MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF YOUR EYELASHES

Eyelashes are somewhat of an understatement when it comes to the amount of time and effort that women put into making themselves beautiful. Women pull, rub, curl, pluck and apply mascara to their eyelashes daily. And yet unlike our hair we don't really take care of our eyelashes. In addition our eyelashes are exposed to environmental irritants, pollution and smoke. All of this exposure will lead to thinner and fewer eyelashes.

Eyelashes develop relatively early after conception, about 7-8 weeks on an embryo. This is also the length of time that an eyelash will take to regrow if one falls out or is plucked out. Eyelashes like eyebrows are designed to protect the eye from debris. Because of their sensitivity, if something touches the eyelashes, they provide a warning that something is very close to the eye itself. Instinctively once something touches the eyelashes the eye will close to prevent harm from coming to the eye. Although, the purpose of eyelashes is to protect the eye, the eyelashes are viewed as a beauty accessory more than anything.

Although everyone has them, women more than men care about how their eyelashes look, how long they are and how thick they are. Men could care less about their own eyelashes unless they are causing them pain or they have an eyelash disorder. It is rare to hear about eyelash disorders or diseases unless you have one, know someone who has one or work in the medical field. Eyelash disorders or diseases can arise from irritation, cosmetics, inflammation, drugs or toxins, mites or system disorders. 

The most common eyelash disorders include madarosis the loss of eyelashes, distichiasis an abnormal growth of lashes, trichiasis ingrown eyelashes, or demodex folliculorum a mite that lives harmlessly in the eyelash and other hair follicles. Dermatologists, ophthalmologists and endocrinologists are the doctors who can diagnose and treat eyelash disorders.

Although eyelashes are small in their size and appearance, the amount of time cleaning, cleansing or conditioning eyelashes is minuscule compared to other parts of the body. Alternatively, when it comes time to beautify it is the eyelashes that are used to accentuate the eyes and the face. Thicker, longer lashes are one of many criteria that women use to determine their femininity and beauty. Eyelash size and thickness is determined genetically, however throughout the years cosmetic and beauty companies have been manufacturing products to enhance the eyelash appearance.

Mascara, eyeliner, eye putty, and eye shadow are just some of the essential cosmetic products that women use on a daily basis to enhance their appearance. Eyelash extensions are also available to increase the thickness and length of your eyelashes. False eyelashes were invented in the early twentieth century and gained popularity in the 1960's. Now false eyelashes are available in all shapes, sizes, colors and quality. However, false eyelashes can only enhance your appearance for short periods of time. Permanent eyelash extensions and transplants have been gaining in popularity since the early 90's but can be quite costly depending upon the area and location of where you live. Allergan, a pharmaceutical company created the first eyelash growth solution in 2009 called Latisse. This product must be prescribed by a doctor and can cause discoloration of the pigments in your eyes. Even though, Latisse has already had a great number of users with testimonials that confirm and praise the product. However due to its immaturity in the market it is hard to tell whether this product will work consistently to increase the length, thickness and color of eyelashes.

Even if you choose not to wear false eyelashes, get eyelash extensions or use Latisse to grow your eyelashes, proper lash maintenance should be considered. Even if you don't wear make up, your eyelashes are exposed to the external environment. It is important to protect your lashes from the damage of overheating, over drying, free radicals and environment stresses. Providing your body and eyelashes with the proper nutrition can reduce the signs of breakage and nourish the follicles. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that replenishes and nourishes the skin and hair. Vitamin E treatments can be used to enhance the strength of eyelashes. Also primers and conditioners should be used in conjunction with your makeup regimen. Avoid lash primers that have dyes, fumes or fragrances that can irritate the eye. Look for products that include healing agents such as anti-inflammatories that can sooth and strengthen your eyelashes.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website!

PEDICURE INFECTIONS

Pedicure infections are surprisingly very easy to pick up, if proper disinfection guidelines are not followed. Usually occurring in salons and spas that cater to numerous individuals, pedicure infections have been known to get as serious as amputations and even death. The major problem lies in not so much the cleanliness of the pedicure spas as many would assume, but in the necessary disinfectant guidelines.

