Three Ways to Take the Ouch Out of Upper Lip Wax

If you have ever watched a video of home waxing strips being removed, you may think that the procedure looks painful. The same probably goes for removing conventional upper lip wax that is spread on with an applicator stick. While using either solution can be uncomfortable if the procedure is done incorrectly, it can also be remarkably pain-free when the process is performed correctly. If you are getting ready to use either solution for the first time, be sure to check out the recommendations below.

Apply a Light Layer of Powder

Applying a light layer of talcum powder to the skin before you apply upper lip wax will help keep the product from sticking to the skin, but it won't prevent it from gripping the hair. Because the skin is cleansed before the hair removal process commences, it often becomes slightly dry, which allows the product to adhere to it rather easily. Applying a light layer of powder helps prevent this from happening. When the product is removed, the skin should emerge unscathed.

Apply the Solution Correctly

In terms of sensation, there is a big difference between the lip and the skin above it. The former contains thousands of nerves, while the latter contains considerably less. When using the product on other parts of the body, you can usually get away with applying it liberally over a general area - not so with the mouth area. If you only apply home waxing strips to the skin above the mouth, the sting from removing them will be considerably less than if they grip the flesh below this skin.

Remove the Solution Quickly

Upper lip wax is meant to be peeled away quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Removing the product slowly can cause a persistent stinging sensation, as hairs are slowly tugged out by the root instead of being pulled away almost instantaneously. Furthermore, removing home waxing strips slowly also increases the chance that not all of the hair will be removed, which rather defeats the point of using the product.

Conclusion

If you are afraid that waxing your mouth area will be painful, you can take three simple measures to ensure that the pain is minimal at most: apply a light layer of powder to the skin, apply the product to the right area, and remove the product quickly by pulling it in the opposite direction of hair growth. For more tips on using depilation solutions, contact a provider of depilatory applications today.

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Hair Removal Cream: How Does It Work?

Hair removal cream - also known as a chemical depilatory - has been one of the most common depilation solutions for over a century. In addition to providing a cost effective way to eliminate unwanted growth from large areas of the body, the product has also remained in vogue because it is easy to use and causes no pain. Whereas using home waxing strips and shaving can each cause a slight sting, using a chemical depilatory feels no different than applying skin lotion.

How It Works

The product eliminates hair with the help of an ingredient that dissolves keratin, typically either calcium thyioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate. The user applies the product directly to the skin, and then cleans it away after the growth dissolves. Shaving and using home waxing strips can each take several minutes, but calcium thyioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate dissolve keratin in a matter of seconds. In addition to being cost effective, painless, and easy to use, chemical depilatories are also highly efficient.

Areas of Application

Chemical depilatories are typically used on the arms and legs, though they may also be used on the back, chest, and shoulders. They are not used on the face unless the manufacturer specifies it as an area of application, and they are never applied in the pubic area or near the eyes.

Adverse Reactions

Because the skin contains keratin, hair removal cream can cause irritation. In most cases, this only happens when the application is left in place too long, though an adverse reaction may also occur if the skin has been recently shaved or exfoliated. As mentioned above, the product should be kept away from the eyes and the pubic area to prevent adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Compared to other popular depilatory solutions, such as home waxing strips and shaving, hair removal cream has several practical advantages: it is cost effective, painless when used as directed, easy to apply, and removes growth almost instantly. Some potential drawbacks of the product include: it only keeps growth away for a few days, may leave dark hair visible under the skin's surface, and cause skin irritation if it is left on the skin too long, or applied in the wrong area.

In most cases, a chemical depilatory is preferred to other solutions because it is pain-free and easy to use - two qualities that make it ideal for those who have little experience with depilatory products. If you need help deciding whether the product is the best solution for your needs, contact a provider of salon quality cosmetic solutions today.

