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How to Spot a Receding Hairline in Its Early Stages

Looking back at photos from several years ago can be a great way to assess how your hairline changes. To observe how your hair is thinning or growing, you can also pay special attention to your scalp when in the shower or good lighting. 

Thinner Areas of the Scalp

A receding hairline is a significant cause for concern. The sooner it is identified, the better the chance of reversing or minimizing its effects. Hair loss experts agree that it’s essential to recognize the early signs so that they can take action to stop a receding hairline before things progress out of control.

The first sign to look for is thinner areas of the scalp. While it’s normal to lose some strands of hair each day, if you are losing more than usual, this could be an early indication that your hairline is receding.

You should also pay attention to the way your hair feels daily. If it feels lighter when you run your fingers through or comb it, this may be an early indicator of thinning hair. Many medications for baldingcan help slow down the appearance of a receding hairline.

Some men have embraced their receding hairlines and are still considered attractive and sexy. Regardless, if you notice that one side of your head is thinning more than the other, it’s worth seeking out the advice of a medical professional. There may be underlying health conditions, such as thyroid or nutritional deficiencies, need to be addressed.

Changes in the Shape of Your Hairline

Many men can avoid receding hairlines by catching it in time and using treatment options. However, some have yet to be as lucky and have experienced thinning that has extended beyond the hairline and onto other areas of their scalp. These cases can be caused by diffuse thinning, which typically results in hair loss from multiple locations at once rather than one specific place.

The first sign of a maturing hairline is that the line parting your hair moves forward and becomes more prominent. To determine whether this is true for you, look closely at your hairline and see where the highest crease in your forehead is. If the new hairline is up to a half-inch taller than this, you can be sure that your receding hairline is maturing and not a precursor to baldness.

Knowing this is entirely normal is essential if you have a receding hairline. Hair loss is a natural part of aging, and both women and men experience it to some extent. However, receding hairlines can be a source of stress for some people, and it's worth addressing the issue before it gets out of hand. Talk to a doctor or trichologist about your hairline matters, and they can offer some advice.

Scalp Thinning

Hair loss often occurs gradually, and it can be challenging to determine if your hairline is maturing or in the early stages of receding. It’s also difficult to distinguish between a mature hairline and the beginning of male pattern baldness, which typically begins with a visible M-shaped thinning of the hair at the temples and a widened widow’s peak at the front of your scalp.

Your barber has a bird’s eye view of your scalp, so they may be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of the condition of your hairline. If your hairline is maturing, they can suggest a variety of haircuts that will add volume and conceal thin spots. While this is a Band-Aid solution and won’t stimulate new growth, it can make you feel more confident and comfortable as you pursue other hair restoration treatments.

It’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs each day, but if you’re losing more than that regularly, it could be a sign that your hair is thinning and that a receding hairline is imminent. It’s essential to catch this as soon as possible because once you experience a receding hairline, reversing the effect with medications and other non-invasive treatments is more challenging. Fortunately, if you notice these early signs of a receding hairline, you can take steps to slow down or prevent the progression with the help of a hair loss specialist, or even opting for cosmetic treatments such as Scalp Micropigmentation to reduce the appearance of thinning of the hair on the scalp. 

Changes in the Color of Your Hair

A receding hairline can also signify that your hair is getting thinner overall. This is especially true if your hair appears dull or lackluster compared to how it looked previously.

This may result from thinning hair or even a complete loss of your hair. Consider a haircut that can help cover your thinning scalp if this is the case. A slicked-back undercut is one of the best options, which can help make your hair appear thicker and hide bald spots.

Another common sign of a receding hairline is a sagging, sunken forehead. This can be caused by traction alopecia or a medical condition known as frontal fibrosing. In both cases, the disease can cause thinning hair along the temples and a receding hairline.

While it is natural to be worried about a receding hairline, it is essential to keep in mind that most of the time, these changes are not severe and can be dealt with with certain medications or treatments. It is necessary to check in with a dermatologist or trichologist when you notice these symptoms so that they can properly diagnose what’s happening and recommend the right course of action.

