Understanding your hair type is key to achieving healthy, luscious curls. Hair types range from 1 to 4 — straight, wavy, curly, and coily — with type 4 being the curliest. Type 4A hair has a fine texture and loose curl pattern, forming springy coils that need special care to stay healthy and vibrant.
Knowing your hair type helps determine the best hair care routine. Caring for 4A hair is essential, whether you’re dealing with dryness or breakage or want to define your curls.
Let’s dive into the world of 4A hair and discover how to keep those curls popping.
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
What is 4A hair type?
Alright, curl friends, let’s break it down. Hair type falls into four main categories:
Type 1: Straight
Type 2: Wavy
Type 3: Curly
Type 4: Coily
Now, Type 4 hair is where things get seriously curly and coily. Within this category, we’ve got subtypes A, B, and C,
which refer to the width and density of your curls.
So, what’s the deal with 4A hair? 4A hair is the queen of the fine, loose curl pattern. It forms tight, springy coils that are like tiny, perfect S-shapes. These curls are less dense than their 4B and 4C cousins, making them more defined and delicate. Think of 4A hair as the Goldilocks of coily hair — not too tight, not too loose, but just right.
How to care for 4A hair
Your hair is unique and gorgeous, but it requires a bit of extra TLC to keep it looking its best. Here’s a straightforward guide to keeping your 4A hair moisturized, healthy, and thriving:
Moisturize regularly
4A hair tends to be dry as its coily structure makes it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Keeping it moisturized is essential, so incorporate a good leave-in conditioner into your daily shampooing routine. Use deep conditioning treatments weekly to replenish moisture and strengthen your curls.
Don’t forget scalp care, too! For maximum hydration, look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin.
Gentle detangling
4A hair is prone to tangles, so detangle gently to avoid breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to work through knots carefully. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, and always detangle when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner to provide slip and minimize damage.
Avoid heat
Heat styling tools can cause significant damage to 4A hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and loss of curl pattern. Minimize the use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands. If you use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray first to shield your hair from high temperatures.
Pro tip: To maintain the health of your curls, opt for air-drying or styles that don’t require heat.
Protective styles
Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns can help reduce manipulation and minimize breakage. These styles tuck away your ends, protecting them from friction and environmental damage.
Satin or silk pillowcases
Cotton pillowcases cause friction, which leads to frizz and breakage, especially for 4A hair. Switching to satin or silk pillowcases instead helps mai
ntain your curl pattern and prevent tangles.
Regular trims
Regular trims are crucial for keeping 4A hair healthy and preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Aim to trim your hair every 8-12 weeks to remove damaged ends and keep your curls looking fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Is 4A hair curly?
Yes, 4A hair is curly and falls under the coily category. It features tight, springy curls that form an S-shape.
Is my hair 4A, 4B, 4C, or 3C?
To determine your hair type, look at the curl pattern, texture, and density. 4A hair has a loose curl pattern with fine, springy coils, while 4B and 4C hair have tighter curls. 3C hair is curly but not as tight as Type 4.
How often should you wash 4A hair?
Washing once a week or every two weeks is generally sufficient for 4A hair. Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils.
How often should you cut 4A hair?
Regular trims every 8-12 weeks help keep 4A hair healthy by removing split ends and preventing breakage.
Takeaway
Taking care of your 4A hair isn’t rocket science, but it does need a little know-how and the right tools.
Love those natural curls — keep them hydrated, avoid excessive heat, and give them some nighttime TLC.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/discover/4a-hair
You’ve swiped right and gotten matches, but it’s not working. It might be your profile that’s holding you back. With just seconds to make an impression, your “About Me” section is crucial. Think of it as your personal highlight reel—enticing and leaving them wanting more. If it’s not working its magic, you could be missing out.
Read on to learn how to turn that blank box into a captivating snapshot of your fabulous self.
Sophie Mayanne/Getty Images
What should I write in my dating profile?
Your dating profile is your chance to show potential matches why you’re a catch. But what should you include? Since everyone is unique, think about what you bring to the table and what you’re looking for. Let’s break it down.
Showcase your personality: Are you a quirky adventurer, a bookworm, or a foodie always on the hunt for the best taco in town? Share your passions and what makes you tick. Be authentic — people can spot a fake from a mile away.
Be specific: Avoid generic statements like “I love to have fun” or “I enjoy hanging out.” Instead, get specific. Do you love hiking? Mention your fave trail. Are you a movie buff? Share your top films. Details increase relatability and spark conversations.
Use humor:Humor is desirable! A witty one-liner or a playful anecdote can make your profile memorable. Just keep it light and fun — avoid heavy sarcasm or anything that might be misunderstood.
Highlight what you want: Be clear! Do you want a serious relationship or a casual fling? Honesty attracts matches on the same page.
