Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Oct2

Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition

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Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! This past Friday my sister, Kristen, and I trekked to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (About a two hour drive.) to see Marilyn Manson in concert for his Heaven Upside Down tour at Stage AE. After literal months of anticipation for this show, it was finally the night and the performance definitely didn’t disappoint. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT WE WERE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE!! Take a look at some low quality iPod pictures and let’s discuss:

marilyn1marilyn2marilyn3marilyn5marilyn4

^^^ Lol, I love that last picture. “Ayyy”.

First of all, Stage AE was an absolutely excellent venue. It seemed like no matter where you stood in the crowd, your visibility of the stage was average at a minimum and amazing at the max. Kristen and I began our concert experience with an okay viewing for the opener (Alice Glass, who I’m not even going to talk about because she sucked.), and ended our night in front of the stage.

How, you might ask?

Well, it’s not like the crowd was intensely rowdy throughout the show. Some fights definitely did break out but nothing “major”, and some people just weren’t comfortable with it (understandably) and opted to get away from the vicinity of the mosh pit. So as soon as people left the area for safety purposes, drinks, or what have you, Kristen and I would make our way forward until we had a view of Marilyn Manson at all times during the concert.

And speaking of the concert…

It. was. AMAZING. Manson is nearing fifty years of age, and I told Kristen on our way home that this is probably the best we’re going to see of him since he isn’t getting any younger. There was no on stage self harm, no crazy gimmicks with girls, minimal audience banter, and not even an inkling of violence. This show was everything that his performances weren’t when the band was just starting out, but that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a lot of fun.

The Heaven Upside Down tour didn’t seem so much of a celebration of his new album of the same name, rather, an ode to some old school Marilyn Manson hits that even people who don’t even like Manson love. We’re talking The Dope Show, Lunchbox, mOBSCENE, This Is The New Shit, No Reflection, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), and The Beautiful People.

Marilyn Manson played four songs off of Heaven Upside Down and opened the show with the album opener of Revelation #12. He then peppered KILL4ME, WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE, and SAY10 into the set list. The rest of the show was filled with Deep Six (I’m disappointed that more songs from The Pale Emperor weren’t played.) and Tourniquet, which is another old love. (Manson then encored with Coma White but, alas, Kristen and I had to make the two hour drive home so that she could work early in the morning.)

^^^ Obviously the set list rocked…

And the performance that came along with it was just as good. The lighting, the different costumes Manson donned, his gorgeous speaking/singing/screaming voice – it all worked so well. I mean, a front row view doesn’t hurt, but it was a damn good show. Fans that were able to see Marilyn Manson in the beginning might think that he is slowing down (Unfortunately, I was a toddler so until time travel is invented, I will never know what his early shows were like first hand.), but, to me, he is just getting started.

Marilyn Manson dragged his last album, The Pale Emperor, through some gritty, rough blues influence and it came as a triumphant, different comeback. Yes, some tracks off of Heaven Upside Down does sound like classic Manson (KILL4ME and WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE, anyone?) but that doesn’t mean that the whole album will, and I’m looking forward to exploring it in its entirety when it comes out on October 6th.

Marilyn Manson is at a stage of experimentation that is working in his favor – from his art, acting, and playing with new and unique sounds – everything seems to be a success. I expect Heaven Upside Down to reflect these gutsy changes and the fact that he is soon going to be a half a century in age. Friday’s concert brought us some old school fun mixed with new favorites, but it seems like the party is raging on just fine for Manson in a way that’s not only, dare I say, age appropriate, but totally fucking cool.

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: Marilyn Manson Concert Edition! What was the last concert that you attended? How do you feel about Marilyn Manson? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct1

Liebster Award #11

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Liebster Award #11

Hi everyone and happy Sunday!! I am so happy to say that lifewithlilred was nominated for its eleventh Liebster Award by my friend, Trix, at The Confessions Of A Cosmetics Addict. Trix’s blog is fairly new but it is already filled with excellent posts so do be sure to check it out. I so enjoy chatting with Trix’s lovely self and I know that all of you will join me in welcoming her to the blogosphere! Now, let’s get on to the award rules:

The Rules:

  • Thank the blogger that nominated you!
  • Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you.
  • Nominate 11 blogs.
  • Ask the bloggers 11 questions.

