Festive Hairstyles You Must Try

Yay so the much-awaited festivities have begun! This Onam season, instead of wearing your hair the usual boring way, leave it open or half up half down. If you want more, try these easy-to-do, yet  styles by Catalyst Salon and Spa, that will help you channel the inner diva in you!

 

Onam is one of biggest festivals celebrated in our country, especially in Kerala ofcourse. This festival celebrates the home coming of Mahabali who was considered as the Vamun Avatar or Lord Vishnu’s Avatar. This celebration is held in the month of Chingam which is between August-September and continues for 10 days. It is usually celebrated by various festivities like large banquet lunches, Onam pookalam (flower rangoli)or attapoo as well as boat races and many other activities.

How to Style Festive Hairstyles with Ease
Festive hairstyles don't have to be elaborate but they do have to last through the party. The hairstyle must survive the special event and everything that may happen getting there and getting home. Here are a few tips to give your special hairdo staying power:
Store up on extra-hold styling mousse, blow-drying spray and anti-frizz lotion before you even start styling your festive hairdo.
Check out your festive hairdo before you dazzle with it at a special event. Vigorously move around your hair to find out whether the hairstyle is fit for dancing and having fun. At home, you can still secure a few escaped unruly strands of hair.

After styling, spray some extra gloss hairspray over your festive hairdo to provide appealing lustre and safe hold.
Inclement weather may take its toll on your well organised festive hairstyle. Keep a pocket-sized version of your favourite hairspray, I prefer Ellnett ready for instant repair styling.
We want to help you find the hairstyle to make you stand out in the crowd. Simply break with old habits and try an entirely new hairstyle. Have you ever tried out the sleek look? Maybe you like to turn your straight hair into wild curls. Braids, updos and semi-updos with and without accessories can add glamour, sophistication or fun to your style.

                                                                       catalyst

2013 Hair Trends and Styles - The Most Anticipated Hair Trends

As beauty enthusiasts in the salon industry, we thought we’d provide you with our predictions on upcoming 2013 hair trends and styles. Enjoy, and stay tuned – we update these hair trends regularly!

 Braids with a twist!

We predict an increased demand for beautiful braids- whether it’s simple or intricate, for a wedding or a walk in the park, braids will continue to be a well sought after hairstyle in 2013. Don’t think that every braid has to be perfect; in fact, we think that the idea of the ‘messy braid’ is here to stay!

The Sleek Fishtail

A braid like this is the perfect way to stay—and look—cool. Keep it sleek and polished to go seamlessly from poolside to nighttime party.

How to do it:
Blow-dry hair using fingers until it's three-quarters of the way dry, then work in mousse from root to end. Try L'oreal professionnel volume mousse,Rs 550/. Use a paddle brush to finish blow-drying and smoothing strands. Make a deep side part and swoop the rest of your hair over to the opposite side, slightly behind your ear. "If you're doing it yourself, you may want to secure into a low pony to hold in place, then undo at the end". To start the fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections. Work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Next do the reverse: take a thin piece of hair from the left section and join it with the right. Continue until you have about 1 inch left at the end. Secure with an elastic—preferably one that's the same color as your hair—and smooth on an anti-frizz product, like the Sublime shine serum. It helps to control flyaways and also contains SPF.

Heat Waves

long, loose waves are equal parts sexy and casual—a perfect mix for summer.
How to do it:
Wash hair and let air-dry or try this look on a day-old blowout. Divide hair into a few large sections and use your biggest curling iron on each. "The key is to make sure you get waves, not curls,". "Otherwise it can look old-fashioned." To do this, hold the iron vertically and wrap sections down the barrel—starting at mid-shaft and working your way down to the bottom. Do not clamp hair in. Using a liss control cream, work your fingers through to separate strands. The more you touch the hair, the less curly it becomes, . It makes the look more laid back.

WATERFALL BRAID !

There are various methods of performing a hair braid. In fact, each of which is given a specific name, which serves as an overall description to the braided hair. One such type of hair braid is known as the waterfall brai...d. If you are gong to get a new fresh elegant hair style, why not consider this beautiful waterfall braid?

