Robin’s Beauty Guide for Girls A Tween’s Guide to Safe & Natural Care for Skin, Hair and Nails
The book belongs to
Hello! my name is Robin I’m the founder of Little Bird Box for tween girls. My mother named me Robin after her favorite bird. The love of beauty runs deep in my family. One day, my mother told me that when she was my age she treated breakouts by baking in the sun and using the strongest drugstore formulas. She was convinced they would heal her skin faster. She was so wrong. That’s why I wrote this book to teach you about the skin you are in. Let me guide you to start taking care of your skin. It’s all about prevention and starting now. Follow me to learn fun facts, quizzes and things to make and do.
xxx Robin
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skin: your body’s largest organ Is your epidermis showing? Don’t worry, it should be. Your epidermis is the top part of your skin, and your skin is your body’s largest and fastest–growing organ. Skin is your body’s coat. It protects you. It helps you stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Your skin keeps all your insides in, from your heart and lungs to your blood and muscles. And unless it’s cut or damaged, it keeps stuff out, including germs and water. You also feel things through the nerves in your skin. Doctors who are experts in caring for skin are called dermatologists. Derma is the Greek word for skin. Dermatologists treat just about everything that can happen to skin, including rashes, dry skin, acne, and skin cancer.
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How skin grows Your skin grows really fast. Here are some cool facts about your skin and how it grows: 1. You have a ton of skin cells. There are about 19 million skin cells in every inch of your body. 2. New skin cells replace old ones. Your body is always making new skin cells and getting rid of old ones. Your body gets rid of 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells every day! The skin you see now will be gone in about a month. 3. Dead skin cells are on top. The top 18 to 23 layers of your skin are made of dead cells. 4. New skin cells form at the bottom of the epidermis, which is the top part of your skin. 5. Skin cells change shape. They start off kind of fat and square. Over time, they move to the top of the epidermis, flattening out as they go. When they get to the top, they flake off. In 1 inch of skin, you have about: 1. 650 sweat glands. 2. 20 blood vessels. 3. 60,000 melanocytes (makes melanin and gives your skin its color). 4. 1,000 or more nerve endings.
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Skin cells
Blood vessels
Melanocytes
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taking care of your skin Taking good care of your skin means you need to: • Keep it clean. • Protect it from the sun. • Care for it when it gets banged up. Now that you are going through puberty, you need to start washing your face every single night to keep it clean after a busy day at school or playing softball with friends. Most girls who wash their faces right before bedtime don’t need to worry about doing it again in the morning.
Don’t worry; it’s not hard to do.
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Washing Have you ever noticed that if you don’t wash, your skin gets greasy, dirty, and even smelly? That gives you a clue that you should wash your skin regularly to keep it healthy. If you don’t, sweat, oil and dead skin mix together with germs. Yuck! It can make you sick because germs collect on your skin and can get in through cuts and scrapes. When you wash your skin regularly, it’s less likely that those germs will get inside your body where they can really hurt you. To keep your body clean: 1. Use mild soap and water. 2. Take a bath or shower as often as you or your parents think you need to. Some kids take a bath or shower every day, some every other day, some a few times a week. If you have very dry skin, your parents should take you to see a skin doctor (dermatologist), who can figure out the problem and tell you how often you should bathe. 3. Wash when you’re dirty or smelly, like after playing sports or after being outside on a hot day. When you get to be a teenager, you’ll probably take a shower every day. Taking care of your skin is especially important if you have pimples. You should: 1. Wash your face twice a day with warm water. 2. Use a mild cleanser, which works like soap to clean your skin, but is gentler so it doesn’t dry it out.
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Stay away! These products may be too harsh, heavy, or irritating for your young skin. 1. Toners, which may dry out your skin 2. Face peel masks that dry into a film that you peel off your skin. 3. Pore cleansing strips. 4. Heavy moisturizing creams. 5. Products that don’t list ingredients on the label.
xxx Robin Caution! Always test a product whether homemade or from a store before using it on your face. Apply it to a small area inside your wrist. If your skin turns red or itchy after an hour or so, the product isn’t right for you.
xxx Robin 14
Splash! 1. Get set Sweep your hair off your face with a headband or barrette. 2. Get wet
1.
Splash your face with warm water. (Test the water with your finger before
2.
splashing it onto your face. If the water stings your finger, it’s too hot.) 3. Suds up Rub a mild cleanser in the palms of your hands. You may be tempted to use a washcloth, but the safest and softest tools are your hands. Use your fingertips to work the cleanser onto your face in a circular motion. Don’t forget to wash
3.
under your chin and around your hairline. 4. Rinse off
4.
Splash warm water over your face to rinse the suds away. Keep splashing until all the cleanser is rinsed off. 5. Dab dry Gently pat your face dry (never rub!) with a clean towel.
