| How to Heel Flip Posted: 23 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST The heel flip (or heelflip) is a beautiful skateboard trick, and looks absolutely mint when you're able to execute it properly. To do a successful heel flip, use your back foot to pop the board, jump straight up, kick the board with your front heel to spin it, "catch" the board with your feet, and stick the landing. It takes a while to master this trick, so keep practicing! EditPositioning Your Board, Feet, and Body - Put on a helmet and other safety gear. You're almost certainly going to fall a few times while learning to heel flip, so it's important to protect yourself. Wear a skateboarding helmet that fits properly, as well as gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads.[1]
- Place your skateboard level pavement where it can remain stationary. The heel flip isn't the easiest maneuver to master, and adding forward movement to the process makes it even more challenging. Learn to do heel flips when your skateboard isn't rolling forward before attempting them while in motion.[2]
- A level parking lot is a good spot for practice. A grassy area might provide a softer landing, but your board won't lift off the ground as easily.
- Position your feet over the tail and mid-front of the board. Put your back (right) foot right at—and parallel to—the tail (back edge) of the skateboard, with the back of your heel just slightly hanging over the side. Place your front (left) foot slightly forward of the middle of the board, angled so that your toes are pointing to the front right corner of the board. The big toe of your front foot should hang off the edge a bit.[3]
- If you're riding "goofy foot" (with your left foot back), your front (right) foot should be angled to point toward the front left corner of the board. Every subsequent maneuver will be the mirror image of what is described here.
- Center your weight and keep your shoulders and eyes faced forward. Bend your knees slightly and distribute your weight evenly over each leg. Rotate your upper body so that your shoulders are facing more to the front than the side of the board.[4]
- Keep your eyes focused forward and, when you do the actual flip, down toward the front of your skateboard.
EditManeuvering Your Feet on the Board Simultaneously - Push down the board's tail with your back foot. Give the board a firm downward push with your back foot to tip the tail toward the ground. As you push, start to bend your knees more deeply as you get ready to jump.[5]
- You want to crouch so low that your fingers can touch the ground. Otherwise, you won't be able to generate enough power to flip the board.
- Each movement in this section—dropping the board's tail, crouching your body, and tilting and sliding your front foot—should occur simultaneously. Practice doing them all at the same time.
- Tilt your front foot slightly forward at the same time. Roll the ankle of your front leg forward a little so that the inside of your front foot lifts off the board. Don't tilt so far that you lose your balance, however.[6]
- The outer edge of the bottom of your shoe should still be in complete contact with the board.
- Slide your tilting front foot diagonally on the board. As you tilt your front foot forward, also start sliding it in the direction your toes are pointed. In doing so, the front of your foot will begin to slide off of the front right corner of the skateboard.[7]
- If you're riding "goofy foot," keep in mind that your front foot will move toward the front left corner of the board instead.
EditKicking the Board as You Jump Upward - Jump up when the tail hits the ground and your heel's on the edge. Time your downward crouch so that you're able to spring upward at the moment you feel and hear the tail of your board hit the ground. At this same instant, your front foot should be tilted forward and sliding just off the edge of the board.[8]
- When it comes to a good heel flip, timing is everything. Practice doing everything up to this point many times without actually continuing into the jump itself. Start jumping upward only when you have the timing down pat.
- Kick out with your front foot as you jump upward. As you begin your liftoff from the board, kick your front foot forward in the direction that you're already sliding it. As part of the kick, rotate your ankle so that the toes of your front foot begin to angle upward.[9]
- Make sure the motion is a forward and upward kick, not a forward and downward stomp.
- Your feet should still be in contact with the board at this point. The board will lift off the ground with you for the first instant of your jump.
- Clip the edge of the board with your heel to rotate it. This is the most critical, and most challenging, part of a heel flip. As you kick out your front foot and rotate your toes slightly skyward, the heel of that foot will naturally flick downward. You need this "heel flick" to strike the inside-front edge of the board with enough power to begin a full rotation.[10]
- Give the board a good hard shove with your front heel. Otherwise, it won't flip all the way around.
- The only way to master this element of the heel flip is practice, practice, and more practice. Work on a solid, level surface and plan to "bail out" on the move many times until you get it right.
