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Tape in Hair Extension Tips! – How To Make Hair Extensions Soft and Shiny Again

by twuss April 28, 2020

written by twuss

I’ve been an avid hair extension wearer on and off for the last five years or so. I’ve tried near enough every type going as my hair grows extremely slowly and is very thin. My main issue though is keeping my hair extensions silky smooth and shiny. But how do you make hair extensions soft and shiny again? I found after a while my hair extensions would dry out and get all frizzy no matter how much heat protection i used and preventative measures.

I’ve finally perfected my hair extension care method to bring them back to a shiny and soft condition when they start to get a little ratty looking. I do this method once a month to keep on top of the condition as the longer I leave it the harder it is to get them back to being silky.

How Each Type Of Hair Extensions Worked For Me

Clip in hair extensions

These were my first step into the hair extension world as a teenager. I was desperate to have long blonde luscious locks but of course I didn’t have the budget or knowledge of upkeep for them. I would get through a new set every couple of months as I wouldn’t use any form of heat protection on them and would straighten them to oblivion. No wonder my hair grows so slowly now! Oh how evil I was to my own hair!

Wefts held in with micro beads

I loved the thickness of wefts of hair but I was always a little sad that my clip in hair extensions didn’t feel like my actual hair. My worst fear was my teenage boyfriend seeing me without my hair extensions in!

Eventually I got the wefts installed using micro beads to ensure it would stay in. I actually loved this method as there was no glue involved. But as many micro bead wearers find is that they tend to slip down A LOT and next thing I know I’ve got a whole weft hanging out my hair.

Micro bead hair extensions

These were my first dive into individual strand hair extensions and let me tell you one thing – OWCH! The first night trying to sleep with these bad boys in was the WORST! hundreds of tiny little metal beads digging into your head!

My biggest issue with the micro beads was the slippage. Because the micro beads had a layer of silicone in the middle of them to not damage your hair they would just slide out constantly! If you went more than three days without washing your roots they would slide out like mad because the natural oils getting in there. I would legit brush my hair and have strand after strand fall out!

Bonded hair extensions

I loved the idea of having individual strands of hair attached to mine so i didn’t really FEEL like i had extensions. I can officially say these were the method I hated the most because of all the matting!

Because of the individual stands they would get matted and tangled at the roots no matter what you do! Every time i showered i would have to painstakingly untangle each strand and try to stop them from matting. Also I found if i caught at bit of hair due to the fact the strands were really tiny it would easily rip out of my head pulling my natural hair with it – THIS IS A BIG NO NO FROM ME!

Tape in hair extensions

I’m so glad I foud the world of tape in hair extensions because i’m never looking back! They fit perfect with my fine thin hair as the wefts are almost seamless and hard to poke through your natural hair.

My favorite part though is that there is no slippage with tape in hair extensions! The wefts hold their ground until you need them removed and with just a bit of bond remover they slide out like nothing. No damage from clips rubbing at your head. No bonds pulling your hair out. Just pure natural healthy growth!

How to make hair extensions soft and shiny again after they go frizzy and dry

Taylor Smart / TWUSS with dry and frizzy hair extensions on — As you can see here my hair extensions are staring to go frizzy and dry which means they really need some TLC

Step 1 – Deep Conditioning mask

I use the Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment. This stuff is a miracle for hair extensions as it helps suck all the moisture and oils back into the hair that it’s been lacking. This hair treatment is only £1.97 per sachet on amazon and I always make sure to use two at a time on my hair as its pretty thick and long. We need to make sure we are fully coated!

Taylor Smart / TWUSS After putting in the deep conditioning treatment

Once I’ve slathered my hair from top to bottom in this hair treatment I make sure to comb it through in case i missed spots! We don’t want some dry patches here and there! Always make sure not to get any of the treatment on the tape/bonds of the hair extensions as this can cause them to slide right out! I tend to just braid it up and pop it in a bun on top of my head and leave it on for two or three hours.

Step 2. Wash that S**t out!

Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo and for £4.49 to help make hair extensions soft and shiny again

Over the years I have used just normal shampoo on my hair extensions and always wondered why they would get so damaged so quickly! Then I found out you should always be using sulfate free shampoo on hair extensions as the chemicals in normal shampoos can break down the hair. I use the Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo and for £4.49 you cant go wrong!

