Make Hair Bows & Barrettes

Make hair bows and barrettes that will last all day.

Many girls like to dress up their hair with fun bows and barrettes. However, there are a few problems with traditional hair bows and store-bought barrettes. When you tie a regular ribbon around a ponytail (or pigtails), the ribbon slips out after a few hours. The ribbon can then unravel or fall off the ponytail altogether. On the other hand, store-bought barrettes may stay perfectly in the hair, but they can be expensive. Instead, make both the hair bow and barrettes yourself. This way, you can save money, choose the exact colors that you like, and make the bows to stay in the hair without ever slipping.

Instructions

Alligator Ribbon Clip

1. Apply a small line of fabric glue to one end of a 4 1/2-inch piece of ribbon. The line of glue should be just a little shorter than the length of the alligator clip. Push down on the pinch clip to open the clip. When opened, slide the ribbon (glue side facing up) to the back of the clip. Press on the ribbon to adhere it to the top prong of the clip.

2. Release your fingers from the pinch clip to close the clip. Turn over the clip. Apply a strip of glue to the outside of the top prong of the clip. Fold the ribbon up and press the ribbon down to the topside of the prong, adhering it to the glue.

3. Drop two tiny dots of the glue into the inside of the pinch clips. Fold the ribbon inside, pressing the ribbon to the first glue dot (on the upper pinch clip), then to the second glue dot (lower pinch clip). Hold down the ribbon on each dot of glue to ensure the ribbon adheres.

4. Place a dot of glue to the underside of the very end of the ribbon. Fold the ribbon under the clip and glue it to the underside of the alligator clip.

5. Allow the glue to set for 12 hours before wearing the clip.

Simple Hair Bow

6. Slide the grosgrain ribbon through the middle of a regular hair tie. For pigtails, use two smaller hair ties.

7. Hold onto both ends of the ribbon. Bring the ends of the ribbon up, holding them so they're even and so the hair tie falls to the exact middle of the tie.

8. Tie the ribbon into a simple knot to the hair tie.

9. Put the hair wearing the ribbon into a ponytail. Adjust the hair tie so the ribbon's knot is facing upward.

10. Pull both ends of the ribbon down under the ponytail, crisscross the ribbon ends, then pull them back up to the top of the ponytail. Tie the ribbon into a simple bow. The ribbon will cover the ponytail holder, add color and sweetness to the hair, and will never slip off.

Tags: pinch clip, ends ribbon, Fold ribbon, ribbon into, alligator clip

Relieve Sore Scalp

Relieve a sore scalp with one of these simple home remedies.

It is easy to let sore scalp creep up on you. At first, you just feel the occasional itch. Soon you are trying to resist the urge to scratch in public. You have developed a form of dermatitis under the hair on your head. Depending on the cause, a sore scalp can get progressively worse until it feels like your head is burning. To avoid this scenario, try one of several possible solutions to most scalp infections and irritations.

Dealing with Infections

Treat an infection with antibiotic or antifungal applications. One of the major causes of scalp infections is ringworm. The skin of your scalp will probably appear to have black dots and peel away. This is a very contagious rash. You could give it to someone else if he made too much contact with your head or with your hat or something else that you put on your head. Use over-the-counter products such as ketoconazole to eliminate the infection.

Change Shampoos

Change shampoos to remove the cause of your sore scalp and watch the problem disappear on its own. Many shampoos contain a chemical known as sodium laureth sulfate. This is the ingredient in most shampoos that generates the bubbles which lift dirt and grease from hair follicles so that they wash away when you rinse your hair. This chemical also removes the necessary oiliness of your skin and gives you a dry, itchy scalp. Switch to a shampoo that uses a milder version of this ingredient or neglects to use it altogether.

Use Oils

Massage your scalp and hair with one of the many oils that have healing properties. Oils made from lavender or rosemary contain special antibacterial substances that can eliminate whatever is irritating your scalp. You can make your own by steeping lavender and rosemary flowers in hot water with oatmeal. Strain this liquid and use the resulting oil to rinse your hair and massage your scalp. Use chamomile for the same effect.

