As concern for the environment grows, businesses across various industries are starting to consider their environmental impact. Barbershops and salons are no exception. These businesses can produce a significant amount of waste, from the use of disposable towels to the excessive use of water. However, with a few changes, these businesses can become more environmentally friendly. In honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2023, let’s take a moment to discuss this issue and provide useful solutions. Here are some tips on how to make your barbershop or salon more eco-friendly and help promote a more sustainable future:   Use eco-friendly products: Many hair and beauty products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Switch to eco-friendly products that are free of harsh chemicals and made from natural or organic ingredients. Remember, when chemicals are washed down the drain they must go somewhere. While we have a sophisticated wastewater system to filter and treat the incoming water, chemicals still persist through the process and end up in our surface and groundwater. Not only are natural and organic products better for the environment, but they are also healthier for your clients and employees. Think of how many chemicals you touch on a daily basis. Without wearing gloves, these chemicals permeate through the skin and enter the body. Regular contact with chemicals (while not harmful in the moment) can lead to a toxic effect later on which can promote cancer and other health related issues. And let's not forget about our tools. Use tools that are more eco-friendly and dispose of them properly. Encourage your clients to do the same. For example, if they shave at home, it's better to use a double edge razor instead of a disposable cartridge razor. You can read more on this here.   Cut down on water usage: Water is a precious resource that we must conserve. If you’re an owner, encourage your staff to be mindful of water usage by turning off the tap while not in use and using low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators. Using water is essential in the hair business, but we should all find ways to minimize overuse. Be sure to check the bathroom and make sure the toilet is not running or opt for a low flush toilet. Sink faucets are often prone to leaks so be sure to check this as well. If you have a washer and dryer for cleaning towels, be sure that is running optimally and if you are in the market for a new one, choose one that uses less water and is more energy efficient. Always wash with a full load to maximize water usage.   Reduce energy consumption: Reducing your energy consumption can help you save money on your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. Make sure your equipment is energy-efficient, turn off the lights and appliances when not in use, and use natural light where possible. When lightbulbs go out, switch to LED lights which use less wattage and energy.   Recycle and compost: Recycling and composting are simple ways to reduce the amount of waste generated in your business. Set up recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass. Consider composting hair clippings and other organic waste. You can also use recycled paper for your business cards and other promotional materials. Or better yet, don’t use physical business cards at all. Opt for electronic ones. Recycle anything that can be recycled.   Reuse towels and other materials: Instead of using disposable towels or capes, invest in high-quality towels that can be washed and reused. Consider using cloth napkins instead of paper towels in your break room, and switch to reusable cups and mugs. Minimize the use of anything disposable to reduce trash and waste. Invest in larger bulk containers for hair product such as shampoo and conditioner and refill bottles with product. This reduces the number of small plastic containers that are disposed of on a regular basis.   Use eco-friendly cleaning products: Just like switching to more natural and organic products used in the hair, cleaning products should be no different. Cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that are made from natural or organic ingredients and use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. Look for eco-friendly cleaning products to clean stations, chairs, mirrors, floors, bathrooms, tools and towels.   Encourage sustainable transportation: If you’re a salon or barbershop owner, encourage your employees and clients to use sustainable transportation options such as cycling, walking, using public transportation or carpooling. Consider installing bike racks to make it easier for employees to bike or walk to work. Plus, biking is great exercise! While you may have little control over how they choose to get to the shop or salon, perhaps provide an incentive to encourage sustainable transportation. Of course, it may not be feasible for someone to do any of these things, but the act of offering an incentive shows you are committed to being a more environmentally friendly salon or shop.   In conclusion, making your barbershop or salon more environmentally friendly requires some thought and know-how but the results are worth it knowing you are contributing to a better tomorrow. Find effective ways to reduce your environmental impact and improve your bottom line. By implementing these tips, you can make your business more sustainable while also improving the health and well-being of your clients and employees. For more useful tips, watch this video on JATAI Academy.