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Lip Waxing Products Versus Other Depilatory Products

Lip waxing products fall into two basic categories: home waxing strips, and free flowing paste that is smoothed on with an applicator stick. The former is ideal for removing hair from small areas such as between the eyes, above the eyebrows, and above the mouth. The latter is ideal for removing growth from large areas such as the back, the chest, and the stomach. If you're looking for a depilatory solution to remove hair from the area above the mouth, home waxing strips are the best option. Consider how they compare to other common depilatory solutions.

Hair Removal Cream

Hair removal cream is a great depilatory solution for several reasons: it's cost effective, it contains chemicals that remove hair in a matter of seconds, and it doesn't cause pain. You apply the cream, wait for it to do its job, and them remove it - simple as that. Unfortunately, many depilatory creams aren't approved for facial use. Furthermore, they only keep hair away for a few days, whereas body wax keeps growth away for four to six weeks on average.

Razor and Shaving Cream

Using a razor and shaving cream has some of the same advantages as using depilatory cream: it's cost effective, the hair can be removed in no time at all, and - as long as you're careful - it won't cause pain. What's more, practically every type of razor and shaving cream can be used on the face. However, shaving also has the same major drawback as hair removal cream: it only keeps hair away for a few days. If you want a long lasting solution, you won't find it in a razor and a can of shaving cream.

Body Sugaring

Using body sugar is similar to using lip waxing products: it congeals and adheres to hair, and is quickly peeled away in the opposite direction of hair growth. Some claim that sugaring is the least painful of the two solutions. However, in terms of removing hair from small areas, it isn't as convenient as home waxing strips, which can be conveniently applied to small areas without the use of an applicator stick. Although body sugaring is a good depilatory solution, it doesn't offer the most convenience in terms of the style of depilation it provides.

Conclusion

If you need a depilatory solution for removing hair located from the skin that sits just above the mouth, lip waxing products in the form of strips are great option for three reasons: they are inexpensive, convenient to use, and typically keep hair away for over a month.

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Some Basic Tips on Styling a Man's Hair

Men's hair care is very important to how a man will look and feel throughout the day. If a man takes good care of his hair and uses the right hair styling products, he will feel better, exude confidence and attract others to him. Women have always taken notice of their own hair and now, more men are starting to realize that their hairstyles make a difference in their own lives. The best time for a man to style his hair to get the look he wants is just after he has had a haircut. First, he should choose his barber with care to be sure he or she understands and can provide the cut he wants.

After a haircut, men should wash their hair to remove any hairs that are still loose around the scalp. Then, they should towel their hair dry and comb it to make sure the loose hairs are gone.

Next, men's hair care should include applying styling products like a quality gel. If the man's hair is thin, lighter weight gels are best since the thick gels can make a man's hair stick together too much.

If the man wants a spiky look, he should start at the front and create spikes using plenty of the styling products so the hair will stand up all day.

If the man wants a messy look, he should run his fingers through his damp locks and distribute the product in a haphazard manner to vary the directions the hairs stand.

For a smooth and professional appearance, a man can comb his hair, part it, and stick with a more classic style.

Once the right style has been achieved, men should spritz their hair with hairspray to hold that style all day long. Hairspray will not only hold the hairs in place, but it will also prevent a man's hair from frizzing in weather or wind variations throughout the day.

If a man is not satisfied with the way he looks right after a haircut, he should wait for a few days to see if it improves with a little new growth. If not, he should return to the stylist and ask for a change. A hairstyle will probably only get worse as it grows out a bit. It's likely he will want to have it in the place it best suits him for his daily life as it will probably be several weeks before he will have another cut. Men's hair care, in general, will add to the way his hair looks on a daily basis and help him feel great about himself. Every man should adhere to a hair care regimen that will not only benefit him by providing the look he likes, but also care for his scalp and hair to keep it healthy.

