Monday 20 May 2013

80s Rocker Hairstyles

During the '80s, there was a variety of different hairstyles for rockers. Rock fans tended to choose their hairstyle according to the scene or genre of music they were into. The 1980s is often looked back on as an unfortunate era for hairstyles, but some of the popular rocker hairstyles of the decade are still worn today. Does this Spark an idea?

Big Hair

Big hair was an '80s staple. Fans of glam rock and glam metal wore it, both male and female alike. Big '80s hair was usually worn one of two ways. It could either be long and curled or volumized all over, like Jon Bon Jovi. Or it was straightened at the front and sides and shorter and teased up at the top and back, then sprayed with hair spray to fix the style. This style was similar to that of Nikki Sixx.

Mohawk

The mohawk hairstyle was commonly seen on punk fans during the '80s. The height of the punk scene's popularity came in 1977, but the scene carried on right through the '80s, and still exists today. Bands such as Bad Brains, Black Flag and Dead Kennedys were popular in the '80s punk scene. Mohawks could be huge in this decade and were often held up with super glue or egg whites, as conventional hair products wouldn't keep them standing in place.

New Wave

New wave hairstyles were also popular in the '80s. They could be seen on members of new wave bands such as Adam and the Ants and The Human League. At their simplest, these styles were straight, choppy and asymmetrical, and could be achieved with a good haircut and some hair straightening irons. However, some people sported elaborately styled, sweeping hairdos, for instance in the Flock of Seagulls style.

The Mullet

The mullet is an '80s curiosity that was often seen on heavy metal fans during the decade. Sometimes referred to as "business in the front, party at the back," the mullet is short at the front and sides, but a long section is left at the back. This long portion is known as a rat tail. The style became popular in the middle of the decade, and was seen throughout the rest of the '80s.

How to Make a Dread in Your Hair

Dreadlocks are clusters of tangled, matted hair. Whether you make one dread in your hair or many, the process is the same. Making dreads requires ratting your hair with a fine-tooth comb and rolling the ratted hair between your hands until it begins to take on its characteristic ropelike appearance. Dread wax is a beeswax-based product that helps hold new dreads together while they solidify. It's particularly useful when you want to make only one dread in your hair but plan to wash and condition the rest. Does this Spark an idea?

Section off a piece of hair approximately 2 inches square. Pull the rest of your hair up with a ponytail band, leaving only the sectioned hair hanging down.

Wash the sectioned hair with dishwashing liquid to strip out the oils and make it easier to dread. Dry the hair with a blow dryer or allow it to air-dry.

Hold the hair taut at the ends, pulling it away from your head.

Comb rapidly and repeatedly from the ends to the roots, ratting the hair until it shrinks to about half its length.

Roll the hair between the palms of your hands, working from roots to ends.

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 three more times.

Scoop out a pea-size amount of dread wax. Rub it between your hands until it is warm and soft.

Palm-roll your hair once more with the wax.

Tips

- Wrap your dread in a piece of plastic wrap before washing your hair. Conditioners can cause new dreads to fall apart.

Saturday 18 May 2013

How to Make Your Hair Look Super Long for a Couple of Hours

If you've got short hair and you want to switch your style up for a few hours, it's easier than you think. Getting long hair generally takes months and even years of growing and waiting. If you don't have the time, and just want temporarily super long hair, learn how to get it in a flash. Does this Spark an idea?

Research retail outlets that sell clip-on hair extensions, then go shop around to compare them.

Choose the right color. Make sure when you buy your extensions to get ones that will look natural. Try standing in natural sunlight and placing the extension up to your hair while you look in the mirror. The color should look like your natural shade.

Purchase a clip-in extension that comes in individual pieces that are about 2 inches wide. This makes it easier to apply them and make them look natural. They're also quicker to snap in than other sizes.

Clip your extensions in at the root of the hair, attaching the clip to a section of your actual hair to keep it in place. The most important thing to remember here is to clip it under a decent amount of hair. You'll want your natural hair to fall over your clip so it's not visible.

Comb your hair out and style it as desired after making sure all the clips are securely in place. Pay close attention to the kinds of clips you have purchased. If you've purchased synthetic clip-ons, don't use a curling or flat iron on them because it will make the hair burn. If you have clip-ons made from human hair, you can use an iron on them.

Tips

- Since clip-ons can quickly be put in and removed from your hair, you can experiment with all different lengths as often as you want. Have fun and try out different styles.

Girls' Jeans Looks From the 1950s

Girls' jeans looks from the 1950s were casual, stay-at-home wear in the earlier part of the decade -- meant for working around the house and outside while doing chores. It was not until the mid-50s that jeans started making more of a fashion statement and wearing jeans became popular from a social and fashion point of view.

Rebels in Jeans

In the mid-1950s, jeans symbolized youth and rebellion. Elvis Presley wore dark denim jeans in his movie "Jail House Rock" and James Dean wore his jeans folded twice at the ankles in the 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause." For girls in the mid-1950s, jeans were a dark blue denim worn with bobby socks while the cuffs on jeans were rolled up -- just like James Dean's.

Take a Spin

In the 1950s, the "Mickey Mouse Club" was a popular television show that had a miniseries within the show called "Spin and Marty." Spin and Marty hung out at a dude ranch and girls visiting the dude ranch wore dark blue jeans with very little flair around the ankles. While jeans worn by girls on the fictional 1950s dude ranch were not rolled up at the ankle, shirts were always tucked into the top of the waist of the jeans.

High-Waisted Jeans

High-waisted jeans worn in the 1950s showed off shapely figures with their hidden side-zippers and flat fronts. Some high-waisted jeans were capri-length, while those that were ankle-length were usually rolled up to form a cuffed hem.

Levi Strauss and Lee Jeans

Levi's and Lee brand jeans were popular back in the 1950s. It was not until the 1960s that jeans were made "preshrunk," which means that girls who purchased jeans in the 1950s bought jeans that were very dark blue from the denim dye and were stiff as a board. Multiple washings were required to soften the jeans, which could last for many years, if not decades. In the 1956 movie "Giant," James Dean wore a pair of worn and unevenly faded 101Z Lee jeans. Levi Strauss jeans were made with a button fly until 1954, when the popular 501 style was made with a zipper -- thus the 501Z was created. Levi Strauss officially stopped referring to its denim pants as "overalls" when they changed their advertising copy to call them "jeans" in 1960.

Thursday 16 May 2013

How to Make Hair Straight With Natural Remedies for Men

Some people have all the luck in the world. They are born with hair that agrees with them even when they roll out of bed in the morning. Those without naturally straight hair are constantly battling frizz and tangles that pull and frustrate throughout the day. In spite of this, there are natural remedies for making such hair less of a hassle and more of a joy to deal with.  Does this Spark an idea?

Milk

Pour 1/3 cup of milk into an empty spray bottle. Spray the milk over your hair 20 minutes prior to taking a shower. 

Remove tangles from your hair with a wide-tooth comb. 

Shower and shampoo and condition as normal. 

Castor Oil

Rub castor oil between both palms and rub throughout your hair. 

Dry your hair with a hair dryer on the highest setting best for your hair. Comb from root to tip, until all the naps are out and you can comb all the way through without getting tangled. 

Pat your hair with a cold, damp washcloth and towel dry thoroughly. 

Coconut Milk And Lime Juice

Mix a can of coconut milk cream with 1/2 cup of lime juice. 

Refrigerate the mixture until it turns into cream. 

Rub the mixture throughout your hair. Cover your head with a towel for one hour then shampoo and condition your hair. Repeat three times a week to gradually straighten hair. 

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Techniques for How to Make Your Hair Stay Straight for a Long Time

No matter what type of hair they are born with, many women spend a large amount of time and money trying to change their hair. Specifically, women with curly, wavy or kinky hair search for ways to make their hair straight. There are a variety of hair-straightening options out there so you must carefully select which one is best for your grade of hair in order to avoid hair loss and damage to your locks. Does this Spark an idea?

Chemical Perms

The most common method of hair straightening is the perm. Chemical perms, also known as relaxers, use lye to break down the structure of the hair structure and cause naturally curly, kinky or wavy hair to lay straight. The result is hair that is tame and manageable. The results of a perm, however, are only semipermanent. Ladies with permed hair must go to the salon every six to eight weeks to touch up their curly new growth. The permed hair will continue to be straight until it is cut off.

Brazilian keratin Treatment

The Brazilian keratin treatment uses a flat iron to smooth out the hair cuticle while sealing in the keratin solution. Unlike perms, the structure of your hair remains the same. The keratin treatment leaves your hair intact, wrapping each strand with a protective coat to smooth, strengthen and repair damaged hair. The keratin treatment, also know as the Brazilian blowout, works for just about every type of hair, even hair that has been color treated, highlighted or previously straightened. Once you leave the salon, your hair will be straight but when you wash it, you will still see a wave pattern. Your curls are softened but not eliminated completely. Straightening is much easier after the keratin treatment and your hair won’t become frizzy during humid weather. Although the effects of the Brazilian keratin treatment are long-lasting, they do eventually wear off, leaving your hair to return to its natural state.