Q & A:

Do you collect anything? If so, what? Shoes, shoes, shoes. I have over fifty pairs and I just might have bought some more on “accident”. Whoops!

If a film was made of your life, which famous actor/actress would you have play the part of you and why? Mmm, probably Helena Bonham Carter, because she’s quirky and unique enough to embrace the weirdness that is Lil Red. And, not to mention, that she’s drop dead gorgeous!!

What do you consider to be your best quality? My charming personality and staggering good looks. 😉 😉 😉

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? Honestly, nothing. I like myself and am proud of myself. If I was asked that question a few years ago, I would have replied with “everything”. But hard work goes a long way, and I’m finally okay with myself after twenty-three years.

How do you prefer to spend your spare time? Writing, hanging out with my loved ones, EATING, shopping, reading, and watching movies.

What are your favorite makeup brands and why? I love NYX because they have the best matte lipsticks and I’m definitely a CoverGirl at heart, as well.

Recommend a favorite book and/or film and tell me why you recommend it. I recommend Pan’s Labyrinth to everyone. I love the work of the director, Guillermo Del Toro, and I think this film is him at his best. Pan’s Labyrinth really is an adult fairy tale and I could watch it every day and never grow tired of it.

Where would you most like to visit and why? France, so I can practice speaking French with the locals. And, of course, for the amazing scenery, food, and shopping!

What’s your favorite food? TACO BELL.

What’s you’re favorite drink? Coffee, I’m a Diet Coke fiend, and as far as alcohol goes, I love moscato, champagne, and the strawberry lemon drop martinis that my favorite bar serves.

What would your super power be? I would love to know every language ever. That would be amazing.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. Phone calls or text messages?
  2. Favorite form of social media?
  3. How would you spend a perfect day off?
  4. Who is someone that you admire?
  5. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
  6. What is something that you are proud of?
  7. Do you have any weird or hidden talents?
  8. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
  9. Last show that you binge watched?
  10. What was your favorite childhood toy?
  11. Favorite ice cream flavor?

Thank you so much again to the beautiful Trix for lifewithlilred’s eleventh Liebster Award! How would you answer some of Trix’s questions for her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep30

Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

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Last Call For Mini Halloween Series Guest Bloggers

Hellooo everyone and happy weekend! I am still looking for a few more guest bloggers for my mini Halloween series while I am away for a couple of days in October. If you are interested in sharing some spook-tastic fun with my readers in a Halloween themed post of your choice, then please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !! THANKS! ❤

Also, be sure to tune in tomorrow so that we can talk shop about the Marilyn Manson concert yesterday! Woooooooooooooooooo! Much love. -Sarah

Sep29

September 2017 Finishes

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September 2017 Finishes

Hellooo everyone and TGIF. Holy moly – can you believe that it’s already the end of September?! Time is completely flying by, and the end of another month means that it’s time to talk shop on all of the beauty products that I finished up during September’s thirty day run. Take a looksee and let’s discuss:

sept

Would I Use Again?

  • Softsoap Sweet Honeysuckle & Orange Peel shower gel: YES
  • CPR Heat Protecting spray: YES
  • St. Ives Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange scrub: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin E moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Softsoap Body Wash: I loooove me my Softsoap body washes. They lather so well, smell amazing, and are a wonderful value. The Sweet Honeysuckle & Orange Peel scent is definitely my favorite, though. I love citrus scents and this gel is so bright and invigorating, even when it’s combined with the soft, floral sweetness of honeysuckle. It took me about a month to finish this gel. However, as I was not the only one using it while I was on vaca for a week earlier this month, it would have lasted longer.