I always make sure to double wash my hair after doing this treatment as you can be left with a buildup of the treatment in your hair after. I then finish off by conditioning my hair like normal using the Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner.

after washing out the deep conditioning treatment

Read: Why 100% Eco-Friendly Tampons Are So Important

Step 3. Add in your heat protection and leave in conditioners

The X-10 Hair Extension Care Leave-In Treatment (£5.69) and the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-in Conditioner (this was gifted to me) (£19.00) to help make hair extensions soft and shiny again

I always make sure to add extra moisture in my hair before attempting to dry it. I find it just helps to keep the moisture in longer and I can leave longer periods between having to do a deep condition. I use my two favorite leave in conditioners for hair extensions. The X-10 Hair Extension Care Leave-In Treatment (£5.69) and the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-in Conditioner (this was gifted to me) (£19.00)

Creme Of Nature with Argan Oil From Morocco Moisturizer to help make hair extensions soft and shiny again

I also make sure to add in some moisture lotion. Always remember to be sparing with this as A LOT goes a long way and if you are not careful it can fill your hair with too much moisture! I use the Creme Of Nature with Argan Oil From Morocco Moisturizer (£7.43)

Step 4. Dry Time!

If found over the years to try and add as little heat to hair extensions as possible! Especially after I make hair extensions soft and shiny again. I finally got my hands on the REVLON Pro Collection Salon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser (£49.99) and my hair care routine has completely changed! I make sure to let my hair air dry until its around 80% dry and then go at it with this bad boy! The best thing about this blow drying brush is that you can have it on a cool setting and it still dries and styles your hair perfectly! It even makes some lush curls and waves once you get the hang of the method.

REVLON Pro Collection Salon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser — Excuse the hair in it – i haven’t cleaned it out in a while…. DONT JUDGE

Step 5. Finish off with some shine spray

Taylor Smart / TWUSS using X-10 Hair Extension Care Shine Spray

I always finish my hair off with the X-10 Hair Extension Care Shine Spray (£6.85). I’m not going to lie here but this stuff does not smell good! Yes it makes your hair look beautiful but i does leave a lingering smell of cannibis. I’ll just leave that one there…

The Final Outcome

Taylor Smart / TWUSS after giving her hair extensions a deep conditioning treatment

I’m always very shocked at how good my hair looks after giving myself this treatment. Like how did i let my hair get so frizzy before and how was i walking around like that???

If you have any hair extension tips and tricks leave a comment below because ya girl is always looking to learn!

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April 28, 2020 6 comments

lifestyle

Broccoli and Ham Ring Recipe

by twuss April 23, 2020

written by twuss

So Broccoli and Ham Ring is a dish my mother brought me up on as a kid and its so simple to make while also being SOOO yummy and is one of my favorite 30 minute meals!

I tend to pair this up with some new potatoes covered in butter and some fresh steamed green beans to add extra veggies to the plate.

What you will need for the Broccoli and Ham Ring

115g cooked ham chopped
1 white onion finely chopped
115g fresh broccoli chopped
140g cheddar cheese grated
2 table spoons parsley finely minced
1 table spoon of Djion mistard
1 table spoon of lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 packs of just roll puff pastry

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°c/375°F/gas 5
Corsley chop the ham, onion, broccoli and combine in a bowl
Add the cheddar cheese, parley, mustard, lemon juice and pepper to the bowl and mix

The pastry shape

pastry shapes you will need for the Broccoli and Ham Ring Recipe

You will want to cut the above shapes out of pastry and roll your mix into 12 balls

how to lay the pastry for the Broccoli and Ham Ring Recipe

1. First start by adding the circular base to the baking tray

2. You will then want to add the 12 triangle pieces to the outside of the ring

3. Add the balls of mix to the centre of the ring and then pull over the points of every triangle to the centre and pinch into place

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown

Why not read: 10 Reasons Veganism Is More Popular Than Vegetarianism

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April 23, 2020 1 comment

home design

Renting? – 4 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself From Rogue Landlords

by twuss April 20, 2020

written by twuss

More people than ever are renting their homes because they can’t afford to buy, which means that you have to deal with landlords. The majority of landlords are fine, but there are some out there that just want to take your money and won’t put any time or effort into maintaining the house at all. There is a lot of protection in place for landlords because you have to provide references from past landlords so they know that you’re going to pay the rent on time and you’ll look after the house properly, but it doesn’t really work the other way around. That’s why so many people get caught out by rogue landlords and end up living in terrible conditions. But if you know what you’re doing, you can usually spot the tell-tale signs. These are some of the best ways to protect yourself from bad landlords.

