Most Women Do Not Have Flat Bellys.

 

I have ended up working out to a few of those more hard core videos.  The ones where they have women who have a perfectly flat belly.  They jump up and down, can do the fancy planks and other movements while leaving me behind in the dust.  The other day on one of my videos the instructor commented that the goal was not going after "a six pack belly".  Since I've been working hard to get rid of the belly I seem to have acquired in the second half of 2022, it made me wonder if perhaps I was wrong thinking the end goal is a flat stomach.

I have been working hard to get a better belly over the past 6 weeks.  I have a more defined waist, I can see the bottom of my ribs gently outlined, and I am seeing more of my abdomen but it is not flat.  According to several things I've read, very few women can actually achieve a flat stomach.

One reason many women are not able to get a totally flat stomach is because they have something extra that men do not.  Women have reproductive organs in the abdomen area and these organs require a bit of extra padding in addition to having space for the stomach, the intestines, and liver.  Our bodies are designed to start adding fat when we enter puberty to prepare us for our childbearing later on.  

In addition, men and women tend to lose weight differently.  Men lose it from their visceral fat first which is the fat behind the abdomen muscles while women lose the subcutaneous fat that lies just below the skin. Furthermore, some women have issues with their hormone regulation which makes it harder to lose the visceral fat.  

It has been suggested that women should focus on having a stronger core rather than trying to fight against their body when they go after a flat stomach.  If you don't have a strong core, you won't have strong body and you may end up with injuries you would not otherwise get.  Just remember having a set of 6 pack abdomens does not mean you have a strong core and vice versa. The thing is, the idea of having a good set of abs has been with us since the Ancient Greeks.  A person who had those great abs was considered special and draw people's eyes to their physicality.  It was the "If I have these great abs, you can work hard and get them too."  Unfortunately, this isn't true for most women.

In the 1990's when videos hit the market showing people how to get "Abs of Steel", they sold millions looking for the magic bullet. Over time, it has become the gold standard for women, the ability to acquire that set of flat abdomens but in general, most women will not accomplish this goal because of their biology as mentioned at the beginning.  Their bodies are designed for child bearing so the body prepares itself, even if we never plan to have children.

I honestly think, at this point, I will settle for a toned body, strong core, and say the hell with expectations and proudly display my body (poofy belly included) in a bikini.  Don't let the person leading the class who might have a flat stomach, make you think you need one.  You don't.  You just need to be healthy with a strong core. Celebrate yourself.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.

Looking Almost Alien

 

So Alive

 These look so alive, don't they?

The Types Of Perms.

I ended up with relatively wavy/curly hair that I wear long as a way of keeping it under control.  I have never had a perm but my mother who was born with fine, thin, hair got a permanent twice a year like clockwork.  I only thought there was one type of perm because my mother got the same one but since I did the research on the difference between relaxers and perms, I discovered there are quite a few different types of perms.

So let's start with the spiral perm. This perm is best for hair that is shoulder length or longer. In general, the hair is rolled vertically so that when it is done, you end up with tight, twisty, bouncy curls.  They add a nice amount of body to your hair and last about six months before they start loosening.

Next is the body wave perm which adds volume and the waves look more natural.  The hair is rolled on larger rollers so the waves look larger and looser and more relaxed. This is a good choice for people with really straight hair that doesn't curl well.  It usually lasts between three and five months before having to be redone. 

Then you have the beach wave perm.  It creates waves that make you look like you just came back from the beach. It allows you to have a nice casual look without a lot of effort.  To get this look, the hair is rolled on springy spongey, rollers and the look lasts about four months. 

Don't forget the digital perm which is one of the hottest things coming out of Japan recently.  This method uses infra-red heat transmitted thorough temperature controlled rods to create loose waves and volume at the top of tight ringlets.  In this process, they also use gentle chemicals to recondition and repair the hair at the same time.

If you have shorter hair, think about a pin curl perm. This process uses both curlers and pins to create a bunch of tight, bouncy curls that have movement. The tightness or looseness of the curls will depend on the size of the curlers used.  In addition, the chemicals used in this perm tend to be gentler but the perm doesn't last as long, only about three to six months.