Thermal Reconditioning

Thermal reconditioning, sometimes referred to as ionic perm or bioionic straightening, is a hair straightening procedure that uses heat to change the shape of the hair. The cuticle is broken down with chemicals; then the hair is ironed straight with a flat iron. The hair then undergoes a neutralization process that closes the hair cuticle and causes the hair to permanently remain straight. Hair that is treated will remain straight and will not become curly or wavy again. However, the new growth must be reconditioned, usually about four to six months after treatment. Some hair stylists offer "partial reconditioning" at the part line and around the hairline to conceal new growth so clients can go longer between full treatments.

Ionic Hair Retexturizing

Ionic hair retexturizing is a Japanese hair straightening technique that seals in moisture and nutrients during an ironing process. This is intended to improve the overall condition as well as straighten the hair. Ionic hair retexturizing works best on hair that has not been chemically treated. Treatment lasts for up to six months depending on how fast your hair grows. Retouches can be done on new growth or clients can choose to have the treatment completely redone. Consult your hairstylist before retexturizing hair that has already been treated.

Hairstyles With Bangs in 2007

For decades, bangs have been in style. Little girls' hairstyles, in particular, have almost always included wearing bangs with ponytails or braids. Whether they're flat or fluffy, spiky or straight, or long or short, bangs can reshape the way your face looks. In 2007, many hairstyles featuring bangs evoked an earlier time, including Cleopatra's ancient Egypt, the post-war '40s and the "clean living" '50s. Does this Spark an idea?

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks changes not only her hairstyles, but her hair color more often than some people change clothes. In a photo-spread that appeared in Life Magazine in 2007 titled, "The Many Hairstyles of Tyra Banks," the supermodel sported a long ponytail with bangs that stopped just below her eyebrows. The bangs were angle-cut to be longer on the sides framing her face. In that same year, Banks was also seen sporting the Cleopatra hairstyle, which has been wildly popular since the '60s, when women began "ironing" their hair to make it flat and smooth. This sleek style includes bangs that extend to the eyebrows and smooth, straight hair at shoulder-length or longer.

Rihanna

Rihanna burst onto the music scene with her hit song "Umbrella." In 2007, she changed her flaming-red, crimped hair to a short, blunt-cut bob. Rihanna's hairstyles change often from short to long, curly or straight and red, blonde, black or multi-colored. For the most part, all her hairstyles include bangs, whether they're spiky, thick and flat, or combed to one side.

Hairstyle Zone

Visit the Style Gallery of Hairstyle Zone (hairstylezone.com) and take a look at its pictorial of hairstyles with bangs worn in 2007. Whether your hair is long, medium-length or short, you'll find several bobbed, tousled, and trendy styles that include bangs. Some of the styles for longer hair include up-dos with bangs and long, wavy or curly locks with straight bangs. Nearly every popular hairstyle with bangs in 2007 is included.

Men's Hairstyles With Bangs

In 2007, men's hairstyles evolved from the severe spiky styles to styles that were a bit more refined. Short hair was still popular among men, but the use of tons of sprays and gels that made hair hard became a thing of the past. Men's hair could still be tousled and messy, but not hard and pointed. Gels weren't used in massive amounts as in the past. The longer razor-cut bangs were a very popular part of men's hairstyles. Many men who wore shorter hair would leave their bangs to grow long enough to extend beyond the point of the nose. Actor Johnny Depp's hair was cut very short in 2007, but his bangs extended to below his eyebrows and occasionally to his nose. Other celebrity males with hairstyles featuring bangs in 2007 were Joe Jonas, Zak Efron, Richie Zambora and Tom Cruise.

Fashionable Haircuts for Girls

Having the right haircut is usually more important for girls than for their male counterparts. Girls take fashion and beauty cues from trendsetting celebrities, wanting to wear the most popular styles and express their personalities through their hair. There are a number of fashionable haircuts that are suitable for girls and are versatile enough that they can be adorned with ribbons or barrettes for special occassions. Does this Spark an idea?

The Bob

The bob is a hairstyle that never seems to go out of fashion for girls. A simple chin-length bob brings out the girl's facial features and is easy to style for girls with straight hair. A bob can be parted in the middle or dressed up with a side part and clipped with a cute barrette. Bobs can also be worn with eyebrow-length bangs cut straight across. Matilda Ledger, the young daughter of Michelle Williams and the late Heath Ledger, is one celebrity who effortlessly wears a casual bob.

Long Haircuts

Longer hairstyles for girls are popular because they look great and can be pulled back into ponytails or pigtails, or braided to create different looks. Longer haircuts for girls can be cut in a variety of ways. Some girls want bangs; typically blunt-cut, heavy bangs that fall at eyebrow level. Another variation on a long haircut is trimming layers throughout the hair to take away some of the weight, adding volume. Face-framing layers can be worn or clipped to the side with a barrette.

Inverted Bob

The inverted bob was made popular by Victoria Beckham and remains one of the most popular short haircuts for girls of all ages. This haircut is characterized by short, stacked layers at the back that gradually get longer as they move toward the chin. Parted either to the middle or to the side, the front layers can be all one length or cut into face-framing layers or bangs. The inverted bob haircut is not only fashionable, but easy to style for girls who have straight hair.

Edgy Haircuts

Celebrities like Willow Smith and Rihanna are setting the trend for edgy, funky haircuts. Willow Smith has worn a variety of buzz-worthy styles, including a half-shaved style that is brushed over to one side, giving it an asymmetrical look. Rihanna once wore a similar style, sometimes shaved like Willow's and other times with the shorter side grown out. Instead of combing the longer layers over to one side, this haircut could also be cut shorter on the top so that the girl could spike her hair. An edgy haircut would work best for a daring girl who has natural texture in her hair.

How to Make a Hair Clippy Holder

In the morning rush to catch the bus on time, many young girls scramble to find just the right matching hair accessory. Help organize young girls’ hair clips and barrettes with a simple craft. Girls will take pride in their homemade clippie organizer and, therefore, be motivated to use the organizer to keep their clips in one organized location. School mornings will move along more smoothly with one less item to hunt for.

Cut 30 strands of yarn to a length of about 2 1/2 feet. Bunch one end of the yarn strands together and bind them with a small piece of yarn wrapped around the strands and tied in a knot. Tape the bound end to the edge of a table with masking tape. Divide the dangling yarn strands into three sections of 10 yarn strands each. Braid the yarn strands beginning at the tape and working down to 1 inch from the bottom. Bind the bottom of the braid with another small piece of yarn wrapped around the braid and tied in a knot.

Place the powder puff on a work surface with the puffy side up. Glue googly eyes on the powder puff to create a face. Add a smile and rosy cheeks with permanent marker. Fold the braid in half to locate the center point. Glue the center 3 inches of the braid to the top of the powder puff face. Allow 15 minutes for the glue to dry.

Tie a small bow with 6 inches of grosgrain ribbon. Glue the ribbon to the center of the yarn braid to conceal where the hair part would be on the powder puff head. Tie two bows on the bottom of each braid's end. Thread a needle with embroidery floss. Stitch a small loop in the back of the powder puff to hang the organizer on a wall. Clip barrettes and hair bows on the clippy organizer braids.

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Different Rock 'N Roll Fashion Styles

Rock 'n roll was born in the 1950s -- the era that also created teenagers as we know them today. This rebellious new generation created their own new fashions to express themselves. Since then, there have been many types of rock music, although many people still refer to the scene as rock 'n roll. With each new genre of music and each decade that goes by, new fashions emerge. Does this Spark an idea?

1950s: Original Rock 'n Roll

The men and women that listened to rock 'n roll acts like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1950s tended to dress in a specific way. Some adults found the music offensive and put limits on where it could be played, and the different types of fashions kids wore only served to intensify the older generation's sense of the music's inappropriateness. While girls opted for blouses teamed with wide belts and wide-hemmed skirts, boys started wearing pink shirts and gray or black trousers. Some young women wore a matching set of slim skirts and sweaters, and men also grew their sideburns to look like Elvis. Neck ties and flat shoes tended to be preferred by the girls. Other fashions young men went for included suede shoes, baggy pants and trousers with white stripes down the sides.

1960s: The British Invasion

In the 1960s, the rock 'n roll trend that had been growing in the United Kingdom for a decade traveled over the pond with new bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. These popular bands brought a new style to the United States. While the Beatles wore tailored suits and bowl haircuts, the Rolling Stones opted for a casual and rebellious look. With the music of the 1960s came the hippie trend, which saw people don bright-colored loose clothing, similar to Native American dress and usually made with natural fibers. The Beatles also eventually changed their appearance to become more hippie in their style. The British also shared a new fashion for whom the poster girl was supermodel Twiggy -- the mini skirt.

1970s: Psychedelic, Punk and Goth

Hippie trends continued into the 1970s, when they became more psychedelic, while a new trend -- punk -- was also born. Punks wore leather jackets, safety pins on their clothes and ripped jeans. Meanwhile, the psychedelic hippies moved away from the matching clothing of their 1960s counterparts and began wearing clashing colors. Goths also emerged in this decade, with men and women dressing in black, painting their faces white and wearing heavy dark make up around their eyes.

