my neck! my back! my neck and my back!!!

Hey world i hope all is well with everybody today I'm going to blog about an interesting article that i read in a magazine recently, it is concerning how women now a days are having serious back problems due to the types of bags that we carry.


A recent study discovered that today's women carry twice as much in their handbags as their mothers did.

While previous generations might have carried a wallet, lipstick, and keys,
today we as women frequently carry everything from cell phones to bottled water to dang puppy dogs in our purses lol.

Big handbags are the latest rage, enabling women to carry lots of stuff, they could cause significant health problems.

excerpt from marie clair magazine:

Today's woman is often "super-woman" - mom, partner, business person, host, friend, and more. She isn't leading the life of yester-year. Her life, like her purse, is over-crowded and full. And she "needs" and "wants" a large purse.

Designers conscious of this have turned out some amazing oversized bags and have turned them into the "it" bag.

In general, what makes these bags weigh a lot is the thickness of the leather, the hardware, and even the interior pockets' lining. These are things to watch out for when purchasing a bag. One of the drawbacks about the designer bags is that many of the more expensive ones have more ornate detailing or thicker leather, and so are considerably heavier.

Celebrities have grabbed hold of the trend. Take Nicole Richie, for instance: Half the time, you're not sure who's bigger or weighs more - her or her bag.

Since large handbags are fashionable, with bargain brands and expensive labels alike offering the bulky bags, and since they're roomy, they can tempt women to carry along those extra sneakers to walk on a lunch break, an umbrella in case of a sudden shower, or even a stock of snacks or a bottle of water.

But, says Coles, just because the space is there doesn't mean women really need to use all of it.

Trouble is - a cool accessory is turning into muscle mayhem.


Many women my self included :) are complaining of neck,shoulder and back pain. Physical therapists claim an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper-back problems, from which pain can be felt long after the purse is back on the coat rack. The pain can be felt, they explain, while playing sports, exercising, or even working at the computer.

Other symptoms that your bag is too heavy and creating problems could include tingling fingers and headaches.

Experts suggest avoiding bags that weigh more than three pounds, and say the ideal bag should weigh two pounds, total - yes - total! That doesn't seem possible, partially because most of the new, fashionable bags weigh more than three pounds empty!

The absolute maximum should be no more than 10 percent of your body weight, experts emphasize which would mean, for instance, a maximum of 13 pounds if you weigh 130 pounds.

If you have to follow the trend, Coles say, try to buy a big bag, made from light material. Also, experts say to try exercising and stretching your neck throughout the day. Try to avoid overloading your bag. You don't need your entire kitchen sink with you! And try to change the shoulder on which you carry your big bag every ten-to-15 minutes if you're walking around.


Many of today’s popular bags and purses can wreak havoc on the carrier’s back, shoulders, neck and hips, according to Dr. Richard Whitney of Whitney Chiropractors in Naperville, Ill. He sees problems ranging from numb arms to mild scoliosis caused by bags that are too heavy or simply unhealthy for the body. “They don’t realize the problems that repetitive use can cause,” Whitney says. Here is his analyses of the most popular bags on the streets.




The business-friendly pull tote:
The bag on wheels seems like the best bet for back relief, but pulling it curves the spine toward the opposite hip. The muscles in the left lower back stretch out of place while the right side of the back contracts painfully. The weight of the tote also causes numbness and tingling in the right shoulder and arm.
Too much toting can eventually cause mild scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

The low-slung skater bag:
This too-cool-for-school look puts pressure on the lower back and hips as the bag pulls the shoulders back and compresses the lower vertebrae.
Ouch! Continued pressure on the lower back will cause pain that can spread down the legs and create muscle stiffness throughout the entire back.

The seriously overloaded shoulder bag:
Filled with three cell phones, one iPod and one teacup poodle, the oversized shoulder bag can strain neck muscles and vertebrae and puts pressure on the arm and shoulder. Bags heavier than 10% of the wearer’s body weight can create numbness and tingling down the arm, and rotator cuff trouble at the shoulder.
Those who carry their lives in a handbag may experience severe neck problems and frozen shoulders in the future.