April 7, 2023 marks World Health Day, an annual day of recognition to highlight current global health priorities. This year the theme is ‘health for all.’ While this theme is relatively broad, everyone can relate to it. It’s a goal where people should have the ability to be healthy and have access to the appropriate care necessary to promote health. The World Health Organization (WHO) every year designates a new theme to focus on. This year marks the 75^th Anniversary of the organization’s existence, a monumental milestone worthy of celebration. And, yes, even beauty professionals have the right to health. Health is your first wealth so it’s important that we do activities that promote health daily. From mental health to physical health, there is something for everyone to improve upon. In this article, we are going to look at specific health concerns that are more prevalent and common among beauty professionals and what can be done to address them. Afterall, if you want to have longevity in your career and a long healthy life doing the things you love, it’s going to take work on your part to maintain and promote health. Let’s begin…  

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

Probably the biggest and most detrimental issue that plagues beauty professionals is the use of a variety of chemicals on a consistent and daily basis. Hairstylists, barbers, nail techs, estheticians and so forth use several products on their clients all day long and are exposed to more chemicals than the average person. Products such as hair color, hair sprays, gels, creams and other liquid products can get absorbed into the skin or inhaled through the nose and mouth. Some of these chemicals are quite toxic with over exposure. Ammonia, formaldehyde, some keratin treatments, acetone, straightening chemicals and other chemicals in the products used to do the work can promote cancer and other illnesses such as hypersensitivity of the immune system. Upper respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma and even lung cancer are possible consequences of prolonged over exposure.  Other possible consequences are infertility or other types of cancer such as breast cancer. Chemical exposure is not something to be taken lightly and great care should be taken to avoid exposure as much as possible. So how can beauty professionals mitigate their exposure but still do their work effectively? Today, we are more aware of harmful chemicals more than ever. But without additional regulation and research on how these chemicals play a role in health, it’s important to prevent chemical exposure in these ways (at minimum). First, choosing more natural products that don’t contain known irritants or cancer-causing chemicals. If you’re not working with harmful chemicals in the first place, the chances of developing a health problem goes down significantly. Be sure to look at all the ingredients and research them to the best of your ability. Secondly, wear gloves and/or a mask. When you wear gloves, this creates a barrier between the product and the skin so the product never makes contact with the skin. Gloves can be used when washing hair and styling. But for products like hairsprays which put mist-like particles into the air, those chemicals are likely to be inhaled through the nose and mouth. In this case, it’s wise to wear a mask or some sort of face covering. While this might not be ideal to use, it is a mechanism to reduce exposure. Alternatively, opt to refrain from using spray-like chemicals so they don’t go in the air. This may be difficult to do as the spray effect can be quite desirable for some looks. It's also wise to have proper ventilation so chemicals that release into the air have a way to escape. Higher ceilings or having more space between you and the next stylist or barber can help minimize your exposure. If you have your own salon suite, perhaps there is a window that can be opened or you can create your own ventilation. Nail techs often work closely with nail products from nail polish to cleansers to removers. It’s important for nail techs to wear gloves and a mask when they can and use healthier products to perform the work. Additionally, nail techs can be exposed to infected blood which can transfer disease such as hepatitis, AIDS, fungal infections and athletes foot to name a few. Making sure you are vaccinated against blood borne diseases is an easy healthy preventative step.  

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Beauty professionals are not immune to stress and anxiety. Beauty professionals deal with clients all day long. Some of those clients come in regularly and see their beauty professional as a friend where they can vent their problems. Sometimes hearing about client problems and issues all day long is tiresome, exhausting and stressful. If you’re someone who takes their client’s problems home with them, this can lead to added anxiety and stress. Too much of this on a regular basis can result in depression and other mental health issues. Client’s not only vent but can create other stressful situations such as showing up late, not showing up at all, complain about the result of their service or some other customer service issue. Being a beauty professional is a people business and anytime you deal with people you deal with all the personalities that come with it. It can be overwhelming and exhausting and wear you out. Additionally, some beauty professionals may find they need to keep up a certain appearance to be accepted in their profession. Appearance expectations can take a toll on mental health as it becomes just another thing to concern yourself with. Afterall, if you’re in the beauty industry as a hair professional, nail tech or esthetician you probably want to practice what you preach. If your hair looks bad, what does that say to your clients? Focusing on mental health is priority that many put on the back burner. But it’s just as important as your physical health. Taking some time to put policies in place, being clear about them and then enforcing them can save you a lot of headaches and stress. If there is a consequence for being late or not showing up, client’s will likely not be late and will show up or cancel within the appropriate time frame. Have systems in place that will reduce any areas of ambiguity. For those who have difficulty with being their client’s ‘therapist’ find comfort in doing relaxation techniques such as doing yoga, meditation and developing good habits allow you to leave your client problems at work. Barriers are important to maintain mental health.  

