| How to Trim Your Own Split Ends Posted: 19 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT Split ends can leave your hair looking damaged and dry. Luckily, there are super easy tactics for getting rid of those pesky split ends, leaving your hair looking healthy after just a few minutes of trimming. To get rid of split ends while leaving your length the same, try twisting or sliding your fingers down a section of hair to reveal the damage—this is often called dusting. If the ends of your hair are frayed and need to be cut, you can opt for a classic trim and cut off a bit of length using sharp cutting shears. EditTwisting Your Hair - Separate a section of dry hair after brushing it. It's helpful for your hair to be dry so that the split ends appear easily. Take a section of your hair in your hands, taking time to brush it if it's tangled.[1]
- The section of hair doesn't have to be exactly —if your hair is thin, you might take a bigger section, while if your hair is super thick, you might take a smaller one.
- It's best if you start on one side of your head so that you don't get the sections of hair mixed up as you go along.
- Twist the section of hair tightly to reveal the split ends. Start at the top of the section of hair, twisting it as you go down. Continue twisting the strand until the entire section is twisted rather tightly. Once the hair is twisted, you should see the ends of some strands popping up out of the twist.[2]
- Trim off the split ends that are sticking out of the twisted section. Examine the ends that are sticking out of the twist—most of them are likely to be split ends. Use the cutting shears to snip off about of each split end, revealing healthy hair.[3]
- Cut off the split ends by starting from the top of the strand and going down. This will help ensure that you don't miss any of them.
- If you have shorter hair that's more difficult to see, use a mirror when cutting off the split ends.
- Keep in mind that this will result in your hair being varied lengths.
- Re-twist the strand of hair going in the opposite direction, if desired. To reach even more split ends, undo the twist that you formed. Now start twisting the strand of hair the opposite way—this will help split ends become visible that didn't appear during the first twist. Use the cutting shears to snip off these split ends as well.
- For example, if you twisted the strand of hair clockwise first, twist it counterclockwise the second time.
- Gather a new section of hair and repeat the twisting process. Take a section of hair next to the old section, twisting it like you did the first. Repeat the process of twisting it tightly and trimming off the ends that are sticking out, using sharp cutting shears to get a clean cut. Repeat this process until you've gone around your entire head, trimming individual sections.[4]
- Use a hair clip or tie to hold back sections that you've already trimmed to avoid confusion.
EditUsing the Sliding Technique - Style your hair so that it's straight and dry. If you already have naturally straight hair, all you'll need to do is brush through it thoroughly. If you have wavy or curly hair, it's best to straighten it in addition to brushing it so that the split ends will pop up easier.[5]
- If your hair is wavy, then you may need to just blow dry your hair, rather than using a straightener.
- If you're using a hair straightener, remember to apply a heat protectant to avoid even more split ends!
- Pull together a section of hair. Use a small comb to section off your hair. increments are just a suggestion—thick hair might require smaller sections, while super thin hair could handle a larger section.[6]
- Use the comb to brush through the strand of hair again, if needed.
- Position your hair in between your middle three fingers. Weave the strand of hair under your index finger, over your middle finger, and under your ring finger. By doing this, you should see your hair on top of your middle finger only.[7]
- Position your fingers like this near the roots so that you'll be able to slide your fingers down the strand.
- Look for the split ends that pop up when positioned over your finger. By weaving your hair in between your middle three fingers, you should see ends sticking out of the section of hair that's visible on your middle finger. Look closely to spot split ends that need trimming.[8]
- If your hair has layers, you'll need to look extra closely to make sure the end sticking out is a split end and not just a shorter strand of hair.
- Use a mirror to help you spot the split ends if you can't easily see the strand of hair.
- Clip off the split ends as you slide your fingers down the section of hair. Hold the scissors so that they're perpendicular to the strand of hair, making it easy to snip off the split ends that you see sticking out. Slide your fingers down the strand of hair slowly, continuing to clip off split ends as you go.[9]
- You only need to clip off about of hair.