The messenger bag
The diagonal strap of the popular messenger bag puts pressure on the shoulder that it lies across, creating tension and muscle spasms. Pulling the shoulder downwards creates a curvature in the spine toward one hip, straining muscles in the lower and mid back.
The messenger bag can cause mild scoliosis, a chronic curvature of the spine, if used regularly over several years, especially by trendy teens whose style smarts can cause lasting damage to their backs.

In my opinion this the worst fashion trend ever,

I never understand why girls carry dogs in bags or purses,

dogs should walk on their own legs lol

Jessica's back and arms gotta hurt.

so in conclusion becareful and don't overload your bag :o)

peace!!

it's unbeweavable

Hi everyone I hope all is well!
We had a great time today we went to my friend’s house for a bbq and an Easter egg hunt all of the kids had such a great time!

I want to come on tonight and blog about weave lol
Yeah there has been some crazy things going on concerning weave.

Weave theft is on the rise practically in major cities like Houston, ATL, Miami and LA lol I know it sounds ridicules, but it's true and it is costing business owners a lot of money. Here is a video that comes from local Houston news
It’s crazy!

I don't think it's that serious to steal hair but I do feel like the economy is bad and it is making people do stupid and desperate things, in the video thieves are stealing top of the line hair weave that runs anywhere from $40-100 a pack
And they are reselling it on the street for $25.

I feel like this....if it gets to the point in your life that you have to buy stolen weave,
Then you truly need to learn how to grow and take care of your own hair,
It is a lot cheaper :o)

I knew chicks when we were younger who would let their cell phones and other bills get cut off just so they can buy weave, to get there hair done at the shop.

SMHD the sad part is now that I am older, I know grown ass women who do this as well,

I have had coworkers who were behind on everything mortgage, car note, lights etc
but their hair was always fried, dyed, and laid to the side!
(nails stayed done as well lol, but that is a whole nother topic.)

Your priorities should always come first!
Getting your hair done is not a priority nor is it a necessity!

These crooks need to stop stealing weave and selling it, that is just plain ghetto.....











Facts about weave:



her hair is virgin hair, meaning it has never been dyed, permed, relaxed cut ect,
it has never been altered in any way shape or form.
for hair this long she is looking at getting paid well over $1000.


The highest quality extension hair, is virgin hair, it is hair that has never been processed.
The term covers all textures of American hair, European hair, Brazilian hair, Indonesian hair, and Indian hair, High quality extension hair can be chemically altered to achieve a different texture.



Synthetic Hair:


Synthetic hair is made of a wide array of different synthetic fibers. Synthetic hair, just as human hair, comes in weft form, and single strands for braids. Most stylists do not recommend using synthetic hair for weaving. It does not last as long as human hair because it tends to easily tangle and frizz out uncontrollably.

However, the quality of hair varies greatly, and if well maintained, synthetic hair can look as good as, if not better than human hair. Synthetic hair is much less expensive than human hair. The costs can range from $10.00 to $20.00 per package, depending on quality of hair, length, brand.

Heating appliances such as curling irons generally should not be used on synthetic hair.
There are newer versions of synthetic hair that claim to allow styling with lower temperatures of heating appliances, but generally people should steer clear of such claims because you can ruin your hair and possibly burn your self from the melted hair.

Synthetic hair is better used for particular styles of braids. Synthetic hair can usually be shaped into styles by using the steam from boiling water to set the hair.



Human Hair:

some women in Asia grow their hair for years
just to sell it to women in the states and in Europe.

Most human hair used for weaves is derived from Asia. Lower-quality "human hair" extensions are often diluted with animal and synthetic hair to lower the price. Yak hair can be curled, permed, relaxed, and colored. Human hair is, however, more versatile than synthetic hair because it can be colored, relaxed, or curled with heating appliances just like you would do with your own hair. Many people are allergic to yak hair so suppliers are using human hair treated to mimic the African/African American texture. relaxed, curly, or straight weave hair comes in a wide variety of textures, yaki (closely resembles relaxed hair texture), silky (resembling very straight Asian hair), Europeans do not generally sell their hair, so called "European hair" usually comes from India or China.

