| How to Make a Period Kit Posted: 27 Dec 2019 04:00 PM PST Whether you've been having periods for a few years or are waiting for your first one to start, your period can take you by surprise. Having a well-stocked period kit can help you be prepared, no matter what happens! If you're going to school, heading to work, or just out running errands for the day, having a portable period kit with you can be a lifesaver. It's also a good idea to have all the supplies you need at home in one convenient place. [Edit]Putting Together a Portable Kit - Pick a pouch that will fit in your bag or locker. To keep all your period supplies organized, pick out a nice pouch that's not too big to put in your backpack, purse, or locker. A zippered pencil case or cosmetics bag will work great for this.[1]
- If you feel self-conscious about what's in your kit, make sure to pick a pouch or bag that isn't see-through!
- If you drive, you could also store a kit in your car's glove compartment.
- Put in enough of your favorite sanitary products for at least 1 day. There are a ton of different period products you can choose from, and everyone has their own needs and preferences. Pack a variety of the products you like best in your period kit. Make sure to include at least enough to get you through 1 day.[2]
- For example, you might include 3 or 4 each of pads, tampons, and pantyliners.
- If you have enough space, you could pack 2 to 3 days' worth of products in your kit. That way, you won't have to refill the bag every day of your period.
- Try to include products that will work for both lighter and heavier flow days.
- If you're not sure what kinds of products to include, get advice from an experienced relative or friend.
- Include some wipes for easy cleanup. No matter how careful you are, periods can get messy. To help yourself clean up a bit, add a small pouch of personal cleansing wipes to your kit.[3]
- Make sure to use wipes that are free of dyes and perfumes so you don't irritate the sensitive skin around your vagina. Some doctors recommend using Tucks hemorrhoid pads instead of wipes.[4]
- Toss in some baggies for disposing of pads or tampons. Flushing pads or tampons down the toilet is terrible for the plumbing, but tossing them straight in the trash bin can be a little unsanitary. To dispose of your period products neatly, add a few plastic baggies to your kit.
- You can buy special bags just for this purpose, like Scensibles or Fab Little Bag. Diaper disposal bags are also a great option.
- If you're concerned about plastic waste, look for baggies that are biodegradable.
- Pack a change of underwear in case of leaks. A fresh pair of undies can be a lifesaver in case your period starts unexpectedly or your pad leaks. Put 1 or 2 clean pairs in your bag, just in case![5]
- If you have room, you might also include a rolled-up pair of leggings in case you have a major leak.
- Add some painkillers if you suffer from cramps. To keep period cramps from ruining your day, it's a good idea to have some over-the-counter pain medicine in your kit. Toss in a small bottle of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or whichever medication works best for you.[6]
- Always follow the directions on your medication packaging or from your doctor, and don't take more than the recommended dose.
- Keep a chocolate bar for extra comfort. There's not a lot of science to back it up, but many women swear by chocolate as a natural remedy for cramps. Even if it doesn't help your cramps much, a little chocolate might be just the thing to cheer you up when you have the period blues! Pack a chocolate bar in your kit for when you need an extra boost.
- There's some evidence that dark chocolate may be especially effective, so go for a dark chocolate bar or a handful of bite-sized dark chocolate candies.[7]
- Have a few coins on hand in case you need the vending machine. If you run out of pads or tampons, you might be able to use a bathroom vending machine in a pinch. Put some coins in your bag in case you run out of any essential supplies.
- In some areas, schools are required by law to provide free period products for their students.[8] If you're in school, ask a teacher or your school nurse about your school's policy.
[Edit]Assembling a Home Period Kit - Get a box or basket for your period supplies. A pretty box, basket, or storage hamper can make it easier to keep all your period supplies together. Choose something you can store in your bathroom or bedroom that's big enough to hold everything you need.[9]
- Store the kit next to your toilet for easy access when you need to change your pad or tampon.