1980s: American Hairband

In the 1980s, one trend that stood out was that of the American hairband groups. These included Guns 'n Roses, Poison and Motley Crue. These musicians wore tight pants, big hair and flashy makeup. Band members, including famous guitarist Slash of Guns 'n Roses, wore their hair frizzy or in bangs with hairspray. They also wore eyeliner, mascara and blusher. Clothes were tight and made of leather, teamed with leather accessories. Skull motifs were common.

How to Make Hair Smell Seductive

Scents such as musk, rose, jasmine, gardenia and sandalwood can entice people and evoke a seductive mood. If you are a woman who wishes to excite someone through the sense of smell, consider scenting your hair with one of these alluring scents. Many oils, perfumes and sprays made especially for the hair use a mix of these scents. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo and condition your hair with products that have a deep floral or musky scent to them. If you cannot start with freshly cleaned hair, blow-dry your dry hair to remove any odors your hair and scalp may have picked up.

Spritz your hair with a perfume made for hair. They are less drying than regular perfumes for your hair. Choose a seductive scent such as rose, musk, gardenia or sandalwood.

Brush and style your hair as usual. Wearing your hair down and loose will allow the scent from your hair to disperse about you as you walk or move your head.

Add a touch of essential oil in a complementary scent to your hair perfume to make your seductive scent last longer.

Tips

- Avoid "fresh" or citrusy scents. These create an energizing and awake mood rather than a romantic and seductive atmosphere.

Warning

- Avoid spraying too much perfume on your hair. Scents that are overpowering can be distracting.

Monday 13 May 2013

Glamorous Hairstyles of the 1950s

The 1950s was a decade of relative prosperity in the United States. World War II was over, and the mood across much of the country was one of celebration and triumph. Women's hairstyles naturally became more glamorous and elaborate, a far cry from the previous decade where women would usually wear their hair tied back or in a roll around the nape.



In the 50s, housewives wanted to appear stylish, even when carrying out domestic chores. Does this Spark an idea?

New Wave

During the 50s, women were returning to their homes from the jobs they carried out during the war. They had more time to groom their hair and more money to spend on hair products and makeup. This meant simple, straight hair was out, and soft, curly or wavy hair was in. Options included having their hair teased, sculpted, sprayed or permanently waved. Elizabeth Taylor was a hair icon for women, largely because of the permed style she cultivated.

Beehive

The beehive emerged in the late 50s. It required the expertise of a salon stylist with a wet roller set and a hair dryer. The hair was piled up to the top of the head to resemble a real beehive. Women would sleep in curlers and rollers in order to achieve the look in time for weekend social functions. For daytime practicality it was often wrapped in a headscarf. The beehive remained in vogue throughout the 60s.

Poodle Cut

The idea behind the poodle cut was to frame the face in a round fashion to portray a youthful, feminine look. It was a short, but wavy, hairstyle exemplified in the look of Lucille Ball. Women from the mid-50s onward would spend big money to get their hair done this way in a salon. As products such as hair spray and rollers became more obtainable, women were also able to make their hair bigger and more extravagant in their homes.

Bouffant

Many Hollywood actresses wore the bouffant, among them Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. It relied on a lot of hair spray to attain its precise look. The hair at the top of the head is teased and backcombed and then given volume by spray. The rest of the hair was left to hang low and styled according to personal preference. The bouffant was fashionable through the early 60s, when it was favored by first lady Jackie Kennedy.

Ducktail

The ducktail was a high-maintenance men's hairstyle of the era, often sported by young men. The sides of the hair were greased back and the top was given a long cut with jagged edges. The sides would be combed behind the head to meet in the middle, like a duck's tail. This hairstyle would often be complimented with thick sideburns, a look that could be attributed to Elvis and James Dean.

How to Make Straight Hair Look Great for School

Girls with curly hair often want straight hair, while straight-haired girls wish their hair was more curly. Instead of wishing for something you don't have, learn to embrace the hair type you were born with. With the right haircut, styling products and styling tools, everyone at school will be envious of your beautiful, straight hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo your hair with a volumizing shampoo. After you rinse out the shampoo, add a volumizing conditioner to just the ends of your hair. Rinse the conditioner out after letting it sit in your hair for a couple of minutes.

Spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner to get the tangles out and prevent your hair from becoming frizzy during the day. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb.

Squirt a quarter-sized amount of volumizing mousse in your hand. Distribute the mousse throughout your hair with your fingers.

Use a blow dryer to dry your hair. Hold up your hair from the roots with the a round brush as your blow dry your hair to give your hair more volume. Another way to add volume is to blow dry your hair upside down.

Finish your style with hair spray. Holding the hair spray two inches away from your hair, spritz the product in your hair to help hold your style.

Tips

- Ask your hair stylist to add layers to your hair. A layered haircut frames your face and helps your hair look more voluminous.

Sunday 12 May 2013

What Are Flapper Girls?

The term "flapper" and the women it was used to describe are part of the bygone era that reached prominence in the 1920s. But the fashion, frame of mind and trends that were first associated with flappers still influence us today and are worth a closer look. Does this Spark an idea?

The Flapper Chapter

The slang term "flapper" first started in the days after World War I. This period in our history there was a lot of cultural and political activity, coupled with a European cultural exchange that was booming since peace had been achieved. The term "flapper" is a reference to a young bird, flapping it's wings in preparation to take flight and leave the nest. The modern woman of the '20s was like this bird, preparing for a freedom and future hereto for unavailable to them until that time.

As the 1920s began, a time referred to in the history books as "the Roaring Twenties" societal changes were redefining the feminine principle decades before modern feminism or women's liberation would take sway. At this time women in the West started to latch on to jazz music, bobbed hair, short skirts, makeup and other new and appealing societal offerings previously unavailable.

The Great Gatsby and Beyond

It was not long before popular culture was echoing and illustrating flapper fashions. The great American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald detailed aspects of flapper culture, most notably in the character of Daisy Miller in his classic novel "The Great Gatsby."

Films also latched on to the flapper mystique, and international movie stars like Josephine Baker, Clara Bow, Louise Brooks and Joan Crawford came to fame as flapper icons. In dance halls, ballrooms and living rooms across America it was common in the 1920s to find flapper women embracing jazz music and dancing in jerky rhythms as faddish dance crazes developed around them. The Charleston, the Jitterbug and the Shag were among the many flapper inspired dances born from swing jazz music.

Fashion and Fame

Flappers had an influence on fashion. From high heels and short skirts with silk lace and corsets, to art deco hats, horn-rims and caps. The bob cut and similar short and boyish cuts caught on like wildfire and are still popular today. The use of blush and mascara, and deliberately pale skin also became all the rage due to the flapper influence. Old Betty Boop cartoons exemplify a lot of the playful roles the flapper fashions played in the popular culture of the 1920s.

A Way of Life

To a large extent, the flapper culture was more than a fad; it was a mindset and an empowering trend for women seeking the kind of independence denied them previously. Many early feminist voices emerged during this time period, and personal freedoms emerged that were not available to women before. Smoking cigarettes, for instance, was a much more rebellious act back then, and many flappers chose to smoke as an act of defiance against cultural norms. Traditional ideas of sexuality were also challenged by flappers, and playful ideas of hedonism, previously only enjoyed by men, were now practiced by woman in this era, too.

Tips to Make Straight Hair Look Messy

Although the messy look hair style appears easy to achieve, it can actually take a little work to get right. For people with straight hair, a few tips come in particularly handy. One of the most important things to keep in mind when going for a natural unkempt look is to avoid over-stylizing. Does this Spark an idea?

Crimping Iron

After washing and conditioning your hair, apply hair gel or mousse while towel drying the hair. Use a crimping iron at the base of the hair near the scalp, but not the front hairline. Also avoid using it towards the ends of the hair. The crimping iron will give the hair lift and prevent it from being too smooth, while the crimps themselves are concealed.

Rollers

You can also use large rollers to create the messy look. When setting the hair in the rollers, leave some out around the face. Keep the rollers in the hair for about four minutes, but do not allow them to cool. Take them out, turn your head upside down, and shake out the curls with your hands. Use a scrubbing motion to mess up the curls. Then turn your head right-side-up again and arrange it as desired.

Conditioning the Ends

Another tip to help create that just-out-of-bed appearance is to scrunch pomade, cream, or similar hair products into the ends of your hair. This will help separate the ends and prevent the hair from lying too flat. Less hair wax is needed for fine hair in comparison to thicker, wavier hair. Too much, nonetheless, and it will look wilted. Use a light hair spray to hold the desired look in place.

Ponytail Method

It may take a little more work for people with longer hair to get the messy look they want. First, use hair gel on wet hair and dry with a diffuser. You might consider using rollers halfway up the hair in 2-inch sections if your hair is very straight. Pull the hair into a ponytail with your fingers and then divide it into 5 or 6 sections. The sections can be wound up into sphere-like shapes, secured with bobby pins, and then sprayed with hair spray. When unleashed the hair should look satisfyingly messy.

How to Do 1950s Style Structured Curls

Show off your '50s style by creating structured curls, or "pin curls," that were common in that decade. The hairstyle evoked glamor but was worn by a wide assortment of women besides the glamorous housewife. Woman took pride in their shorter hairstyles that were fashioned without the use of a hairdryer and typically took all night to create. Revive the pin curls to show off your retro look by using the same method women in the '50s used, but with a little additional help to ensure the curls remain intact for the entire day. Does this Spark an idea?

Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. The hair should be silky smooth. Separate your hair into four sections -- the nape, right side, left side and crown. You will work with one section at a time to ensure you curled all of your hair and did not leave any pieces unattended.

Work with the nape section first. Use a rat-tail comb to scoop up a 1-inch section of hair. Comb the hair downward tightly so there are no tangles, and lightly spray the hair with water using a spray bottle.

Hold the end of the 1-inch section of hair with one hand and use your other hand to roll the hair under, in a clockwise motion, one piece of end paper. The end paper will keep the hair from straying away from the rest of the strands within the 1-inch section. End paper is similar to tissue paper but it is pre-cut and available at hair supply stores. Using end paper versus a soft roller will keep the curls tight to your head and more structured than a standard curler.

Secure the curl once it is tightly rolled to your scalp with a double prong clip. According to Hair Boutique, a website dedicated to all things hair related, you should use the double prong clips because they will keep your hair secure to your head, even if you sleep on the pins, and they will not create a crease in your hair like a bobby pin would.

Curl your hair around the nape section using the same method until all the hair is accounted for within that section. Spray the section lightly with light-hold hairspray.

Work around your head to the right section of hair, then the left section and, finally, the crown of your hair. Secure all curls with light hold hairspray and make sure there are no stray strands of hair floating around.

Sleep on your curls overnight or sit under a salon dryer to blast the curls with heat. Do not try to blow dry your curls; the forceful blast of heat will loosen the hair and create frizz.

Unclip the hair one curl at a time and style it to your preference.

Tips

- Curling your hair while it is wet and leaving it curled overnight may result in wet hair in the morning near the root of the curl.

- For smaller, tighter curls, use less hair.

- Allow the curls to set as long as possible. The longer they set, the longer they will last.

Saturday 11 May 2013

How to Make Hair Bands for Teens

Teenagers love trying new hairstyles and accessories. A bohemian floral headband can be worn in different ways, with the hair up or down. You can take the basic idea of this headband and create many versions using different types and colors of fabric, ribbon and beads. Because it's made with basic craft supplies, you may already have the materials you need to get started.

Cut 3 pieces of ribbon, 1 yard each. Braid the pieces together and knot them at the end. Leave a tail of ribbon if you want.

Draw a 2-inch circle on paper and cut it out. Fold the circle in half and then in half again. Cut 2 arches on the outside edge. When you unfold the paper, you will have the classic flower shape to use as a stencil. Draw a 3-inch circle and repeat to create a larger stencil.

Put the smaller stencil on the fabric and trace around it with a pencil. Do this 5 more times for a total of 6 small flower pieces. Put the larger stencil on the fabric and trace around it. Do this 2 more times for a total of 3 large flower pieces. Cut out all the pieces using scissors. Cut one-half-inch slits from the edge toward the center, every 2 inches around each flower piece.

Stack 3 flower pieces together with a large one on the bottom and 2 small ones on top. With the needle and thread, make a stitch through the middle of the flower. Fold the flower in half and then fold it in half again. Stitch several times through the corner of the flower. Open the flower and sew a small bead in the middle. Repeat to make the other 2 flowers.

Cut ribbon into three 3-inch pieces. Place a small dot of glue on the back of each flower and glue the flowers to the ribbons. Let dry. Tie the flowers onto the braided piece.

Tips

- Select contrasting fabrics for the flowers or use the same fabric for a monochromatic effect.

Friday 10 May 2013

Flapper Hairstyles in the '20s

The 1920s saw revolutionary change in women's hairstyles. Even though the opulence and lavish lifestyle associated with '20s flappers was only for the well-off few, flapper hairstyles became universally sought after. They were convenient and striking looking, representing the new young and vibrant fashion culture. They broke away from tradition, as well as the slavery of complicated hairstyling, and were so stark and striking that they had to be worn with conviction. Does this Spark an idea?

Cutting

Up until the 1920s, women's mainstream hair fashions had been about styling, rather than cutting. With short hair coming into fashion, women had to queue up at men's barber's shops to get their hair cut because their regular hairdressers did not do these styles. Yet with the trend for short hair so strong, women's hairdressers finally relented, and ongoing experimentation led to inventive styles, such as the shingle bob, razor cutting and waved bobs.

Eton Crop

The Eton Crop was the shortest of 1920s flapper hairstyles, with its most famous wearer being Josephine Baker. This short cropped style showed off a woman's jawline, cheekbones and ears, looking striking on some and stunning on others. Most effective on dark hair, the Eton Crop could be styled for glamor and worn slicked down, smooth and shiny. Often it was side-parted and smoothed lightly forward, resembling the cut of boys at Eton school.

Bob

The flapper bob is one of the most famous cuts of the 20th century, and it came in several different varieties. Actress Clara Bow wore a waved version, sliced just above the jawline. Another renowned bob-wearer of the 1920s, Louise Brooks wore her straight style with wide, square-cut bangs. Framing the face, bobs were ideal for showing off flapper makeup of defined cupid's-bow lips and dark eyes.

Styling

The simple 1920s flapper hairstyles needed minimal styling, looking best when left to show off the shape and structure of the cut. Yet flapper party style was opulent and exuberant, so hair would often be adorned with accessories, such as headbands, jewelled clips and feathers. These did not hide the clean lines of the cut, but rather decorated the hair. By day, the simple cloche hat necessitated a smooth hairstyle. Named after the French for "bell", the cloche was a close-fitting dome shape, which slid perfectly over a flapper bob.

Influence

Although fashionable styles grew longer after the 1920s, cutting has remained essential for women's hairdressers. The 1960s paid the most notable tribute to flapper style, with Vidal Sassoon's sharp cuts, including the Five Point Cut and Mary Quant's re-vamped bob. Not only did flapper styles look stylish but they were also convenient for an active lifestyle, which makes them excellent cuts for the modern day.

How to Make Nettle Leaf Hair Tonic

Stinging nettles have been used as a home remedy for centuries. Records exist that show nettles were used as early as 300 B.C. as a treatment for snake bites, arthritis and baldness. Today, herbalists prescribe nettles for hair growth, restoration of natural hair color and as an anti-dandruff treatment. They say you can make your own hair tonic out of nettles to fight a flaky scalp, renew your hair's natural luster and promote healthy hair growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Place three cups of water in a pot and bring it to the boil on the stove.

Add a handful of nettle leaves to the water once it comes to a full boil, then remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

Strain the steeped mixture into a bowl through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

Mix in one cup of cider vinegar and one tablespoon of lemon juice.

Tips

- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your hair just before you get out of the shower, but do not rinse it out.

Warning

- Omit the lemon juice if you need to go in the sun before you hair dries -- it will bleach your hair.

How to Make a Pinewood Racer Go Straight

A flaw in alignment can be disastrous to a pinewood derby racer's performance. If the car does not roll straight, it will crash against the sides of the track. The impact will cause a loss of speed and cripple the opportunity for winning or placing. To make sure your pinewood car is ready for the next race, take a close look at the axle alignment. Minor adjustments can optimize the car's trajectory and send it speeding toward the finish line.

Ensure that the axle slots on the racer are parallel to each other. Insert the axles into the slots so they are straight and perpendicular to the body.

Place the racer on a level surface and inspect the front axles. Remove the axle of the wheel that is more firmly planted on the ground. If one of the wheels is raised, select the axle making contact with the floor.

Separate the wheel from the axle. Make a minor bend in the axle, then reattach the wheel. Insert the axle into the racer. The bend in the axle should face upward.

Test the racer by rolling it across a smooth, level surface. If it is still experiencing alignment issues, use pliers to grasp the axle head. Make a slight rotation of the axle and test the racer again. Continue alternately testing and rotating the axle until the alignment has been corrected.

Tips

- Once you have adjusted the axles and your racer is rolling straight, glue the axles into place. Since the racer's wheels rotate around the axles, you will not need to turn the axles after you have corrected the alignment.

- For greater precision making bends in the axles of pinewood racers, purchase a Pro-Axle Press and a Pro-Rail Rider Tool from a hobby store.

Thursday 9 May 2013

Wedding Hairstyles With Bangs

Your big day is finally here and you've got the perfect dress, shoes and accessories; now all you need is the perfect hairstyle. You have a huge selection of memorable wedding hairstyles from which to choose, even if you decide you want to wear bangs. You can create an elegant style that features bangs to complete your wedding day look. Does this Spark an idea?

Bob With Chinese Bangs

This style will give you the look of a chic, modern bride. Chinese bangs are usually cut to lay at or above your eyebrows, so you can reveal more of your face. You can achieve your perfect look with long or short tresses. You can use accessories to match your wedding day apparel to pin longer hair behind your ears, if desired. The bob with bangs style is a cute and classy choice that won't interfere with veils or other wedding headdresses.

Pin-curled Up-do With Bangs

Pin-curled up-dos are a popular wedding hairstyle with many brides since they're simple, elegant and creative. Start out by brushing your hair up into a high ponytail. With a medium barrel curling iron, curl the hair left out of the ponytail in small sections. Take each curled section and bend into a circular shape, and secure with a hair pin, forming a pin-curl. Repeat this process until all the curled pieces have been formed into pin-curls. Flat-iron or curl your bangs, add your wedding accessories and/or headdress, and you're all set.