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Five Tips for Choosing New Hair Salons

With so many hair salons available, it can sometimes be hard for someone to find the right shop for them. If you have recently moved to a new area and need to find a new hair salon, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you find a safe and reliable salon. There are many low-cost salons available, regardless of where you are living. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a haircut is just a haircut and that it does not matter where they go to get it. This is not the case at all. Getting your hair styled well will often cost a bit of money. It is important to realize that you will get what you pay for, even when it comes to a hairstyle. Below are five tips that you can use to find the best salon in your area.

Tip 1: Read Online Reviews

If someone has had a bad experience with a hair salon, he or she will typically post a review online about their experience. Taking the time to look for reviews will allow you to see which hair salons have good reviews and which do not. It is important to search for the salon by name.

Tip 2: Look for Ratings

Many local papers or magazines will post ratings for establishments in the area. Looking for an option with top ratings will allow you to rest assured that you are going to a salon that has professional hair stylists who know what they are doing and have experience.

Tip 3: Compare the Services Offered

Not all offer the same services. If you get perms or your hair straightened, you need to be sure that the salon you visit is able meet your needs. You can look at their websites or visit the shop in person.

Tip 4: Find out if the Shop Accepts Credit Cards or Only Cash

There are some shops that only accept cash, while other takes credit cards, as well. You want to be sure that you know what payments the establishment accepts to be sure that you are able to have enough money to pay for the service you receive and are still able to leave the stylish a tip.

Tip 5: Do not Be Afraid to Speak up

If you are not satisfied with the services that the hair salons provide, it is important for you to speak up when talking to the stylist. The stylist may be able to make changes to allow you to get the style you want. If not, you may be able to get discount on the cost of the service that you just received.

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How to Shop for Individual Health Insurance

If you find yourself in the position of shopping for an 
individual health insurance policy, there are certain things 
you'll want to keep in mind. Whether you are coming out of 
a job that covered you before, or are at the end of your 
COBRA benefits, or simply have never had coverage before 
there are things you can do to get coverage on yourself and 
your loved ones.

The basic thing to know is that if you have a shot a group 
health insurance, whether through a job or an association 
you're a member of, that is usually much more affordable 
than buying individual health insurance on your own. First 
you need to figure out your health insurance goals; in other 
words, what are you after? If you're young, healthy as a 
horse, no dependents and not attempting Mt. Everest next 
week, you may want to opt for a policy that covers only the 
catastrophes, and cover the rest out-of-pocket. On the flip 
side of that, if you're the sole bread winner with a family 
to support, the scenario is different.

The basic choices you'll have are Fee-for-Service, Managed 
Care Plans, and Association-based health insurance. Fee-for- 
service is the traditional indemnity plan, harder to 
acquire, more expensive, but usually great coverage. 
Managed care plans include most HMO's and PPO's. These offer 
lower costs but your choices are somewhat limited. Another 
way to get insured is through a group or association you 
may already be a member of, such as professional, religious 
or trade organizations. Often they may offer health 
insurance. It's worth checking out, as sometimes you can 
strike gold in this vein.

Things to consider when you're looking for any policy are 
what's covered on this plan, how much are the monthly 
premiums, what is the yearly out-of-pocket, what is the 
deductible, how much are office visits, does it cover 
preventative medicine, vision, dental? And I'm sure you can 
come up with many of your own. Sit down before you go 
shopping and make a list of your needs and wants, and decide 
in advance what you're willing to give to get. Be aware that 
once you start getting quotes they can vary as much as 50% 
for the same person! Remember, you're shopping, and nobody's 
making you do anything. If one insurer isn't cutting it, 
move on to another. If you're coming at this cold and have 
no good recommendations it may be wise to use a broker who 
represents several companies, as he or she wil be more 
likely to find the best policy for you, as opposed to 
selling the company they work for.

Shopping for individual health insurance can be 
frustrating and time-consuming, but if you come armed with 
facts you'll be able to navigate this highly competitive and 
ever-changing field.