There are different grades of hair. The highest grade comes from young donors, is gently processed, careful not to damage the cuticles, Remy means the hair's cuticles are facing the direction in which they grew.
The same maintenance that you do on your own hair, should be applied to the human hair weave as well to keep it in good condition.
High quality 100% human hair is more expensive than hair mixed with other materials


Indian Hair and European Hair


Indian Hair has its own inherent advantages: it is simultaneously thin and strong.
European Hair is a popular form of hair, It has a straight and soft texture.
Adequate care must be taken as the market is flooded with fakes.
There is also a widespread misconception that soft and silky hair is the best quality.
Any type of hair can be made soft and silky through the use of certain conditioners or silicon oil.




ways to apply weave:

Sew-in's

First, your hair is braided around the head in circles. Then the braids are sewn down,
then tracks are sewn to the braids. Eight to fifteen tracks are needed for a full head.
Care for this style as you would your natural hair, washing at least once a week.


white people wear sew in's to....


Fusion:

The fusion method delivers one of the most versatile and believable weaves on the market.
With this technique, a machine similar to a hot glue gun is used to adhere human hair extensions to individual strands of your natural hair (about the same size as a micro braid) for a truly authentic look. With a fusion weave, you can wash your hair every week and use products like gels and mousse to style. This is one of the most time-consuming (8 to 16 hours) and expensive methods (prices range from about $800 to $1,800).


heating fusion glue to the weave hair strands.


this will then be melted to the hair.






Netting:

This technique involves braiding natural tresses under a thin, breathable net that serves as a flat surface onto which stylists can weave extensions. Netting provides more flexibility than track placement because the stylist is not limited to sewing extensions to a braid.
This style can last for up to three months if properly maintained. To care for your hair, wash it once a week and invest in a hooded hair dryer or heated cap for at-home maintenance.
"You want to make sure your hair is completely dry so it will not mildew under the net."


Clip In/ Clip On Hair Extensions:





This technique is the least permanent and can be very effective, Usually a set of clip in's average eight strips of human hair in varying widths from two inches to eight inches. Usually starting at the nape of the neck the hair is sectioned neatly, then the weft is places onto this section with the clips open, and facing the scalp. Each clip is snapped into place. It can be useful to lightly backcomb each section for a more secure grip. The clip ins can be worn all day and all night, however, they must be removed before sleeping.





Glue:
Bonding is a popular temporary weaving method and a great way to add volume or vibrant streaks of color to your natural hair. Tracks of hair are glued to the roots of your own hair with a special adhesive. To prevent damage to your natural hair, tracks shouldn't be left for any longer than a week or two.

yuck I hate black glue, this caused so much damage to my hair i would never use that mess again!

so why do so many women wear weaves?
there are many reasons, way too many to list but
what ever your reason is for wearing weave, make sure you continue to take proper care of your own hair underneath, do not wear weaves constantly because sew in's and fusions, glue ect
can cause a lot of stress on your hair.

Make sure to always love and care for the real hair
that is underneath all that weave :o)

Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun Hair Accessories :)

Hey everyone it's been a while, I hope all is well,
today I wanted to blog about Hair Accessories as a protective style choice!!!


Hair accessories come in lots of different shapes, color and sizes. Many are great for not only securing, but protecting our hair as well.
Hair accessories can protect hair by placing it in to a protective style like ponytails,buns,
french rolls etc. this helps to keep your hair off of your clothing.
you can get frizziness and breakage at the ends of your hair, if your hair is constantly brushing up against rough materials of clothing, like sweater and jackets.


Jaw Clips...


Jaw clips are used as an alternative to a hair ties, they help women with longer hair out a lot! they help to keep all that hair out of the way.
jaw clips come in a range of sizes, colors and styles


you can also get really small "mini jaw clips." which are cute on little girls.


How to Style: Brush hair back into a ponytail and grasp with hand, twist hair and lift upwards and secure with jaw clip along the length of the twist.


