Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Perhaps even worse than seeing those first strands of gray is realizing your hair is thinning.

While it’s a natural part of aging, the thinned-out look just doesn’t tend to work for women as well as men. So what do you do? There are recommended at-home remedies, suggested vitamins and tons of products promising amazing results.

But none quite compare to low-level laser therapy.

Are you losing hair? If you want those lustrous locks back but aren’t so sure about laser beams surrounding your head, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you all there is to know about low-level laser therapy here.

The History

In 1967, only a few years after the first working laser was invented, a Hungarian doctor tested the machine on mice to see if it would cause cancer. His name was Endre Mester, and his findings would create a new age for hair care.

After shaving the test mice and splitting them into groups, he applied low-level laser therapy to the test group. In so doing, Mester made a startling discovery. Instead of cancer, Mester discovered the mice’s hair was growing at an accelerated rate.

Although it has been used for decades, low-level laser therapy has only recently gained mass acceptance. Today, it is viewed as a beneficial method for hair restoration and is approved by the FDA. Discover more about low-level laser therapy’s widespread use and acceptance here.

What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

In low-level laser therapy, a machine applies a specific wavelength to your scalp. Usually, this wavelength is between 630 to 670 nanometers, which has been shown to foster hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy is offered through several methods. Customers can purchase caps or combs to use at home several times throughout the week. Patients can also undergo therapy with a doctor, who will use a machine to apply the light.

How Does It Work?

When the light is applied to your scalp, it is absorbed in the outer layer of the skin. Cellular energy in the hair follicles is created, strengthening the cells for hair growth. The follicles expand to create new, thicker hair.

The process also increases blood flow to the hair’s roots, which helps bring the nutrients and oxygen to the follicle. These are necessary elements for healthy growth.

The Benefits

Low-level laser therapy has many great benefits for users.

Hair Regrowth

Androgenetic alopecia, or hair loss, affects half of the males over 40 years of age and 75% of females over 65. It’s estimated that 80 million men and women in the US experience drastic hair loss.

The greatest advantage of low-level light therapy is that it actually works. In one report, of 32 patients with androgenetic alopecia who underwent light therapy, 8 showed significant improvements and 20 showed moderate improvements. The remaining 4 demonstrated no improvements.

As a 2013 and a 2016 study say, it is both “safe and effective.”

Unfortunately, the therapy only works to strengthen existing follicles. If you are completely bald, this therapy will not work.

No Pain

The low-level laser used in this therapy causes no burning or pain whatsoever. This is because there is no intense thermal energy in the light source, which is why it is often referred to as “cold” laser therapy.

That means no pain from surgery or weeks of recovery.

Non-Invasive

Even better, this form of light therapy is not invasive at all. Doctors don’t have to cut into your body in order to help your hair regrow or attach hair from somewhere else.

It’s pain-free and easy.

At-Home Treatments

If patients choose, products can be purchased for at-home treatments. That means no more having to go to the doctor’s office. It also means you can undergo the treatment at a time that’s convenient for you.

Risks

As with any device, there are risks. The good news here is the risks are very slim. While experts still debate correct wavelength usage and effectiveness, they all seem to agree that low-level laser therapy is pretty much safe.

As CBS reports, “In nearly 30 years of use, there have never been any concerning side effects from properly-applied low-level laser therapy.”

Telogen Effluvium

One mentioned side effect of laser healing is a temporary development of telogen effluvium (TE). TE is possibly the second most common reason for hair loss and typically includes a thinning of hair when numerous follicles go into a resting phase.

Studies indicate patients experienced TE only in the first one to two months after treatment, but the condition disappeared upon continuation.

Putting it simply if you notice your hair thinning a tad more after first starting, don’t panic. This is a rare circumstance, but in a few weeks time your hair follicles will pop out of that resting phase and start cropping out the top of your head.

Patients with Melanoma

If anyone with melanoma is considering using low-level laser therapy, it’s imperative they speak to their doctor. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that often spreads throughout the body.

