Do what you love!

#NNFemsFunFriday

What does this picture remind you of?

#lookgoodfeelgood #becoolbeelegant

Introducing to you....

Have a fulfilling Monday Nairalanders!

Who can relate?

Welcome to the month of June

Talk of a business that yields instant revenue on a regular and consistent basis then talk of a hairdressing salon. It is a business that hardly runs out of customers day, noon or in the night. It is frequently patronized by the ladies who take delight in looking good at all times. Some steps that ought to be taken before starting this business include;

1. Experience – A vital and important step that had to come first to succeed as a stylist/hairdresser is needed expertise. You cannot rush into it all in the name of becoming self reliant. You only get yourself into a bigger problem because if you give a not too satisfactory service, you are bound to be shouted on, yelled at or given a dirty fight (you know how some ladies can be so naughty).
Take some time off and learn what the business demands. Learn different styles in vogue. There are countless shops out there that will be more than willing to tutor you at cheaper rate.

2. Capital – you need some amount to go far in this business. There are some items that ought to be in place at the onset. As I said earlier it is a business that can be started on a small scale (even at the four corners of your room). Try and raise something to start little if you don’t have the wherewithal for a bigger size.

3. Space – Particular spot to start the business is another area to think deeply on. Though, most hairdressing salon is found at rented shops, you can actually start yours if you don’t have money for a shop. If your room is not big or accessible enough, you can look for any available shed in your area (talk to the landlord where necessary) and start from there. You can negotiate with just a little amount.

4. Dryer – The first item that tells a hairdressing salon is in operation is the availability of a dryer. This is a small cubicle machine that has the ability to dry wet hair in a record time. Ladies hair is placed in it while it is turned on. It emits heat at an average room temperature suitable to human.

5. Power supply – No matter how little/small you want to start the business, you need constant power supply to operate. Light is needed to power the dryer, sterilize items used daily, work late at night and so on.

6. Towels – These are easy to come by and shouldn’t pose any problem. Get enough towels (large and small sizes) to dry wet hair that had just been washed before onward transfer to the dryer.

7. Shampoo, relaxer – Shampoo is a thick liquid used in getting unwanted particles off human hair though, with other uses. The relaxer is used in washing hair before the application of the shampoo. This items is a must get. You can get Ozone Shampoo and Ozone hair relaxer for cheap and effective usage.

8. Nail accessories – Most salons has a section that deals on nail. This practice is referred to as manicure and pedicure. It’s a great money source in the sense that girls, ladies and women takes delight in having classy nails (both on their hands and feet). You also need little scissors, paint of various colors. Not forgetting nail polisher, brush, filer and cortex.
I was made to understand you need at least N85,000 to start the business without a rented shop. If you going for a rented shop at start, then you have to source for between N350,000 – N700,000.
Credit: WealthResult.com

1. Put your skin stash in proper order. The sequence in which you apply your products could be even more important than the products themselves. Reach for those with the most active ingredients as soon as you wash and pat skin dry. "These are the most powerful, so you want them to come into direct contact with your skin," says Syed Amiry, a dermatologist practicing in Reston, Virginia. If you're using more than one active product (like an antioxidant serum and Retin-A), start with the thinner one. "Anything that's water soluble should go first, followed by the product that's thicker and creamier. If you do it in reverse, the heavier cream will block the ingredients of the lighter one from penetrating the skin, so they won't have any impact." If you need moisturizer, it's next up in line, followed up by—what else?—sunscreen each morning.

2. Drop dairy from your diet (even that little bit in your latte). "Dairy products—even those that are organic—contain cow hormones that stimulate your oil glands and your pores, leading to acne," explains Wu. Beware of hidden dairy in foods like salad dressing, protein bars, and shakes. And if you have to go there, stick to skim. "The hormones are concentrated in the fat, so it's your best option."

