• Health & Personal Care
    Things You Never Knew About Treating Hair Loss

    Hair loss has become one of the most common conditions that can be observed among the young adults, not only among the elderly people. Pollution, dust and dirt, use of excessive hair products, harmful chemicals used in hair colors and others are common risk factors for the hair condition. Being one of the most hair conditions, professionals have been taking effective measures to reach out to help extensively.

    Enquire yourself first
    If you have been noticing that you are losing thousands of hair in a day, then you should be concerned about the condition. You can ask yourself these questions to understand whether you might have been developing the signs and symptoms of alopecia.

    • Whether you find yourself to have specific scalp symptoms that include burning, flaking or itching.
    • Ask yourself whether there has been a sudden medical problem or emotional stress in your life that has triggered the hair loss more.
    • Have you been noticing hair fall for a long time? Or do you think thinning of hair has increased in recent time?

    Examine the bald patches
    Before visiting the professionals, you can examine your scalp to see whether the hair fall is in an acute situation.

    • Check the scalp to find out redness or any other signs of inflammation.
    • Run a comparison check between the top of the scalp and back of the head.
    • Assess the condition of the complete scalp with making little parts of the hair.
    • Note down the areas where bald patches are encountered and where hair thinning is not seen significantly.
    • Pull your hair to see how many strands come out from the roots.
    • By tugging hair, you can assess the strength of hair.

    What is Alopecia Areata?
    If hair strands are significantly falling out specific areas, it means that the autoimmune attack may take place on the hair follicles hindering the hair growth. The condition often does not require treatment as it can go away within 6 months even. However, the condition can be related to autoimmune health conditions and thyroid is the most common among all of them. Not only in hair, can the hair condition affect hair growth of other parts of the body including eyebrow and face.

    Treatment for Alopecia Areata
    There are several ways to treat the condition and few of the significant ones include:

    • Topical steroids can be used if 50% of hair growth is affected. Additionally, Minoxidil is often mixed with the steroid.
    • Patients with steroids can mix intralesional triamcinolone for four to six weeks to see the effective result. However, hypo-pigmentation and atrophy are the severe side effects of the procedure.
    • American Academy of Dermatology suggests that topical anthralin can show miracle on the bald patches of the patients suffering from alopecia areata.
    • For boosting self-confidence or supporting people emotionally, there is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
    • Topical immunotherapy can work significantly in this case.

    Treating the condition
    There is no specific treatment for this condition; however, few treatment procedures are undertaken for helping sufferers of alopecia areata.

    • Hair loss products including Men’s Rogaine Hair Loss & Thinning Treatment Minoxidil Foam, Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Nutrient Tablets, Hair Stimulating Shampoo, TOPPIK Hair Building Fibers, Ultrax Labs Hair Surge and Biotin Shampoo for Hair Growth B-Complex for Hair Loss are proven to be effective to treat the condition.
    • Intralesional corticosteroid injections help the patients to show visible result within a month. However, similar to the alopecia treatments, the injections cannot seem to prevent hair loss. The needle prick can cause discomfort among people which the oral medications do not do.
    • Anthralin ointment is often used for psoriasis can function well on the bald areas on the scalp. Keep it for 30-60 minutes on the scalp and wash off to see effective results within 8 to 12 weeks. However, skin irritation is one of the common side effects of this procedure as the skin can become discolored over the course of time.

     

  • Health & Personal Care
    Popular Mascaras That You Can Opt For

    Mascara is an integral makeup item to be found in any woman’s beauty box. The best mascara for you would be the one that suits your requirement the most. Among the various mascaras available on the market, here is a list of the bestsellers that you can find today:

    Tarte Maneater Voluptuous Mascara
    This curling, volumizing and lengthening mascara has a lightweight triple-black formula and a soft-flex brush which help to create a full-on dramatic fringe without clumping and flaking. You can get this for around $ 23.

    Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Black Lashdress Mascara
    This ball-tipped, cone-shaped brush enables you to fan out the outer lashes and reach the tiny hair on the inner corner of the eyes. This product retails at around $ 28.

    CoverGirl Peacock Flare Mascara
    This mascara is supposed to be layered in order for you to go for a subtle look during the daytime and with additional coats, you could look a bit sultrier. You can grab this for just about $9.

    Gucci Intense Mascara
    This mascara with the inky-black formula gives your lashes a patent-leather-like lacquered finish. This is available at a price point of about $34.

    Maybelline New York Gigi Hadid West Coast Glow Lash Sensational Mascara
    The fan-like brush of this mascara has 10 layers of bristles to coat every single eyelash of yours making them look denser than they actually are. Get this product for about $13.

    Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
    This mascara would give your lashes the perfect curled formation. Thus, you do not need to use a lash curler additionally. Find this product at just about $7.

    L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
    There are more than 200 bristles on the wand of this mascara, hence, no lash of yours would be left uncoated. Moreover, it contains ample black pigments to give that seriously dramatic look. Grab this at just about $10.

    Urban Decay Cosmetics Perversion Mascara
    This mascara gives you longer, thicker, bigger lashes with more intense definition to make you bat throughout the long night. Get this for $ 23.

    Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara
    In order to offer you the best application every time you use this mascara, the container comes with a small shaker inside of it. It helps to mix the mascara and avoid any clumps. The mascara retails at around $6.

    Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara
    This mascara would give your lashes a truly customizable look. The container has a squeezable base which allows the mascara to coat the brush completely for a perfect and dramatic finish. For a regular everyday application, give the tube a baby pump or no pump at all and apply. This mascara is sold for around $30.

    Clinique Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara
    The mascara is packed in a specially designed container that allows you to pump the amount as per your requirement of a light dose or a heavier amount. You can get this for around $21.

    Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
    This mascara comes with a big brush with wavy fibers so that it can cover every lash. The voluminous formula allows you 12 times more volume than regular ones with no smudging and flaking issues. This retails for just about $25.

    Almay Mega-Volume Waterproof Mascara
    This mascara gives the necessary length, volume, and definition to your eyelashes in one coat with its megaphone-shaped brush. This is the best mascara option if you are going to a wedding ceremony or you are the bride yourself. The best feature about this waterproof formula mascara is that it would not dry out your eyelashes. This is available for just about $7.

    It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
    This one is perfect for those who have thinner lashes. The mascara contains proteins and conditioning peptides to make the lashes strong and healthy. There are plumbing collagen and lash-lifting polymers as well as the mascara that helps to thicken the lashes. You can get it for around $25.

  • Health & Personal Care
    Find the Best Mascara Based on Your Personal Choice and Requirement

    Mascara has the ability to enhances the eyes. What you find to be the best may not be as good to somebody else. To find what is best for you, identify your requirement and accordingly start shopping for the product. To help you a little, here is a list of the best mascara varieties and corresponding products of different brands:

    Lengthening Mascara
    Lengthening mascaras are generally less dense. They are formulated in such a manner and contains ingredients that can easily glide and provide smooth even coverage reaching the tips. The wand bristles lengthening mascaras are more tightly packed and shorter in size to ensure the lashes are well coated from base to tip.

    • Mascara for thick eyelashes
      This type of mascaras works for people with thick eyelashes, long or short because it emphasizes is on maximizing and lengthening the lashes. You can avoid clumpy mascara by selecting this kind of wand and formulation.
    • Brands
      Lancome DEFINICILS Black Mascara is the best in the prestige category to give the lengthening effect. Mascaras in the mid-range quality brand include L’oreal Lash Out.

    Volumizing Mascara
    Volume building mascaras give thickness to the eyelashes thereby giving a stronger visual presence. In order to get that look, the mascaras are made with ingredients like waxes and polymers. They build on the lashes as they are applied. The wand of this kind of mascara is generally fine, longer, evenly spaced bristles offer even coats.

