Hair Transplant Clinic provides affordable hair replacement and outstanding hair transplant methods in Miami, serving clients nationwide and from many other countries. Hair transplants are effective with the right hair transplant surgeon. Hair Transplant surgery or surgical hair restoration can offer a permanent hair loss solution.
If you have any questions about hair transplant Miami, doctors, articles, or procedures, please feel free to to contact us hair transplant blog. You have hair transplant questions, so we are providing the answers. Hair transplantation is slow and meticulous and typically takes 4-6 hours. Hair transplantation is an operation that takes hair from the back of the head and moves it to the area of hair loss. Hair transplant surgery is a specialised surgical procedure where tiny pieces of scalp and hair are taken from one part of the scalp and ‘transplanted’ to a bald area.
Hair Transplant Clinic Affordable Hair Replacement Serving Clients Nationwide. Hair transplant surgery can provide permanent natural looking results that will help solve your hairloss problem. Brandy offers hair restoration and hair transplant procedures that restore a natural looking head of hair. Medical hair restoration with hair transplant surgery by Dr. Lawrence J. Shapiro. You can get you transplantation any where; hair transplant Miamican be available for you in Miami.

Try as we might, fashion dictates everything and as far as we women are concerned, it is now focused on excess body hair. Unfortunately shaving is only a make-do, or temporary reprieve; what we really need is a longer term method. An answer to this is hot wax hair removal which results in a professional finish. Many people, yes men included, swear by this beauty system despite many newer methods coming onto the market.

If you think about it this method of hair removal has proven itself for a long time. It is not a perfect system however, but overall the benefits outweigh the failings. One reason for using wax removal is that it is less expensive compared too many of the newer systems available. Shaving of course may be convenient but it’s not the most pleasant method, especially when you cut yourself.

You can almost guarantee that if you cut yourself, it’s right before you’re going out. Wax removal is much safer with almost zero chance of a cut and it lasts longer too! I think the biggest plus point to the hot wax hair removal process is that your hair returns thinner each time you use it. From that aspect I can’t fault it, even when I do have to repeat the process again, there’s less hair to remove.

Shaving on the other hand is a more frequent process because the more you shave, the quicker the hair returns. Hot wax hair removal had a bit of bad press because it’s portrayed as a bit painful but it’s not that bad. As alternatives to wax removal go, one of the worst is the Epilady. As an instrument of torture, it works very well. I remember using an Epilady once and that was enough; I lasted a couple of seconds and then threw it in the trash can.

I only tried hot wax hair removal after one of my college friends suggested I try it as it was how she removed unwanted hair. I’m glad I did try because I wouldn’t go back to the other painful alternatives. I find the fact that wax removal systems have a reputation for being uncomfortable rather annoying. As far as I’m concerned it is superior to all the other methods out there but perhaps I am biased!

Yes, the restylane injection can be injected into the bottom lip to augment it, make it look fuller and younger and appealing. Restylane is a smart and easy way to add volume and smoothness to the skin. It includes treatment of the facial contouring of the cheeks and the mouth and hence can be used on the lips. It can be used to reduce the appearance of the lines around the mouth besides reducing wrinkles and lines on any part of the face.

Restlyane consists of a hyaluronic acid gel which closely resembles the acid in our bodies so there is no reaction and no rejection or allergy. It works as a derma filler and gives shape and roundness to lips and other parts where it is injected. At first the lips may feel bruised or swollen or red. There may be some irritation or burning sensation. But it will wear off and the result can be seen within a few hours.

However when the lower lip is injected with restylane, it is wise to avoid puckering of the lips for a couple of days. The patient should not expose the treated lips to the sun or put any pressure on the lips. The reactions and the side effects are very few, mild and bearable and the recovery period is also short. But care has to be taken so that there is no bad effect due to neglect.