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Get Renters Insurance

If the house is in disrepair and it causes damage to your possessions, your landlord isn’t necessarily going to do anything about it. For example, if there is a leak because they haven’t fixed the plumbing properly and your things get water damaged, a bad landlord isn’t going to give you the money to replace all of that stuff, that’s why it’s important that you get some insurance so you can at least protect your own belongings. You can easily find some cheap renters insurance and it’s definitely worth paying for if something happens. You’ll really regret it if you skip the insurance and you end up having to pay to replace things on your own.

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Document Everything When You Move In

Trying to claim that you’ve broken things around the house so they can keep your security deposit is a common tactic of rogue landlords. But you can easily protect yourself from this if you document everything when you move in. Do a full inventory of the house and note down any damage, no matter how small it might be. You should also take photographs so if they do try to blame you for existing damage, you’ve got evidence there.

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Ask About Repairs

When you’re viewing a house, you should ask the landlord how they deal with repairs. Do they do it themselves or do they have contractors that they call in? How long can you expect to wait when you have an issue? If the landlord is forthcoming with that information, that’s a good sign. But if they’re being vague about it, that’s a big red flag. You can’t always be sure because they may just lie but if you put them on the spot and gauge their reaction, you might be able to tell if they’re genuine or not.

Read: Adding Brutalist Design Touches To Your Home

Keep A Paper Trail

If you’ve got a problem with the house and you’re struggling to get the landlord to fix it, you should be keeping a paper trail. This will be useful later if you end up having to take legal action against them. Don’t do it all over the phone, send your requests by email or text so you’ve got written proof of all of the interactions. If you don’t, they’ll just claim that you never told them about the problem.

If you follow these rules, you can avoid getting caught out by rogue landlords that just want to take your money.

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April 20, 2020 19 comments

home design

These Signs Could Point Towards A Hazardous Home

by twuss April 20, 2020

written by twuss

Creating a safe environment for you and your family to live in should be your number one priority. It’s a priority of most people, and yet many homes display signs of being a hazardous home and ignore the signs for a very long time as owners may not know any better. If you want to make sure that you’re not ignoring these signs and seeing your home through rose colored specs, read this guide to see if you find anything that could be a cause for alarm:

row of different coloured houses. These Signs Could Point Towards A Hazardous Home

A Clear Bathroom Floor

The bathroom can be extremely slippy, and you don’t want your family to run into any accidents – do you? You should add secure rugs and non-slip stickers to keep it safer in there, just make sure you dry off any rugs thoroughly to avoid mold. Make sure you have non-slip matts in the bath too.

READ: How Can You Achieve a More Eco-Friendly Bathroom?

No Supports

To help both old and young family members get safely out of the shower, you should make sure you have supports in the bathroom. There are many bars out there that are small enough to fit in the shower, and you can add as many as you need if you live with somebody who needs extra help. You may want to add supports around the rest of the house, such as outside or on the stairs, especially if you have kids that you have to carry around and could do with a little help from time to time.

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You’re Not Feeling Well

If you’re not feeling well in your home, it could be down to a number of reasons. Allergies could be because of dust getting trapped in your carpet, while things like abdominal pain and headaches could be due to toxic lead-based paint. Don’t attempt to deal with issues like this yourself or you could make yourself more ill. You need to have this looked at by a professional ASAP. If you don’t know what the problem is, make sure you look for help from somebody who does.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is another issue in homes but you can minimize it if you install a CO Detector which alerts you if CO reaches dangerous levels in your home. A detector that plugs into an electrical outlet, which will give you extra reassurance and saves you from needing to change batteries. Ensure you prevent carbon monoxide leaks by having your HVAC system, water heater, and other appliances that use gas, oil, or coal serviced by a professional every year. Make sure your systems have been properly inspected and that you get into a regular maintenance routine!

Pay close attention to any changes in your health before it’s too late. It could be something to do with your home.

These Signs Could Point Towards A Hazardous Home

No Fire Or Smoke Alarm In The Home

Many fire and smoke alarms are free and easy to fit, so why do so many homes not have them? They will literally save your life in the event of a fire related emergency – there were more than 365,000 fires in UK homes in 2015, causing everything from mild smoke damage to total devastation, including death. Adding a smart fire alarm can ensure that you get help ASAP if something like this does happen. Make sure you never leave candles unattended, unplug appliances before leaving the house, and purchase a fire extinguisher even if you install the fire alarm.