MUSCULOSKELETAL

The last major health issue beauty professionals face are musculoskeletal issues. Issues of the muscles, tendons, joints and more can become a problem when they do repetitive motions. A very common issue is arthritis. The pain and inflammation that occurs from overusing muscles and joints can prevent you from doing those movements. And if you can’t cut with scissors or pinch tweezers that easily anymore, it will be difficult to do your job properly in the future. For issues that involve repetitive motion, it’s important to learn the most ergonomic way to hold and use different professional tools. Using the best hand and arm motions can save you from chronic issues later on. Standing on your feet all day can also create problems in the lower extremities due to the constant pressure. If you’re overweight this can only aggravate the problem. If you find yourself standing all day, be sure to invest in anti-fatigue mats, wear comfortable shoes and take time to stretch your legs. Moving around is less stressful on the joints than just standing in one place too. If possible, use a chair to sit on while cutting. You can also take moments to sit between clients if that makes sense. If weight is an issue, losing weight can greatly reduce the pressure on the feet, legs and hips. While chemical exposure, stress and anxiety and musculoskeletal issues are higher among beauty professionals than many other people, these are not the only health challenges they face. It’s important to assess the issues that affect you the most and do your best to promote health and longevity, because if you don’t your career will be short-lived. World Health Day is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to actually do something healthy for yourself! Only you know what you need. Create a new healthy habit, change out some of the products you use for healthier ones or learn new ergonomic techniques. It’s all up to you!

Have you ever used a curling iron or hair wand and then accidentally burned your fingers while using it? Or have you ever cut yourself using a sharp scissor when haircutting? If you’re a hairstylist or barber that answer is a definite ‘yes.’ And if you’re a home user that answer is likely a ‘yes.’ Just a slip of the hand or a slip of the tool can lead to annoying pain and discomfort for your hands. Then, for a few days you’ll have to use a bandage to keep it clean and safe. What a pain (no pun intended)! If only you could prevent that from happening. Well, luckily for you, Jatai Shield products can do the trick. Jatai Heat Shields and Jatai Snip Shields are two essential products for hair professionals and home users alike. They are designed to protect the skin while haircutting and hair styling while maintaining the maneuverability of the fingers and hands. Jatai Heat Shields are specially designed to protect the skin from the heat generated by hair styling tools such as wands, curling irons and flat irons. They are made of high-quality material that’s heat resistant and durable. The bottom layer is thicker and more resistant to heat than the top side. In fact, the bottom side can handle 450 degrees F. They are latex-free and machine washable. They stretch and stay snug all day and have closed tips to ensure the heat does not burn the fingertips! Jatai Heat Shields are available in two different sizes (S/M and M/L) to fit different size fingers and come in black only. Jatai Heat Shields come with 3 shields that fit on the opposite hand holding the tool. Meant for the thumb, index and middle finger, they can be used on different fingers as long as they stay snug. While gloves can hinder the dexterity and movement of the hands, finger shields allow for maximum finger flexibility to be able to perform as desired. Jatai Snip Shields, on the other hand, are designed to protect the skin while hair snipping. They are made of durable material that’s easy to clean and maintain. The shields are designed to fit comfortably over the fingers, providing a barrier between the skin and cutting tool, protecting the skin from accidental cuts and nicks. Whether you’re cutting other’s hair or your own, they will aid in preventing painful cuts from scissors especially when point cutting. They are also heat resistant, latex-free and machine washable. They stretch and stay snug all day. Included are 2 finger Snip Shields made for the index and middle finger. The S/M only comes in red while the M/L only comes in grey. The fingertips are open to maintain a sense of touch and feel. They even provide extra protection over bandages. Both Jatai Heat Shields and Jatai Snip Shields are designed with comfort and safety in mind. They are lightweight, easy to use, and provide a barrier between the skin and hair styling or cutting tools, ensuring the skin is protected from accidental cuts, burns, and heat damage. Jatai Heat Shields and Jatai Snip Shields are essential for stylists, barbers and home users, providing protection and comfort during haircutting and styling processes. You can check them out here as individual products or combo pack.

