There are two types of wig material - synthetic fiber and real
human hair. Most people naturally assume that a human hair wig
is necessarily better than a synthetic one, when in fact it is
not that simple. The correct choice depends on what you expect
from your wig, how you are going to wear it, and how much time
can you can devote to caring for it.

Human hair wigs

The majority of human hair wigs on the market are made from
Asian hair. Most of it comes from China, although higher quality
Asian hair comes from women who live in India or Pakistan. Asian
hair by its nature is thick, straight and usually very dark in
color. Obviously this hair is great for making straight black
wigs, but to make a blond curly wig it has to go through several
bleaching steps and other chemical treatments. As a result, the
hair gets damaged and a wig that looks great, when new, might
become dull in a few months.

The best quality hair for European-looking wigs comes from
Eastern European countries, like Poland and Russia. This hair
costs more than Asian hair, because in these countries not so
many women are willing to sell their locks. Wigs that are made
from European hair last longer and feel softer to the touch.

When buying a human hair wig, be sure to find out from where the
hair originates. If you are prepared to spend several hundred
dollars on a wig, it is best to find one made from European
hair. If the wig label says “human hair wig” without specifying
the origin of the hair, it is most likely made from Asian hair.

Advantages of human hair wigs:

A human hair wig lasts longer than a synthetic one A human hair
wig is soft and feels natural, to the touch A human hair wig can
styled and dyed, just like your own hair A human hair wig
“breathes”, so your scalp won’t perspire as much under one

Disadvantages:

A human hair wig needs to be styled after every wash A human
hair wig is expensive

Synthetic wigs

Although you can find hundreds of synthetic wigs styles, not all
synthetic fibers are created equally. For example, costume wigs
for Halloween are usually made from lower quality fibers - they
are cheap and look obviously like a wig. For a Halloween party
this is just fine, but for every day use you want a wig that
will look like it has grown on your head. Luckily for you, the
modern synthetic materials, which are used in top quality
designer wigs, can look very realistic.

Go for well known wig brands, like Aspen, Revlon, Norico or
Beverly Johnson, and you will get a natural look for an
affordable price.

A synthetic wig also has several advantages:

ease of care - the wig keeps its style after being washed lower
price

Disadvantages:

You can’t style a synthetic wig with iron - it will burn A
synthetic wig will last only a few months, if you wear it every
day

I personally prefer synthetic wigs because I don’t wear them
every day - only when I want to look different. Also, ease of
care is a very important factor for me. So if you want a wig as
a fashion accessory or a way to express yourself, then I would
definitely recommend getting several synthetic wigs in different
colors and styles, rather than just one human hair wig for the
same price. But be careful - only go for top quality, more
expensive synthetic tresses, otherwise you could be disappointed
with your new look.

Synthetic vs. human hair wigs - cost issues

Even a medium-quality human hair wig is going to be more
expensive than a synthetic one. This comes down to the
availability of material. While synthetic fibers can be
manufactured as required, long women’s hair, of good quality, is
in a limited supply. The best quality human hair, from Eastern
Europe, is very rare.

The best quality synthetic wigs usually cost one or two hundred
dollars. For a human hair wig the price is much higher -
typically over five hundred dollars, depending on the length.
However, you can get both types of wig at discount prices from
online shops that specialize in discounted wigs. Discount wigs
are not at all inferior in quality - they simply aren’t the
latest models. If cost is an issue, it’s always better to buy a
best-quality synthetic wig than a mediocre human-hair wig.

If you are still unsure about which wig to choose, though, our
advice is to go for a top-quality human hair wig, if you intend
it to become your new style and wear it every day. Real hair
wigs are definitely the better option for people who need a wig
because of hair loss. On the other hand, choose a synthetic wig,
if your intention is to have fun with your look and change your
image, once in awhile.

Vaginal odor is usually caused from inflammation of the vaginal
area. This is almost always a result of infection in or around
the vagina. The most common infection that causes this fishy
vaginal odor is bacterial vaginosis.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is
most often recognized by a fishy vaginal discharge. This is a
result from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. You
may have heard of Gardnerella vaginitis. This is what this
condition used to be called. It was named after the bacteria
that was thought to cause the condition. New research found that
there are several different species of bacteria that live
naturally in the vaginal area. Gardnerella is not the only
bacteria causing all the odor. The name of this condition has
been changed to bacteria vaginosis to reflect these new
findings. When all the different species of bacteria become
imbalanced, you will notice a vaginal discharge that is
associated with a fishy odor.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a STD. It is not passed by sex. It is
very embarrassing and disturbing but it is not dangerous. If you
notice an unusual discharge, you should have it checked so you
can rule out chlamydia and gonorrhea which are serious
infections.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are a foul, fishy odor and a
grayish white discharge. The amount of the discharge varies so
there is no amount that is considered “normal”. There are no
other symptoms. If you have a vaginal discharge that is abnormal
for you, it is a good idea to see a health practitioner to rule
out all other conditions. Some women with bacterial vaginosis
will experience no symptoms at all.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Current research has determined it is an imbalance of natural
vaginal bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. The problem is
it is not possible to determine which bacteria is out of
balance. Consequently, locating the offending bacteria and
eradicating it is not a solution.