A dermatologist can run a series of tests to determine the cause of your receding hairline. These may include a biopsy, which involves removing a small amount of scalp tissue and evaluating it for any signs of illness or damage. They may also run bloodwork to see if any conditions, such as thyroid disease, contribute to hair loss.

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Why You Need to Take Care of Your Scalp

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Most of us take good care of our hair. We wash it using expensive products and go to the hairdressers every few weeks. Yet, few of us realize the importance of taking care of our scalp as well.

There are several reasons you need to make using a scalp cleanser a regular part of your personal care regime. Below, are the most important of them.
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Your hair will suffer if your scalp is not in good condition

Every hair on your head starts life under your scalp in the hair follicles. So, naturally, if your scalp is not in a healthy condition it is practically impossible for strong hairs to be formed.

Scalp issues can cause you to go bald prematurely

If some of your hair follicles are covered by scabs they will not be able to function properly. This can lead to sparse hair growth. Over time, things can worsen to the point where you end up with actual bald patches.

An unhealthy scalp can lead to fungal infections

Some scalp conditions are caused by fungal infections. Usually, the infection will stay confined to that area of your body. But when you scratch your head, which you are likely to do quite a bit, there is a chance that the fungus can spread to other areas of your skin.

An unhealthy scalp can harbor bacteria

Some scalp conditions can lead to bacterial infections. Again, it is possible to spread these to other areas of the body by scratching then touching an open cut.

You can end up with greasy hair

Lipids are important compounds that your body uses to build new strands. Your body knows how much is needed to keep your hair looking healthy, so it sends the right level of fatty acids to your scalp to achieve the desired result. If some of your follicles are blocked you end up with too much of these lipids being sent to the other hairs. This is one of the underlying causes of greasy hair. You can read about more of them here.

Having an itchy sore scalp is uncomfortable

Lastly, if your scalp is in poor condition, it will be itchy maybe sore, which is extremely uncomfortable. Nobody wants to be constantly scratching their head.
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How to look after your scalp

Fortunately, it is not that difficult to keep your scalp in good condition. Get into the habit of using a scalp serum. These products are designed to nourish the area and kill off the most common funguses and bacteria that can make a home there.

Why you need to spot and tackle problems early

If you are not in the habit of actively checking your scalp, it is a good idea to start to do so. The faster you spot and address any problems you find, the better. Once you develop an issue with your scalp, treating it becomes difficult because your hair makes it almost impossible to apply enough topical creams and lotions to the right area.

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Helpful Tips for Reducing Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss is one of the most widespread issues around the world, currently affecting more than a third of the population. Each person loses up to 100 strands of hair per day. It’s something that occurs naturally, which means that there is no real concern about this. While this is true, at some point, hair loss may become excessive.

Photo by Travis Seera from Pexels
When you are losing more than what is considered normal, it’s time to consider why this may be happening. There are several possible causes of hair loss including genetics, pollution, stress, medications, mineral deficiency, and diet. Also, wearing a helmet, hat, or cap can also cause hair loss. While this is true, there are several things you can do to help minimize hair loss and, in some cases, stop it altogether.

Take the Right Vitamins

Taking the right vitamins is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being, but it’s also good for your hair. For example, vitamin A will encourage the healthy production of sebum in your scalp while vitamin E improves blood circulation in the scalp, which helps the follicles remain active.

Eat More Protein

If you want to prevent hair loss, you should eat lean meats, soy, fish, and an array of other healthy proteins. This will promote hair health and help to minimize hair loss.

Use Essential Oils for a Scalp Massage

If you have had hair loss for a while, consider massaging your scalp using essential oils for a few minutes. This will help ensure your hair follicles remain active. A good combination is lavender in a sesame or almond oil.

Seek Help from the Professionals

If none of the tips here help with your hair loss issues, it may be time to seek third-party help. Bosley for Men offers an array of solutions for any man who is dealing with any level of hair loss. The best way to know if third-party, professional help will be beneficial is by setting up an initial consultation and speaking with a hair growth excerpt.

