What You Need to Know About Hair Tonics

The boom in alternative medicine has not passed by the market for baldness 'cures': there are now more tonics available than ever, with advertising shouting of 'natural', 'herbal' and 'aromatherapy'. Many people's first response to hair loss is to purchase a tonic, and it is always possible that, from amongst the vast and varied range of tonics available in the shops and by mail order, you might be lucky enough to come across one that does some good. Many, however, make wildly exaggerated claims, which they 'prove' with testimonials and 'before and after' photographs with changes of angle, exposure and even hairstyle to create a false impression of hair growth.

Scientific proof requires controlled double-blind trials - that is, trials in which one group uses the product and another uses a placebo, and neither they nor their doctor knows until the trial is over which they used. Of course, we do not generally require such a high level of proof before we make everyday decisions (nor are double blind trials easily applied to testing the individualistic prescriptions of much alternative medicine), but given the price of some tonics it is a good idea to question what 'proof' means in their advertising: it may mean little more than that the advertising standards people haven't caught up with this one yet!

If in doubt, you could contact the company asking for more evidence to support their claims. Testimonials may, of course, be falsified, or selectively edited; in any case, many types of hair loss can cure themselves spontaneously, and even the loss leading to male pattern baldness can stop for a few years of its own accord. If the treatment being sold involves rubbing the scalp, or requires more frequent washing, it may be this rather than the product that is having the beneficial effect - hence the use of double-blind trials.

Before you buy a tonic, check the ingredients (mistrust any that insist on the secrecy of their formula) and see whether you cannot in fact produce something similar at home for a fraction of the cost. Also check whether the tonic actually claims to promote growth: many 'tonics' contain alcohol (though it may be hidden - for example, herbal tinctures are made with alcohol), which has a drying effect that may irritate more sensitive scalps and coarsens the hair; these are in fact simply intended as a sort of emergency shampoo. Unfortunately, although alcohol does dissolve the oils that make hair greasy, it does not remove them, merely spreads them along the hair shaft - which is unlikely to improve the appearance of greasy hair. Dry shampoos are a better alternative. Other products actually adhere to and thicken individual hairs rather than stimulating any new growth.

For natural recipes to make your own hair tonics - and other highly effective treatments to cure dandruff and prevent hair loss - see http://www.NaturalHairHealth.com.

Buyer Beware: Shampoo Selection Tips

How is one supposed to know which type of shampoo to choose from if there are a hundred brands all scrambling to get the attention of a million consumers? Easy. Listen to the only harbinger of wisdom that best knows what is good or bad for its health - your hair. Though the hair is - technically - a bunch of dead skin cells, they have varying characteristics. Keep reading to find out how to get the best out of shampoos being offered in today?s market, and more importantly, how to avoid shampoos that may actually damage your hair, or make hair fall out.

1. First things first, know your hair.

It is best to get intimate with it. The hair is literally called one?s crowning glory for a reason, it is on top of the head and is the first thing one usually touches first thing in the morning. Haven?t touched your hair today? Go ahead and do so now. Does it feel thin? Is it oily? Is it dry? Full? Coarse?

Permed hair will usually need a shampoo that is specifically manufactured for regularly styled and / or chemically treated hair. If you have colored hair (red, auburn), you will need a shampoo that is not harsh and will not take off the colors you naturally have.

There are shampoos for oily, thin, coarse and dandruff-prone hair. Work from how and what your hair really is and from there, start to search for the shampoo that caters to it.

2. Be aware, beware.

Pay attention to the list of ingredients found on the back of the shampoo bottle! The Food & Drug Administration has checked the elements manufacturers put in their shampoos, but do your own checking as well. This is as according to your own unique and personalized judgment as well as hair wisdom.

Avoid shampoos that contain waxy substances. These harm the hair more than they care for it. Most over the counter shampoos contain wax so be aware of what you purchase. Professional shampoos, though a bit more expensive than the regular ones, usually contain none of this.

Shampoos with ammonium are usually harsh to the hair. Sodium lauryl sulfate is not that gentle. Sodium laureth sulfate is mild and tender to the hair, it is a good find.

3. To feel is to believe

Do not believe claims from manufacturers that one should use their whole product line in order to get hair that is perfectly right for you!

All shampoos clean the hair just similarly as all soaps clean the face and that all moisturizers moisturize. It makes little or no difference at all for your hair if this specific brand is used more often than the other. All shampoos leave a little bit of residue on the hair when washed. This keeps the hair cuticle smooth and clean. It matters very little if one mixes and matches a brand of hair product from another. If your hair feels clean, most probably it is.

4. A lot of foam does not mean shampoo is best

When washing the hair, foam appears because surface molecules pull themselves together around air. A lot of foam means a lot of tiny bubbles. It does not necessarily mean the shampoo?s cleansing ability is good, contrary to what hundreds of shampoo commercials made us think. It only means that too much shampoo was used on the hair. Foam or not, the most excellent way to know how good a shampoo performs is how the hair is after it has been lathered and rinsed by it. Does the hair fly away? Does it appear limp? Is the hair dry? The scalp itchy? Decide for yourself.

5. Ask a professional

Being sure beats the guess work that comes from determining which shampoo to purchase. The only major difference of a professional hair product from a non-professional hair product - believe it or not - is the price.