When we think of face shaving, we think of men. While women don’t generally shave their face, it is becoming more widely accepted. There are people that believe women should not shave their faces due to societal expectations especially in Western countries. However, this is changing. Many women find that shaving their faces have several benefits which include smoother skin, reduced skin flaws and improved make-up application. In fact, women face shaving has been popular in Asian countries for decades as a normal beauty regimen to remove the dead layers of skin, peach fuzz and reveal fresh glowing skin. But the idea of women’s face shaving in the United States is still relatively new. Let’s look at the benefits. One of the main benefits of face shaving for women is smoother, glowing skin. Shaving exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells and hair, leaving the skin soft and smooth. With peach fuzz, also known as vellus hair, the hair is very fine, but it seems to grow the most around the cheeks and upper lip. Although it’s much thinner and softer than a man’s facial hair, many women don’t like the peach fuzz so shaving their face is a cheap and easy solution to this problem. After shaving, skin is often brighter with a more youthful complexion. Another benefit of face shaving for women is that it can help reduce skin blemishes such as ingrown hairs and acne (if a sharp blade is used) as well as minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also can reduce the appearance of pores. By removing the dead skin cells, it makes the fine lines and wrinkles less visible. Shaving also helps prevent pores from clogging over time which may lead to ingrown hair or acne. A third benefit is that it can improve the application of makeup and who doesn’t want that? Putting makeup over hair is not a pretty sight. Even small peach fuzz hair can make it difficult to apply foundation and other makeup products evenly and flawlessly. Shaving the face allows the facial skin to be smooth and hairless which makes for a much easier canvas to work with. However, despite these benefits it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid irritation and injury. It is recommended to use a new, sharp razor and shaving cream or shaving lotion to allow the razor to glide across the skin more easily. A sharp blade and shaving in the direction of hair growth is going to help prevent ingrown hairs and irritation. A sharp blade with proper technique will reduce the risk of cuts and nicks. Also, it’s best to not to do too many passes in the same area. To ere on the side of safety, opt for a blade with a built-in guard to help prevent cuts and nicks. This extra layer of safety can make a woman feel more comfortable about shaving her face. For women who want to give it a try, skin preparation is a very important step that is often overlooked. By cleansing the face with warm water and applying shaving cream or a shaving lotion, this lubricates the skin and hair and opens the hair follicles. After shaving, it’s important to close the hair follicles back up with cold water and then hydrating the skin with a good facial moisturizer. It all seems fine and dandy, but are there downsides? What are people saying who don’t recommend it? Some proponents of face shaving say that it does the opposite and makes hair grow back thicker and darker, but there is no evidence that this is true. It's also important to note that for some women face shaving is not recommended. If the skin is prone to acne or other skin conditions that make it unsuitable for shaving, it’s better to resort to different hair removal techniques than shaving. Perhaps laser hair removal or waxing are better alternatives. Lastly, no woman wants is irritation, redness or dryness as this can exacerbate any existing skin condition. It may be wise to consult with a dermatologist if there are any concerns. Shaving is a personal choice, but it does have several benefits. It’s a relatively cheap, easy and a quick solution for various beauty problems. Just make sure to prepare the skin properly before shaving, shave with a sharp blade and with the grain and then finish it off with an aftercare regimen. It’s not difficult and the result of flawless, glowing and youthful skin make this regimen totally worth it. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Every year when Thanksgiving comes around, we gather with loved ones and eat turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. But this time of year is more than just about filling our bellies. It’s a time we should all take to give thanks. Thanks for what you ask? Thanks for anything and everything. Life is full of challenges, setbacks but also accomplishments. It’s a mixture of good and bad but one thing we can all do is give gratitude for what we do have. Even the simplest things can bring joy. Be thankful for food on the table, the roof over your head, the loved ones in your life and a healthy functioning body. You can find joy in even much smaller things like being able to have your favorite drink in the morning or being able to tie your shoelaces. Some people don’t have the simplest of necessities or abilities. Sometimes until you’ve experienced for yourself, it’s hard to truly feel grateful for small things but we can all try in our own way. As a professional in the beauty industry we can be grateful to be able to pursue a career we love and enjoy each and every day. After all, being a stylist, barber, esthetician or nail tech was likely a choice. Being able to be creative for a living and making money from it is a dream for many and not always available for others. In the beauty profession you get to communicate with people, make friends in the industry, learn new techniques to advance your career and grow a business if you’d like. There are so many opportunities for beauty professionals, it’s unlimited. Be thankful you can do what you love each and every day and show appreciation for the industry by making positive contributions whether that be in giving great haircuts, educating other professionals or providing services that clients want. On this note, we here at JATAI are thankful for YOU! You make what we do worthwhile because when we see what YOU can do with our products we are amazed and impressed by the wealth of talent and expertise you have. You have used our products in ways we didn’t even intend and you make us want to always strive to be better and improve our products. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedication to JATAI products as well as your commitment to grow in the industry. As you grow, we grow and supporting a community of professionals is what we’ve always strived for. So Happy Thanksgiving! And Happy Holidays!

