10 HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL

Posted in BEAUTY, HEALTHY LIVING

What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor and a color that ranges from pale yellow to nearly colorless and clear. This oil is toxic when taken by mouth but is widely used in low concentrations in beauty products and useful for treating a wide variety of health conditions.
Here are some of the 10 best health and benefits of using coconut oil compiled by our experts:
1. For Smooth Acne Free Skin:
Suffering from blemishes, dark spots and acne? Tea Tree Oil will take care of it. After cleansing face,apply tea tree oil directly to the blemish. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to some water and apply it with a cotton round as a toner.
2. Heals Cuts, Burns, Scrapes and Skin Conditions:
Tea Tree Oil contains antiseptic properties that help heal the skin. Apply some directly on to the wound, to help it heal.

3. Asthma and Congestion:
Tea Tree Oil contains similar properties as menthol and can help in decongesting nose and throat. Add a few drops to boiling water, put a towel over your head and breath in for a few minutes.
4. Relaxer Burns, Dandruff and Head Lice:
Tea Tree Oil is effective in treating scalp burns associated with relaxing. Daily topical application of this oil will ensure faster drying and healing.
To fight problematic dandruff or head lice, add about 20-30 drops to your shampoo and massage on to scalp. Leave in for about 2-3 minutes, rinse.
5. Dry Skin:
Tea tree oil is a good cure for dry skin. Simply add 5 spoons of tea tree oil to one spoon of almond oil and massage it gently onto your skin. Leave it on for some time and bath normally. Regular use will help you keep your skin hydrated for longer time. It also leaves your skin feeling soft, supple and glowing.

6. Hair growth:
It has been found that tea tree oil induces hair growth. It actually helps in unclogging hair follicles and nourishes your roots. Take few drops of tea tree oil, mix it with any carrier oil and simply massage it onto your scalp. You will feel a great refreshing and tingling effect on your scalp. However, you must remember to add carrier oil because tea tree oil for hair growth or otherwise by itself is extremely strong.
7. Treat Viral diseases:
Tea tree oil has anti viral properties which help to cure chicken pox, cold sores, measles etc.
8. Relief From Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye:
Most of us suffer from conjunctivitis at some point in our life. To reduce the pain and the itching in the eyes, tea tree oil can be used. Boil green tea bags in water and add a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Boil for 5 minutes and cool it. Place it on your eyes and keep for 20 minutes. This will provide instant relief to your eyes.
9. Oral Health:
When used as a mouth wash, tea tree oil can help to cure bad breath, plague, inflamed gums and gingivitis. It kills the bacteria in the mouth and reduces the pain and irritation due to its anti-bacterial properties.

10. Treats Ear Infection:
Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 2tbsps. of olive oil. With a dropper, tilt head to one side and drop a small drop into the ear. Use a cotton swab to absorb the oil. Reapeat about 2 times a day until earache is gone.
For use, dilute 3 drops of the essential oil in a bowl of warm water. Use this to rinse the mouth twice a day to get rid of the various oral problems.
Conclusion
Tea tree oil has gained a lot of popularity across the globe for its varied and beneficial uses for hair. Many big brands offer tea tree oil-based skincare and haircare products.
Please Note
Tea tree oil is only meant for topical use. NEVER consume it. Tea tree oil by itself is strong. Make sure you never use it directly. Always mix carrier oils (Coconut, Grapeseed, Olive) with it before application.
REFERENCES:
othingsbeauty.com

9 METHODS TO RETAINING COILY AND KINKY HAIR LENGTH

Posted in HAIR CARE

There is no denying the fact that curly hair is beautiful and full of character, hence, it’s appreciation by many these days. What makes hair curly? Well, it’s simple! Genetics! Though some people invest in relaxers and straightening treatments to smoothen out their natural curly locs and make it more manageable, there are some who would rather wear their hair natural and avoid the damage that comes with these processes.
Types of Curly Hair
There are various types of curly hair, from springy hair types with elasticity to more rigid tightly curled types with lots of shrinkage. Related Article: Know Your Curly Hair Type.
Though hair care method is similar for all curly hair types, the tightly curled types require more TLC to retain length and grow as they are drier, less elastic, and more prone to breakage.
Do you have this hair type? Not to worry, here is a list of things that will ensure you retain length.