Spiral Curls With Bangs

Give yourself a sexy and alluring wedding hairstyle with spiral curls and bangs. This style is easy to create and will give you a sassy look with beautiful ringlets of curls and sleek bangs. Medium or large spiral curls are recommended to achieve this style. You can achieve the perfect spiral curl wedding style with long or short hair. Accent this style with beautiful accessories to complete your wedding day look.

Traditional Bun With Bangs

A bun is a traditional component in wedding hairstyles. Many women choose them because of their elegance, simplicity, and ease when paired with elaborate veils or other headdresses. This simple style can be achieved by pulling all your hair (except for your bangs) back into a ponytail and securing it in a bun by twisting it under and pinning it as you go until your bun is complete. Flat-iron or curl your bangs and your style is complete.

How to Make Your Hair Stand in a High Top Fade

The high top fade, also spelled "hi-top" fade, is a hairstyle that was popular in the hip-hop scene of the mid-to-late '80s and early '90s. While the hairstyle was popular before his band "Kid 'N Play" became popular, Kid from "Kid 'N Play" had a particularly high hi-top fade. The style became even more recognizable as "Kid 'N Play" came out with music videos and the "House Party" movies. The hairstyle itself stands straight up from the top of the head by several inches or more, fading to much shorter hair on the sides and back. Does this Spark an idea?

Place a quarter-sized dollop of hair gel in the palm of one hand. Rub hands together gently to get the gel evenly on both palms.

Bend at the waist so the hair going up in the high top points toward the floor. Rub the gel into the hair thoroughly. Apply more as needed.

Stand in front of a mirror before the gel dries. Use the palm of your hands to push any stray hairs on the side up into the high top. Apply small amounts of gel to stray strands, if necessary.

Tips

- Thin, straight hair will require more hair gel. Excessively thick hair may require very little or none.

- If your hair is very thick and will stand on its own, comb it up with hair pick.

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Girl Hairstyles From the 60s

There was a drastic change in women's hairstyles between the 1950s and the 1960s. In the 1950s, hair was tightly wound and a lot more uniform. Curly hair was very popular, and if a woman had naturally straight hair, she always had it curled. In the 1960s, however, women began to leave their hair loose and free. Does this Spark an idea?

Beehive

A popular up do in the 1960s was the beehive look. The name of this look is fairly self-explanatory, hair was teased and wound around the head into a cony "beehive" look. The hair started in a pony tail and then was sectioned into two pieces; the top section was teased and pinned into a beehive shape at the top of the head, and the bottom section was curled and wrapped around the teased beehive. They curled section served to smooth out the teased part. The big teased look was very popular in the sixties.

Flips

In another popular hairstyle, women left their hair down and completely straight with tight outward flips at the end. To straighten their hair in the sixties, women used their household irons because flat irons had not been thought of yet. After placing their heads on an ironing board, they lay their hair flat under a towel and ironed it straight, then used big curlers to create the outward flip at the ends.

Long and Loose

The sixties were also a lot more relaxed than the 1950s, and it showed in the fashion. Many women left their hair long and loose. If it wasn't straight, there were large loose curls, usually starting below the ears. Many women also had long bangs along with this look, which were cut straight across the forehead.

Bob

Sleek short haircuts known as bobs were very popular in the 1960s as well. Bobs were worn with or without bangs, and either straight or backcombed. To create a more casual or playful look, women wore headbands with their bob cuts.

Engagement Party Hairstyles

An engagement party is a once in a lifetime occasion that calls for beautiful, romantic hair. The pictures of your engagement party will be around for the rest of your life, so it's wise to steer away from styles that are very trendy. A good engagement party hairstyle will stay in place the entire night with minimal maintenance and will look good in photographs. Does this Spark an idea?

Hair Embellishments

One of the simplest ways to style your hair for your engagement party is to wear your hair like you normally would but add some romantic hair jewelry. This look is perfect for a casual engagement party and also works well if you don't want to have to spend a lot of time on your hair. Try adding a silk flower hair clip over your ear or using two tiny crystal clips on either side of your head. A beautiful barrette that matches your dress can be an elegant and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face.

French Twist

If you love vintage clothes and are planning an elegant, sophisticated engagement party, the French twist is the perfect hairstyle for a vintage dress. To create this hair style, gather your hair into a low pony tail at the nape of your neck. Flip the hair that hangs down from the pony tail upward and begin twisting until the twist extends to the top of your head. The result will be a hair style with a rolling, twisted appearance on one side. Pin the ends of your hair into the open side of the roll. This hairstyle looks especially good embellished with tiny hair clips, flowers or crystals.

Loose Waves

Loose, romantic waves never go out of style and have an air of simple sophistication. This style can be accomplished with hair textures ranging from curly to straight, but your hair must be at least shoulder length. To achieve this style, blow dry your hair until it's partially damp. Apply a mousse or styling gel. Divide hair into one- to two-inch sections, starting at the top front of your head. Smaller sections will yield tighter curls. Wrap hair loosely around velcro rollers and blow dry. Finger-comb hair and spray with a volume-enhancing hair spray.

Princess Hair

For a princess-inspired look, try pulling half of your hair back. Take a section from the front of each side of your head and twist it up and back against your head. The size of the section doesn't matter. Smaller sections will result in smaller twists with more of your hair worn down. Pin the twists in the back of your head using a pretty barrette or pin them on the sides and then attach a hair flower to your hair in the back.

How to Make Antique Hair Wreaths

An antique style hair wreath is a timeless, elegant headpiece option for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls. But hair wreaths are not used just for weddings. Girls may wear hair wreaths on specials occasions, to parties and dance recitals. Hair wreaths may be made of fresh or faux flowers using the same technique. While traditional hair wreaths use only the flowers' stems to weave the wreath, the same look can be achieved using wire and floral tape. Does this Spark an idea?

Trim the flowers with the floral clippers.

Measure a wire segment to fit the head of the wearer. Cut another segment of wire slightly longer than the first.

Cover both segments of wire with florist tape so that the wire is not visible.

Make a loop at one end of the first wire, which is the wire measured to be worn.

Press a flower, or bunch of flowers, against the measured wire just below the loop. While holding it against the wire, wrap the longer wire around both the stem and the first wire. Continue adding flowers and wrapping them with the wire until you reach the end of the wire.

Add another loop at the opposite end of the wire. When the wreath is ready to be worn, tie the loops together with a ribbon.

Tips

- Start reversing the direction the flowers are attached to the wire when you reach the end so that the stems at the end are hidden in the flowers and do not stick out.

- To hang streamer-like ribbons from the back of the wreath, tie ribbons through the loops and trim the ribbon's edges.

- Briefly hold the ribbon's edges over a small flame to keep them from fraying.

- The same technique may be used on longer wire segments to create holiday or decorative garland for your home.

Warning

- If you are using fresh flowers, assemble the wreath as close as possible to the day it will be worn.

- Store a wreath made of fresh flowers in the refrigerator to prevent wilting.

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Edgy Bang Styles

Bangs, sometimes also referred to as fringes, can often help to define or frame your face. Choose an edgy bang style in order to revamp an otherwise ordinary hairstyle. Alternatively, you may want to have a whole new hairdo to go with your new bangs. There are a variety of different looks you can go for, depending on the effect you want. Does this Spark an idea?

Razored

Razored bangs are layered, with strands cut at varying lengths and on an angle. The razored look is unusual and edgy and has been worn by celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson. This bang style works well either cut short above your eyebrows, or long and just slightly in your eyes. You can wear this type of bang either ironed straight or textured with hair products, if you want to go for the messy look.

Asymmetrical

Bangs that are asymmetrical are cut longer on one side and shorter on the other, and fall in a straight, diagonal line. This may sound unconventional, but asymmetrical fringes are often seen in high-fashion shoots and on the catwalk. The length and the difference in length between the two sides can vary, depending on personal preference. You could enhance this look further by dying your bangs a different color or adding bright-colored streaks.

Blunt

Bangs that are straight, blunt and full are a common, yet edgy, style to choose. Cut your bangs extremely short, an inch or so above your eyebrows, for a 1950s pin-up-inspired look, similar to Bettie Page. Alternatively, you can go just above the eyebrows --- the way Lily Allen wears them --- or just under them, for a more current look. Blunt fringes need to be kept extremely straight to maintain their impact, so you may need to use straightening irons.

Angled

Wearing angled bangs can soften your face while still looking modern and edgy. These bangs are usually cut long, side-parted and swept over to one side so that one eye is completely exposed, whereas the other may be partially obscured. This kind of bang is relatively versatile because if you don't want it all the time, it should be long enough to center-part and tuck behind each ear. Jessica Simpson has been seen sporting the angled bang style.

How To Make a Hair Bonnet

In the 18th and 19th centuries women in Britain and the United States wore soft fabric bonnets to cover their hair whenever they went out. Although most 21st-century women no longer wear bonnets outside the home, you can still buy sleeping bonnets at beauty supply stores to protect your hair at night. You can make your own bonnet from your fabric of choice to match a favorite nightgown or to add authenticity to a historical costume.