If you are diabetic or know someone who is diabetic, it’s important to know that nail care is critical to preventing further problems associated with the disease. Diabetics lack proper circulation and blood flow to the peripheral areas of the body and, therefore, lack sensation in the toes and fingers. This also makes them prone to poor wound healing as well. When you cut your nails (fingernails or toenails), you can expect that a nail clipper has the potential to cut you. As a diabetic, it’s imperative that you make sure the care you give your nails are on radar. Your nails protect your body from infection and their condition is an indication of potential health problems including fungal growth. That’s why it’s important to conduct a routine investigation of the feet and hands on a regular basis to point out any cuts, changes in color, blisters or points of skin irritation. Keeping toenails and fingernails trimmed and clean is very important. One of the major protocols for diabetic foot care is to be sure to cut nails according to the shape of the toe or finger but be sure to not cut into the corners as that creates the potential for hangnails. It should be emphasized that skin should never be cut at the end of the toes. Sometimes a magnifying glass can help with seeing up close when trimming nails. As a diabetic, your eyesight can be affected making it more difficult to see what you are doing. If toenails become thick you will need a more durable toenail clipper or have them trimmed by your doctor.  

Here are some tips for foot care for diabetics:

• Check your feet everyday
• Have your feet checked at least once a year
• If you have a foot injury seek attention immediately
• Seek care if you have any cuts, wounds or ingrown nails
• Protect your feet by wearing comfortable shoes
• If you have corns or calluses, do not cut them off
• Wear customized footwear
• Look for ingrown nails, color changes, swelling, changes in temperature, change in sensation, cracks, sores, and ulcers. If you see any of these, please get checked out.

  Seki Edge has a nail clipper appropriate for diabetics. The EZ View Clipper has a convenient magnifying glass attached to the clipper to see what you are cutting up close. If you are interested in the EZ View Clipper, you might also be interested in the EZ View Tweezer which also has a convenient magnifying glass to see exactly what you are tweezing to prevent pinching the of the skin and injury. Diabetics have special needs when it comes to caring for their feet. With special care diabetics can effectively prevent complications of poor wound healing by not creating a wound in the first place.  

When you are trying to make a good first impression, you want to make sure you look well put together.  If you have a cowlick in your hair, bad breath, and a wrinkled shirt, how do you think people will perceive you? One area that is often overlooked is the condition of your hands. So often people don’t take care of their nails. If you bite your nails or if you have hangnails and your cuticles are peeling, you best believe that people notice. They may not say anything but it is definitely observed. If you want to make a good impression on someone and let your physical demeanor indirectly tell someone you ARE put together and that you have everything under control from head to toe, your hands are a great place to start. If this seems absurd, think about how often we use our hands to gesture and convey a message. We use our hands to do just about everything and if they are in view to that person who you are trying to make a good impression, that person will definitely notice whether they are groomed or not. So ask yourself, do you have dry cuticles? Do you have hangnails? Do you have skin that is peeling off your cuticles? Do you bite your nails? If you answered yes to any of these, you need this next bit of information. Let’s talk about cuticle care for a bit. Cuticles are the small area of  skin that immediately meets the nail. They act as a barrier and, therefore, play a role in the health of your hands by preventing infection. By keeping your cuticles healthy you are keeping your nails healthy too and leaving a lasting impression.   So here are 5 cuticle care tips.