Restylane treatment is considered safe and reliable. It is accepted in several countries around the world though it is just a few years old. It originated in Sweden and gained momentum in ninety countries of the world. Now it is one of the most popular treatments for rejuvenation and cosmetic reasons. It can make the patient look much younger than her age. It can make thin lips fuller and give an attractive appearance. Restylane can be used by anyone between the age of eighteen and sixty five. Men and women can use it as long as they are in good health, physically and mentally, as long as they do not have skin infections and as long as they do not suffer from diabetes, or cancer or any such illness.

Restylane is a non-invasive method, which can be used to complement a surgical face-lift and other procedures. The results are for six to eight months after which the patient will have to go in for repetition of the procedure.

Restylane has been in use in many countries of the world for cosmetic purposes and considered effective and safe. The procedure consists of identifying the problem area, injecting it with hyaluronic gel and letting it work. This gel is very effective in restoring youthfulness.

Restylane is a dermal filler which works by filling in the gaps left by collagen due to age. It removes the wrinkles and lines or makes them softer, helps in lip augmentation and enhancement, reduces the appearance of lines around the mouth, modifies nasolabial folds under the nose and eye through deformities, improves the facial contouring of the cheeks and mouth. It is safe to be used anywhere on the face except in direct blood vessels.

Restylane is a clear gel which is injected directly beneath the surface of the skin. The gel adds volume and lifts resulting in smoother wrinkles and less prominent folds. Restylane degrades slowly and is absorbed by the body as it dissolves without any trace. As the gel used is like the hyaluronic acid in our body, there is no fear of rejection or allergy unless a person is extremely sensitive. Though restylane can be used anywhere on the body, its main use is on the face. Crow’s feet at the side of the eyes, wrinkles on the forehead, lines by the side of the mouth are all smoothened by restylane making the person feel and look rejuvenated.

The procedure takes hardly an hour, and the patient can walk away immediately afterwards. There are hardly any side effects. Some sensitive people may feel a burning sensation or redness or swelling but these are minor ones and temporary. No patient so far has reported any serious side effects, drawbacks or fears. But it is always better to select a doctor who is experienced and Board certified to be on the safe side. Once the doctor has been identified, the patient should clear his mind of all doubts and ask plenty of questions to the doctor and get any doubts cleared.

This method has six to eight months duration. Some people are fully satisfied with one sitting but most may need eight to ten sittings at a gap of six to eight months before full treatment is over. It depends on the age and sex of the person, his skin type and genes he has inherited.

Restylane treatments is one of the new methods for rejuvenation and it is a cosmetic treatment even though at times, it can be used for medical reasons. It consists of injecting the affected or selected part to be treated with small quantities of hyaluronic gel which permeates the dermal tissue and binds to water molecules. It fills up the spaces and makes the skin smoother, have less or smoother wrinkles and lines that reveal a person’s age. The gel mimics a body fluid and thus has no adverse reaction or rejection from the body for the patient.

Injecting the gel takes just about thirty to forty minutes. The effect lasts for six to eight months.

The procedure has to be repeated after that for longer lasting effects. It depends on the skin type, the age, the sex, the area to be rejuvenated and other such factors for the number of repeat procedures. There are many people who are satisfied with one treatment and there are people who have had to repeat it ten times before being fully satisfied and for the results to be permanent.

Though restylane injections is a safe and easy procedure, there are some reactions, which a patient must know before undergoing the procedure. Talking and discussing it with the doctor certainly helps. The patient has to be fully aware of what is going to happen during the procedure and what results to expect. Expecting miracles would be foolish. The patient has to be realistic, see the before and after pictures of those who have undergone the treatment earlier to get an idea of how it would be.

Restylane procedure, which was invented in Sweden, has now reached many other countries and is progressing well. Millions of people, who have undergone it, have been satisfied. The procedure is easy, just injecting the hyaluronic gel in small quantities to the affected part or the area to be treated. The pricks are like insect bites. There may be a burning sensation or pain or redness, soreness and swelling but the patient has to take it all in his stride as they are too minor to be of importance. They fade away fast and the result emerges to the delight of the patient.

How long the effect of the injections last is a matter of the individual’s body and skin structure, heredity, ages and other related factors. Restylane being a non-invasive procedure, and even if it needs to be repeated more times, does not result in loss of working days or immobility. The patient can go back to work quite fast after the procedure.