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Small Toys Going Uninspected

Choking is one of the largest causes of death, claiming nearly 5,000 victims in 2014 in the USA.

Choking is scary and fatal, and something as simple as small toys with loose parts could be to blame. Even food like grapes could be a cause for choking if not cut properly. Make sure you educate yourself on choking hazards so that you can prevent them no matter what. It could be a good idea to monitor kids with monitors when they’re playing in another room, too.

No Child Protection Locks On Cupboards And Doors

When you don’t put child protection locks on cupboards and doors, you run the risk of little hands getting to your cleaning and home maintenance supplies, which are poisoning hazards.

Make sure you prevent things like this from happening by storing medications properly. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications need to be kept away from children and teens. You should protect both children and pets from accidental poisoning by cleaning supplies. Keep all household cleaners in a high cupboard that cannot be reached, complete with a safety lock to keep kids and animals from accidentally finding them. Make sure you’re especially careful with things that kids might find look good enough to eat, like detergent pods.

READ: A True New Kids Online Store that Cares

Cords On Window Dressings And Curtains

Leaving cords on window dressings and curtains can be extremely dangerous to children and infants. Never place a crib or bed under a window with dangling cords, and to keep children from getting tangled up, trim cords to a length that is only accessible to the adults in the home. If you can find a design without a hanging cord, that’s even better.

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An Unprotected Stove Top

Burns in the household can be common, and they can come from things like an unprotected stove – but it doesn’t stop there. You should make sure your dishwasher is securely latched at all times and can’t be opened by little fingers. You can add a lock to ensure this doesn’t happen. Using the back burners on the stove can make it more difficult for children to get burned. Don’t put things like toys and snacks near the stove, as they might reach for them. Don’t do it when the stove isn’t in use either, as the kids could easily knock it on. Stove covers will also help to protect your home from a potential fire. Even adults can accidentally knock the stove into the on position when they’re not really paying attention.

Is your home more hazardous than you thought it was? Leave your thoughts below and let me know!

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April 20, 2020 0 comment

lifestyle

Exciting News!

by twuss April 16, 2020

written by twuss

I secured a monthly column in the Bury Free Press, Newmarket Journal, Haverhill Echo, Suffolk Free Press and an occasional spot in the Diss Express and Velvet Magazine.

I now have a column in the bury free press!

When I was little I LOVED writing. I remember at the age of five litrally begging my parents to buy me a writing desk. I remember walking downstairs to find an old school desk sat in the living room and I almost wet my pants with excitement. I used to sit at that desk for hours writing my own versions of the funny bones books. I was also obsessed with making rooms pretty. I remember at the age of ten being adament I could rip up the carpet in my room and restore the old wooden flooring (which my parents eventually caved and helped me do as I was only ten after all). My mum always thought I would either become a writer or something to do with home design/architecture.

Well fast forward to now at the age of 25 and somehow exactly that has happened. I run my own home decor blog that has succeeded in ways I could never have imagined, with over 3.4million people using my Pinterest every month for ideas. To top it all off the other day I secured a monthly column in the Bury Free Press, Newmarket Journal, Haverhill Echo, Suffolk Free Press and an occasional spot in the Diss Express and Velvet Magazine.

Watch this space us Suffolk Bloggers got this covered! ✌🏻

April 16, 2020 1 comment

home design

The Advantages of Bespoke MDF Furniture

by twuss April 15, 2020

written by twuss

Our homes are unique and personal. So instead of making our houses fit around the furniture we buy, it makes more sense to buy bespoke furniture that fits to our home. With furniture which has been constructed from MDF cut to size, you can be sure that all your fitted units, wardrobes, book shelves cupboards and everything else fits into your home perfectly.

Bespoke furniture simply means furniture that has been made to measure uniquely for you. This makes it perfect for all types of uses. Bespoke furniture can occupy small or awkward spaces or fit with uneven walls or sloping ceilings that are found in older properties, or it can be built around obstacles such as chimney breasts. These types of features are full of character and charm but are difficult to accommodate when it comes down to finding the right furniture to fit.

In addition bespoke furniture can be made just how you like it and according to what you need. So if you need that extra wardrobe space, shoe storage shelves or need extra shelving space to display your quirky hat collection, MDF cutting makes it possible to build anything just how you like it, regardless of size.