5. 15
Fun in the Sun: Wear Sunscreen! One of the most important things you can do for your face is to wear sunscreen, and not just when you're at the beach. Get in the habit of applying it every day. Many moisturizers provide some sun protection and are great if you don't feel like putting on an extra layer when you leave the house. Don't be fooled if it's overcast or rainy; you can get sunburned even when it's cloudy out. Sun burn isn't fun, and too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Use a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection from both UVB and the entire UVA spectrum of rays and has an spf of at least 15. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and a sunscreen marked SPF 15 will give you fifteen times the protection you would have with bare skin. There’s no need to go higher; SPF 15 will give you all the protection you need. Sunscreens come in may different formulas: sprays, lotions, creams, gels, and even wet wipes! If you get acne, look for “oil free” or “noncomedogenic” on the label so your pores don’t get clogged. Be sure to put on enough to really cover your skin and read the directions to know how often to reapply it.
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Protect yourself from skin cancer You don't need to be afraid that you'll get cancer from small amounts of sun exposure. It's fun to be in the sun, swimming, playing soccer, even skiing in the wintertime and it gives you an important dose of vitamin D. Simply wear sunscreen and cover up with a hat and clothing to protect your skin when you're outside. Never, ever, use tanning beds. The rays of light from tanning beds are even more dangerous than the sun because they are concentrated and come from a source close to your skin.
Although fair-skinned people have a higher risk, girls of all skin tones from
Still got burned?
fair to olive to dark can get skin cancer,
Quench your sunburned
so you still need to take precautions, no
skin with a cold compress
matter what your complexion. Take care
or a cool shower or bath.
of your skin and encourage your friends
Then apply lotion to soothe
to protect theirs, too!
and protect. Use your regular lotion or try an aloe vera gel.
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quiz: sun smarts 1. There’s nothing wrong with lying out in the sun or going to a tanning bed to get a nice, healthy tan. Right Wrong 2. I’m too young for the sun to damage my skin. True False 3. I can have fun in the sun without damaging my skin. Yeah! No way 4. All I need is one good layer of sunscreen and I’m set for the whole day! Yep Nope 5. I can skip the sunscreen if it’s cloudy out or I won’t be outside for long. Yes No 6. I have dark or tanned skin, so I don’t need to wear sunscreen. Right Wrong
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Answers 1. Wrong. Whether you’re soaking up the rays outdoors or indoors, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. The ultra violet (UV) rays that cause your skin to change color can also lead to brown spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. The healthiest glow comes from within—from taking care of your body and loving the color of the skin you were born with. 2. False. You’re never too young to be hurt by the sun, although you may not see the harmful effects until you’re older. Before you turn 18, you’ll soak up about two–thirds of the total amount of UV rays you’ll get in your whole lifetime. You can’t reverse skin damage caused by the sun, so be sun–smart now—when it matters most. 3. Yeah, you can! To protect your skin, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 about 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen will block some of the harmful rays and prevent burning. Protect your lips, too, with lip balm that has SPF and moisturizers. 4. Nope. You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours and especially after swimming or exercise—even if the lotion is water–resistant. 5. Sorry, no. You can get just as much sun on a cloudy or hazy day as on a sunny one. The harmful rays are still out there to sink into your skin. So use sunscreen every day and in every season. 6. Wrong. Everyone, even girls with dark or tanned skin, needs to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you are fair-skinned and burn easily, take care outdoors. Look for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Going to the beach? Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45, no matter what color skin you have.
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acne: pimples and zits Sooner or later, almost all kids get something called acne. You might call them pimples or zits. People in TV commercials call them blemishes. Whatever you call acne, nobody wants it. But pimples are part of growing up. They usually appear when you are between the ages of 12 and 17, but they can appear earlier or later than this. You might be lucky and only get a few pimples. You might get more than a few. Or you might get big bumps that hurt and cover a lot of your face. If you’re like a lot of kids, you might be embarrassed by your pimples. Maybe you don’t raise your hand in class even if you know the answer. Or you get shy around that cute kid at the next locker. Your pimples might make you sad, so you don’t want to talk to anybody, even your good friends. The good news is you can do something about your pimples. You might just need to change the way you wash your face. Gently washing twice a day can help. There are pimple treatments you can buy at the store. If your pimples don’t go away or they really bug you, your mom or dad can take you to a skin doctor (dermatologist).
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JUst what Causes pimples? Before you learn what really causes pimples, let’s set a few things straight. Recent research shows that diet may have some effect on acne. We dermatologists recommend eating a healthy and balanced diet. If you think there is a food that aggravates your acne you may want to avoid it and talk to your skin doctor about it. OK, so what causes pimples? If you look closely at your face in a mirror, you can see tiny holes in your skin. These are called pores. Inside the pores, you’ll find: 1. Oil. 2. Dead skin cells. 3. Bacteria. 4. Pimples form when your skin starts making too much oil and oil, dead skin cells and bacteria plug up your pores.