EditSticking the Landing - Watch the board rotate while you hover above it. As you continue upward to the high point of your jump, keep your eyes focused on the front of the board below you. Watch as it rotates in a clockwise direction, propelled by the kick you just gave it with your front heel.[11]
- Make sure your jump has enough height. You don't want the board to get caught under your feet. Raise your knees up as you hit the apex of the jump if you need extra clearance from the board.
- "Catch" the board in the air with your feet as it completes a rotation. If everything is going according to plan, you will begin your descent from your jump just as the top of your board is reappearing into your view. When the board is about to complete a full rotation, extend your feet straight downward to make contact with the top of the board.[12]
- You'll have re-established contact with the board at this point, but both you and the board will still be airborne.
- Try to make contact with the board so that your feet are over the 2 sets of bolts that are visible on the board's top. These 2 pairs of bolts are directly above the front and back wheels, respectively.
- Keep your knees bent and weight centered as you land the board. Maintain secure contact between both feet and the board as the wheels hit the ground. Flex your knees a bit more to absorb the landing. Do your best to keep your body weight centered over your feet equally, instead of leaning forward, backward, or to the side.[13]
- As mentioned, try to land with your feet over the bolts. Doing so will provide a safer, smoother landing, and prevent your board from snapping.
- Move on to heel flipping while your board is in motion. Once you can consistently land a heel flip on a stationary skateboard, try it while in motion. Propel yourself forward on the board and follow the process as before.[14]
- Landing squarely becomes more difficult when you do the trick while in motion, so be prepared to fall a few times. Work on keeping your center of gravity over the board, and focus your eyes on the board while you're in the air above it.
- When you can land it consistently with the board in motion, consider yourself a successful heel-flipper.
- If you can't land it at first, don't give up hope—just keep trying!
- If the board ends up behind you when you try to land, focus on jumping straight upward, keeping your body straight, and keeping your eyes on the board.
- Check out some other great skateboard tricks, like the kick flip, pop shove it, and pressure flip.
- Be careful, because you can easily land in a credit card position (that is, with the board vertically between your legs).
- Skate within your abilities, and master the move on flat ground with a stationary board first.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Wear a Wig Posted: 23 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST Wearing a wig can easily change or enhance your look. You may want to wear a wig if you are going to a costume party, but it can also be an everyday essential when you want a different color or style. Wearing a wig can be a far cheaper and less intrusive way to deal with hair loss, too. No matter the reason for your wig, you can wear it successfully if you know the right type for you and how to put it on properly. EditChoosing the Right Wig - Choose a wig close to your natural hair for a subtle transition. If this is your first time wearing a wig, and you want it to look natural, be sure to find a wig that resembles your natural hair in color, texture, and style.[1]
- Once you get comfortable wearing the wig, you will feel more confident and may want to experiment with new and different styles.
- Your hairstylist is a great resource for helping you choose a wig. You can ask them for anything from recommendations of wig specialists in the area to what style and color would look good on you.
- Measure your head to get the right fit. Use a soft tape measure to find out the circumference of your head. To do this, measure from the front hairline to just behind your ear, along the back of your neck, around to the other ear, and then back again to the front hairline. Record this measurement and use it when you shop online or in a store for your wig.[2]
- Invest in a human hair wig for the most natural look and feel. Human hair wigs can easily be styled, cut, and dyed. They also have the most natural movement and shine. They are more expensive, but they are also more durable.[3]
- To find a human hair wig, start by going to your local wig specialist. If you don't find what you need there, or you don't have one nearby, try searching for online wig retailers.
- Depending on your preferences, human hair wigs can cost between $800-$3000.[4]
- A human hair wig also needs to be washed regularly.
- Try a synthetic hair wig for a minimal styling option. The advantage of synthetic hair wigs is that they don't require much styling to wear. They also retain curls, waves and volume. You can usually wear synthetic wigs in rain or snow without messing up your hairstyle. Although many synthetic wigs will not look as natural as human hair wigs, you can find high-quality synthetic hair wigs that look almost exactly like real human hair.[5]
- Synthetic hair wigs cost between $30-$500.[6]
- You will have limited options for changing the style of a synthetic wig because the strands are sensitive to heat styling tools. You can buy a heat-resistant synthetic wig or use more gentle straightening or curling methods.
