Tips to Choose the Right Haircolor

Hair coloring or dyeing is the process of changing hair color which includes treatment of the hair with various chemical compounds. 

Hair coloring comes from ancient times when plants were the only means of hair dye. The most popular plants of hair dyeing are henna, senna, turmeric, alma, indigo, Cassia obovata, red ochre, leeks  and black walnut hulls. Chemical hair dyes  became popular in the 19th century. Nowadays a multibillion dollar industry stands for hair dyeing which includes both synthetic and plant-derived dyes.

 The main types of hair coloring are:

•    Highlighting, hair is colored with lighter streaks to make blonde colors.

•    Lowlighting, hair is colored with darker hair steaks.

•    New methods of hair dyeing such as ombre  where hair becomes lighter towards the end, or splash lights where a horizontal band of hair color differs from the left from ear to ear.

The following application techniques can be used for these coloring procedures:

•    Foiling, when the pieces of foil are used to separate the coloring sections of hair.

•    Tipping, dip-dyeing, or balayage, when some hair sections are colored and foil or plastic films aren’t used.

•    Cap, tightly placed on the head and strands pulled through with a hook.

All types of color can be applied with these application techniques. Sometimes the hair needs to be bleached for highlights.

There are four widely used classifications of hair coloring which include permanent, temporary, demi-permanent and semi-permanent coloring. Permanent hair coloring is achieved only with the use of oxidation dyes and temporary coloring is available with rinses, gels, foams, sprays, and shampoos.

Here are some useful tips how to choose the right hair color.

1. Observe your skin type. If your skin is olive, darker hair colors best suit you. Lighter hair color may seem fake.  If your skin is pink use ash tones to neutralize your coloring. Any hair color suits pale skin. . In case of yellow hues, deep red and dark brown are safer than yellow, gold, and orange tones.

2.    Observe the clothing that best suits you.

•    If orange, yellow, golden, red, rust or olive green suit you more, warm hair tones such as golden blonde, brown, strawberry blonde and auburn suit you more.

•    If fuchsia, black, pine green or bluish red suit you more, cool hair tones such as ash blonde, brown, burgundy and platinum suit you more.

•    If charcoal gray, teal, periwinkle, purple or red suit you more, neutral tones like beige blonde, sandy blonde, mahogany, chocolate brown  suit you more.

3.    Observe your eye color. People with brown, green or hazel eyes look more natural with warm tones of hair color such as gold, red and auburn shades. People with blue or gray eyes look more natural with cooler tones such as light gold or ash.

You must be aware of the side effects of hair coloring before you change the color. Though coloring effects on hair, very much, the initial condition of the hair matters a lot.

Here are some popular side effects of hair coloring:

•    Bad quality. Many people prefer cheaper hair colors and mostly it affects the hair quality. So, avoid saving money when buying a hair color.

•    Over treating. When the dye or the color is left on the hair much longer than it is needed,  it will affect the hair badly.

•    Allergic reactions. Many people are allergic to hair colors and hair color companies always advise to take a test before coloring.

•    Negative effects of chemicals. All hair colors contain chemicals so try to be aware of all essential whereabouts of your hair dye chemicals.

So before you decide to dye your hair, just be aware of all the important information to avoid unexpected results!

All You Should Know Before Making Dreadlocks

Locks, dreads, or just dreadlocks are mostly related to Rastafari movement, but many other ethnic groups all over the world have also worn dreadlocks.

The first examples of locks are known back to Africa and Egypt. Many ancient Egyptian mummified remains prove this fact. The Old Bible recounts the tale of Samson and Delilah, where Samson’s potency is directly connected with the seven locks of his head.

When reggae became mainstream and popular in ‘70s, dreadlocks became an important fashion statement. Many actors, authors, rappers appeared with dreadlocks. Nevertheless locks are not always worn for religious or cultural reasons. People may wear dreads only for style which is very popular among the youth nowadays.  Even some fashion brands create collections inspired by Rasta and Jamaican style. In the West dreads have become popular among subcultures as hippies, punks or Goths who usually wear artificial dreads made of synthetic hair.

Reasons of making dreadlocks can vary accordingly. Spiritual or religious convictions, a political statement, ethnic pride or just a fashion preference can be the reason of making dreads.

