October, 2007

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

How to Make Your Own Swimsuit

Summer is nearly here, and it is time to ensure the maximum amount of fun and relaxation for those fun, warm months. You have your pool and/or spa ready to go, but do you have that ideal, flattering swimsuit to showcase all of your hard work? As most women know, shopping for a swimsuit can be one of the most painful, depressing experiences known to man (or woman). Why not avoid all of the hassle of shopping for a suit this year, and make your own customized swimsuit, meant to fit your body exactly? Whether you are a novice or experienced sewer, you can create a fun, flattering swimsuit for your specific figure at a fraction of the cost of ready-made swimsuits. This brief guide to making your own swimsuit will get you started with the right pattern, fabric, and notions. After that, the sky is the limit with what you can do with your own homemade, incredibly personalized swimsuit.

Patterns

Most pattern companies offer swimsuit patterns, but not all swimsuit patterns are equal in their merits. If you are looking for a swimsuit pattern that will be fairly simple, come in a wide range of styles, and provide the best fit for your unique body, there are a couple of pattern companies that offer the best swimsuit patterns for you. Patterns from Kwik Sew and Stretch & Sew specialize in swimsuit fabrics and provide the best selection of styles and the most consistent fit. Also, these companies take torso length into consideration when creating their size charts and patterns. Torso length is one of the most important aspects of sizing a homemade swimsuit correctly.

Sizing

Most patterns will provide a size chart on the pattern so you can get the right pattern cutouts for your body figure. It is generally best to follow this size layout, but keep in mind that the best swimsuit size for you is anywhere from one to three sizes larger than the size you normally wear in pants or dresses. Spandex fabric does tend to grow a bit when wet, however, so be sure your swimsuit is not too large when you try it on for your initial fitting.

Fabric

Most fabric stores carry a good selection of spandex and Lycra fabrics for swimsuits. While you may make a swimsuit out of any number of fabrics, including both cotton and velvet, a spandex-based material is the easiest to work with for your first homemade swimsuit, and it is the most likely to provide the stretch and coverage you need. Most spandex fabric comes in either two-way stretch fabric or four-way stretch fabric. Two-way stretch refers to the ability of the fabric to stretch and recover both vertically and horizontally while four-way stretch refers to the fabrics ability to stretch vertically, horizontally, and from any angle. Four-way stretch fabric is likely to be somewhat more expensive but also more durable and elastic. Two-way stretch fabrics have a tendency to run but are still acceptable for use in a recreational swimsuit. Just keep in mind that they are less durable.

When buying fabric for your swimsuit, you will want to keep several different factors in mind. First, you will want to buy a fabric that has been treated for chlorine resistance (especially if you plan to do any swimming in your swimsuit). Most fabrics designed for swimwear are somewhat chlorine resistant, but you should ask the salesperson before you buy any fabric. Next, you will want to buy a fabric in a color and/or print that you feel comfortable wearing and that flatters your body. Keep in mind that darker colors and prints tend to slim and conceal while pastel and shiny fabrics highlight flaws. Before purchasing a fabric, hold it up to your body to ensure that the color works with your natural features. Finally, you will want a fabric that has the proper amount of stretch and recovery. Be sure to observe the stretch and recovery of the fabric before you purchase it.

Lining

To make a swimsuit that is truly opaque, you will also need to purchase swimwear lining. Most fabric stores carry lining in close proximity to swimsuit fabric. If you are using a light or medium color/print in your swimsuit, you will want to purchase enough lining for the front and crotch of the suit. An unlined back of the suit will allow for extra stretch to compensate for the lining in the front. If you are using a darker material for your swimsuit, you may need only enough lining for the crotch. You should try to match the color of the swimsuit lining as closely as possible to the color of your swimsuit material.

Notions

To actually assemble your suit, you will need thread, needles, and elastic for the armholes, leg holes, neck hole, and straps. The elastic you purchase should be treated for chlorine resistance, as chlorine has a tendency to break down the elasticity of untreated elastics. In general, cotton-wrapped elastics are best for comfort and reliability in swimsuits. Based on the pattern, you will probably need an elastic width of 3/8 inch for the armholes, leg holes, and neck hole and _ inch for the straps. To ensure the durability of your swimsuit, you will want to use a polyester or texturized nylon thread in both the needle and bobbin of your sewing machine. Feel free to play around with the color of the thread. This color does not necessarily need to match the color of the swimsuit and can be used to add decorative stitching to the body of the suit.

