10 Stunning Mehndi Designs For Arms

Every woman loves and adores a good mehndi design on arms! Especially when its her arms!

Mehndi is an inseparable part of the rich Indian culture, which has developed, changed and evolved over a long time into the mehndi we see today. In recent times, arm mehndi designs have caught popularity among all mehndi lovers in various age groups. Usually the hand is the main canvas for this art. But, in recent times people love and prefer half arm or full arm mehndi designs, adding colour to the arms as well.

Mehndi Designs For Arms

In this article, we will look at some of the top designs we have chosen for you today:

1. Mesmerizing! The intricate details on this mehndi design are beautiful with a large array of details and motifs. The attractions being the large floral designs extend from the palm and to the arm. The floral designs also include shading, giving depth to the pattern. The paisley and floral mehndi pattern gives it a glowing effect.

2. A beautiful and unique design any mehndi lover won’t reject! The design accentuates the arm with the weave pattern and the shading around it. The small details and motifs make this a really unique design to try. This can be done alone or done with a matching design on the palm. In any way, this pattern is surely going to turn heads.

3. Paisley designs are a staple motif in Indian mehndi designs. This beautiful bridal designstarts from the elbow area and extends to the palm. It’s a perfect design for the bride.

4. This design stands out with its unique shape and the intricate details. The design looks like an armlet and covers the wrist and extends till the fingers. The paisley and the small spiral motifs stand out and the shading too makes it look quite unique. This is surely a nice way to give a beautiful look to the back of your palms.

5. This beautiful design covers till the elbow and is truly a work or art. The mirrored design is done on both hands with paisley designs & its small details. The design also includes a half circle on each wrist circled with leaf patterns which turn whole on joining the two hands. The beauty of this pattern comes from the intricate details on the palm, on the fingers and the bracelet like design on the arms.

6. This mehndi design is called the “Raja Rani” mehndi design, in which the bride and the groom occupy space on each hand. Wedding is the obvious and main occasion for designing such patterns. This design starts from the palm and extends well beyond the elbows. The Om symbol, the paisley motifs, the floral motifs and the net pattern on the arms give a gorgeous look.

7. Another “Raja Rani” Pattern: This design here not only portrays the face of a woman and a man but a bit of their attire as well. While we see the woman in jewelry and with a pallu/ghunghat, we see the man in pagri and sherwani. Traditional touch making it a perfect combination for any wedding. This design too extends well beyond the elbows with drums and bugles drawn in it. No doubt, this is a true wedding special mehndi.

8. This mehndi design shows the intense amount of detailing in the art. The small details in the net patterned on the back of the hands look beautiful. Also the designs on the fingers and on the top of the fingers look unique and exquisite. The peacock design at the lower side of the hand adds to the uniqueness of this pattern.

9. A glitter and stone embellished mehndi design for the arms. The paisley designs take the main positions in this particular pattern. The idea of adding small crystals to match the mehndi with the dress looks great and gives the mehndi a nice sparkling twist.

10. A design features large prominent floral motifs along with small floral and paisley patterns. Perfect for all of those who love a bit of unusual choice and don’t hesitate to experiment.

We hope you have enjoyed browsing through our top designs as much as we have enjoyed writing about them. Please do leave a comment on your favourite pick and do share with your friends as well. Stay tuned for more interesting mehndi patterns.

13 Power Foods That Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

Foods that heal

Sodium has always been the blood pressure bogeyman—shake most of it from your diet and you'll be safe. But research now shows that it's just as important to choose foods naturally low in sodium and high in at least two of the three power minerals: calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Add in these 13 well-balanced foods to your diet to cut your risk of stroke and heart attack nearly in half. 

White beans

One cup of white beans provides 13% of the calcium, 30% of the magnesium, and 24% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: You can use this comfort food in side dishes, soups, and entrées. As a meatless source of protein, it’s a great choice for vegetarians. Choose no-salt added or well-rinsed low-sodium canned white beans, or cook dried beans overnight in a slow cooker.

Pork tenderloin

Three ounces of pork tenderloin provide 6% of the magnesium and 15% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Meat lovers, rejoice! This lean cut provides plenty of meaty flavor and satisfaction without the overload of saturated fat found in fattier types of beef and pork. Cook larger tenderloins (or do several on the grill or in the oven) and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for fast weeknight meals.