Handling Your Hair Loss

Are you dealing with hair loss? If so, take heart in the fact that you aren’t alone. There are millions of other men who are in the same boat. If you want to prevent hair loss, consider some of the methods and techniques that are listed here. This is going to help ensure you achieve the desired results, regardless of the current state of your hair loss.
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My Life, My Hair

Most days as I browse Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, I notice a very popular hair trend. It seems like rainbow, unicorn, and cotton candy colors are the big thing for girls and women of all ages. Believe it or not, I'm nearing 45 years of age and have never once dyed my hair. I started getting a few grays in my late teens. Those gray hairs have since multiplied, and are starting to spring up all over.


I really love my natural color and don't ever want to change it. Most people don't really notice the grays unless my hair is pulled back or I mention it. Most of the silver seems to be tucked underneath my black hair. Let me tell you though, when I go into the dressing room in a department store those silver strands stand out under those bright lights. I see every last gray hair and I get a little self-conscious. It's stupid for me to even feel that way. I am middle-aged, and getting older is a part of life. I have always said that I would not dye my hair, but sometimes feel like I'm not quite ready to be a gray-haired woman.


I have been following a few accounts on Instagram of some beautiful women who fully love and embrace their silver locks. I use it as motivation for myself. For now I will continue to just be. My hair color does not define the person I am. Are you going through this by chance? Let me know!

Thanks for stopping by xoxo
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Remington College Columbia Campus offers free salon services for high school students headed to prom

Free Prom Night Makeovers available on select dates in April, May
 
The cost for students to attend high school proms quickly adds up - from tickets, the dress or tuxedo, a trip to the salon, and maybe even a limo.
 
Remington College-Columbia Campus wants to help the families of high schoolers save some money by offering free salon services at its annual Prom Night Makeover event.
 
Students in the Remington College Cosmetology Program will provide high schoolers headed to prom with free haircuts, up-dos, manicures, pedicures and makeup services.

Prom Night Makeover at
Remington College Columbia Campus
 
Event dates: Friday, April 20, 2018
                        Friday, April 27, 2018
                        Friday, May 4, 2018
Salon Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Appointments: Call 803-214-9062
 
All Prom Night Makeover services will take place at the Remington College School of Cosmetology, located at 607 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 803-214-9062.
 
This is the ninth year that Remington College is holding its Prom Night Makeover event, which has provided thousands of high school students across the country with free salon services.
 
Remington College's Cosmetology Diploma program teaches students the art of hair, skin and nail care through traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training in the Remington College School of Cosmetology, which allows students to work with real clients.
 
For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncollege.edu or call 
1-800-496-0571.
 
First come, first serve. Appointments are recommended. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
 
About Remington College:  Non-profit Remington College, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, operates 16 college campuses throughout the United States offering career focused diploma, bachelor and associate degree programs in a variety of career fields. For more information, please visit  remingtoncollege.edu. For the latest news about Remington College, visit facebook.com/remingtoncollege. Remington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administered programs. 
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Remington College Columbia Campus Offers 50% Off One Salon Service

If you live in Columbia, South Carolina or the surrounding area, you might want to check this out.

Love fills the air in February and Remington College hopes to help Columbia area residents fall in love with their look.

The Salon at Remington College Columbia Campus is offering 50-percent off of one service during the month of February.(1)


Remington College’s Cosmetology Diploma program teaches students the art of hair, skin and nail care through traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training in the Remington College School of Cosmetology, which allows students to work with real clients.

Some of the services offered in the Salon include:(2)


  • Cuts (including shampoo and conditioner), starting at $11
  • Thermal Style, starting at $12
  • Shampoo and Style (includes shampoo and conditioner), starting at $11
  • Deep Conditioning Service, starting at $6
  • Chemical Services, starting at $27
  • Hair Color, starting at $27
  • Hair Lightening (includes finishing style), starting at $27
  • Specialty Styles, starting at $22
  • Plain Manicure, starting at $8
  • Pedicure, starting at $11
  • Skin Care and Hair Removal, starting at $6
  • Facial – Plain, starting at $16
  • Machine Facial, starting at $21
  • Eyebrow or Facial Wax, starting at $6
  • Children’s Cut, starting at $6

The Salon at Remington is located at 607 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call 803-214-9062.