- Gather a new section of hair, repeating the same process. Pull together a new section of hair next to the one you just trimmed. Position your fingers the same way and start clipping off those split ends as you spot them. Do this process around your entire head, removing split ends while keeping your length.
- Use a hair clip or tie to clump together the sections of hair that you've already trimmed so that they're out of the way.
EditTrimming the Ends - Brush your dampened hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Use a brush with natural bristles, or a metal comb if preferred. While it's more useful to wet your hair beforehand no matter which type of hair you have, it's definitely necessary for wavy or curly hair so that it straightens out as you're brushing it.[10]
- Your hair doesn't need to be soaking wet, just damp.
- Try running your brush under the water before brushing your hair to help distribute the water.
- If you have textured hair, it's best to cut your hair when it's dry. It won't straighten when it's wet.
- Use a small comb to separate a section of hair. Once your hair has been brushed through, use a small comb to gather a section of hair. Start on one side of your head so that you can keep track of which sections you've already cut.
- Slip the section of hair in between your index and middle finger. Starting towards the top of the section of hair, put the section in between your index finger and middle finger so that your fingers are holding the strand tightly.[11]
- You can use any other fingers if desired—it's most important that the strand of hair is pulled straight.
- Slide your fingers down the section of hair towards the bottom. This will keep the section of hair straight, allowing you to get an accurate picture of what your ends look like. Stop sliding your fingers after there's only about of hair left at the end.[12]
- As you're sliding your fingers down the strand of hair, try to pull the strand away from your neck and out in front of you. This will allow you to cut the strand more easily.
- Cut off the ends of the section of hair. Make the cut perpendicular to the strand of hair so that you get an even cut. If you have split ends that go far up the hair shaft, you may have to cut more than .[13]
- Start by cutting off a small amount, just to be safe. You can always cut off more, if necessary.
- Move to the next section of hair, repeating the process. Section off another section of hair, trimming the ends perpendicular to the strand just as before. Use the previous section as a guide for cutting the proper length. Continue trimming the ends all around your head, giving yourself an even cut.[14]
- Have someone help you with the back of your head, if possible.
- Use a hair tie or clip to separate hair that needs to be trimmed from hair that has already been trimmed to avoid confusion.
EditPreventing Split Ends - Moisturize your hair with conditioner often and effectively. After shampooing your hair, don't forget to use conditioner, taking time to massage the conditioner onto your ends. Hair can split and break for a number of reasons, but often it's because the hair isn't properly moisturized.[15]
- Use a conditioner every time you shampoo for best results. You can also use a daily leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair even on days that you don't shampoo it.
- Use deep treatments for your hair weekly. Give your hair a little boost at least every week or so by doing a deep treatment. Deep treatments will give your hair more moisture and protection, so that if you go 2-3 days without shampooing and conditioning, your hair is sure to retain a lot of moisture.[16]
- Limit your use of heat tools. Even if you apply a heat protectant, tools such as curling irons or hair straighteners will still take a toll on your hair. While it's okay to use these tools sometimes, try not to use heat appliances on your hair every single day.[17]
- If you're using the blow dryer, put it on the lowest setting to cause less damage.
- Always apply a heat protectant to your hair before using a heat tool.
- Brush your hair using a wide tooth comb. A wide tooth comb is less likely to damage your hair and is great for detangling. It's especially important to use a wide tooth comb if you're brushing through wet hair, as wet hair is more likely to break and cause split ends.[18]
- Opt for softer hair ties to tie your hair up with. If you're using hair ties that are super tight and rough on your hair, this might be a cause of split ends. Look for softer elastic hair ties that stretch well and don't pull on your hair.[19]
- Get a trim every 8-12 weeks to keep your hair healthy. The longer you leave split ends, the more likely they are to climb up your hair shaft. By getting the ends trimmed every couple of months or so, you'll greatly reduce the likelihood of damaged hair.[20]
- If you chemically treat your hair, then it's especially important that you get regular trims.