There is also the spot or partial perm is only applied to specific parts the head rather than to the whole head. This perm can be used to cover thin spots, add volume to certain areas, or even out the whole look so it is more uniform.  When done properly, the new curls will blend with the older ones so it looks great.

On the other hand, you might check out the stack perm which is also a partial perm but it is applied to the middle and ends of the hair rather than the roots. It is used to add volume and give the illusion of having layers. They use different sized rods and curlers to accomplish this easy to care for look. It tends to last between four and five months.

Next is the root perm which is where the perm is only done on the two to four inch area closest to the hair roots.  It adds lift and volume and is great if you have already permed hair that has grown out some.  Using the root perm on the new growth decreases the chances of damage to the already permed areas. They are easy to take care of  but only last about a month, so you have to have them regularly touched up.

Now, if you want something that has different sized curls, you might think about the multi-textured perm.  This perm is produced by using different sized rollers and curlers, so you end up with a combination of tight and loose curls resulting in a very natural look.  It is best on folks with medium length or longer hair and it tends to last a few months.

There is also the volumizing perm which uses a combination of loose curls and waves to create volume in the hair and is great for all types of hair.  It is accomplished by using a variety of different sized rods and then the rods are taken out when the neutralizing liquid is applied so the curls form loosely. These tend to be among the least expensive types of perm but they also don't last that long.

Finally, is the straightening perm which was mentioned last time. In this, the solution is applied and no rods or curlers are used. A flat iron is applied to the hair to make it straight. This process can take between six and eight hours so it takes a long time but it lasts between six and seven months at a time. 

So now you know about the different types of perms so you know which one is better for your circumstances.  I would recommend having it done by a professional and you can discuss with them which would be best.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day. 

The Difference Between Relaxers And Perms

This is from Hair Buddah.  I was watching one of those hair fails he does where someone had permed their hair and then relaxed it and it left their hair in terrible shape.  He mentioned something about one breaks bonds and puts it together one way and the other does it a slightly different way so I decided I wanted to find out the difference and I'm sharing it with you.

Although some people think they are the same, they really aren't.  Both relaxers and perms rely on using chemicals to create a certain look, it is opposite looks.  One is to curl your hair and one is to get rid of the curl.  In addition, there is a reverse perm which is designed to straighten it.  So lets look at each of these step by step.

The perm, short for permanent wave, uses chemicals and curling rods to create curl in straight hair.  The mixture is absorbed by the hair which makes a permanent change.  Due to the nature of perms, women with curly hair can use them to enhance the curls or to make nice waves.  In the reverse perm, uses the exact same chemicals as the regular perm but instead of using curling rods, a flat iron is used to straighten it. When hair is straightened using a reverse perm, it lasts up to six months.

The process to get a perm generally requires the hair to be placed around a specific type of curling rod.  Then they are saturated in a solution containing ammonium thioglycolate which causes the hair bonds to break so that their structure can be changed. Consequently, the hair on the rods will then take the shape of the curlers or curling rods. After about 15 minutes, the solution is rinsed out of the hair without removing the rods, then a neutralizing solution is applied to reform bonds so the curls stay in the hair. About 5 minutes later, the rods are removed, the hair is gently blow dried, and your hair has lovely new curls.

On the other hand, relaxers usually have stronger chemicals which cause the hair to be straightened without using any tools.  Although the chemicals can be stronger than those used for a perm, the results only last about three months. The process for relaxing hair is to apply a solution which breaks the hair bonds so the curls are relaxed and hair straightened. 

Usually, when starting the process, the scalp is covered with something to protect it from the chemicals.  Then the relaxer cream should be applied evenly all over the hair but the strands should not be stretched.  The cream is then left for about 15 minutes on the hair before it is washed out with a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner.  There are three types of relaxers, the lye relaxer, the non-lye relaxer, and the relaxer with the ammonium thioglycolate in it.  Yes, this is the same ingredient used in perms but when used in a relaxer, it is found at a higher concentration.