Fat-free plain yogurt

One cup of fat-free plain yogurt provides 49% of the calcium, 12% of the magnesium, and 18% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Cool and creamy, yogurt is a star ingredient in mineral-rich breakfasts, in sauces and salad dressings, and even in entrées. Most brands of regular yogurt tend to be a bit higher in calcium than Greek varieties.

Tilapia

Four ounces of tilapia provides 8% of the magnesium and 8% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: This mild white fish is available year-round in supermarkets and fish stores, fresh or as frozen fillets. You can roast it, bake it, and sauté it, flavor it with a variety of seasonings, and even top it with mineral-rich kiwi-avocado salsa. Tilapia is extremely low in environmental toxins like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and it is considered a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. Most US-raised tilapia is grown in closed-system fish farms on plant-based diets, an approach that doesn’t threaten stocks of wild fish, according to the nonprofit Food & Water Watch.

Kiwifruit

One kiwifruit provides 2% of the calcium, 7% of the magnesium, and 9% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Kiwifruit is available year-round in supermarkets, hailing from California orchards November through May and from New Zealand June through October. (Kiwifruit was named after New Zealand’s native kiwi bird, whose brown, fuzzy coat resembles the skin of this fruit.) Ripe kiwis can be stored in the fridge or on your counter. They contain more vitamin C than a same-size serving of orange slices.

Peaches and nectarines

One medium peach or nectarine provides 1% of the calcium, 3% of the magnesium, and 8% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Frozen unsweetened peach slices are a great alternative to fresh peaches and nectarines. Just defrost ahead of time or, for smoothies, simply toss in the blender. 

Bananas

One medium banana provides 1% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium, and 12% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: No need to toss soft bananas when the skin turns brown. Peel, bag, and freeze for use in smoothies. (Bonus: bananas help lower stress hormones in the blood—check out 15 more simple, healing foods.) 

Kale

One cup of kale, raw or cooked, provides 9% of the calcium, 6% of the magnesium, and 9% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Low in calories, kale is widely considered a superfood because it contains a big dose of cell-protecting antioxidants as well as alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based good fat that cools inflammation. Thin, delicate baby kale leaves are a great alternative for salads.

Red bell pepper

One cup of raw red bell pepper provides 1% of the calcium, 4% of the magnesium, and 9% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: Red bell peppers keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Store wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel so they don’t dry out. You can freeze extras to use later in cooked dishes.

Broccoli

One cup of cooked broccoli provides 6% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium, and 14% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: This cruciferous veggie is also a famous source of cancer-fighting phytonutrients called glucosinolates. You can substitute frozen broccoli in many cooked entrées and side dishes. (Serve some up with these 3 broccoli-packed recipes ready in 30 minutes or less.)

Sweet potato

One medium sweet potato with the skin provides 4% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium (7% without the skin), and 15% of the potassium (10% without the skin) you need every day.

Tip: So sweet it could be a dessert, sweet potatoes are a great addition to smoothies. Bake several sweet potatoes at one time so you’ll have a ready supply for quick smoothies and other recipes.

Quinoa

A half-cup of cooked quinoa provides 1.5% of the calcium, 15% of the magnesium, and 4.5% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: There’s a reason the United Nations declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa. This high-protein whole grain has a mild yet nutty flavor, contains a variety of health-protecting phytonutrients along with an impressive amount of magnesium, and cooks in less than half the time it takes to make brown rice. Quinoa is gluten free, making it a great option if you’re gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. The most widely available quinoa is a golden beige color, but red and black varieties are also available and worth a try.

Avocado

One-half of an avocado provides 1% of the calcium, 5% of the magnesium, and 10% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: In addition to pressure-soothing minerals and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados contain health-promoting carotenoids. Peel carefully; the dark green flesh just under an avocado’s brittle skin contains large amounts of these disease-fighting compounds. (Check out these 29 tasty ideas for avocados.)

Animals Threatened By Climate Change

After working in the modeling industry for more than 20 years, I've come to realize that if you want to look your best, you also need to feel your best. This inside-out approach has enabled me to cultivate a slew of tried and tested tips and tricks, from the way I order at a restaurant to the types of clothing I wear during workouts. I employ these methods consistently in an effort to maintain a healthy, youthful and radiant appearance in a holistic, healthy way. Below are my top seven supermodel natural beauty tips and tricks …

1. Sweat it out.

I’m a big believer in sweating. Throughout the years, not only has it helped me shed pounds (goodbye baby weight!), but it also does wonders for your skin by opening up pores and helping flush out toxins.