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Health Insurance For Solo Entrepreneurs

One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is health insurance coverage. It is also the single most costly expense for self-employed entrepreneurs. So what can you do to reduce ever increasing costs of health care coverage? Here are a few tips.

1. If a medical bill seems excessive, try negotiating

Your doctor or the office manager who handles billing will probably be flexible, provided you make a valid case. When one woman in Texas was charged $900 for surgery and "consultation," she explained that she had visited the hospital just once, for surgery; her bill was promptly cut by $370.

2.. Contact a medical bill "auditor"

Several services have a medical bill "auditing" system that evaluates your medical bills to determine if errors occurred in the billing process. Considering that 97 percent of hospital medical bills contain errors, it's no wonder why out-of-pocket medical expenses are on the rise for consumers. Because the typical hospital bill is extremely complicated, often containing several hundred line-item charges, there is ample opportunity for computer mistakes and accidental human error. Do a Google search for medical bill auditors to find companies offering this service.

3. You may get a tax break on your medical bills

Keep all your medical bills together and add them up at tax time. If they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, you may deduct the excess. Please note that these items also may be included in the total: the cost of eye glasses, contact lenses, physical therapy, x-rays, hearing aids, psychiatric care, insurance and transportation to the hospital or doctor's office (at 30 cents a mile). There are phase-outs in some cases based on adjusted gross income. Check with your professional tax adviser.

4. Deduct 100% of your healthcare costs from your taxes

The IRS allows all self-employed to deduct 100% of health care costs from their taxes by using Section 105 of the Internal Revenue Code. To receive this deduction, you must do the following:

a) Hire your spouse as an employee of your business.

b) Have your spouse receive health insurance in his or her name, and include the family on the policy.

c) Pay your spouse a salary that will cover the costs of the insurance.

d) Talk to your tax professional about planning for Section 105 on your taxes.

We all know your spouse is active in your business. Now, you can equally recognize their contribution he or she makes - and get Uncle Sam to give you a tax break.

5. Help for families with kids -- CHIP

All states have established new programs that help lower income families with children to pay for health insurance for their kids. Financed partly by the federal government, the Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) operate either as an expansion of the state's Medicaid program or a subsidy for basic private health insurance. Eligible families may be able to access coverage for their children at greatly reduced premiums which will vary depending upon family income. Contact your state Department of Health or Insurance for more information.

6. Shop around

Hospital costs vary widely, especially between urban and rural facilities. If your doctor has admitting privileges at more than one hospital, find out if you can be admitted to the one that's less expensive. Keep in mind that hospitals operated by non-profit foundations are usually less expensive than investor-owned, for profit hospitals. To find out how much your local hospitals charge, ask your doctor. Many states have Health Services Cost Review Commissions, which compile such data.

7. Check for free clinics in your community

You and your entire family can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of the many free screenings, immunizations, and other health clinics offered by your local community or a town near you. Numerous community hospitals and social services can provide blood pressure checks, shots for your children, free contraceptives and/or advice, and other preventative health care at little to no cost.

8. Get a second opinion out of town

Believe it or not, your chance of undergoing an expensive surgery or preventative procedure may depend solely on where you happen to live. Statistics show that the frequency in which certain medical procedures are performed varies widely from location to location. For example, residents of New Haven, Conn., are twice as likely to undergo a coronary bypass operation as residents of Boston, Mass. What's the reason for this discrepancy? One Dartmouth Medical School expert, John E. Wennberg, M.D., M.H.P., explains that certain operations are simply more fashionable in some parts of the United States than others. So, if you plan to get a second opinion prior to surgery, consider going to a specialist in another city. In addition, try to find out what the surgery rates for your procedure are in different cities. HealthAllies.com also offers this service online. To get the names of second-opinion doctors in your region, call the U.S. government's toll-free second-opinion hotline at 1-800-638-6833.