There are many misconceptions about dreadlocks as the person with them don’t wash hair. Most of the dreadlocks need to be washed twice a week. One of the most popular misconceptions is that if one is eager to have nice dreadlocks combing is forbidden, or only black people can gain nice dreads due to their hair texture.

They are matted of hair coils. Because of the wide variety of different hair textures, there are many methods of making dreads like hair backcombing, wool hat rubbing, dread perming, twisting  or the easiest neglect method. They all have both advantages and disadvantages.

Backcombing. This process reaches maturity faster than other methods The shape and the size can be controlled, so you choose from thick and smooth to thin and attractive. But it takes much time and intensive work.

Wool hat rubbing. The advantage of this method is that you can start making locks if you happen you have something wool and you can make it yourself, but it hurts much and hair usually  needs to be cut after trying. So you have to grow out your hair enough before cutting.

Neglect. This method is the easiest and doesn’t need any special products or tools. But it takes at least three years to gain such dreads.

Dread perming. It’s like instant dreads, but it’s a chemical process and usually requires professional maintenance.

Twisting. It’s a natural method and you can choose the size and the formation of your locks. They cost lower than dread perming. But this method works only in African textured hair or Caucasian hair.

How to make dreadlocks at home

All you in for making dreadlocks is nothing more than a lot of patience and dreadlock wax.

Start with clean hair. As the natural oils make your hair slippery, it’s better to start with freshly shampooed hair. Conditioner and other  products must not be added after shampooing and the hair must be fully dry before you start.

Your hair should be sectioned into squares. Each of them will become a dreadlock. You decide how large or small the dreadlocks to be. Wide-toothed comb is needed to part your hair. For more natural look, the squares must be fashioned  in a zig-zag or brick lay format.

The hair sections must be backcombed. Place the comb in the section of hair and tease it down to your scalp. This process must be done several times. Each dread should be backcombed with the same care and patience.

Secure the dreadlocks. Each dread should have two rubber bands, the one next to the scalp and the other securing the end.

Wax the dreads. To keep your dreads from fizzing or fraying, tightening gel or a natural dread wax must be used. The whole stand must be covered with a wax or gel; the lesser, the better. The waxing process needs to be done every 2-4 week.

Dreadlocks require time before they are completely matured despite the hair texture or type. The locking process is a continuous process; the hair continues  to form tighter and tighter knots, the base of each lock continuously follows the pattern that is the more mature sections of the lock.

7 Ways to Build Self Confidence

What is the lack of self confidence? I think it is a feeling of fear, when we are afraid of who we are, what we are doing and how the public accepts us.

I used to be shy when meeting new people, especially when the conversation was boosting, and I should say a word at least. I was nervous about what if they would not like my point, what if I will seem to be dumb for them. Happily, this was at the high school and  long before.

However, from time to time, irrespective of being mature, I face a lack of confidence in certain situations of life. Accordingly, I developed for myself some important tips to feel secure and confident in different circumstances, and perhaps, you will find them useful for yourself.

1. Find out the fears making you anxious and nervous.

"What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it."

Jiddu Krishnamurti

Any problem escaped will still find its way back to you. It's not an easy process for a person to face his or her fear, but we should approach it with understanding, that one time we face it, learn and understand it, next time things will be easier for us. Take one step, the next one will come itself.

2. Exercise regularly. The possible good shape of your body will not only attribute to your physical health, but also increase your self confidence. Most of the time it's our physical shape and fitness builds up the considerable part of our self confidence. The good thought about your body shape and health will lead you to positive thoughts. As far as exercise helps to release endorphins and serotonin, the good mood will be guaranteed.

3. Take care of your physical appearance not only through exercise, but also through your clothes and style. We do not judge people by their appearance, man is not a man for his clothes, but the important thing is how we accept ourselves first. Reject buying piles of cheap clothes; instead buy a few and good quality ones.  This way you will save money as well, because expensive clothes wear out not that easily and last longer.

4. Walk faster and pay attention to your posture. People walking fast manifest their being busy, having some destination of a goal that is on the way to be fulfilled; it may be hurrying to work or just going to the bakery to buy bread. When you try to be unnoticed, keep your shoulders unsteady, people will not notice you definitely. Empower yourself with your sharp and fast walk and a steady straight posture to show that you are enthusiastic about what you do, that you love what you do.