- Choose a lace front wig if you like to wear your hair away from your face. A lace front wig creates an undetectable hairline in the front of the wig so you won't have to worry about sweeping your hair up and away from your face. It also allows you to part your hair wherever you would like.[7]
- For an even more natural look, get a wig that is hand-tied instead of machine-made. Each individual hair is hand-tied to the wig cap, so you won't be able to see any machine stitching at all.
- Ask your stylist to cut the wig in a style that complements your face. Once you have your wig, don't be afraid to change up the style. Consult with your stylist about what would look best on you. A flattering cut will help you feel more like yourself in the wig.[8]
- Remember to tell your stylist what type of wig you have, since human hair and synthetic wigs have to be treated differently.
EditPutting on the Wig - Pull your hair away from your face. If you are covering your natural hair with a wig, you will need to get it out of the way before you put the wig on. Brush your hair back away from your face with your hands or a hair brush. Pin it back using 3-4 bobby pins towards the back of your head.[9]
- After you've pinned the hair back, you can spray it with hairspray to keep it securely in place.
- Pin up long hair to help hide it under the wig. Split your hair into two sections. Bring the right section up along the left side of your head and pin it in place using a row of bobby pins. Space the bobby pins about apart.[10]
- Try to get your hair to lie as flat as possible. Don't twist it as you pin it up or it will be more bulky.
- For very long, unruly hair, braid your hair into two French braids that sit tight against the scalp. Cross them at the nape of your neck and secure them at the top and bottom with hair clips.
- Put a wig cap on your head before the wig. To keep your hair covered and help secure the wig, place the wig cap against your natural hairline in the front. Stretch it over to fit onto your head from the front to the back. Tuck away any stray hairs into the cap.[11]
- If you have a lot of long hair clipped up or braided, it may be easier to put the cap on from the back to the front to help keep your hair in place.
- You can also make your own wig cap if you want the perfect custom fit.
- Secure the cap in place with snap clips. Use 6 clips spaced evenly across the front of your head and 4 at the back of your head. Make sure the bottom of the clip is under the wig cap to secure it in place.
- Put on the wig. Hold the wig with both hands inside the wig, with the back of the wig facing you. Tilt your head forward and put the front of the wig against your front hairline. Slide the wig on your head and slip your hands out from under it. Adjust the edge of the wig so it lines up with your hairline.[12]
- Secure the wig with glue or tape. Once you've put the wig on, lift up the edge of the wig on one side. Apply glue or tape along your hairline. Release the edge of the wig and press it gently into the adhesive. Repeat along the top of your hairline and on the other side.
- Find wig glue and tape at your local wig shop, costume shop, or online.
- If you are using glue, keep the edge of the wig lifted for about 30 seconds to allow the glue to dry before you place the wig back down for an extra secure hold.
- If you wig fits very well and has clips attached to it, you may be able to skip the glueing or taping. Simply tuck the wig clips in underneath your wig cap and press the center of the clip to snap it shut.
EditTroubleshooting Common Problems - Gain more confidence in your wig by wearing it around family and friends. If you are nervous about wearing your wig in public, try wearing it just around select friends or family members. This will allow you to test out whether the wig will stay in place and feel comfortable. It will also help you feel more confident.[13]
- Wear a hat or scarf over your wig when it's windy. If you are worried your wig might come off or get blown out of place on a windy day, try accessorizing your wig to make it more secure. Be sure to use wig glue or clips for extra stability.[14]
- Try a straw hat with a cotton liner for warm, windy days.
- Drape a colorful scarf over your head and tie the ends under your chin for an easy way to protect your wig against the wind.
- Be careful when you are taking off your hat so you don't inadvertently take your wig off at the same time. Fasten the wig down especially well with glue and/or clips and take your hat off very carefully to avoid this. If you are concerned your wig will come off, take your hat off in the bathroom or other private place.
- Avoid extremely tight-fitting hats like beanies. Although it may seem like it will secure your wig better, it is difficult to take a tight hat off without taking the wig off with it.