1. Keep Hair Moisturized:
It’s important to keep hair moisturized to ensure growth and retain hair length. Water is the major moisturizer for curly hair types. When combing through tightly curled hair, ensure you section out damp-wet hair before combing. Never comb hair dry!
During styling, using a spritzer to dampen hair infuse moisture ensures that you retain length.
2. Finger Combing and Detangling:
Finger combing hair is a gentler detangling tool and must be favored over the use of combs if you are looking to retain length. Not content with this? A wide tooth comb can also be used. (Always remember that this must be done on wet-damp hair.)
If you have already achieved substantial hair growth, invest in a Detangler for easier smoothening of coils and kinks when detangling.
3. Trimming:
Split-ends are the terrible for hair retention. Tightly curled hair is naturally frizzy and locating actual split -ends may prove a tad difficult. To solve this problem, ensure you get your hair professionally trimmed every 6-months, no sooner, as the goal is to retain length.

4. Leave-in:
Invest in a great leave in conditioner to restore elasticity and slip to the hair. It’s recommended that you always apply leave-in conditioner before styling your hair.
5. Natural Oils and Sealants:
Oils such as Jojoba, Coconut and Argan are great oils that penetrate into the hair, adding moisture. Use a combination of these oils with your leave-in to properly condition your locs.
Sealants on the other hand are products that lock in these moisture adding products and ensuring that benefits are retained. Some natural sealants include Shea butter, Olive Oil etc.
6. Deep Conditioning:
Hair comprises of a natural protein called Keratin which bonds the hair and gives it elasticity. Protein based Deep conditioners and Reconstructors as well as natural protein products eg. Eggs, Avocados etc are a great way to restore keratin levels and elasticity in the hair that may be stripped off due to styling.
Be careful not to over-do these treatments as too much protein can have a negative effect on the hair, making it too rigid and prone to easy breakage.

7. Supplements:
Many curly heads swear by the use of specialized supplements which contain Biotin, Omega 3’s, Folic acid and other vitamins and minerals to improve hair length and retention.

8. Protective Styling:
Choose low manipulation styles such as twist-outs, Bantu Knots, Braids, Weaves, ponytails and buns etc for length retention. Also minimize the use of blow dryers and flat irons because the excessive use of these lead to heat damage and can adversely affect length retention.
9. Satin Bonnet:
Always sleep with a silk or satin bonnet/ scarf if you are blessed with tightly curled natural hair as this helps retain moisture and reduce the friction causes breakage when hair comes in contact with bedding during sleep.

10 WEDDING DRESS STYLE SUGGESTIONS TO WEAR THIS SEASON

Posted in EDITOR'S PICKS, FASHION

All brides want their big day to be perfect! The perfect groom, the perfect location but most of all, the perfect dress. Every woman dreams of it. And though not every is thrilled at the thought of wearing a Princess ball gown as popularly claimed, I dare you think that it’s not going to be a memorable one. The question however is, what dress will be memorable enough for you?
Here are 10 modern wedding dress style suggestions carefully selected by our experts to make your decision a little easier.

1. Illusion: these modest necklines hint at sweetness and can be worn conservative settings without compromising it’s beauty.

2. Rose Appliqué: a touch of the whimsical. This style is for brides who want to create their own real life fairytale.

3. Siren: do you have the perfect body that you want to show off on your wedding day? This style is the way to go. Keeping it simple will make you and not your dress the centre of attention.

4. Plunging: recommended for the smart, daring yet unpretentious bride. The side pockets add sensibilities lacking in other wedding dresses….We mean, now we know where to put our lipgloss, right?

5. Draping: this dress style captures fluidity inspired by water movement creating goddess-like illusions.

6. Hippie: for the free-spirited, nature loving bride. This vintage inspired dress style embraces both comfort and timelessness.

7. Sophisticated: this dress style appeals to the understated modern woman who values clean tailoring and fit over anything else. Go an extra inch in sophistication by pairing your dress with a brightly colored shoe on your big day.

8. Lace: a classic fabric when it comes to weddings. Are you a more traditional bride? Then this should definitely be your fabric of choice.

9. Color: pastels are in this season, and wedding dresses weren’t left out. Stand out from the crowd and remain memorable with a colored wedding dress. Muted colors of pinks, greens and pastels are the best way to go. Be careful not to go too vibrant as you may question your decision later.

10. Fringe: the fringe trend combines opposing elements of free-spiritedness yet traditional and modest-edginess, perfect for the non-conformist bride.

NEW HAIRSTYLE TECHNIQUE ALERT: CROTCHET BRAIDS

Posted in HAIR CARE

Crochet braiding is not a hair style that is as new as one might think, as some women have been getting crochet braids for years with human hair or with tracks of hair that look like there are individual braids attached.
Crotchet braids were and are still preferred by individuals who didn’t want to sit too long and get individual braids in their hair. It was fast and convenient.

