5 Hot Hair Style Trends For 2005

Folks are so diverse in 2005, which means that there's never just one hair style trend that's hot at any given time. All of history is fair game for re-invention. Truly, there's not much that hasn't been done before. Yet somehow, each incarnation takes on a fresh spin, and emerges fabulous.

The latest hair style trends sweep the globe slowly, which means that the life cycle is actually a few years from the birth of a new trend to the eventual fizzle. And then there are those we can't ever seem to eradicate completely (terrible 80's bangs), but that's another article, another time.

Today's hair trends can be broken down into five general categories. Here's a rundown of each...

Old Hollywood Glamour - The vintage Hollywood glamour look is characterized by smooth, voluptuous waves, and deep side parts. The best techniques to get the look are pin curling and finger waving. Top it off with a beautiful vintage accessory on one side or at the back. Look for items with rhinestones or feathers, especially ostrich feathers...we'll be seeing alot of those.

80's Inspired - A return to the 80's means an influence from that time...texture and movement, shorter layers throughout the top, lots of waves and tousled curls. It does not mean that if you're still sporting a tired old eighties mullet, you're suddenly back en vogue.

The New Mod - Think "super-fly Beatle". The re-born version of the classic 50's-60's mod style has shorter lengths and texture in the crown, which become heavy, almost blunt bangs that skim the eyelashes. Annoying, I know, but hey...what's a little discomfort in the name of fashion? The back and sides of the new mod style can range from short to medium with either lots of texture or distinct bluntness around the hairline.

Disconnected and Asymmetric Cuts - Extreme angles create a sculptural feel with this hair trend. Blunt edges cut in unexpected places. No blendy-blend here. This trend is very edgy, but can be tamed down by going with an asymmetric cut (one side longer than the other). The angle of the cut can range from a gentle slope to a plummet, with one side very short, graduating to chin-length as it comes around the head.

Very short haired folks can also take advantage of this trend. Carve fun patterns into the sides of the hair. Or go more extreme with a version like I recently saw Ed Robertson from the Barenaked Ladies sporting. Part shaved, part everyday guys short haircut. It looked to me like he had to bolt from the barber's chair halfway through his buzz, but it's all in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.

Mohawks and Faux-Hawks - A hot trend for both guys and gals, the mohawk will be settlin' in for a good spell. This look is immensely versatile, possible to mimic on any hair length. If your hair is short, use a wax or gel and simply direct it forward and up in the center. For a temporary mohawk on longer lengths, back comb a rectangular section from your front hairline to your crown. Slick the sides down close to your head, either behind the ears or secure these sections straight back and underneath the back sections. Instant faux-hawk...hair today...gone tomorrow!

A tad more commitment is required to achieve an authentic mohawk look. You'll need to have your stylist trim up the sides and back/sides, leaving a "peak" of length down the center of the head (obviously), otherwise, it'll be difficult to create the classic mohawk shape.

Make a trend your own by incorporating elements from one or two of the above influences. Keep your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle in mind when choosing a new hair style. Just because a mohawk is in style doesn't mean you're an automatic candidate to sport one. If you have a long or diamond shaped face, a full-on mohawk would be a disaster. (Unless you're going for the "pointy head" look, which is doubtful.)

If you like to experiment, stick with the trends that don't require alot of commitment with the haircut. The Hollywood Glamour look, the faux-hawk, and the new mod are good options for this because they can easily be changed the next day.

Hair style trends are forever shifting, morphing into new versions of themselves, then dying out entirely...well, at least for the next few decades, 'til they emerge once again and sweep the planet. Now that you're feeling inspired, let me leave you with this...Have fun with your hair! After all, you'll be dealing with it on a daily basis for the rest of your life...What better reason to spice it up a little?!

Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/">Style Hair Magazine</a> -- Professional hair styling and coloring techniques in simple terms. The must-know's for using hair products and tools and staying up to date on the latest trends in hair fashion.

5 Sunless Tanning Lotion Tips For Summer

If you use sunless tanning products it's probably because your skin's health is very important to you - yet you still love the tan look. The following tips will help you make the most as you protect your skin and stay bronze at the same time.

Exfoliate is great! Scrub nice and hard in the shower a few hours before application. Getting rid of the dead skin will help your canned-tan to stick a little longer.