The salon is open:

Monday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday: Call ahead for availability

For more on the Remington College Cosmetology Program, visit remingtoncosmo.com or call 1-800-448-6405.

(1) Available through February 28, 2018. First come, first serve. Appointments are recommended. Cannot be combined with any other offer.(2) Prices are base prices and may vary depending on length and style. Services and/or prices are subject to change.

About Remington College: Non-profit Remington College, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL operates 16 college campuses throughout the United States offering career focused diploma, bachelor and associate degree programs in a variety of career fields. For more information, please visit remingtoncollege.edu. For the latest news about Remington College, visit facebook.com/remingtoncollege. Remington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administered programs.
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Get Set for Spring with These 5 Beauty Hacks

Just as spring is the perfect time for a full house clean and de-cluttering, it’s also great for a beauty update. There’s nothing better than getting your hair and skin ready for the summer season with a few new treats and luxuries. Since busy moms won’t have a lot of time and money to waste on beauty, We've rounded up the best beauty hacks to get set for spring. With these tips, tricks and trends you can look and feel gorgeous as the sun-rays start treating your skin.

Treat the dry hair

After winter, most of us suffer from dry hair. It’s not even our fault or a lack of TLC that causes it. Winter can just be rather rough on the hair with the temperature changes (indoors it’s hot, outdoors it’s cold) and weather such as constant rain and the wind. We all feel a bit worn out after winter so it isn’t really a big thing to find your hair calling for help as well.

If you’re suffering from parched, dry hair, hair masks are the way to go. There are tons of good treatments out there – give the FekkaiPrXReparatives Intensive Fortifying Masque a go. If you want to find a clever tip for keeping your hair looking smooth at all times, then make your own de-tangler. You just need to add about two tablespoons of your chosen conditioner into a travel-sized spray bottle. Add water, shake well, and you've got a handy product to spray on your hair for quick dehydration!

Wave it up with no heat

Since you want to give your hair a bit more breathing room after the tough winter, you want to leave those hair straighteners and tongs untouched. If you want a no-hassle look, then wave the ends overnight with this simple beauty hack.

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You can add a hold and shine product such as TRESemmé Make Waves to washed and damp hair. Twist your hair into long spirals and create a cute bun with the spirals by tying it up into a knot. Make sure the ends of the hair are tucked underneath. Hold in place with a hair elastic. Open up in the morning and voilá!

Become a primer fanatic

Primers are the unsung heroes of our makeup bags. If you’re not using one, then you need to add one to your storage box immediately. Primer is the perfect spring hack because it evens out your tone and hydrates the dry winter skin at the same time.

Finding the perfect primer on your skin will require a bit of testing. For this reason, it can be a good idea to enter makeup stores and ask for samples – they are more than happy to demonstrate their products and it will save your pennies! If you want a few ideas, we would recommend Benefit The Professional and MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer.

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Now, don’t be afraid to go primer crazy. You shouldn’t just use it on your face. Primers can help you achieve a glowing look on the legs, décolletage and arms. So, before you head out on the tank top, add just a bit of primer for a healthier tone.

Makeup brush for the best complexion

Sometimes we pay too much attention to the actual beauty products and not the tools we use with them. But the blame, for example, might not be on the kind of foundation you use, but the way you apply it. When it comes to spring beauty hacks, do yourself a favor and ditch the old makeup brushes and invest in a great brush. A good brush can help you achieve that perfect dewy complexion for the season.

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Charlotte Tilbury’s Foundation Brush is perfect for adding a liquid foundation on your skin. The tapered tool is easy to use and clean, making it super easy to add a soft layer of makeup on your skin. If you want something more matte, then pick a larger brush – the KevynAucoin’s the Foundation Brush is a great pick. You can find both brushes from Cult Beauty – with the added benefit of saving money with your purchase!