HOW ARE CROTCHET BRAIDS INSTALLED?
Crotchet braids are usually applied to the hair by literally crocheting hair extensions with a latch hook tool, in between your own corn rowed hair. Some women use the braiding technique as an alternative to the traditional sew-in hair weave. Purchase Latch Hooks in Nigeria
With the increase in the desire for safer and healthier hairstyles, the natural hair community has evolved this familiar hair style into something versatile and beautiful. Women are becoming more creative with their styling techniques and the crochet braids look very realistic.

Below, you’ll find one of the best crochet braiding tutorials on YouTube from The Chic Natural

FINAL NOTE
The crotchet braid hairstyling technique is a great option for someone who is transitioning or just needs a break from styling their own hair every day. You get the natural hair look, without having to manipulate your own hair (To be honest, one might not be able to tell crochet braids from natural growing hair.) You can also even wash and treat your scalp, which is something that is difficult to do with a sew-in.
Reference:
BLACKGIRLLONGHAIR

MY TOP 5 BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

MY TOP 5 BEAUTY MUST-HAVES: Winifred Oribhabor

Posted in MY TOP 5 BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

We caught up with the perfect example of beauty-with-brains, Winifred Oribhabor, a year 3 Accounting Student and beauty/lifestyle blogger (View Blog Here) from Nigeria who loves traveling, reading and meeting new people.
She shares with us her 5 beauty product must-haves. Here’s her list:

1. Covergirl Tru Blend Concealer
I love the Covergirl Tru Blend Fixstick Concealer for under my eyes! It gives me a really bright look, feels so light on my skin,blends in easily! And gives a great finish without creasing.

2. Simple Oil Absorbing Facial Wipes
The Simple Oil Balancing Facial Wipes is just something I’m really comfortable with as it’s good for sensitive skin and helps with my oily skin too. My skin feels good and dirt free every time I use it.

3. Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser
I’m so in LOVE with this one. Lool, it isn’t harsh on my skin and has this minty feel it to that leaves my face feeling so fresh especially at night.

4. Maybelline Deep Velvets Mascara
I’m a fan of Maybelline products. This mascara isn’t too thick and gives my lashes amazing length and volume.

5. Taupe by MAC Lipstick
Taupe by MAC Lipstick is a product I use almost everyday! The nude is perfect for my skin tone and it’s matte. Lovely finish.
……Real women, real beauty

HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE DEEP CLEANSING SPONGE?

Posted in BEAUTY TOOLS, SKIN CARE

These sponges are one of the newest beauty tools to hit the scene and from what we know, they are getting really good reviews and ratings.
Well known Beauty blogger, Teni Panosian of Missmaven.com (pictured above) swears by this product.

*Eco Tools Pure Complexion Sponge
This product originating from Korea is made from Konjac, a naturally occurring Asian plant and some variations may include bamboo, charcoal, clay, green tea, citrus, peppermint and other natural products.
When dry, the deep cleansing sponge resembles a pumice stone but when soaked in water, it turns squishy and face friendly.

*Japanese Konjac Sponges
How to use the Deep Cleansing Sponge
1. Run Sponge under water till soaking wet.
2. Squeeze out excess moisture and apply favorite facial soap or cleanser to sponge.
3. Use to wash face.
Though these sponges are touted for their natural deep cleansing and exfoliating abilities, some may consider with the durability, hygiene and waste (in terms of facial products) a disadvantage.
Reference:
MISSMAVEN.COM

5 BEST TEMPORARY HAIR STRAIGHTENING PRODUCTS FOR CURLY GIRLS AND NATURALS

Posted in HAIR CARE

Style versatility is important for most curly girls as many love the flexibility that comes from wearing hair in different styles. One of such ways is to spot the sleeked back/straightened look similar to those with naturally straight hair.
This however poses a problem, as most naturals would love the ability to switch in-between styles without permanently altering their textures intentionally (with relaxers) or unintentionally (via heat damage).
Now that this problem has been identified, we have come up with our list of the best reversible straightening product for you.
Here are our top 5 picks:

1. Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Blowdry Cream
Price: $25 (N4,200)

2. Ojon Super Sleek Hair Straightening System
Price: $39 (N6,500)

3. Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum
Price: $26 (N4,300)

4. Shea Moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Hair Straightening System
Price: $32 (N5,300) via Olori.com.ng

5. Beautiful Textures Texture Manageability System
Price: $16.70 (N2,750) via Olori.com.ng
**Based on consumer ratings and reviews.
*Prices may differ
QUICK TIPS
1. Do not forget to apply heat protectant spray to hair (where not included in products) before straightening or blow drying to prevent heat damage.
2. Keep in mind that this list is highly hypothetical (based on customer ratings not actual trials by our team) and you may have to try more than one of these products to get your desired results.
3. Follow instructions to the ‘T’ as specified on products for best results as some of the ingredients in this products do not work well with others not included in the brand lines.