duo Stolen Kisses/Pampa 
6. MAC Fresh Brewed

Celebrity hair extension stylist Gia Wood knows a thing or two about the beauty, fantasy and overall glamour that a mane of magnificent hair extensions can create.

As a hair extension expert, she has worked on the sets of E! Channel’s “Inside Fashion” and “The Girls Next Door” and her styles have graced the covers of many magazines.

In an exclusive interview, Wood shares her expertise with Makeup and Mane readers and shows us how to ensure our enhanced locks stay in tip-top shape.

Celebrity Hair Extension Stylist Gia Wood

MM: Why did you decide to become a hair extension stylist and how did your career begin?

GW: My mother, Geneva Glover, opened and operated Du Nouveau Salon, one of the largest and most successful salons in Texas in the 1980’s. I grew up in the salon and eventually started working at the front desk as a receptionist while I went to school.

I quickly became intrigued by a side of the industry I had never seen before. I had always seen the business side of a salon, spreadsheets, order forms, leases and now I was getting exposure to the creative side of the industry. Color, cuts, styling, extensions, makeup, and more! I soon decided that I wanted to become a part of the beauty and fashion industry.

I attended the Toni and Guy Academy in Dallas, TX, and after began working as a stylist in my mother’s salon. My education continued with multiple classes for hair coloring, thermal straightening, and hair extensions. When I first began working with hair extensions I wanted to be sure that I was using only the best products on my clients to create a natural looking extension.

I had seen far too many stylists not use enough hair or apply and cut the extensions improperly. Professional training is imperative. I was certified with Hairdreams Extensions and Great Lengths Extensions, which are the two most reputable extension companies in the US. Each company offers a product that is safe, natural looking, and easy to maintain by the client, yet is uniquely different from the other company’s product.

MM: In your opinion, what makes long hair so desirable?

GW: I think that long hair has always been associated with feminine beauty, much like the hourglass shape and how it is referenced to a woman’s body.

Healthy long hair can compliment a woman and bring out her best features, and at the same time minimize features exposed by shorter hairstyles. With long hair a woman has unlimited options to the style and creativity she can achieve with her hair.

Gia Wood gives model a hair extension makeover

MM: How do you go about selecting the perfect hairstyle for a client?

GW: There are numerous things that I have to take into consideration before selecting a client’s hair style.

The client’s desired color and length are the most important, and then we consider things like face shape, facial features, hairline, growth patterns, lifestyle, and the amount of time the client is willing to spend maintaining the hairstyle.

I always encourage my clients to bring photos of hairstyles they like and to consider hairstyles they might not have previously considered. Some clients are wary of certain types of cuts and/or color because they have had a bad experience in their past. Or they simply have never tried venturing outside of their basic cut and color services.

It’s amazing how many of my clients come into the salon not wanting to reconsider their “standard” single-process color service, and then love the effect of a few face-framing highlights. Hair is a great way to express someone’s personality, and I always want to offer my clients as many options as possible.

Gia Wood gives model a hair extension makeover

MM: There are various ways to apply hair extensions. Which techniques do you most commonly use and why do you prefer these methods?

I am a firm believer that the individual strand technique (also known as strand by strand) is the most natural looking, and it is the most requested technique by my clients.

Individual strand extensions can be applied by braiding, clips, or bonding. With any kind of hair extension, the overall look can vary greatly depending on the type of application.

The smaller the sectioning the more natural the extensions will look. An advantage to using smaller strands of extensions in the individual strand technique is that the hair is easier to style and flows like the client’s natural hair would.

If a client were to have a “weave”, where a track of extensions is applied in a solid row wrapping the client’s entire head, the style would not move as freely and would take on wig like characteristics, such as not being able to part the hair in certain areas. The strand method is the most natural and longest lasting option for clients who are interested in getting hair extensions, not to mention the most versatile.

Strand by strand method with Hairdreams products

MM: Hair extensions look great when they are freshly done but after a few weeks they can sometimes look dull and ratty. How can clients keep their manes looking magnificent in between salon visits?

This is a very good question and there are multiple answers. In my experience the majority of clients who get hair extensions leave them in too long and are not brushing them properly.

