Laser Hair Removal: Hair Goes, Everything Else Stays

 

The following is a guest post. It reflects the author’s thoughts and experiences.

 

I’m not too proud to admit that I was a bit nervous about getting laser hair removal. I mean, even the title is a bit intimidating: hair, removed by a laser. I don’t know a whole lot about lasers, but I know they’re powerful. I know they’ve been used as weapons in a million movies and TV shows, so I feel like it’s OK to be nervous about using a laser to remove hair. I searched around southern California, looking for somewhere that had this service and made me feel right. That’s what brought me to Divante.

Why I Needed Laser Hair Removal

I think people, no matter what gender they are, know what it’s like to struggle to get rid of a hair they’re shaving. Whether it’s on your chin, legs or anywhere else, there are certain hairs that, for whatever reason, require tweezers, undivided concentration, and more. The problem becomes when you have hairs that there’s literally no way to get rid of. I’ve had plenty of those. These seemingly “invincible” hairs have been a pain for as long as I can remember having hairs. Trimming them, when it’s done, seems to make them only more resolute about growing in the same place. Divante, when I looked at them had, had a permanent hair removal solution that sounded fantastic to me.

Hair Anywhere

I have a certain part of my body that I don’t want hair in, and no matter what I do, it keeps coming back. What I loved about Divante (well, one of the things I loved about Divante) was the sheer number of options for hair removal. You can get them to remove hair in so many different parts of your body, some of which I legit didn’t know were capable of growing excess hair. What I really liked, on top of that, were the packages. If you only have problem hairs in a few areas, they can focus on those areas, so that you can make them look how you want.

Laser Precision

Lasers, whatever else you might think about them, are so precise. That was one of my initial fears of this hair removal: that the lasers were going to maybe eliminate the hair, but also take a bunch of skin and hair with them. What makes the lasers at Divante so great is that they focus just on one area. There’s no “mission creep,” they don’t suddenly start eliminating more hair than they should. That means you can pick exactly where you want hair to be removed.

Specificity and More

It was so cool how they got rid of only the hair I wanted to get rid of. I’d been picking at that, going in with tweezers, but really cutting nothing short except my patience. The people who operate these lasers for Divante must be real wizards because they did an out and out magical job. To see what they can do for you, call (818) 334-4737.

Hottest Hair Accessories and Styles That Dominate the Summer

Each change of season means a transformation in beauty routines and, for the most daring, On the look of hair! If you are willing to bet on a new style, we recommend that you take a look at our pick for the hottest hair accessories and styles for the summer of 2019 and try your favorite.

Let’s start with the choice of trendiest accessories that will rock so many hairstyles in these warm days.

The Hairpins Dominate

According to Scunci the prominent online hair accessory retailer the newly transformed look of trendy hairpins dominate today’s market. The hairpins, those pieces that are normally used to hold hairstyles while going unnoticed, take center stage and are fully visible on one or both sides of the face, and the clearer it looks the better.

Metallic, with bright finishes, printed textures, in golden color and even in the form of a clip are some of the options that complement the trends of 2019.

The Headbands Resurface

The headbands were buried many years ago, but today they become essential and come in different textures and colors, knotted or braided. It is so easy to find a perfect headband and that will be ideally suitable for any occasion and all you have to do is choose the right color and point out that beautiful face that you have.

The Ties Are the ‘Must’

The ties are the favorite of all that bring the accessories for the hair in 2019. Ribbons are the perfect reason to accompany the loose hair by knotting them on the head as a finishing braid or decorating a half pigtail in its maxed out version are just some of the options that this accessory brings.

‘Scrunchies’ Are Back

The hair bands are displaced by the ones used in the late ’80s as ‘scrunchies’. That rubber band of hair surrounded by cloth to give volume and decorate pigtails returns with great force, especially to accompany the super high pigtails that also arrived with a lot of noise.