3. Start using retinol. "Everyone should use retinol," says New York dermatologist Doris Day. "It has decades of clinical data to support its efficacy, helps skin cell turnover, and boosts collagen production to keep skin firm and youthful." Most dermatologists agree that if you're only going to use one anti-aging product, prescription Retin-A (and even over-the-counter versions like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 or Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment) is the magic bullet, and can even reverse abnormal and cancerous growth, among other forms of sun damage. "It has great anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it's as effective at treating acne as it is at treating wrinkles and other signs of aging," adds Amiry.

4. Hit the sack early. We know, you've heard it all before, but it's called beauty sleep for a reason. "Sleep deprivation lowers circulation, which is why you look pale and washed out if you only get a few hours," says Amy Wechsler, one of only two U.S. physicians board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry. It's also the best time to rejuvenate your skin. "Your body's cellular renewal team has the night shift, so this is when you want to equip your skin with as many nutrients and hydrating ingredients it needs to do a fine job," she says.

5. Exfoliate for smaller-looking pores. It's amazing how something so tiny can feel so huge, but enlarged pores are one of the most common beauty complaints. "Pores appear larger when they're filled with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and keratin, a protein that lives on the surface of skin," explains Amiry. "Remove those plugs, and they seem to shrink." To clear out the gunk, start exfoliating regularly with daily applications of salicylic and glycolic acid, like those in Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel. Then add in microdermabrasions (like Physicians Formula Derm@Home Mineral Microdermabrasion System) once or twice a week to clear the dead surface cells. To keep pores from getting even bigger as you age, practice safe sun. "Sun damage breaks down collagen, which can affect pore size as well."

Credit: Women’s health mag

Who can relate?

Amazing!

1. No to Soap:
Never use soap on your baby’s skin. Soap might peel out the skin, making it dull, dry, and dark. Instead use milk and rosewater. You can use glycerin baby bars and milk cream-rich toddler’s wash.

2. Regulated Sunbath:
It is essential for you to expose your child to the sun once in a while, but this should be a regulated affair. Leaving your little ones for too long in the sun can darken their skin beyond repair. You can also use a pram to save your child from direct sunlight.

3. The Magic Syrup:
Oh yes ladies, there is a magic syrup that is a sure-shot way to make your baby’s skin fairer—it is water! Never dehydrate your little one, it not only leads to a number of health issues, but also dehydrates the skin too.

4. Fruit Juice:
This is a magic mantra for babies above 3 months. Feeding your child with the goodness of grape juice will increase the sheen of the epidermis. Other fruits like apples and oranges are also good for improving the baby’s skin health from inside.

5. Baby Wipes:
Lastly, brushing and scrubbing your baby all the time can cause rashes and skin dryness. It is always advisable to use baby wipes rich in glycerin and milk cream. It is a better option to use such wipes for cleaning the mouth of your baby as well.
At the end of the day, it is all about a little more love and a little more care. A goodbye tip: never overdo, and shower your baby with love, no matter what her/his complexion is!
Hope now you know how to make baby skin fair naturally! Do you know any other tips to get fair skin for baby? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Credit: stylecraze.com

From box braids to TWAs, no matter what hairstyle we pick, we all pay attention to one thing: our edges. The way our edges are brushed and styled can really make or break a hairstyle. Below are few tips on how you can get a proper style of your hair edges.

Dampen hair and tie it down

Spritzing a small amount of water on your edges before applying edge control will help the pomade/gel stick to your hair better; the extra moisture will also aid in a neater slick down since wet hair tends to be a lot less frizzy than dry hair.
Be careful not to apply too much water to your edges or else the edge control will appear white and look unpleasantly cakey once it settles onto your hair.

After you’ve styled your edges to your liking, take a tight headband or a folded silk/satin scarf and place it over your hairline. Tie it tight enough to press down your edges and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

When it is time to remove the scarf, carefully lift it off your edges to avoid creating fly away’s. After that, your edges should be properly slicked down and free of frizz.

Credit: Black Hair Information

Have a happy Monday

N N Fems fun friday

that awkward moment!