Liberate Your Hair

Tying your hair too tightly can irritate the follicles to such a degree that minor eruptions break out around the bases of your hairs. Let you hair down or shave it off for a while. You may see that the soreness goes away.

Tags: your head, your scalp, sore scalp, your hair, lavender rosemary, rinse your

How Much Does Eyelash Perming Cost

How Much Does Eyelash Perming Cost?

Eyelash perming is a cosmetic procedure that uses chemicals to make your curled eyelashes stay in place. Eyelash perming is the permanent solution to eyelash curling, which must be done every day. You can get your eyelashes permed at local salons that offer this service. Eyelash perming is a fairly new procedure that is not yet approved by the F.D.A. Although some consider eyelash perming to be dangerous, the cosmetic procedure may be worth the risk if you are particularly concerned about way your eyelashes curl.

History

Eyelash perming is a new procedure that was developed in the 1990s and gained popularity around 2000. Eyelash perming began at specialty salons in New York and Los Angeles, but you can now find locations for eyelash perming just about anywhere in the United States. Over the past few years, at-home eyelash perm kits have become available, allowing individuals to perm their eyelashes like they would perform an at-home perm on their hair.

Types

The recommended way to get your eyelashes permed is at a salon that specializes in eyelash perming, like The Beauty Box in Los Angeles, or Salon de Grace in New York. An appointment with a specialty salon ranges from $30 to $70 for both lashes. You can also make an appointment with a cosmetician at a hair or nail salon that also performs eyelash perms and eyelash extensions. You may not be given an eyelash perm expert, but the service will be priced a little lower, from $15 to $30 for both lashes.

Considerations

Another way to get your eyelashes permed is to buy an eyelash perming kit at your local beauty supply store or online. Home eyelash perming is not recommended for use without consulting a professional. The gel used in eyelash perming is not approved by the F.D.A., so attempting to perm your own eyelashes is at your own risk. Because eyelash perming gels contain harsh chemicals, take great care not to get the gel on your skin or in your eyes. Follow the instructions exactly if you are going to attempt to perm your eyelashes yourself. An at-home eyelash perming kit ranges in price from $10 to $30.

Effects

The effects of eyelash perming, especially frequent eyelash perming, are breakage, losing eyelashes, burning or itchy eyelids and dry, brittle lashes. There are several eyelash conditioners on the market, but take care to follow the instructions and do not get eyelash conditioner in your eyes. Eyelash conditioners cost from $6 to $100 per tube and are usually applied with a mascara applicator wand. It is safe to use mascara on your permed eyelashes, but always remove the mascara carefully with baby oil or eye-makeup remover and a washcloth before going to bed. Do not attempt to curl permed eyelashes, since they will break and fall off more quickly. Eyelash perms last about 3 months. Do not get eyelash perms more frequently than every 3 months.

Warning

Because eyelash perming is just reaching its height of popularity, long-term effects are not yet known. Eyelash perming gel contains harsh chemicals that are not meant for use around the eyes, including sodium bromate, ammonia and alcohol. Before perming your own eyelashes, speak to a professional and get a consultation. If you experience burning in your eyes or on your eyelids, major eyelash loss or itchy, red eyes, see a doctor and let him know that you have permed your eyelashes. If you get eyelash perming gel in your eyes, contact the Poison Control Center immediately.

Tags: your eyelashes, eyelash perming, eyelash perming, your eyes, eyelash perming, eyelashes permed, perming your

How Long Do Contacts Last

How Long Do Contacts Last?

Different styles of contact lenses have different lifespans. Always take your eye doctor's advice regarding the length of time you should wear yours.

Wearing your contact lenses beyond the recommended date can cause damage to your eyes.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses have the longest lifespan. Even if you wear these for two years, you should still have an annual eye check up to be sure that it is safe to continue wearing the same pair.

Soft Lenses

Soft contact lenses are generally to be worn for one year. If you are going to wear these for longer than a year, check with your optician to see if it is safe.

Disposable Lenses

There are two different types of disposable lenses. One type of disposable lens is only supposed to be worn for 24 hours.

