Here are some tips and tricks for diffusing curly hair.

First, shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo like the Be Curly Co-Wash and condition with either the Be Curly Conditioner or the new Detangling Masque for extra moisture.

Towel dry your hair and use a Curl Enhancer for tighter curls, or Curl Controller for looser curls on damp hair, paying extra attention to the mids and ends.

Then section off about 2 inches from the bottom hair line and take about a 2 inch square sub section of hair and twist it around your finger, away from your face.

Continue all the way up your head, twisting your hair away from your face until all of your hair is twisted.

Then use a diffuser attachment to your favorite blow dryer and use the hot or medium heat on low speed. Hold your blow dryer so the flat part of the diffuser is facing the ceiling, and gently place the mids and ends of your hair into the diffuser. Let your hair sit for about 10–15 seconds for every section of hair you take. Constantly move around, diffusing different sections of hair every time. Diffuse until 80-90% dry so your hair doesn’t get frizzy and let your hair air dry the remaining 10–20%.

Use a light weight oil like the Dry Remedy oil on your ends. Use 2–4 drops in your hands, rub it around to distribute evenly on your hands and scrunch it into the ends of your hair and use your fingers to gently comb through the twisted sections to break up your curls.

Then you have successfully diffused!

I’m sure I’m not the only one that finds myself feeling overwhelmed and stressed at the end of a busy week of work and school. I’ve explored different ways to unwind and let go of the stress I’ve managed to bottled up through the week.

While I’ve always known how stress affects my mood, through my classes at the 91łÉČË, I’ve learned of the physical effects of stress on our bodies. Stress can make us feel drained and helpless, lower the activity of our immune system, cause skin breakouts, and, in time, potentially lead to serious illness and disease.

Learning how to dissipate stress should become a priority. Personally, my favorite way to relax and de-stress is by enjoying an Epsom salt bath with aromatherapy. The combination of the Epsom salts and the aromatherapy oils is magical.

Epsom salts are not actually salt but rather a natural mineral combination of magnesium and sulfate. Both of these minerals are easily absorbed through the skin, making it easy for us to enjoy the large variety of benefits provided by Epsom salts: they reduce inflammation and help ease muscle pain or cramps, they relax the nervous system, and they help to produce serotonin by adding magnesium back into your body. When your adrenal system is overworked from stress, you are depleted of magnesium. Soaking in Epsom salts is a good way to replenish the magnesium in your body and create a feeling of calm. It even helps to heal cuts and detox the body.

Aromatherapy is a great tool to use in your life for transforming your state of mind and mood. Some of my favorite oils for a bath are lavender, bergamot, and peppermint.

A lavender bath is soothing and relaxing. It cleans the mind and body. Lavender also has wonderful benefits for the skin and can help with reducing discoloration. It’s also an antimicrobial.

Bergamot is great for an uplifting bath. It is known to work as a mild anti-depressant, is energizing yet also calming, and is also an antimicrobial.

Peppermint creates an energizing bath. It stimulates your mind and body. It helps to clear congestion, ease headaches, and perk you up after an exhausting day.

Aveda also carries single note essential oils that are wonderfully pure and effective. Pick yours up today and try a few drops in your next Epsom salt bath. I promise it will provide magical relaxation!

How long should you keep your beauty products? Yes, it’s extremely hard to throw away that favorite lipstick of yours, but after two years it may be hazardous to your health.

Perhaps Christmas Day would be a good time to take stock of your beauty products and throw out those past their recommended shelf life.

In a series of tests commissioned by beauty retailer Escentual and conducted at the London Metropolitan University, out of date makeup products were found to contain unsafe levels of potentially harmful bacteria.

The University tested recently expired products—foundation (four months past date), lip gloss (still within its pull date), blush (nine months past date), lipstick (ten months past date), and mascara (four months past date). The results were horrifying.

Paul Matewele, a microbiologist at the University, said: “The foundation, lip gloss, and lipstick all tested positive for Enterococcus faecalis under strict laboratory tests. Enterococcus faecalis is the potentially deadly strain of bacteria that causes meningitis and septicemia and is one of the biggest killers for newborn babies.”