Most pedicure-related infections have been linked to contaminated footbaths used in the pedicures. When pedicure spa chairs aren't cleaned and disinfected properly, hair and skin can gather in the tub basin; and bacteria can grow to unusually high levels. The traditional pedicure spas use circulation systems that trap the bacteria in pipes of pedicure spa chairs. The modern pedicure spa chairs are equipped with a new system, called pipeless whirlpool, which doesn't keep contaminated water and bacteria in the pedicure spa chairs.

One pedicure infection that can result is called atypical mycobacterium, which is often misdiagnosed and treated as a common staph infection of the skin. The first symptom is usually a pimple that becomes larger, like an infected cyst or furuncle. To treat the infection successfully, a culture must be taken to look specifically for the mycobacterium organism. This can require several weeks to complete, with the appropriate treatment being multiple rounds of antibiotics lasting up to several months.

What is staph infection? How do people get staph infections through pedicures? Staph is the shortened name for staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. These bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces. When the skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Staph infections normally cause a red, swollen, and painful area on the skin. Other symptoms include: a skin abscess, fever, and warmth around the infected area.

In other types of infections such as in the case of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infections, it will start with a small red bump and would grow by accumulating pus inside. It can be very painful and would extend deep in to the tissues as well. At the same time, it is possible for these persons to develop fever and rashes along with a MRSA pedicure infection. 

This bacterium is extremely difficult to treat in humans since it is very resilient to antibiotics including the penicillins and as the name suggests namely Methicillin and oxacillin. This bacterium has normally cause outbreaks in hospitals and health care settings since it's so hard to treat and very easy to transmit from patient to patient (HA-MSRA or Health Care Associated MSRA). Recently though, it has been found causing outbreaks outside of hospitals and clinics and in communities amongst healthier people like in salons and spas (CA-MSRA or Community Associated MSRA).

Pedicure Infection can also lead to a nail fungus. A nail fungus or a fungal infection of the nails is the most common type of infection that you can get in and around your nails.

The signs of a nail fungus are usually a yellow, discolored, thickened nail and for most people it is just a cosmetic issue. However, for a select few, for those people who do not have an intact immune system or people who do not have good sensation in their feet, it can cause some pain and can be a health problem if not treated.

According to United States Environmental Protected Agency, regular cleaning is just not enough to avoid pedicure infections as serious germs can with standard ordinary cleaners. To avoid harmful bacteria from building to high levels, disinfection is necessary. To kill harmful bacteria, viruses and fungus, the cleaning agent used must an EPA registered hospital or medical grade bactericide, parricide and fungicide.

                      
HOW TO DO THE PERFECT PEDICURE AT HOME

A pedicure is one of life's great pleasures. There's nothing like relaxing and pampering yourself after a long day, and a pedicure is the perfect way to unwind while taking care of your health and beauty. When a trip to the spa isn't possible or is out of the budget, it's time for the perfect pedicure at home.

First gather up your tools and supplies, here's what you'll need:

• A wide glass bowl, basin or small tub.
• A couple of clean, bath towels
• Epsom salts, foot soak or bath salts
• Your favorite scented body oil
• Small brush
• Cotton pads
• Nail polish remover
• Nail file
• Exfoliating scrub
• Foot lotion
• Clippers
• Foot file/pumice stone
• Foam toe separator
• Cotton swabs
• Orangewood stick or cuticle stick
• Your favorite nail polish and top coat

Preparation:

• Fold a bath towel into a square and place it at the bottom of your bowl.
• Prep your feet by making sure they're clean and remove any old polish with a cotton pad and nail polish remover.
• File & Shape:
• Clip and file the nails to your preferred length and shape, usually best to shape square with rounded edges.
• Use a nail file to smooth the edges.
• Soak:
• Fill the bowl with hot water and position a chair behind it.
• Dissolve a half a cup of the salts in the water.
• Grab a book or put on some music, and slip your feet in and relax.
• Soak your feet for five to ten minutes.
• Take your feet out of the water one at a time, and pat them dry.

Smooth & Exfoliate:

• Use your foot file to smooth away rough skin on the heels, balls of the feet and outside of the pinkie toes.
• Use the small brush to gently buff each foot.
• Use the pumice stone to further eliminate any remaining rough spots.
• Push the cuticles back with the orangewood/cuticle stick, they will be nice and soft from soaking.
• Apply the exfoliating scrub to your feet, and rub them until they feel soft.
• Dip your feet again for a rinse, and then pat them dry again with a towel.