• Keep your cuticles moisturized. If they are dry and white , they are probably also peeling which could lead to infection. Your cuticles are always ‘thirsty’ for moisture and when they are dry they look very unhealthy. Every time you wash your hands with soap and water or take a shower, you are stripping your hands of moisture. And if you don’t replenish the moisture with lotion afterward you are dehydrating you cuticles. Make sure you moisturize your hands every time you wash your hands to help prevent hangnails and dry looking cuticles.
• Push back cuticles correctly. The proper way to push back your cuticles is to use a cuticle remover to soften the cuticles. (You do not want to push back or remove cuticles when they are dry). Use a cuticle pusher such as the Seki Edge Cuticle Pusher (SS-303), which is an excellent stainless steel pusher to easily push back the cuticle from the nail. By pushing back moist cuticles, this is much safer to prevent tears and damage.
• Trim you hangnails. Hangnails are very unattractive and very painful if they get out of hand. So it is important to address them early on to prevent bleeding and tearing. Having a sharp cuticle nipper handy at any given moment can help to prevent this annoyance. The ¼ Jaw Cuticle Nipper by Seki Edge is a great choice for a nipper. Stainless steel and sharp, this nipper works very well for removing hangnails and excess cuticles. Having cuticle care tools at your disposal is very beneficial for these timely problems. Be sure to keep hangnails off your hands at all times.
• Be careful of products you use on your nails. If you wear nail polish, you more than likely use an acetone-based nail polish remover and polish treatments that contain formaldehyde. Any products made before 2007 likely contains formaldehyde. These chemicals may cause irritation of the cuticle skin and cause dryness. If you use these products regularly, it is important to take extra care of your cuticle condition.
• Don’t bite your nails! When you bite your nails you actually damage your cuticles at the same time. This puts your nails at risk for infection by harmful bacteria that find their way into the body. Biting your nails cause your cuticles and nails to separate. Often times nail biting is a nervous habit. But once you become aware of this bad habit, it’s imperative that you make a conscious effort to quit because it is damaging to no only the health of your cuticles but also to your overall first impression to people. Nails that are bitten on a regular basis are often very short and jagged, something most people are not attracted to.

So take a look at your cuticles and evaluate your own cuticle care. If you have noticeable hangnails, bitten nails, and dry cuticles you may need an intervention. Taking good care of your nails and overall hand condition is one of the first things people notice when it comes to first impressions and yet it is often one of the most overlooked. Take care of your nails and cuticles and you will be one step ahead of most.  

Hey hey beautiful women! We could all use some TLC and pampering now and then right? After all we work really hard, take care of the kids (if you’re a mom), cook dinner, do the laundry, and multitask like no other! Don’t we deserve some downtime? It’s ok to think about ourselves once in a while. Here are 10 beauty tips for women. Do all 10 this weekend and you will feel like the world’s most gorgeous woman!  

• Get your beauty rest! It’s true. We need our rest. Sleep allows us to recuperate from a long day. If we wake up tired from a lack of sleep the rest of our day is shot! We are less productive, sluggish, and we mope around like a gorilla…just without all the hair. And yes…we really do look like that so get at least 6-7 hours of sleep…please!!
• Eat 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables EVERY DAY!!! Yes….7-13. That may seem like a lot, but did you know that the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables repair and strengthen our cells? If we are not feeding our internal and external organs the right food, how do we expect to look beautiful too? Our skin is the largest organ we have! So eat up!
• Read a personal development book. We all have issues, problems and frustrations. If we don’t deal with negative thoughts properly, guess what is found on our face? A frown. And those wrinkles will sit in with the change of the wind. If we can improve ourselves as people, it is easier to be happy, be positive, and be the most amazing woman in the world. Your beauty is not just about physical beauty, but really your inner beauty is what makes you truly beautiful. Personal development books give INNER beauty tips for women!
• Use coffee grounds as an exfoliant. Think twice before dumping out those coffee grounds. Did you know they are a great natural exfoliant? Isn’t it wonderful that coffee has so many purposes? Just take dried out coffee grounds and add a dab of honey to a small amount of grounds. Mix it up and apply to your face. Scrub in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. You will notice your dead skin cells have been scrubbed off leaving your face looking fresh and radiant.