Rakesh Aggarwal, CEO of Escentual, said: “Most women are totally unaware that their cosmetics are a potential breeding ground for deadly bacteria. But if you think about it, you wouldn’t keep food for months after the use-by date, so why would this be acceptable for cosmetics? This research has even surprised us and has shown that there is a serious health risk here. Pregnant women or mums with small babies need to take extra care after our finding showed that the deadly meningitis bacteria were found on several items of out of date make-up.”

This is a wake-up call for all us beauty product junkies out there. In addition to taking stock at least once a year, I also recommend writing the purchase and expiration dates on your makeup products when you buy them. That way, you never have to wonder.

As a lady with finer hair myself, I have always envied women who were blessed to have long, voluminous, thick, fluffy hair. Their messy buns always look perfect, their braids are thick and beauty, their hair never falls flat or dull. In the hair department, they always seem to have it going on! Luckily, Aveda’s Thickening Tonic was recently released to help us fine hair girls join the thick hair club and incite our own hair envy.

So you may ask how this magic tonic works? Well, certified organic alma fruit goes in. It helps thicken the diameter of every hair strand, resulting in the appearance of more hair from roots to ends which provides extra volume. Also, it contains wheat protein that helps to protect from heat-styling damage.

To use, it is best to “rough dry” your hair to about 80% dry, section your hair out, and spray generously from roots to ends. Once done, comb through to evenly distribute the product. Finally, blow-dry your hair using a round brush, making sure to point the hair flow down the hair shaft to avoid unwanted frizz. You will be left with instantly thicker hair and a gorgeous, full mane that will demand to be seen.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, here are some product cocktails and styling tips to really help you make the most of your newfound thicker locks.

In addition to having finer hair, I also have curly hair and am no stranger to frizz or the fight against humidity. A personal favorite product combination of mine is the Thickening Tonic combined with Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Crème. The Nourishing Styling Crème is a great lightweight crème that helps to nourish hair while combating frizz even in the highest humidity using organic cupuaçu and shea butters. Following my application of the Thickening Tonic, I use about a nickel-sized amount of the Nourishing Styling Crème distributed through my mid-shafts and ends, and then blow-dry smooth and straight using a wooden paddle brush.

Another great product cocktail is Thickening Tonic + Aveda’s Phomollient Styling Foam. Phomollient is an amazing product that helps to create a weightless hold for finer—to medium-textured hair by using certified organic honey, burdock, and marshmallow. First, apply Thickening Tonic and then apply about two pumps Phomollient to the mid-shafts and ends. Divide your hair into about five to six sections and, using a round metal brush, start in the nape and, as you near the ends, begin to turn your wrist so that the ends of the hair curl around the brush. Be sure to evenly heat up the hair so that the metal round brush will act as a curling iron. When the hair is thoroughly dried, gently unwind the hair from the brush and continue working through the remaining sections.

Flaxseed warms the human body. The seeds need to be eaten as a ground meal. If eaten whole, flaxseed is not digested by the body. But if ground and taken daily with water, flaxseed provides the appropriate amounts of fiber to keep your digestive system working, as long as you keep your fluid intake high.

Flax is well known for its cholesterol-reducing properties. A couple of spoonfuls of ground flaxseed provides the short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are generally present in fish oil. If you rarely eat omega-3’s you’ll be missing out on the benefits of lower cholesterol and beautiful skin.

Flaxseed is another way to get nutrition for pescatarians. Eaten in combination with nuts and fish, flaxseed can be a great help. The alpha-Linolenic acid—an omega-3 fatty acid—helps reduce the inflammations that can contribute to chronic heart ailments, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. It can even help guard your body against colon cancer.

The high amount of fiber in ground flaxseed is responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effects. High fiber diets help you feel full, so you tend to eat a little less. In turn, this can stabilize your blood sugar and help your intestines function well.

To me, antioxidants and phytochemicals spell an advertisement for an anti-aging cream. Flaxseed contains lignans—a type of phytoestrogen—which work in our intestines and convert to become substances that balance out hormones in women. These have been proven to promote fertility, reduce the risk of breast cancer, and reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Light, silky, and fast-absorbing, facial serums are a must-have skincare product. They are especially useful if your skin has taken a beating over the summer and is in need of moisture ASAP. Truthfully, the fact that they have instant hydrating effects on the skin makes them almost addictive.

Serums are water-based moisturizers that contain a high concentration of active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and/or plant extracts. It hydrates your skin and makes it look more radiant. Unlike regular moisturizers, serums do not contain occlusive emollients like shea butter, so they penetrate the skin quickly as opposed to sitting on its surface.