Moisturize:

• Now moisturize your feet and calves with a rich, scented lotion.
• Wash the lotion off your nails with soap and water to prep for polish, and let them dry.

Polish:

• Separate your toes with the foam separator, and apply one coat of base coat to fill in uneven areas, two coats of color (allowing to dry in between), and one clear top coat. Paint your nails carefully, working from the bed of the nail to the tip with long, even brush strokes.
  
• Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to erase any mistakes.
• Try to go barefoot now to avoid smearing.
• Reapply the top coat every three days or so after your pedicure to keep the nails from chipping. Some top coats come with SPF in them to keep the colors from fading.

Now it's time to show of your feet and enjoy your perfect pedicure!

GETTING YOUR FIRST PEDICURE

Mary's daughter was getting married. So as a last minute surprise she took her daughter and all of the bridesmaids out for an outing to get pampered at a nail salon. But just before the wedding, the bride and all her attendants developed big black draining sores all over their lower legs and ankles. So how can you make sure your nail salon is safe and avoid this sort of pedicure disaster?

As a podiatrist, I get lots of questions about the relationship between pedicures, foot fungus and infections. But the most passionate discussions seem to revolve around pedicures. I even remember one of my instructors in medical school telling all of us medical students to warn our patients to avoid salon pedicures. But we have to be realistic. Women love to be pampered and a pedicure is a great way to relax, and feel special. You just have to know the risks associated with nail salon infections and follow some simple rules to keep your pedicure experience safe.

If you don't think pedicures can be dangerous, you must not watch the news. In September of 2000, 110 people were infected during an outbreak in a nail salon in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within days of the soothing foot bath and pedicure, pimple-like bumps appeared. These little bumps got worse and turned into red or black pus-filled sores. Many of these women got permanent scarring on their legs as a result.

In 2004 there was another outbreak only miles south of San Francisco in which pedicure-related infections were identified in 143 pedicure customers linked to 33 different nail salons in Santa Clara County. In 2005 there was yet another outbreak of infections related to nail salons involving 17 people.

A pedicure lawsuit was born after a Mountain View California woman died after a bacterial infection allegedly contracted from a pedicure in 2004. A similar case in Fort Worth, TX involved a 46 year-old woman who allegedly contracted an antibiotic-resistant infection and eventually died from the staph infection. On shocking study conducted in Arizona in 2009 showed that 181 nail salon establishments agreed to pay fines to settle health code violations in the Tucson area alone.

Although the statistics and headlines can be alarming, you should know that not all pedicures lead to infections. There are laws and professional guidelines that help nail salon workers protect you from infections and the spread of disease during a pedicure.

The first thing you should do when you visit a nail salon is look around. Use a little common sense. If you go to a restaurant and see flies buzzing around the kitchen, would you still eat there? Does your nail salon look clean? Do you see health and safety rules posted in the waiting area? This is one of the most common reasons for citations in California nail salons during state inspections. Lets face it, if they can't follow the simple rules, would you really trust them to sterilize instruments or meticulously clean the massage chair or foot bath?

Next, ask some questions. Are all of your nail technicians licensed? If they are licensed you can be sure they have at least taken a test about ways to decrease the spread of nail infections. Unsanitary practices are common, but less likely in nail salons that follow the rules.

Ask them how they disinfect their instruments. Do they re-use any disposable instruments. This is a real no-no. Re-using disposable instruments is an easy way to spread fungus and bacteria from one foot to another.

How do they clean the foot bath? Most of the really contagious infections involved a germ called mycobacterium. It lives in water and can grown on the dead skin and hair that gets stuck in a little filter inside the foot bath motor. If the salon staff can't tell you quickly the exact protocol for cleaning the foot bath, you may be soaking your feet in an alphabet soup of infection causing bacteria.

Look for labels and covers on all containers. If you don't see clear labels such as "dirty," "clean," "water," "disinfectant," etc., don't expect the workers to always grab the clean ones when working on your feet. Lids on the containers may not seem like a big deal, but all of those infection causing fungal spores and bacteria can float through the air from that nasty yellow toenail in the chair next to you and then settle right on the cuticle pusher the nail tech is about to use on you.