To increase your sweat flow, wear a trash bag next time you work out. You might look a little ridiculous, but I promise you’ll feel much better afterward. And if you’re able to, sit in the sauna or steam room after working out to ensure you’re really shedding that water weight. Sweating has become so popular as of late, that there are entire clothing brands promising to help you sweat more.

But your commitment to sweating isn't just about what you wear. It’s also about your mental state. When I work out, I push myself to the max, constantly trying to challenge my endurance and ability to work my muscles just a little bit harder than the day before. I find that using this approach three to four days a week tones and slims my body much more effectively than a moderate seven-day workout regimen.

2. Spruce up your water.

I know it sounds simple, but hydration is a key component to maintaining a young, radiant and youthful complexion. I’ll be honest, I've never been one of those people that crave water. So I do everything I can to make it as appealing as possible. Try treating it like a cocktail. Muddle some cucumbers, squeeze in a bit of lemon, or throw in a few mint leaves — do whatever you can to make it feel like a special treat. Not only will it taste better, but it’s also a great metabolic booster.

When I’m in the mood to sweeten things up, I add in a few naturally flavored Stevie drops. I also like putting my water in fancy glasses and storing them in the fridge so they stay cool and refreshing. And most importantly, I always drink my water with a stainless steel straw — it makes me drink more!

3. Dry brush, exfoliate and moisturize often.

Dry brushing is undoubtedly the least expensive DIY spa treatment on the market. Not only is it effective at shedding dry skin, but it also boosts internal circulation. Dry brushing is most effective when your skin is at its driest state.

After dry brushing, I take a shower and shed any excess dry skin by exfoliating with a DIY sugar scrub. Afterward, my skin feels so smooth and soft. I get the effects of an entire spa treatment in a 15-minute process!

Once my skin is rid of all the grit and grime, it's critical to top it with a moisturizer. Rather than buy an expensive bottle of lotion infused with avocado oil, I prefer to opt for the real stuff. Any local health food and many mainstream grocery stores carry organic avocado oil these days. It contains vitamins A and E, making it a great natural moisturizer. It’s also packed with Sterolins, a natural steroid said to be effective at boosting collagen and reducing age spots. And you can use even use it as a hair serum. This stuff is basically the Windex of oils and I keep a bottle on me at all times.

4. Load up on fiber.

Fiber is key to keeping your metabolism high and your weight low! Every day, I eat fiber crackers topped with tomatoes and low-fat cheese. When I want something a little heartier, I make a great fiber cracker pizza. I spread two crackers with red pepper sauce and Parmesan cheese, then stick it in the microwave for 20 seconds. It’s easy, delicious and really healthy.

Once a week I eat completely vegetarian. Eating plant-based for an entire day helps me get a lot of fiber from fruits and veggies into my system.

Of course, everyone gets a sweet tooth. When I’m trying to watch my weight, I satisfy mine by eating dark chocolate squares (they're rich in antioxidants!) or chocolate calcium bites. When I want a little pick-me-up, I drink low-cal hot cocoa with mini marshmallows. The key is not to deny yourself. Focus on finding ways to satisfy your cravings without throwing off your diet.

5. Don’t be afraid to be high maintenance.

When dining out, there are a few tricks I always follow to ensure I can enjoy the atmosphere without packing on the pounds. I always order a salad before my entree so that I get fuller faster. I also look up the menu ahead of time so I know exactly what I’m going to order and won’t be tempted to cheat when I get there.

The second the waiter brings that amazing bread basket out, I politely ask him to take it away so I don’t get tempted. I opt for veggie-based sides like steamed spinach with a side of Dijon mustard or steamed broccoli with garlic. And I stay away from entrees drenched in a sauce; instead, I request that my meat be grilled with little oil or butter. I’ll admit, I can be a bit militant and high maintenance at restaurants, but that’s OK. I’d rather be skinny than sorry!

6. Learn some secrets to combat greasy hair.

A life on the go has helped me gain a lot of tricks in my back pocket for combating greasy tresses. Dry shampoo is my secret weapon. Not only does it help my hair last at least a day longer without washing it, but it’s also a great styling product.