Although most hair extension companies say that their product will last 6-10 months, I would never recommended that the client wear the extensions that long. When hair extensions start growing out with the client’s natural hair, there is a space that is being created between the attachment area and the client’s scalp. This area is prone to tangles and knots and every single person who gets hair extensions will more than likely experience this situation.

I recommend that my clients brush their hair from the scalp area all the way to the ends of their extensions to make sure that these types of tangles are removed on a daily basis. I also offer my clients a brushing service if they are unable to remove the tangles themselves. If the tangles at the root are not taken care of in a timely manner they will gradually get larger and larger over time, and the removal of these tangles will be more likely to damage the client’s own hair. This is the number one cause of damage from hair extensions, and yet it is the easiest to prevent. By brushing the hair extensions from the scalp through to the ends, the client’s hair will look fuller, have more shine, and be healthier.

MM: In your opinion, what is one of the most common mistakes stylists make when applying hair extensions?

GW: I find that the most common mistake stylists make when applying hair extensions is that they apply them too close or too tight to the scalp area, which can lead to breakage. (see photos for example) These stylists are either inexperienced or were improperly trained. Another common mistake I see often is hair extensions that have been cut improperly leaving blunt lines and bulk in the baseline.

Examples of wrong application of hair extensions

MM: How can clients avoid damaging their natural hair while wearing and removing extensions?

GW: In the initial consultation, clients are advised regarding which products and styling tools they can use on the extensions. As an experienced stylist, I tell my clients which products and tools are permitted and what products and tools are not permitted for use with their hair extensions. However, clients can sometimes forget or misplace the correct tools and products that they need to properly maintain their hair extensions.

I like to provide a take home kit that includes a list of styling do’s and don’ts, as well as a proper hairbrush. The number one tool hair extension clients can use to keep their extensions from damaging their natural hair is the proper brush. Both Hairdreams and Great Lengths make a brush specifically for their extension products which will easily remove tangles without damaging the client’s own hair or the extension attachment points.

I always recommend that clients go to the salon to have their hair extensions removed. I would never suggest a client remove the extensions themselves. By properly maintaining the hair extensions at home, the client can be assured that the eventual removal of the extensions will be an easy task.

Another problem, are clients who are not careful with the bonding area of their extensions when they are styling their hair with a flat iron or curling iron. When they touch the hot tools to the bonding area, it can cause the bonding material to soften and spread out. This causes the extensions to fuse together and makes it more difficult for the extensions to be removed.

Gia Wood shows the correct removal method for strand by strand extensions

MM: What are some of your favorite hair styling tools and products?

GW: I am a fan of Biolage shampoo and conditioners. I also love Matrix’s Milk Shine product which I use as a leave in conditioner. Kenra makes a great Thickening Spray, Shine Spray, and Hairspray that I use on almost every client. For styling tools I use a Super Solano X blow dryer and a Chi straightening iron. For my hair extension clients I use Hairdreams and Great Lengths extension tools and products.

MM: What is one of your most memorable client experiences?

GW: One of the most memorable client experiences I have had was when I was asked to go to Los Angeles and apply hair extensions at the Playboy Mansion. I got to work pool-side, and my client and all of the girls there were really nice. It was very cool to be working on location at such an iconic place. Everyone at the mansion was so nice, and I got to watch some filming for the The Girls Next Door.

Gia Wood styling a model at the Playboy Mansion

MM: Not only are you a hairstylist but you are also a professional photographer. In what ways are these two careers similar and how do you mesh both arts?

GW: Most of the time, when you are on location at a photoshoot there are three people who have to be on the same wave length for it to be successful. This of course is the photographer, the makeup artist, and the hair stylist. Having perfected my craft in each of these areas, I can view my subject with three different points of view and my focus is not tunneled into just one aspect of the shoot. I find that my two careers play well off of each other, each one opening doors for the other. My skills have been a great success for me in that I have been able to travel all over the world to do photoshoots and hair extensions.

MM: What can Makeup & Mane readers expect to see from you in the near future?

GW: I just finished filming a segment for Inside Fashion, which should be released in 2009. I persuaded Hairdreams to open up their warehouse for the taping and I got some one-on-one time with Gerhard Strutz, the president of Hairdreams. We talked about numerous exciting things we are going to be working on together in 2009 and Gerhard asked me to join the Artist Team for Hairdreams.