Get a head start for the glow

Now spring sun isn’t yet enough to get that beautiful tan. However, you can add instant glamour and freshness to your look with a bronze glow. The solution then is to opt for the faux tanning lotions. Now, we admit, these are not always a girl’s best friends. The tanning lotions can cause more mess than beauty –it’s on the sheets, your clothes, your children and the furniture!

You should try some of the new additions to the tanning lotion regime. Whish Coconut Milk and Bareminerals Faux Tan Body are quite good and less messy than some previous products. Furthermore, if you do get a bit too much tanning lotion on you or you notice patches, pick a bit of baking soda to clean it up. Sprinkle the baking soda on a washcloth and scrub it onto your damp skin. Rinse with warm water and you are good to go!

With these 5 beauty hacks, you are set for spring in no time!

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How To Achieve A Trendy & Bold Hairstyle Without A Commitment

Today's conversation is sponsored and all opinions are my own as always

Have you all seen the latest hair trends that involve a whole lot of color? I've seen everything from purple, blue and even rainbow! I think it is a fabulous look on some people, but I don't think I'd have the nerve to go through with such an extreme process. I've watched those videos on Facebook and Youtube on how those looks are achieved, and I simply don't think I could go through with it. It takes half a day sometimes to get the color just right. Of course, you will pay hundreds of dollars for it, too. Look at how gorgeous the style and color is below.

The best part is you can have a fun and funky style like this with no commitment and no long wait in the salon chair. A great alternative is a trendy and stylish wig from Divatress. They are an online wig shop offering the latest styles at a super low price. They carry everything from short, long, curly, straight, and everything in between. So now you can achieve the look you want, for less. If you decide that the color or overall style is too much, you simply take it off!

Does the lady above look familiar? Ms. Vivica A. Fox has her very own collection of beautiful and natural looking wigs. Wigs are also a great for those who are trying to grow out their natural hair and need protective styling. I have seen it for myself and the hair growth is astonishing! Divatress has everything you need to complete your look, including bonding glue, tape, accessories, and hair care products. They have price ranges that will fit every budget, too.


If you are looking for a new wig for any reason, make sure you check out Divatress. You can follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates and promotions. Also, they are currently offering FREE shipping on orders over $49 in the continental U.S..
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Fabulous Fall Beauty Finds For Back-To-School

Today we will be talking about hair care. I have a lot of hair and have to wash/dry/style way more often than I care to. Having such long hair takes so much time to care for and it has become a chore that I wish I could avoid. The part that takes me over the edge is blow drying. It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to get my hair completely dry. Well thankfully I have a solution. I found the BEST blow dryer that has changed everything for me. The Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer is perfect for anyone looking for something small, fast, and effective!


This dryer is so powerful and brought my drying time from 35 minutes down to 10 minutes! That is a HUGE time saver and I no longer dread hair wash days. What makes it so great? This modern dryer with a narrow, European nozzle packs an impressive airflow with quiet operation. Its PRO-MOISTURE SYSTEM™ with ION TECHNOLOGY® is supplemented with Tourmaline to deliver a hydrating “spa treatment” for your hair — while fighting frizz and locking in moisture for supremely soft, manageable hair. The contemporary dryer also includes a concentrator with a narrow opening for precise drying. 


I am so impressed with how sleek and straight my hair comes out with no frizz. My younger daughter borrows it and loves how much drying time has been cut out for her. She has biracial hair and noticed how less poufy her hair was after drying. With the super compact design, this dryer is perfect for dorm rooms. I will warn you though, roommates will want to borrow it! You can find the Hot Tools® Turbo IONIC® Dryer at Ulta stores for $70. It is worth every penny if you are looking for professional quality at home.