• Get Moving! When was the last time you exercised? If you have to think about it, you are not doing enough. Exercise is a great way to feel amazing. Endorphins, which release happy feelings, get you pumped and energized. Plus, it allows you purge toxins from your body through sweat. Now exercise doesn’t mean lifting the remote control to change the channel. Go out and take a jog, go swimming, dance or take a class at the gym. Just do it at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week.
• Get a manicure and pedicure. What woman doesn’t feel beautiful after a manicure and pedicure. When you are done you look at them and smile because they just look so beautiful. Ever seen some ugly looking nails that look like they’ve been beat to death? Your hands and feet work all day long. They deserve some care once in a while.
• Go Green with cosmetics and household products. Think of all the chemicals we come into contact with on a daily basis. Have you ever taken a moment to look at the ingredients? If you can’t pronounce them you probably don’t know the meaning. There are thousands of chemicals that can be harmful to your health. It might not seem like a lot upon one exposure to a minute amount of one chemical, but think of the cumulative effect that harmful chemicals can have on your health and your beauty. It can be toxic!
• Listen to relaxing music while meditating. Whether it’s the sound of birds or the ocean, doing relaxation techniques can really create piece of mind and calmness in your body and life. Having the ability to temporarily escape the chaos of everyday life is important to remain sane. Demands from loved ones and work can leave you exhausted physically and mentally. Take some time to just listen and meditate.
• Get a makeover! How fun is that? Getting a makeover can be exciting, fun and adventuresome. We need an occasional change so why not get a whole new look! Plus, make-up artists that you can find at major department stores give some great beauty tips for women with regards to make-up selection and techniques.
• Drink a lot of water. Many people don’t drink enough water. Granted we may drink iced tea or diet soda or drink soup, but this is not pure water. It is essential to drink water throughout the day. Take your weight in pounds, divide by 2 and this is how many ounces of water you should drink every day. Water cleans out the system of toxins and hydrates your skin. Are you drinking enough?

  So that’s it!  10 Beauty tips for women! You deserve to be beautiful for just being you. Love yourself and give your heart, body and soul what it needs once in a while. Cheers!

Splinter removal can be one painful act. That needle-like object piercing through the skin seems like it would be just as painful as removing them. Splinters come in various shapes and sizes. But usually the smaller ones hurt the most. Why? Because they are difficult to remove. Some people use glue or tape, while even others use potatoes (believe it or not) for splinter removal. Here are some simple steps on how to remove a splinter properly to avoid further pain or possible infection. 1) Do not attempt to squeeze the splinter out. If you do, sharp splinters might push themselves further in if aggravated. Even worse, it may even break into smaller pieces. By understanding how to remove a splinter properly, you will see that you will not need to be doing any squeezing. 2) Wash and dry the spot with soap and water. But be gentle. This is to prevent infection. Make sure you pat the wound down to soak up excess water with a paper towel. 3) Sterilize the implement(s) you will use with an antiseptic solution or even a hot flame to prevent infection. 4) Inspect with a magnifying glass. By seeing the splinter up close, you can see the best way to approach your splinter removal. Depending on how the splinter is angled, this will dictate the best way to take it out. 5) There are several ways to accomplish splinter removal. The best ways are to use the tweezers method, needle method, or nail clipper/razor blade method.   How to remove a splinter with the tweezers method: This is probably the splinter removal method you are most familiar with and is best used when the splinter is protruding from the skin. If it is sticking out horizontally use the needle method or the nail clipper method. You may want to numb the area with ice if it is a sensitive area after cleaning it. Sterilize the tip of the tweezers with rubbing alcohol or a hot flame and hold the magnifying glass to see where the splinter is sticking out of the skin. Using the tweezers, grab the splinter at the head making sure not to grab any hair or skin. Again, don't attempt to squeeze the splinter while pulling it out. When you do this you actually encourage the skin to grip the embedded end. This may lead to splinter breakage. Pull the splinter out in the direction it went into the skin.   How to remove a splinter with the needle method: Splinter removal using a needle is the best method when there is a thin layer of skin over the splinter. If the splinter is set deep in the skin, this is not a good method to use. First you will need to sterilize the needle. Then, using the magnifying glass, see where the splinter entered the skin. Stick the needle in at the opening and gently apply upward pressure opening the skin above the splinter. By pulling the skin apart this should expose the splinter allowing you to now use the tweezers method to remove the splinter. You may need to use the needle to nudge the splinter out and loosen the skin around the splinter if it’s stubborn.   How to remove a splinter with a nail clipper/razor method: This method is best used when a splinter is buried under thick skin that is not very sensitive. The heel of the foot would be a prime example. To use this splinter removal method, sterilize the edges of the clipper or razor with rubbing alcohol. Clip or cut the skin parallel to the splinter. It should not hurt. Gently pull the skin apart to see the splinter. Then, use the tweezers method. Once the splinter is removed, be sure to disinfect the area with hydrogen peroxide, saline peroxide, alcohol pad or some other antiseptic solution. Also an antibiotic ointment may help to prevent infection. Natural antiseptics include raw organic honey or tea tree oil. Removing a splinter can seem like a squeamish task, but if done correctly, it can be painless. Now that you know how to remove a splinter, you can be sure that your splinter removal experience will be done in a cinch.