1. Drink Plenty Of Water
If you want your black hair to grow strong and healthy, increase your daily intake of water. This is the best way to keep your hair hydrated, and you get the bonus of having beautiful skin as well! The oxygen levels in the blood are maintained by the water, so proper scalp circulation is increased. Water also keeps your hair follicles and scalp hydrated, thus preventing gray hair and split-ends.

2. Say No To Heat
If you like the black, natural color of your hair; then do not apply hot ironing tools. It will not only frizz dry your hair, but you will also lose its natural color coating.

3. Hot Oil Massage
You can carry out a hot oil massage with either of coconut oil, almond oil or amla oil. All of these oils contribute towards the maintenance of the black color of your hair. You could also use eucalyptus oil; add a few drops of it to the warmed up oil and apply it on the scalp with light circular motions. It helps grow and maintain thick hair. This is the first and foremost of all the tips for black hair.

4. Black Hair Maintenance Pack
If you are not a fan of hair color, it is obvious that you would prefer natural tips for black hair maintenance too! With this pack, you can achieve positive results that maintain the black color while adding shine to your hair. The pack must be applied twice a month. The measures given below are meant for shoulder length hair; however, you can increase or decrease them based on the length of your hair.
• 1/2 a cup of dry amla powder (Improves hair growth and imparts an intense black color)
• 1/2 a cup of henna powder (Imparts color, body and also maintains hair growth)
• 2 tbsp. of dry Brahmi powder (optional) (Improves hair growth)
• 1 egg beaten up (Will act as a protein pack)
• 1/2 a cup of sour yogurt (optional) (It will smooth out your hair, and remove dandruff)
• 1/2 a cup bhringraj powder (optional) (Imparts a strong black color)
• 1/2 a lemon squeezed (Adds shine, luster and reduces dandruff)
Make some tea liquor enough to dilute the henna and the amla powder, mix it and let it sit overnight (do not boil). Next day, add the other ingredients and mix well. Use on the scalp and full length of hair, let it stay for 20-30 minutes before washing off.

5. Growing Your Hair
The belief that your hair grows faster when you cut it regularly is based on a myth. However, frequent trims to get rid of split ends will help keep your hair healthy and less prone to breakage.

Credit: stylecraze.com

TGIM!

Let's see how good you are!

Back in the day Tuface with a punk hair style and now with a clean hair shave.

Share with us some of your back in the day’s hair styles or hair cut.

It’s Thursday, let’s have some fun with fantastic memories.
Cheers!

Different types of hair accessories help women draw attention to a haircut or create a new hairstyle altogether. Hair accessories, ranging from hair extensions to hair clips to bobby pins, let you try out traditional favorites and fun new looks. Hair accessories come in a variety of different sizes and colors, so you may want to stock up on a few different ones to experiment with and keep everyone guessing what you might put on next. eBay has a wide variety of hair accessories available to help you build up your inventory.

1. Barrettes
Complete your look with barrettes made from exquisite-looking crystals in a rainbow of colors to match anything hanging in your closet. This hair accessory works well for all lengths of hair whether anchoring a large rhinestone clip on one side or using a smaller one to hold back short bangs.

2. Headbands
There are a variety of headbands available, such as flower-covered or jewel-covered designs. Or a simple cloth headband brightens up your face and works equally well in fine or thick hair. Both girls and women use this accessory to keep hair away from their eyes and out of their face.

3. Hair Clips
Hair clips can serve as jewelry pieces for a flowing mane or short-cropped hairstyle. Bigger clips look better in long hair, whereas a smaller clip is good for a shorter length such as a pixie or a bob. You can also place one on a headband for a pop of color or use a small clip that stays hidden

4. Hair Stick
A hair stick is ideal for holding a French twist in place or as a decorative piece in a braid, bun, or ponytail. Sticks are simple or elaborate and available in semi-precious stones, pearls, crystal, diamante, diamonds, and other materials. You can also browse through the inventory of vintage examples, as women have used this accessory for decades.

5. Bobby Pins
Bobby pins never go out of style. The little pieces of metal are an essential accompaniment for pinning hair into an upstyle such as a chignon at the nape of the neck. You can choose decorative bobby pins for a touch of sparkle or find ones that blend in with your hair color.