9. Don't pay double for a second opinion

As you make arrangements for a second opinion, ask your doctor to send copies of your medical records, x-rays, and lab tests to the second-opinion doctor. These tests don't need duplication; your second doctor will have the information he or she needs - and you don't pay double.

10. Emotional stability

Your mental health is equally important as your physical health. Do you have blue days once in awhile, or struggle with gray winters? St. John's Wort, an over-the-counter herbal supplement, has been proven to increase positive moods. Before rushing to your family physician for medication to make you feel better, try supplements with a combination of expressing your feelings with friends and a healthy lifestyle. Mood stabilizers are some of the most costly medications on the market today. However, you should be aware of the signs of stress or even depression. Give yourself a simple screening test:

• Do you have feelings of sadness and/or irritability?
• Has there been a loss of interest in pleasure activities you once enjoyed?
• Have there been changes in your weight or appetite?
• Have you noticed changes in your sleeping pattern?
• Are you feeling guilty?
• Do you have the inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions?
• Are you fatigued or have a loss of energy?
• Do you experience restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others?
• Do you have feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness?
• Do you have thoughts of suicide or death?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, consider consulting your family physician. If they recommend mental health treatment, it is more cost-effective to have your family physician prescribe mood stabilizers instead of seeing a psychiatrist. However, follow your doctor's instructions on counseling and referrals to mental health professionals.

11. Order your prescription drugs by phone, web or mail

There are many discount prescription drug benefits available for a modest cost. Communicating for Agriculture and the Self-Employed offers a free prescription card through PCS. This program saves its members up to 40 percent at over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide. On average, CA members save $9.39 per prescription order. You can enroll free on SelfEmployedCountry.org.

12. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs

Medicine marketed under its scientific name is usually 50 percent cheaper and just as effective as brand-name versions. In addition, look for generic drugs in the medicine you purchase over the counter. For example, 100 generic aspirin may cost $1.79; the same ingredients packaged under a well-known brand name can cost more than $5 for 100 tablets. Consider, also, just how important the new easy-to-swallow products are to your comfort. The lesser price of some medicines may be comparably easier to swallow when thinking about your budget.

13. Get enrolled in a group plan

For self employed people including those involved in small businesses, individual health insurance can be extremely costly - sometimes as much as 30 percent of your take home pay. By joining associations like National Association for the Self Employed (www.nase.org), you have the opportunity to enroll in a group insurance plan with unique built-in cost controls.

14. Choose a higher deductible

Often for the healthy family, the number of visits to the doctor totals less than $250 a year, a normally low deductible rate. This low deduction rate, however, can end up costing you more in the form of higher premiums. If your family has enjoyed good health for a number of years, you may want to switch to a higher deductible of $500 or $1000. You'll notice greatly reduced premiums.

15. Pay premiums annually

You avoid the service fee and may also receive a discount from your insurance carrier. Check with your insurance agent about how much money you can save if you pay your premium one time during the year.

16. Make sure there's a ceiling for out-of-pocket expenses for catastrophic illnesses

About half of individual policyholders lack this important provision, according to insurance experts, who recommend a major medical policy with a stop-loss clause limiting policyholder payout to $2,000 or $3,000.

17. Get educated about your health

Invest in your health by becoming information-rich. Read publications about health care. Pay special attention to free wellness publications like Inside Mayo Clinic at MayoClinic.org or have on hand a book on medical self-care, like The AAFP Family Health and Medical Guide and The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. A wealth of information is also available on the Internet.

18. Take advantage of free health advice

For free information booklets from the U.S. government about nearly every health care topic you can imagine, simply write to the Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colorado. The government offers several dozen booklets on topics ranging from nutrition, medical problems, mental health, to drugs, exercise and weight control. To receive a catalog explaining these booklets, write to:

19. Brush up on first-aid skills and become CPR certified.

Proper treatment of various accidents may reduce the number of visits to the doctor, and can save lives in an emergency. It's important to always keep an updated medical kit in your home or office.