Microdermabrasion, also called microderm, and is a simple cosmetic procedure through which the dead skin of the face is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. It is a cosmetic procedure used to make the skin radiant, wrinkle free, and fresh looking.

Various methods are used to remove the dead external skin and can be done in a day spa or doctor’s room or medical spas. It is a safe and reliable procedure, which produces good results, and the patients are satisfied. Even one application leaves the skin glowing and younger looking but there may be cases where the procedure has to be done more than once, especially if the dead skin cells are more.

.

The best candidates for microermabrasion are those who have no time, or those who cannot afford to take time off for healing form a chemical peel or laser procedure. Those who give a lot of importance to outdoor activities like, golf and tennis may not want to put them off. Such people can turn to microdrmabrasion for treatment, improving the quality of the skin while, at the same time, participating in their favorite sport. This procedure takes so little time and hardly any recovery period. The patients can go immediately back to whatever they want to do, looking fresh and radiant.

There are many people who have sensitive skins and cannot afford to irritate it or break out into rashes or allergies. Such people with sensitive skins can opt for microdermabrasion as it will not harm them in any way. As no chemicals are used the question of allergy or breaking into a rash does not arise and they can undergo the procedure without any problems. Other candidates for this procedure include those who have acne-prone skin, which has not responded well to other acne remedies.

Microdermabrasion treats acme scars and improves the face value. There are some people who are young but whose skin shows early signs of aging. They would not like to take time off for the procedure or for the recovery. Such people are also the right candidate for microdermabrasion.

Other people who would also like to have instant face lifts, or clear their skin and look beautiful for an evening party can go in for this procedure.

The skin is gently polished and the dead skin removed delicately, leaving behind fresh skin cells. There are various methods of microdermabrasion and it can also be done at home. The home treatment may not be as effective as microdermabrasion done in a clinic but it will still look good.

Microderm is a procedure where tiny particles ’sand’ or ‘polish’ the skin and remove the scarred and discolored epidermal tissue. It is almost an instant procedure which is also called the lunchtime facial as it quickly but gently clears the skin leaving it fresh, glowing and younger looking.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure, which is done in spas and doctors rooms. The dead skin of the face is removed by gentle abrasion using various items like diamond or sand or jets of fine organic particles, aluminum oxide crystals and the like. The dead skin is removed using a hand piece through which the abrasive particles come. It is a mechanical procedure, which does not need any anesthesia and is relaxing and painless. It takes a very short time, just half an hour or a little more. The patient is left with a much better skin, which is instantly noticeable, and she can continue with her work without stopping or taking time to recover.

It has become such a popular procedure that there are more and more innovations done to improve the procedure and make it better and faster. There are different methods. Using diamond or crystals is common. Crystal microdermabrasion is traditional and consists of tiny crystals which are blasted on to the skin to perform the exfoliating process. This method is widely used. In the diamond microdermabrasion method, crystals are not used. Instead a diamond tipped head makes contact with the skin and removes the dead skin. Home microdermabrasion is becoming popular. It is cheap and easy to do and can produce good and satisfactory results. Tough these methods are hand operated they can be done mechanically as well.

The skin is the largest organ, which protects us, regulates our body temperature and is a very important and essential part of our body. Every day millions of skin cells die and fall off and are replaced by new cells from beneath the outer layer of the skin. This process slows down as we age and the skin gets blotchier and wrinkles get formed. This makes our faces look old and tired. Microdermabrasion clears the dead skin and makes the skin produce fresh cells, which give the face a younger, healthier and radiant look. This is a quick, safe and cheap procedure, which is within the reach of anyone and everyone.

It has been in use in Europe for several years now and has entered the US market and found its niche and has become very popular.

I bet a lot of you women wish your breasts were larger or perkier. Wouldn’t you like to have some cleavage, or look great in a bathing suit? But who has the money for expensive breast implant surgery?