So know you know the differences between perms and relaxers.  On Friday, I'll look at the different types of perms so if you are considering a perm, you have a much better idea of which one to get. One thing to keep in mind is that if you bleach your hair, you should not be getting a perm or relaxing it otherwise you could end up with extremely damaged hair. So let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Crossing The Midline

 

The other day during one of the exercise sessions, the leader stated that it was important to exercises that crossed the midline.  Of course, my mind immediately wanted to know why it was important since I'd never heard that before. I know that many of the exercises require me to stretch across the midline but I assumed it was to stretch the body.

Crossing the midline refers to moving one part of the body so it crosses an imaginary vertical line that runs down the middle of the body from head to toe.  It also refers to twisting the body or leaning over across the line.  

Examples of this movement include reaching an arm or leg across the body, twisting or rotating the body like when you put hands out and twist the upper body so one hand is moved around behind the body, or leaning the body over the body such as in a side crunch.  

Technically, crossing the midline is considered a gross motor skill that requires the body to coordinate the hands or feet with the body when the arms or legs move.  In fact it also relates to fine motor skills and bears upon functional skills so if you have trouble crossing the midline, it means you will be challenged performing functional tasks.  Consequently, having the ability to cross the midline actually connects core strength to functionality.

In the end, crossing the midline helps both sides of the brain learn to work together. It is important for the brain to synchronize the two sides of the brain because each side controls different parts of the body and it needs to develop the ability to coordinate both sides for the best results. What is most interesting is that the left side of the brain coordinates the right side of the body while the right side of the brain coordinates the left side of the body. Crossing the midline helps the two sides of the body work together so you can move, twist, reach, etc.

So this is why it is important to include exercises which have you crossing the midline.  It helps develop and keep the signal pathways strong and helps us as we age.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Got Instead

 Got instead due to power outage in my area.

Planned.

Planned a nice fancy dinner.

 

8 Types Of Hair Dye

 

Yes, it can be quite confusing when you hit the aisle at the grocery store with the dyes, or you head to Sally's for help.  Choices, choices, and more choices but which do you want. So today, I'm looking at the 8 different types of hair dyes so you have a better idea of what you are looking for.  

The first type of hair dye is classified as a temporary dye because it coats the outside of the hair shaft and washes out easily. It has large molecules so they cannot be absorbed into the hair follicle.  So when you wash your hair, the color comes out and your hair returns to its original shade.  This allows you to try a darker hue or shade but will not allow you to go lighter.

Next is the semi-permanent dye which is also a temporary dye but it lasts longer than a standard temporary dye. It will not lighten hair, cover grey, or change your actual hair color.  A semi-permanent dye does not use ammonia or hydrogen peroxide and does not need a developer so it only lasts up to eight washes. Specifically, it deposits color on the hair itself thus acting as a sheer coating.  This means if you wash hair like twice a week, the color should last almost four weeks.  Semi-permanent hair dye is great for blending the gray while adding shine and body to hair.

Then you find the demi-permanent dye which is half way between a semi-permanent and a permanent hair color. This dye is not permanent, may use a low amount of ammonia or hydrogen peroxide and  does use a developer so the color can last up to 24 washes.  It penetrates the hair shaft rather than simply coating it which is why it lasts longer.  They can darken the hair but are not as good as covering grey and will not lighten your hair.  

If you want something to last longer, you'll need a permanent hair dye.  It lasts longer because it requires a more complex chemical processing so it penetrates your hair even more.  Most permanent dyes contain ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, couplers, and a colorless dye precursors  The color can last months without fading but will have to be reapplied so it looks like new.  In addition, it covers grey hair completely so if you aren't ready for grey, this will hide it nicely. Basically, a permanent hair dye opens up the hair shaft, takes a bit of color out, puts in the new color, and closes it up again.  Depending on the color you use and the color of your hair, you'll need to recolor your hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

On the other hand, if you are covering your gray roots, you'll want a root concealer.  Root concealers may be a spray, powder, or liquid,  can be either temporary or permanent.  This is best used when you are between dye jobs and just want a quick touch-up.  

Of course, if you want to lighten your hair, you'll have to resort to a bleach.  It requires either a bleach powder or cream mixed with a developer to open the shaft so the color can be bleached out.  It can lead to damaged hair so one must be careful.  