- Use a pair of sharp cutting shears whenever you're cutting your hair. Using dull scissors will cause even more split ends.
- Trim your hair against a light background if you have dark hair, or vice versa.
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| How to Start an Essential Oil Business Posted: 19 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT Starting an essential oil business can be a creative and rewarding endeavour! Set up a company to make and sell your own oils, or purchase them wholesale to resell. Create an attractive website and various social media profiles, which will help you promote and grow your business. Sell your essential oils online, at community events, or in stores. EditSetting up Your Business - Choose a name for your essential oil company. An important step in establishing your company is coming up with a business name. Choose a name that stands out but also conveys that you are selling essential oils. In North America you are not required to apply to trademark your name, but it is a good idea if you want it to be unique.[1]
- Apply for a city business license online or by mail. To set up a business license for your essential oil company, visit your state's official website. In most states, you can file for a license online or print a form to mail in. Pay any required fees, which will vary by state.[2]
- For instance, in Boston you will have to submit a completed business certificate form and submit it in person or by mail, along with a $65 filing fee.[3]
- Incorporate your essential oil business. To protect yourself from personal liability with regard to your business' debts and agreements, incorporate the company. Call or email your state office to get specific instructions for how to apply for incorporation. Obtain the correct paperwork online or from a local government office. [4]
- For instance, if you get into a contract dispute with a supplier, you will not be personally liable for any fees or charges owed to them by your company.
- It is easiest to file for incorporation through a lawyer, but you can save money by using books and software to do it yourself.
- Calculate your start-up costs. To calculate your start-up costs, take into account all of the one-time expenses you will incur when starting your essential oil business. Always overestimate costs to ensure that you plan and budget for all contingencies. Start-up costs, which will tell you the minimum amount of capital you will need to raise or borrow to open your business, could include:[5]
- Registration or license fees
- Legal and professional fees
- Purchase of equipment to make and bottle essential oils
- Advertising and promotion for your company's grand opening
- Starting inventory of essential oils
- Initial fees for your website and e-commerce platform
- Work out your recurring operating costs. Figure out how much capital your company will need to run each month by calculating your monthly expenses. These operating expenses should be overestimated to make sure that you budget sufficiently for the future. Recurring operating costs will include:[6]
- Supplies and stock of essential oils
- Rent and utilities, if you are opening a physical store
- Monthly website and e-commerce store fees
- Salaries, if you are hiring employees
- Contingency costs
- Study other essential oil businesses to understand the market. In order to structure your business and set prices, observe other successful essential oil businesses online or in your area. Take note of their pricing and most popular products. Draw inspiration from these companies and identify any holes in the market that your own essential oil business can fill.[7]
- For instance, you might notice that the essential oil companies you study do not sell eucalyptus oil, which could be an opportunity to fill a hole in the market.
- Observe the advertising techniques of your competitors. Study competitor websites and their search engine rankings to see how you should target your advertising approach. You should also check paid search results for essential oil companies to see if its a worthwhile investment for your company. Look for your competitors on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see how they are marketing themselves.[8]
- You can also read online reviews of other essential oil companies to see what customers like and dislike about their products and service.
EditBuilding Your Product Inventory - Purchase an essential oil distiller. Large essential oil distiller machines are available for purchase online. Look for a model with a 20-liter capacity or more. If you want to distill different kinds of essential oils at the same time, purchase multiple distillers.[9]
- Distillers range in price, size, and quality, but you will likely pay at least $500 for the equipment.
- Set up your distiller in a designated production area. Choose a safe and spacious environment to set up your essential oil distiller. This area should be cool and free of flammable materials. Keep in mind that you will need a burner or stove for the distilling process.
- If you are producing essential oils at home, a garage or basement would be the best location for this set-up.
- Choose what essential oils you will make for your product line. Essential oils can be derived form a variety of garden herbs, spices, and flowers. Decide what scents you want to be a part of your product line and start looking for suppliers at local markets or farms. You can also choose to make unique blends of different ingredients.[10]
- For instance, you can choose to focus on relaxing scents like lavender and chamomile.