Even if you could afford it, is breast surgery really such a great idea? Fake breasts often don’t look very natural. In fact, a lot of men hate the look and feel of them. You can lose sensitivity, too. And surgery of any kind has risks involved.

Why not try a natural breast enhancer instead? That’s right-there are safe, affordable, and natural ways to improve the size, look, and feel of your breasts. One of the most popular is called Breast Actives. This program has been around for about four years and has helped thousands of women. Here’s what you get when you buy Breast Actives:

• a cream that you need to massage onto your breasts each morning.

• a pill full of natural herbs that you take like a vitamin.

• a unique breast enhancement exercise program.

You should start to see results in a month or so. The cream and pill are completely safe. Their herbal ingredients have been used by people around the world for centuries, and for good reason. They work! And the makers of Breast Actives go to great lengths to make sure their product is of the highest quality.

But what do these herbs do, exactly? Basically, they increase the human growth hormones (HGH) that stimulate the glands that encourage the growth of new breast tissue. But there can be other benefits as well…

The great thing about herbal medicines is that they’re holistic. They treat the whole person, not just one part of the body. Breast surgery affects your breasts, period. But many women who try Breast Actives find that it also helps them with PMS and menopause symptoms. It’s also been known to ease menstrual cramps, balance hormones, and even increase libido!

Before going to the trouble and expense of surgery, doesn’t it make sense to try something like Breast Actives first? It only takes a few minutes a day and is a fraction of the cost of surgery. If you don’t like it, you can always return the product within 90 days for a refund. There’s no risk and plenty of reward: larger, firmer breasts that you’ll feel really good about!

You can take care of the nails on your feet by giving yourself a royal
treatment right in the comfort of your own home!
At home pedicure, procedures are not much more complicated than the
one done in the spas and it can be accomplished with the most basic
equipment.

This will show you how to get you tootsies looking and feeling
fabulous.You will learn how to do a home pedicure step-by-step. So
let’s get started.

The next step at home pedicure involves removing the old nail polish
completely using cotton pads dipped in acetone remover. Use flat
cotton pads and not cotton-wool balls because these tend to leave
behind traces of cotton strands on the nails.

If this does not remove the polish completely then the acetone soaked
cotton pads has to be left on the nails for some time until it comes
off completely.

The next step at home pedicure involves removing the old nail polish
completely using cotton pads dipped in acetone remover. Use flat
cotton pads and not cotton-wool balls because these tend to leave
behind traces of cotton strands on the nails.
If this does not remove the polish completely then the acetone soaked
cotton pads has to be left on the nails for some time until it comes
off completely.

Invest in the best quality nail clippers that you can afford. A good
quality clipper gives far better results.
Nails have to be cut leaving about 1/8th of an inch length so that the
nails don’t extend over the tip of the toes.
For acquiring a soft square shaped nail, its best to file from around
the corners and edges in one direction using Emery boards and not
metal files as they could cause the nails to split.

In Emory boards, the smooth surface is for softening the nail edges
whereas the coarse surface is for shaping them. Soaking the feet in a
bath of salt and aroma oils or Epsom salts will do you good. Calloused
feet require being soaked for longer hours and adding milk to the warm
water will help loosen the dead skin. Cuticle remover is applied to
the nail bases and using orangewood stick the skin is pushed back to
where it meets the nail.

Trimming of loose skin is done using cuticle nippers and care should
be taken to see that the toe flesh is not cut. Exfoliators, foot
scrubs, or if possible wet pumice stone is used to remove the dead
cells in the balls and heels of the feet. Scrubbing too hard may cause
the foot to turn red, in case of which the scrubbing should be
stopped.

End your home pedicure with a generous helping of a nourishing foot
cream that is vigorously massaged on the feet including the area
between the toes.

You can also apply some cuticle oil around the cuticles.
A thin base coat of three strokes, with one down the middle and the
other one on each side is applied followed by a thin topcoat.
Don’t paint the cuticles.

Wrap some cotton around an orangewood stick and dip it into some nail
polish remover to remove any excess nail polish.
The nails are to be dried before wearing shoes. Pedicure socks are
available which can be worn without covering the toenails.