Serums have the smallest-sized molecules of all skincare products. That’s how they can penetrate deep into the skin. It’s also why, on a molecular level, they are especially effective for battling free-radical damage. When skin is damaged by the sun, molecules in the skin can lose an atom and become unstable, referred to as a free-radical. To make matters worse, the unstable molecule steals an atom from a stable molecule to cause more havoc within our skin.

Generally, serums’ silky texture comes from smoothing ingredients such as glycerin or “slip” agents such as silicone. Some are treatment-oriented, perhaps to target dark spots or firm the skin. So make sure to check the package before use. You should consider adding a serum to your routine whatever your skin type to increase skin hydration.

How do you use a serum? Apply, wait five minutes to let it sink in, then apply your regular moisturizer. If you have oily skin, a serum can be worn alone.

Blonde with trends like ombre and balayage have captured our guests’ attention. As Aveda’s Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders remarks: “Blonde is having a moment now, but it’s refined to be just the right tone for you. Whether you feel like channeling your inner rock star, bombshell, or flower child, there’s something for everyone.”

As part of their Rare Bloom collection, Aveda released their Aveda Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toners that are designed to help achieve and customize the perfect shade of blonde for every guest and lasts up to four weeks.

How is Aveda able to achieve customized blonde results for every guest?

After achieving the desired lift result using Aveda Enlightener, the hair is then shampooed, towel-dried, and treated with Aveda’s Damage Remedy Equalizing Solution to rebuild, strengthen, and prepare the hair for even saturation of the toner. Then one of three “pre-blended” shades of toner—96% naturally derived and containing Aveda’s signature blend of organic protecting oils: sunflower, castor, and jojoba—are massaged through the hair and left to process for five minutes. Having an exact process time allows the Aveda Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toners to create the perfect shade of blonde every time.

The Aveda Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toner shades are:

• Violet-based Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toner Ash
• Violet/yellow-based Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toner Beige
• Yellow/orange—based Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toner Gold

“This is clearly not your basic blonde,” says Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Hair Color. “Our new Enlightener Blonde Finish Protective Toners give us the ability to refine blonde hair and really create customized and unique looks.”

Hair trends come and go, but healthy, luscious hair is always in style. After all, the time and money spent on trying out the latest hair trends are not worth it if your hair’s foundation isn’t healthy and strong.

Improving the health of your hair is surprisingly easy if you adopt healthy hair habits. There are small daily things you can do—or refrain from doing—to improve the appearance of your hair and make it healthy from the inside out.

1. Try to use heat styling products sparingly. Heat = damage. When possible, allow your hair to air dry naturally. Apply appropriate products to reduce unwanted frizz.
2. If you must use heat styling products, apply a heat protectant beforehand. Aveda’s Brilliant Damage control spray is both a heat protectant and also a great detangler.
3. Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates, which strip hair of its natural oils. There are many natural products that can be used to cleanse hair such as apple cider vinegar.
4. Don’t wash your hair every day. Aim to wash your hair about three times a week. Over-washing hair will strip your hair and dry out your scalp. However not washing your hair enough might lead to oily hair and clogged hair follicles. It’s a balance.
5. Nourish your hair and body from within. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Eat a healthy diet that contains healthy fats found in foods such as fish and avocados. An added plus is taking supplements like vitamin D and biotin that have been proven to benefit hair.

There’s more to a good skin regimen than cleansing and moisturizing. While those are definitely the most important steps, there’s another step in between which should not be omitted—toner. Why is toner important?

1. It gives your skin the right pH balance.

   When you cleanse your face, especially if you exfoliate, you tend to make your skin more alkaline than acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, 7 being neutral. Our skin is naturally acidic, having a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. It’s important that skin be acidic so it can fight away harmful bacteria that tries to penetrate and damage the skin.

2. It shrinks pores.

   Toner minimizes the appearance of pores. It will not shrink them permanently, but it will definitely visually minimize them.

3. It adds a layer of protection.

   Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, thus reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin.

4. It moisturizes the skin.

   Some toners are humectants, which means that they help to bind moisture to the skin.

5. It refreshes your skin.

   Toner can also be used in lieu of washing your skin when it’s oily or dirt. It will leave your skin revitalized, even when you’re on-the-go. You can even spray it over your make-up!