    • Suits best for fine eyelashes
      This mascara is ideal for people with sparse, small, fine and blonde or light colored lashes. This kind of mascara is formulated to give color, length, and thickness to the eyelashes.
    • Brands
      Lancome Hypnose Black Mascara is the best option among all the prestige brands. If you are looking for mascara within mid-range then go for L’Oreal Double Extend Lash Extender Magnifier Mascara.

    Curling mascara
    There are mascaras specifically formulated to curl up the lashes as well. Curled eyelashes make the eyes look wide. It creates larger looking, gorgeous dramatic eyes. The ingredients used are quite thick since they are meant to shape and hold. The polymer is the primary ingredient in this kind of mascara. The wand is packed with tightly spaced bristles to offer help while giving the upward curl.

    • Suited Best for
      People who find it difficult to use eyelash curlers can use this variety of mascara with ease and elan. Moreover, if you find other mascara brushes a bit weird, you will find the curve shape to be more feature-friendly as per your eye shape.
    • Brands
      Lancome COURBE VIRTUOSE Black mascara can easily be considered the best pick among the prestige brands range. An inexpensive option would be the L’oreal Panoramic Curl Mascara, which is also very good.

    Bold and dramatic mascara
    The bold and dramatic mascaras are those which offer length, volume, intense color and everything you want to get that stylish bold look.

    • Suited best for
      This is best suited for those who do not mind the feel and look of heavier mascara but really want a bold makeup style. The choice of product would depend on the kind of eyelashes you have. You can also use other products like false eyelashes to enhance the look and make it bolder.
    • Brands
      Christian Dior “DiorShow” Mascara which falls in the prestige category would give the much desired bold look to your eyelashes. Smashbox Bionic Mascara is also a very good option in the mid-range category.

    Natural looking mascara
    This type of mascaras gives you the look that feels soft, natural and light. However, what you actually get are longer, thicker and enhanced lashes. They are basically formulated in a specialized way to give you length, volume, and high-definition without getting clumpy.

    • Suits best for
      This mascara is for everybody who is looking for a less detectable, more natural look or for those who have sensitive eyes.
    • Brands
      In the prestige brand range, Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara is the forerunner in this category of mascara. Neutrogena Weightless Volume Wax Free Mascara, Brown Black is the one to opt for in the mid-range category.
  • Health & Personal Care
    Benefits of Consuming Probiotic Yogurts

    Probiotic yogurts have some proven health benefits, especially because the added flavors in yogurts come from their natural ingredients. However, you should keep in mind that best probiotic yogurts could also be choice of the individual and they might consider any particular brand as the best based on their preferences.

    If you wish to enjoy imminent benefits of best probiotic yogurts, Greek probiotic yogurts can be considered among the forerunner based on their protein value, the low content of sugar which they have, and the creamier texture of the yogurt. These can be purchased from any of the leading retail chains in the country or you can order these from online web stores.

    Among the Greek probiotic yogurt, Maia is one of the brands that can be considered as one of the best probiotic yogurts. This probiotic yogurt is rich in low-fat and nonfat products which have been made out of organic grass-fed cow milk and fruits. This has also been confirmed by a reputed journal in the medical field. This probiotic yogurt is known to contain live active probiotic bacteria and is rich in calories and sugar. However, people who are looking for probiotic yogurt as an optional food for weight loss can consider Icelandic style non-fat vanilla yogurt as the best one. A 5.3-ounce cup of this yogurt is known to contain 100 calories, 9 gram of sugars, and 14 grams of protein.

    Benefits of consuming probiotic yogurt
    Probiotic yogurts are best known to have many imminent benefits. Some of the benefits of probiotic yogurt are listed as follows:

    Lowers risk of type 2 diabetes
    If probiotic yogurt is taken in larger quantity it is known to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This probiotic yogurt is known to support digestion and absorption of nutrients which is important for blood sugar regulation.