Here are the basics for your first-aid kit:

• bandage supplies, including a roll of 3 inch wide gauze, individually packaged 4 inch sterile gauze pads, a roll of 1 inch bandage tape, butterfly bandage tape, and scissors
• elastic bandages
• cotton swabs
• sterile dressings or towels
• pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• anti-inflammatory medicine (ibuprofen)
• ipecac syrup (for use on advice of medical professional to induce vomiting)
• tweezers
• hydrogen peroxide
• skin creams, including hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion and antibiotic creams
• an antihistamine (diphenhydramine for allergic reactions)
• flashlight
• eye patch
• arm sling
• tongue depressors (to be used as a finger splint)
• ice pack
• re-hydration fluids (such as Pedialyte or Infalyte)

20. Take a lifestyle approach to wellness - every day

Take charge of your health by making simple changes in your lifestyle. By following these seven basic rules of good health, you'll improve your chances of living a long, healthy, active life.

• Get eight hours of sleep per night.
• Eat breakfast every morning.
• Cut down on snacks between meals.
• Keep within 10 pounds of your recommended weight range. If you're unsure what your weight range should be check with your doctor.
• Exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes three times per week.
• Don't smoke.
• Don't drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day.
• Take recommended dosages of vitamins and supplements.

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A New Healthcare Financing Solution

In this era of creative financing and cost management tools, many employers are looking for new ways to help employees finance their health care expenses. 

As an employer, you want to provide good coverage, but the cost increases in recent years have been tough to handle. A typical response to these increases may be to select a high-deductible insurance product that lowers your cost. However, there is a better solution. 

Think HMO. That's right - health maintenance organizations. The HMOs of today offer a whole new generation of health care financing tools that every employer should consider. 

It's not your father's HMO.
You may have heard bad stories or had a rough experience in the past. However, times have changed. HMO plans today offer extensive provider networks, excellent coverage for preventive care, the ability to frequently change a primary care physician and outstanding prescription drug coverage through broad pharmacy networks. 

HMOs take the surprise out of the bill.
With most health insurance plans, an employee is responsible for a percentage of the cost of care, often 20 percent or 25 percent. This can add up very quickly, and employees can't predict what their expense is going to be. 

With an HMO structured co-pay plan, an employee knows up front the expenses associated with most covered services. For example, an employee may have a $20 copay for a primary care physician (PCP) visit, which will include all services provided in that visit. Each time employees go to their PCP, they can expect to pay $20 - no surprises there. 

Higher co-pays offer savings.
The days of nickel sodas and 25-cent phone calls are long gone - and so are $5 and $10 co-pay plans. It's time to rethink the value of co-pays. New HMO plans have higher co-pays, some as high as $30 for a primary care visit and $50 for a specialist. But that covers all services provided during that visit. That's a valuable cost limit these days. 

HMOs offer bold new designs.
New HMO plans have fresh cost-sharing strategies that provide low employee out-ofpocket expenses in some areas while controlling your costs by increasing employee expenses through deductibles in other areas. 

In most deductible-based plans, employees have a high deductible that applies to all services. However, with these new focused-deductible HMO plans, the deductible is limited to specific services, such as hospital care or prescription drugs. After the deductible is satisfied, a co-pay also applies to that service. 

Furthermore, with these plans, employees continue to have a co-pay instead of a deductible for highly utilized areas such as physician or specialist visits. 

HMOs are FSA and HRA compatible.
Many HMO plans can be used with flexible spending and health reimbursement accounts, enabling employees to decide how some of their health care dollars are used. Many carriers are also developing health spending account-compatible HMO plans. 

HMOs offer more than health insurance.
Today's HMO plans offer health improvement programs such as discounted fitness club memberships and valueadded options that let employees take charge of their own health. 

There are two primary reasons to revisit today's HMO - savings to you and savings to your employees. Rediscover today's HMO - you'll be pleased with what you find.

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