Braids are another great way to hide dirty hair. In fact, the greasier your hair is, the easier it is to braid it. There are so many fun braids to try! I've learned to master Halo, the Fishtail, and have several other styles on my list to try out next. The best part about braids is that they look so fancy, no one will have a clue that your sophisticated style is really just a masquerade for skipping showers!

7. Be a smart traveler.

My modeling career took me around the world and back again, teaching me at an early age how important it is to travel smart. It starts with my wardrobe. I always wear a hat and aviators, with black pants and over sized grandpa sweater or blazer.

And the real key is to always, always wear a scarf. It adds a fun styling element and can double as a blanket when it gets chilly on the plane. It’s become my uniform because it looks chic but is still comfortable and wrinkle-resistant.

In addition to my wardrobe, I also focus on remedies to combat jet lag so that I can feel as refreshed as possible when I get to my next destination. A couple nights before I fly, I start getting adjusted to the time zone. If I’m flying east, I go to bed early, and I stay up late when headed west.

I recently read that if you fast for 12 hours before reaching your new destination and then immediately eat upon landing, your body clock is more apt adjust to the time-zone quickly. The same article suggested taking pine bark pills, sucking on a lemon, and visiting museums as natural ways combat jet lag. I plan to try them all — anything to beat that lethargic feeling is well worth the effort!

One of the best ways to put a face on the tangible effects of climate change is to draw attention to the animals whose very existences are threatened by it. These animals play vital roles in the ecosystem, and changes in their behavior can create a domino effect on the world we share with them.

So, with that in mind, here are 10 animals under threat by global climate change:

Pika

The pika is a cute little mountain creature who requires a cool climate to thrive. With rising temperatures warming their homes, pikas are being forced to move to higher altitudes, but there's only so far they can go before they run out of room completely.

Adélie Penguins

This pole dweller is another animal that must cope with receding ice shelves in the Antarctic. Recent research has actually shown that Adélie penguin populations are increasing, a reminder that climate change is just that: change. 

Population increases in themselves aren't necessarily positive signs; they're a reminder that we're still struggling to understand the far-reaching consequences of climate change.

Corals

Coral reefs are the backbone of many ocean ecosystems, serving as filters, food sources, living quarters, and hiding spots for a host of underwater critters. Corals are so important that more than 25% of the ocean's animalsmake their homes in coral reefs.

Corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which give reefs their rich color palate. Rising temperatures force corals to expel the algae, leading to a phenomenon known as coral bleaching, which is corals' way of surviving stress ... as long as the stress is temporary. With climate change warming the ocean (combined with myriad other menaces), 75% of coral reefs are currently under threat.

Seals

Look at that cute, desperate face! Is it a projection of human emotion onto an animal photograph, or is it distress over a destruction of habitat due to retreating ice? 

One of the most easily comprehensible aspects of climate change is that when it gets hotter, ice melts. And, wouldn't you know it, there's a lot of ice near the poles, which is where many seals live. Those that inhabit cold climatesneed ice for giving birth and nursing, so retreating ice means grave threats to the future of seals.

Polar Bears

The original symbol of global warming, polar bears also rely on ice, but as a base from which to hunt seals. So dire is their condition that there may be no polar bears within 35 years — that's not very long.

New research on polar bears has complicated the vision of what we can expect in terms of how climate change affects ecosystems, but the message is clear: these changes are real, and they're happening now. 

Sea Turtles

Not only do sea turtles lay their eggs on beaches threatened by rising sea levels, but temperature affects the sex of their babies. Warmer conditions mean fewer men, and, eventually, fewer and fewer sea turtles altogether.

North Atlantic Right Whale

The reason you can only see the tail of this whale is that there are fewer than 500 North Atlantic right whales believed to exist. Their rarity initially came as a result of hunting, but sea temperature changes have affected the availability of plankton, the whale's primary food source.

Reindeer

As is the case with most animals residing near the poles, reindeer are on the front lines of climate change. Alterations in the Arctic ecosystem could leave reindeer with too little food, threatening not just the reindeer themselves, but an entire biological web.

Beautiful Nursery Frog

Its name alone won't be able to save the beautiful nursery frog (also called the elegant frog), a native of Australia's rain forest. Because frogs and other amphibians can be so sensitive to small temperature changes, experts fear this little critter could go the way of the golden toad and become a victim of climate change.

Humans

If you're reading this, there's a pretty good chance you're a human being! Since you're a human, there's also a 100% chance that you live on Earth, which in turn means you will feel the effects of global climate change. 