Second to last is a hair gloss which is a product that adds a tint of color to your hair, makes it look vibrant, smooth, and shiny.  It is easy to use.  Once you've chosen a color near your own shade, you want to comb it through your clean damp hair, wait 15 minutes before washing it out.

Finally is henna.  Yes, you can use henna to dye your hair but it can take quite a while to provide the color you want.  It is a nice option if you are allergic to normal hair dyes.  So now, you have a better idea of what the different types of hair dye are and can make an informed choice.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Moisturizer versus Cold Cream

 

My grandmother was a woman who used cold cream all her life, specifically Pond's brand but my mother used moisturizer.  My mother was also the one who said to use moisturizer every day.  I always thought cold cream was for getting rid of make-up but after a bit of research, I'm not all that sure.  In addition, I discovered there are three types of moisturizers.  Something I didn't know. 

Let's start with the three types of moisturizers before looking at the question of whether one should use a moisturizer or cold cream.  The first type of moisturizer is the oil-based or emollients.  This one can come in a gel, lotion or ointment form but it is designed to replace lipids lost from the skin. So it hydrates and smooths dry and rough skin.  In addition, it helps balance your skin so the chances of inflammation are reduced.

The second is a water-based moisturizer or humectants. This type of moisturizer takes moisture out of the air and adds it to your skin. Humectants usually contain amino acids, lactic acid, glycerol, and hyaluronic acid.  The last type is the occlusives which makes a barrier between your skin and the environment. Since they contain silicon, wax, or certain oils, they prevent moisture loss and are quite thick. 

Cold cream on the other hand is an emulsion of water in oil or fat. In general, cold cream is made up of equal amounts of water and oil or fat with an emulsifier to keep them mixed, and a thickener. It got it's name because it feels cold when applied to the skin. Cold cream is able to penetrate the outer layer of skin but is unable to go as deeply as a water based product.  Furthermore, due to the oils in the mixture, the cream is more likely to sit on your face like a mask rather than a moisturizer.

Now lets look at the uses of moisturizers and cold creams. In today's society, cold creams are considered ultra-rich and ultra-moisturizing product. They are considered good at repairing, coddling, and moisturizing  extremely dry skin. Although cold creams have been used for years to remove makeup, it is highly recommended on use a product designed specifically to remove make up because cold cream can block pores and cause breakouts if it is not removed properly. If you have oily skin, it is recommended you not use cold cream. 

On the other hand, moisturizers tend to be formulated so a version can be found for most any skin.  In addition, they are designed to be used everyday to hydrate the skin and help it remain in good shape.  Furthermore, most moisturizers tend to be lighter than most cold creams so they don't weigh your skin down as much. 

So which should you use?  It depends on your skin but if you have extremely dry skin, look at the cold cream but otherwise stick with a standard moisturizer.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to know.  Have a great day.

The Different Types Of Conditioners

 

If you are like me, you grew up using just shampoo and conditioner but as you grew and learned more, you discovered leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, and hair masks. I often wonder what each one does and if you need all of them.  I currently use conditioner and leave-in conditioner so I can comb my hair after I've washed it.

Let's start with conditioner.  Conditioner is used right after rinsing the shampoo from your hair and is considered a surface conditioner. It is designed to fill in the gaps in the cuticle.  They only moderately penetrate the hair strand and only provide a mild does of hydration and smoothing effect.  After you leave it in a couple of minutes, you rinse it out, and you are done.  Conditioner is designed to stabilize the pH of your hair, detangle it, while adding moisture and shine. It can be used every time you wash your hair.

The leave-in conditioner is the lightest weight conditioner.  It is most often used on freshly washed and conditioned hair to help detangle the hair, reduce frizz, help maintain moisture in the hair, or refresh curls.  This can be used immediately after washing your hair or use it during the week to refresh your hair.

Before we actually discuss deep conditioners and masks, we'll look at what each one is. A hair mask is designed to revive and enhance the hair leaving it softer, silkier, and should only be used once a week since  it can help rebuild the hairs protein structure, improve the hair's elasticity, and enhance the ability of the hair to retain moisture. This product should only be used once a week or once every other week depending on the type of hair you have. A hair mask should not be over used.