- Try to find a regular supplier for the main ingredients you use to ensure quality and consistent prices.
- Grow your own essential oil ingredients to keep production costs low. To grow your own ingredients year round, start an indoor herb garden that will be safe from the elements. You can also plant flowers in an outdoor garden for beautifully scented ingredients when the weather allows. Be sure to grow more than what you need to produce essential oils in case you lose some of your crop.
- For instance, mint, lavender, and oregano are easy plants to grow and harvest.
- Bottle your essential oils in colored glass bottles. Order small colored glass bottles from a supplier online to hold your essential oils. Colored glass protects essential oils from UV rays, and will resist leaks much better than plastic bottles. Be sure to order sturdy bottles, which will not break easily during transport or shipping.[11]
- Essential oils are usually packaged in small, bottles.
- Choose how the oil should be dispensed from the bottle. Decide if you want your bottles to have droppers or pipettes inside to disperse the oil. Be sure that the caps on the bottles still close securely, as an opening or ill-fitting cap could result in the oil evaporating. If you wish, omit any sort of dispensing tool so customers can pour the oil directly from the bottle. [12]
- Buy oils from a wholesale supplier if you don't want to make them. Essential oils can be purchased from a wholesale supplier and resold online or in a store. Find a supplier that will sell bulk orders that suit your budget and storage capacity. As a general rule, wholesale orders will have to add up to at least $3,000.[13]
- If you choose to re-sell essential oils, appeal to customers by offering a wide selection of them.
EditSelling Your Essential Oils - Build a website for your company. Make a website to advertise and sell your essential oils. Your company's website should include background information about the business, as well as your contact information. Include a detailed listing of all of your products complete with photos.
- To optimize your business, you should start a website even if you are opening a physical storefront to sell your essential oils.
- Choose an e-commerce platform to sell your oils online. To be able to sell products through your website, you will need to choose an e-commerce platform to host your online store. Opt for a popular platform that does not charge a monthly or annual fee. Sign up online and follow the directions to get your store up and running.[14]
- Shopify is an example of a popular e-commerce platform that does not charge monthly or annual fees.
- Link directly to your store on your website.
- Make company profiles on social media platforms to gain exposure. Social media is the best way to advertise your business for free. Open accounts on Facebook, Twitter , and Instagram to promote your products and gain followers. Ask your friends and family to share your posts to gain visibility and build a larger client base. [15]
- You can a share pictures of new essential oils that your company starts manufacturing, or post pictures of different ways your customers can use essential oils.
- Sign up to sell your oils at community events to build a client base. Festivals, expositions, and other local events can provide great opportunities to advertise your business, talk up your products, and get new customers. Sign up as a vendor at such events and bring essential oils to sell, as well as sample bottles for new customers to test out. Encourage people to visit your website or social media pages for more information.[16]
- To leave your mark, print business cards or brochures about your essential oils to distribute at these events.
- Sell to retail stores that carry similar products to broaden your market. Research stores that carry essential oils or other natural products and contact them about the possibility of selling your oils. If possible, find out the name of the store buyer or department manager to make sure that you deal with them directly, which will up your chances of making a deal. Once a retailer agrees to carry your product line, accept their payment by credit card or give them 30 days to send a check for the order.[17]
- As a general rule, you should charge the retailer double your cost for the items being sold.
- Open an essential oils store if you have a very large product line. If you succeed at selling your essential oils online or at events, invest in opening your own store. Make sure that you have enough capital, stock, and demand to support a physical storefront. Hire employees who can learn about and promote each product of your essential oil line to make sales. [18]
- If you open a store, you will have to factor in regular expenses such as rent, utilities, employee salaries, renovation, and store maintenance.
- Invest in decorating your store and creating unique displays to attract new customers.
- Start small by only producing a few types of essential oil to avoid losing money.
- Include an expiration date and storage instructions on your essential oil bottles.