The other type of disposable contact lens has a recommended wearing duration of seven to 30 days.

Colored Lenses

Colored lenses are even available for those with perfect vision. These follow the same lifespan guidelines as typical soft contact lens.

Dangers

Wearing your contact lenses past the recommended time will likely cause eye irritation brought on by deposit buildups. Sometimes eye infections will result from bacteria on the lens. Overuse and lack of care may cause contacts to dry and scratch the eye.

Tags: contact lenses, contact lens, Contacts Last, lenses have, Long Contacts, Long Contacts Last, type disposable

Adjust Hair Clippers For A Closer Cut

Hair clippers can be set to leave hair a variety of lengths.

Hair clippers often are used for men's haircuts to add various levels of length to the hair. Hair clippers have settings that allow you to adjust the length of hair. You may use one setting to cut the hair on top and another setting to cut the hair around the neck and ears. Men's haircuts are much easier to do once you understand the various settings on the hair clippers. Once you have a few guidelines to follow, you can easily adjust the clipper settings and give a great haircut.

Instructions

1. Discuss the type of haircut your client wants. Find out if he wants one length all over his hair or varying lengths on different parts of his head.

2. Set the clippers to the "Off" position and unplug them. Remove any clipper attachments and rid the attachment of any loose hair. Blow off the clippers to make sure there are no hairs hiding inside from previous haircuts.

3. Locate the clipper setting switch. Most clippers have a length adjustment switch located on the handle of the clippers, near the blade. General settings range from numbers 1 to 8. Setting 1 will clip hair to 1/8-inch long. Setting 2, will clip hair to 1/4-inch long. Setting 3 will clip hair to 3/8 inch and setting 4 will cut to 1/2 inch. The clippers may jump from number 4 to number 7. Level 7 will cut hair to 7/8 inch, and level 8 will cut hair to 1-inch long.

4. Slide the switch to the setting you prefer; then add the attachment to the clippers. If you are undecided between which setting to use, test a small section at the longer setting; that way you can lower the setting if necessary.

Tags: clip hair, Setting will clip, will clip, will clip hair, clippers have

Do High Kicks

Do High Kicks

High school and college dance teams are often known for their high kick lines. Perfecting a high kick takes some practice. With flexibility and the proper technique, you can learn to do high kicks.

Instructions

1. Stretch thoroughly before attempting a high kick. Sit in a straddle and reach over toward your foot by bringing your chest down to your leg. Repeat on the other side.

2. Do the splits on the floor before doing high kicks. Go down as far as you can into your splits and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

3. Start your high kick with a preparatory bounce with your feet together. Then kick one leg straight up in front of you toward your nose. Bring it back down with your feet together. Repeat the move with the other leg.

4. Keep your back straight as you kick. Bring your leg up toward your face instead of bending over. Posture is important in a great high kick.

5. Place your right arm over your neighbors and your left hand under your neighbors in a high kick line. Be careful not to press down on your neighbor's shoulders. Everyone should work on uniformity by kicking at the same height in a kick line.

Tags: high kick, toward your, down your, feet together, High Kicks, high kicks, kick line

Make Dance Streamers

Dance Streamer

Streamers can add a lovely dimension to any dance routine. They are especially effective in demonstrating synchronization when used by several dancers performing in a group setting. Streamers can be made at home with some simple supplies, and modified with embellishments to the dancer's specifications.

Instructions

1. Cut a rectangular strip of silk fabric measuring 8 1/2 inches wide and 4 feet long.

2. Fold the strip of silk in half lengthwise, with the wrong side of the fabric facing outward. Use stick pins to hold the fabric together and guide sewing, leaving 1/2 inch of silk from the pins to the edge.

3. Sew the along the edge of the strip, removing the pins as you go. Leave a small portion of the strip open so you can turn the ribbon right side out. Secure the thread when you have finished sewing and cut off the excess.

4. Turn the ribbon so that the sewed edges are on the inside.

5. Attach the ribbon to the wooden dowel by inserting four tacks into the end with the unsewn edge. Your streamer is now ready to use or decorate.

Tags: strip silk