Watch for hand washing. Doctors and nurses wash hands before and after every patient contact. Simply washing hands is one of the best ways to prevent a contagious infection from spreading. Your nail tech should do the same. While you are waiting for your turn in the pedicure chair, just watch and see if the nail technician washes her hands or just changes gloves between clients.

Ask them if they ever fix ingrown toenails. If the answer is yes, you may be putting yourself at risk. Ingrown toenails are often teeming with infection-causing bacteria. And you don't want to be sitting in the pedicure chair following a pus-filled ingrown nail. Only licensed podiatrists (foot doctors specializing in feet and toenail surgery) should be working on these. Just cutting out the corner or the ingrown nail has many risks and is illegal when performed during a nail salon pedicure. Once you have found a clean, reputable nail salon, don't shave your legs before you get a pedicure. The one risk factor that links pedicures to horrific infections is open wounds. If you shave less than 48 hours before your pedicure, you create invisible little cuts in the skin that allow bacteria to get in. If you shaved your legs the morning of your pedicure, you can still get your toenails done, but you should avoid the foot soak.

Keep in mind that there are lots of safe, comfortable places for you to get a pedicure. You just need to ask a few questions so that you can feel sure you will leave the salon with pretty, soft, pampered feet and not with an nasty infection.

 HOW TO AVOID A PEDICURE DISASTER

When I first decided that I wanted to get a pedicure I had no idea what to expect. I had never had a pedicure, and I didn't really know what they were like or what I should bring. What I did know was that was getting a pedicure done professionally will be a much better experience than if you were to try and give a pedicure at home with a pedicure set.

When you go into the beauty salon for your pedicure, you should make sure that you bring a pair of sandals or similar shoes with you and also some entertainment. I usually bring a magazine but you might want to bring a book or newspaper. You should also probably bring with you your own nail polish so that when you want to top up your pedicure in the future you will have exactly the same colour available to you.

If you do want to try and give yourself a pedicure at home, then it is a good idea to try and find a good pedicure set.  You can find these sets all over the place, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all of them are of a good quality. Take your time to try and find a pedicure set that is of a good quality so that you can give yourself and your nails are treatments that will compare to that you will get at a professional beauty salon.

When you're getting a pedicure at a professional beauty salon the treatment is only as good as the experience, so make sure you are in a place where you can relax and enjoy your pedicure. The equipment such as the pedicure chair is also important.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A MANICURE

How you take care of your hands will reflect on how you take care of yourself. Most women consider their nails as one of their weapons, be it for fighting or defending oneself, for seducing, or for working. Since time immemorial, women have taken to taking care of their hands and nails just for aesthetic purposes. Everywhere, there are always women with perfectly manicured nails and they have their own reason why they want to go for a manicure. Many women feel that nicely manicured nails will enhance their appearance and some go for it just because it costs less than hand and nail therapy. Everyone wants to look presentable.

When women hear the word manicure, they can always picture out perfectly manicured nails, soft hands and all the nice things that comes with it. What can you really get from a manicure? When you go to a nail salon to have your nails manicured, your hands and nails will be treated to a pampering process that is designed to relax, treat and beautify your hands and nails. There are many benefits of a manicure. Whether your client wants to improve the look of their nails or to fix any damaged nails or cuticles, a manicure can usually fill their needs. Not only do manicures help fix many problems a client already has with his or her nails, but it can also prevent many issues that can arise, such as hang-nails, fragile nails and wrinkles in the hands and cuticles.

Age is quickly defied on hands. Unlike other parts of the body like face, hands age very quickly. A regular manicure will keep nails tidy and hands clean. Each hand is treated separately like specific nail type. Cuticles are cared with creams and oils. The importance of manicure is not only about the glam quotient associated with it but also with the purpose associated with it. Nails are manicured to prevent them from chipping and cracking. Women have to deal with the household chores where in continuous interaction with water will make their nails tend to chip off or crack. So going for a manicure will protect their nails from chipping and cracking.