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Robin’s tips: no picking! It can be tempting to pick at or pop zits. But don’t do it! It can spread the bacteria that causes them in the first place, causing even more pimples, and leave scars. Pimples come in a few different forms. Swollen lesions: These are typical zits, or pimples, which occur when pores become blocked and turn red. Whiteheads: Whiteheads look like little white dots under the skin. They develop when oil and bacteria get trapped right below the skin’s surface. Blackheads: Blackheads form when oil and bacteria are trapped below the skin’s surface. They look black because the bacteria have reacted with oxygen at some point. Even though blackheads look like little specs of dirt, they are deep under your skin, so don’t pick them. Just keep washing your face, and the bacteria will slowly work their way out of the pore.
xxx Robin
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Check out the labels 1. Benzoyl peroxide: comes in lotions, gels, cleansers, creams and washes. It kills bacteria and gets rid of some of the oil and dead skin cells. Be careful where you apply it. 2. Salicylic acid: It helps unplug pores. 3. Don’t use more than the directions say. It can really dry your skin and make it red.
Helping stop pimples 1. Wash your face twice a day with warm water, using a mild cleanser. Don’t scrub hard and don’t use a washcloth. 2. Wash your hair regularly. 3. Only use oil-free skin care products. All those things are good. It means the product doesn’t clog your pores. 4. Don’t lie in the sun or use tanning beds. Neither makes pimples go away, and both can hurt your skin. 5. Don’t squeeze or pick at your pimples. 6. If none of the products you can buy at the store work, it’s time to see a skin doctor for a stronger treatment.
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quiz: face the facts 1. Squeezing a pimple will make it go away. Yes
No way!
2. Tanning helps clear up pimples. True
False
3. Giving up chocolate will prevent zits. Yeah!
Not!
4. For a quick pimple fix, put a dab of toothpaste on your zit. Why not?
Forgot it!
5. You should wash your face frequently to prevent pimples. Of course
Nope
6. The best way to get rid of a zit is to leave it untreated. Yes
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No
Answers 1. No way! In fact, squeezing a pimple will only make it more inflamed and may lead to infection. Your fingers may also help spread germs to areas nearby. 2. False. It’s simply not true that the sun will help heal your zits. In fact, the sun may make your face oilier, and some acne medications may make your face more susceptible to sun damage. 3. Yes! Food has been found to cause or prevent breakouts. Eating greasy foods, though, can leave grease behind on your fingers and face. Be sure to wash up after eating french fries and other messy finger foods. 4. Forget it! It’s true that a dab of toothpaste will dry up a pimple, but it will also make the skin dry and flaky and call for more TLC. If you really need a quick fix, try an acne spot treatment. 5. Nope. When you wash your face, you remove oils that help keep your skin soft and moist. If you wash too often, your face will have no oils and become dry. Your glands will then get to work to make more oil. 6. Yes and no. In most cases, it’s best to let a pimple run its course. But if you have a lot of zits or inflamed, swollen areas on your face, see your doctor or a dermatologist.
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What’s your skin type? On this page is a fun activity for you that will help you figure out your skin type. Go to the refrigerator and get an orange, a pear, an apple and a lemon. Then, one at a time, hold each one up to your face to determine your skin type. Now that you know what your skin type is, it’s time to get that pretty, young skin looking fabulous. Let’s start by learning the basics of caring for your skin properly.
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Quiz your skin type Is your skin oily, dry, normal, or a combination? Find out your type and how to care for it.
2. When you wake up in the morning, 1. You get pimples a. All the time. b. Often on oilier places on your face but hardly ever elsewhere. c. Every now and then. d. Never.
your face feels a. Greasy. b. Oily in some places, dry or normal in others. c. Smooth and soft. d. Itchy and tight.
3. An hour or two after cleansing your face, your skin looks a. Shiny all over. b. Shiny in some places and flaky in others. c. Fresh and clean. d. Flaky, red, or ashy.
Check your results 27
if you answered mostly a’s... You have Oil skin. Oil is natural, but sometimes the glands that produce oil don’t know when to quit, especially as you grow and your body changes. Extra oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts Clean routine: Wash your face twice a day with a mild, moisturizer free soap or cleanser. Each morning, apply an oil free face lotion with an SPF of at least 15. And use a gentle scrub every week or two to deep clean skin. Fight shine during the day by blotting (not rubbing) your face with a fresh facial tissue. If you use other products, look for the words “oil free” on the label.
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if you answered mostly b’s... You have Combination skin. Your face is often oily in the T–Zone (the forehead, nose, and chin) and dry or normal elsewhere. Clean routine: Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. If areas of your face feel dry, try washing with plain water in the morning and using cleanser only at night. Each morning, apply an oil-free face lotion with an SPF of at least 15. Use a gentle scrub every week or two to deep-clean skin. Still need help taming the oily parts of your face? Try dabbing your T–zone with clean facial tissue to soak up excess oil.
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if you answered mostly c’s... You have Normal skin. You have a healthy balance of moisture and not a dry spot in sight. Keep it that way by cleansing regularly and protecting your skin from the sun. Remember that even normal skin can suffer from occasional breakouts or dryness, and your skin type may change as you grow. Read up on the other types of skin so that you’ll be prepared for any changes that may come. Clean routine: Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Each morning, apply face lotion with an SPF of at least 15. Try a face mask or gentle scrub every week to deep clean skin and boost your healthy glow.