    Lowers risk of colorectal cancer
    Best probiotic yogurts are known to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This was confirmed in a study which was published in the International Journal of Cancer.

    Helps in increasing bone density
    Best probiotic yogurts are known to high in calcium and many of these probiotic yogurts are known to contain vitamin D.

    Helps in weight loss
    The University of Tennessee has published a study which says that probiotic yogurt is known to increase fat loss in the body. It has been seen that consumption of probiotic yogurt reduces fat from the belly region and waist area.

    Helps in reduction of bad cholesterol
    The cholesterol level is reduced through the intake of live probiotics in yogurt and in particular, the presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus helps in reduction of bad cholesterol. This can be achieved through consumption of 200 milliliters of servings in any given day. Regular intake of probiotic yogurt is also known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

    Best probiotic yogurts
    It is always advisable to buy probiotic yogurts from a reputed brand store only. Some of the best probiotic yogurts which you can get in the country are as below:

    Chobani Greek Yogurt: This is among the best probiotic yogurts since it is free from any artificial growth hormones. It is an excellent source of protein and is made out of natural ingredients only. No artificial flavors have been used in this yogurt and it contains live and active cultures. A pack of this yogurt can be purchased for $1 from any of the online retail web portals and the product can be delivered to any of the city or town in the country.

    Almond Coco low-fat Chobani Yogurt: This is another of the popular probiotic yogurts which have been prepared out of natural ingredients only. This product is also available for only around a dollar and can be purchased in any region of the country. Alternatively, these probiotic yogurts can also be purchased through online stores.

  • Health & Personal Care
    Popular Probiotic Yogurts to Choose From

    Probiotics are known to be good bacterial strains which are considered healthy for a person. Consuming probiotics keeps a person healthy and away from any kind of disease. The best way that probiotics can be consumed is thorough probiotic yogurts. There are many probiotic yogurt brands in the country that contain such probiotics essentially, and you can consider any of the below-listed yogurts as among the best probiotic yogurts.

    Activia
    Activia is one of the brands in the country which is considered among the best probiotic yogurts. This brand of yogurt is available in numerous flavors including mixed berry, prune, and vanilla. This probiotic yogurt is also known to contain a variety of probiotics which is considered healthy. These probiotics include Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium lactis which are considered to be specialized probiotic cultures that aid in the digestion process.

    In a 4 oz. serving of this yogurt, which is ranked among the best probiotic yogurts, a consumer is likely to get billions of live culture which will keep them remain energized enough for the day.

    Yoplait Original
    This is another one of the best probiotic yogurts which are known to contain probiotic cultures, calcium, and vitamin A and D. This probiotic yogurt also contains different cultures but Lactobacillus acidophilus is the primary among these. The University of Maryland Medical Center also lists this probiotic yogurt as the most popular ones. This probiotic yogurt is considered to be a popular one because of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterium present in it; this is one of the important constituents of this yogurt that helps prevent diarrhea and improves lactose tolerance. The consumption of this probiotic yogurt is also known to treat inflammatory bowel conditions.

    The yogurt is also energy-rich as it contains up to 170 calories. This brand of yogurt is available in over 20 flavors which makes it popular among users.

    Stonyfield
    This probiotic yogurt is certified as an organic product. This essentially means that Stonyfield, which is considered among best probiotic yogurts, does not contain any pesticide or herbicide. This product has also been marked safe according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards which the agency uses for organic labeling. Therefore, this product is considered safe for consumption and is among the best probiotic yogurts in the country.

    It is also known to contain up to six live active culture blends of different probiotics including Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidus, and Lactobacillus. Regulation of the digestive tract takes place as a natural course of action when this particular probiotic yogurt is consumed.

    Another distinct advantage of this probiotic yogurt which makes it popular is the fact that it is available in a range of flavors including French Vanilla, raspberry, peach, key lime, and pomegranate among many others.