These Waterfall Braids are easy to do and just takes a few
minutes to look gorgeous. Happy Braiding!!!

                                                               catalyst

HOME REMEDIES FOR ANTI - AGING SKIN CARE

If you dread the crinkles and creases that come with aging -- don't! Stress only makes wrinkles worse. But how can you remedy the ones you've got?
Women want to stay looking their best as they age, so many are constantly looking for anti-aging skin care products and treatments. There are plenty of natural skin care remedies that everyone can follow to slow down the aging process. Here are some of the best anti aging skin care remedies that you can try out at home to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful. Natural skin care remedies help you wipe out the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and loose sagging skin on face and neck.

Homemade Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
e Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
Homemade anti aging aloe vera & cucumber facial peel beauty recipe tightens skin, smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines while nourishing skin with moisture.

Anti Aging Aloe Vera Cucumber Peel
1 small cucumber (peeled and seeded)
2 ounces of chamomile tea (steeped and strained)
2 ounces of green tea (steeped and strained)
1 ounce of aloe vera gel
1 small packet gelatin

Puree cucumber until it resembles a paste, then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth and reserve the juice.
In a saucepan, combine green tea, chamomile tea, and gelatin. Heat and stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer to glass bowl and add cucumber paste and aloe vera gel. Refrigerate until mixture starts to thicken, about 25 minutes. Apply mask to face and neck and let dry for about 20 minutes. When dry, peel mask from forehead to chin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
 Cucumber is an astringent that tightens the skin and smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.
 Chamomile and green tea work wonders with alleviating puffiness, and the aloe vera gel nourishes the skin with moisture.

Home Remedies for Anti Aging Skin Care – Best Anti Wrinkle Treatments
Try a combination of any of the following anti wrinkle remedies and tips to maintain smooth, younger, and healthier skin:

1. Vitamin C is one of the best skin care products for anti aging and anti wrinkle skin care. Vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin, helps protect the skin against sun and free radical damages, and improves the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. Vitamin C is commonly found in natural skin tightening treatments.

2. Honey is one of the best skin care products in many anti aging skin care products. This homemade skin care ingredient helps to retain moisture to keep your skin well hydrated. Application of honey on to the face will help you get rid of acne and also provides moisturizing anti-aging benefits. Try to do this natural skin care remedy regularly for best results.

3. Add avocado to your skin care routine to get a younger looking skin naturally. The anti oxidants in this natural skin care fruit reduce free radicals in the human body. Simply apply either the mash or slices of avocado on your face and you will get that rejuvenated look.

4. Egg whites are best for natural anti aging skin care. Apply egg white mask to the lines under your eyes to get rid of under eye wrinkles and restore skin elasticity. This homemade skin care remedy is best for natural skin tightening and you will get younger looking skin.

5. Almond oil is one of the best skin care ingredients in skin care products and a good all-around beauty product. Almond oil help to improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. Many of the best wrinkle creams contain almond oil as a key ingredient for reducing wrinkles and sagging skin.

6. Potatoes have exceptional anti-aging properties for natural skincare. For removing blemish marks and dark pigments on the facial skin, you can rub raw potato slices over the area. This anti aging skin care home remedy is also best for treating the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Place two slices of potato on your eyes for ten minutes, to get rid of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles.

7. Coconut oil is the best natural skin care product for anti wrinkle treatment as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and tighten sagging skin. Massage your face with coconut oil before going to bed for reducing skin wrinkles, for natural skin tightening and getting a facelift naturally.

Anti-wrinkle facial treatments are an investment in beauty for life. Home remedies for anti aging skin care will help to keep you look fresh and youthful with no sign of aging.

                                               catalyst

RAINDROPS ON ME ........ MONSOON HAIR CARE TIPS

EMBRACING THE SHOWERS....