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if you answered mostly d’s... You have Dry skin. Your skin is thirsty! It needs more moisture than its glands can make to keep it from being flaky, red or ashy. Clean routine: Wash your face each night with a moisturizing, soap–free cleanser that doesn’t dry out your face any further. In the morning, rinse your face with plain water, then add a face lotion with an SPF of at least 15 (or 30, if you’re fair–skinned). Try a moisturizing facial mask once a week to remove the dull, dry cells on your skin.
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At Home Spa: Oatmeal Face Mask Oatmeal is a great natural ingredient that calms and moisturizes skin. You don’t need fancy or expensive products to feel great! Plus, you can do this at home. Just be sure to get a parent’s go–ahead if you make it using a food professor or blender.
Organic yogurt
Organic honey
Steel cut oats
Rolled oats 32
Ingredients you’ll need: 1/2 cup (40 grams) oatmeal 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey
What to do: 1. If you’re using a food processor or blender, grind up the oatmeal to make a fine powder. If not, you can just skip this step. 2. In a small bowl, combine the oatmeal, yogurt, and honey. Mix with a fork until it’s a smooth paste. It’s going to be thick! 3. Pat the mixture onto your clean face, avoiding your eyes. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. It will cake and dry. 4. Using a damp washcloth, wipe the mask from your face and then rinse over the sink to get the last pieces off.
Voila! clean and clear skin.
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espresso facial mask I personally like this mask because it contains two of my favorite ingredients: coffee and chocolate. The milk and coffee contain naturally occurring acids that help condition and soothe your complexion.
Ingredients you’ll need: 3/4 cup finely ground espresso 3/4 cup cocoa powder 1/4 whole milk
What to do: Stir all of the ingredients together. To use, after cleansing your face, spread the entire mixture over your face and neck, avoiding the delicate areas around your eyes and mouth. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse well with warm water and pat your skin dry.
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Good stuff: Coffee and caffeine are popular ingredients in skin lotions, creams, masks, and body scrubs. When applied to the skin, coffee in useful as a cleanser and an antioxidant. A popular use of ground coffee beans is as a body scrub to reduce cellulite. The caffeine in the coffee dehydrates fat cells by energizing them, which in turn affects the sodium potassium balance in the cells in a way that allows the cells to eliminate a buildup of excess wastes.
xxx Robin
Cocoa power
Espresso coffee Whole milk 35
my smooth lips Did you run out of moisturizing lip balm? Make your own!
1. Empty shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil into a microwavable container.
1. 36
2. Microwave for around 1 minute on high. Stir until melted . If it is still not melted put it back in the microwave for 15 second intervals. Do not overheat!
2. 3. If you like, mix in essential oils using around 20–30 drops of any combination of oils (eg. 15 drops orange and 15 drops pink grapefruit). You may also add a small amount of food coloring or glitter.
3. 4. Pour into the empty containers (around half way)
4.
and allow 1 hour to harden. Can be remelted individually to add more essential oil.
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Hair Follicle
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hair: not just on your head Did you know that your whole body is covered with hair? Well, almost your whole body. Your lips, the palms of your hands, and the bottom of your feet don’t have hair on them. But just about everything else does, from your cheeks and fingers to your knees and toes, and, of course, your head. Some of those hairs are so tiny and so light in color that they’re really hard to see. On your cheeks, they’re almost like peach fuzz. Hair on your arms and legs is a little easier to see and feel, and usually gets thicker as you get older. The longest and thickest hair of all is on your head. The hair on your body has some special jobs. It helps protect you and keep you warm. Your eyelashes keep dirt and dust out of your eyes. Your eyebrows also protect your eyes, and stop sweat from running into them. Sometimes you can have problems with your hair or your scalp (the skin on your head) and you might need to talk to a doctor. It might sound kind of funny, but the best doctor to see for hair problems is a skin doctor (dermatologist). That’s because hair grows out of your skin.
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What’s your hair type? 1. When you try to put a barrette in your hair, it usually… a. won’t close unless you clip it onto just a tiny bit of hair.
2. If you let your hair dry naturally, it takes… a. forever!
b. slides right out.
b. about 30 minutes
c. gets hidden because your hair poufs
c. about an hour and a half
out around it.
d. about an hour.
d. clips in with no problem.
3. If you do nothing to your hair but brush it, your hair… a. sticks out in all the wrong places. b. lies flat as a pancake on your head. c. gets frizzy d. looks fine.
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a
b
c
d
4. Choose the braid above that most closely matches the texture of your hair.
All c’s: You have
All a’s: You have thick hair. Turn to page 42.
All b’s: You have thin hair. Turn to page 43.
All d’s: You hair is not thick or thin, but right in the middle. Flip to
curly or coarse hair. Turn to page 44.
A mix of a’s, b’s, c’s and d’s: Your hair has qualites of different types of hair.
Answer Key If you picked
page 45.
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In the thick of it Hair care tips Use conditioner to keep thick hair soft. If your scalp tends to be oily, keep conditioner off the roots. Styling tricks A haircut with long layers can help thin out thick hair. To straighten thick, wavy hair, blow窶電ry sections of hair while pulling straight down with a flat brush. Aim your blow-dryer down, too. If your hair is straight and thick, you may have a hard time curling it. Spray or rub in a gel before you use rollers. Try gel to help you get control of your full hair and frizz.