Credit: ebay

Oprah’s personal hairstylist, Nicole Mangrum, shares her advice about maintaining your crowning glory.
O, The Oprah Magazine

Nicole Mangrum always knew hairstyling was in her future. “As a little girl I carried a brush and a comb everywhere,” she says. “I styled anyone who’d let me.” All that practice (and a stint in beauty school) led to her own salon in Chicago, which she ran for 14 years. Three years ago, she started thinking about her next chapter. Not long after, Oprah’s longtime hairstylist Andre Walker was looking to retire. He asked a friend of Nicole’s if he knew anyone who might be able to replace him. “When Andre called, it was literally a dream come true,” Nicole says. “I’d made a vision board years ago; one goal was to work for Oprah. But I never thought we’d be working this close!” Oprah invited Nicole to do her hair for a couple of SuperSoul Sunday episodes. “I was beyond nervous,” Nicole admits. After seven months of try-outs, the job was hers. She joined Oprah as her full-time hairstylist in July 2015.

As she was about to take off with Oprah for her first trip to South Africa, Nicole revealed the best of her accumulated hair wisdom...

What are the toughest hair challenges for black women?
Dryness and breakage caused by overprocessing and heat tools. With natural hair, it’s hard to find the perfect cocktail of products to keep your hair moisturized but not too oily. A lot of women do protective styling in braids or weaves to give their hair a rest from treatments or heat tools—or when they just don’t want to deal with managing it every day. But protective styling can put stress on hair and damage follicles, leading to thinning or even hair loss.

What are the best solutions—and how do you keep Oprah’s hair looking so perfect?
There are three key words for maintaining healthy hair: moisture, moisture, and moisture. Sulfates can be drying, so look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and creamy formulas with oils such as coconut and jojoba. Co-washing, or cleansing with a conditioner that contains a small amount of gentle nondetergent cleansers, can also keep hair hydrated. Use a deep conditioning mask with oils at least once a week—Oprah gets a deep conditioning twice a week—and a heat-protecting spray when styling with a hot tool. (I always use a heat-protecting spray on Oprah’s hair when we blow-dry it.)

If you wear braids or a weave, tell your stylist if it feels too tight—which, by the way, won’t make it last longer and can damage the hair follicles. And even these styles must be washed and conditioned at least once a week.

When you’re feeling frustrated about managing your hair, see a stylist for a consultation. She can help you figure out the products you need, which can be helpful if you, like many women, have a mix of textures. And lots of my clients, after my consultation, have found videos on YouTube to be a terrific way to learn the how-tos of styling.
Credit: Huffpost

“Leaders need to keep a singular focus, each and every day, on their ultimate goals; they need to keep them at the front of their minds as they choose their actions and strategies. This seems so obvious but, at the same time, incredibly busy days when people are constantly asking for your attention make it easy to lose a central, goal-oriented focus. Thus, even something as simple as putting a Post-it note that describes your ultimate goals on the corner of your computer screen can help you keep focused and slow you down so that you can facilitate and orchestrate your team’s actions directly toward your ultimate goal.” ~ J. Keith Murnighan, Do Nothing!

Who can answer this correctly?

With its origin way back from the 90’s, no outfit was ever complete without those colourful bandanas. Maybe yours was a bandana or simply a head band, it surely made everyone who wore it feel like the kid of the moment. Ahh… the good old (hair) days.

I hope you've enjoyed taking this ride down memory lane. What really replaced this piece in the modern day?

The ultimate goal of your beard style is to add contrast and dimension to your face. Different face shapes should highlight certain facial features—not every style looks great on every guy. Here’s how to choose the right style for your face.

SQUARE STYLES
Shave or trim with sharp, precise lines near your cheekbones. Keep your beard short on the sides and fuller on your chin to take advantage of your square jawline.

ROUND STYLES
Slim your face with an angled shave along your cheekbones. Keeping hair full on your chin will also help.