Measure your head from the front center of your hair line to the nape of your neck, and from ear to ear across the crown of your head. Cut a tissue-paper rectangle that's about four inches longer and wider than your measurements. For example if your head measurements are 12 by 13 inches, your pattern piece should be should be 16 by 17 inches.

Trim the square edges of the pattern piece to make them round. To trim your pattern evenly, fold your pattern into quarters. Use a plate to trace a rounded line just below the open corner of the folded pattern and cut along the line. Your pattern piece should be a semicircle, so use the pattern piece folded in half. Pin the pattern to your fabric and cut two pieces. The two pieces are the front and back of your bonnet.

Stitch the two rounded pieces together on a sewing machine with a 5/8 inch seam. Make a narrow fold about 1/4 inch wide around the entire perimeter of the bonnet and press it down with an iron. Fold and press the edge a second time and stitch the hem in place.

Place and pin the bias tape around the hat about 2 inches from the hemmed edge. Stitch both sides of the bias to make a casing for your elastic. Leave a small opening at the end of the bias to feed in the elastic. Measure a length of elastic around the perimeter of your head, then cut it. Attach a small safety pin to the elastic and feed it through the casing. Use a needle and thread to stitch both ends of the elastic together and to close off the casing.

Tips

- If desired you can use a piece of ribbon instead of elastic to gather the bonnet. Use the ribbon to tie the bonnet under your chin, or behind your neck to hold it in place.

Monday 6 May 2013

Tween Boy Hairstyles

Boys' hairstyles may not get as much attention as those of girls, but with the advent of tween/teen heartthrobs and superstars with notable locks, like Robert Pattinson and Justin Bieber, more boys are conscious of their hairstyle. Fortunately, the options are not as endless as they are for girls, and tween boy hairstyles are still all fairly classic. Does this Spark an idea?

The Faux Hawk

Made popular by rock bands, like Green Day, and other stars, like Taylor Lautner of the Twilight series and soccer symbol David Beckam, the faux hawk is one of the more popular hairstyles for tween boys. The look is simple to achieve, though it does require some maintenance. With a faux hawk, hair is kept the same, fairly short length on all sides except for one single strip or area across the top of the head. To style this longer section, use gel along either side of the strip to style the hair into a mock-mohawk style.

Crew Cut

Possibly the simplest and most classic of popular tween boys' hairstyles, the crew cut gets its inspiration from the military. Known for its low maintenance and clean-cut look, crew cuts among boys have been popular for years. There's no need to style a crew cut; just make sure to shave hair short all across the head when pursuing the style. This style can be achieved at home or at a barber shop.

The Sweeping Shag

Made famous by Justin Bieber, Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson and California surfers, the shag-style haircut allows boys to grow their hair a little longer and not worry too much about styling or upkeep. The upside to this style is that it requires little effort, yet gives off a cool and relaxed vibe. It is recommended that hair be kept above the shoulders and allowed to grow long, but only just past the nape of the neck. Hair in this style is often parted at the side, with hair sweeping a bit across the boy's forehead.

Pretty Boy Spikes

Pioneered by 90s boy bands, this style has staying power in every sense. Boys wearing this style will usually wear their hair short, almost buzzed, on the sides with the hair longer on top. This way, the top and front part of the hair can be spiked up using gel, mousse or a similar hair product. The general effect is a clean, close crop cut with sharp spikes right above the boy's forehead.

How to Make a Cowlick in Your Hair

A cowlick is simply defined as a portion of hair on the top of a person's head that naturally goes in a different direction than the rest of the hair, sometimes resulting in a spiral appearance. Many people with cowlicks attempt to hide them through styling methods. For some people, however, having hair that goes in different directions, like a cowlick, is attractive. For those who desire to give themselves a cowlick or accentuate their existing cowlick, there isn't much to it. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.

Apply hair gel to the portion of hair you wish to create a cowlick from.

Brush the portion of your hair that has the gel in it and that you wish to look like a cowlick in the opposite direction that your hair normally falls. You can brush it horizontally or up, or a combination of both.

Blow-dry all of your hair. Focus on drying the cowlick portion with the hair gel in it.

Tips

- If you already have a cowlick, use the same process to make it stand out from the rest of your hair.

Sunday 5 May 2013

How to Be a Rockabilly Chick

The rockabilly scene mixes sexy with a rock and roll edge. The inspiration for rockabilly girls is the pin-up looks of the 1950s, such as Bettie Page. Rockabilly style emerged from the music scene, which paired rock and roll with country music. A rockabilly chick is rebellious, sultry and likes to stand out. Rockabilly couples swing jazz and and 1950s beauty and fashion. There is a specific look associated with being a rockabilly chick. Channel your inner pinup, consider a few tattoos and put on some red lipstick and look like a rockabilly chick. Does this Spark an idea?

Put on a pair of pedal pusher, high-waisted pants. Pair them with a ruffled shirt and a cardigan. To add sass to this sedate outfit, add a pair of high-heeled red pumps. The clothing should be in colors such as black, white, gray and red. Avoid bold patterns.

Get tattooed. If you do not want to go this far, consider temporary tattoos. Being a true rockabilly chick often involves getting some permanent ink on your body. There are certain tattoos that are common for rockabilly chicks. Those include anchors, sparrows and cherries. While the tattoos can be anywhere, sleeves in which the tattoos cover much of the shoulder or arms are quite common. Rockabilly chicks like to show off their ink.

Apply winged black eyeliner and red lipstick. The key is to emulate the 1950s pinups, but add a bit of a harder edge to it. Apply liquid eyeliner on upper eyelids only. Make it thick. Wing it out and up when you get to the end of the eyelid.

Dye your hair in a bold red or black color. To be a rockabilly chick, you must not be afraid of a bit of attention. The goal is to get pale skin, and striking hair against it. Rockabilly chicks often go for blazing red or jet black locks. Channel your inner Bettie Page and dye that hair, either at home or a salon.

Get short, baby bangs cut into the hair. Shoulder length, dark or red hair, with short, baby bangs cut across the forehead are the perfect and quintessential rockabilly hairstyle.

Tips

- Add a flower clip to your hair for a feminine touch.

How to Make Nappy Hair Straight Naturally

When you get an itch to straighten your hair, giving careful consideration to the products and method you use is important. Chemical straightening products, such as relaxers, can damage hair and make problem hair worse. You can temporarily straighten hair without chemicals by using a straightening iron and pomade. Expect your straight hair to last for up three days without washing your hair. Does this Spark an idea?

Shampoo and conditioner your hair as usual. Dry your hair with a hair dryer and comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Apply a dollop of straightening serum to your hair. Many retailers offer natural pomades that are herb-based with no chemicals. Separate your hair into four sections and secure three sections with hair clips.

Plug in your straightening iron and allow it to heat up for one to two minutes. If you are using an iron with a heat setting, test the plate by clamping a paper towel for 15 seconds. If the paper towel burns, it is too hot and you should reduce the heat setting.

Take a lock of hair from the unsecured section and straighten it by working from the root to the tip of the lock. You may need to apply the iron twice to the hair for a straighter look.

Continue to straighten the whole section. When done, comb the section with a wide-toothed comb and start on the next section. Continue until all of your hair is straightened.

How to Look Sporty & Cute at the Same Time

Sporting events can be the toughest occasions to dress for. Looking too overdone or too much like you belong on the team yourself can end in a major loss. Whether it's baseball, basketball, football or hockey, there's a fool-proof way to balance between a sporty and cute appearance by adding touches of team spirit to a pulled-together and groomed look. Does this Spark an idea?

Purchase a jersey or tee for a favorite team. This is the key piece to getting the sporty look.

Pair the team jersey or tee with a casual bottom like jeans. Jean shorts or jean skirts are also appropriate, depending on your personal style and weather.

Add a comfortable shoe for hanging out at the tailgate and climbing stadium stairs. Try a chic and slim sporting shoe, sandal or flat, depending on personal style.

Polish your look with a finished hairstyle. Top off bouncy and high ponytails with ribbon bows in team colors, or use ribbons as headbands if wearing the hair down.

Warning

- Wear heels at your own risk. Some girls are heel and wedge fanatics, and if that's your style, you may be able to pull it off. Just be careful when climbing steep stadium stairs.

Saturday 4 May 2013

How Do I Make a Straight Knurl on a Shaft in SolidWorks?

SolidWorks is a technical drawing software platform that allows engineers, mechanics and drafters to draw 3D models of their equipment in order to describe exactly how it functions. A straight knurl is a geometric pattern that provides grip and texture to the surface of an object. SolidWorks allows straight knurling to be applied to a shaft through the "Edit" menu on the main toolbar of the software.

Open your project in SolidWorks.

Click on "Edit" from the main toolbar menu, hover over "Appearance" and then click on "Texture."

Click on the shaft you wish to apply the knurl to in the "Graphics" section.

Click on "Texture Property Manager." Click on "Metal Machined."

Select "Knurl 1" or "Knurl 2" depending on your preference of pattern. Click "OK." The straight knurl will be applied to the shaft.

What Clothes Are Appropriate for Tween Girls?

