Hairspray Dries Out the Hair

Hairspray Dries Out the Hair

I am not a big fan of hairspray.  To me, it is a thing of the past. Sure, hairspray keeps your hair in place but it also drys it out. Excessive use of hairspray can be damaging to your hair, so it is important to reduce the amount of hairspray you use. Hairspray should only be used to keep intricate hairdos in place and not for everyday hairstyling.

Alcohol

Ethanol is the alcohol used in hairspray. It is not only very drying to the scalp, but it irritates the scalp as well. It absorbs up all of the hair's production of its natural oils, which is needed for moisturizing and obtaining a healthy shine.

Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon is another common ingredient in hairspray. The main use of a hydrocarbon is to extract moisture. Hydrocarbons drain the hair of essential oils, which causes hair to be dull, dry and lifeless.

Buildup

Hairspray causes buildup because it sticks to the hair and scalp, giving the appearance of dandruff. The buildup is very drying because it does not allow the scalp to properly breathe. Learning how to properly wash your scalp and not using hair products on a daily basis will prevent buildup.

Alternatives to Hairspray

Use a hair wax or a light mousse
Alaternatively, you can make your own lemon-water "hair spray"
Procedure:
1. Cut a lemon (or orange) in wedges.
2. Put the wedges into a pot with two cups of water.
3. Boil until only 1/2 cups of liquid is still left.
4. Let it cool, and put into a spray bottle.
5. Use, when needed!

Turkey and Watercress Tea Sandwiches

Turkey and Watercress Tea Sandwiches

Hosting an afternoon tea party? Why not serve bite-sized healthy turkey and watercress tea sandwiches? Despite their small size they’re packed with nutritious ingredients, including watercress, a nourishing leafy green that adds a flavorful kick to the filling. Tea sandwiches are enjoying something of a renaissance, and they should: They make great party fare and are easy to prepare. These are dressed up with a homemade spread that makes them particularly worthy of any special party occasion.


Ingredients

1/4 cup low fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper
10 thin slices whole-grain bread
5 ounces thinly sliced oven-roasted turkey
1 bunch watercress, thick stems removed

Instructions

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, chives, lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl.
Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on 5 slices of the bread (you can remove the crusts if you like). Place turkey slices and watercress evenly on top, then top with remaining bread. Cut sandwiches into quarters and serve.

Make-Ahead: Spread can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in a covered container until ready to use. Sandwiches can be made up to 4 hours before the party; keep them well wrapped and refrigerated. Allow the sandwiches to come to room temperature before serving, and then cut them into quarters.

How To Match Dress Pants With Shoes

Matching Dress Pants and Dress Shoes

As a general rule, men should follow these color combinations when deciding what shoes to wear with what pants, regardless whether they are dressy or not. Keep in mind that there are a bunch of other colors that could be thrown into the mix, but let us keep it simple.

SHOES & PANTS COLOR GUIDE

Pant/suit color                            Shoe color
Black                                         Black, tan or camel (a more risqué choice), oxblood
Gray                                          Black, oxblood, camel
Brown                                        Any shade of brown, black, camel
Navy                                          Black, camel, tan, oxblood
Earth tones                                Any shade of brown, camel, black

Dress shoes: A short guide

As for specific types of shoes to wear with specific styles of pants, here are a few suggestions:

Wear your khakis with...

1. For a classic look, wear your khakis with a pair of martin or tassel loafers to achieve traditional American business style. Another sure bet are Kiltie oxfords -- with or without perforated medallion toe detailing.

2. For a preppy look, wear khakis with a slick pair of penny loafers.

3. When attending a less formal, summer event, go for a pair of honey woven, water buffalo leather loafers with stitching on the sides.

4. Alternatively, wear your khakis with a pair of leather cap toe lace-up shoes.

Wear your 4-pocket pants and dress pants with...

1. For a more casual look, step into a handsome pair of monk strap shoes; their subtle buckle will give you a refined European look.

2. For the typical American businessman look, wear your dress pants with a pair of tassel loafers. Or, spice up your look by wearing a pair of bit loafers with half-rubber soles and gunmetal ornaments.

3. If you're seeking a trendier style, step into a pair of moccasin-style shoes in black or camel, with detailed stitching and a modern outsole.

Wear your suits with...

Classic: Every man should own a pair of black leather cap toe lace-up shoes; they're a staple in any businessman's wardrobe. Shiny black five-eyelet lace-ups, bal wingtips and straight tip blucher shoes -- with or without perforated detailing on toes -- are also sure bets.

Pinstripe: For your pinstripes, opt for a smart pair of shiny posillipo shoes, patent leather formal shoes, or Santa Barbara shoes.

Formal: On more formal occasions, wear a pair of evening shoes, plain-toe shoes, or Albany shoes.

Trendy: Finally, ankle boots with a square or elongated pointy toe are riding high if you're seeking up-to-the-minute style.In the end, just remember that it's not all about what you're wearing, but rather how you wear it. Until next time, keep on stylin'.