You will see me doing much more media and stage work with Hairdreams this next year. I will also be releasing my first technical guide and training program for aspiring extension stylists. I am looking forward to extending my knowledge of hair extensions to as many stylists as I can.

The technical guide will be released in March of 2009 and will include a step by step image guide to creating the perfect hair extension, as well as how to cut, color, and maintain extensions. The training program will be private training classes for stylists who want to learn the techniques with a hands-on approach. It will also include a section on business and marketing in the extension industry—that will begin in June of 2009. Stylists interested in applying for my training courses can find more information on my website at www.giawoodsalon.com/courses.htm.

CELEB SMOKEY EYES - Top: Jennifer Hudson and Kim Kardashian Bottom: Gabrielle Union and Thandie Newton

To recreate these intense smokey eyelids try:

Smokey Eye Pallets

1. Laura Mercier Eye Colour Quad - Storm Cloud
2. Nars Duo Eye Shadow
3. Les 4 Ombres Des Chanel #93 
4. Sephora Smoky Eyes kit

Using a harsh chemical hair straightener can cause breakage, thinning, scalp damage, and hair loss. Sodium hydroxide, or lye, is traditionally used as a hair straightener or relaxer, but it is a harsh substance that changes the chemical makeup of hair. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges that lye can burn the skin, and they get many complaints about irritations from chemical hair relaxers.

Using a natural hair straightener can relax hair without harsh chemicals or harm to hair. It is a safer method for straightening curly, kinky, or wavy hair; and it is very effective and environmentally friendly. Natural hair relaxers’ active ingredient penetrates the hair to permanently soften without destroying it.

Bodipher Natural Relaxer and Products

A natural hair straightener softens, conditions, and leaves hair silky, healthy, and easy to style. Hair is much less likely to be damaged, and can tolerate blow drying and other heat appliances while improving hair softness and texture. There are no irritating chemicals, and it will not burn the scalp or over process hair. Natural hair straighteners will also allow hair to grow longer since it avoids the breakage that chemical relaxers cause.

There are companies who produce natural hair straightening products such as BodipHier, which is alkaline water based and fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It naturally softens the curl of the hair to make it more manageable. Many companies also have BodipHier products in addition to the relaxer including shampoo, conditioner, blow dry cream, and brilliant sheen moisturizer. The products are suitable and effective on multi-ethnic and color treated hair.

About the Author:

Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. “Advantages of a Natural Hair Straightener” notes the effectiveness of natural hair relaxers and the dangers to using chemical relaxers. Freshlookhair.com makes BodipHier, a natural hair relaxer.

Mascara. Most women have a love-hate relationship with this simple makeup item. We love what it does for our appearance. The right mascara can completely change your entire appearance. There’s nothing that emphasizes beautiful eyes better than thick, lush lashes - and mascara is the way that most of us can achieve those drop-dead gorgeous sweeps of lash.

On the other hand, mascara can also be the downfall of that natural, beautiful look you’re trying to achieve. Nothing screams cheap more than thick, gloppy lashes, running mascara and flakes of mascara dotting your cheek.

While the mascara that you choose has a great deal to do with the look that you get from it, there are also a lot of tips for applying mascara that can help you get just the look you want - thick, lush lashes that frame your eyes and make them the focal point of your face. Here are fifteen tips from experts on how to apply mascara to get the most out of your makeup.

1. Start with clean lashes. That may seem to go without saying, but mascara adheres best to clean, dry lashes. Pat lightly with a tissue to remove any residue from makeup or moisturize before applying mascara.

 

2. Save mascara for the finishing touch. Apply mascara AFTER applying eye shadow and eyeliner.

 

3. Choose the right color mascara for your eyes. Black mascara is suitable for anyone, but it may be too harsh on blonds with pale skin. Brown or brown/black mascara is a good choice for blonds, especially for daytime wear. Brunettes can use black anytime. Colored mascara may seem costume-y at first, but the results can be stunning. Navy mascara can really bring out the blue in blue eyes, and purple mascara can make brown eyes look amazing. Try green mascara with any color eyes to really highlight them.

