1. Cleansing is supposed to remove dirt and grime, nothing more
Normally in a regular salon, heavy cream cleansers are used, which eventually spoil the pH of the skin. One needs to be careful about the kind of cleanser being used. It should not be too strong as all it needs to do is cleanse your face of daily grime. Dr Narmada Matang, dermatologist, Kaya Skin Clinic, says, "One of the most common mistakes is washing the face too often as this robs the skin of its essential oils. Using strong fruit acids directly on the skin, like papain from papaya and citric acid from lemon or orange, are also a no-no, as it can lead to dryness, peeling, inflammation and pigmentation."

 

2. Get your skin massaged, not kneaded
Dr Jaishree Sharad, International Cosmetic Dermatologist, warns, "Improper face massage using inappropriate products, may lead to folliculitis or hair follicle infection. An outbreak of whiteheads, blackheads and pus pimples can also occur, as massage stimulates oil-secreting sebaceous glands." Inappropriate massaging leads to breaking of capillaries and veins, causing soreness or redness. Plus, the skin may feel uneasy, stretched and taut. Also, while steaming, one should prefer ozone to regular steam as it is not only anti-bacterial but also improves circulation.

3. It's not a floor scrub, it's a face scrub
Kaneeka Vijay Kumar, Director, Jeevaa Skin Care and K Kosmetix, says, "While scrubbing, if the strokes are rough or the scrub is not evenly granulated, the epidermis could develop tears leading to rash, brazing and pigmentation. Light aqueous based scrubs or exfoliators, which are not only gentle on the surface of the skin, but also maintain the pH of the skin, are recommended. "What one needs to remember is that scrubs should not be used more than once a week or applied with too much pressure. Remember, excess exfoliation causes sensitivity, rash and acne. This is especially true during a skin treatment.

 

4. There are no quick fixes for acne
Dr Jamuna Pai, Cosmetologist, Blush Clinics Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai identifies common mistakes that could lead to serious trouble. "Firstly, never resort to extraction and pinching of active acne. It can get aggravated and infected. Even in a beauty clinic, it has to be under strict guidance of a medical practitioner. Secondly, never try waxing to eliminate facial hair. You may have a sudden breakout of acne, which means big trouble. Third, do not use topical creams, with active ingredients, for quick-fix cures. These, when overused, excessively dry your skin and cause redness. Four, do not try remedies blindly just because they are on the net or in a magazine. Remember, everyone's skincare needs are different. What works for one may not work for the other."

 

5. Follow simple dos to keep your skin hydrated
Make moisturising your dictum. Ensure your skin is not under-hydrated by regular application of moisturiser and by consuming adequate fluids. This is especially important for those engaged in professions where workplace temperatures are constantly fluctuating. Also make sure you avoid very hot showers as this can lead to dehydration.

It is common and hard truth that we can’t stop aging, but we can surely protect your skin from premature aging. Some people develop early signs of aging when they are still young. These symptoms can be treated very effectively to get a skin that looks healthy and young.

There are many things that you can do protect your skin from wrinkles and spots that start appearing due to aging.

1.    Avoid direct contact with sun. Your skin is very sensitive towards the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. These rays cause cell damage making the skin dry and dry skin gets wrinkles very fast. So use good sunscreens if you are getting exposed to the sun. It’s better to cover the body areas with cotton clothes if you are under the sun for a long time.

2.    Maintain Moisture, Moisture is essential to maintain that glow on your skin. Always keep your skin moisturized by applying moisturizers. You need to keep the skin properly moisturized because moisture protects the skin from wrinkles. Oily skin never develops wrinkles, but dry skin is highly prone to get wrinkles.

3.    Remove make-up while go on bed; never go to sleep with your make-up. Make-up contains chemicals which can damage your skin cells and decrease their elasticity resulting in rashes. So always remove it before going to sleep. Use a good cleanser that can give you deep root cleaning.

4.    Cleaner & Lotions, If you have developed spots as a result of aging, use alpha-hydroxy cleansers and lotions. These helps to minimize the age spots. Some creams such as Ambi or Esoterica help in regaining the original colour of your skin.

5.    Skin & dehydration, drinking plenty of water is another method to replenish your skin with lost moisture. Water has a hydrating property. It prevents drying of the skin and also maintains its elasticity. It also helps in cleaning of the skin pores.

6.    Drinking and smoking, avoid excessive drinking and smoking as they corrode your skin making it dull and life-less.

7.    Take anti-oxidants in the form of vitamin A, C and E. These anti-oxidants act on free radicals that cause major skin damage resulting in loosening of skin.