Every nail artist has her own personal style and way of giving a manicure. However, the process will always be the same such as cleaning, shaping and painting. According to the client's needs, other applications and treatments are incorporated in the process. There are various types of manicures available: with French manicure, the most common because of its elegance and suitability for both day and night events. 

Paraffin wax manicure is where paraffin wax is warmed and the hands are dipped repeatedly until a thick coating is formed. The hands are then wrapped in plastic film and covered with a towel to retain the warmth. After approximately 15 minutes, the paraffin wax is removed and the manicure continues in the normal way. A paraffin wax manicure conditions and moisturizes the skin and is beneficial if your hands are sore, stressed, tired or you just feel like being pampered. Another type of manicure is hot oil manicure where hot oil is used to soften the hands and cuticles before proceeding on the normal manicure process. This is recommended if you have extremely dry hands and nails.

A hot stone manicure uses hot stones to relax the hands, instead of just a regular hand massage. A spa manicure involves other spa treatments such as a mask or a salt rub, and a luxury manicure involves wax, warming gloves, or hot towels that hydrate the client's nails.

A manicure not only exclusively for women, men too can have regular manicures if they choose to. A manicure is healthy and will make you look your best and remember most guys love great hands and nails too.

MANICURE TIPS - HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF A MANICURE RIGHT AT HOME

Once considered as a luxury, manicures are now a daily necessity for the women of these days. The word manicure has its origins from the Latin language it comes from the combination of the two words, 'Manus' and 'cura'; 'Manus,' meaning hand where 'cura' means care. Regular manicures can really do wonders for one's hand. To keep your hands well groomed, clean and attractive invest in a set of manicure tools and learn how to give yourself a manicure right at home with these easy manicure tips!

Any manicure would begin by the removal of old polish and color. First manicuring tip would be to cut, trim and file the nails into a shape that complements the hands and fingers. A double sided emery board is ideal for filing nails; it is a better option than the traditional metal filer due to its flexibility. A manicure tip for filing would be to file carefully and not filed to an extent which might make them weak and prone to breaking.

Many professional manicurists also try to file the tip of the nail into a curve that might help to complement the curve of the cuticle! Remember to keep the nails flat and smooth around the edges to finish off with a neat and attractive look.

A neat manicure tip would be to make sure you soak your nails into a bowl of warm water and add into it a bit of salt, scented oil or even nail cleanser so that your nails are soft and easy to work with.

Nails should be cleaned thoroughly using a cotton bud or an orange stick. Cuticles can be softened using cuticle cream or hand massage cream so that cutting your cuticles will become easier for you as the cuticles are softened and pushed back, cleaning the excess dead skin becomes easier.

A base coat is then applied to the nails, this works as a perfect layer for the polish to be applied. Once you make sure that the base coat is dry it's time for your favorite nail color. Be sure to apply the color in 3 strokes and allow it to dry properly before applying a second coat.

A great manicure tip to give your nails a professional touch buy yourself a topcoat or a sealer, this is applied to nails during a professional manicure, this kind of clear polish helps in minimizing cracking and chipping of the nails.

If you don't have a manicure kit, buy yourself one today - the essentials in a manicure kit are nail polish remover, cotton pads, nail filer/emery board, a wooden stick known as an orange stick to push back cuticles. Remember to buy high quality products so that they last!

Nail technician is now one of the most popular hobbies that can be very profitable. If you're already starting the service with this hobby is good to know as much as possible about what you offer. For all who want to deal with the manicure, pedicure. I suggest you visit us again for more update.

EASY HAIR STYLES FOR WOMEN

If boring hair is bringing you down there are many styles to choose from that can give you attitude and make you feel like a million bucks. High volume, sleek and sexy, or softly tousled hair is easily accomplished through hair styling tricks of the trade. It really does not matter if your hair is short, long, or mid-length because you too can have gorgeous locks just like you have always dreamed of. Do not be concerned about how thick or thin or fine or coarse your hair is, there is plenty you can accomplish with a great haircut. Choosing a great stylist with experience is a must because they can share their own secrets as well!

For high volume hair you should use a very large round brush and dry each section of wet hair by lifting the roots. Velcro rollers can be placed between each section for extra body. Tease and hairspray near the scalp to keep the body in your hairdo all day.