6. It can prevent ingrown hairs.

   Toners containing glycolic or other alpha hydroxy acids can help to prevent ingrown hairs, so it also aids in grooming.

7. It reduces oil on the skin.

   After cleansing your face, you tend to produce more oil. Toner helps restore and balance everything out.

Essential Oils are the key ingredient with Aromatherapy. They are known as pure essences from plants that are natures gift to the human body and spirit. These oils are extremely beneficial and give off scents and health giving properties.

These oils, derived from plants, are used to promote good health. The beneficial effects of essential oils are applied many ways, through baths, massage, compresses, vaporizers, and so on.

It cannot be stressed too often how important it is to use pure, natural, authentic oils as aromatherapy uses the complexity of the plants to deliver therapeutic qualities.

Caring and where you store your oils is extremely important. Oils are extremely volatile, which can easily be affected by the environment, light, temperature, air, and moisture. They must be stored in cool and dry places.

I’m going to focus on one essential oil: lavender. Lavender is one of the most valuable oils for the treatment of acne, according to aromatherapists. Here are twenty conditions that lavender can improve.

1. Aching Muscles

   Put a few drops in your bath water for aching muscles.

2. Acne

   Bacteria thrives on the over-secretion of sebum. Lavender rebalances this to reduce scarring. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a plain cream or lotion. It is safe to use everyday.

3. Bacteria

   Can use lavender to help fight infection.

4. Cuts and Wounds

   Apply oil to soothe pain, This prevents bacterial infection and aid scar-free healing.

5. Ear ache

   Warm a bottle of lavender oil in hot water for a minute or two, then massage a few drops gently into the skin around the ears and throat.

6. Eczema

   Stroke infused lavender oil into dry, itchy skin.

7. Fatigue

   Add five drops of lavender oil to a hot foot bath and relax while your feet soak in it. Lavender reaches your bloodstream quickly, exerting its stimulating and soothing effects on various systems of your body.

8. Fevers

   For babies or small children, sponge them down very gently with tepid water to which you have added a drop of lavender oil. This works for adults also.

9. Faintness

   Make your own smelling salts—sea salt, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and basil oil.

10. Insomnia

    To help to induce sleep, put three to four drops of lavender oil on your pillow. For babies, add one drop of lavender and geranium oil in a carrier oil and massage into a baby’s back or put a few drops in their bedtime bath.

11. Long Travel

    Keep lavender in your hand luggage and roll it over your pulse points to help you keep a clear head during those endless hours in the air.

12. Menstrual Cramps

    Massage a few drops of lavender into your lower abdomen or apply a hot compress onto the area.

13. Moths, Midges, and Mosquitos

    These bugs hate the smell of lavender. To prevent bites, splash yourself with lavender oil before you go out at sunset or to bed, put three to four drops of oil on your pillow. Lavender oil is also a remedy for insect bites, soothing itching and inflammation: dab it on to the bites as soon as possible. To keep moths off your clothes, hang lavender bags on your coat hangers, or keep them among your sweaters, and refresh them with a drop or two of lavender oil from time to time.

14. Scabies

    Rub your whole body with neat lavender oil, then following every day until better with a mixture of lavender oil and alcohol. Change and wash bedding and clothes and sprinkle lavender oil on the mattress.

15. Shingles

    Combine a mix of lavender oil with analgesic, antiviral and scar preventing essential oils neat or on compresses on the agonizing lesions of shingles. It usually produces a cure within five to eight days.

16. Sinusitis

    Lavender is one of several essential oils that aromatherapists recommend for inhalations to relieve sinuses.

17. Stress and Anxiety

    Keep a spritzer of Lavender Mist—Hydrosol handy to spray on your face during the day, or apply lavender oil neat to your temples.

18. Sunburn

    Spray pure Lavender Mist—Hydrosol directly onto the skin or pour it into a cool-to-lukewarm bath and soak for ten minutes.

19. Headache

    Mist around your head is refreshing and soothing. Alternatively, make a compress of a piece of gauze sprinkled with a few drops of lavender oil and apply to the forehead, or massage a few drops into the forehead, temples, and nape of the neck.

20. Minor Burns

    After you have cooled the area by putting it in cold water for a few minutes, stroke on lavender oil. Pain relief is almost immediate, and burns usually heal without scarring.