It is no exaggeration to say that MDF has transformed furniture making. The great thing about MDF or medium density fibreboard is that it is extremely versatile and hard wearing. It is easier to work with than natural wood because it does not feature knots or cracks. MDF cutting can be carried out by the professional furniture maker in a way that is impossible with traditional wood and this means that making made to measure furniture is now available to everyone.

Many people wonder about the appearance of MDF but with the use of natural finish veneers it is practically impossible to tell the difference between the two types of wood.

If you want a natural wood effect, you can chose from a range of natural wood finishes such as Oak or Ash and it looks just like traditional wood but with none of the drawbacks. For one thing, MDF is very stable and has less expansion and contraction than ordinary wood. It is also more ecological because it is manufactured from real wood combined with recyclable products.

With MDF cut to size you can transform your storage space by building custom made solutions. There is no need to leave a part of your home unused and attracting clutter such as in an alcove or in an odd shaped corner of a room. Your furniture designer will work with you and advise you on how to maximise your available space so that your home can provide a clutter free environment that is both smart and functional.

MDF cutting is not something that should be attempted at home. This is a skilled job requiring special equipment and expertise so if you are considering creating your own bespoke living space, your best choice is to call in a professional before you get out the saw and the tape measure to produce MDF cut to size. After all a bespoke furniture maker has bags of experience and will be able to help you plan your design as well as construct and fit your furniture so that it will last for years.

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The Advantages of Bespoke MDF Furniture - With furniture which has been constructed from MDF cut to size, you can be sure that all your fitted units, wardrobes, book shelves cupboards and everything else fits into your home perfectly . mdf wall panel ideas mdf design mdf kitchen cabinets mdf wardrobe mdf furniture mdf cabinets mdf shelves mdf kitchen

April 15, 2020 1 comment

home design

Bring joy to your garden with the Fab Hab Outdoor Rugs

by twuss April 9, 2020

written by twuss

Refresh your garden just in time for Summer with the Fab Hab outdoor rugs from Cuckooland. GoodWeave certified, made using fair trade principles-meaning and no harmful chemicals or dyes, these colourful outdoor rugs will bring light and life to your outdoor space. These portable and weatherproof runners are made in India from recycled plastic straws, boasting vibrant and durable styles that are also environmentally friendly.The brand new colours for 2020 feature a range of reversible rugs in hues of blues, botanical greens and modern designs. Made from recycled plastic bottles, each rug has been designed to resist mold, mildew and UV light and can be left outside whatever the weather! Simply wipe clean if needed and your garden will look gorgeous all year round.

outdoor rugs with rattan chair and table

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Glamorous and smart, jazz up your outside space with the Fab Hab Sydney Outdoor Rug in Gold & Cream. Woven into a geometric pattern and reversible, this rug is ideal for the outdoors in Summer and indoors when the weather gets colder.

Fab Hab Panama Outdoor Rug in Green
£49.95

For something more tropical, place the Fab Hab Panama Outdoor Rug in Green or the Fab Hab Manila Outdoor Rug in Navy on your patio to bring a Carribbean vibe to your garden. These exotic rugs are ideal for wowing your guests at your Summer soirees.

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Fab Hab Nairobi Outdoor Rug in Natural & Black
£49.95

Modern and sleek, the Fab Hab Cairo Outdoor Rug and the Fab Hab Nairobi Outdoor Rug both in Natural & Black would be fitting for contemporary conservatories. Pair these rugs with rattan furniture and scandi accessories to complete your garden setting for Summer.

Enquire about this product

Fab Hab Big Sur Outdoor Rug in Teal
£49.95

Go bold with the Fab Hab Tokyo Outdoor Rug in Burnt Orange or Big Sur Outdoor Rug in Teal. Perfect for taking to the beach on a family outing or for styling with minimal accessories to refresh your exterior.

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Why not read – How to Accessorize Your Home Like a Pro

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Bring joy to your garden with the Fab Hab Outdoor Rugs - Refresh your garden just in time for Summer with the Fab Hab outdoor rugs from Cuckooland. GoodWeave certified, made using fair trade principles-meaning and no harmful chemicals or dyes, these colourful outdoor rugs will bring light and life to your outdoor space. . . outdoor rugs patio diy outdoor rug outdoor rugs patio waterproof indoor outdoor rugs outdoor rugs on deck outdoor rug ideas boho outdoor rug

April 9, 2020 0 comment

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