    Benefits of consuming probiotic yogurt

    Rich in nutrients
    Yogurt is known to contain every important nutrient that a human body needs. It is a rich source of calcium which is important for the health of bones and teeth. If a person ideally takes a cup of yogurt, it is able to provide calcium which meets up to 49% of the energy requirements of the person. Yogurt is also known to contain an ample amount of vitamin B and vitamin B12 or riboflavin.

    Rich source of protein
    It contains a fair amount of protein and supports the metabolism of human body. It is also considered to be an ideal addition to the diet when a person wants to have more energy by consuming lesser amounts of food.

    Digestive benefits
    Live bacteria or probiotic influence of yogurt has its documented health benefits that help in the digestion process to a great extent. For ensuring the best benefits from yogurt, ideally, those brands that have effective probiotics should be taken. These are known to have health benefits, and doctors also advocate taking probiotic yogurt for added health advantages which aid effective digestion in the human body.

  • Health & Personal Care
    Things to Consider before Buying a Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry Hair

    There are different types of scalps and hair. One must choose a shampoo as per the scalp type. Those who have dry scalp and dry hair need to pay special attention to their hair care routine. This is because this type of hair is fragile and more prone to breakage. It could be a difficult proposition to choose a moisturizing shampoo for dry hair. A little knowledge would help to choose the most appropriate shampoo as per your scalp and hair type.

    Hydration is the key
    As already stated before, dry hair needs to be cleaned with hydrating and moisturizing shampoo since they are prone to split ends. Hair fall is also an issue with people with dry hair. Choosing an oil-based shampoo is also a good idea. This kind of shampoo offers moisture and hydration to the hair. Moreover, they are formulated to combat roughness and frizziness as well.

    Sebum is important
    If your shampoo has olive oil, coconut oil or any essential oil as its ingredient then is going to be an advantaged since these oils work as sebum. Sebum is the fatty oil found in the scalp that assists dry hair to replenish the strength and moisture that it has lost. Thus, the importance of sebum is immense to have healthy hair.

    Choose a sulfate-free shampoo
    Dry hair is also a result of sulfate found in your shampoo. It makes hair follicles dry and rough. Thus, when you are looking for dry hair shampoo, choose the one that does not contain sulfate. Herbal and organic shampoos would not contain this ingredient.

    You must know that when you use a shampoo with high sulfate content, your hair is stripped of its natural oils and become drier. Sulfate can really clean your hair very well but wrecks havoc on the scalp’s natural oil. A shocking fact about sulfate is that it is also used in laundry detergents and dish-washing agents.

    Never use a volumizing or strengthening shampoo
    The ingredients and chemicals present in volumizing or strengthening shampoo are not meant to provide moisturization to your dry hair. If you have dry hair, they will become drier with regular usage of such shampoo. Choose a shampoo with low pH level since higher pH damages the hair cuticles. Moisturizing shampoos would always have lower pH levels than regular ones.

    Check for certain essential ingredients
    Check the list of ingredients on the back of the shampoo and look for contents like hemp seed oil, tea tree oil, silk, jojoba oil, and milk proteins. All these are meant to provide extra moisture to your dry hair. Thus, go for the shampoo that has one or some of the ingredients.

    Know the importance of conditioning
    Dry hair needs conditioning after shampooing. So, buy a nourishing conditioner that will revitalize parched strands and take care of frizz and roughness of your hair. Go for deep conditioning as well once in a week.

    Go organic
    It is always advisable to go for organic products. At least go for herbal or natural shampoos if you cannot afford organic shampoos or they are not available in your locality.