The rain gods be praised --------- monsoon's here! You love the rains ; don't make your hair hate them.
Cloudy skies spell a cheer in the air. For me, they take me down the memory lane ----- Duckback raincoats, rain - kissed walks back from school, hot samosa's and hot Chai by the window and much more. The joy was at times short -lived when the monsoon wreaks havaoc on my hair. Do you feel the same way?
Catalyst Salon and Spa is here to help you with effective monsoon haircare tips.
AVE THE SCALP!
SAVE THE SCALP
The monsoons are notorious for causing scalp issues such as dandruff, dry scalp or increased senstivity. A solution that puts a check mark is opting for regular hairspa's ( L'oreal) to keep the scalp free of infections . The easiest way to protect your scalp is using the right kind of shampoo to cleanse the scalp and please do not tie damp hair.

A PROTECTIVE SHEILD
How we shudder at the "F" word! Don,t get me wrong, I mean the "frizz" mass our hair turns during the rains. Serums are certainly the way to go and also choose the correct combination of anti - frizz cream ( liss control gel cream - L'oreal Professionnel)cream or Serum ( liss Ultime - L'oreal Professionnel) For a natural mask for the hair right from the kitchen try out a combination of olive oil,eggs and curd. Use this pack once a month for 30 minutes.Also use raincoats with hoodies or umbrella's to protect the hair from coming in direct contact with the high clorine levels in rain water.

BEING NIT PICKY....
Choosing your product for the season with exceptional care and in accordance with your hair type goes a long way.Not just when it comes to products related to haircare, but also picking what goes into your body ( having a healthy diet) is absolutely essential.

NAILING THE STYLE
The best way to make sure you stay on the style meter is by getting and flaunting a trendy haircut. I suggest in wearing the hair short or keeping it tied as the easiest way to manage your mane this season. If you are ready to go short , pick and choose from the wide array of bobs to mix  sophistication with fun. Long lengths still have your fancy? There's a whole platter of up- styles, be it pony tails or braids, at your disposal. You will have an interesting time playing mix and match.

THE BIG NO !
While shedding light on what should be done to protect the hair,giving you tips on the stuff that your locks will be better off without.
1. Tying or brush through wet hair.
This will only add to the damage levels.
2. Using strong shampoos:
 Only works to further dehydrate and dry out your hair.
3. Proper usage of conditioners and Masque :
Use a conditioner according to your hair type, mainly giving more importance to the length of the hair. Never use the conditioner on the scalp as it could cause dandruff.
4. Blow drying and heat treatments :
 It is not advisable to blow dry very often. These are hygroscopic in nature , which means that they make their hair absorb the moisture from the effect of the treatments.
With these handy tips now in your bag, go on, flaunt those gorgeous tresses away

So as I always say go out and dance in the rains this monsoon season and don't forget to post us your hair care tips.
                                                                catalyst

HOW TO USE TEA TREE OIL FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Tea Tree Oil - Wonder Oil for Acne treatment
Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Why do people use tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and anti fungal treatment. One study found that tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It appears to be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot.

Can you get tea tree oil naturally from foods?
There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Work Against Acne?
Often a variety of spots and scars on the face are the result of acne which has been before. Despite the fact that acne is already in the past, not passing scars on the face will constantly remind the owner of his past troubles. Therefore, a lot of people are looking for another way of treatment except various chemicals. Recently more natural products get in widespread use such as tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and bactericidal action against skin diseases.
The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Tea tree oil has become known around the world since the early 1900s. Since then it can be found in pharmacies in every corner of the planet. This oil was also added as a key ingredient into all sorts of creams and medicines that only did them better. Due to such solution, these creams began to possess antiseptic, anti fungal, antiviral, antibacterial and healing effects.
There are quite a few causes of acne. The most widespread one is hormonal imbalance, as it is considered to be the most common during adolescence. But, nevertheless, acne also appears in adults who have already passed adolescence and have no problems with hormones. The reason for this is excessive work of hypodermic sebaceous glands which during normal operation excrete a sufficient amount of sebum to moisturize skin. Consequently, skin pores become clogged. In combination with dust they form an enabling environment for bacteria.
In this case, tea tree oil is a solvent of oil and dirt. This oil clears the pores from bacteria, while its antibacterial function prevents further outbreaks.
But with positive aspects, tea tree oil also has negative ones. This oil contains toxins which are absorbed into the organism. Therefore, it is necessary to use it only on those areas of the skin where its direct influence is necessary. Concentrated oil has to be mixed with water because its use in a pure form can cause severe allergic reactions, causing more problems.
Tea tree oil is necessary to apply in such a way: first, dilute a few drops of oil with water and then put on a cotton swab and use only on the affected area. You will see the best effect when you start using this solution every day. Besides, it will protect your skin from new acne problems.
At the moment, tea tree oil is one of the most successful ways against acne. There are several ways to use this oil for best results. Some people suggest adding it to the cream which already contains an extract of aloe. They say that this combination has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to get rid of acne by destroying bacteria that contribute to their appearance.