Cutting and Sewing Your Suit

After you have purchased all of the necessary elements of your swimsuit, you are ready to start cutting, sewing, and fitting your suit. In general, you should follow the directions of your pattern for both the cutting and sewing of swimsuit fabric (which can appear somewhat different than other fabrics). Remember to conduct several fittings before the final sewing of your swimsuit to ensure you create a swimsuit you will be proud to display all season long.

About The Author

Vanessa Lausch is a technical writer for http://www.moreswimsuits.com/. She has produced several articles and fashion advice columns, as well as two swimsuit consumer information sites: http://www.everythingbikini.com/ and http://www.swimsuit-style.com/.

Written By: Vanessa Lausch

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Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Laser Hair Removal: Hair Raising Experience

More and more people are giving laser hair removal a shot! If you’re not into this hot, new treatment, then you’ve come to the right place. Imagine never having to deal with messy creams. Imagine talking to the grocery clerk and not having her stare at the hair on your upper lip. Imagine never having to hide your precious parts at the beach.

Stop imagining! You can make your dreams of hairless summers and hairless winters come true. First of all I believe its important for women and men to find out what causes abnormal hair growth before they start drastic measure to remove it. Doctors say hair usually grows abnormally due to hormones. Once youve determined whether you have health concerns related to your hair, then you can decide on the appropriate remedy.

I can tell you lasers are safe and effective in the removal of unwanted hair. A trained specialist can help you determine what treatment is best for you using your skin and hair type. With lasers you dont have to worry about shaving, tweezing, or waxing now and forever. Forever sounds like a long time, doesn’t it? Lasers produce a beam of light that is used to remove hair. The light passes through the skin to the hair follicle. Once it gets to the hair it basically kills it. Neat, huh? The process only takes less than an hour.

Lasers are attracted to dark colors. You’ll get the best results if your hair is darker than your complexion. You’re wondering if the laser has any side effects. It does if you have a tan. Tanning and lasering leads to burning. Ouch, it really hurts so youll want to beware of adding the two in combo. Also, it’s important to note that the laser doesn’t do a thing for blondes, white or gray haired people.

If you’re not ready to give lasers a shot, then there are several other techniques on the market that can help you get rid of your hair-raising problem. Let’s talk about the only permanent hair removal known to man right now. It’s called electrolysis. If you’re scared of needles, then this is not the treatment for you. You’ll want to make sure that you have not waxed or tweezed within a few days of having a treatment. This makes the hair follicle easier for the electrologist to reach.

The electrologist inserts a tiny needle into each hair follicle and uses a short impulse of energy to kill the root. Sounds, cool, huh? The hair is tweezed out one at a time. Sounds like an awfully long process. However, it only takes a few hours. You will most likely need more than one treatment to kill all of your hair. There are electrolysis kits that you can use at home, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You’re better off using a licensed electrologist.

Speaking of problems, what’s yours? Everyone has a specific area of the body where they want to be bald. Women usually hate facial hair on their upper lips, chin and sides of face. Hairs in those areas dont seem to bother men that much! Okay, I shouldn’t joke about it! Hair on the lip is very troubling to most women. It can be removed using a bleaching procedure.

Bleaching works if your hair is similar in color to your skin. Be careful, bleaching lightens hair in dark complexions. Ill never forget someone with a dark complexion once asked me if she could use a depilatory creams on the lip. No way, don’t even think! My response was fast and furious. Depilatories are harsh on sensitive skin and should never be placed on the lips or eyes areas.

The important thing to remember about depilatories is you should use them on the legs and thighs only. Depilatory creams dissolve the keratin in hair. As you can imagine thats some pretty strong stuff! Be sure to test patches of skin before you put the cream on. The cream can cause rashes and skin discolorations. It is possible to treat a negative reaction with an anti-bacterial solution and antibiotic.

Waxing on the other hand is a great way to remove hair from the legs and thighs and bikini area. Your skin will feel so clean, smooth and soft after this procedure. Waxing doesnt irritate your skin the way shaving and creams do. However, waxing is a temporary hair removal procedure. Waxing is similar to the sugaring procedure that is also temporary.