CPR Spray: I won this from a giveaway (Woohoo!) and I really enjoyed using it. I flat iron my hair almost every day, so a good heat protecting spray is a must. This CPR protector worked very well in not only saving my hair from damage, but leaving it shiny and sleek because it’s infused with argon oil. I don’t remember exactly what this product smelled like, but I know that it was good or I wouldn’t have been putting it in my hair! It took me about three or so months of daily use to finish this protecting spray.

St. Ives Scrub: I love all of the different scrubs that St. Ives has to offer, but the Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange is my favorite, aside from the Apricot one! Facial scrubs are a must in my skin care arsenal and this one definitely did its job well. Not only did the sweet/tart scent smell fantastic, but it left my skin completely glowing after every use. The moderate amount of grit that this scrub offers helped buff away all of my imperfections and my skin looked and felt totally radiant. It took me one month of daily use to finish this scrub.

TBS Skin Boost: You guys already know how much I love this product, so nothing needs said here! It took me about two and a half months to finish my Skin Boost.

TBS Moisturizer: You guys also already know how much I love this product, so nothing needs said here, either! It took me one month to finish this moisturizer.

September gave me a perfect month of product empties, because I would use all of them again in a heartbeat. There was nothing about any of the products listed above that I didn’t like and I feel like each one gave me the most bang for my buck and tons of beauty benefits, to boot!

So there you have it, my September 2017 Finishes! Which products did you finish up this month? Have you used any of my empties before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep28

Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

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Can I Trust My College With My Student Loans?

Congrats! You’re going to college. All of those years of studying hard and living at home have finally paid off. Within a couple of months, the bags and boxes will be full and you’ll be ready to meet your roommate. What a time to be alive (lol). Well, it is as long as you make it that far. If there is one thing that we know about higher education, it’s the price. According to The Economist, the average student loan debt is $37,172. It doesn’t matter how many weekend jobs you have because you ain’t going to save that money.

So, this is where the government comes in handy and finally pulls its weight and lends you the money. And, you gladly hand it over to the college of your choice without a second thought. Wait a minute, though. What if that was a mistake? These are the signs that you can trust a college with your student loan, because things can go south very quickly:

Retail Price:

Career coaches won’t tell you to do this, but what’s the point of being a teenager if you aren’t going to rebel (YOLO.)? Think of a college like property. Before you make an offer, the savvy thing to do is check the prices throughout the neighborhood. That way, no one gets conned over the price. Universities are the same because they will try and charge extra for a course which is no different to its competitors. They might have an “excuse”, but it has to be a good one. As a rule, the majority of the courses throughout the major colleges are the same, barring a feature or two. An establishment that is trying to milk you for as much as possible isn’t a trustworthy one.

The Paper Trail:

The foundations of a con doesn’t change from the bottom to the very top. Whether you’re dealing with a petty criminal or a rogue college, they all require trust. Not to be cynical, but keep your cards close to your chest. Again, not something a counselor would advocate, yet an important piece of advice, nonetheless. Fake unis and colleges attempting to improve their bottom line act like butter wouldn’t melt. So, the idea of education fraud doesn’t even appear on a potential student’s radar, not unless it’s on Call of Duty. However, it’s a problem which is impacting the school systems around the world. The good news, is that a receipt of payment is a simple fix. I know you wanted something a bit more James Bondish, but there are no fancy gadgets here. Nope, it’s just a piece of paper with the time, date, and a total amount.

Their Reputation:

Universities aren’t exempt from the rumor mill. Whether it’s Oxford and Harvard or a community college, campus gossip is something that you shouldn’t always take with a grain of salt. There will always be rumors and experiences from previous students. If you hear anything that sounds sketchy in the murky underworld that is higher education, don’t be afraid to investigate. A little piece of gossip can be the difference between tens of thousands of good debt, and a fraud case.