It's already happening — maybe not in your backyard, but around the world people are having to change their lives to cope with the damage humans have done to our only home. In fact, the world's first climate change refugeesalready had to evacuate their home ... five years ago. 

The reality is that this list could include any animal, because everything on this planet is connected, and humans have to start making real, lasting change if we want to reverse or mitigate the damage we've already done. We can still make the only Earth we have a decent place to live!

Raw Foods You Should Be Eating For Prettier Skin

For radiance that doesn't rinse off with your face wash, trade your bronzes for a blender. Ian Stephen, a psychologist at Australia's Aquamarine University, and other researchers found that beta-carotene supplements give skin a healthy glow. Now Stephen is leading a team to test if drinking a daily smoothie rich in carotids—think: carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, even romaine lettuce—has the same effect. Studies are ongoing, but he says the results look promising. Here's to a natural summery glow—minus the sun damage.

So many of the creams that claim to combat dark, puffy under-eye circles either aren't effective (“Eye cream is a marketing bonanza!” says Cybele Fish-man, MD, an integrative dermatologist in New York City), or are full of can’t-pronounce-them chemicals. But why would you treat such a sensitive, delicate part of your face so harshly?

Fortunately, mellower options abound, and they can effectively erase those blue half-moons—up to a point. “How deep your eye sockets are in relation to your brow and cheek bones will make light reflect in different ways,” Fish-man explains. “That’s why some patients say, I've always had dark circles, even when I was a child and got lots of sleep.’ ”

Here are 7 natural under-eye remedies that’ll help you work what your mom ma gave you.

I do my best to exercise 5 to 6 times a week, but there are days when I simply cannot pull myself out of bed in time to sweat before work, or when I'm traveling and my normal routine is completely thrown off track. Instead of completely scrapping my routine, I’ll try and squeeze in a few body weight exercises—namely squats, planks, chair dips and push-ups—throughout the day. These four moves give you a full-body toning and strength session in just a few minutes. I find that they also boost my energy and mood on days when I'm feeling tired, stressed or overwhelmed, too. (Are you tired, too? See 11 Fast Fixes For Energy.)

Many other fitness experts agree: "I like these moves because they use body weight for resistance," says Alice Barron, 45, a mother of four and a personal trainer in Cheyenne, Wyoming. "That means they're simple but still challenging, convenient, and inexpensive—and they work." To sneak in one set of all of these exercises would only take you about 5 minutes. To build muscle and burn calories, try to do  three 5-minute mini workouts with these moves in one day. All in all, you’re only working out for 15 minutes.

: 25 Ways To Sneak In 10 Minutes Of Exercise

Personal trainer and co-author of Thin in 10 Weight-Loss Plan Liz Deponent agrees: "When you do these four moves you're hitting all of your major muscle groups effectively. And they're efficient because you don't waste time isolating one muscle group at a time, as some exercises tend to do, and instead work several major muscle groups in tandem. These integrated muscle movements use the body exactly as intended— the way you typically use them in daily activities and when you do sports and fitness activities. This helps you perform better and prevent injuries." (If you're injured, check out . How to Exercise When You're Hurting.) 

Want to give it a try? Follow this workout from Barron and Deponent. Start with 1 set of 8 to 15 reps of each move (unless otherwise noted), and gradually build to 2 or 3 sets.

Great for toning your triceps and core

Sit on the edge of a sturdy, stable chair with legs together, knees bent and feet flat on floor a few feet in front of chair. Place your hands about six inches apart, and firmly grip the edges of the chair. Slide your butt just off the front of the chair so that your upper body is pointing straight down. Keep your abdominal s pulled in and your head centered between your shoulders. Bend your elbows and lower your body in a straight line. When your upper arms are parallel to the floor, push yourself back up, being careful not to lock elbows. Repeat. (Want more arms? Here's how to Tone Your Arms—In 10 Minutes!)

Make it easier: Keep feet close to the chair and the dip slow, controlled, and shallow. 

Add a challenge: If you’re intermediate, position feet a little farther from chair, and deepen your dip. If you’re advanced, straighten your legs completely, and place heels on floor, or place one or both feet on another chair, bench or exercise ball. Perform deep but controlled dips.

Great for toning your chest, shoulders, triceps, back, hips, and abs

Start in a basic push-up position with hands directly beneath shoulders and body in a straight line. Bend elbows out to sides and lower body almost to floor (or as far as you can). Keep abs tight and body in a line. Hold for 1 second, then push back up. Repeat.