The Surprise: Scarves

Another trend that comes from the time of Brigitte Bardot is that of wearing a silk scarf on the head knotted at the neck. Although it is predicted for the spring, international influencers have already been seen wearing their handkerchiefs on Instagram and becoming viral.

The Trendiest Hairstyles for the Summer of 2019:

1. Long and Wavy

This is how it needs to be for this summer, from the middle of the back all the way down. The preferred style is the waves in all its versions, whether classic, curly, effortless, in a loop, soft or grunge.

2. Apple Cider & Peanut Butter Shades

The trends indicate that blonde and copper shades, as a balayage, are the hottest thing of the moment! Most dyes are inspired by shades that, through lights and shadows, represent the yellowish colors.

3. Midi with Bangs

Since the beginning of 2019, we already knew that the fringe would triumph over the next few months, right? However, the pictures of celebrities seem to indicate that this summer we will see more than ever. The fringes of the curtain accompanied by a midi cut, are on fire!

4. French Bob in Chestnut

Another trend that has taken over the spring-summer season of 2019 is the effortless look of the French girls, especially in the hair. The result is a short bob, disheveled, with marred tips and chestnut tones, to prevent the hair from being mistreated by the heat of the season.

5. Straight and Point

It is one of the top alternatives for summer because the hair looks healthy, heavy and abundant. Being a simple cut, it is also possible to combine it with two other trends: the fantasy dyes and bangs.

No ReGifting Required for Carven Dans Ma Bulle

Happy Valentine’s Day to myself! I am a Carven girl and I am in love with Dans Ma Bulle perfume.  Sophisticated and edgy, this sensual perfume passed my “waft test” with flying colors.  What is the “waft test?” It’s when you walk by someone and they do a u-turn to share how great you smell!  This happened to me not one, but two times the first day I wore Dans Ma Bulle. My coworker even followed me back to my desk so that I could show her where to find it! I mean you can’t go wrong with this perfume that lures you in with top notes of litchi rose, mandarin orange and peony … and then whack ‘em … captures you with its base notes of vanilla, sandalwood and Patchouli!

Carven Dans Ma Bulle can definitely be a staple in your perfume collection. It’s a great scent for busy mothers, college girls, and professional women.

Carven Dans Ma Bulle ($120.00 – Bloomingdales – Fall 2018)

 

Kate Spade’s In Full Bloom Perfume is a Winner

I just love Kate Spade’s perfume bottle designs.  Even if you do not care for the scent the bottle may serve as a beautiful work of art.  However, Kate Spade In Full Bloom is more than just a pretty bottle … it is in your face bold to the tenth power! If I spray a little perfume on my wrist and the scent gets not one … not two … but FIVE back to back sniffs and an emmmmm, I consider this perfume is a winner. In Full Bloom is a Winner!

In Full Bloom is the perfect name and description of this confident, fresh and scent.  The perfume reminds me of the time I visited St. Louis’s Missouri Botanical Garden while its impressive rose garden was in full bloom. The perfume draws you in to explore its notes of lemon, green tea, peach and lotus flower. This Kate Spade perfume commands and receives attention.  The perfume does lack all day staying power, so you may need to reapply.

Kate Spade New York In Full Bloom ($98 – Ulta.com – Spring 2018)

 

The Flex Brush – Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Anyone with Hair #GiftGuide

If you have tangles in your hair, if you think your hair is impossible, hard to manage, or just makes you crazy, you will want to know about the Flex Brush. It sounds too good to be true, but it really works. I used it on my partner’s wild and curly hair, and it not only sailed right on through his tangles and knots, but didn’t hurt him in the process.