- If you're uncomfortable with visitors seeing your period kit, get a storage container with a lid. If you like, you can choose something with a pretty pattern to give it some decorative flair!
- Fill your kit with a variety of period hygiene products. Get a selection of your favorite products to put in the kit. Make sure to include a variety of products for both light and heavy flow days (such as pads, tampons, and pantyliners).
- To make your products easier to access, you may want to take them out of the original box or package and arrange them neatly in your storage container.[10]
- Place at least enough products in the kit to get you through 1 period (i.e., a month's supply). Make sure to replace whatever you use before your next period.
- Put in some wipes to help you clean up. If you like being able to quickly freshen up when you're having your period, include a package of gentle, unscented personal wipes in your kit. If wipes are too irritating, some doctors recommend using Tucks hemorrhoid pads instead.[11]
- Never flush wipes down the toilet, even if they're supposed to be flushable. They can cause major clogs!
- Add a heating pad or hot water bottle to fight cramps. Heat can be seriously soothing when you have period cramps. Put a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or some heat patches in your kit so you can use them whenever you need them.[12]
- If you enjoy soaking in the bath during your period, keep some soothing bath salts or oils in the kit.
- Include some painkillers for extra cramp relief. Anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve your cramps.[13] Keep a bottle of whichever medication works best for you in your kit.
- Always take any pain medications according to your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions or the directions on the packaging.
- If you've never gone shopping for period supplies, ask a family member or friend who's already had their period to come along. They can give you advice and help you feel more comfortable picking out supplies.
- If you have cravings during your period, munching on some nutritious snacks can help. Keep some protein bars in your kit to give you energy, or put in some dried fruit or whole grain crackers to tackle sugar or salt cravings.[14]
[Edit]Warnings - Wearing a tampon for too long can cause you to develop a serious condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Never wear a tampon for longer than 8 hours.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Putting Together a Portable Kit - Zippered cosmetics bag or pencil case
- Period products (such as pads, tampons, and pantyliners)
- Unscented personal wipes
- Baggies for disposing of used period products
- Change of underwear
- Pain medication (ibuprofen or naproxen)
- Dark chocolate
- Coins for bathroom vending machines
[Edit]Assembling a Home Period Kit - Decorative box or basket
- Period supplies (such as pads, tampons, and pantyliners)
- Unscented personal wipes
- Heating pad, hot water bottle, or heat patches
- Soothing bath salts or oils
- Pain medication (ibuprofen or naproxen)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Maintain Balayage Posted: 27 Dec 2019 08:00 AM PST Balayage is a great hairstyle to have because it's easy to maintain and looks very natural. To keep your balayage looking fresh and vibrant, avoid washing your hair too often and use deep conditioning treatments to give your hair needed nutrients. If you want to touch up your balayage before your next hair appointment, apply your specific hair dye color to your roots or mid-length, combing the dye out through each strand to create the balayage effect. [Edit]Caring for Balayage Between Treatments - Color your hair once every four months to refresh the balayage. Because a balayage hairstyle requires less maintenance than traditional hair color, it's not necessary for you to go to the salon every month or 6 weeks. Instead, you can wait a few months before redoing your color.[1]
- If your roots begin to show or you just want it freshened up more frequently, you can visit your salon sooner or touch it up yourself at home.
- Use a purple shampoo or toner if your hair starts to look brassy. To get rid of the brassiness in your hair color, purchase a purple shampoo or a toner that neutralizes yellow and orange tones. Rub the toner or purple shampoo into your hair, following the directions on the bottle for how long to leave it in before rinsing it out. Even just using a purple shampoo or toner once or twice will help turn your brassy hair color into a more ashy tone.[2]
- Purchase a purple shampoo or toner from your local beauty store or online.
- Follow the directions on the bottle to know how much to use in each hair wash.
- Avoid over-washing your hair to keep it healthy. There's no need to wash your hair every single day. If you shampoo your hair too much, it'll cause it to dry out and become brittle. Try to wash your hair every two days or longer to keep your hair shiny and your balayage color fresh.[3]
- Use dry shampoo if your hair gets greasy between washings.
- Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair. Pick out a shampoo that doesn't have sulfates in it, which is an ingredient found in many regular shampoos that dries out your hair and can damage it. There are lots of sulfate-free options now, and using shampoo without sulfates will help keep your hair color bright and healthy.[4]
- Look for sulfate-free shampoo at your local grocery store, drugstore, or big box store.
- Scan the ingredients list on the back of your shampoo bottle to find out if it has sulfates in it such as sodium lauryl sulfate or polysorbates.
- Treat your hair with deep conditioning treatments once a week. Purchase a deep conditioner for your hair and apply it as a hair mask at least once a week, paying special attention to the ends of your hair. If you don't want to purchase a deep conditioning treatment, try a natural method by putting almond oil in your hair and leaving it for at least 10 minutes before washing it out.[5]
- You can find deep conditioners for your hair at your local beauty store or big box store. They are similar in consistency to regular conditioner, but are packed with nutrients to repair your hair.
- Use a heat protectant if you're styling your hair with heat tools. Colored hair can become damaged more easily by heat tools like curling irons, flat irons, and even hair dryers. If you're going to style your hair, spray a heat protectant on the strands of hair first to protect them from damage.[6]
- Use caution when using heat tools to make sure you don't burn yourself.
- Stay out of chlorine or salt water to avoid damaging your hair. If you're visiting the pool or beach, try not to get your hair wet. Chlorine and salt water can cause your hair to become discolored and dry it out. Pull your hair up in a bun to help keep it out of the water.[7]
- Wear a hat if you'll be out in the sun for long periods of time to protect your hair.
- If you do get chlorine or salt water in your hair, try to rinse it out as soon as possible.
[Edit]Applying the Hair Dye - Purchase a touch-up kit or specific matching hair dye for your hair. If you dyed your balayage yourself the first time, purchase the same brand and dye color that you used originally to make sure the color stays the same. If you had your original balayage done by a professional at a salon, ask your hairdresser what color they recommend using for quick root touch ups between sessions.[8]
- Visit a beauty store to ask an employee to help you pick out the right color, if desired.
- You'll also need to purchase a 20-volume developer to mix with your hair dye if you're not buying a kit that already contains it.
- Avoid washing your hair before you color it. The natural chemicals on your scalp are helpful during the dye process because they offer a layer of protection. Try not to wash your hair for at least a day leading up to your hair dye application for the best results.[9]
- It's a good idea to brush your hair out before dyeing it to make the process easier.
- Mix the dye with a 20-volume developer in a bowl. Read the instructions that come with your specific hair dye to be sure your ratio of dye to developer is correct, though most hair dyes take 1 part hair dye to 1 part developer. Mix these two ingredients in a bowl using your hair dye applicator brush.[10]
- Mix until you've created a creamy texture that's thoroughly combined.
- Wear gloves to keep your hands from getting dyed.
- Protect your work surface and clothing before you use the dye. Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting ruined in case you get dye all over them. Even if you're working in a space that's easy to clean like the kitchen or bathroom, it's best to put down a piece of plastic or newspaper to catch any spills or dye splatters.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your hairline to keep the dye from coloring your skin, if desired.
- Apply the dye to your roots only for a quick root touch-up. Dip the dye applicator brush into your dye mixture and brush the dye onto your roots in small sections. Avoid putting dye on sections of your hair that already have your desired color.[11]
- It doesn't matter where you part your hair for the first layer of dye, as you'll end up creating more parts later on.
- Brush the dye onto the mid-length or ends of your hair to freshen up the lower portion. Dip the dye brush into your hair dye and begin applying it to the area you'd like to touch up, whether it's the middle of your length or towards your ends. Swipe the dye brush down the length of your hair just instead of the whole length.[12]
- If you're adding dye because your balayage grew out, start applying the dye above where the current balayage area is.