There comes a time when your tween chucks the old Hello Kitty tops for something more fashionable. She's not 5 anymore, but she's no teenager either. The tween years, situated between 8 to 12 years old, is a tough time for fashion. Girls look up to teen idols like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, who have been criticized for their risqué images. Twelve years old is not the time for your tween to start donning lower necklines and higher hemlines, but she can still be hip and trendy while dressing appropriately for her age.

Jeans and Pants

Long and comfortable jeans are staples in any girl's closet. Classic cuts will always be attractive and available for girls. High-waist jeans and shorts have also come back from the 1950s for the tween who wants to look more "cool" without showing off her butt crack. Skinny fit jeans and leggings are also reasonable, as long as a loose T-shirt or a skirt or pair of shorts is worn over them to cover the hips. Remember, though, that tween girls grow up quickly, so make some room for growth in the bottoms you buy for your tween.

Tops and Dresses

Form-fitting, not body-hugging, is what you're aiming for. When shopping for tops, blouses, and dresses for your tween, look for smaller sizes in the juniors' department instead of bigger sizes in the kids'. Your tween's clothes should have some "breathing space" in them without making her look like a shapeless sack. If she prefers clothes made from sheer fabrics, buy several tank tops or camisoles of various styles and colors that she can wear under them.

Accessories

This is probably one category where your tween may be allowed to splurge a little bit on trends. Accessories add personality to any outfit. In a time when your tween is forming her identity while trying her best to belong, accessories are a major fashion statement. Besides, trends such as funky-colored knee socks and jelly bracelets embossed with witty remarks are not very expensive. For shoes, comfort should be your first priority. Canvas slip-ons, ballet flats, and sneakers are the best for tweens. You can also buy a pair of flat sandals for her.

What to Avoid

Stay away from the Hello Kitty T-shirts and dresses with fancy ruffles and other embellishments. Your tween also no longer wants to carry her old plastic lunchbox with Barbie's face plastered on it. At the same time, it's not advisable to let her dress like a complete adult, either. High-heeled shoes are not healthy for her growing feet. Also, adult trends such as lace and leather have found their way into the tween department, but these are not suitable for a young girl. Anything that screams sex is never a good idea for your tween's wardrobe.

How to Make Choppy Hair

If you're in a hairstyling slump, consider making your hair choppy. This easy-to-do style needs a lot of layers and precise product application to look perfect. The choppy style adds texture and pizzazz to short or long hair, making it ideal for a night out. The look must begin with the right haircut -- the more layers in your hair, the better, regardless of your hairstyle. Once the cut is in place, the rest of the style consists of selecting specific sections of hair and making them stand out a little more than the rest of the style. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash and condition hair normally. Towel dry the hair by squeezing and blotting out the moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair dry, because this may cause your strands to break or split.

Squeeze a plum-sized amount of mousse into one palm and rub your hands together. Work the mousse through your hair from your tips to roots.

Dry your hair with a hairdryer set to medium heat. As you dry, use your fingers to fluff up hair, or flip your head over entirely to blow-dry the underside of your hair. There is no wrong way to dry your hair when creating the choppy look.

Split your hair in half and clip the upper layer to the top of your head. Heat a 1-inch flat iron to maximum heat, or the highest level possible.

Comb a small section of hair outward. Open the hot iron clamp and insert the hair into the flat iron. Slide the flat iron down the hair to iron out any kinks. As you slide down the hair, turn the iron up slightly to make the hair stick out from the rest of your locks. Comb out another section of hair and repeat the flat iron process. The more you flat iron your hair, the more choppy it will become. Release the upper layer and repeat the process of flat ironing all the hair or specific sections.

Apply a pea-sized amount of pomade or styling wax to your fingertips. Rub your fingertips together. Work the pomade onto specific sections of hair. Slide your fingers down the section of hair to create a choppy appearance. Repeat this process throughout random sections of your hair until you reach the style you desire.

Apply a light coat of hairspray to the hair. Mist the style with a shine spray to enhance your natural shine.

Tips

- Avoid flat-ironing wet hair, as it can damage your locks.

- Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week if you use heated styling tools more than three times a week.

Friday 3 May 2013

Children's Pageant Updo Hairstyles for Girls

If your daughter is competing in a children's pageant, choosing the right hairstyle is important. Updo hairstyles look classic and formal, so they're appropriate for contestants. Try to find a style that your daughter likes and feels comfortable wearing, and which also suits her and goes with her outfit. Practice putting it in before the big day to make sure she can pull it off. Does this Spark an idea?

Curled Updo

To achieve an elegant, curly updo, start by curling your daughters hair, unless it is naturally curly. Gather her hair in a high ponytail on the top of her head and secure it with a band that blends in with her hair color. Affix some of her curls to her head with bobby pins, to the front and sides of where the hair's secured in a ponytail, and let some of the curls hang down.

Braided Bun

A braided bun updo is one long braid that has been put into a bun style. Gather your child's hair into a ponytail on the back of her head and secure it with a hairband. Now braid the hair in the ponytail right the way to the end. Wrap the braid in a spiral around the hairband at the top of the ponytail, to make a bun shape, and fix it in place with bobby pins.

French Braid Updo

This hairstyle will give your daughter a laid-back look, while still looking smart enough for a pageant. Start by putting two small French braids at the front of her hair, one on each side and fixing the ends together at the back of her head. The hair on top of her head, above where you fix the braids together, should lie over the braids at the back. Now gather the rest of her hair up and fix it in a messy or casual way with bobby pins.

Bunches

Bunches, or high ponytails, are a good choice of updo hairstyle for toddlers or young girls competing in a pageant, because they look cute and they're quick to put in, which is handy if your daughter doesn't like to sit still. Just make a neat center parting in her hair, brush each half into a high ponytail at the top of her head, to the side, and secure it with a hairband. Accessorize with barrettes or ribbons to match her dress.

How to Make a Subtle Poof in Hair

A number of popular hair styles utilize a poof at the back of the head. Some poofs, such as hairstyles from the sixties and those sported by country music stars, are mountainous. Others are understated and appropriate for daily wear to work, school or a night out. Whether your hair is a chin-length bob or falls to your waist, a subtle poof will add volume to thin hair and make thick hair look even thicker. Executing the poof may take some practice but, once mastered, it can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your hair, then towel dry lightly so that your hair does not drip. Work a small amount of firm-hold gel or mousse into your damp hair.

Blow dry your hair from underneath to add lift.

Roll frizzy hair in hot rollers from the tips to the roots or use a ceramic straightener; the heat will smooth your hair, add body and make it more manageable.

Gather a three-inch wide section of hair at the very top of your head and hold it straight up.

Spray the back of the section generously with hair spray; if you have very fine hair and do not use hairspray, apply a bit of mousse or gel to the back of the section, instead.

Tease the section of hair. Start just above the roots; insert the teeth of the comb into the section of hair at a perpendicular angle and comb down toward the roots two or three times. Move the comb up a couple of inches and repeat. Continue teasing until you reach the point about three inches below the ends of your hair.

Gather another section of hair directly behind the first. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 with this section of hair.

Gather a third section of hair behind the second and repeat Steps 4 and 5.

Smooth the three sections of hair gently back into place. Using a wide-toothed comb, comb the surface of the first section until it's smooth. Carefully smooth this section of hair over the teased sections. Pat and comb your hair until the poof is the desired height.

Spray your hair generously with hairspray, if desired, to keep your pouf in place.

Tips

- Combs specially designed for teasing hair are available in the beauty section of most drugstores.

- Use conditioner on your hair in the shower to help remove the tangles without damaging your hair.

How to Make a Pageant Hair Bump

Success in a pageant requires you to look your best, from your clothes to your hair. Stand out from other contestants by choosing hairstyles with hair bumps, which are appropriate for all aspects of a pageant, from swimwear to evening wear. Hair bumps add volume to fine hair and an interesting element to traditional hairstyles such as ponytails. Create hair bumps with backcombing and a few hair styling tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Updo

Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Apply a thermal spray to towel-dried hair before straightening it using a blow dryer or flat iron.

Brush all your hair straight back and use a hair pick to grab a section of hair at the crown of your head. Hold the section straight up and run a teasing brush up and down the back of the hair, from the ends to the roots. Repeat until you achieve the desired volume.

Spray the section of hair with hair spray before dropping it down with the rest of your hair. Use the brush to gently smooth the top layer of hair to cover the teased hair.

Gather all your hair into a ponytail, smoothing the sides but being careful not to flatten the bump. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band and spray all your hair with hair spray.

Transform an edgy ponytail with a bump into an elegant hairstyle by curling the ponytail and pinning the curls around the elastic band with bobby pins.

Half Updo

Take a section of hair at the crown of your head. To make a small bump, gather the section of hair between the arches of your eyebrows. Use a clip or elastic band to pull the rest of your hair out of the way.

Backcomb underneath the section of hair until you have created fullness. Smooth the top layer of the section to hide the teased hair.

Grip halfway down the section of hair and twist it once. Push the hair slightly forward before pinning it to your head with bobby pins. Spray the bump with hair spray.

Release the rest of your hair. Keep it straight for a casual look or curl it with a curling iron for a more formal look.

How to Make Beard Hair Connect on the Face

Every male has a different genetic makeup that defines what his facial hair looks like. While some men seem to have a natural knack for growing beards, others have patching problems that leave beard hair disconnected. You can take a few extra measures to try and encourage the extra facial hair to grow. Does this Spark an idea?

