How Sleeping Incorrectly Can Contribute to Hair Breakage

Imagine this...you wake up in the morning, make your way to the mirror and start brushing (or combing) your hair only to find that there is enough hair in your brush and sink to make you extremely nervous.

It is not uncommon to lose a couple of strands on a daily basis (throughout the day) but anything excessive (more than 200 strands) and very noticeable, can mean major trouble!

Breakage can occur for a variety of different reasons, but one reason that you may have never heard of, deals with (of all things) how you sleep.

Because the majority of people toss and turn while they sleep, going to bed in rollers or ponytails is a huge no, no!

Try not to put your hair into a ponytail before you prepare to go to sleep, because ponytails tend to put too much stress on the hair, and the elastic (or rubber) bands cause breakage when putting them in and taking them out.

I know that sometimes women put their hair in ponytails as a matter of convince before they go to bed, and some women sleep in rollers so that they won't have to curl their hair in the morning, but the tension that is placed on the hair, combined with the tossing and turning, leaves you paying the ultimate price, hair breakage!

Tossing and turning during sleep with a ponytail or rollers in your hair creates additional pulling and damage to the hair.

If your hair tangles, gets matted, or breaks when you sleep, wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night, or sleeping on a satin pillowcase will help prevent these problems.

Make sure you aren't using a cotton scarf to wrap your hair, because cotton has a tendency to grab and pull hair (causing those hairs to break). If you have had any chemical service preformed (relaxers, highlights, perms) or if you have naturally dry hair or your hair is prone to breakage, I highly recommend sleeping on satin pillows, and using silk and satin scarves to wrap your hair in at night.

Top Summer Beauty Tips

When hot temperature is on the air and the warmth of your room is too hard to bear despite the whir of the air cooling system at your home, then you better decide to pack up and go outdoors because it's summertime. It is time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate your worn out energy.

But before you go and enjoy the hot, lazy days of summer don't forget to bring with you the necessary items that will give you enough protection from the scorching heat of the sun and some additional accents to make you look and feel good. Take with you some summer beauty tips too so as not to get caught blank in tight situations.

• Since you will be outdoors most of the time, apply a very spare make up. Less is best, so to speak. Brush on a light shimmering powder on your face to give accent to your glowing skin. Don't use foundation even how light and water based it is. You won't look good when it starts to melt under the sun. If you are the kind who can't live without mascara use the waterproof kind.
• Too much outdoor heat may end you up with dry and cracked lips. Pick a lipstick with a shade that will enhance your skin tone. Choose a creamy lipstick formula. It will give you an ultra shine look and at the same time it serves as protection from lip cracking.
• Use sunscreen liberally. Protect your skin with a minimum SPF 15 and apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going out. If you tend to overstay outside follow up the application from time to time. While under the sun, fill a misting bottle with cold water mixed with a little toner. Spray it on your face and the rest of the exposed body every now and then. This will boost up your skin and provides a cooling effect to your body as well.
• Pick trendy accessories that can accentuate your whole get up but will serve as protection too. A hat with a broad brim is ideal to cover or shade your face and neck from the sun. Match it with designer sunglasses. Be vigilant in protecting your skin from premature skin aging.
• If you love lengthy swims leave a little amount of conditioner on your hair before putting on your swim cap. This will minimize hair damages from chlorine and salt water.
• Keep hydrated always. Drink lots of water every now and then. Don't wait heatstroke or sunstroke to get you.

Summer spells a great time for recreation, relaxation and an enjoyable time with family and friends. Enjoy what the season offers but keep in mind that these beauty tips are essential to enjoy the summer more.

7 Easy Inexpensive Ways to Take Years Off of Your Appearance

Every time we turn on the television, we are bombarded with commercials and infomercials showcasing the latest and greatest anti-aging miracle products. The products range from cosmetics to plastic surgery. Many people spend small fortunes on products to help them maintain a youthful appearance. However, you don't have to break the bank to look and feel your best. Following are seven inexpensive ways you can take years off of your appearance and keep it that way.

1. Update your hairstyle. Short to mid-length hair tends to be more youthful in appearance. Try adding some short or side swept bangs to highlight your face. You also want to consider having a professional highlight or color your hair in order to brighten your appearance and conceal unwanted grey hairs.

2. Use anti-aging products that help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. There are many great and inexpensive products available today it's just a matter of preference. Also you want to make sure you use moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

3. Next, have your eyebrow professionally done. A well groomed set of eyebrows can do wonders for the face.

4. Lighten your lipstick color. Dark lipsticks tend to get stuck in the cracks of your lips and show off your age more. Pink and brown lipsticks are great colors to bring out your lips. Add a little gloss for an even more dynamic effect.

5. One of the most important things you can do to take years off or your appearance and increase your confidence level ten fold is to take care of your teeth. There is nothing more beautiful than a pretty white smile. There are many over the counter products you can use to whiten your teeth. Make sure to also visit your dentist regularly.

6. Exercise at least three times a week. This is key to looking and feeling younger. Exercising will help you maintain good posture, alleviate stress (which causes wrinkles), increases blood flow and keeps you in good shape.

7. Lastly, get a good night sleep. At least eight hours a night is recommended. A good night of sleep works wonders on alleviating dark under eye circles.

Following these steps will immediately take years off of your appearance and leave you looking and feeling fantastic!