- You can also fasten your hat to your wig using bobby pins.
- Use a cotton wig liner for hot days. If you find you are sweating a lot under your wig on especially hot days, try wearing a thin cotton wig liner. The material will soak up extra sweat to help you stay cool.[15]
- You can find wig liners at your local wig supplier or online.
- For extra sweat-fighting protection, sprinkle baby powder on your scalp before you put your wig on.
EditThings You'll Need - Bobby pins
- Snap clips
- Wig glue or tape
- Wig cap
- Cotton wig liner (optional)
- Shampoo and condition your hair and scalp regularly to remove dirt and sebum and keep it healthy.[16]
- Take off your wig and take out any braids or clips at night.[17]
- Don't wear a wig on top of wet hair. This can cause bacteria to grow.[18]
- Wearing a wig for extended periods of time can cause damage to your hair and even contribute to hair loss. Be sure to take your wig off regularly to let your scalp breathe, and don't neglect caring for your natural hair by keeping it clean and well-moisturized.[19]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Drive Uphill Posted: 23 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST Driving uphill can be tough, especially if the slope is steep. In particular, if you drive a manual, you might have problems with stalling or rolling backwards. Shifting to a lower gear is the key to delivering power to your wheels and controlling your speed. Even if you drive an automatic, manually downshifting is wise when driving both uphill and downhill. In addition to mastering downshifting, you should also work on parking and starting techniques. It might take a little practice, but you can get the hang of driving uphill in no time! EditShifting Manually to a Lower Gear - Accelerate as you approach the hill, but maintain a safe speed. Steadily increase speed as you approach the hill so inertia will help your vehicle ascend the incline. Gain inertia, but be sure to obey the posted speed limit.[1]
- Accelerate gently and steadily instead of pressing hard on the gas pedal, especially in slippery conditions.[2]
- Depress the clutch, then shift to a lower gear. Press the clutch, ease off of the gas pedal, and shift the gear stick 1 to 2 gears lower than your current one. When you ease off of the gas to downshift, the RPM (revolutions per minute, or how hard the engine is working) will decrease. The right RPM at which to downshift varies, so check your vehicle's manual.[3]
- Generally speaking, downshift to third at around 3000 to 4000 RPM, or around 30 to 40 mph (about 45 to 60 kph), and to second at 2000 to 3000 RPM, or around 20 to 30 mph (about 30 to 45 kph).[4]
- Release the clutch gradually as you step on the gas. After you've shifted to a lower gear, gradually ease off of the clutch as you gently depress the gas pedal. The RPM will continue to decrease when you're in the lower gear, so gradually press the gas pedal harder to balance the RPM with your road speed.[5]
- Downshift to first or second before climbing a very steep hill. If you're ascending a very steep slope or driving a heavy vehicle, downshift all the way to first or second gear before you approach the hill. If you stay in third and have trouble getting up the hill, your vehicle may slip backwards when you try to downshift.[6]
- Downshift to first at a speed of 10 to 15 mph (about 15 to 25 kph).
- Downshift promptly if you're climbing the hill and start to lose speed. Third gear should be fine for moderately hilly terrain. However, you'll need to downshift quickly if you lose speed or if your engine roars and whines, which means it's struggling. To prevent stalling or overheating, depress the clutch, shift to second gear, then accelerate as you release the clutch.[7]
- If the engine is still unable to keep up with the incline and your road speed has fallen below 10 mph (about 15 kph), downshift to first gear and accelerate.
EditDownshifting with an Automatic Transmission - Speed up as you approach the hill, but obey posted speed limits. Steadily depress the gas pedal to accelerate before you start climbing the hill. While you want to gain momentum, be sure to keep your speed within the posted speed limit.[8]
- Remember to drive slower in slippery conditions. Avoid pressing the accelerator hard and abruptly, especially if the road is wet or icy.[9]
- Downshift if you're ascending a steep hill or driving a heavy vehicle. Unless the hill is steep, your vehicle is heavy, or you're hauling a trailer, manually downshifting an automatic transmission isn't absolutely necessary. That said, manually downshifting can give you more control over your speed and is easier on your engine.[10]
- An automatic transmission will downshift for you when you drive uphill. However, for moderately steep slopes, it's wise to shift to the gear range marked D2, 2, or L to ascend and descend the hill. For steep slopes that you can't ascend at a speed faster than 10 mph (about 15 kph), shift to D1 or 1.