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In the thin of it Hair care tips Wash thin hair frequently. Natural oils from your scalp will weigh your hair down quickly. Try a volumizing shampoo, which boosts body in your hair. It’s best to wash in the morning, since scalp oils spread during the night while you lie on your pillow. Use conditioner only on the ends of your hair, if necessary. If your hair is very healthy, skip the conditioner. It can make hair limp. Styling tricks Give your hair an extra boost by blow drying it upside down. Let your hair air dry about halfway. Then flip your head over and blow dry against the way the roots grow. You may also want to experiment with styling mousse for more body and hold.
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Curls & Whirls Hair care tips Curly or coarse hair tends to be dry because the natural oils don’t get distributed. Use conditioner every time you shampoo. If your hair is still dry, try a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month. A leave in conditioner helps curls hold their shape. Use it while your hair is still damp. For very curly or kinky hair, rub a dab of pomade, or hair balm, between your balms and works it through your hair. Styling tricks Whenever possible allow curls to air dry. they’ll stay curlier that way. If you do blow dry, attach a diffuser to your hair dryer to cut down on the flow of air, which prevents frizz.
44
In the middle Hair care tips If your hair is medium textured and feels healthy, you may not need many styling products. It’s a good idea to use conditioner once in a while, but don’t use it every day. Like any other hair type, medium hair is sometimes oily at the roots. If so, wash your hair often with an oily hair shampoo. Use conditioner on the ends if they are dry. Be aware of changes in your hair. Hot sun and too much brushing, blow drying, or hot curling can dry out your hair. Protect your hair by wearing a hat, and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You can also try a bit of leave in conditioner on the ends.
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Hair washing tips 1. You only need a nickel size drop of shampoo. Just work it into a lather in your palms and then rub it into your hair. 2. There’s no need to repeat! The label on your shampoo might say that you should wash,
1.
rinse, and repeat, but one shampoo is plenty to get your hair and scalp clean. 3. Don’t scratch your scalp. A little massage is fine, but remember, your scalp is sensitive, and you need to be gentle with it. If your hair ends up in knots after a shower or you have really curly hair, you might want to try conditioner.
2.
3. 46
Brush Happy Don’t brush or comb your hair too much. Brushing a lot can activate the glands in your scalp and make your hair oily. It can also break the ends of your hair, causing split ends. If you are going to brush your hair, wait until it’s dry. Girls with curly hair might find it's best to avoid brushes altogether. Brushing curly hair can damage it and make it frizzy.
Comb
Brush Hair Dryer
Styling tools Flat Iron Curlers
Accessories 47
Ponytail veil Weave your hair into a pretty ponytail veil.
1. Make 3 mini ponytails on the
1.
2. Separate the middle ponytail into 2 sections.
48
crown of your head: 1 in the middle, 1 on the right, and 1 on the left. Tie off with elastics.
2.
3. Combine the right hand section with the ponytail on the right and tie off with elastic.
3. 4. Combine the left hand section
4.
with the ponytail on the left and tie off with an elastic.
5. Bring the 2 new ponytails to the center and make 1 big ponytail. Tie off with an elastic.
5. 49
Crowning twists Roll your hair into rows of twists
1.
1. Using a tail comb, separate hair on crown of head into 5 even sections, as shown. Clip sections off with mini clips.
2. Remove clip from center section, separate an inch of hair, and begin twisting it back across the top of your head.
50
2.
3. Pick up more hair from the section as you move toward the back of your
3.
head, rolling it into the twist.
4. Stop twisting and rolling about halfway toward the back of your head and secure with a mini clip.
4.
5. 5. Repeat until all 5 sections are twisted.
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Haircut Corner Thinking of getting a new ’do? Follow these steps for salon success to get the cut you crave!
1. Bring a picture of the cut you want to the salon. Look through magazines and clip a few choices. If you can’t find a picture, make sure you can clearly explain the look you want.
3. Tell your stylist how much time you can 2. Be realistic. If your hair is thin and short,
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spend on your hair. If you’re always running
a haircut won't make it long and full. Ask
from swimming practice to violin lessons,
the stylist if the cut you want will work
you don’t want a cut that needs 45 minutes
with your hair type.
of blow–drying.
5. Sit straight up in the stylist’s chair and hold still. Keep an eye on
4. Don’t be shy! Tell the person washing your
things in the mirror.
hair if the water is too hot or too cold.
6. Speak up if you don’t like your cut. the stylist may be able to make some last minute changes.
7. Before you leave, don’t forget to ask for styling tips. 8. Enjoy your new look. But remember, healthy hair that makes you happy is the best look of all!