Not enough time on shampoo days? No problem! Simply wash and go in one easy step with Pert Plus Classic Clean. I know the guys benefit most with this type of product since they don't spend nearly as much time on hair like the ladies do. I absolutely love the clean scent and how soft it makes my hair. You can find Pert Plus at drugstores nationwide for around $3.39 (13.5oz), $5.49 (25.4oz).


For hair that needs a little more help, consider the Infusium23 Moisture Replenisher Collection ($6.99 – $8.99, Target)
Designed for moisture-deprived hair, the Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Collection is perfect to replenish your hair as you leave the beach and head back to school (or the carpool line). It is formulated with an exclusive blend of avocado and olive oil to lock in moisture and enhance shine, restoring dry and sun damaged hair in preparation for the fall. A unique i-23 Complex, enriched with provitamins, antioxidants, proteins and amino acids, instantly transforms dry, damaged tresses into soft, healthy-looking, more manageable hair, making it an essential collection to keep in your shower caddy. The collection includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment.

I received product samples to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush Review & Giveaway

The information, product, and giveaway have been provided to me by Ontel. All thoughts and opinions are my own as always. 

I have had my eye on the Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush for about a year now. I've seen the commercials on TV and love the idea of a brush that can smooth and straighten hair rather than using a damaging flat iron. Ever since I had my last child, my hair has changed a lot. It used to be super sleek and straight and now it is wavy and unpredictable. I couldn't wait to put this beauty tool to the test!


Information about Simply Straight™:

Simply Straight™ is a ceramic straightening brush that provides a revolutionary way to straighten and smooth all types of hair in minutes, without flattening, frying or damaging tresses. Perfectly straightens hair fast and easy!

Simply Straight™ combines the power of salon heat straightening up to 450° with the gentle styling ability of a brush to make straightening hair as easy as brushing it. The unique ceramic-wrapped bristles easily detangle and lift hair at the root to evenly deliver gentle heat around every strand, for straight, healthy, shiny hair that’s manageable and loaded with volume.


Combining innovation with simplicity, Simply Straight™ effortlessly tames unruly curls, waves and frizz, delivering long-lasting salon-quality results in no time. Simply Straight™ has adjustable temperatures for specific hair types and heats up to the ideal temperature in seconds.

Simply Straight’s™ bristles are coated for safe and gentle straightening and a voluminous finish. The Simply Straight™ brush heats up fast and has an “auto shut off” feature that activates after 60 minutes of power.


For best results and a sleek finish, use on dry hair and brush slowly in a pulling motion to ensure hair gets deep into the inner area of the brush.


So does it actually work? Here is a before and after shot. As you can see, I have uneven waves and after using Simply Straight™, my hair became straight and silky. I did set the temperature fairly high since I have very thick and resistant hair. 

I am pleased with how easy it is to use as well as the end result. I don't see smoke coming from my hair like I normally would using a flat iron. It also did not snag or pull my hair at all. I do suggest that you brush or comb through your hair before using. This will be a great tool to pack when I travel for quick touch-ups. You can purchase Simply Straight™ here for only $39.99 and also at many major retailers. Be sure to follow Simply Straight on Facebook for promotions and updates. 

Want to try the Simply Straight™ Ceramic Straightening Brush out for yourself? One lucky Mom Files reader will win one of their very own! ($39.99 value) Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on July 22, 2016. Be sure to follow rules within Rafflecopter widget for entries to count. Mom Files is NOT responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. One winner will be contacted via email to claim prize. Good luck! 
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Hard Candy Brow Ink Review

I am sure by now most of you have seen the latest beauty trend-- eyebrow enhancing. Some use products to fill in thin brows while others take it to the extreme. I personally go for a polished look and prefer natural looking brows. I got my eyebrows threaded a few months ago and after the process was over, the technician applied a brow filler. I really loved the look because it was super natural yet slightly dramatic (if that makes sense). I have never used any eyebrow filler in my whole life, but since then, I've been intrigued.

I have been seeing ads for kits that go up to $50. No way. I refuse to invest that kind of cash into a basic product. Today I want to share a new product from Hard Candy called Brow Ink. It is actually a brow stain. No lie, the word stain scared me a bit.