Keep in mind that all colleges aren’t the beacon of morality of which they claim. Some are dishonest and unreliable, plain and simple. Do your research, because your student loans are going to impact you until you finally pay them off.

Featured Image By: Flickr via CafeCredit

Sep28

THANKS!!!

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THANKS!!!

Hello everyone! Okay, so recently I’ve gotten many a comment from readers saying that lifewithlilred is one of their FAVORITE blogs, and I do not take this lightly. That is SUCH an amazing compliment and honor that I had to take the time to say something on here. I am just so thrilled that I even have people reading my page, let alone saying that they genuinely enjoy it. It instantly gives me the warm fuzzies thinking about it and I just wanted to say that…

YOU ARE ALL MY FAVORITES!

Lifewithlilred would be a very lonely place without each and every one of you, so a million thanks. It’s so nice to feel validated on my blog baby, that is over three years old now, and I’m definitely having a “you like me, you really like me” moment, so a million thanks again! Much love. -Sarah

Sep27

Why It Is Never Too Late For School

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Why It Is Never Too Late For School

The initial decision to forgo post-secondary education does not have to spell doom for your aspirations in the long term. Of course, having a day job, family, and other obligations makes it hard for people to fit college into the picture. However, where there is a will, there is certainly a way. Do not let anything weigh you down and inhibit your dreams. You are not alone, either, as an increasing number of people are giving academic life another chance. No matter what stage of life you are in do not rule out school just yet: Education has no expiration date.

Getting back on track:

Fear and uncertainty are perhaps two of the most common factors that hold people back. Yes, studying is a huge commitment, but it does not matter that you didn’t start right away. It is much better to make your way to the finish line late than never. Moreover, being an independent adult can have its advantages. In all likelihood, you are in a better position to bear the financial burden of education and fund the studies. It might be possible to even entice your employer to cover the costs.

The list of reasons to go to the party late goes on. Nowadays, with advances in modern technology, you have more options than ever before. A vast ocean of information and education resources lies right at your fingertips. You have a chance to take advantage of online lessons, tutorials, and courses. Even prime, world-renowned universities offer such opportunities to people across the globe. If classes online or in person make you nervous, you can also always hire a private tutor to play it safe and sound.

Do not miss a thing:

Furthermore, many successful professionals have that sense of reaching a point where just focusing on the career does not cut it. After all, college graduates tend to have a higher income and access to better career opportunities compared to those without a degree. Most employers seek individuals who are well-qualified and possess expertise in a certain field. What is more, the pay gap is only getting bigger and bigger.

Getting into college is also a great way to expand your skill list. Critical thinking, analytical capability, problem-solving, community service – all of which look amazing on your resume. These skills enable you to set yourself apart from the crowd in the job market, land a promotion, and get a foot in the door. It also helps that you network with colleagues and professors. Thus, with a degree, older workers find it much easier to compete with the ambitions of a digital generation.

But, greater financial stability is not the only reason to consider school. Namely, years of intensive learning and research are no cakewalk, but studying can be a pleasurable and fulfilling experience. You are also able to gain a sense of self-validation and actualization as you meet loads of new people and soak in new ideas and knowledge. Your brain enters full-swing mode and you feel the inner curiosity being awakened. It is (Almost!) always preferable to give school the old college try than to deal with constantly feeling like you’re missing out.

Give it a go:

Furthering your education could be the driving force behind a positive change. So, if you feel higher education is right for you, show initiative and perseverance and do not shy away from taking the plunge. Pave your own path to success and do not just let the chips fall where they may. Improve your employability and advance up the career ladder quicker. As you embark on the journey of self-empowerment and personal growth, you will witness the benefits spilling over to all areas of life.

As someone who went to college later, I can testify to all of the above. But, of course, college is not always right for everyone – and that’s okay!! The option is there, and it is up to you to see how it fits (or doesn’t) in your lifestyle.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep27

Survival Advice For Newbie Nurses

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Survival Advice For Newbie Nurses

Is there an ideal career? Well, for the people who want to help others, nursing is an excellent place to start. The pay is solid, the people are amazing, and the work is fast-paced and varied. Okay, so that’s a positive take on the industry. But let’s face it – nursing comes with lots of negatives. But, they don’t have to get in the way of your ideal career if you know how to cope.