Shaving is great a few hours before applying lotions, but.. avoid shaving right before applying sunless tanning products. Chemicals in the lotion can cause irritation if you don't give your skin time to recover from the shock of the blade.

Stay dry after you apply. Don't get wet and don't sweat for at least a few hours after applying sunless tanning lotions. This will help prevent irregular streaking in your fake-bake.

Gloves, gloves, gloves. Unless you want your hands to be neon orange, wear cheap latex gloves when you apply your bronzers.

If you notice some areas of your body, like your elbows, get too dark after applying sunless tanning lotions, apply baby oil or gel to these areas before hand. This will help balance out your bronze.

Try these self-tanning tips this summer, and enjoy looking golden without sacrificing your skin to the sun!

James Allen is the webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://www.bestsunlesstans.com">Best Sunless Tans</a>. Come learn everything you need to know to save your skin and still look golden all year long.
<a target="_new" href="http://www.bestsunlesstans.com">http://www.BestSunlessTans.com</a>

Are Parabens Really Safe

You've probably heard the news stories about parabens and the controversy surrounding their use in personal care products. Here's a brief, but fair, look at this complicated issue:

No cosmetic can ever be truly "natural"-no matter what the manufacturer claims-but some ingredients are closer than others. Parabens have long been considered an ideal compromise and until quite recently were considered one of the safest preservative methods available. But an article published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology has cast doubt on the safety of parabens and, especially, their potential role in the development of some types breast cancers.

Scientists have known for some time that parabens can mimic the effect of estrogen when used on lab animals but in early 2004, British researchers from the University of Reading announced that they had found parabens in in the cancerous tumors of human breast cancer patients. Equally concerning is the fact that researchers believe that the form of parabens found in those tumors indicate that the parabens were absorbed topically and not taken orally. But most frightening is the fact that parabens were found in EVERY sample.

It's important to note that this was a very, very small study--only 20 women--and there's absolutely no way to tell what, if any, skin care products are implicated. Although the lead researcher has cautioned that there's no definitive proof that parabens actually cause breast cancers, he has already called for more study.

Should YOU Be Concerned? Manufacturers are. Many of the leaders in the natural products industry have already announced plans to discontinue the use of parabens and more are expected to follow suit.

How do you know if your skin care products contain parabens? Read the labels. All cosmetics are required by law to carry full ingredient lists. If your skin care products don't have ingredients listed, or you can't find the preservative in the list, be suspicious. Be equally suspicious of manufacturers who claim to use only natural essential oils or grapefruit seed extract. In day-to-day usage, they just don't work as promised.

One of the most exciting new preservatives being used today is Hydroxymethylglycinate, a derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid Glycine. It's considered extremely safe and seems to be less apt to cause allergic reactions than other preservatives.

About The Author

As the owner of NaturopathicBath.com, Lisa Barger is one of the few internet-based experts focusing on truly therapeutic personal care products. Her cruelty-free products are made without petroleum, dye, alcohol, or perfumes.

<a href="mailto:webmaster@naturopathicbath.com">webmaster@naturopathicbath.com</a>

Look Better, Feel Better

>Yikes! It's that me, I though after seeing my reflection. What happened? I feel like a different person and I am right. I went from being a single, ambitious young woman to a loving wife, mother and entrepreneur. All this new roles that I have acquire through life, leave me with more responsibilities and less time on my hands.

So, does this mean I have to sacrifice my physical appearance? I don't think so! Who says that moms can't be trendy or simply look more put together.

Just to make things clear, I am not talking about wearing over revealing clothes, expending every single penny on shopping sprees or basing your whole existence on the way you look.

My advice is to just make time for improving your overall appearance. Even if you are a stay at home mom, make sure you get up a couple of minutes before the kids and do your hair, apply some lotion and don't just wear worn out t shirt, sweat pants etc.

What ever your beauty routine is just make time for it. It is a proven fact, looking better will help you feel better and influence those around you.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine <a target="_new" href="http://kpatra.com">http://kpatra.com</a> "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

Email: <a href="mailto:eniamorales@kpatra.com">eniamorales@kpatra.com</a>

Beauty Tips

1. Your foundation will look only as good as the skin underneath. To get an even, smooth look, cleanse and exfoliate regularly.

2. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergic reactions make sure you test new cosmetics on a small patch either on the inside of your arm or your neck. If after 24 hours you don't have a reaction it is safe to use the product.

3. If you have acne or find you cannot use any skin care products without getting an allergic reaction or dry itchy skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

4. Use mascara sparingly. Using too much will make your eyelashes stick together and form into blobs. Dip your brush only once to do both eyes making sure you twist, not pump the brush.

5. No matter how tempting it might be to drop into bed after being out late, don't do it. Your skin will thank you if you remove all traces of makeup and apply your skin care cream before going to bed.

6. Take care of the skin around your neck as well as your face by applying moisturizer. This is a delicate area which is quick to show wrinkles.

7. Cosmetics do not last forever and using old products can cause irritations. Here are some guidelines:

* Foundation ? 1 year

* Concealer - 1 year

* Powder - 2 years

* Mascara - 3 months

* Lipstick ? 1 year

* Eye pencil ? 1 year

* Eye Shadow ? 1 year

* Powder Blush ? 2 years

* Cream Blush ? 6 months

* Moisturizer ? 1 year

* Eye Cream ? 1 year

* Sun Screen ? l year

?2005 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who teaches women how to dress to suit their body type and look slimmmer. You can reach her at <a target="_new" href="http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com">http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com</a> to download her ebook, "Image Makeovers" and get "How to Build a Wardrobe" ebook free.

Cool Tattoos

Practitioners admit it hurts like hell and speech is initially difficult, but claim that the surprise factor of sticking out their tongues at unwary persons is worth the effort.

For those seeking out cool tattoos getting the tongue tattooed might be too much. Circus carny and graphic designer Curtis McMurty is the person credited with developing a specially patented Tongue-Dyed Tattoo? technology.

And McMurty's innovation doesn't stop with the visual. He claims the new technique has the same durability as any regular tattoo, but has the added aspect of eliciting a specific taste to go with the design. "They come in chocolate, vanilla and garlic. If you really want to shock a person's sensibilities, go for the garlic - you won't be disappointed."

"I've always been unique. My friends say I'm 'touched.' Now I'm twice as unique!" - Egrett Emry, tongue tattooer

The first person to have the procedure done was Egrett Emry, who has a depiction of vomit it was a toss-up between that and an "Eat Me" graphic). Emry's roommate acknowledged that Emry's first week after getting it done has been "a real tongue twister. He really sucks at taking phone messages."

Emry later noted in an email interview that, "I've always been unique. My friends say I'm 'touched.' Now I'm twice as unique. If scientists could grow another tongue on me through stem cells, I'd totally tattoo that one, too. Hey, I'm a no-hold-the-bar kinda risk-taking guy."

Emry added that so far all food tastes like burnt flesh. "Don't get me wrong, I've never actually tasted burnt flesh, but I think we all agree on what we think it must taste like, you know?"

About two dozen Californians have supposedly received tongue tattoos at McMurty's parlor in East L.A. In terms of safety, initial research shows that it's no more harmful than swallowing small droplets of mercury.

And in terms of imagery, well, the sky's the limit. McMurty was contacted recently by some Portland, Ore., teenagers who want to tattoo the Nike corporate swoosh on their tongues, "to speak out about the omnipresence of corporate greed."

"It can certainly be shocking," admitted Emry, describing how he surprised his dentist when he went in for a routine check-up. "The poor guy said, 'Open up.' So I did - and I swear he fell over backwards when I stuck it out at him. I guess the general public will find this sort of thing hard to swallow."

Tattoo Designs Tattoo Galleries <a target="_new" href="http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com">http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com</a>

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

I first thought about getting permanent eyeliner because I had problems with getting it on and getting it to stay on. I was very nervous about having something 'permanent' done. But I went ahead and looked into it. I went on line and found several web sites on permanent make up. Nancy's web site was the best I saw, she had a lot of before and after photos, and several great credentials listed. I called Nancy and she was very informative and I could tell she knew what she was talking about. Nancy made me feel comfortable with my decision to get permanent eyeliner. (She told me I would love it, and I do!)

I loved her work and the way she worked so much that I wanted to get my lips colored. Nancy helped me to decide on a good lip color for my skin and now I don't even need to wear lipstick! Nancy again did an awesome job!