If you have a child who HATES hair brushing time, this will save both of you. Your sanity, their tears, and a whole lot of time. The detangling spray is also fantastic. For that extra added “easy glide”, it really makes things that much easier.  For one of the first times, I was able to run my fingers through his hair.

detangling brush

World-renowned celebrity hair stylist Angelo David Pisacreta, owner of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and hair-tool veteran Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools, introduce The Flex Brush—an all-purpose tool that safely detangles hair, massages the scalp and promotes health and hair growth. The brush’s versatility, combined with its flex technology, make it the most forgiving hair brush on the market.

 flex brush

The Flex Brush, designed for both wet and dry hair, bends to follow the contours of your head, massaging your scalp and stimulating the production of natural oils. The brush has vents that allow heat to pass through it, so blow drying won’t damage the brush. For ultimate detangling, pair it with FlexDetangle Spraya revolutionary leave-in conditioner that increases flexibility to minimize damage during styling and detangling. Here is what sets The FlexBrush apart from other brushes on the market:

 

  • It is the most versatile brush on the market, so whether your hair is curly, fine, delicate or thick—or if you have extensions or a sensitive scalp—The Flex Brush is your go-to hair tool.
  • The Flex Brush is made from all-natural rubber, and the coating has a soft-touch finish that’s comfortable and easy to grip.
  • The Flex Brush is vented and super lightweight, so it can be used while blow drying. Air can pass freely through the integrated vents, resulting in much faster drying times.
  • Thanks to its flexibility, The Flex Brush gives your scalp a soothing massage that increases the blood supply to your hair’s follicles. Increased circulation helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for growing strong, healthy hair.
  • The Flex Brush is especially great for detangling children’s hair. Unlike traditional brushes, it flexes to avoid snagging on tough knots, so there’s no pain. Plus, you get damage-free detangling on all hair types, whether hair is wet or dry.

 best brush for kids

About The Flex Brush

The Flex Brush is the creation of two of the most innovative minds in beauty: Angelo David, owner and creative director of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools. While on the beach in Aruba, Angelo was disturbed watching people destroy their hair, as they yanked rigidbrushes through knots, tearing ends and destroying roots. He contacted Jacob and together they designed The Flex Brush—an all-purpose tool that detangles safely, massages the scalp and promotes hair health and growth. It is designed for both wet and dry hair.

 

The Flex Brush comes in three variations:

The Flex Brush Petite Mixed Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush XL Nylon Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush XL Mixed Bristle for SRP $25.95

The Flex Detangle Spray is available in two sizes:

the 2 oz bottle for SRP $6.95

the 8 oz bottle for SRP $17.95

Stocking Stuffers for Teen and Tween Boys #GiftGuide

 Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for pre-teen and teenage boys? Since (lets just be real here) boys are pretty gross in general, a personal care kit won’t go astray.  There are several kits to choose from by Prep U that help that “smelly boy” syndrome.

boys deodorant

It’s a fact of life that boys eventually start to smell. No matter how cute or precious they are, they begin to mature, their hormones change and odor caused by sweat and dirt naturally begins to appear with varying degrees of intensity. The idea for Prep U came from a frustrated mom of two active, smelly sons who couldn’t find a suitable solution for her boys. The only products currently on the market were designed for babies or left her kids smelling like a couple of frat boys. She created Prep U, a line of personal care products that are the perfect antidote to smells of boyhood, offering parents natural, quality products they can trust and kids a line of products that celebrates their growing independence.

I like that these are all natural products. There are plenty of options out there, but not many natural products that actually work well.

Prep U has 7 NATURAL products to choose from, with a different assortment of kits to suit the needs of different boys. There are also 3 kits to choose from;

boys bath and body

Travel Kit ($29) – Travel-size Body Spray, Active Dry Powder, Soap, and Natural Deodorant, all packaged in a compact Dopp kit bag offered in two colors

Starter Kit ($34) – A few of our most popular items including the Body Wash, Natural Deodorant, and Body Spray

Sport Kit ($32.50) – Ideal for the super active boy: Sport Soak, Natural Deodorant, and Active Dry Powder

We’ve tried several of these products, and my sons like them. My youngest, 11, tried the deodorant and body wash. My oldest, 19, tried the body spray and body wash. I prefer the smell of that body spray so much more then most others he has used- I really hate most body spray smells, truth be told. We all like the scents, and they both like the results. Check them out yourself and see what your boys think.