If you want to grow dreadlocks fast and easy find a good loctician. Locticians are hairstylists who specialize in helping you grow dreadlocks.

A loctician will help or guide you through the process of growing dreadlocks. They create “buds” or handmade “baby” dreadlocks with your hair using different techniques such as the palm roll, 2-stand method, Sista Locs, and others. They continue to provide maintenance until your hair matures into dreadlocks.

It could take up to six months after the first visit before you have a head full of strong dreadlocks. Depending on the texture of your hair, you may need to visit your loctician two to four times a month. At a cost anywhere between thirty-five and seventy-five dollars each appointment, using a loctician can become expensive.

Locticians work out of their home, make house calls, or mostly work in a beauty salon. Currently no licensing or certification exists for locticians. The loctician you choose should have some type of training and lots of experience.

Here are five ways a loctician will help you grow dreadlocks:

1. Makes the natural route more presentable. During the “natural route”, you allow your hair to get as kinky as it can get. In about three to six months your hair will create a big nappy curly afro eventually changing into dreadlocks. Though the afro may look beautiful and powerful to you, to others it gives the impression you just don’t give a damn.

A loctician can eliminate this stage by creating dreadlocks through twisting or backcombing. Your “handmade” dreadlocks will look more presentable during the time it takes for your hair to start locking itself.

2. You only want temporary dreadlocks. A loctician can twist you hair into any dreadlock style you want. Keep in mind a twist is not a dreadlock. It’s only strains of hair held together with some type of sticky chemical such as beeswax. You can change hairstyle by shampooing the wax out of your hair or untwisting the locks. However, mature dreadlocks require cutting if you want to change your hairstyle.

3. You scalp itches and you need treatment. Sometimes it’s great to have a loctician shampoo and oil your hair or dreadlocks. Not only does this helps your scalp but is meditative and relaxing.

4. Remove damages caused by hair relaxers and other chemicals. You may have used chemicals in the past and need help getting your hair back to a natural state. A loctician should be able to help you accomplish this goal.

5. Looking for a variety of different styles. You want to see the many different styles and ways people are wearing dreadlocks. A loctician should have pictures of past work as well has explain each technique or process.

You do not need a loctician to grow dreadlocks, their role is to help the process and make sure you get what you want from your experience of growing dreadlocks.

When looking for a good loctician, get good referrals, ask many questions, and don’t be afraid to change loctician if you are not getting the service you expect.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jeffery Bradley

Have you ever gone out for new clothes, makeup, to a tanning salon or beauty shop just because you want a little self-esteem booster? People who suffer hair loss due to an illness or the treatment of an illness often need a self esteem booster even more than the rest of us. Human hair wigs are actually very important for helping certain sick people, both young and old, to maintain a healthier appearance and therefore, to feel happier and even healthier. The mind is a powerful tool. It has been proven that when someone feels better psychologically, the chances of healing physically are much improved.

When an adult begins to look ill, people usually act concerned. When a child begins to look ill, other kids are likely to make fun of the sick child because the typical response for a child who is uncomfortable is to point, say hurtful things, or ask insensitive questions. Nonetheless, patients both young and old can both be helped by the kind donations of human hair wigs.

When you can only live a semi-normal life because of the restrictions of a disease or the treatment of that disease - the more normalcy you can achieve the better. Having human hair wigs is one of the big things that can help a patient suffering from hair loss feel more normal. It is like medication, it is just more psychological than that.

Yes, it can be argued that it is all superficial. And yes, in the grand scheme of things, hair loss is definitely not the most important thing to be worried about if you are being treated for cancer, leukemia, an autoimmune disease such as areata, or any other medical condition. However, feeling healthy and looking healthy have a subconscious correlation. And whether we like it or not, our appearance has an effect on how people around us perceive us as well. When a person feels like people are staring at him or her, when he or she feels like they stick out in a crowd, the mind is more likely to wander recklessly into a depression that can worsen your condition.

