Gua Sha Techniques

 

 

In this video there are 5 movements that are most popular when using the Gua Sha technique. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape the skin, aiming to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing by breaking up stagnant energy in the body, often resulting in temporary visible redness on the skin called "sha" which translates to "sand"; it can be used on various parts of the body including the back, neck, face, and legs, depending on the desired outcome. Source

This Aloe Vera Gel Recipe Is a Natural Remedy for Beautiful Skin

Our bodies naturally make collagen, but that amount can decrease with aging, sun exposure, lack of sleep, and other issues. And according to Harvard’s School of Public Health, when collagen fibers are damaged, more wrinkles appear on the skin’s surface. That’s why you’ll see that a lot of beauty experts recommend finding ways to increase collagen production through supplements or other means.

One natural way to do this? Aloe vera. The succulent plant is something of a beauty elixir because in addition to being deeply moisturizing, it’s also said to increase collagen production. One study found that aloe gel supplements “significantly improves wrinkles and elasticity” in the participants’ skin.

The best part is that you can make your own collagen via aloe vera beauty treatment very easily and without spending a fortune. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the benefits of aloe vera and collagen. Get ready to give your skin a boost of radiance with this natural beauty trick.

Why is aloe vera good for the skin?

Aloe vera is a star ingredient in lots of beauty products and natural remedies due to its many benefits. These include:

• It’s said to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps keep the skin firm and elastic.
• It deeply moisturizes the skin and is ideal for most skin types.
• Aloe vera has long been used to help with healing wounds and damaged skin.
• It has been proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles and the elasticity of the skin.
• It has soothing anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

How can I make natural collagen with aloe vera?

Taking advantage of the many healing properties of aloe vera has on the skin is actually super easy. You can buy an aloe vera gel or supplement, or try this simple and effective recipe at home:

Ingredients:

2 fresh aloe vera leaves

1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional, for added hydration and nourishment)

1 capsule of vitamin E (to enhance the aloe vera’s antioxidant and rejuvenating effect)

1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (for increased collagen)

2 tablespoons distilled rose water (for a lighter texture).

Preparation:

1. Wash the leaves well, then remove the peel and extract the aloe vera gel with a spoon.
2. Blend the gel with the coconut oil, vitamin E, and rose water until mixed well.
3. Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in a little hot water, then add it to the mixture. Blend well.
4. Store the mix in an airtight glass jar and refrigerate it to maintain freshness. (This natural beauty remedy will last about a week, FYI.)

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What Is a Scalp Detox?

What Is a Scalp Detox? 

Scalp detoxing is the process of deep cleaning your scalp to remove product buildup, impurities, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. All of the above can clog pores, make your scalp itchy, cause irritation and scalp acne, and potentially reduce hair growth. Scalp detoxing is achieved through chemical exfoliation (AHAs or enzymes) or manual exfoliation via brushing, scrubbing, and physical exfoliators like salt. 

Who Should Do a Scalp Detox?

According to the hairstylists we spoke to, a scalp detox is something that everyone can do. “Anyone who uses any kind of hair product can benefit from a semi-frequent scalp detox,” says celebrity stylist Gerard Caruso. “It’s especially recommended if you are very active or have a naturally oily scalp," says Caruso. "And if you use a lot of styling products on a regular basis, you will want to detox more frequently.” Scalp detoxes are also super helpful for those who only wash their hair once every three to five days since they tend to accumulate more buildup over time. 

Benefits of a Scalp Detox

The benefits of scalp detoxes vary depending on your scalp type and lifestyle. “The biggest benefit to scalp detoxing is getting a clean scalp free of buildup, providing a healthy environment for our hair follicles to produce the best hair,” says hairstylist Leona Dondi. 

Here's what else you can expect;

Improves Flakes

A well-timed scalp detox can fix dandruff and dry scalp issues (which aren't the same thing). According to Dondi, “detoxing the scalp can help balance oil production and resolve dry flaky scalp issues.” Infrequent physical and chemical exfoliation can help in this case.

On the other hand, experts believe that dandruff is caused by a combination of build-up and a fungus imbalance or increase of Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa. A more frequent and targeted scalp detox can improve the scalp microbiome and resolve the dandruff by addressing the root cause.

Promotes Hair Growth

If you let your scalp get excessively dirty or if you are prone to dandruff, you could be experiencing oxidative stress, which ultimately encourages hair loss. Scalp massages and detoxes promote blood flow, which can reduce oxidative stress and potentially foster hair growth by bringing nutrients to the follicle.

Helps You Relax

One benefit we shouldn’t take for granted is just how good a scalp massage feels. Part of the process is enjoying a nice, long massage to break up buildup. The mechanism behind this benefit is simple: a massage reduces scalp tension, which can then reduce everything from tension headaches to overall stress levels.

How to Detox Your Scalp At Home 

Scalp detoxing is something you can DIY at home or have professionally done by salons who offer this treatment. Caruso recommends that people with oily scalps incorporate a scalp detox into their routine once every two to three weeks. Those who don’t use many products, wash frequently, and don't sweat much can pull back to about once a month. 

Your scalp is tingling, isn’t it? Here’s how to indulge in a thorough scalp detoxing at home: 

1.) Dampen Hair. Start by lightly dampening your hair and scalp with lukewarm water. 

2.) Apply a Detoxing Product. Reach for a chemical or physical scalp exfoliator and apply liberally. Kunijo loves Davines Anti-Dandruff Gel.