Isn’t the first thing we notice is a person's eyes? Eyes tell a story. The appearance of your eyes can either engage or disengage. In many cultures it is desirable to have the appearance of large eyes with long lush eyelashes. A huge part of creating this look can be largely attributed to how your eyelashes make your eyes appear more open, wider and brighter. It's no wonder many women look to find ways to learn how to curl your eyelashes correctly to encourage this look. In order to have amazing eyelashes you will need to first find the best eyelash curler. Starting with the right tools can make all the difference. Second, you will need to know how to curl your eyelashes properly to get the most curl out of your lashes as possible. Thirdly, you need a good mascara that will emphasize your lashes. And fourth, having a lash pin comb to separate your lashes can be a nice added touch. So what is the best eyelash curler? The best eyelash curler is one that makes your eyes look wider, brighter and longer. It shouldn't make your eyelashes look fake. It shouldn't hurt you, pull your eyelash hairs, or crush them. If your eyelash curler does any of these things, keep in mind this may be related to your technique. There are several types of curlers. There is the metal eyelash curler, the plastic eyelash curler, the heated eyelash curler, and the spot eyelash curler. The best eyelash curlers have a wide opening, have the ability to replace the pads and curl your eyelashes so that they don’t just stick straight up, but leave a natural looking curl. If you want to heat your eyelash curler with a blowdryer, it is best to use a metal eyelash curler or a heat resistant plastic one. Be careful to not heat it for too long as this may burn you. But heating your eyelash curl can lead to a better curl and longer lasting curl. The best eyelash curler should be easily cleanable and easy to handle. Next, you will need to learn how to curl your eyelashes correctly. If you don’t know how to curl your eyelashes properly, you are not maximizing the potential your eyelashes have. Lashes that grow downward can benefit tremendously from an eyelash curler. Before curling your eyelashes, make sure your curler is clean and disinfected. Any dirt accumulated on the eyelash curler may get transferred to the eyes and lead to irritation. So here’s how to curl your eyelashes: Use the best eyelash curler you've found and position it gently so that the eyelash fits in the window of the curler. Be sure that your whole eyelash is captured in the opening as stray eyelashes that fall outside the opening will not get curled. Be sure to not put the eyelash curler too close to the base of the lash as you might end up pinching your skin. Carefully, squeeze the curler for a few seconds molding the eyelash. Release the curler. You may need to repeat as necessary even with the best eyelash curler. Be sure the curler is completely open before removing the curler. You can even turn the eyelash curler upside down to curl the bottom lashes. It's a good idea to replace the eyelash curler pads every 2-3 months to keep bacteria low and keep your eyelash curler functioning at it's best. To clean the eyelash curler, use makeup remover or rubbing alcohol to remove the debris from the curler. Knowing how to curl your eyelashes is only half the battle. Note: DO NOT curl your eyelashes after you've applied mascara. This can lead to sticking of the eyelash to the curler and pull your eyelashes out. The other half of the battle is finding and applying a good mascara. When using mascara, look down while looking in the mirror and stroke the brush upwards with the tip of the brush. After you apply your first coat, let it dry. Then apply a second coat if necessary. If you have clumping you may want to invest in a lash pin comb such as this one by Seki Edge in order to separate your lashes. This also allows your lashes to look more natural and open up your eyes even more. Do not use a pin as this can be very dangerous. A lash pin comb is specifically designed to separate your lashes when your regular mascara brush can't. Learning how to curl your eyelashes in usually not something we think as difficult or complicated to learn. However, understanding some of the finer details can make your eyelashes look their best and help them to stand out even more so eyes can look larger and brighter. It’s all an illusion. By having the best eyelash curler, using the proper techniques with a great mascara, and utilizing a lash pin comb these steps can make all the difference.