 

4. Forget all the curved wands, long wands and ’specially developed’ wands that promise thicker, longer lashes. A short, straight mascara brush gives you the most control and the most options for applying mascara.

 

5. Don’t pump the wand in and out of the mascara tube to coat it with mascara. It will just introduce air into the mascara and make it dry out faster. Instead, turn the mascara wand in the tube a few times (open and close it) to get an even coat on the brush.

 

6. Look out for globs of mascara on the brush - they’ll just transfer to your lashes. Roll the brush lightly over a tissue before applying it to your lashes to remove any excess mascara that may clump on your lashes.

 

7. Apply mascara from beneath upper lashes and above lower lashes.

 

8. To apply to upper lashes: Open eyes wide and tilt your head up slightly. Place the brush horizontally against the base of your lashes and roll the brush toward the tips. Move the brush slightly to the side and repeat until you’ve coated all of the lashes.

 

9. To apply to lower lashes: Open eyes wide and again, tilt head up slightly. Holding the brush vertically, carefully stroke the tip from the root to the tip of a few lashes at a time. This takes practice, but the results are worth the trouble.

 

10. To separate lashes, use a metal lash comb. Gently stroke from base to tip of lashes after mascara has dried.

 

11. Use a lash curler either before applying mascara or after mascara has dried.

 

12. To make lashes appear thicker, apply a thin line of eyeliner at the very base of your lashes before applying mascara. With practice, you can use an eyeliner pencil to draw a very fine line along the tops of your lower lashes as well. Use brown or gray instead of black for a more subtle look. The difference it will make in your eyes is dramatic.

 

13. To make lashes appear longer, apply mascara with the wand held vertically as you would for lower lashes. It takes a little bit longer, but the results are stunning.

 

14. Don’t forget the lashes at the corners of your eyes. To apply mascara to the corners of lashes flawlessly: Clean mascara wand to remove any clumps from the tip. Hold the tip of the wand just at the corner of your eye, barely touching the lashes. Blink gently once or twice to coat lashes.

 

15. For really lush lashes on special occasions, try this old Hollywood trick: Apply one coat of mascara. Before it dries, very carefully pat baby powder or face powder along the tips of your lashes. Let dry, then apply a second coat of mascara over the powder and allow to dry.

 

Quick Repair Tip:

If you smudge a bit of mascara while putting it on, dab it with the corner of a folded tissue dipped in moisturizer or cleanser, then wipe away.

Quick Finish Tip:

Carefully fold a facial tissue to get a smooth edge. Gently slide edge up under the eye beneath lower lashes. Gently blink once or twice to remove any excess mascara.

About the Author:

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about women’s issues including clothing and beauty, often discussing specific products such as the Spin Lash.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/tips-for-applying-mascara-605057.html

In this video Janet Collection, a manufacturer of premium quality human and synthetic hair products, gives readers a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply a lace front wig.

The diva was scheduled to perform at tonight’s X Factor Finale but according to sources, backed out at the last minute.

Celebrity hairstylist Dana Gibbs has worked her magic on the manes of Vanessa Williams, Lauryn Hill, Corrine Bailey Rae and Rihanna. In an exclusive interview, she tells Makeup and Mane readers how they can keep their tresses in tip-top shape and look their best this season.

MM: How did you get started in the beauty industry and acquire celebrity clients?

DG: I got started in this business when I moved to New York and built a portfolio doing test shoots with a photographer and makeup artist. I took several years to put my book together well enough for an agent to take me on. Meanwhile, I worked in different salons to build my clientele and sharpen my skills.

Celebrity Stylist Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: What are some of the hottest hairstyle trends for Winter 2008/09? Which styles should we ditch?

DG: Short cuts are still hot during this season and will probably be until next summer. Bobs, pixies and asymmetrical cuts are all the rage. Ditch the super long weaves. Shoulder length and shorter are the hot new weaves and extensions.

MM: Which hair colors will we be seeing more of this season?

DG: Browns are very in right now. All shades, caramel, copper, mahogany and chocolate, and the more colors woven in together the better.

Hairstyling Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: How can readers ensure that their tresses stay in tip-top shape during the colder months?

DG: With it being winter, our hair and skin tends to get dry from the heat and the cold, make sure you add some leave in moisture, as much as possible, during this time. Also, stay away from too much protein as this tends to dry your hair out as well.