To get a sleek smooth sexy look, blow dry hair until damp and then section into smaller pieces. When drying, blow away from the scalp using a paddle brush until completely dry. Now use a straight iron to complete the look. Also, use a smoothing gel that helps with humidity and a good quality product that protects against split ends as hot irons can cause a lot of damage.

Soft tousles are a favorite because humidity is less likely to affect this style. After shampooing use a spray gel on the roots then fluff and scrunch to bring out the curls. Dry your hair using a diffuser while leaning your head from side to side to create lift and volume. Once thoroughly dry use a finishing cream and gently brush fingers through hair.

When looking for a reputable hairstylist, references are a good start. If you ever decide to try your hand at home hair trimming and maintenance consult with your hairstylist regarding the type of styling tools they use. Investing in professional grade hair clippers and shears even for home use can make a noticeable difference in cutting quality and overall results. They are extremely easy to use, incredibly comfortable and can cut any style of hair wet or dry with precise perfection.

It is important to remember that every person has their own individual style and hair type. There are hundreds of tips, suggestions and opinions, but the only opinion that really matters is yours.

THE HAIRSTYLISTS' TOOLS:

Believe it or not, our hairstylist can make or break your hair style. A hairstylist should have a creative side and should be able to transform any plain hair into a gem. They should be able to bring glamour into your hairstyle.

So how does this all work? It begins with the stylist being able to analyze the shape of your face and head and figure out a suitable style. He should have all the know-how required to bring out the styles. This means that training is something he must have gone through. If your hairstylist is not experienced in matters of style, you would be shaky about him.

The hairstylist will also make use of the appropriate hairstyling tools. He needs them to do a good job. Among these tools is a selection of hair scissors.

There are several items that the stylist can use while he does his job. They have to use different ones to make different styles. However, it will be a tough call if you did not have a scissors. Therefore, every other instrument used merely comes to add up on the work of the scissor. You cannot do much without them.

You will use the tools at different points of the styling process. Each stage may need the use of tools specific for it. If you are in the phases where you need to trim thick hairpieces then you need to have a comb and a scissor while doing that. The scissors themselves are these days designed for different kinds of hair processes. There are scissors that are meant strictly for full hair and those for shaping curls.

If you want tools for styling long tail hair, there are scissors specifically for that. You will find them being used with beauticians. Still, you may use the same type to trim bangs that a client may request to have trimmed.

What will really determine when to use which scissor, is a matter of the stylist being able to analyze the hair type that is right in front of him and choose accordingly. It is also crucial that he knows which hairstyle will look best on the client.

Therefore, the hairstylist needs to be very considerate when choosing the styles.

HOW TO FIND A GREAT WEDDING HAIRSTYLIST

The way in which you wear your hair for your wedding will be a big part of your overall look. Hair always sends a message, whether it is polished, beachy, trendy, or something else. Finding the right person to do your hair for your wedding is key, because your wedding is not the day to do your own hair or to trust an amateur. These tips will help you to find a great wedding hairstylist for your big day.

While many women already have a hairstylist that they trust without reservation, there are an equal number who do not have that kind of relationship with a particular stylist or salon. It might be that you get your hair cut at a walk-in salon or that you are getting married in a town far from your home and your hairdresser. Or perhaps you even have someone who normally cuts your hair, but you are not sure that you can trust her to style it for the most important event of your life. Whatever the case, bad hair results in a bad looking bride, so this is no time to take chances!

Start your search for the perfect wedding hairstylist by asking around. Word of mouth is always the best way to get recommendations. Keep in mind that styling hair can be very different than cutting or even coloring it, and that different stylists may have different specialties. I once knew a stylist who was a brilliant colorist, very talented at cutting hair, and always current with the latest trends and techniques. She had no interest in creating formal hairstyles however, and routinely referred brides to a more junior member of her salon who had great enthusiasm for updos and other wedding hairstyles. So be sure that you ask your friends, family, or wedding vendors specifically for a great wedding hairdresser, not just a great hairdresser.