    Some of the best shampoos in this category are:

    • Burt’s Bees shampoos
    • Dr. Organic Rose Otto Shampoo
    • Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Treatment
    • The Body Shop Banana Shampoo
    • Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo
    • Desert Organics Coconut Shampoo
    • Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo

    Shampooing tips for dry hair

    • Shampoo your hair 2 to 3 times in a week. Daily shampooing can strip off the natural oil from the hair.
    • Apply the shampoo to your scalp and work your way down gently to the ends. Do not repeat the process.
    • Never use hot water on your hair. Even if you stay in a cold region, wash your hair separately in cold water but not ice cold water. If required, you can also use lukewarm water to wash your hair but do the last rinse with cold water only.
    • Use conditioner meant for dry and damaged hair.
    • Avoid towel drying your hair. Use a T-shirt instead.
  • Health & Personal Care
    12 Popular Moisturizing Shampoos for Dry Hair

    There are several factors that can result in dry hair. The sun, heat-styling addiction, over-coloring are just a few reasons. Whatever may be the cause, brittle strands does not only lead to frizz and split ends but make the hair lackluster and dull. In order to make the hair healthy again, the first thing you need to do is to change your shampoo to a more suitable one. The idea is to use hydrating and moisturizing shampoo. It is important not to do anything that will make your hair drier than it already is. Popular moisturizing shampoo for dry hair with estimate prices are listed below:

    ALTERNA Haircare’s CAVIAR Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture Shampoo
    If regular hair coloring is the reason for your dry hair, use this shampoo to give the much-needed moisturizer to your hair strands. It protects hair color. You can get it for $32.

    L’Oreal Ever Pure Moisture Shampoo Rosemary
    This is another shampoo you can use if you use hair color. This shampoo locks in moisture and protects color from fading. It is affordably priced at $7.

    dpHUE Hydrate Shampoo
    Dry hairs are almost always unmanageable. dpHUE is formulated with green tea, vitamin A, and vitamin E which replenish hair strands and make them manageable. This shampoo retails for $24.

    VERB Hydrating Shampoo
    If your hair is damaged by the summer heat since you have spent quite some time at the beach, you can use this shampoo. It offers UV damage protection as well. This is possible due to the presence of sunflower seed extract in it. The price of this shampoo is fixed at $14.

    Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing Shampoo
    This cream based shampoo does not only make your hair smooth and soft but smells heavenly. This one is priced at $19.

    Leonor Greyl Nourishing Shampoo
    If you have long hair, the chances of getting dry ends increase. This shampoo is formulated to tackle this kind of problem. It makes the hairs and their ends stronger, smoother and manageable. Get this for $45.

    Dove Nutritive Solutions Shampoo
    Coconut provides the same kind of nourishment to hair as it does to skin. This shampoo locks in moisture into the strands and makes your hair smell like lime and tropical coconut. This one is affordably priced at $5.

    Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo
    Dove has another shampoo under its belt that will clean your moisture-starved hair and give them the necessary hydration. You need to shell out just $4 to enjoy the benefits.

    R+Co Atlantis Moisturizing Shampoo
    This one is made for people with coarse and thick hair. It contains babassu oil and witch hazel that help to restore hydration and manage dryness-related frizz common for this hair type. You can buy this for $28.

    Bumble and bumble. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo
    There is nothing that this miracle shampoo with a blend of six essential oils cannot do. Along with providing hydration to the hair, it smoothens, prevents breakage, detangles and eliminates frizz. This one is available for $31.

    DAVINES MOMO Shampoo
    You would love everything about this shampoo. It has a crisp citrus scent. Moreover, its mineral and vitamin-rich formula make brittle hair feel smooth and soft again. You need to pay $26 to buy this one.

    Klorane Shampoo-cream with Abyssinia Oil
    This shampoo is for everybody who has curly hair and has chemically relaxed their hair. The key ingredient, Abyssinia oil, helps to restore brittle, damaged and dry strands. It is priced at $20.

    While buying a shampoo, ensure that it is made to suit your hair type and condition. Apart from cleaning your dry hair with a hydrating and moisturizing shampoo, you must also condition your hair. It is always suggested to buy a conditioner that is available in the same range as the shampoo brand. However, if your shampoo does not come with a complementary conditioner, you can surely look for conditioners that will complement the shampoo.