This product comes in a fun, contemporary looking tube. It comes in 2 colors: 1108 Light Medium and 1004 Medium Dark. I tried the medium dark since I am a brunette. When you open it, you will find a long, slender wand with ultra fine bristles.


This Brow Ink comes in a gel formula and instantly darkens and defines your brows. It has Henna Fruit Actives that nourish hair while the Longwear Ink Technology transforms brows that stay in place for 24 hours and is waterproof. 

I found the product very easy to use and it really does what it supposed to. One tip I will offer is that you should not press down too much when you apply. You will end up with too much product in one spot. If that happens you can easily use your finger to blend it in. 


The end result is a fuller, natural brow look. It does not smudge at all and does not come off until you remove it. Want to hear the best part? It costs only $6 and can be purchased at Walmart and Walmart.com. I still can't believe how good it is considering the low price tag. Seriously, it is worth a try and I highly recommend you give it a shot. If you try it out, please let me know how it worked for you.

Be sure to check out Hard Candy at their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for beauty tips and product updates.

I received product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always.  
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A Low-Cost Flat Iron That Works On Thick Biracial Hair

Hey there! I wanted to share my latest find that I was so impressed with, I had to write a review. My daughters have been using flat irons since the middle school days, and their very first one was a $100 CHI. It was the most amazing straightener ever and made their hair super smooth, silky and of course, straight. It lasted 2 girls with a ton of hair for about 2 years. We thought it was worth the $100 so we purchased a second one. This time it was just okay. It straightened the hair, but the plates seemed like they were not aligned evenly and it made the task harder. That one lasted a couple of years and we bought a CHI once more. For some reason this last one did not straighten very well at all. We decided to switch brands and go with Rusk. I read several Amazon reviews and the thing that made me want to buy it was the fact that many users had very thick biracial hair. I found a $199 version for $90 and decided to order it. This flat iron was hands-down the best one ever! It straightened coarse, curly hair and transformed it into a super smooth, shiny and luxurious look. It was worth the money and they girls really loved it until... Brie went away on a trip to Washington earlier this year and her flat iron never made it back home. She called the hotel twice as well as her roommates and there was no sign of it. It was barely a couple months old and I was NOT spending the money to replace it.

After doing some more research on Amazon, we found another flat iron by Rusk, this time for under $50. I figured since I was going to have Brie buy it with her own money, she may need something less expensive. It had great reviews, so we decided to order it and give it a try.

The shocking result? It worked just as well as its $199 big sister version! See how smooth and straight Brie's hair came out?


I highly recommend the Rusk W8less Professional Str8 Ceramic Flat Iron  if you are looking for a really good, inexpensive flat iron. It really is a great value! We are thinking of ordering another one to keep as a back-up. Let me know if you buy one. This is also a great gift idea!

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Hair Loss: What is Hereditary Hair Loss and How Do You Treat the Condition? (Giveaway)



There are so many transitions women go through as they age and it's not always easy to deal with. I am officially over 40 and have had a rude awakening with getting older. Heredity has hit and I have been going through so many changes including hair thinning. Let me tell you about it--- I have always had tons of thick, luxurious hair. It has been one of those things that most people who knew me when I was younger, remembers me by. My hair was so thick that of you put your had on top of my head, you felt a blanket of hair to the point that you could not feel my scalp at all. Things have changed significantly. With being older and going through hormonal changes, my hair has thinned out a whole lot. Most people would disagree since my hair is still long. Trust me, I do not have the thickness I once did and fear it will only get worse. It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day, but anything over 150 can be signs of a problem. I'm guessing the fact that I can gather up almost enough hair from the floor, furniture and shower drain to make a full braid is an indication for me that I need to take action now.