8.    Stress and depression too have some role in pre-mature aging. So avoid them as much as you can.

9.    Take a good sleep as skin cells grow and repair themselves while sleeping. Skin feels fresh and it breaths after you have taken a good sleep.

10. Diet, Remember that what contributes most to your radiant or chapped skin is your regular diet. So, concentrate on intake of material nutrients, anti-oxidants & apt amount of hydration 

1. Apply beetroot juice on your lips at night before sleeping, and you will notice a reddish pink stain next day. This should last you a good few days.
2. Crush rose petals, mix with fresh cream and use. This makes your lips naturally soft and pink. Alternatively, you may want to dip a cotton ball in rosewater and smooth it over your lips.
3. Use a menthol-based lip balm on your lips and leave it on for 5 minutes. With a wet soft-bristled toothbrush exfoliate your lips. Don’t graze the skin too much, as lips are very tender.
4. Break a vitamin E capsule and apply on your lips before sleeping. You can mix vitamin E oil in some Vaseline to make your own lip balm.
5. If you have pale colourless lips, ask your doctor about iron supplements. Being even slightly anaemic may cause colour to drain from your lips. Taking iron supplements will add a natural flush to your face and lips will appear more rosy.
6. Apply fresh mint leaf juice or coriander leaf juice daily on your lips to make them rosy and smooth.
7. Mix together some lemon juice and glycerine and smear on your lips before sleeping at night. Leaving it on overnight helps to activate lemon’s lightening properties and the glycerin acts as an excellent moisturizer. This is especially useful for those who wish to remove tan from their lips.
8. Grate raw coconut and press out some milk. Apply on lips.
9. Eat plenty of raw cucumber and carrots to smoothen out uneven lip colouration.
10. Mix a pinch of turmeric into 1 tsp of cold milk cream. Massage lips with this paste daily for 5 mins. This results in supple pink lips.
11. Mix lemon juice with a little honey and apply at night before sleeping. Lemon takes off the tan and honey moisturizes and nourishes the lips, restoring natural pinkness.
12. Mix 1 tsp almond oil with lemon juice and rub on on lips every day. Leave on till dry and wash off with cold water.
13. Sprinkle powdered sugar on a lemon wedge and rub over lips gently. This is a good way to naturally exfoliate and bleach lips, making them look smoother and redder.
14. Apply a little clarified butter (desi ghee) on lips to naturally redden their color and provide moisture.
15. Soak four almonds in 1/2 cup milk overnight and grind to a fine smooth paste next morning. Apply the paste on your lips daily to help them regain their natural pink color in a few months.
16. Mix gram flour, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp yoghurt and a few drops of lemon juice and apply regularly on the lips to make them more pink.

Hair color is a reflection of light off the colored pigment of the hair shaft. Different colors add or subtract from the hair color giving it various hues and shades. Hair color is assigned level numbers ranging from 1 to 10, where 1 is black. Today, you can choose hair color from a dazzling range – ivory, peach, café au lait, copper, deep golden brown, plum or burgundy. Color can be applied in a variety of flattering styles such as streaking and highlighting.

Hair Dye

According to studies, hair dyes have been linked to increased risk of contracting certain types of cancers. Hair dyes may be carcinogenic since they are applied directly to the scalp, nearest to the root. The blood supply may carry carcinogenic components right into the blood stream. Scientists

believe that dark colored permanent dyes are easily absorbed in the body through the scalp. They concentrate in the bladder on absorption. Higher instances of bladder cancer and breast cancer were found among consumers who had been using hair dyes for many years. Even hairstylists who used hair dyes on customers had a high exposure since they mixed the chemicals and were therefore at a higher risk.

Hair Highlights

Highlights are selected strands of hair that are lightened at least 2 shades lighter than the rest of the hair. Highlighting must be carefully done so as to suit the hair color and style. Once method used for highlighting is to use a plastic cap with holes over the head. Hair is pulled through these holes and then bleached. The advantage of this method is that sensitive skin is not exposed to chemicals. Another popular method is to select strands of hair and place them on aluminum foils. Bleach is applied away from the scalp and then the foil is wrapped and folded till the process is completed. Going in for highlights that are more than 3 shades lighter is not recommended. So the next time you want the sun-kissed look to your hair, go in for highlights!