Well there was only one thing left, my brows. I was a bit nervous about having my brows done, but I trusted Nancy's work. I now have my brows done, and of course they look great.

I can't say enough about how happy I am with all three procedures, and the way Nancy spends her time to do it right and how you like it. I am constantly bragging to everyone about Nancy and how much I love my permanent make up! I would recommend Nancy for permanent make up to anyone who wants to look good all the time!

Tami in Huntington Beach, CA

I love my new permanent makeup. I now have the choice of not having to add makeup if I don't feel like it. I was always so self conscience about having no brows (plucked them out when I was a teenager and they never grew back). The eyeliner enhanced my eyes and makes my eyes look so natural. I actually feel younger and look younger!

Nancy is very patient and stops very often during the procedure so you can see how it's coming along. She is very conscientious about having everything clean and sterile. Initially there is a little discomfort but it goes away after the topical is applied. She is thorough when explaining the procedure so you know what she will be doing and it makes you feel more at ease.

E.M.in Newport Beach, CA

When I set out to produce a show about spa living, I knew one of the segments would have to be about permanent make-up. I scoured the Web and found a plethora of artists...especially in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. I decided I would choose an artist by using a single criterion: Who would I choose to work on me? When I found alwayslookyourbest.com, I was impressed with the professionalism portrayed through the site. The &quot;before and after&quot; pictures were believable. The explanations were understandable. And mostly, Nancy's credentials were impressive. After speaking on the phone, I knew I had the right person for the segment. On the day of the shoot, Nancy and her subject showed up early and prepared. She was accommodating and professional. The segment went perfectly, shot in only one take. And perhaps most importantly, the procedure Nancy performed looked great!

David Winter
Executive Producer
WinterMedia, Inc.

Looks great!! This is the only way to describe the transformation from no color and constant daily attention of applying eyeliner. I LOVE THE RESULTS!! The process was time efficient and relatively painless. Nancy was very cautious about the delicate area of the eyes. She constantly asked if I was feeling any discomfort. Have recommended several friends and business associates to her. Like some many things, I wish I had done this years ago. My only regret is that I can't give blood for one year. The American Red Cross still has a rule on tattoo's. Somehow the medical reasons for permanent makeup and tattoo's on the rest of the body do not equate in my mind. Nancy's business is conducted in an office environment with the cleanliness of any medical facility. Don't hesitate to have permanent make-up!!

KH Newport Beach, CA

My name is Pamela, a 44-year old resident of Long Beach, who contacted Nancy LaTouche in late 2002 to solicit her help in trying to reverse facial scars created by a dermabrasion surgery. Having paid thousands of dollars for dermabrasion surgery to improve my skin, and ending up with horrific, indented scars, you can imagine my outrage and depression as I labored to find solutions to this unexpected debacle. The doctor who scarred me was of no help, in fact, he refused to even address the matter with me. Hence, I was left to my own devices to try and find scar revision techniques.

One such technique is that of "needling", wherein the scar tissue is "needled" numerous times with the type of small needles used in permanent makeup artistry. In researching this technique, I found Nancy's website on line, and was immediately impressed by her thoroughness and professionalism. I called Nancy to explain my situation, and was humbled by her compassionate response and willingness to devote her time and expertise in trying to help me. Nancy explained that she had not, personally, performed needling (in fact, most such professionals have not done so), yet she jumped in with both feet to research the matter, emailed knowledgeable contacts, and invested long hours in studying this matter.

We eventually met at her offices for a "test run" in needling several scars. Nancy had read up on numerous articles and documents about this technique, so as to be well versed in its application. She spent a good 2 hours meeting with me and performing the test run, all the while demonstrating the utmost in professionalism, care and concern. Despite her many hours devoted to my problem, Nancy charged me only a fraction of her usual fee. She has since been in touch regularly to check up on my healing and progress, and continues to offer leads into scar revision techniques for me.

I cannot say enough about the care, professionalism and expertise demonstrated by Nancy LaTouche, and feel blessed to have met this exceptional woman.

Pamela A. in Long Beach, cA

***

Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, a member in good standing with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and is current writing a book on what she learned in permanent makeup to be published on her website around March 2005. See <a target="_new" href="http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com">http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com</a> for more information, before and after photos and much, much more!