How to get rid of Acne and scars using Tea tree oil ?
Use a very small amount of 100% pure tea tree oil on acne and scars while you shower. Or pour few drops of tea tree oil in a cotton ball. Dab it to the infected area.  Use tea tree oil every night and it  it definitely helps in getting rid of beginning zits or already developed zits overnight. Sometimes it stings a little but it really works! I recommend using it.
Another best home remedy using Tea Tree oil ,which i know to fight with some positive results is take about 20ml tea tree oil and squeeze to it about two capsules of vitamin E . Touch your scar with this oil (even active acne) and it should heal much faster.

 

catalyst

HOW TO FLAT IRON WITHOUT CAUSING HAIR DAMAGE

If you want straight hair,without getting it damaged here are some quick and easy tips for your hair:
Pick the right size flat iron
Flat irons are like clothes, they are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron.
 The right size iron will be easier to maneuver, straighten your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.

For short, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with narrow plates ranging in size from half-an-inch to one-inch thick. This will allow you to iron smaller sections.
For long, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with wider plates ranging in size from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide so you're able to cover more surface area in less time.

How Not to Wreck Your Hair

Your blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron can make your hair look great.
But if you misuse those tools or have the wrong ones, your hair may look like it's ready for a lengthy stint in hair rehab.
Use this guide to brush up on how to style your hair at home as well as how to mend damaged hair.

1. Buy Good Tools
Hair styling tools don't have to cost a fortune. But they do need basic features.
Look for tools that offer different heat settings. "The cheaper ones have just one setting."
Check to see if your tool displays heat temperatures. For instance, some hair irons can be dialed to a variety of heat settings, from 130 to nearly 230.
Above 230-degree setting is "definitely too high" for personal use by someone who isn't a stylists and is certainly not needed.
 Choose dryers with a nozzle attachment to target air flow and a diffuser to help distribute heat more evenly.

2. Know Your Hair -- and Style It Accordingly
When you select a heat setting on your dryer or curling or straight iron, consider the thickness of your hair.
"The finer the hair, the lower the temperature". "For instance, a person with baby fine hair should use the lowest possible setting."
That doesn't mean if you have a thick mane you should opt for the highest setting, he adds. "We rarely,"use an extremely high degree of heat even at the salon."
Before you get a curling iron or a flat (straightening) iron, take your natural hair texture into account.
"It's better to work with your natural hair texture than against it.

3. Protect your Hair from the Heat
There are hair products made to protect your hair from the heat of dryers, curling irons, or flat irons like the L'oreal Iron finish. Many of them use silicone as a protective coating for your hair.
To protect your hair while styling, work quickly.
"If you are using a curling or straight iron, you should probably not use it for more than three or four seconds [per section].

4. Study Styling Technique
A little professional advice never hurts. Ask your hair stylist to go over how to style your hair, even if you've done it yourself for years.
The stylist may be able to show you shortcuts, or newer techniques. Set up a separate appointment, or ask in advance for some extra time at your next visit. That will give your stylist time to work with you.

5.Things to avoid -
Do not iron hair when wet, as this is a sure way to fry your strands.
- Do not use broken or chipped hot tools, as they can be dangerous.
- Do not use a flat iron everyday as "any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use.

6. Use the right material
 Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metals. They will heat more evenly causing less heat damage to your hair. They are the "gentlest on the hair" because they release negative ions which work to tighten the hair's cuticle. This produces a shinier, healthier, less frizzy look and feel, advises. On the flip side, be weary of "irons that are ceramic 'coated' or Teflon 'coated" as they will heat a little more unevenly, and tend to have a more drying effect."

                                                          catalyst