- Ease off of the gas pedal, then shift to D2 once your RPM decreases. To downshift your automatic, reduce pressure on the gas pedal, press the gear stick's release button, and move it to D2. If you're driving at 4000 or 4500 RPM, wait to shift until your meter is around 3000 RPM, then press the gas pedal to resume a steady speed.[11]
- Most newer models automatically prevent the stick from shifting if the road speed and RPM are too high. If the gear stick is locked, trying shifting when the RPM has decreased to 3000.
- Downshift to the lowest gear if the hill is very steep. For steeper hills, shift to D1, if it's available, once you've slowed to 10 to 15 mph (15 to 25 kph). Ease off of the gas, shift the gear stick to D1 or 1, then hit the accelerator to climb up the hill.[12]
- Additionally, if you have a newer vehicle, check for "Power" or "Hill Assist" buttons, which are settings that help make it easier to drive uphill.
EditExercising Caution on Hilly Terrain - Leave 4 to 10 seconds of distance between you and vehicles ahead. To set your following distance, watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a landmark. Count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand" until your vehicle passes the chosen landmark. Depending on the hill's grade and the road conditions, leave at least 4 seconds between you and any vehicles ahead of you.[13]
- For steeper hills or slick conditions, allow for a following distance of at least 10 seconds.
- When driving uphill, you'll need plenty of time to react to hidden obstacles or stalled or rolling car ahead of you. It's especially important to leave a safe following distance if you're driving behind a truck or heavy vehicle.
- Pass on hills or curves only if you can see at least ahead. As a rule of thumb, pass other vehicles when driving uphill only when absolutely necessary. If, for instance, a vehicle is driving so slow that it's affecting your ability to ascend, signal that you're passing them with your turn indicator. Overtake them only if you can clearly see far enough ahead to complete the pass.[14]
- Exact road rules vary by location. In some locations, passing on a hill or curve is legal only if there's at least of visibility. For others, it's advised to overtake another vehicle only if you can see ahead.
- Lower your speed when you reach the crest of the hill. Slow down to prepare for the descent, your car will pick up speed when you drive downhill. Additionally, ease off the gas just in case you need to react to any hidden vehicles, cyclists, or road hazards just beyond the hill's crest.[15]
- Be especially cautious if you aren't familiar with the road's twists and turns. If you do know that there's a sharp curve at the top of the hill, decelerate further to prepare for the turn.
- Avoid running your air conditioner to prevent overheating your engine. Driving uphill takes a toll on the engine, so overheating is a major risk. To minimize that risk, don't run the air conditioner, especially if the slope is steep or you're driving on hilly terrain for an extended period.[16]
- If necessary, roll the windows down to get some fresh air.
- Drive downhill in a low gear instead of coasting or dragging your brakes. Whether you drive a manual or automatic, descend a hill using the same gear you used to climb it. If you drive a manual, shifting to neutral to coast down the hill is dangerous. If you drive an automatic, engaging your brakes the entire way down the hill will wear out your brake pads and discs.[17]
- When you do need to brake, do your best to engage them gently and gradually instead of slamming them.
EditParking Your Vehicle on a Slope - Engage the parking brake when you park on a hill. Even if the grade is slight, pull up the handbrake to prevent your car from rolling backward. You can usually find the parking brake either on the center console of your car (between the driver and front passenger seats) or next to the gas and brake pedals.[18]
- The parking brake is also known as the handbrake.
- Turn your front wheels away from the curb if the car is facing uphill. Park next to the curb and turn the wheel sharply toward the roadway so the back of your curbside front wheel rests against the curb. That way, if your brakes fails, your car won't roll backwards—the curb will block the wheels from moving any further.[19]
- If you park your car facing downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. That way, if your car begins to roll down the hill, the front wheels will hit the curb and stop the car before it can descend any further.