Share a fun fact: Maybe you’ve traveled to 20 countries or once met a celeb in an unexpected place. These tidbits are great icebreakers.
Stay positive:Focus on what you enjoy. Avoid negative statements or listing things you don’t like — it’s far too Debbie Downer.
What is a good About Me for a dating app?
Your “About Me” section is your dating profile’s elevator pitch. It’s gotta be snappy, sassy, and totally you. Here’s how to make that blurb irresistible:
Create a vivid snapshot: Forget boring lists — paint a picture. Describe a typical weekend or a fave memory.
Share your aspirations: Talk about your dreams and goals. Are you working towards a marathon, planning to write a book, or desperately trying to master a new language?
Show your values:Highlight what’s important to you. Whether it’s pets, family, or personal growth, let folks see your core values to attract those on the same wavelength.
Add a touch of mystery: Don’t spill all your secrets. Hint at a story or drop a tantalizing detail to leave them wanting more. It’s all about the tease.
Highlight recent adventures: Talk about your latest escapades. Recently back from backpacking in Bali? Tried skydiving? Anecdotes make great convo starters.
Discuss cultural interests: What’s on your bookshelf or playlist? Share your faves as a bonding point. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to show off your personality.
End with a question:A question like, “What’s the best book you’ve read this year?” or “Any travel tips for my next adventure?” encourages peeps to reach out.
Here are a couple of examples to get the ball rolling:
“Bookworm by day, Netflix binge-watcher by night. I love curling up with a good novel or debating plot twists over a glass of wine. If you know a killer thriller or have a strong opinion on ‘Stranger Things,’ let’s chat!”
“Aspiring chef with a passion for trying new recipes and hunting down the best food trucks. If you’re into food adventures and don’t mind a little kitchen chaos, swipe right and let’s cook up some fun together!”
What not to say on a dating app profile
Avoid these common pitfalls to make sure your profile sends the right message:
Negativity: Don’t focus on what you don’t want. Life satisfaction can be attractive!
Clichés: Avoid overused phrases like “I live life to the fullest.”
Personal deets: Keep things like your exact job location and home address private.
Demands: Making too many specifications about who you’re looking for can seem rigid.
Best pictures to use for dating apps
The photos you choose for your dating profile can make or break your online dating success. Here’s what attracts the most positive attention:
High-quality photos: Clear, well-lit images are crucial.
A variety of shots: Include a mix of headshots, full-body images, and activities.
Authenticity: Photos should reflect your true self and lifestyle.
Smiles go a long way: A genuine smile is very appealing!
Takeaway
Nailing your “About Me” section is all about balance — showcasing your personality, values, and interests while keeping it fun and engaging. Little details can make all the difference. So keep it lighthearted and authentic, and you’ll attract matches who truly get you.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/discover/about-me-on-dating-app
Smiling for selfies should be fun, not painful! If cracked lip corners or angular cheilitis make it hard to smile, eat, or kiss, don’t worry. Check out these tips to heal those cracks quickly. With some care and good habits, you’ll have pain-free, makeout-ready lips in no time. Say goodbye to angular cheilitis and hello to a happier smile!
Rochelle Brock / Refinery29 for Getty Images
6 tips to heal cracked lips fast
Barrier repair
The first step to healing your cracked lip corners quickly is to lock in any moisture. Reach for a product dermatologists call an occlusive, which creates a protective barrier that prevents your lip corners from getting drier. Vaseline, Aquafor, or CeraVe ointment are common occlusives that will help reduce cracking.
Moisturize
Dab a little coconut oil, olive oil, or fragrance-free moisturizer on the corners of your lips daily after you shower. Make it a daily habit, but don’t go overboard. A little dab will do. Allow your skin’s natural oils to build back up as the cracking fades. Bonus tip: Add the occlusive lip barrier after moisturizing.
Stay hydrated
Locking in moisture only works if you have enough moisture, so staying hydrated is key! Keep a refillable water bottle with you as your trusty sidekick. Sip on plain water throughout the day, or jazz it up with a splash of cucumber or another non-acidic flavor. Pro tip: Avoid lemon juice, which can irritate and sting sensitive skin.
Bonus: Staying hydrated will help your raw lip corners heal quicker and improve your skin’s overall health.
Get a humidifier
Have you noticed that moisture is a common theme here? Lend your lips a humid hand by sleeping with a humidifier beside your bed. Adding moisture to the air is especially helpful for your cracked lips during the winter or in hot, dry climates. Think about popping a small humidifier in your workspace or wherever you spend the most time.
Don’t lick your lips
It might seem like a quick fix to lick your lips to keep them moist, but that can make things worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving a sticky residue that can attract bacteria and lead to infection. So, keep your tongue away from your lips and remember this: “Licking your lips will cause them to lickety-split.”
Avoid extreme temperatures
Whether from frigid cold or dry heat, your skin can lose water rapidly, causing cracking, flaking, discoloration, or swelling. So avoid jumping from a sweltering afternoon at the beach into a freezing cold movie theater.