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quiz: hair-brained ideas? 1. Cutting hair makes it grow faster. True False 2. Rinsing hair with cold water makes it shinier. True
False
3. Hair gets used to the same shampoo after a while, so you should change brands often. True False 4. Brushing your hair one hundred strokes a day will keep it shiny. True False 5. Eating more protein will make your hair thicker. True False 6. Hair grows faster in the summer. True False
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Answers 1. False! But trimming can make hair look longer by keeping the ends healthy so they don’t break off or split. Experts recommend a trim at least once every three months. 2. True! Cold water makes the surface of the hair, called the cuticle, lie flat. The flatter the cuticle is, the shinier hair looks. Blasting hair with cool air after you blow–dry has the same effect, check your dryer to see if it has a cool setting. 3. False! If a shampoo works well on your hair, you should be able to keep using it. But sometimes conditioners or other products build up, making hair limp and dull. Try a clarifying shampoo—it has special ingredients to get rid of buildup and make your hair extra clean. Most clarifying shampoos shouldn’t be used more than once a week, since they can dry hair out. 4. False! Hair looks shiny when its surface is very flat and healthy. Too much brushing roughens and damages hair, which makes it look duller. 5. False! It’s true that hair is mostly made of protein, but eating more burgers won’t give you big hair. To make your hair look thicker, try using a volumizing shampoo, gel, or mousse. These products coat each stand of hair or make it swell so that it feels thicker. 6. Probably false. Some Stylists say hair grows more quickly when the weather heats up, but there’s no scientific evidence. On average, hair grows about half an inch per month.
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At Home Spa: Avocado Conditioning Treatment Avocados have a lot of wonderful natural fats and essential oils, which makes them yummy to eat and also great for your hair. That’s right! You can use avocados at home to make a special conditioning mask for healthy, shiny hair. Just be sure you have permission and apply the mask in the shower to avoid making a mess.
o d a c o av e p i R 1
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Table s po o n honey 56
Ingredients you’ll need: 1 ripe avocado 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon honey
What to do: 1. Cut the avocado, remove the pit, and peel away the skin. Be sure to follow house rules for using knives and ask for help if you haven’t done this before. Then, mash the insides of the avocado in a bowl. 2. Add the oil and honey, mashing and mixing until everything is creamy smooth. 3. Take the mixture into the shower or bathtub ( just to make sure it doesn’t get everywhere as you apply it) and rub it all over your hair, from the scalp to the ends. Read a book and relax for 15 to 20 minutes while you wait for it to soak in. 4. Rinse thoroughly with shampoo and warm water.
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The Three shaving Essentials Keep these in the bathroom for every time you shave
A Razor
A lot of razors are decked out with bells and whistles, like pivoting heads (head is the part with the actual razor blades), padded handles, and ‘‘lubrication’’ strips. There are also razors that boast three or four or five bladed.
Shaving Cream You definitely want to have foamy lather on your legs before you shave. Shaving cream or gel is nice to use, but it’s not
Lotion
essential. Lathered soap will get the job
Freshly shaved legs might feel dry
get the shaving cream that says it’s for
and itchy. Rubbing some lotion on
women. The men’s shaving cream is
them after your shower or bath can
exactly the same stuff!
help stop that feeling. It’s like giving your skin a drink of water.
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done, too. And don’t think you have to
Robin’s tip: sit down for your first shave If you are shaving for the first time, it’s a good idea to try it sitting down, either inside the bathtub or on the edge. Sitting down will help you keep your balance and focus. If you’re nervous about shaving alone the first time, ask your mom, your older sister, or a friend who knows how to shave already to help you out.
xxx Robin
Razor safety Always handle your razor with care! Only grip the handle and keep your hand steady so you don’t drop it. If you need to change the blades on your refillable razor, do it before you get in the shower, since they can be slippery when wet. Disposable razors are just as sharp, if not sharper, so you want to be alert when you are dealing with one.
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Shaving: legs Now that you’ve got the equipment you need, you’re ready to start! While you shave, do not push down on the razor; just let it glide over your skin. Remember, take your time; there’s no rush.
Soften Up and Lather Up: Let your skin and leg hair get wet with warm water for a minute or so. Moist skin is softer and will keep the nicks and cuts to minimum. Next, apply shaving cream, gel, or soap all over the part you’re going to shave. Never rub a razor on dry or bare skin.
1. Calves and Thighs: These are easiest, so shave them first! Once you’re lathered up, start with the razor above your ankle bones. Slowly pull it up along the skin to just below your knee in one long, smooth stroke. After a few strokes, rinse off your razor blade in the tub or run it under the faucet. Many girls don’t shave their thighs because they are often covered by clothing, and the hair is usually finer. If you do shave your thighs, start at the point above your knee and slowly move the razor in straight lines from the top of your knee to the top of your leg.
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2.
Hair Removal Creams: An alternative to shaving is using a hair removal, or depilatory, cream, which dissolves hair so that it can be rinsed or wiped off. You may have seen these creams at the drugstore near the shaving section The thing is, depilatories are made with harsh chemicals, and they can irritate sensitive skin. They usually smell really strong, too. Girls with allergies should definitely stay away from them. Be sure you talk to a parent or doctor before you try one, or consider just sticking with shaving, which is what I do. Why rub chemicals on your skin if you don't need to?