Wait until you have reached puberty, if you have not yet. Men will not begin growing beards until puberty, and some continue to develop follicles throughout the teenage years.

Take vitamin supplements known to promote hair growth, such as biotin. You can also try hair growth supplements, the sole purpose of which is to expedite the growth process.

Monitor your beard's progress. As time goes on, you may notice an increase in beard growth where it was otherwise patchy, connecting the different areas together.

Continue allowing your beard to grow. If you begin to achieve the look you desire, refrain from shaving to maintain it.

Tips

- If you are over the age of 18 and/or do not naturally have facial hair follicles -- such as a female to male transgender -- consider asking your doctor for a prescription for testosterone injections.

Warning

- Never use Rogaine or any similar hair loss treatment on your face.

Monday 29 April 2013

How to Make Your Hair Bouncy When You Have Uncontrollable Hair

Whether your hair is thick, coarse or over-processed, the key to achieving bouncy hair is by repairing dry, split, rough or damaged strands and utilizing a healthy hair care regimen for keeping your mane shiny, manageable and full of body. Learn how to repair hair and keep it healthy and under control for soft, shiny hair that effortlessly bounces with every step. Does this Spark an idea?

Don’t wash hair daily. Over-washing can strip hair of its natural oils, which help keep hair shiny and manageable.

Use a fortifying, clarifying shampoo and conditioner with avocado oil and pro-vitamins to rejuvenate dry, damaged hair, soften thick or course strands and remove product buildup.

Use a deep conditioner once a week to moisturize hair follicles and strands, and fix split-ends.

Apply a quarter-size amount of volumizing mousse to wet roots before blow-drying hair for lift. Use a round brush to softly curl ends when blow drying hair to add body and bounce.

Wear a scarf or hat outside to protect hair from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Get a trim between haircuts, or every four to six weeks, to remove dry, split or brittle ends, which can leave hair looking dry, flat and damaged.

Use heat-protective styling products with heat tools such as blow dryers and straightening irons to prevent split-ends and over-drying.

Apply 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil or olive oil, or work mashed avocado flesh into hair once a week, wait 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual to rejuvenate hair with restorative vitamins.

Tips

- Make thick hair more manageable with a layered haircut.

- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to shampoo bottles to soften coarse hair.

- Avoid elastic pony tail holders, which can break hair.

- Avoid over-styling hair to prevent product buildup, which can damage hair and weigh it down.

Sunday 28 April 2013

Hairstyles for University Girls

For those with a busy college schedule, beauty can sometimes take a backseat. When you are studying late into the night or have early classes, perfectly coiffed hair is not always realistic. Simplify your day and learn some hairstyles for university girls that are quick and easy. You'll never have to attend class with unkempt hair again. Does this Spark an idea?

Headband

Slip a headband on your hair for an easy hairstyle. Headbands come in a myriad of types. For a feminine look, don a headband with flowers on it. For a casual day, try a cloth headband in bright colors or patterns, such as plaid or houndstooth. Even if you have unwashed hair or unstyled locks, adding a headband makes you look stylish in an instant.

Messy Bun

A messy bun is super-quick to create. It keeps your hair out of your face and gives the impression that you care about looking good. Your hair needs to be at least shoulder-length or longer for it to work. Just gather the length of the hair, twist it into a bun shape and tie with a rubber band. Hold the hair in place with bobby pins and a decorative clip. Mist it with hairspray and you're out the door.

Pouf

Create a pouf in the front of the hair to keep bangs off your face. This style works if you're wearing your hair down or in a ponytail. To create the pouf, tease your hair that is between your two temples. Tease the back of the bangs and this section of hair, pouf it up and pin with bobby pins. A front pouf is an ideal hairstyle for university girls who are growing out bangs.

Dressy Ponytail

A dressed-up ponytail is perfect for the girl on the go. Instead of the standard gym-style ponytail, create a ponytail high on the crown of the head. Slip two or three thin headbands on top of your head. As an alternative, try adding a flower clip to the side of your head instead of wearing the headbands.

How to Make Hair Look More Lively

Styling your hair by using specific techniques and products can take your boring hair to vibrant and lively. The cut of your hair can also help add volume, movement and texture. Rejuvenate your hair with the right haircut, products and styling techniques. Does this Spark an idea?

Cut

Get a good haircut by a professional hair stylist. Cutting off the damaged hair can rejuvenate the ends of the hair to give it a livelier look. Ask for a haircut that adds body and movement to your hair. Layers can give the hair more bounce. Stylists can also use thinning scissors to lighten the weight of thick hair and help give it natural lift.

Products

While products can give hair body and bounce, too much can weigh your hair down and cause it to go limp and dull. Use cream-based products for fine or thin hair and oil-based products for thick hair. A dime-sized amount of product should be enough. A clarifying shampoo can help liven hair by removing product buildup.

Body

Adding body to hair is a definite way to make it lively. Dry your hair with a hair dryer as opposed to letting it air dry. Start by blowing your hair on the low setting. Flip your head upside down and dry your hair on the high setting for a few minutes. Pull a section of your hair up with the brush and roll your hair over the brush as you blow it with the dryer. Curl your hair with a curling iron or rollers; use your fingers to separate the curls. Flip your head upside down and give it a shake to add volume.

Shine

Wash your hair with a shine-enhancing shampoo. When washing your hair, adjust the temperature of the water during your final rinse. Using cooler water to rinse your hair will give it a natural shine. Before drying your hair, spritz on a small amount of a heat-activated shine serum or spray. For extra shine, ask your stylist to apply a glaze to your hair or look for a do-it-yourself home version. The glaze coats the hair to add shine and lasts up to six weeks.

Thursday 25 April 2013

How to Make Bangs Thicker With Scene Hairstyles for Girls

A girl's scene hairstyle typically includes thick, voluminous bangs. Scene hairstyles can be short or long, but the bangs should hang in the front of the face or at least over one eye. They are usually side-angled or straight across with a slight side angle. You can make your bangs thicker by using styling hair methods and products, but if it's possible, you should first visit a hairstylist who can add more hair to your bangs. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash and condition your hair with volumizing shampoo and conditioner that can be found at most convenience stores. The shampoo and conditioner formula removes extra oil from your hair to make your hair weigh less and therefore have more volume.

Straighten your hair using a flat iron. Even though you want thicker bangs, you must start out with straight hair that can be tamed and styled.

Blow-dry the bangs from underneath to add volume to them. Then, blow-dry them from the top to smooth them down.

Grab your bangs together in your hands and separate them into three layers.

Insert a round bristle brush in the roots of your hair in one layer.

Tease your hair by bringing the brush to your roots and then out without detaching it from your hair. Tease the other layers of your bangs.

Brush the teased hair slightly and spray your bangs with hairspray to keep the volume.

How to Make Your Hair Stay and Not Flop Around

You’ve gone to the hair stylist, and your hair looks gorgeous. You have a sleek, new cut, and you diligently wash and condition your hair. Then after a few weeks, your new hairstyle just flops. Your bob no longer bounces, or your hair lies limp at the collar line. If your hairstyle flops around instead of keeping its style, it might be your cut -- but more likely, it is something more basic. If you live in an area with hard water, that alone could affect your style. But more often, the culprit is either that you are using too much hair product or the wrong kind of hair products. Does this Spark an idea?

Do not use too much shampoo or conditioner and be sure to rinse them out thoroughly. Too much shampoo can dry out your hair, and too much conditioner will make your hair limp. Short hair needs less than half a tablespoon of conditioner, and long hair needs a little more than half. If you are using a rinse-out conditioner, and you leave any in your hair, your hair will become greasy, and your style will flop. For best results, comb your hair while you are still under the shower to remove conditioner residue.

You could be using too many types of hair products. Shampoo and conditioner are usually a must, but others might be optional. Mousse, gel or spray can be helpful for some styles and types of hair. Using too much or too many hair sculpting or fixative products can make hair dry, which starts a vicious cycle. If you have fine hair and you use an "extra hold" hair spray, it might damage your hair more than if you use "gentle" or "regular hold" spray. Use no more than four different hair products, such as shampoo, conditioner, a light mousse and a light spray. Chemical straighteners can also damage hair and cause your style to flop.

All heat-stylers can damage your hair. Curling irons, flat irons, hot curlers and blow dryers can damage your hair if used at excessive heat levels or if used too frequently for your hair type. You might see women whose long, thick tresses seem to undergo multiple coloring sessions at the salon, and you also know that these women use curling irons, flat irons, hot curlers or blow dryers on a regular basis at home -- yet their hair never seems to get damaged. Poker-straight hair is less likely to get damaged than wavy, curly or textured hair. Fine hair is also more susceptible to damage than thick hair. When using heat stylers, keep the heat setting as low as possible and use this styling option as infrequently as possible. Hair damaged from heat will not only become dry and frizzy, but it also will not style properly and will flop.

Tips

- If you have hard water, most likely, your water system will already be treated with a water softener, which will alleviate the problems that sediment buildup can cause. If your water is hard and you do not have a water-softening treatment in your water system, call a professional to recommend the best method for softening your water.