Also, skip the hot showers or cold plunges for a bit. These types of rapid temperature changes will quickly dry out your lip corners. Bonus tip: Your lips can take a beating from the sun, so find a lip balm with SPF protection.
When to see a doctor
If your cracked lip corners don’t improve or become especially painful or swollen in a few days, it’s time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. If left untreated, angular cheilitis can last for years, leaving your lips discolored or scarred.
FYI: Angular cheilitis might not appear as clearly in people with darker skin. Instead of turning red, the affected skin may look pale and have a darker border.
What causes mouth splits in the corner?
Remember that lickety-split mantra? It’s for real. Saliva can get deposited in the corners of your lips for many reasons, like drooling, smoking, or sleeping with your mouth open due to some sniffles. Bacteria grows in those little saliva pools, triggering an inflammatory response that causes your lip corners to get irritated and crack.
FAQs
How long do cracked lip corners take to heal?
Following these tips will make your lips feel better in about a week. Really bad cases of angular cheilitis can take a few weeks. Avoid smoking and eat a balanced diet to get faster results.
Does Vaseline help cracked lip corners?
As mentioned above, Vaseline and other occlusives help create a protective barrier over the cracked lip corners, which helps the healing process.
How do I get rid of angular cheilitis overnight?
You might have woken up with cracked lip corners, but you won’t be able to get rid of them overnight. Be patient and follow the tips above!
Takeaway
Say goodbye to painful cracked lip corners in about a week with these easy tips:
Apply a skin barrier like Aquaphor or Vaseline.
Use a fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
Stay hydrated and use a humidifier where you spend most of your time.
Avoid licking your lips or exposing them to extreme temperatures.
Talk to a dermatologist for customized care if your lip corners become red, swollen, or more painful after a few days.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/how-to-heal-cracked-lip-corners-fast
We’re not in love with the term “turkey neck” — it’s just extra skin.
If you don’t want to learn to love the extra chin you’re in (though we wish you would!), you can perform some exercises that may tighten your neck muscles.
AleksandarNakic/Getty Images
9 ways to tighten sagging neck skin
Though some swear these moves work, there’s no research backing them up, and they can’t zap away extra flowy skin.
Instead, they’re more likely to help strengthen the muscles underneath loose neck skin. Unfortunately, skin removal is usually accomplished with more intense methods, like surgery.
However, these popular neck exercises are simple enough for a test drive and may help tone your neck muscles naturally.
1. Pucker up
Sit comfortably in a chair, back straight.
Tilt your head all the way back, chin fully tipped to the sky.
Pucker up nice and big, like you’re giving a selfie duck face or are fully making out with your invisible crush. If it helps, miming “mwah” with your mouth or saying that sound out loud in an exaggerated facial movement will get the job done.
Repeat up to 20 times if it’s not too uncomfortable.
2. Get chewy
Get in a comfortable sitting position with a straight back again.
Gently let your head fall all the way back and aim your chin up toward the ceiling.
With your mouth fully closed, move it around like you do when chewing a particularly gummy meal, just remember to keep both lips closed.
Perform this fake chewing sesh about 20 times if you can.
3. Sit-ups for your neck
Get in bed and lay flat, with your head hovering over its edge.
Bring your head up toward the ceiling with slow and intentional movement, engaging only your neck muscles.
Perform about 5 of these neck-ups if you can.
Remember to be gentle with this move. Though this neck lift exercise is simple, you don’t want to pull a neck muscle.
4. Frowning
Curl your mouth edges down into a big frown (if you’re unafraid of frown lines).
The more animated the movement, the better — you should feel some resistance.
Repeat a few times.
5. Facepalm
Put your palm on your forehead, like you’re Ben Affleck-level stressed out.
Try to drive your head into your hand, but don’t let your head move forward at all — like you’re holding yourself back from a fight.
Pause in this resistance for nearly 10 seconds.
Using both hands, hold the back of your head.
Using your neck, push backward, pausing for 10 seconds.
Surgery and other cosmetic methods for turkey neck can offer impressive results.
How can I tighten my turkey neck naturally?
Are you not into cosmetic procedures or surgery? Neck-toning exercises and facial yoga movements may offer some improvement. However, loose skin is generally not tightened naturally.
Takeaway
Loose neck skin is normal (and honestly v common).
Still, these simple moves may result in toned neck muscles. Just be careful so you don’t wind up with an actual pain in the neck. If you can, it’s best to chat with a healthcare professional first.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/exercise-for-sagging-neck
August 2nd 2024
–
Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families
–
For most people, taking care of their oral health means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist twice a year. Some people may also seek out whitening products or procedures to create the appearance of healthy teeth. But is heading to the dentist for fluoride treatments and fillings the only way to avoid or treat cavities? […]