3.
xxx Robin
Ankles: Maneuver carefully around your ankles, since they are bonier and have more ‘‘edges.” If you are standing in the shower, bend over at the waist or place your foot on the ledge (be careful, as showers can get slippery!), so you can get closer to your ankle and see what’s going on. Move the razor in short, precise strokes around the ankle bones. You may end up with a few nicks.
Knees: Your knees are knobby just like your ankles, so they require a little extra care, too. When you shave the
4.
front of your knee, bend your leg so it forms the shape of a mountain with the knee as the peak. Pull the razor in short movements to the near top of the peak and do the same on the other side. To shave the backs of your knees, straighten your leg so the skin is taut—you don’t want folds of skin to get caught in the razor.
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Shaving your armpits Start with the razor at the top of your armpit. Pull it downward in soft straight strokes, Since armpit hair tends to grow in many different directions, you can also start at the bottom of your armpit and pull the razor up. Use a few different strokes to get all the hair, and rinse the razor blade between armpits to remove any trapped hairs.
Razor burn rash If you shave too harshly, use a dull razor, or
_ Apply unscented lotion or Vaseline in a
shave an area that’s very sensitive, you can
thin coat over the irritated skin to keep it
get razor burn, a rash of tiny red bumps on
moisturized and to help it heal.
your skin. It can be itchy and irritating, but it
_ Keep the area clean and don’t scratch it. _ When you start shaving again, soften
won’t last forever. How to help it heal:
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_ Take a break and wait for the rash to go
the skin with water and use shaving cream,
away before you shave again. remember, your
shaving gel, or soap to lubricate the area.
skin is alive, and it’s actually pretty delicate.
You also want to use a new, clean razor.
Myth Buster: Shaving won’t make your hair grow back darker or thicker Shaving doesn’t change your hair at all. Each piece of hair grows out of a follicle that is underneath your skin. When you shave, you are just cutting off the hair. The hair follicle, where the hair grows, stays exactly the same, which means the amount of hair you grow after you shave is exactly the same as before. New hair can also look darker since it's fresh and seen against your bare skin, but the color won’t change from shaving.
One day, I was doing my hair in the bathroom, wearing a tank top, and my mom walked in and saw my underarms and said, ‘Honey! You have grown some armpit hair.’ My dad teased me about it, and it was so horrifying that it’s still seared into my memory. Now, I know he wasn’t trying to be mean, he was just joking with me, but it was a big deal to me at the time! I should’ve teased him right back, His armpits are way hairier than mine were.
xxx Robin 63
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nails: more important than you think Did you know that your nails are made of dead cells, just like your hair? You might pay attention to how your hair looks, but you probably don’t give your nails a whole lot of thought. But they’re an important part of your body and come in handy. Just think how tough it would be to scratch an annoying itch if you didn’t have nails. Or to pick up a penny from the ground. They not only help you do things, but your nails protect your fingers and toes. Also, the look of your nails sometimes can help doctors tell if you are healthy or sick.
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How to deal with nail biting, a Hangnail, wart, or callus You’re bound to encounter one of these issues at some point, but happily, none of them is a big problem.
Nail biting: Biting doesn’t just make your nails look bad, it’s also bad for your health. Your hands carry a lot of germs, so those germs go into your body every time you put your hands in your mouth. If you are a nail biter or have a habit like sucking your thumb or your fingers, you can stop. It will take time, but with help from your parents and a lot of effort on your part, you’ll be able to break the habit, and it will feel great when you do!
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Warts: Warts are small skin–colored bumps that usually show up on hands and feet. They are caused by a virus and you can get them from accidentally touching someone else’s wart or an object someone with warts has touched. You can treat warts with medicine from the drugstore or see your doctor about having them removed. Hangnails: A hangnail is when dead skin pulls away from the nail and is left “hanging” there. Never pull or pick at a hangnail, since this can tear the healthy skin and can cause an infection. Instead, soak the finger in warm water to soften the skin. Using clean nail clippers, cut the hangnail off and let the area heal.
Calluses: When there is friction against the skin for a long period of time, your body grows extra layers of skin, creating a thick, tough spot—or callus—for protection. Calluses usually look whitish or grayish and can feel dry and scratchy. You usually get them from a repetitive activity, like gripping the handle of a tennis racket. And you probably have them on the bottoms of your feet and on your writing finger, too. Since calluses are your body's way of protecting itself, don’t worry about getting rid of them, especially if they make it easier to do something you love—like grip the uneven bars for a great gymnastics routine!
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foot care Trim those toenails: Since toenails grow much slower than fingernails, you don't need to trim them as often. When you do, cut them straight across, just like your fingernails, smoothing down any jagged edges with a file. And remember, keep those feet and toenails clean!
Ingrown nails: When the edge of your finger or toenail grows into the skin, this causes tenderness and sometimes infection. It's more common to get ingrown toenails because shoes, especially tight-fitting or pointy-toed styles, can put pressure on the nail. Preventing ingrown nails is one of the main reasons you should trim them straight across; rounding the edges can cause nails to grow into the skin.
Do you know‌ your nails are as complex as the rest of you?
_ Your nails don't grow at the same speed! Your pinkie nail grows slower than the other nails.