- Give small samples to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
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| How to Treat a Back Spasm Posted: 19 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT While any back pain is hard to deal with, the involuntary contraction of a back spasm can cause excruciating pain that brings you to your knees. The unfortunate truth is that if you have a back spasm once, you're likely to have one again. Back spasms are most typically caused by a series of small strains that inflame the muscle. The inflammation sensitizes the surrounding nerves, causing the muscle to contract and spasm. If you have a back spasm, you likely first want to relieve the pain. Once the pain is dulled, take steps to treat the cause of the spasm and keep it from happening again.[1] EditRelieving the Pain - Apply ice for 20 minutes. Use an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel. Lie on your back and place the ice pack underneath you on the spot where the spasm occurred. Relax in this position for about 20 minutes, breathing deeply.[2]
- You may want to lie on an incline to reduce the pressure on your back. For a lower back spasm, you may get more relief if you elevate your legs.
- Repeat as needed every 2 hours for the next 48 to 72 hours. Don't lay on the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time, and don't fall asleep on an ice pack. Prolonged exposure can cause frostbite or nerve damage.
- Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. Common OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).[3]
- You may also get relief from acetaminophen (Tylenol). While it does not have anti-inflammatory properties, it has a smaller chance of upsetting your stomach.
- You can also try a muscle relaxant, like Flexall or Percogesic. Use the smallest dose possible, as these can cause drowsiness.
- Try to walk around. While your first instinct after a back spasm may be to lie down, a short walk will get your blood moving and can help jumpstart the healing process. Start with short walks every hour or so immediately following the spasm.[4]
- If you lay down for too long, you can actually make the problem worse. Inactivity causes your muscles to stiffen, which can lead to more pain or even another spasm.
- Walking and other low-stress aerobic activity, like swimming, are great things to do during the first 2 weeks. Start slowly and gradually increase your length of exercise over this time.
- Apply moist heat after 72 hours. After 3 days, the initial swelling and inflammation will have gone down. At this point, you can start using heat to increase blood flow and loosen your muscles. Use a commercial heat pack, or soak in a warm bath.[5]
- Moist heat is preferable because it won't cause dehydration. Staying well hydrated is important both for the treatment and prevention of muscle spasms generally.
- Ask your doctor for a cortisone injection. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication that works to decrease inflammation around your nerves. While it acts similarly to OTC anti-inflammatory medications, the relief lasts several months rather than just a few hours.[6]
- A cortisone injection only relieves the pain associated with your muscle spasms. It does not treat the underlying cause.
EditAddressing the Source of the Spasm - Determine what triggered the spasm. A back spasm may be triggered by a prolonged period of inactivity followed by a sudden movement. Back spasms also may follow overuse of the back muscles, such as heavy lifting, or some other injury.[7]
- There are many different treatments for back spasms. Understanding what caused the spasm can help you find the most effective treatment.
- If your spasm was caused by a sudden movement after a period of inactivity, you have no further underlying physical problem that needs treatment. Simply use ice and heat, stay active, and do some gentle stretching.[8]
- You may want to discuss the incident with your doctor. They can help you identify the probable trigger of your muscle spasm. You might also talk to a personal trainer or physical therapist.
- Try massage therapy to reduce stress and tension. Massage therapy from a certified professional can improve circulation and help your muscles relax. If you feel your spasm was caused by general stress, massage therapy can help.[9]
- You may notice a difference after a single session. However, typically you need several sessions over the course of a couple of months if you want to see lasting results from massage therapy.
- See your primary physician for an official diagnosis. If at-home treatment doesn't resolve your problem, or if you continue to have muscle spasms in the same area, your primary physician may order tests to identify the cause.[10]
- Discuss your back spasms with your doctor, and tell them what you've been doing to treat them at home.
- Your doctor may order X-rays, CAT scans, or an MRI to further evaluate the condition of your back.