- Tease your hair for a softer balayage effect by weaving the end of a comb horizontally through a wide section of hair before applying the color.
- Comb the hair dye down through your hair for the balayage effect. Use a comb to brush the section of dye you just applied to your roots, mid-length, or ends in long, even strokes. This will distribute the dye down the length of your hair, giving you the balayage effect.[13]
- Comb lightly—while you want the dye to extend down the length of your hair, you still want most of it to stay where you originally applied it.
- Continue applying the dye to your hair using the applicator brush. Keep brushing the hair dye onto your hair using even strokes, making sure you dye each section of hair thoroughly. Use the comb to blend the dye down through your lengths for the balayage look.[14]
- Create new parts in your hair to continue applying dye to your roots.
- Keep going around your head evenly if you're dyeing your mid-lengths or ends, using hair clips to section off the top or bottom layers if needed.
- If you're worried about creating a visible line in your hair, comb the dye out down your length of hair. Comb it again starting a little above where you applied the dye for a more blended look.
- Wait the recommended amount of time before rinsing the dye out. This is usually 20-30 minutes. Read the instructions that come with your dye to find the exact amount of time they recommend that you wait, just to be sure. Rinse your hair out using cool, clean water in the shower. Massage your roots with your fingers while you're rinsing to make sure you get all of the dye out.[15]
- Set a timer to help you remember when it's time to rinse.
- Use a toning mask after you've rinsed out the dye to give your hair extra shine. Once you've waited the recommended amount of time, rinse this out too.
- Dry and style your hair as desired for your final look.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Caring for Balayage Between Treatments - Purple shampoo or toner
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Heat protectant (optional)
[Edit]Applying the Hair Dye - Touch-up kit
- 20-volume developer
- Hair dye applicator brush
- Bowl
- Gloves
- Plastic or newspaper
- Petroleum jelly (optional)
- Comb or brush
- Toning mask (optional)
- Heat protectant (optional)
- Timer (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Get Tested for Allergies Posted: 27 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST If you feel like you're constantly reacting to some irritant, it's a good idea to find out what's triggering your allergic reaction. Talk with an allergist about what you think usually causes your allergies and schedule a skin or blood test. They can test for 30 to 40 allergens at a time. Learning what you're actually allergic to will help you make lifestyle changes, start medication, or change your diet so can successfully manage your allergies. [Edit]Doing a Skin Test - Talk with an allergist about testing for specific allergens. If you suspect you're allergic to a certain substance, ask your allergist if they can perform a skin test to make a diagnosis. Skin tests can reveal if you have:[1]
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- Allergic asthma
- Dermatitis (eczema)
- Food allergies
- Penicillin allergy
- Bee venom allergy
- Latex allergy
- Determine if you need a prick test, injection test, or a patch test. There are different skin tests to diagnose different allergens. Your allergist will work with you to determine which test is right for you. Prick tests are often used to test for a lot of allergens, such as pollen, mold, dander, or food, all at once. If you think you are allergic to venom or penicillin, you should have an injection test. Consider getting a patch test if you think you have contact dermatitis.[2]
- Patch tests are also good for diagnosing delayed reactions since the test lasts several days.
- Avoid taking medications that could interfere with the skin test. Tell your allergist which medications you're currently taking because some medications could prevent your skin from reacting to an allergen. In general, you'll need to stop taking a medication that could interfere about 10 days before the test.[3]
- You should stop taking prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, certain heartburn medications, and some asthma medications.
- Get an injection to test for venom or penicillin allergies. You should test for a penicillin allergy if you had a reaction to in childhood, because half of the people with penicillin allergies lose the allergy five years after the last reaction. It's good to check if you still have the allergy.
- If you're getting an injection test, the nurse will wipe your skin with an alcohol swab to sterilize it. Then, they'll inject a small amount of the allergen into your skin.
- This is a good test if you only want to check for 1 or 2 allergens.