Make it easier: If you’re a beginner, do push-ups on knees. Keep the movement shallow and controlled. Still too challenging? Start with a push-up on the wall, progressing to the floor as you become stronger.

Add a challenge: If you’re advanced, try lifting one leg off the floor as you do each push-up. (Need a visual? Watch how to Master Push-Ups at Any Level.)

Great for toning your flutes, hamstrings and quads

Stand with feet parallel and hip-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your body into a squat position, as if you are sitting back into an imaginary chair, keeping knees behind toes. Stop when your knees are at 90 degrees. Slowly press through your heels and squeeze your gluten as you return to standing.

Make it easier: Don’t bend knees as deeply

Add a challenge: Add weights, do a single-legged squat, or perform squats on an unstable surface, like a balance disc or Bose ball. To incorporate cardiac, do squat jumps.

Got more time? Try the Love Your Lower Body workout.

Great for toning your abs, back, chest, forearms and shoulders

To come into plank pose, hold a push-up position, weight on balls of feet and hands, wrists directly below shoulders, arms straight, and body in line from head to heels. Hold for as long as you can, working up to 1 minute. That’s 1 rep. Do 2 or 3 reps.

Make it easier: Instead of being on hands, lower yourself to your forearms.

Add a challenge: Raise 1 leg off the floor and hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and hold for another 30 seconds to complete 1 rep. To add variety, try side plank: Lie on your right side with your legs straight, and feet stacked, right hand directly under right shoulder. Lift hips off floor and raise left arm to sky, keeping left hand directly over left shoulder. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat to complete 1 rep.

Many foods promote skin health. Some are at their most beneficial when eaten raw:

Kale and Spinach

Kale and spinach help keep skin firm because they contain nutrients that provide extra protection from sun damage. Spinach is especially good because it is loaded with the nutrients beta-carotene and lutein, which have been shown to improve skin elasticity.

Tip: Try to get about three cups of either leafy green per week. Each is delicious as the foundation of a salad—even tastier mixed together.

Walnuts and Pistachios

Walnuts and pistachios are a rich source of vitamins B and E that help protect against cell damage. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and oxidation that age the skin prematurely, while vitamin B1 aids circulation to give skin a healthy, youthful glow.

Tip: Pair nuts with a healthy carbohydrate like fruit to help slow down digestion and the breakdown of sugar.   

Berries and Citrus

Berries are packed with age-defying antioxidants as well as fiber, a nutrient that helps eliminate toxins before they cause breakouts. Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that also boosts collagen production for soft, supple skin.

Tip: Think of a fresh citrus and berry salad as a delicious beauty treatment you eat!

Apples

Like citrus, apples are also high in vitamin C—helpful for collagen production. The copper in apples aids the production of melanin, the brown-black pigment in skin that works as a natural sun protector.  

Tip: Add a chopped apple to your salad or yogurt.

Almond Milk

This nut milk is great for your skin because it contains collagen-boosting copper, as well as the mineral manganese, which helps protect skin from UV damage.

Tip: Use almond milk as you would regular milk, as a drink, on cereal, or blended with frozen fruit for a tasty, nutritious smoothie.

Natural beauty tips for heir

Those of us with straight hair yearn for curly locks and wavy kinks, although straight and silky hair is more popular.

It’s not asking for the impossible because you can step into a Hair Salon and get your hair chemically treated for permanent straightening which can last up to a year. Of course you pay for the treatment which is definitely not cheap, and your hair texture also pays due to chemicals and hot irons.

These are some methods to get the kinks and curls out of hair, at home, using ingredients from your shelves.

• Chop a bunch of celery leaves and extract juice by blending and straining through a muslin cloth. Store this in a bottle overnight. Next day apply the juice to length of hair and scalp. Comb with a broad toothed comb so that all the hair is covered and leave it on for an hour. Rinse hair well. Blow dry gently, using a circular brush with natural bristles.

• A very popular technique is to mix ½ cup of water with ½ a cup of milk and pour this into a spray bottle. Comb out the tangles before starting. Spray this milk on hair and scalp. Comb again. Leave milk on for ½ hour before washing gently with water. Comb with a broad toothed comb. Repeat this technique 2 -3 times a week. Can blow dry with and brush for a finished look.