It is normal to want to feel normal - even when you are living under special circumstances, you don’t want to look any different than everyone else - at least, no more than you have to. When a patient experiences hair loss, his or her appearance screams illness. Because of that, the patient will feel worse, he or she will feel much less normal than before, and he or she will also feel like they are being judged by anyone who looks at them.

If you have already, or if you are considering donating your hair for human hair wigs for hospital patients - it is quite a rewarding thing to do. Children fear what they don’t understand - and usually, they respond to their own confusion by teasing. This makes children who have suffered hair loss from a medical condition or the corresponding treatment for that condition more sad, lonely and depressed. The moments of their life which remain normal, i.e. the time between hospital visits such as when they are playing or attending school, should be as normal as possible. People will inevitably talk about someone who is obviously suffering from a medical condition - but the more a patient feels like he or she is being treated like a person the less depressed he or she will become. For both children and adults who suffer from hair loss, human hair wigs have been able to make an enormous difference.

When the veins in your lower leg swell, widen, enlarge, or extend, you have a condition that is known as varicose veins. With varicose veins, the skin underneath the skin becomes highly visible and may vary in color from pink, red, purple, blue or black lines and may include clots. For those with severe cases, the veins may look like earthworms. Some of the symptoms of varicose veins include skin changes, damage, sclerosis, heaviness, weakness, fatigue, and leg pain.

Although most people think surgery is the only treatment for varicose veins, acupuncture is quite effective for this condition. Medical theory in Chinese medicine believes varicose veins are the result of stagnant blood that can be produced by many underlying factors. During this condition, an abnormal blood flow occurs, so by treating key points with the meridian areas, it forces the blood to move into the veins and the areas around them. People who are being treated for varicose veins with acupuncture may feel tingling or have a sensation of heaviness. Some patients may even feel itchy once the blood in the veins begins flowing again, but the blood will be unable to circulate until any stagnant blood remaining in the vessels is removed completely by new blood.

The improvement that results from treating varicose veins with acupuncture is gradual. Depending on how severe your case is, you may need several treatments to eliminate your varicose veins. Acupuncture will restore the veins to normal, but you can soak in a hot tub or other means in order to speed the process. Unlike traditional treatments for varicose veins, acupuncture has no side effects. Surgical procedures do not always cure the problem, and sometimes may even make it worse. Most people just choose to live with the condition instead of attempting to correct it. The problem is you are left with pain and swelling in your legs that may increase over time.

If you have a severe case of varicose veins, acupuncture may be the answer to your prayers. That doesn’t mean only those with severe cases should consider acupuncture, but at the same time, if you don’t suffer from serious problems, you may want to let the condition manifest itself into something more serious before you seek treatment of any kind. The more severe the case is, the more likely it will be that the treatment will be effective. Not only that but waiting will make it easier to see the extent of the damage and allow a patient to notice the difference. In addition, most people do not believe in any kind of medical intervention, whether it be traditional or alternative medicine, until nothing else works.

Long, sexy care-free lashes in just 2 hours? Absolutely! Who wouldn’t want to try this trend? Including me, which was why I became a Certified Eyelash Extension Professional last year. I have used false eyelashes on my clients throughout my career to bolster weak lashes or add impact for photographic make-up. This seemed like a fabulous option for my clients that had weak, sparse, short or basically lack-luster lashes. Here are some things to consider before you make an appointment.

What are eyelash extensions? Lash extensions are applied one at a time to natural lashes. These can be synthetic or human hair. I prefer synthetic, as they are created with channels which helps adhesive stick, they have a tapered end, and they are naturally more water resistant. The come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses for customization. They shed with your natural lashes.

How are they applied? One at a time, to individual lashes that are half-way through their life cycle which is 4-6 weeks long. New eyelashes aren’t strong enough to hold extensions and older lashes will be falling off. The average eye will receive 80-100 lashes each. This process is generally done with the client laying on a massage table with their bottom lashes taped down with medical tape, which keeps the lid lashes from getting glued to the lower lashes. Plan for this to take up to 2 hours, with an experienced technician.