_ Your nails are made of a tough protein called keratin. _ Eating a balanced diet and drinking water will actually help nails grow stronger and faster.
_ Your nails grow faster in the summer than in any other season. 68
Fresh and Foot–tastic! 1. Keep it fresh: Be sure you always wear clean socks. 2. Get rid of the smell: Sprinkle a little baby power inside your shoes to dry things up and make them smell cleaner. 3. Athlete’s foot: If your feet are itchy and irritated, or if the skin is flaking, you might have athlete’s foot—a fungus that grows in damp, moist environments (like shoes and feet!). Most girls get athlete’s foot from waking barefoot in gyms, shower areas, and locker rooms. Wearing flip–flops in public showers can help prevent it, and it can easily be cured with the right medicine from a doctor.
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Be nice to nails Since you often shake hands when you meet someone for the first time, it's nice to have clean, well maintained fingernails. Here are three easy steps to keeping your fingernails tidy. Ask a friend for a manicure, and offer the same to her!
1.
1. Set up Choose a spot near a sink. Read through these 5 steps, and lay out all the supplies you’ll need. 2. Cleanse Still have old polish on your nails? Remove it with a cotton ball and acetone—free nail polish remover. Place the moist
2.
cotton ball on a nail for a few seconds, and then wipe the polish off. Repeat with other nails. Wash your hands and nails with warm, soapy water. 3. Trim and shape Trim your nails with nail clippers that are about the same width as your nail. Don’t cut nails too short—never below the white part. Use a cardboard emery board over your nails in one direction, not back and forth.
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3.
4.
4. Soak Place your fingers in a bowl filled with warm, sudsy water and let them soak. This will cleanse and moisten your fingers, nails and cuticles. When 5 minutes are up, dry your hands with a towel. 5. Soften
5.
Wet the washcloths in warm water. Squeeze a dime—sized dollop of hand lotion onto your hands and rub it into your skin and cuticles. Wrap the moist washcloths around your hands and wait for 1 minute while your skin absorbs the lotion and moisture. 6. Shine Once you’ve cleaned and shaped your nails and softened your cuticles, you’re ready to polish. There are two ways you can give your nails a healthy shine: you can rub them with a nail buffer for a natural look, or you can paint them with nail polish for a colorful finish.
6.
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At Home Spa: Playing with Polish Nail polish can be a fun way to express your style. Just make sure your parents say it’s okay to paint your fingernails or toenails. Do the painting in your bathroom, so that if the polish spills, it won’t stain any furniture or the rug. Nail polish is a beast to get out of fabric!
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What you'll need: _ _
Nail polish—experiment with a fun color! Rag or towel to put under your hand or foot when you’re polishing
_ _
Acetone–free nail polish remover A few cotton balls or cotton swabs
How to stay safe at a nail salon _ Don’t shave your legs prior to a pedicure. _ Ask how they keep the instruments they use for manicures and pedicures clean. _ Look around to see if the salon is neat and clean. _ Make sure the technicians wash their hands before each manicure. _ Make sure the technicians never use a sharp blade to cut skin or remove calluses.
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Lemon Sugar hand scrub One of my passions is golfing. Whenever springtime rolls around, my hands start to get noticeably rougher from gripping the club. This scrub does a great job at defeating the calluses and rough areas on my hands and keeping them soft.
Coconut oil
Brown sugar
Aloe vera gel 74
Ingredients you’ll need: 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon coconut oil
What to do: 1. Stir the sugar, lemon juice, aloe vera gel, and coconut oil together until well mixed. Pour the mixture into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. 2. To use, first wash your hands, then massage a teaspoon or two of the hand scrub all over your hands. Rinse well with warm water and pat your hands dry.
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Summer sandal scrub Once sandal season hits, you want your feet to look their best. This scrub will slough off any dead skin. It’s a great accompaniment to home pedicure.
Brown sugar
Epsom salts
Lemon essential oil Almond oil 76
Ingredients you’ll need: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup epsom salts 6 drops lemon essential oil 3 tablespoons almond oil
What to do: 1. Stir all of the ingredients together until you have a smooth paste. Store any leftover scrub in a clean jar with a tight–fitting lid in a cool, dry, dark spot. It should last 3 to 4 weeks. 2. To use. massage 1 to 2 tablespoons of the scrub into each foot, focusing on rough areas, such as your heels.
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Little bird BOX
Robin’s Beauty Guide for Girls Part of graphic design MFA thesis project Written, illustrated & designed: Rawiwan Atsawathanaphaisan Department Director: Phil Hamlett Advisor: Carolina de Bartolo Book size: 12"×12" Typeface: Bree, dk canned whale, proxima nova soft, passingnotes Software: Adobe creative cloud Printing & binding: Blurb Address: 500 Beale Street, #409 San Francisco, CA 94015 Email: rawiwansomdesign@gmail.com Phone: 415-971-8453 Little Bird Box © 2014 Rawiwan Atsawathanaphaisan All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written consent of Rawiwan Atsawathanaphaisan. All respective work shown has been appropriately identified and credited. Any omissions found will be noted and corrected in subsequent editions.
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