Happy Holidays!

Marketplace Africa – Eco Friendly Gifts That Give Back to the Community #GiftGuide

If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or like to avoid big box stores, I’ve got a shop for you. If you just like unique and high quality products at a reasonable price- this is a shop you will love. Marketplace Africa has clothing, bath and body products (and I’m in love with some of these already), purses, bags,- really, gifts for everyone on your list. GREAT hostess gifting as well. Thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive.

This online platform lets Africans can sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the US, UK and entire global market.  Now customers seeking to purchase a unique gift this holiday season can feel good as they are buying directly from the source in Africa which in turn helps boost the economy. The site offers fabulous products in fashion, jewelry, handbags, body care, and select home décor items.

shop small

MarketPlaceAFRICA.com is an E-commerce platform created for African designers and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and sell their products directly to consumers everywhere, with no start-up costs. Business owners can stay focused on what they love to do most while expanding to international markets. They have a partnership with DHL, the leading global logistics experts in Africa,that lets these small businesses navigate international shipping regulations and meet the delivery time expectations of global customers. As you shop from African small businesses, you can select from familiar, safe payment methods, and have the products shipped to your home with confidence and security. It’s totally a win-win.

For more information on Marketplace Africa visit www.marketplaceafrica.com

Most important steps of taking care of your Brazilian hair extensions

Brazilian hair is one of the most popular types of hair extensions, especially in South America. It is usually collected from donors with strong, healthy, unprocessed hair, from small places in Brazil.

It´s of very high quality and therefore silky soft, pretty thick, low maintenance and very durable. It can last up to a year, if properly cared for.

Since this type of hair is of very high quality, it is also more expensive than other types of hair, so you would probably want to learn how to properly take care of it.

Here are some things you should be doing to make your Brazilian hair extensions last as long as you can, while maintaining its softness and brilliance.

  1. Proper installation

The first, and maybe the most important step, to making your hair extensions look amazing is to properly install them.

This will probably be done by your highly experienced stylist, but here are some things you should look out for:

  • your hair should be washed first, in order to clean any leftover product or oil residue and buildup, so the extensions would not stick to your hair. It would be best to let it dry naturally and comb it out with a wide-tooth
  • do not pierce or put needles through the wefts
  • do not split the wefts
  • avoid cutting the wefts, if necessary, each cut weft end should be sealed with glue.
  1. Washing

The second, equally important step, is to properly treat your new beautiful extensions with appropriate products.

The best choice would be mild sulfate and silicone free shampoos (once a month), conditioners (twice a month) and other hair products (e.g. water-based silicone serums). They would help maintain the hair´s natural softness, while keeping it tangle free.

Be aware – over-shampooing your hair can strip it of much needed nutrients and oils, and make it look damaged and lifeless.

  1. Drying

In order to not dry out your hair too soon, it would be best if you would let it dry naturally. First, pat your hair dry (do not rub) with a clean towel and then let it dry naturally.

Do not use hair dryers, but if for some reason you really have to, minimize the heat exposure.

Avoid going to bed with damp hair, since it could make your hair frizzy and tangled.

  1. Brushing

You should brush your hair twice a day, and before each wash.

Use a paddle or natural hair brush (preferably boar hair) but avoid fine tooth combs (they can lead to breakage in the weave).

Don´t forget to hold your hair at the roots, so you don´t loosen the extensions.

  1. Sleeping

Before going to bed at night, you should brush your hair and tie it down, or even braid it, then cover it with a silk or satin cap.

Never use cotton materials, because they could absorb oils or elastic bands, since they can cause stress to your hair.

We’re all set!

Now you know 5 great ways to take a good care of your Brazilian hair.

In case this type of hair is not to your liking, I recommend you to read this great guide about another great type of human hair – Peruvian hair: Important Facts You Should Know.

Why don’t you give it a try next?