How long do they last? Depending on the life cycle of your lashes, 4-6 weeks.

What is the maintenance? You should return one week after your initial application to have your technician check, and then return for “fills” every two weeks. Remember, every time you lose a natural lash, you lose the extension.

How much can I expect this to cost? As with hair services, you are paying for the time and expertise of your technician. Some salons charge flat rates, others charge by the hour, as no two clients are alike. A full set application can run between $175 - $300. Fills can cost between $80 - $150.

How do I take care of them? You will need to avoid showers and steam for the first 24 hours after an application. Use only Oil-Free Make-up Remover and avoid rubbing eyes aggressively.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t get lash extensions? If you have had general anesthesia within 12 months, given birth, take medication for thyroid disorder, the life cycle of your lashes may be shorter than usual. Let the technician know if any of these conditions apply. This method will not be helpful for anyone with large gaps in their lash line, and it may be necessary to tint eyelashes that are too light or perm lashes that are growing inward instead of outward, so this will increase the cost.

Take the time to go in for a consultation, and determine if you are comfortable with the technician. Look for cleanliness, and find out if they are offering a first-time client special which often includes a complimentary appointment within 1 week of application. Be honest with the technician, because the investment of time and money should be rewarding for you!

Rough treatment of any kind - whether shampooing, brushing, or something else entirely - can damage individual hairs permanently. Unfortunately, once a strand is damaged, it can’t be repaired. To keep the damage from moving up the strand and compromising more of the hair, a haircut is your only option. To keep hair shiny, and voluminous, you must be mindful of how you treat strands. Abuse them and you will be repaid in split ends, frayed shafts, and brittleness.

Styles to avoid

Each person’s hair has a different personality. Except for the area around my face, where it’s straight, my hair likes to wave in zigzags down my back. Perhaps your hair’s natural inclination is to hang stick-straight or to leap away from your head in crazy curlicues. Fight your hair’s disposition and you end up in a battle of wills for hairstyle dominance. Sure, you can make your ringlets straight, but you’re going to have to beat them into submission with a relaxer service, or blow-dry them every morning, and perhaps you’ll even need to use a straightening iron.

If you want to live peacefully with your hair, you’ve got to learn to accept it’s natural tendencies, which brings me to this rule of thumb: The more a finished hairdo differs from your God-given hair, the rougher you’ll need to be with your strands. For example, to look curly, straight hair must undergo permanent waves, curling irons, or being shaped by rollers. To look straight, curly locks must submit to relaxing services, the blow-dryer, or straightening irons. To look full, thin hair is often set on rollers and heavily backcombed. And so on. So when it comes to hairstyles, the least damaging looks (and the easiest to achieve) are those that go with your hair’s natural flow.

Using hair ornaments wisely

I grew up wearing barrettes. My sister always had ponytails. Every morning before school, I sat on my mother’s bed. She would stand next to me and run a fine-tooth comb through my long, wavy, very tangled hair. After parting my hair, my mother gathered the tresses above each ear and forced the strands into metal drugstore barrettes. Then she would go to work on my sister’s hair: pulling the strands tight for a neat, smooth finish, then winding the ponytail holder again and again and again around the blonde pigtails until my sister’s coif was secure enough to withstand tag, monkey bars, kickball and grade school boys. When we finally stumbled from the house and onto the sidewalk, we were joined by neighborhood girls wearing beribboned hair clips, plastic headbands, red or yellow rubber bands, baubled ponytail holders,or small barrettes shaped like bows or puppies. As we walked toward the elementary school, one of us, then another would move a hand toward our heads - but our strands were so tightly fixed in place that nothing ever moved.

The average non-damaged strand is strong enough to suspend 3/5 oz (100 grams) in weight.

