Your DIY Hair Color Center

If you particularly don't want to look like an alien with weird streaks of color in your tresses, you shouldn't attempt DIY hair color.  The only way to colour your hair, the right way, is to go to a professional hair colorist -- that's what many fashion magazines recommend. But, this article from  Total Beauty has everything you need to get salon-worthy color at home. With these tips, DIY hair-coloring is no longer intimidating; every step of the way -- from picking the right shade to correct application -- is a piece of cake.

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Happy Diwali

Wishing you all A Happy & Prosperous Diwali!!

October 15th is Global Hand Washing Day

Most of you must be knowing that today (October 15^th) is Global Hand Washing Day. As for me, I am very particular about washing my hands. I normally use  Dettol handwash or Dettol antibacterial soap every now and then to clean my hands thoroughly. It's not really necessary to use an antibacterial soap, even an ordinary soap will do, as recent research has found that antibacterial soaps offer no more protection than good ol' fashioned soap and water.

But for those of you who do not think that washing hands isn't that important, read this:

Handwashing with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Turning handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet into an ingrained habit could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter.

The promotion of handwashing with soap is also a key strategy for controlling the spread of the H1N1 virus – another major focus of the planned events in many countries on 15 October.

Here are some more resources that tell you why you should wash your hands too often:

• Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection (Mayo Clicnic)
• Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
• Why do I need to wash my hands?

The right way of cleaning your hands:

1. Turn on water, preferably to a warm, comfortable temperature.
2. Use approximately a dime sized squirt of liquid hand soap (or according to manufacturer's instructions).
3. Lather and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (Sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).
4. Be sure to wash well between fingers and under nails, although using a nail brush is not necessary.
5. Rinse all soap off hands.
6. Using two paper towels, dry hands completely.
7. Turn off faucet with paper towels, then discard towels in garbage can. More...

Also check this interesting video clip from Hygiene matters:

Further reading:

• Global Hand washing Day (2nd Edition)
• Shame 'boosts hand-washing rate' (news.bbc.co.uk)
• Preventing the Flu: As Simple as Soap? (timesunion.com)
• Don't Wait for Hot Water to Wash Your Hands [Health] (lifehacker.com)
• Wash hands, linens and surfaces to limit flu (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Chambor Hydra Max Skincare Solutions

Chambor introduces Hydra Max Skincare Solutions with natural extracts of moisture-boosting aloe vera and white lily to keep your skin soft, supple, fresh and radiant. Developed with advanced technology that blends together substances of high moisture levels, each product enables instant moisture absorption into skin. The delicate floral fragrance to soothe the senses is a lovely bonus!

Price:

• Hydra Max Liquid Cleansing Foam, Rs 350/-
• Hydra Max Gentle Nourishing Softener, Rs 395/-
• Hydra Max Essential Day Moisturizer, Rs 450/-
• Hydra Max Enriched Night Cream, Rs. 495/-
• Hydra Max Eye Renewal Cream, Rs. 375/-

(Guest Post by Smitha)

Quiz: How Attention-Grabbing Is Your Style

See if your look is cutting edge enough or if it could use a little inspiration

Do you get appreciative stares as you walk down the street, or do people merely look right through you? Your style is what people notice first, so it should be eye-catching and express your personality. Take this quiz to find out if your style is cutting edge enough -- then get customized tips and product recommendations to help you play up your edgy side even more. Take the quiz

Luxury Beauty Spy

Women agree, money is no object when it comes to these must-have product splurges

If you've ever wanted to peek at a rich woman's bathroom counter, now's your chance. We surveyed 11 women who, when it comes to beauty, spare no expense. From laser treatments to pricey salon visits, they always make room for these luxury services and products simply because they are "the best." Feel like splurging? (Psst ... some of them are actually quite affordable!) See products