- Leave your vehicle in first gear when you park if it's a manual. Instead of returning the stick to neutral when you park on a hill, keep it in first. If the car is in first gear and the parking brake fails, the engine should stop the wheels from turning.[20]
- Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, remember to always engage your parking brake when you park on a slope.
EditStarting and Braking Uphill with a Manual - Keep the parking brake engaged and put the car in first. If you parked, be sure to straighten your wheels, which were turned sharply. Align them in the direction you want to drive, and double that the parking brake is engaged. Then depress the clutch and shift the gear stick into 1st gear.[21]
- Since you're using the handbrake, your feet are free to operate the clutch and the gas pedals.
- Check that the road's clear, then bring the engine to 1500 RPM. Turn on your indicator, check your mirrors, and look behind you to ensure there's no oncoming traffic. If the road is clear, depress the gas pedal to reach 1500 RPM, then release the clutch slowly until you've reached the "biting point."[22]
- It takes a bit of practice to learn what the "biting point" or "friction point" feels like. It's as if you're pulling back the reigns of a horse, but the horse is ready to take off.
- Disengage the brake as you gently release the clutch and accelerate. As you slowly release the brake, the car should either remain still or slowly move forward. In either case, continue to release the brake, steadily apply more gas, and gradually release the clutch.[23]
- If the car starts to roll backward, engage both the parking brake and the foot brake, depress the clutch, and try again.
- Have patience if you don't get it right away. Managing the handbrake, clutch, and gas and finding the right rhythm can take some practice.
- Use the parking brake if you stop at a red light. If, rather than parking, you've stopped at a red light, put the car in neutral and engage the parking brake. When the light turns green, use the same steps to drive forward as for leaving a parking spot. Shift to first, release the parking brake, and accelerate.[24]
- If you're at a stop sign and need to wait for other vehicles to pass, use the parking brake. If you only need to pause for a moment, just use the foot brake.
- Use more gas if you're starting on steep hills. The steeper the incline, the more power you will need to get the car rolling forward. Additionally, release the clutch more slowly on steep hills.
EditStarting on a Hill with an Automatic - Keep the parking brake engaged so you don't roll backwards. Start the car, straighten your wheels, keep the parking brake engaged, and shift to drive (or, depending on the slope of the hill, D2 or D1).[25]
- Make sure the the road is clear and turn on your indicator. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for oncoming traffic. Be sure to put on your turn indicator to signal that you're pulling out into the street.[26]
- If you're parked on a steep slope, keep both your foot and parking brakes engaged until you accelerate out of the parking spot.
- Step on the gas gently as you release the parking brake. Double check that the road is clear, then slowly press the gas. Aim to bring the engine's RPM to about 200. Then lower the parking brake and immediately put more pressure on the gas pedal to merge smoothly onto the road.[27]
- When traveling down a steep incline, remember to keep your car in a low gear to control your speed and take pressure off of your brakes.
- Use the parking brake if you're stopped on a steeper hill. Press the foot brake when you come to a red light, then engage the parking brake. When the light turns green, release the parking and foot brakes as you accelerate forward.[28]
- An automatic should only roll backward a bit, so engaging the parking brake at a red light or stop sign isn't absolutely necessary. However, using the parking brake when you're stopped on steeper hills puts less stress on the transmission.
- Getting the hang of driving a manual uphill takes time, so try practicing on low-traffic sloped roads.
- If you're driving downhill on a narrow road, yield to vehicles traveling uphill. It's easier for a car driving downhill to back up, pull over, and allow the car driving uphill to pass.[29]
- If you're just starting to learn how to drive a manual, keep your eye on the tachometer, or the RPM meter. To learn when to shift, watch your engine's RPM and get feel for when the engine starts to sound labored.
- If you have an automatic transmission and you're parking on an incline, engage the parking brake, then put the car in park and release the foot brake. Engaging the parking brake first is easier on your transmission.
- Always stop completely before shifting into reverse. As a rule of thumb, slow to 10 to 15 mph (15 to 25 kph) before downshifting to first gear.
- If your call stalls or starts to roll backward, immediately engage your foot and parking brakes.
- A car with an automatic transmission should only roll backward slightly. If you have an automatic transmission and your car rolls back more than just a bit, bring your car to the mechanic.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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