3.) Massage. “Gently massage the scalp and hair, working in a circular motion,” Carusa says. You can use your fingers or a silicone scalp massaging tool.

4.) Wait. Allow the product to set for 10 to 15 minutes so it can work more of its magic. You can wear a cap to trap steam and moisture, which can help further break down buildup. 

5.) Massage & Rinse. Spend another five minutes massaging your scalp, then thoroughly rinse your hair. 

6.) Shampoo & Condition. Finish by shampooing the scalp and top half of your hair, and conditioning from the mid-shaft to ends.

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The Importance of Moisturizing

Daily moisturizing is vital for healthy skin, yet some think of it as an aesthetically-inclined habit. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and requires regular attention to stay young, blemish-free and healthy.

Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen, but some are better than others. Choose a lotion with plenty of vitamins (see below) with an SPF of 15 to protect your skin during the day. Also use lotions that are oil free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), allergy and dermatologist tested.

• Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 increase firmness and build moisture levels.
• Anti-Oxidant Vitamins C and E help protect new skin and fight skin damage.
• PABA-Free SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature lines and wrinkles.

The most important times to use moisturizer are after a bath, shave or exfoliation. For some, this might be twice a day. Moisturizing after a shower is very important because hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin, leaving it parched and dry. While hot water may be relaxing, it also wreaks havoc on your skin. Never skip the moisturizer.

Here are just a few quick tips that will help retain your natural glow:

• Watch the temperature of water - Hot showers and baths are not good for your skin. Shower for a shorter amount of time and with warm water. You’ll see the difference in your skin.
• Pat dry, don’t rub dry - After a shower gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing your skin dry. By patting dry your skin will retain more moisture you are going to seal in when you moisturize.
• Drink more water - the moisture your skin receives also comes from your body. Drink at least 8 cups of water every day!
• Use mild soaps and detergents - soaps and shampoos that contain alcohol strip natural oils from your skin. Look for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that has aloe minerals and vitamins.
• Use a humidifier - If needed, a humidifier can add much needed moisture to the air.
• Give extra attention to your hands - hands show the affects of a dry environment more than any other part of the body. Apply hand cream after each hand washing.
• Wear sunscreen when outdoors - nothing will save your skin more than protecting it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Wear a low, or high, SPF sunscreen depending on your outdoor activities.
• Apply lip balm regularly - having lip balm ready and applying it frequently helps heal dry, cracked lips. Dermatologists recommend using a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 30. This can help reduce signs of aging and skin cancer on the lips.

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How To Map Out Brows

 

 

Eyebrow mapping can be tricky if you're new to it. But when done properly, a well-arched brow brings out your eyes, accentuates your best features and polishes your look. Claire Howell breaks down where your brows should start, arch and end into a simple three-step process.

5 Benefits of Scalp Treatments

Why Get a Scalp Treatment?

Scalp treatments are one of the most underrated services at any salon. Think about it: if you want healthy hair, doesn’t it make sense that you need to nourish the foundation at the scalp? So many people live with poor scalp health, but there are plenty of ways to treat and prevent that while also indulging in the pampering aspect of visiting a salon! There are so many benefits to getting a professional scalp treatment – here are 5 reasons:

1.) Relaxation.

I think we can all agree that there is nothing like a good scalp massage. The effects are immediate and extremely relaxing! I don’t know about you, but it’s definitely my favorite part of salon visits. A scalp massage can even prevent and get rid of headaches, which is reason enough for people with chronic headaches to get this service done. During a scalp treatment you’ll receive a good, long scalp massage as they apply the leave-in conditioner. Try not to fall asleep, because you’ll want to stay awake to experience every second of this glorious massage!

2.) Unclogs hair follicles.

Just like the rest of your body, hair follicles on the scalp can get clogged with a variety of substances. The most common is sebum, which is your natural oil that is secreted from the sebaceous gland in the hair follicle. This oil combines with dirt chemical residue from hair products to clog those pores right up. Scalp treatments are a great way to clear them out and reset the sebum levels. The products used in a scalp treatment combined with the gentle exfoliation and scalp massage will help to unclog any buildup in those hair follicles, which then allows the follicle to release its natural conditioning oils. A healthy follicle means healthy hair growth!

3.) Stimulates blood flow.

The exfoliation and massage portions of a scalp treatment help to stimulate blood flow to your scalp, making it easier for blood to reach your follicles and deliver important nutrients. The hair that grows out of those nutrient-rich follicles will be healthy and supple! Again, a healthy follicle means healthy hair.

4.) Gets rid of dandruff.

No one likes an embarrassing dandruff problem… Dandruff can be a result of either too much oil production or too little. If your scalp is producing too much oil, it irritates the scalp and causes flakiness. If it isn’t producing enough, that dryness will also result in irritation and flakiness. A scalp treatment will involve some exfoliation to get rid of all that dead skin, leaving a layer of fresh, healthy skin behind. You’ll also get a leave-in conditioner applied, which lubricates and moisturizes the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

5.) Prevents thinning and hair loss.

Clogged follicles can result in a lack of hair growth. When you unclog those follicles and reset the sebum production levels, your hair has a chance to grow back much healthier! Some scalps require special products to remove an excessive amount of build-up, and some will even require medication. But if caught early enough, a simple scalp treatment done regularly can promote the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

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