OVAL STYLES
You have the ideal face for almost any beard style. Just choose any beard style you deem fit.

RECTANGLE STYLES
Keep your beard shorter on bottom and longer on the sides to show off your strong facial structure.

Credit: Gillette

1. Covering hair with silk wraps/caps at night
there are many benefits to wrapping your weave every night before hitting the sheets. Silk wraps or silk pillowcases help keep in moisture in. For dry hair, this is especially important. If it's wrapped around your scalp the satin helps avoid bushy edges. So you can thank your silk wrap/cap/pillowcase when you wake up with edges that are laid out to the gods!

2. Heat Protectant. ALWAYS!

This keeps the hair from looking dried out and keeps your extension ends looking luscious.

3. A wide-toothed comb is your new best friend.

Combing out your hair using a wide-toothed comb instead of a regular paddle brush helps prevent damage and breakage to your weave. Especially on wet hair, when it is most fragile.

4. Condition! Condition! Condition!
Deep conditioning your weave will leave it looking and feeling lustrous. It's crucial that you deep condition your weave periodically while it is installed.

5. Invest in your hair
When I say invest in your hair, I mean purchase hair you can re-use time and time again. This means good quality human hair. It might seem like a lot at purchase, but I have done the math and compared between a one time payment of high quality hair that will last me 6 - 8 months of reusing depending on how I treat it--to rebuying hair every time I get my weave done (which is often for me). I found it's much smarter for gals on a budget to invest in our hair purchases.

Source: Black Hair Spot
http://blackhairspot.com/index.cfm?page=hair-talk.5-tips-tricks-weave

Make up VS No Make-up

Old VS New Celebrity in hair styles

If you've done any research into promoting hair growth, you've probably heard of "protective styles." You know which hairstyles are considered protective, such as braids, weaves, twists and buns. But are they really necessary? Despite all the guidelines you'll find for growing hair longer and stronger, some women simply find the idea of protective styling boring -- but it doesn't have to be. Once you discover the benefits of keeping your hair up and out of the way, at least on occasion, you may change your mind about this effective technique.
1. Low Maintenance
The less you do to black hair, the better it flourishes. Our hair can rarely stand the type of manipulation so often depicted in commercials: the piling of the hair on top of the head to shampoo, the 100 brush strokes, etc. Instead, black hair tends to grow longer when left alone. Protective styles offer the low-maintenance that so often benefits this hair type, especially if longer length is one of your aims. Once you style hair in one of these 'dos, daily maintenance is a breeze, which is perfect for anyone who's not into a high-maintenance mane. This is one reason cornrow extensions and box braids are so popular, whether you're going on vacation or not: once installed, they require extremely little daily care.

2. Retains Growth
Growing longer hair is one of the most-cited reasons for choosing protective styling. Forget that prevailing myth that black hair doesn't grow -- it most certainly does. However, it can also break off at an alarming rate because loose ends catch on fabric, car seats, cotton pillowcases and more. When hair constantly breaks, it's difficult to see and measure growth. Putting your tresses up and keeping them protected prevents a large amount of breakage. Over time, you'll see longer, stronger hair that's not compromised by everyday stressors.

3. Time Savers
Maybe you're not the type who has unlimited time in the morning for hair styling. If so, protective hairstyles may be your solution to getting ready more quickly, making for a smooth start to your day. Once you style twists and braids, you don't need to do much to them, besides the occasional touch-up with a loose twist or a daily spritz with natural oils. Just make sure you secure your hair at night before bed, and in the morning, you may be ready with a gentle shake of the head.

4. Keeps Hair Soft
If you've ever worn your hair up for the day versus wearing it out, you may notice a difference at the day's end where softness is concerned. Take down a chignon and you'll usually find it soft and supple because it's held in much of the natural oils that get soaked up by dry air and clothing. A well-moisturized mane, one that feels soft to the touch, is less likely to suffer breakage and dryness, which in turn leads to growth retention, just another benefit of wearing tresses up and out of sight, even if for a little while.