- Get physical therapy for muscular injuries. If you tore or injured a muscle, physical therapy can help rehabilitate that muscle. Physical therapy also helps correct muscle imbalances, which can cause one muscle to overwork and lead to spasms.[11]
- A physical therapist can also provide you with a custom exercise routine designed to treat the specific issues that are causing your back spasms.
- Visit a chiropractor for spinal issues. If your spine is out of alignment, or if you've had a spinal injury, such as a herniated disc, you may need chiropractic care to address the cause of your back spasms.[12]
- Chiropractors typically use manual adjustments to move your spine into alignment. They may also use therapeutic exercise, massage, and other treatments to stimulate your muscles and nerves.
- Rule out neurological conditions. Muscle spasms can be caused by serious neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's. If you have frequent muscle spasms with no identifiable trigger, relay your concerns to your doctor.[13]
- Your doctor will discuss any other possible symptoms you might have and refer you to a neurologist for further testing if they believe it is warranted.
- If you start experiencing incontinence (or the inability to hold your urine in), see a doctor, as this can be a sign of major underlying conditions.
EditPreventing Future Spasms - Drink water to stay well hydrated. Muscle cramps and spasms can be caused by dehydration. While staying well hydrated won't necessarily prevent a back spasm from ever happening again, it will help your muscles remain loose.[14]
- Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for proper hydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which are diuretics and will dry you out.[15]
- Stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight can put more pressure on your back and musculoskeletal system, increasing your chances of developing a back spasm. Make sure that your weight is right for your height. Look up your BMI or ask a doctor for a physical evaluation.
- If you need to lose weight, consult a registered dietitian for a diet plan that works for you. Slowly incorporate more exercise into your day once your back spasm clears up.
- Correct mineral deficiencies in your diet. If your diet is lacking in calcium, magnesium, or potassium, you may have more frequent muscle spasms. Even if you're working with a physical therapist or a chiropractor, your spasms may continue if you have these mineral deficiencies.[16]
- Look for whole food sources of these minerals first. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, while bananas and potatoes are good sources of potassium.
- If you have a mineral deficiency, reduce or eliminate your consumption of coffee and processed sugar, which impede your body's absorption of minerals.
- Walk to stay active. Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent future back spasms. Walking is a low-impact activity and is generally easy on your back. Start with shorter walks and work up to a 20-minute walk every day.[17]
- Cycling and swimming are two other exercises that are low impact and particularly good for your back.
- If you have access to a gym, you might also try 15 to 20 minutes on an elliptical or stair-climbing machine.
- Incorporate stretching into your exercise regimen. Yoga or pilates can help improve the flexibility and range of motion in your back. Try a few basic stretches before and after any activity to keep your back muscles loose.[18]
- With any stretching, only stretch as far as you can comfortably. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately. You could cause further damage to your muscles.
- Gentle stretches can also be helpful to reduce pain immediately after a back spasm.
- Use a lumbar support pillow while sitting. Place the pillow between your lower back and seat to help you sit up properly. Do this while working at a desk or driving for long periods. Get up at least once an hour to walk around. Avoid sitting for too long at 1 time.
- Avoid hunching over while sitting.
- If you have to sit for a long time, change positions often.
- Start strength training to build core muscles once your back spasm heals. The muscles in your core create a natural corset that keeps your spine in alignment and your back in correct posture. Strengthening your core can help you avoid future back spasms.[19]
- The plank is a basic core strengthening exercise that you can do without any equipment. Lie on your stomach on the floor, propped up on your elbows with your forearms flat on the floor. Raise up until only your toes and your forearms are supporting your body. Activate your core and hold the position for 20 seconds to start.
- Practice your plank several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you hold the position.
- Make sure you're breathing deeply and regularly while holding the plank. Many people have a tendency to hold their breath when they activate their core.
- Avoid jerky or fast movements while lifting weights or heavy objects, as these may cause a back spasm.
- Back spasms rarely require surgery unless the problem stems from an anatomical defect or is associated with unrelenting pain and progressive muscle weakness.[20]
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