Sugaring is becoming more popular for people who want to be hairless in the bikini area. The sugar is warmed not at all like the high heat thats used in waxing. The warmed sugar is placed on the skin. Your technician will then remove the sugar with muslin strips. The sugar sticks mostly to the hair and not the skin. That makes it easier when its time to remove the hair. I highly recommend sugaring because the red bumps and other skin irritations are minimized with it.

Youre daring, right? You want a bikini wax, but you want it all over. Then, youll have to try what is called a Brazilian bikini wax. Have you ever been to Brazil? The natives are not at all ashamed of their bodies. The Brazilian wax removes hair all over the pubic area including the labia and buttocks. You can tell your technician how far to go, or not go. A patch of hair is sometimes left above the vagina.

Now, the procedure for getting a Brazilian wax is the same just about as with a bikini wax. Youll be given a paper thong if youre a little shy to put on for Brazilian bikini wax. Your hair will be cut using some scissors. The wax is then put on using a wooden stick. Strips of cloth are used to take the hair off. Tweezers are sometimes used to pick away stray hairs. Some folks say it hurts, others swear it works magic to improve their self-esteem and body image. You now have choices whether its shavers and creams or lasers and wax. You no longer have to live with a hair-raising experience. Get rid of it! The choice is yours.

Barry A. S. Lycka is a cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon who practices in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he has worked from 1989. Dr. Lycka was the Dream Makeover doctor for Edmonton’s Dream Makeover. For more information you can visit his website at www.barrylyckamd.com.

Written By: Barry Lycka, M.D.

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Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

The Pros and Cons of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method by which body hair is removed. It can be performed on any part of the body except the ears and the inside of the nose. Women often have electrolysis done on their bikini area, underarms, tummy, breasts, chin, brows, and upper lip, although hair can also be removed on the toes, arms, forehead, buttocks and legs. Many men also use electrolysis to remove unwanted hair on their eyebrows, cheekbones, neck, but especially their shoulders and backs. Electrolysis can be arduous in that each individual hair must receive treatment. The treatment consists of a trained practitioner inserting a needle under the skin. An electric current passes through the hair follicle, damaging it.

It is believed that experiments involving electronial epilation (the removal of hair) were taking place as long ago as the Civil War era. Dr. Charles E. Michel (himself an ophthalmologist) reported in the St. Louis Clinical Record in 1875 of the first successful permanent hair epilation by electrolysis. Since then, electrolysis has become quite popular.

Is electrolysis for you? You should compare the pros and cons of receiving electrolysis before you make that decision. What are some of the advantages of using electrolysis for permanent hair removal? Perhaps the strongest case for using electrolysis for hair removal is that is has the best record of accomplishment for results. For over one hundred and twenty five years, practitioners have been removing hair safely and effectively. In fact, electrolysis is the only method approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a way to remove hair permanently. While some hair may grow back and require additional treatments, that hair is often thinner and lighter. Studies have shown that more than 90% of clients are happy with their electrolysis results.

While the advantages to having electrolysis are huge, a couple of smaller disadvantages may prevent some people off from trying it. One disadvantage is the cost involved. Electrolysis can be very expensive. The average cost of a one-hour electrolysis session is generally between $50 and $60. Remember, however, that during this one-hour session, each hair follicle has to be individually treated. Electrolysis sessions are often broken down into fifteen, thirty, and forty-five minute sessions as well, making them a bit more affordable. You may also get a discount by purchasing a package of two or more hours. Because it is not possible to remove the hair permanently in one treatment, you will need to have additional treatments. How many treatments you need is determined by many things including hair growth cycles, heredity, hormone function, and stress. The average cost of a complete treatment of your legs ranges between $1000 and $3000.

Another disadvantage of electrolysis is that it can be painful and there is a risk of scarring. The sensation of pain depends on each person’s pain threshold, but there is a feeling of a pinprick and of course, some areas of the body are more sensitive than other areas. Some people compare the pain of electrolysis to that of plucking a hair with a pair of tweezers. While scarring is not common, there is always a risk. Pitted scarring often occurs when flash thermolysis electrolysis is used on thick, deeply rooted hair as opposed to shallow, thin hair. Finding a qualified practitioner with years of experience should reduce the risk of scarring.