A deep conditioner could either be a mask or a leave-in conditioner.  If you wash it out, it is a mask and if you leave it in, its a leave-in conditioner. However a deep conditioner is often used in place of a conditioner if you have dry or damaged hair because you only want the conditioning benefits.

Basically the differences between hair masks and deep conditioning are based on your need. A deep conditioner is only about conditioning.  Its about wanting your hair to be hydrated so its silky and shiny but the hair mask is used to help rebuild the hair structure by adding protein. As stated earlier, if you rinse a deep conditioner out it is actually classified as a hair mask. In addition, a deep conditioner can be used more often than a hair mask but if your hair becomes oilier, cut back on the use of your deep conditioner.  

A deep conditioner is thicker and is left on the hair from 10 to 30 minutes.  These are designed to penetrate the shaft of the hair further so it nourishes the cuticle. Hair masks contain proteins and amino acids and are often left in the hair for a specified period of time.  So now you know the big differences among conditioner, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, and masks and can choose the product you need with your situation. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

No Snow? No Problem

 No snow around for snow boarding?  Try going down the side of a sand dune.

Flying In Air

 

Bleaching Hair At Home

 First off, if you want  ice blond hair, do it at the salon because it is too easy for things to go wrong.  If you use the wrong developer or bleach it too many times, you can damage your hair to the point that it falls out by the handful.  Watch Hair Buddah on Youtube.  He analysis hair fails, tells you what's done correctly and what's done incorrectly so you have a better idea of what to do.  If you decide you really want to go blonde at home, I'll talk about the steps.

Before you even buy any product, make sure you hair is in good shape.  Your results can end up badly if you've dyed your hair before and you want to go lighter.  In addition, there are three areas where you could have problems during the process.  The first is choosing the wrong product because different hair needs different strengths or a different variation of the product.  The second problem is unevenly applying the product if you are trying to do it yourself.  It helps if you have a friend who can help you, especially in regard to doing the back. Finally, it is important to get the timing exactly right.

As far as supplies go, you will need a liquid or powder lightener (bleach) and a 20 volume developer.  Although, developers come in a variety of volumes but 20 volume is the best. Although it takes longer, it is less likely to hurt your hair.  A 20 volume developer requires it be done twice but don't use anything higher if you want to keep your hair in better shape.   It is better to invest in the individual products rather than using a box bleaching kit because you don't always know what the strength of the developer. 

You will also need a toner but be careful because the toner might be darker than you want. Wella has some nice toners.  You will also need a shirt you can get messy, a brush, bowl, gloves, plastic cap, a large comb and a tail comb.  You have shampoo and conditioner around the house already so you are set on that.

First mix the lightener and developer so its on the thicker side, sort of like a nice yoghurt.  Divide your hair into four sections and clip each section. Take one section and divide it into smaller sections.  Apply the bleach so each section is saturated before moving on to the next large section and repeat until all the hair is completely saturated with the bleach mixture. cover with the shower cap and let sit for exactly how long the directions state.  

If you begin with dark brown hair, you will probably lift the color to an orange.  You will have to repeat the process a second time to bring it up to a nice blond.  Rinse your hair, then wash and condition it.  Apply the toner, rinse, and let dry.  Use purple shampoo and conditioner the next time you wash your hair to help the tone.  

Things to keep in mind when doing it.  When you check your hair, check it under natural sunlight rather than the florescent lights in the bathroom.  This will give you a better idea of the actual color.  If you get a pale yellow, that is a great color. 

If you are set to bleach your hair at home, take time to look at videos created by hair professionals on YouTube so you get a better result.  Hair Buddah or Brad Mondo are two I've watched but personally I prefer Hair Buddah since he takes time to explain in detail why you do or do not do something.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Things To Know Before Dyeing Your Hair At Home.

 

I admit, I have always dyed my hair at home, ever since I started going grey early.  I didn't want to be seen as "old" before I hit that time.  Unfortunately, many folks see women with grey hair as old but men with grey hair are distinguished.  I am not doing any wild colors, just something dark that matches the rest of my hair.  

Today, I'm looking at just dyeing your hair the same color rather than trying to go super blond so that you can turn it blue, green, rainbow, or stay blonde.  That is a topic, I'll handle another day.