• Another trendy tip is coconut milk treatment – extract milk from 1 coconut by first grating and then blending the tender fruit or meat of coconut. Add the juice of 1 fresh lime to this. Mix well and keep in the refrigerator. Next day a creamy layer has formed - use this on hair and scalp. Cover the head with a hot towel and keep for an hour. Wash with water and comb with a wide toothed comb. Repeat 2-3 times a week for good results. Blow drying is an option.

• Take a cup of "Fuller’s Earth" or “Multani Mitti” and mix 1 egg white and 2 spoons of rice flour to this. Add water to make a paste which should be runny enough to coat the hair but not flow at the same time. Leave for ½ hour and comb with a wide toothed comb. Repeat this 2 -3 times. Wash hair with water and a gentle shampoo after 2 hours.

Hair Straightening Side Effects

Hair straightening is a common trend nowadays. People straighten their hair to make it look more stylish and beautiful. However, it has some side effects that can damage the hair that are caused by the heat and chemicals while straightening the hair. Here are some of the side effects caused due to hair straightening:

• Dryness of hair is the most common side effect of hair straightening. The heat and chemicals that are used can damage the hair and losing the natural moisture in the hair to a great extent can make the hair look dull and frizzy.

• Allergy is another risk that is commonly associated with hair straightening. The allergy is mainly caused due to the chemicals that are used during hair straightening. Allergy sets off itching on the skin and scalp, redness of scalp, scalp rash and itching of the eye. In such cases you should consult a doctor immediately to address these side effects.

• Straightening hair can make your hair styles monotonous. In cases of permanent straightening, you can hardly change your hairstyle and it is impossible to do different hairstyles at times.

• Hair straightening can also cause hair fall. The use of poor quality chemicals and improper techniques to straighten hair can break the hair from the roots. It also makes the hair follicles become weak and leads to continuous falling of hair.

Hair Straightening for Men and Women

The methods for hair straightening are almost the same for both men and women. You can straighten your hair either by visiting a beauty salon or you can just do it by yourself at home. People usually go to salon if they want to do a permanent straightening as it has more to do with chemical products to straighten the hair and the effect lasts longer. For temporary hair straightening, people prefer to straighten their hair at home by using a hair straightener. The cost for hair straightening differs from one beauty salon to another; it also depends on the thickness, length and type of the hair.

The result of these tips may not be as finished and neat as a salon straightening, but you are saving on the expense and hair from effects of harsh chemicals.

Do you envy the women from shampoo commercials that flaunt their gorgeous silky hair? Does your hair require endless care and tending to it, and yet it seems to be a bad hair day each day for you? Worry no more; we’ve got you the best-kept secrets to your perfect long tresses; and the best part is, it doesn’t require a trip to the salon.

Interested? Read on for some really cool, and surprisingly easy tips to manage your hair better, and make them shiny, lustrous and looking like a million bucks!

• Make oil your best friend- Grandma was right after all; even the most highly regarded beauty experts today consider moisturizing the most crucial step of hair care; and oil does it best! A 20-minute warm oil massage is excellent for dry, rough and frizzy hair. It moisturizes the hair and the scalp, unlike damaging it like other store-bought conditioners.

Make it a point to oil your hair at least once, preferably twice a week; for best results. 

• Watch your diet- Your diet plays a vital role in determining both-how you feel and look. A healthy diet devoid of processed foods, coupled with moderate exercise can literally make your skin and hair glow from within! Experts recommend adding more Vitamin A and Vitamin E rich foods to the diet to promote hair health.

• Drink up! Water makes up for around 70 percent of your body, and deprived of this vital substance, you can start to look and feel no-so-good. Make sure you drink at least 7-8 glasses of water a day; it’ll help nourish and keep your hair looking healthy.

• Switch to organic- Made of natural botanical extracts, organic hair care products are literally flying off shelves today. If you've been using chemical-based shampoos, try switching to an organic shampoo- it’ll help cleanse and nourish your scalp naturally, and won’t cause any side effect or hair damage. 

• Skip the blow-dry- Blow drying, among other heat treatments can strip your hair of its natural moisture, making it look dull, dry and frizzy. Avoid using extensive hair treatments as far as possible, and if you must, make sure to compensate with good hair care afterward. 

• Use home remedies- For different hair problems like dandruff, itchiness, hair fall etc, stick to using home remedies. As opposed to chemical-based products, home remedies work better and don’t lead to scalp or hair damage.