- Have a skin test performed to test for lots of allergens at once. The nurse will clean your forearm with an alcohol swab and draw a grid on your forearm. They'll rub a little of an allergen next to each mark they made. Then, they'll prick each allergen with a needle so it gets under your skin.[4]
- The nurse will use a separate needle to prick each allergen so they don't' contaminate the testing site.
- Apply an allergen patch if you're testing for contact dermatitis. If you think you're allergic to something that your skin is coming into contact with, the allergist will fill a rectangular patch with different allergens. They'll attach the patch to your forearm or your back and you'll wear it for 24 to 48 hours. Patch tests look for allergic reactions to:[5]
- Medications: lidocaine, tetracaine
- Cosmetics: preservatives, fragrances, essential oils
- Jewelry: nickel, cobalt
- Latex: gloves, condoms
- Expect slight discomfort where the skin is being tested. Your skin may react to an allergen before the test is over. It might become a little swollen or red. It may develop itchy bumps called wheals. Keep in mind that any of these side effects could last up to a few days.[6]
- Although it's rare, you could have a severe allergic reaction. This is why it's important to get skin testing done in an office which has access to emergency medication.
- Wait 20 to 40 minutes to get the prick or injection test results. You'll be able to wait at the allergist's office to get the results of your test. Your skin test is the most accurate after the allergens have been on your skin for 20 to 30 minutes, although the allergist can read the test for up to 40 minutes total.[7]
- Your allergist may want to look at your skin at the 20 minute, 30 minute, and 40 minute mark.
- Return to the allergist's office to get the results for a patch test. You'll need to go back to the office after the patch has been on your skin for 24 to 48 hours. The allergist will remove the patch and look at your skin for signs of allergic reactions.[8]
- If the allergist wants to check for delayed allergic reactions, they may want you to come back again 1 to 2 days later. Then, they can check your skin for reactions that have developed over time.
- Discuss the results of the skin test with your allergist. Once you've waited for your skin to react, the allergist will look at your skin for redness, swelling, or itchy bumps. Then, you can work with the allergist to determine if you should make lifestyle changes, take medication, or change your diet.[9]
- If your skin is still feeling uncomfortable after the test, ask if you should take antihistamines.
[Edit]Getting a Blood Test - Ask for a blood test if you have a skin condition and can't do a skin test. Your allergist might recommend a blood test if you have eczema or psoriasis. You also shouldn't have a skin test if the allergist suspects you might have a severe reaction or if you're taking a medication that would interfere with skin testing and you can't stop taking it.[10]
- These medications include antihistamines, oral steroids, and H2 blocking medications.
- Have your blood drawn to test for pollen, medicine, and animal dander allergies. A phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm and send the sample to a lab. The lab will test for antibodies that are responding to:[11]
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Insect stings
- Latex
- Certain medications, such as penicillin or amoxicillin
- Expect minor discomfort and minimal side effects. You won't react to the test itself, but you may feel pain in your arm when the needle draws blood. Your surrounding skin might swell a little and feel sore after the draw.[12]
- If you faint at the sight of blood, you might ask the phlebotomist to tell you when to look away from the needle.
- Wait several days or weeks to get the results of the blood test. Since the bloodwork needs to be sent to a lab and analyzed, you won't be able to get the test results at the same appointment when your blood is drawn.
- If you haven't gotten the results back after 1 to 2 weeks, call your allergist and ask about when you can expect the lab results.
- Talk with the allergist about your blood test results. Your allergist may talk with you over the phone about the lab work or they'll ask you to come back to their office. If you tested positive for antibodies, it means you are allergic to certain substances and your body is producing antibodies to fight them.[13]
- If you have a negative result, the allergist will probably tell you that you don't have an allergy.
- If you're currently having an allergic reaction to something, your allergist may wait until it clears up before testing you.
- You may want to get tested for allergies throughout your life. Some people develop new allergies or outgrow allergies that they've had since childhood.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using allergy test kits that you do yourself at home because the results are often unreliable.[14]
[Edit]References |
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