When considering electrolysis, there are several things you should ask the practitioner. Ask if they use needle electrolysis. This has a much higher success rate than those that use the electric tweezers or photoepilators. Ask how many clients they have treated and how long they have been in business. Finally, ask their qualifications and training for being a practitioner. One third of the states in the U.S. do not require a certification for electrologists. However, you can research the Internet to find whether your state is one that requires certification. If it is, the practitioner should have the certificate prominently displayed.

Some people are not good candidates for electrolysis. People with a pacemaker cannot receive electrolysis. Those with diabetes or other serious health problems should always contact their physician before seeking electrolysis treatments to make sure it is safe. Electrolysis is safe for women who are pregnant as long as the thermolysis mode is used. The decision to have electrolysis is a personal one. While it may require money and time, many people feel that the removal of hair boosts their self-esteem such, that it is well worth it. Megan Halloway is a cosmetologist specializing in hair removal. Read her most recent report “The Basics of Hair Removal: A Guide to Which Method is Right For You”.

About the author:

Megan Halloway is a cosmetologist specializing in body hair removal. Read her most recent report “The Basics of Hair Removal: A Guide to Which Method is Right For You”.

Written By: Megan Halloway

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007

What Body Hair Do You Remove?

To remove body hair or not remove body hair – That is the question. And as with most everything, there are, (at least), two beliefs about what to do with body hair.

One belief is that you should not remove your body hair because it protects skin from dirt and germs, provides cushioning for sensitive areas, lessens the friction between skin and clothes, holds in heat to keep you warm when you need it and retains your personal scent, which may attract your potential mate.

Another belief is that you should remove your body hair because it holds dirt and germs, interferes with sensations in sensitive areas, causes friction between skin and clothes, and holds in heat which creates your personal scent, which repels everyone.

Some people, both male and female, believe because you’re born with body hair, it’s best to just let it grow. These people add that a big benefit is you don’t have to spend your time or money removing it.

Other people believe just because you’re born with body hair, doesn’t mean you have to accept it. These people believe it’s their body, (and hair), to do what they please and the big benefit for them is they say they look and feel better because they remove their body hair.

Since the human animal has walked this planet, body hair has played a couple of important roles. Before clothing, as protection and a signal of sexual maturity. Since clothing, a signal of sexual maturity.

Today, neither of these roles apply. And it seems even evolution is playing a part towards less hair.

It’s a genetic fact that since the need of body hair as protection has become unnecessary because of wearing clothing, with each generation males have become noticeably less hairy.

Even though some males still believe that their body hair is a measure of their manliness, in today’s world, being a hairy male does not represent being manly like it did in the past. In fact these days, most people, of both sexes, really prefer smooth bodies. So with body hair being useless, it’s more than acceptable for a male to trim his body hair or even become a full body shaver – Especially if he has a lot of hair.

Now be honest – What’s your response when you see a male with a really hairy chest or back?

Most males today have a better sense of how to project the most positive image and remove excess body hair, particularly on the chest and back. Removing chest and back hairs can be beneficial on both hygienic and aesthetic levels. A male with a hairless and toned body is very attractive to others.

Now be honest – What’s your response when you see a female with bushy armpits, scraggly bikini lines and hairy legs at the pool or beach?

Unless you’re in France, forget that hairy armpits on females is considered chic. Bushy armpits on males are not attractive either. Both males and females can improve their personal hygiene with groomed armpits. Bushy armpits generate extra heat, encourage the growth of bacteria and most often create heavier perspiration, resulting in an unpleasant odor. So whether you choose to just trim this hair or completely remove it, your armpits will tell onlookers that you’re tidy and clean.

Now, with all of today’s hair removal products, there’s really no excuse for any, (conscientious), female wearing a skimpy swimsuit, not to be a body shaver. A female may have a beautifully shaped and toned body which looks great in a thong bikini, but the entire image will be ruined if there are scraggly pubic hairs sticking out.

To at least trim or remove hair in the genital area will not only improve appearance, it will also improve personal hygiene. Less hair in this area means less heat and consequently, less build up of bacteria and unpleasant odor. This holds true for males as well as females.

And – You won’t know unless you try – If you remove the hair in the genital area, it may even enhance your sex life. Most people today say that if their partner’s genital area were well groomed, they’d be paying more attention to this area. How about you? Do you prefer your partner’s genital area neatly groomed or unkempt and hairy?

Most people would agree that we all want to look the best we can. Whether you choose to just trim your body hair or become a full body shaver, grooming your body hair is a basic step towards being more presentable.