Heredity hair loss has played a huge role in my hair changes. It turns out that hair thinning is not uncommon and 1 in 3 women will experience it in their lifetime, as early as their 20's. Most of the women in my family have thinning hair to where you can see their scalp, especially along the top where you part it. It takes a lot of creativity to style it so that you can fake like you have thicker hair. Thankfully there are products today to help fight the issues associated with hair thinning and hair loss. Women’s ROGAINE® Foam is the first and only FDA-approved once daily treatment with 5% minoxidil proven to regrow hair.
Women's ROGAINE® Topical Aerosol can be purchased without a prescription. It can be used on any hair type including those who color or perm their hair.
The application process is very simple. The foam can be applied once a day, morning or night. Just part your hair to expose areas that need it the most and apply and allow to dry. The foam is so lightweight and does not cause any buildup on hair.
The safety cap works well to keep kids away from it. I had a hard time getting it off at first.
The key to managing hereditary hair loss is treating it at the earliest signs with Women’s ROGAINE® Foam, which is clinically proven to regrow hair in 81%* of women with new hairs growing in up to 48%** thicker than before. There is a wealth of information about Women's ROGAINE on their website so be sure to visit. They offer styling tips and have videos as well. If you want to try the product out, be sure to grab a coupon here.

Giveaway: I'm so pleased to offer a giveaway for a full year's supply of Women’s ROGAINE® Foam (ARV $150.00) for one lucky Mom Files reader. Enter below...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Products were provided by the Women’s ROGAINE® Foam. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Back-to-school Beauty Essentials from KISS & Instrumental Beauty #AD

In less than 2 weeks, my kids will all return to school. My girls will both be at the University of South Carolina and are very excited for the year ahead. They have been hustling around shopping for those last minute must-haves and beauty products are very high on that list.

Lucky for them, they have some great items we received for review to get them ready to head back. First up, it's all about the fabulous hair styles. Although both of my girls have curly hair, my younger one straightens hers and likes to add some curls for a more polished look. The KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler is the perfect tool to make quick, easy waves and curls. What makes this tool so great is that it works on all hair types. It even works on my silky hair that usually won't hold a curl for very long. I posted a review before if you want to check it out. You can purchase the KISS InstaWave at KissInstaWave.com for $59.99. Any young lady would love this item and it would make a great gift for your favorite college student heading away to school this fall.

Along with great hair, you can't forget to take good care of your skin. My older daughter goes through some trying phases when it comes to her face. The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush is the perfect thing for her. The best part about using a sonic facial brush is that it removes dirt and impurities traditional face-washing can easily miss.

The cleaner your skin, the healthier it looks and feels. My daughter has used her facial brush a couple times so far and can feel a big difference. She's so pleased that it hold the charge for a long time and has a built-in timer that alerts you when it's time to switch to another part of your face. Go here for a full review of this item. The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush can be purchased at select drugstores and at InstrumentalBeauty.com for $80.00.

My younger daughter, Brie loves playing with color and especially when it comes to her nails. KISS imPRESS Manicure ($7.99 / Walgreens) is an easy way to get a fabulous mani with minimal effort. With so many colors and designs, you can have a fresh new look as often as you would like.
Here is what Brie had to say:
When I first saw the Kiss brand imPress press-on manicure nails, I was very excited to apply them to my own nails because of how beautiful and professional-looking each pattern of nail tips was. When applying the nails, the process was very simple. Directions were included both in and on the box, but I did not really need them because all that I had to do was clean and prep my nails with the included nail file, then remove the sticker from the back of the nail tip, and finally stick it onto my fingernail firmly for about 30 seconds. Due to the variety of sizes of nails included, I was able to select one to fit each of my fingernails with ease. I received several compliments on my manicure, and many people were shocked to find out that it was a stick-on manicure that I did myself due to the high quality of it. Although the application process was easy, several nails began to fall off after a few days. That may have been due to me not pressing the nails on securely enough in the application process, which I will definitely keep in consideration next time I apply the nails, likely in the near future. This nail product is very practical and professional overall. 

She is planning to play around with the KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit ($9.99 / Walgreens) this week. Since she is already and artist, this art kit makes her very giddy. I'll post at a later date with what she came up with.

I received sample products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always.
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