During our childhoods, it seemed essential that hair stayed put. Today we know better. When hair ornaments pull tresses tautly in place, or when they clamp down tightly around strands, they stress the hair shaft and weaken its cuticle layer. (I won’t even go into the headaches that incorrectly worn hair ornaments can give.) When using hair ornaments, keep locks somewhat loose, do not overstuff the barrette, clip, or ponytail holder, and don’t wear the same style day after day - another way to stress certain portions of the strand and cause breakage. Furthermore, when shopping for hair ornaments, look for barrettes, clips, and headbands with smooth finishes. Ponytail holders should be soft with no visible metal that can catch hair - and don’t ever use rubber bands on hair. They are notorious cuticle-strippers.

You’ve got a skin glitch you want gone - or at least diminished. Where do you go for help? Well, it depends on the severity of the problem. Obviously, if you suspect skin cancer, you need to take yourself straight to a dermatologist. But for something that is more looks-threatening than life ­threatening, you’ve got choices. You can opt for over-the-counter treatments, help from a professional skin-care therapist, or a visit to your dermatologist.

Over-the-counter care

Pharmacies, chain drug stores, beauty emporiums, and department store cosmetic counters are great for the do-it-yourselves. These places offer a range of treatment products (at a range of prices) that allow you to address your problem privately, conveniently, and relatively inexpensively. The downside to this? It’s easy to either get swayed by the grand claims you read on a box of skin-care cream or get confused by a product’s ingredient list. To avoid getting taken - and to ensure you find a product that works - you must do a bit of research not only on your condition, but also on product ingredients. You need to know what ingredients your skin finds irritating and avoid purchasing a product that contains these.

Be aware that these “mass-market” items are designed to be used without professional supervision by an enormous cross-section of people. To avoid causing reactions in some of these people, manufacturers formulate their products with low concentrations of active ingredients.

You spent a good deal of cash on a cream that said it could banish freckles, and after using the whole jar, your freckles haven’t lightened a bit. What to do? Contact the company that made the product and complain.

What is an aesthetican?

Aestheticians are most often found at skin-care salons, day spas, and even in dermatologists’ offices. They give a wide range of facial treatments for a wide range of problems, from mild to moderate acne, to light wrinkling, to melasma; what they cannot do is perform surgery, work with lasers, prescribe medication, or diagnose. dangerous skin ailments, such as cancer. A good aesthetician will tell you to visit you dermatologist if he or she spots something suspicious on your face. Think of an aesthetician as a skin-care partner. Most likely you will be visiting your aesthetician weekly, twice-monthly, or monthly until your problem is controlled. After that, you will go less frequently for follow-up and maintenance visits.

Many aestheticians and dermatologists use a Wood’s lamp to view a patient’s sun damage. The lamp projects a long wavelength of blue light deeper into the skin than visible light; sun damage shows up as dark, mottled areas.

Visiting an aesthetidan

If you decide to work with an aesthetician, a plan of specific cleansers, creams, sunscreens, and other regimens designed to treat your skin may be recommended. Aestheticians rely on professional treatment lines that are available for use only under an aesthetician’s supervision. These professional products generally contain moderate levels of active ingredients; you may experience better or faster results from them than from over-the-counter products. The downside to aestheticians? The visits and products can get expensive.

Don’t be shy when visiting an aesthetician or dermatologist. To help him or her choose the safest, most effective treatment plan for you must speak up about your lifestyle and your health. Don’t forget to mention allergies, reproductive plans, current medication, and even how many glasses of alcohol you drink in a week.

Get thee to a doctor!

A dermatologist is your only option if you suspect something serious, such as skin cancer, something appears abruptly, such as a rash, or you suffer from a particularly stubborn or severe case of something, such as cystic acne. But your visits don’t have to be limited to these reasons - dermatologists treat minor skin-care gripes as well. In fact, because dermatologists are doctors, they can prescribe strong prescription medication that contains high levels of active ingredients. This means fast results and the benefit of someone monitoring you against any allergies or reactions.

Dermatologists can also perform cutting-edge procedures, such as laser, botox, and collagen, that you can’t get anywhere else. Before choosing this option, however, you should consider that while some insurance plans do cover dermatology visits and prescription costs for “cosmetic issues” such as melasma, freckles, sun damage, and wrinkles, most do not.