Once you have a couple of recommendations, it is time to get on the phone. There are several important questions to ask any hairstylist you are considering. Of course, you need to know about their fees and their availability for your wedding date. If you are looking for a salon which has enough staff to style the hair of your entire bridal party, and the mothers of the bride and groom, in addition to the bride's hair, definitely see if they can handle that. Perhaps you are looking for a stylist who will come to your hotel on the morning of the wedding or one who has a great makeup artist available at her salon. Or maybe you have extremely long hair or want a non-traditional hairstyle; these are all important things to discuss with a potential stylist.

The next step is the trial run. Schedule it at least a couple of months before your wedding, in case you are not happy with the first attempt. Be sure to bring pictures of hairstyles which you like, a picture of your wedding gown, and your wedding hair jewelry. If you are planning to wear a special piece of wedding jewelry, such as a dramatic pair of crystal chandelier earrings, you may wish to bring those too so that your hairstyle can be planned to show them off. During your trial run, pay attention to things like how well the stylist listens to you, how informed she is of current trends in wedding beauty, and how long it takes her to achieve the style you like. Also go in with an open mind, because she may have some suggestions on how to improve upon a hairstyle you saw in a magazine. Be sure to leave your hair in the style created at the trial run for the rest of the day to see how well it holds up.

If the first trial run is a success, there is nothing left to do but to book your appointment for the morning of your wedding. If the hairstyle created was close, but not quite right, you may wish to have a second trial run to fine tune things. Of course, if you were not at all happy with either the hairstyle or the experience of working with a particular stylist, by all means, keep looking. Every bride deserves to have fabulous hair on her wedding day.

CAREER AS A HAIRSTYLIST

Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal occasions or symbolic reasons. It is a creative field that needs an inclination and flair towards styling hair in different patterns. Hairstylists can get employment in salons and wages depend on their skills and work experience along with the requirements of the salon.

Job Profile

The job of a hairstylist revolves around dealing with different kind of people. It is a very important element of the fashion world and requires creativity and ability to visualize what hairstyle would suit a certain personality or occasion. In order to succeed in this field, you need to have certain basic skills, such as how to lend a different look to a client, taking bookings over the phone, dealing with clients and product representatives, and keeping an account of bills. It is also important to understanding the positive and negative effects of using various chemicals and heat on the hair and scalp. Such fundamental skills prove to be very helpful while advising and develop a rapport with clients, which is critical to growing in this field.

Apprenticeship

You can begin by going in for an apprenticeship, which would help you develop the necessary skills. It enables you to get involved with the tasks that are generally done in a salon. In the early stages, you would have to do cleaning, shampooing, using sterilizing equipment and performing simple hairdressing treatments. Later, as you develop confidence, you would be delegated more complex tasks based on how well you have observed and imbibed the various styles and treatment processes.

Special Qualities

A hairstylist can find a job in women's, men's or unisex beauty parlors where they can experiment with their skills and bring out the best possible hair- style as desired by a customer. It is very important to have a desire to evolve as a qualified hairstylist because this job calls for a lot of patience, dedication and hard work. Hairstylists spend most of their time standing on their feet and are required to adapt to the working hours of the salon.

In general, hair stylists should possess the following personal qualities:

a) Pleasing personality

b) Good communication skills

c) Ability to work under acute work pressure

d) Endurance

e) Creative bent

f) Observant to minute details

g) Good health and no skin allergies

h) Ability to execute reception work

i) Operate a cash register and computers whenever required

j) Ability to persuade people

k) Voluntary in taking responsibilities

l) Ability to observe and learn quickly

m) Interested in fashion and an ability to keep oneself in the loop on trends in the world of fashion.

Basic Qualifications

Hairstyling can be a lucrative career if you possess the basic qualifications and are capable of doing your work with concentration. More often than not, a hairstylist's work profile can involve performing the following duties:

a) Discuss and advice clients regarding various hair problems

b) Cutting hair using scissors, clippers or razors.

c) Shampooing, conditioning and rinsing hair

d) Dry and style hair using brushes, combs and other equipment

e) Advise clients on prevalent hair styling trends

Hairstylists can be find placements as stylists in television channels, advertising agencies, theatre as well as films. Some hairstylists prefer to set their own salons or become teachers, after gaining a substantial amount of work experience. Typically, you would need experience of at least five years in order to establish yourself in the competitive market as a professional hairstylist.