Jaw clips come in a range of sizes, so you're likely to find one suitable for your hair's length. Closer spaced teeth mean they're more suitable for finer hair types. "Mini jaw clips" are a great way of separating pieces of hair.


Jaw clips work best for casual occasions- when you've got your jeans on and you're heading down to the mall or something.


Combs/French Combs:

These are the little plastic combs that you insert into your hair to lock it into place.
they mainly come in the same size.


These combs are simple to use, the thing to remember is that you need to put them in backwards and upside down, and this is so that when you flip them over they lock your hair tight in place. After you flip the comb and wedge it into your hair, the teeth need to be facing toward the front of your head.

Tips: It's easy to get a softer look by pushing the comb forward a bit and creating more fluffiness around the face.


Suitable Hairstyles Combs are great for styling medium and long hair. They're a good way of creating updos, These combs are good for creating French twists as well.
So if you want an updo for a formal occasion, these are definitely a great option.


Scarves and Head Wraps:

Generally these accessories include any kind of material that's wrapped or tied around the head. The main difference between these accessories is fabric, width, length and how many times it's wrapped around the head.
Tips: Scarves are worn as a style in their own right, but they're also good for preserving your hairstyle while you travel, satin scarves are the best thing to put on your head at night!!
just remember not to tie them too tight, because you can get a headache lol. Scarves and head wraps work with any length hair!



Bobby Pins:

Bobby pins are thin metal, curved at one end and open at the other.
these pins come in a bunch of different sizes and colors, and they also range from plain to jewellery encrusted, Pins are great for securing buns and more formal styles like chignons.

Tips: Pins that match your hair color are a great way to create invisible hold, but if you want a sparkle, try pins with a little decoration.
you can create beautiful buns and chignons by pinning the hair, these styles are lovely for special occasions, updos show off your neck, shoulders and cheekbones.

A- keys is looking lovely in this braided updo!







Headbands:

Nicole Ritchie is rocking a scarf headband.


Beyonce is rocking a sporty headband.

Headbands are accessories that sit around the head, but unlike scarves you don't wrap them around your head.
Headbands are always in fashion, and that's because there's a huge range to choose from.
they come in scarf styles, sporty, ultra skinny, thick,combed, twist and snap!

Tips: Make sure you get the right size headband for your head,
because if it's too small it will hurt!
Headbands work with any hair, long, short,wavy, straight or curly
any hair style will look nice with a headband attached.




Hair Sticks:

Hair sticks are another accessory that you can use to help secure your hair.
it involves gathering, twisting or rolling the hair. They can also be worn purely for adornment.

Hair sticks often come in pairs, and are sometimes plain like chopsticks, they can also be very ornate and made from top quality materials like silver. a lot of times the ends are very decorative, almost like dangling ornaments lol. They come in many different lengths and sizes.

I remember wearing these back in high school they were the in thing!!
I had them in so many different styles and colors,
i don't see as many people wearing them anymore, but they are a great protective style.


5-minute hair stick up do


1. Get your hair in a low pony tail and twist it as if you were styling a chignon.

2. Once you have a nice twist going, pierce it from the top with one of the chopsticks.
Try to go for the thickest part of the chignon.


3. Turn the chopstick 180'' or until you can't any more; chopstick should point upwards. The twist should get really tight at this point, so ignore the feeling of discomfort - it's totally worth it!


4.Now the toughest bit: turn the chopstick towards your head and down, piercing again through the chignon.

5. Now simply take the second chopstick and use it to pierce the bun, like in the bottom pictures.



like omg banana clips are soooo 80's

lol they are also a wonderful protective style.

A banana clip is the curved hair accessory that opens and is fastened at one end. It's typically used as an alternative to hair binders.
Banana clips, come in a range of sizes, styles and colors.

Banana clips can easily be used for securing the hair in a ponytail.
They're also good for French twists... all you need to do is twist and tuck the hair and insert the clip on both ends.

Remember if you have long/ thick hair you will need to buy a thicker/stronger banana clip Banana clips work best on medium to long hairstyles they can be used on any hair textures.

so what's your favorite hair accessory???????
peace!!