So what things should you look for if you want to keep the same color or change it within a shade lighter or darker.  Some of what I'm covering is also applicable to any dye product you use at home.  First of all, don't believe the color of hair displayed by the model on the box since the color shown is never accurate.  Somewhere on the box, there should be a panel showing what you start with and what it should look at the end and those are more accurate. 

Now, if you are buying a permanent dye, took for a shade darker because the developer will leave you with a slightly lighter shade so you'll get the shade you want.  On the other hand, if you are using a semi-permanent dye, choose a shade lighter because they do not have a developer and they will get darker and darker, the longer you leave it on your hair.  Now if your hair is below your shoulders, buy two buys of box dye to ensure you have enough to do the job unless you are only doing the roots and then you can get by with one box.  Always mix the dye in a plastic or glass bowl because if it is mixed in a metal bowl may oxidize it and change the color.

Think about the type of hair you have.  If it is frizzy, coarse, or curly, it will absorb the color faster they tend to become cooler toned.  On the other hand, if you have fine or medium hair, the strands will not absorb the color as quickly and will become more warm toned. So choose the tone based on your type of hair. If you are targeting grey, you only need to color the part of the hair that is grey.

When dyeing your hair, section, section, section it so you don't end up with patchiness, lines of weird colors, or anything else.  You want to divide your hair up into four sections to begin with and then section each section into smaller units so you are able to soak or saturate all the hair.  For best results, you want the hair totally saturated.  

Finally, make sure you leave your hair down until the time has run out. If you put it up in a bun like you see the models on television, you will not get a nice even color.  In addition, just before you rinse your hair, sprinkle a bit of water on your head and mush it around for a few seconds.  This causes the dye to emulsify so you don't end up with any lines or streaks.  

Once you've rinse the dye out of your hair, you must condition it or the cuticles won't close so the dye will continue darkening.  Finally, if you don't like the color, you can tweak it by applying a deep conditioner to your hair while it is still wet.  Then cover it with plastic and top it with a warm wet towel for about 20 minutes.  If you want, at 10 minutes, you can use a blow dryer on it. Once time is up, shampoo and condition it again and hopefully you'll have a shade you like.  If not, you might have to head to the salon to get it taken care of.

Next time, I'll talk about bleaching your hair in a more safe way at home so hopefully, you don't have a fail and you don't kill your hair.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

  

Exercising Through Planes Of Motion.

 

When you exercise, you do so many different movements.  You bend, twist, lift up, and so many more things.  While moving around, you move through the three planes of motion and when you exercise, the best and most effective exercises have you moving through these planes.

The first plane of motion is the sagittal plane. This is an imaginary line that divides the body into the left and right sides. This is the plane that most of the exercises use.  Deadlifts, squats, rows, pull ups and presses are the ones that use it most. 

Movements that occur when moving the first plane of motion include flexion or the decreasing of movement between two bones, extension or the increasing of movement between two bones, dorsiflexion or where you move the toes towards the shins and plantarflexion where you flex the toes so the sole moves towards the floor and you are pointing the toes.

The second plane of motion involves the frontal plane.  This is where an imaginary line divides the body into front and back segments.  This is the plane where lateral movements take place and is often part of the warm-up.  Arm raises, leg raises, and side shuffles use this plane of motion.

Movements in this plane include adduction which is movement towards the midline, abduction or the opposite where movement is away form the midline, elevation or raising into a superior position at the scapula,  depression, the opposite, is movement into the inferior position at the scapula.  inversion which is lifting the foot on the side with the big toe and eversion is lifting the side of the foot with the pinkie toe. 

The third or final plane, is the transverse plane.  This plane is also divided into half but along the middle so your body is divided into the top and bottom planes. This plane runs perpendicular to the other two planes.  Movements in this plane are responsible for any twisting or rotational movements.  Examples of exercises which use this movement mostly are the clamshell, or twisting lunges.  

In general, an exercise program will have exercises that are in the sagittal plane of movement.  Exercises in the transverse plane are more for activation, warmups or as an accessory.  Movements in the frontal plane are more for warm-ups and accessory movements towards the end of the work out.  