5. Take a piece of paper and write down all the good qualities you have, point your achievements in life and compliment yourself. Sometimes one forgets about all the positive in his life, by focusing only on the bad things. It's time to sit in front of the mirror with the list of your best qualities and achievements and state them for yourself in an aloud voice. Believe me, this is one of the powerful technique for facing yourself, accepting your individuality the way it is.

6. Smile without a particular purpose; sure, you are not paid to smile, but when you smile you pay yourself with a good mood and positive thoughts. Do good to the others, see their faces brighten up. The positive you do will return to you. It's easier to smile than to frown your face for which you spend much more energy than in the case  smiling. 

7. Be grateful for all the things, for all the people you have in your life. Value life with its good and bad sides (facing fears and problems). When you appreciate things you have, you set up the way for other possibilities and success find their way to you much easily.

The Benefits of Green Tea

Green came from China, and the leaves are from Camellia Sinensis. Though it originates from Asia, it has become more widespread in West.

According to the researches of the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea is the second widely consumed beverage after only water.
The research shows that green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease and some types of cancer.

The content of flavonoids of green tea is higher than in the same content of another food or drink items, however, the content of flavonoids may vary highly.

The legendary origins of the consumption have begun more than 4.000 years ago. In most of Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam green tea has been used as both  a medicine and beverage to help from controlling bleeding, healing wounds, regulating blood sugar, body temperature, and promoting digestion.

There are several main types of green tea: Chinese (Jasmine tea, Mao Feng), Japanese (Gyokuro, Sencha), green tea from Ceylon and Kahwah.

A variety of enzymes, caffeine, carotenoids, amino acids, carbohydrates, sterols, lipids,  vitamins,  polyphenols, dietary minerals and phytochemicals are contained in green tea. There are many claims for the health benefits of green tea. According to a 2012 systematic review,  there is an evidence that green tea can prevent cancer, but the review was called ‘’inadequate and inconclusive’’ nevertheless there are several types of cancer (breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate) for which green tea is helpful.

There is a variety of ways of processing and growing green tea. Maximum amounts of antioxidants and polyphenols are retained due to these methods and accordingly they give maximum green tea benefits.

1000s of studies have shown tea’s benefits in the last 20 years. Here is a list of some benefits of green tea about which you may not have been aware of.

•    Weight Loss. Metabolism is increased due to the green tea. Green tea contains polyphenol that helps to intensify the rate at which food is turned into calories and levels of fat oxidation.

•    Diabetes. Glucose levels are regulated with the help of green tea slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. High insulin spikes can be prevented by green tea, which results in fat storage.

•    Heart Diseases. Scientifically it is proved that green tea helps to keep the lining of blood vessels stay relaxed and be better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. Green tea is the perfect solution against formation of clots, which is the primary cause of heart attacks.

•    Esophageal cancer. The possible risk of esophageal cancer can be reduced due to the green tea. And it is thought to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy tissue around them.

•    Cholesterol. Bad cholesterol in the blood is reduced, and the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol is improved by green tea.

•    Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is believed that the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is delayed due to the green tea.

•    Tooth Decay. Studies reveal that the chemical antioxidant ‘’catechin’’ contained in tea can destroy viruses and bacteria which cause dental caries, throat infections and other dental conditions.

•    Blood Pressure. It is thought that regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

•    Depression. It is thought that theanine found in tea leaves provides a tranquilizing and relaxing effect and gives a great benefit to tea drinkers.

•    Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Being strong antibacterial and antiviral agents, tea catechins are effective for influenza to cancer.

•    Skincare. Green tea helps with wrinkles and the signs of aging due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Green tea can reduce sun damage which is demonstrated by both animal and human studies.

These are some of the many benefits of green tea, but a cup of tea will not give you all the abundant gains. Another thing to mention is that a cup of green tea is your limit if you are sensitive to caffeine.

As for me, I am a green tea drinker for the love of the taste. I prefer flavored Jasmine tea (it is one of the most popular teas in the world). Cheap Jasmine tea, the kind you get at some Chinese restaurants or markets, is often made with artificial flavors and low-grade teas and tastes like a bad perfume. Good quality Jasmine green teas have been naturally scented with real jasmine flowers and have a delicious sweet floral flavor that many people love. Green tea has the best taste prepared with nearly boiling water. Too hot water can cause bitterness.