As it happens, there is a list of coping mechanism below which should come in handy. For all you newbies, here’s how to survive on a ward:

Get Plenty Of Sleep:

The shifts will come thick and fast, and they won’t stay the same. Sometimes you’ll have to work during the day and other times at night. There are even times when nurses work a variety of each per week. A lack of sleep, then, is a realistic possibility. But, not getting seven to nine hours a night is a sure-fire way to feel run down and depressed. Whether you are on the evening shift or not, make sure that you find ways to catch up on your 40 winks. The art of napping is something every nurse should learn.

Bond With Colleagues:

Apart from laughing and joking more, your colleagues can have a significant impact on your work life. Take being totally swamped at work and you haven’t ate or, god forbid, used the loo in nine hours. The people who don’t have friends at work have to struggle through until the very end. Colleagues who like and trust each other will have your back so that you can slip away to use the facilities or grab a quick power snack before hitting the pavement again. Bonding with colleagues helps with everything from checking patients to finishing early. Some will even cover a Saturday shift so that you can go out and let your hair down if they’re really nice!

newbie1 #BFFs

Study:

Why on earth would you study when you’re working 80 hour weeks? Okay, so the thought of enrolling in a university course isn’t appealing. However, an online RN to BSN degree program has lots to offer. First, it fleshes out your resume and adds another string to your bow. Even as a qualified professional, it never hurts to have an extra qualification in this day and age. Also, it gives you something to look forward to. Having a balance between life and work is essential, and an extracurricular course promotes a healthy mental attitude. There is no better way to keep going than the thought of a promotion (And straight A’s for days!).

Be Healthy:

It’s ironic, but medical professionals are the ones who are often the most in need of health advice. From eating junk food to drinking caffeine, doctors and nurses cover all of the bases. Poor physical health leads to poor mental health, and that can lead to a meltdown. Also, it’s hard to continue working when your body feels like it will break at any moment. Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and veggies, is an easy way to promote better health and well-being. Also, lay off of extreme amounts of coffee and energy drinks.

So, that’s a healthy diet, lots of sleep, and a balance between work and personal life? Just what the doctor ordered!

Featured Image By: Flickr

Sep27

Mystery Blogger Award #6

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Mystery Blogger Award #6

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! Lifewithlilred’s sixth Mystery Blogger Award is compliments of my friend, Veena, over at Venting Thoughts. Veena’s page covers many different topics from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and personal thoughts, so you are sure to find something just for you on her page. Please be sure to take a look! Now, let’s get to the rules:

The Rules:

  • Feature the award logo/image on your post.
  • List the rules.
  • Thank the blogger that nominated you.
  • Tell the readers 3 things about yourself.
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link, as well.
  • Answer the questions provided.
  • Nominate 10-20 bloggers and notify them by commenting on their blog.
  • Ask the nominees 5 questions of your choice with one weird/funny question.
  • Share and link to your best post(s).

Fun Facts:

  1. I am really interested in buying a wig because I have a difficult time growing my long-short hair out. It would be nice to have the option for long hair, because I know that it’s not going to grow well naturally. Believe me, I’ve tried!
  2. I have always loved to write and have tons of filled up journals in my closet from when I was in high school.
  3. I’m seeing Marilyn Manson in concert on Friday and I’m so freaking hyped!!

Q & A:

What was that one thing that inspired you to start your blog? Enough people told me to! And I thought that it would be nice to have a unique creative outlet.

What is your favorite fast food place and what do you like the most about it? TACO BELL. I am a dedicated vegetarian and the fact that you can get beans instead of meat on the food there literally opens up the entire menu to me – which never happens at fast food places. It’s amazing to be able to get whatever I want, instead of having to settle for French fries because it’s legit all I can get at other restaurants.