Movements in this plane include rotation both inward and outward, the pronation which is rotation of the wrist and hand in the direction of the thumb, supination or the rotation of the wrist and hand in the direction of the pinkie, and the horizontal flexion and extension.

This is probably a bit more than you wanted to know.  I heard this term on one of my exercise DVD's and as I write this entry, I can see how each exercise is effecting which part of the body and which movement it is using.  I find that so cool.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Rather Watch From Here

 I'd rather be in front of a warm crackling fire with a cup of hot chocolate. 

Beautiful To Look At

 

So beautiful to look at!

Do You Need A Scalp Massager

If you check the internet for scalp scrub, you might also run across a scalp massager.  It is claimed that if you use a scalp massager regularly on your scalp, your hair will grow faster but is that true. Lets explore the answer to that today.  A scalp massager is a tool that is used to massage your scalp.  The idea is by using one, you loosen debris and dandruff, exfoliate the scalp, and improve follicle circulation.  In addition, scalp massagers help relieve tension and stress while improving the effects of hair products and serums. Usually a scalp massager has either soft silicone or synthetic bristles to brush away debris. 

A scalp massager works by sliding across the scalp.  In addition, you'll find scalp massagers come in two types, manual which can be used on wet hair and electrical which must only be used on dry hair. There are different shapes for the bristles, some look like individual antennae for use only on dry hair or shampoo brushes to use on wet hair.  When using this type of massager, it should be used in circular motions around the head.  If you have dandruff, it is best to use the massager in the shower because water loosens and softens the dead skin cells so it comes off easier.  On the other hand, if you have thinning hair, use the scalp massager before applying hair products because it dilates blood cells so they  absorb everything better.  

Let's look at the claim that using a scalp massager makes hair grow faster.  Unfortunately, that isn't true but it does help with blood circulation.  So if someone is experiencing hair loss due to poor circulation, this tool can help. In addition, it can help keep dandruff under control and helps with the overall health of the hair.  Although it won't cause your hair to grow, it does feel as if you are giving your head a massage.  It feels good because their are nerve endings in your scalp and the gentle rubbing massages them. 

When you go shopping for a scalp massager, look for one that is gentle and has some scientific research to back it such as the Queenwill scalp massager, Maxsoft Scalp Care brush, or UIMagic scalp massager.  Lets talk about how you use the scalp massager in more detail. As far as how long they should be used, it is suggested they be used for three minutes on dry hair and one to two minutes on wet hair.  When applying it to the scalp, use light to medium pressure because if you press any harder, you could irritate or damage your scalp.  If you suffer from a dry scalp, think about using a hair oil as part of the massage to help hydrate the hair and sooth the scalp.

Although using a scalp massager is not a necessity, it is a good addition to your self help routine.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great weekend.

Scalp Scrubs.

 

It is winter and most of us are familiar with what to do to keep our hair hydrated in winter.  We know not to take hot showers, wash hair only a couple times a week, Use a leave in conditioner and a mask for extra hydration, avoid using hot water when washing hair, instead of a towel use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to blot or dry your hair so you don't break any strands, always wear a hat when going outside, and never leave with wet hair.  In addition.  get your hair trimmed regularly and if you spot split ends, go in for a trim. 

The one thing we forget about, either in winter or in summer is our scalp.  Hair tends to grow better when it is healthier.  Scalp scrubs are designed to get rid of product buildup, dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells, all of which can make your hair dull because they end up around the roots. Your scalp produces a certain amount of natural oil to maintain the health of your hair and scalp but if it produces too much, you need to get rid of the excess.

To clean your scalp, you need either a chemical or physical exfoliant and you want a scalp scrub that is designed for your type of scalp.  If you use a scrub designed for an oily scalp on your dry scalp, you could end up with an even dryer scalp.  Regular use of a scalp scrub can decrease any irritation or dandruff you experience due to excess oil and eliminate product buildup that you can't get rid of through normal shampooing. 