Stay away from wool hats and scarves, which have woven fibers that will pull moisture from your hair and also pull your hair out. Keep scarves on the outside of your coat and if you wear a wool hat, wrap your hair up in a silk scarf before putting it on your head, doing this will also help you avoid hat hair. Also be careful of turtle necks sweaters.

Hairstyling by Dana Gibbs - Photography by Jeff Gamble

MM: What are your ‘top product picks’ and in your opinion, which types of products should be avoided and why?

DG: I have to say that my top product pick right now is my leave-in conditioner call SMOOTH ME. This product is so wonderful. Not only does it moisturize and condition the hair, but when used with the heat of the blow dryer, it makes the hair so smooth and silky. I rarely have to use any more products when I am styling the hair.

I am also introducing a line called dana’s loft HAIR. The products are available at my salon and will be on our website, http://www.danasloft.com . In the line we have shampoos, conditioners and styling products. This line is for all hair textures, naturally curly, naturally straight and chemically treated hair.

As far as a product to avoid, I would have to say, leave the protein and the reconstructors to the professionals. This is some intense stuff and if not used properly it can do more damage than good.

dana’s loft HAIR products

MM: Which celebrity styles are you absolutely loving at the moment?

DG: I am really loving Rihanna right now, she has started a whole fashion trend from the bob to the boy cut, and I love that! Also I love Kelis, she has always been ahead of the curve and she never gets credit for it.

MM: What is the #1 hairstyling tip you would like to give our readers?

DG: My tip for your readers would be to leave the chemicals to the professionals. Sometimes when we want to save a buck or two we will try to do the chemicals ourselves, but some things are just best left to the pros. In the end, you might save some money but your hair will suffer in the long run and it’s truly not worth it.

DD: I just opened a new boutique salon on the Lower Eastside in New York City, so I have been spending a lot of time there making sure it comes together.

I am also going to start taping instructional DVD’s very soon. I will be teaching such things as haircuts, colour techniques and weaving/extension techniques; they should be launched next year and will be for sale on our site as well as available in libraries.

UPDATE: The dana’s loft hair  website has recently been revamped and her hair and body products are now available for sale here .

Have you ever wondered how celebrities get that gorgeous glow to their skin? While they may have access to the best skin care experts in the world, they also know a secret that more and more women are discovering. It’s a product they apply before their foundation called skin primers. Skin primers have become a trendy item in the celebrity and modeling world for good reason. These primers can help to hide that “I just woke up look” while they reduce fine lines and give your skin a subtle glow.

While you may not feel like you need another product to apply in the morning, skin primers may be worth the extra effort. Many of these products are silicone based and can fill in flaws and imperfections such as large pores, blemishes, and skin discolorations making them appear less noticeable. Similar to how you apply a primer to a wall before applying a coat of paint, skin primers allow the foundation and make-up you placed on top to look smoother and more polished.

Other advantages to using skin primers is they help to prolong the life of your make-up and helps to normalize skin texture by soaking up excess oils to reduce shine and binding moisture to keep skin moist throughout the day if you suffer from dry skin. Skin primers provide a great deal of functionality for a single, relatively inexpensive product.

How do skin primers work?

The two active ingredients in most of the skin primers are dimethicone and cyclomethicone which smooth and reflect the light so your skin looks more translucent with an almost dewy glow that’s characteristic of youth. Many skin primers contain natural botanicals to further enhance skin health.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

How are skin primers applied to the face?

After cleansing your skin, moisturizing, and applying your sunscreen, a small amount is applied to the fingertips and gently smoothed over the entire face. Once the skin primer has been allowed to dry for at least two minutes, your foundation can be applied in the usual manner followed by your regular makeup. You should notice that your make-up goes on more smoothly and any skin imperfections are less noticeable. The application of a skin primer should only add a few additional minutes to your normal beauty routine. The reward will be more flawless looking skin. You may even find you need less make-up to enhance your skin when you apply a skin primer.

The next time you’re at your favorite cosmetic counter, ask the technician for a sample of a skin primer and try it on your own skin. You can also find less expensive versions at local drugstores that sell cosmetics.