Some hair removal methods are designed specifically for different parts of the body. But there is shaving tool that is specifically designed to remove hair from every part of the body. Do your own research. You’ll be glad you did.

Bodworx International presents body hair removal tips and the latest data for removing hair from your entire body. Visit them at their body shaver website at http://www.bodyshaver.com for more information.

About the author:

The hair removal experts at Bodworx International are leading importers of intimate care products. Visit their website at http://www.bodyshaver.com for cutting edge body shaver information for safe, effective hair removal from any part of the body.

Written By: Bodworx International

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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007

Winning Ways Of Waxing For Hair Removal

Waxing is a popular hair removal process for both males and females these days. It’s a method that can be done at your convenience in your home or by a professional at select salons and spas.

Depending on your particular skin, hair type and rate of hair growth, waxing has been known to provide smooth results as long as 3-8 weeks and is suggested as the longest lasting temporary hair removal method.

While there are people who say this method of hair removal is not as painful as it sounds, basically, the waxing solution wraps around the hair and then is pulled. Pulling the hair and its roots out.

If you’re concerned about pain, you can purchase a pain reducing gel or anesthetic numbing spray from your pharmacist, which needs to be applied thirty to sixty minutes before waxing.

And if you have problems with acne, avoid any type of waxing until your skin is clear.

If you’re not totally committed to following through the waxing process, no matter how much it hurts, you may just want to go to a salon and let a professional do it for you. But be aware that waxing at a salon can get pretty pricey, especially if you want to remove hair from large areas. Just to give you an idea, usually it’s about twenty five dollars for bikini line hair removal.

Today, there are several kinds of waxing hair removal products available – With warm waxing being the most often used.

Cold wax comes in a paste or gel that isn’t heated before applying it to the skin. Getting the wax from the container and controlling the thickness to the skin is what makes most cold waxes so messy. It’s not quite as effective and less preferred than a warm wax. But if you have sensitive skin, a cold wax causes less skin irritations.

If you choose to use a waxing hair removal product at home, read all instructions that come with your kit carefully.

Always test a small area of skin for sensitivity or an allergic reaction.

Your hair needs to be a little bit long, about an 1/8″, for the best results with this type of hair removal product. So if your hairs are longer, trim them down. If shorter, allow them to grow in a bit.

With this method of hair removal, you don’t want to bathe beforehand. Hair absorbs moisture which makes it soft and harder for the wax to adhere to. Dry hair is tough and/so easier to pull off. Lightly powder your skin to absorb moisture and natural oils. This will keep hairs easier to pull, which will limit inflammation.

Some people exfoliate the area before waxing to remove dead skin cells that can contribute to ingrown hairs.

Do not overheat the wax. You don’t want to burn your skin. Lower the temperature of the wax for facial hair and only use it on one small area at a time.

The consistency of the wax should be soft, not runny.

Hair removal by waxing can break the hair, which is a main cause of ingrown hairs.

To avoid ingrown hairs, apply a thin layer of wax in the direction the hair grows. If you’re using a strip over the wax, rub it in the same direction. Leave about one third of the strip free so you can get a good grip for pulling it off fast.

Pull your skin taut and then pull the strip back, not up or out, in one smooth movement. Don’t be timid – Slight pulls will only leave patchy areas as well as cause more pain.

After waxing, remove any excess wax with a warm moist towel, being careful not to touch the skin with your hands, which might cause an infection.

When skin is freshly waxed, limit creating ingrown hairs and other skin irritations by not wearing tight clothing around the area.

Another way to limit severe skin problems after using a waxing hair removal product is to exfoliate the skin one to two days later. This will help prevent dead skin cells from building up.

Be careful not to expose the newly waxed area to the sun for at least forty eight hours or the skin may darken, but not in a good way. And always use a good sun blocker thereafter.

Be aware – Using a waxing hair removal product usually leaves a redness, so if you’re doing it for a special occasion, do it a couple of days beforehand.

Now, if you decide waxing may not be for you, there are alternatives. Do some research and you’ll find other hair removal products that are not quite as, uh, “intense”.

About the author:

Bodworx International presents hair removal product tips and the latest data for removing hair from your entire body. Visit them at their hair removal product website at http://www.a1-hair- removal-product.com for more information.

Written By: Bodworx International

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