Hair Streaking

Hair streaking is similar to hair highlighting but with a small variation. Streaking involves pronounced strips or bands of colors as compared to highlights, which are subtler. Both involve bleaching of hair but offer different effects. Highlighting is done on fewer strands of hair. You can go in for a full head or half head-streaking job. Choosing a flattering hair shade is essential so as to avoid an unnatural look.

  

Nails make it easier to pick up small things, clean a frying pan, and scratch an itch. They also provide an external sign of your health, with weak, brittle nails often signaling some nutritional deficiency. Ignore your nails and you could wind up with painful ingrown nails or annoying fungal infections.

Follow these 14 tips for not only well-groomed, but healthy nails on all 20 fingers and toes.

1. To keep your nails hydrated, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding your nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Keep a jar in your purse, desk drawer, car — anywhere you might need it. Not a fan of petroleum jelly? Substitute castor oil. It’s thick and contains vitamin E, which is great for your cuticles. Or head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the olive oil — it also works to moisturize your nails.

2. Wear rubber gloves whenever you do housework or wash dishes. Most household chores, from gardening to scrubbing the bathroom to washing dishes, are murderous on your nails. To protect your digits from dirt and harsh cleaners, cover them with vinyl gloves whenever it’s chore time. And for extra hand softness, apply hand cream before you put on the rubber gloves.

3. When pushing back your cuticles (it is not necessary to cut them) come in at a 45-degree angle and be very gentle. Otherwise the cuticle will become damaged, weakening the entire nail, says Mariana Diaconescu, manicurist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.

4. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.

5. Dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the dishes, taking a bath/shower, etc. Also dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp increases your risk of fungal infection.

6. Air out your work boots and athletic shoes. Better yet, keep two pairs and switch between them so you’re never putting your feet into damp, sweaty shoes, which could lead to fungal infections.

7. Wear 100 percent cotton socks. They’re best for absorbing dampness, thus preventing fungal infections.

8. Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day, says Susie Galvez, owner of Face Works Day Spa in Richmond, Virginia, and author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful.

9. Make your nails as strong as a horse’s hooves, and take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin four to six times a day. Long ago, veterinarians discovered that biotin strengthened horses’ hooves, which are made from keratin, the same substance in human nails. Swiss researchers found that people who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day for 5.5 months had firmer, harder nails. In a U.S. study, 63 percent of people taking biotin for brittle nails experienced an improvement.

10. Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc, they’ll do wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake.

11. File your nails correctly. To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion — only go in one direction. And never file just after you’ve gotten out of a shower or bath — wet nails break more easily.

12. Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nails buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow, says Galvez.

13. Polish your nails, even if it’s just with a clear coat. It protects your nails, says manicurist Diaconescu. If you prefer color, use a base coat, two thin coats of color, and a top coat. Color should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days.

14. Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They’re terribly drying to nails, says Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Use acetate-based removers instead.

Your hair is one of the first features a person notices when they look at you. So, naturally, you always want your hair to look its best! Any great hairstyle looks better when your hair is clean and soft. But, are you surprised to know that not everyone washes their hair correctly? Read on to learn how to properly apply shampoo and conditioner to your hair. First thing that should be kept in mind is to choose a shampoo and conditioner that suits you the best. For this, you need to know your hair type. If your scalp is too dry or too oily, you should take special care in choosing the products. The second thing is to understand how to use them properly and effectively.

Here are a few tips that you can follow to use your shampoo and conditioner effectively.

• First, determine if your hair is fine, dry, normal, oily, color treated, etc. This will determine which shampoo and conditioner is suitable for you.
• Brush your hair before washing.
• If your scalp is too dry, apply some oil to the scalp evenly and give a massage properly. Leave it for five minutes before starting to wash.
• Saturate your hair with cool water. Do not use warm or hot water since it can make your hair and scalp drier than usual.
• Apply a small amount of shampoo to your palm. Rub your hands together to make a small lather. Distribute evenly on the scalp.
• Clean your scalp with the balls of your fingers. Try and minimize the movement as much as possible since wet hair is easily damageable.
• Rinse your hair properly. Make sure that the shampoo is rinsed out properly.
• Remove excess water from your hair by squeezing it. Wrap around a towel for a few minutes.
• Do not apply your conditioner just after rinsing, when the hair is too wet. This makes the use of conditioner less effective.
• Remove the towel and take some conditioner on your palm. Apply your conditioner by smoothing it over the hair.
• Comb through hair to distribute product evenly. Leave the conditioner as long as possible to make the hair smooth.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not brush your hair when it is too wet.
• Do not apply your conditioner just after rinsing, when the hair is too wet. This makes the use of conditioner less effective.