How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed?

Generally, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to rule out
other, more serious, problems. A sample of the discharge will be
collected to examine under a microscope. Bacterial vaginosis can
be distinguished from other common problems, such as yeast, with
this microscopic exam.

There is a particular test your doctor can perform called a
“whiff test”. A drop of potassium hydroxide testing solution is
added to the discharge. The result is usually a strong fishy
odor.

How do you treat bacterial vaginosis?

The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis is
antibiotics. Usually, one course of treatment is successful. A
small percentage of women will experience recurrent symptoms
within a month. Consequently, a second course of antibiotics
will be prescribed.

As women, we know that taking antibiotics to cure this problem
will almost absolutely cause another problem, yeast infection.
This is why more and more women are seeking natural, herbal
remedies for this problem. With the antibiotics, you are trading
one problem for another, more difficult, problem.

Are there complications of bacterial vaginosis?

Once bacterial vaginosis is treated, the problem is usually
over. No special follow-up is necessary if the symptoms
disappear. The infection is not transmitted sexually so sexual
partners need not be treated.

If you are pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature
labor, premature birth, infection of the amniotic fluid, and
infection of the uterus. You doctor will probably test for
bacterial vaginosis early in your pregnancy. Any unusual
discharge during pregnancy should be reported immediately to
your doctor or mid-wife.

Is there a safe, natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis?

Enzara, a product manufactured by Selmedica Healthcare is a very
good, natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis. It eliminates the
need for antibiotics so you can treat your problem without
getting another problem.

Read more about Enzara here,
http://www.allnaturalcures.net/dl/enzara.htm

You just bought a pair of Ugg boots to go with your hip hugger
jeans and trucker cap. And that’s not all. You scour the fashion
magazines for the latest trends, then go running out to fill
your closet. Trendy is good, right?

Uh, not so fast. Keeping abreast of the trends in fashion is
essential to not looking outdated, but having a closet full of
trendy clothes can quickly turn into a big waste of time and
money, unless you’re Paris Hilton. Maybe Paris can afford to buy
and discard clothes like candy, but the average woman needs a
wardrobe with some staying power.

All the fashion experts agree that you should build your
wardrobe around classic pieces like: blazers, tailored suits,
neutral bottoms and tops. Classic clothing lasts for years and
is very versatile.

On the other hand, trends come and go. Those Ugg boots you just
bought along with the trucker caps are already passé (according
to fashionistas in the know). You can either give them away to
Good Will or keep wearing them because you really like them.

Trends in fashion are very fickle: some last a long time, while
others fizzle in a single season. Because of this, it’s almost
impossible to keep up with every single trend. For practical
reasons, you should pick a few trendy pieces - that look
flattering on you - and add them to your wardrobe.

When the trend is over, discard them or defiantly wear those
trendy clothes whenever you like. As long as people aren’t
laughing at you in the streets, who cares?

Just remember not to overdo it. You don’t want to have to
replace your entire wardrobe every time a new trend comes out -
unless you’re an heiress with money to burn.

FORTY SOMETHING

Yes, I am forty something, forty-four to be exact and loving it.
There will be no botox injections, implants or liposuction for
me. I will be just fine with what God gave me, enhanced by
living and eating right, with a little exercise on the side.
That is not to say that I won’t make a pit stop at Baskin
Robbins or the frozen food section at the grocery store to take
Mrs. Pillsbury and her chocolate chip, slice and bake cookies
home every now and then. Or that I won’t arrange an occasional
sleep over with my favorite beau, or more accurately put, my
only beau. (My daughters may be reading.)

What I have learned in my pre-menopausal years is moderation,
moderation, everything in moderation. Of course, some things
should not be done at all. For example eating a half a gallon of
ice cream in one feeding, or lusting after the 22 year-old cable
guy, but that’s a whole other article.

Recently I went to my family reunion and after eating just a tad
too much, I decided to join the youngsters in jumping rope,
single and double-dutch. I jumped like I was 14, okay 18 again.
My youngest sister Detra was in awe and I loved it.
Unfortunately, my ankles are still recuperating from that blast
from the past. Oh well, there will be no stilettos for me for a
while.

I did mention earlier a beau and 2 grown daughters. Well, yes, I
am also a statistic. A single/divorced, Black mother who raised
2 beautiful daughters, and who by the way, both have college
degrees - thank you very much. And I must add their dad was
always there for all of us. We just got married way too young,
at nineteen, it all worked out fine though. I thank the “All
Mighty” for that regularly, amongst other things. Because I was
married at 19, first baby at 20 and last baby at 22, it gets a
little complicated when I try to convince my daughters, 22 and
24 to wait, especially when they both have willing beaus (I like
that word, it sounds so romantic.) That was another time and
this is a different world. I can wait for my grandbabies, I tell
them. Well, enough reminiscing, back to the issue at hand.

While experiencing forty something I have noticed the, oh so
subtle formation of jowls, dimples above my knees and the heart
breaking loss of my 20/20 vision, which recently prompted me to
see an eye doctor. Several return visits for testing have now
rendered me a possible glaucoma victim. This is getting
depressing, so before I change my mind, let me reiterate.

Yes, life is good, even at forty something, forty-four to be
exact.