Any life hack that you would like to give other bloggers? Lol, not really. In case all of you haven’t noticed by now, I just make things up as I go along!

Do you prefer book or movies? And which is your favorite? Books! I have many favorites but for the sake of time, I’ll list three: The Little Prince, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, and Gentlemen & Players.

Now for the fun part. If you were to be the president of your country for a day, what would you do? Because I don’t care to share my political views on here, I’m going to say that I would find a home for every person or animal that needs one.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

My Questions For You:

  1. What is something (Other than blogging!) that you’re good at?
  2. What is your spirit animal?
  3. Who is your celebrity crush?
  4. Favorite ice cream flavor?
  5. Would you rather chew five pieces of gum that was stuck under a desk or get locked in a portapotty for two hours?

My Best Post:

I don’t have one, I like them all!

Thank you so much again to Veena for nominating lifewithlilred for its sixth Mystery Blogger Award! How would you answer some of the questions that Veena asked her nominees? How about some of my questions for mine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Okoto Enigma is the creator of the Mystery Blogger Award!

Sep26

Disaster Dyes & Calamitous Cuts: Hair Horror Recovery

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Disaster Dyes & Calamitous Cuts: Hair Horror Recovery

When you’ve had a hair disaster inflicted on you — or have perhaps even inflicted it on yourself — then it can feel like the world is ending. This is your life now. You’ll be wincing when you look in the mirror and wearing a large variety of hats/headbands/pony tails until the problem either grows out or returns to normal.

Or at least, that’s how it feels — but coping with a hair disaster doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to months beneath a hat, scowling at your reflection. For every hair don’t, there’s something you can do to rectify it. Let’s explore the most common hair disasters and the fixes that can get your locks to normal ASAP:

DISASTER! Your Hair Dye Looks Uneven: If you choose to dye your hair, then a bad dye job is probably a fear of yours. Dyed hair can look terrible if it’s been dyed poorly, resulting in uneven patches or even wild colors that you never wanted on your head. If you experienced this as a result of a hairdresser’s work, it’s always worth making a complaint so that the next customer won’t suffer the same fate. If you did it with at-home dyes, then the good news is that it should be easier to remove.

With that said, removing hair dye isn’t easy. The process involves a number of harsh chemicals, and can leave your hair feeling dry and matted. Think long and hard about how much you dislike the color, and the possible downsides of removing it. If you choose not to go down the removal route, then most dark brown dyes will cover other pigment — maybe this mistake is a sign you should be a brunette?

HORROR: Your Hair Is Far Shorter Than You Intended: Hairdressers have a reputation for cutting hair shorter than the person has requested. You go in, request a trim, and leave with three inches of hair missing — it’s happened to us all. Perhaps you’ve even taken the scissors into your own hands and have decided to cut it yourself and gone a little too far. Whether the cutting was at the hands of a professional or your own work, the end result is the same: your hair is way, way shorter than you wanted.

Thankfully, tape in hair extensions exist, so that you can give yourself some length back with a minimum amount of hassle. Then, when your natural hair has grown out to a length that you find acceptable, you can remove them and promise never to go near the scissors again.

SHOCK! Your Hair Has Been Damaged: Dyeing, bleaching, or just overusing heat styling products all take their toll on your hair. If your ‘do is looking to be more of a don’t, then a moisturizing and conditioning regime is needed. Switch to less abrasive shampoos; you’ll find that there are plenty of natural shampoo brands which offer a far gentle way of cleaning your hair. Finish off with a thick application of quality conditioner. In time, with a natural shampoo and a good conditioner, your hair should once again be your crowning glory.

Whatever has happened to your tresses, just remember that there is a way back to hair redemption. And, it shouldn’t need saying, but never go to that same hairdresser or trust yourself with a pair of scissors again. It’s for the best – we promise.

Featured Image By: Pixabay