A physical exfoliant is a physical ingredient used to scrub your scalp and  might contain salt, charcoal, sugar, clay, nuts, fruit pits, or plant extracts. It is important that the scrub containing a  physical  exfoliant have micro sized pieces and not the larger ones because the larger exfoliant pieces can cause micro tears which is not good.  A chemical exfoliant is an ingredient that gently causes the skin to come off and might contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicyclic acid. 

Now if have a scalp that feels like a greasy pizza by the end of the day, you most likely have an oily scalp.  Look for a scrub that contains the BHA chemical exfoliant or zinc, both of which are good for absorbing excess oil. On the other hand, if your notice flakes accumulating around the roots of your hair and you seldom have any oil, you probably have a dry scalp and you want a scrub containing vitamin B-5 as that ingredient helps nourish your hair and helps prevent a dry scalp.

If you have an irritated, itchy scalp with flakes, you want a scrub to help with both.  Look for a scrub with charcoal, mints, and even tea tree oil as the charcoal helps get rid of flakes and the other ingredients are good for soothing the itch.  For a sensitive scalp, look for a scrub with salicylic acid and perhaps palm seed powder to gently exfoliate the scalp. 

We looked at types of scalps, now lets look at the types of hair.  If your hair is fine or you find you easily get a build up, you'll want a scrub with a slightly larger exfoliant such as sugar since it nicely unclogs hair follicles while washing away any product buildup. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, you might find you end up with an oily scalp while the rest of the hair strands are dry. Look for a scrub that has both charcoal and an oil like coconut oil since it both exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. 

Now if you color your hair, you want to avoid chemical exfoliation since that can dull and even strip the color.  Look for a gentle exfoliating scrub that has very few additives.  If you have normal hair and a normal scalp, you can use what ever you want but I'd look for a scrub designed for a normal scalp. 

So you might want to start using a scalp scrub at least once a week if you use a lot of hair products or wash your hair about once a week, otherwise do it every few weeks as needed.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.

Best Ingredients For Skin Hydration.

 It is important to keep our skin hydrated year round.  There are certain seasons when it is much harder to keep the skin hydrated so it is important to make sure our skin care products have certain ingredients.  It is well known that skin dries out in the winter so much easier due to temperatures, wind, and lack of humidity, so when you shop for skin care products, take time to check the ingredients list. 

Let's start with one of the more well known ones - hyaluronic acid.  This is one of the best ingredients to use due to its extensive hydrating abilities.  It is one that naturally occurs in the skin and is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture.  It also helps draw moisture to the skins surface so your skin looks plumper and moister.

Another great ingredient is Argon oil. This oil is extracted from the nuts of the Argon tree.  It is packed with vitamins and minerals that help counter winter dryness.  Although it is high is fatty acids and vitamin E, it is a light oil that is easily absorbed into your skin without feeling sticky.  In addition, its molecules are small enough to easily penetrate the skin.

Then there is squalene which is derived from plants such as olives and rice bran.  Although it is actually an oil, it is light enough that it will not clog your pores.  In addition, the ingredient that hydrates your skin is also a strong antioxidant that both nourishes and softens dry skin. Furthermore, it helps fight inflammation and is a good anti-aging ingredient.  

Ceramides is another naturally occurring ingredient found in the skin. These help improve the skin barrier and are great at helping to lock in moisture.  In addition, look for Shea Butter which contains fatty acids and vitamins that really help moisturize the skin. Shea Butter helps provide a barrier to protect the skin from the elements of winter. 

Check out glycerin because glycerin helps reduce the flakiness associated  with dry skin while balancing the pH levels at the same time.  If glycerin is used regularly, it reduces the amount of water lost from the skin so the skin stays nourished while helping protect the skin from UV rays.  Now if your skin needs a bit of extra care, look for products with Pataua oil.  This oil is great at moisturizing and nurturing while helping to firm the skin.  In addition Pataua oil is noted for having vitamin E, vitamin A, and amino acid proteins.  

Finally, look for Panthenol - a vitamin B-5 provitamin.  In other words, the body is able to transform this ingredient into B5.  Panthenol is noted for softening the skin, while helping skin cells draw moisture in and seal it in.  So when you shop for your skin care, read the ingredients  and make sure one or more of these ingredients are on the list.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.  Happy New Year and may your 2023 be awesome.

Welcome To 2023