There are professional-made shampoos which cost not more than five dollars. This is the exact price one usually pays for a regular non-professional shampoo bottle. Quality counts more than being pricey. Pay attention to the contents of the bottle - that is, the ingredients, not the price tag.

Admittedly though, there are expensive shampoo products that come from professionals. But the bottom line is, if you don?t want to compromise your top, go professional.

For more great shampoo related articles and resources check out http://shampoo.haircarehaven.com

Getting Hair Extensions Step 2 of 6

Step 2 - Find out about all the different hair extensions methods.

Hair extensions have been around since ancient times. In one way or another, people have been adding to or extending their hair for hundreds of years. Many of the methods used to attach the hair have been transformed and improved over the years. Many of today's methods are much faster and can cause less damage to the natural hair.

For any hair extension method, you will need either human or synthetic hair extensions. These come in various forms and the quality can vary greatly. For additional info on the hair used, refer to our online detailed coverage of Step 2 to getting hair extensions at http://www.hairresources.net

The basic ways to attach hair extensions are: bonding, fusion, weaving, braiding + sewn in, locs, links, tubes, braiding and tape.

Bonding: This is the quickest method. A bonding glue is applied onto the weft of the extension hair and then applied at the root of your hair. This is a temporary method.

Fusion: This is a process done strand by strand in small sections. Various types of adhesive based material is used to add the extension hair directly to your own hair. Many celebrities have this type of hair extension since it looks like the extension hair grew out of your own head.

Weaving: Corn rows or tracks are created around the head and close to the scalp. Extension hair, or wefts of hair are sewn on the tracks. Your own hair lays over the tracks for a natural look.

Braiding: Similar to weaving above, tiny braids are created close to the scalp and the extension hair is sewn directly into the braids.

Locs, Links: Tiny locs or links are used to hold the extension hair to strands of your natural hair

Tubes: Uses tiny little plastic tubes that 'shrink-wrapped' the extension hair into your own natural hair.

Tape: Various kinds of special tape can be used to attach hair extensions

This concludes Step 2 to getting hair extensions. Understand the methods used to attach hair extensions and the different types of hair that is used.

Perriann Rodriguez is the author of Hair Extensions-The Official Consumer's Guide to Getting Hair Extensions available at http://www.hairresources.net.

For additional hair extension resources and info, refer to http://www.hrhairextensions.com.

Generic Propecia Basics

What is Generic Propecia?
GENERIC PROPECIA is a medical breakthrough - the first pill that effectively treats male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area.

How does Generic Propecia work?
Scientist have recently discovered that men who suffer from male pattern hair loss have an increased level of a substance called DHT in their scalps. Both PROPECIA and its generic form block the formation of DHT and in this way appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of male pattern hair loss in men. Most important, PROPECIA helps grow natural hair, not just peach fuzz, and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day. Click Here for more info.

Does Generic Propecia work for all men?
At the conclusion of a 24-month study of men age 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss at the top of the head, 83% treated with Generic Propecia maintained their hair as determined by hair count (vs. 28% with placebo). Most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and improvement in appearance. Although results will vary, generally men will not be able to grow back all of the hair they have lost.

What are Generic Propecia's side effects?
Like all prescription drugs, Generic Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Generic Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A very small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking Generic Propecia. These side effects also disappeared in most men (58%) who continued taking Generic Propecia.

Is Generic Propecia safe?
Generic Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Generic Propecia and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of Generic Propecia because it may cause abnormalities of a male baby`s sex organs. Generic Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

Products that comes under Generic Propecia is Finpecia For more on Generic Propecia you can click Generic Propecia

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Grooming Pubic Hair An Alternative to Removing Pubic Hair

Women have been changing the appearance of their pubic hair for generations. Today, many use shaving or waxing to improve its appearance but others find these methods aren?t for them. They may have very sensitive skin, which is irritated by pubic shaving, or they are particularly sensitive to the pain of waxing. They find that grooming pubic hair is a better way for them to keep it looking neat without the risks of rashes, bloodspots, pimples and ingrown hairs, which are associated with removing pubic hair.

If you do decide waxing or shaving pubic hair isn?t for you, grooming pubic hair is very straightforward. Here?s how to get started.

Grooming pubic hair starts with daily exfoliating and moisturising of the pubic area. This keeps the hair and skin in good condition. If you wish to trim your pubic hair, first, wash and shampoo it. You can use a little conditioner too, so that the hair is tangle free. You?ll need a pair of small sharp scissors and a large-toothed comb to get started. A beard trimmer is even better. Set it to long length and then start trimming. Use scissors and a comb in the same way as a hair stylist does. Run the comb thru the hair and then cut against the comb.

Only take a little off at a time and remember to keep checking the mirror to see how you?re getting on. Curly hair will spring back when you?ve cut it so make sure you don?t cut it too short. Be careful you don?t cut yourself. Using a beard trimmer or pubic hair shaver is easier as you don?t have to worry about injuring yourself or trimming hair too short.

When you?ve finished trimming, take a shower to wash away all the hairs. As with shaving pubic hair, maintenance is important. Regular trimming will keep hair neat. How often will depend on how quickly your hair grows but every four days is about average.

Our mission is to gather all pubic hair removal info on one place. Find it only on the Grooming Pubic Hair source. All about pubic hair styles and pubic hair design on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com