When used at correct wavelengths, studies have shown no effects on tumor increases. However, at high doses, some studies have indicated increases in tumor volumes.

Improper Maintenance

If you do not use products according to their instructions, hair loss may return as a natural result of aging. Upon resuming treatments, the loss should slow.

Further, if consumers use wavelengths that are beyond the specified parameters, the therapy can damage hair.

No Guarantee

Finally, it should be noted that, while all experts agree laser healing is safe, many argue about its effectiveness. Some patients have phenomenal results using the treatment, but others may experience few or no effects.

Lustrous Locks

In a nutshell, low-level laser therapy is an extremely safe treatment for anyone interested in salvaging their lustrous locks. While most studies indicate it’s effective, professionals still argue about just how much light therapy can aid in hair regrowth.

If you’re still uncomfortable about the dancing lights around your head, there are other options. Check out our article about essential oils. Not only are the all the rage of late, but we have a secret blend that can boost hair regrowth.

Shh. It’s our little secret.

The summer is in full swing–which means it’s time to get creative with your outfits.

Instead of hiding under layers of coats, jackets, and scarves, you now have a little more freedom to wear different things.

A tunic is one of the most versatile items of clothing you can have. If you’ve had one in the back of your wardrobe for a while, now’s the time to start wearing it.

You can dress up tunic outfits in lots of different ways. In this post, we’ll give you our top tips on how to wear a tunic with style.

How to Wear Tunic Outfits for Any Occasion

Whether you want a casual beach outfit, something formal for the office, or a classy ensemble for a night out, you can put one together with these tunic fashion ideas.

1. Pair Them with Skinny Jeans

Tunics are long, flowing and sometimes baggy. Since they hang loosely, they usually don’t create a defined shape for the upper body.

In order to make a flattering outfit, you need to balance things out by wearing something more fitted on your lower half. Skinny jeans are perfect for that.

For a summer outfit, try dark blue skinny jeans with a white cotton tunic. This creates a casual, breezy look.

If you prefer, you can achieve the same look with leggings, jeggings, or even tights. If you opt for opaque tights, just make sure your tunic is long enough to cover you when you’re sitting down. Otherwise, you could have an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction!

When the weather is too cold for these choices, you can add a coat and ankle boots. The combination of boots and skinny jeans will make your legs look longer, too.

2. Choose the Right Shoes

You can wear lots of different types of shoes with tunics. However, the best ones are small and flat, so as not to overpower the whole outfit.

Tunics are generally casual, so the shoes you wear with them should be, too. Sandals, ballet flats, and pumps all work well. You can even wear flip-flops with a tunic.

In the winter, suede or leather boots will make a great addition to your look, balancing it out while keeping your feet warm.

3. Dress for Your Shape

Not all fashion tunics are the same. Some are long and flowing, while others are fitted and more restrictive. The type that looks best on you will depend on your body shape.

If you have a small waist with wide hips and thighs, consider something with an A-line shape instead of a tunic that just hangs straight. This will accentuate your curves while creating balance to complement them. Tunics with slits on the side also look great on people with this body shape.

If you want to hide your tummy but show off your legs, choose a tunic that is loosely fitted, but not too baggy. A V-neck will draw attention away from the stomach, too.

For petite women, tunics can be tricky. Wearing one that’s too long will make you look shorter than you are, so tunics that fall to the hip are best.

4. Accessorize

Accessories can make or break an outfit.

Adding some to your tunic top outfits can dress them up, changing them from casual outfits to formal workwear or from day looks to nighttime ones.

Since tunics are long, some of your accessories should be, too. Try throwing a long necklace over the top. Instead of a simple chain, choose something that makes a statement. Large pendants and costume jewelry work great.

If you don’t have anything, don’t worry. If you like arts and crafts, you could try your hand at making your own necklace. That would make your outfit truly special.

Belts are perfect with tunics, too. If you want to bring them in at the waist and accentuate your body shape a little more, add a waist belt. Whether you prefer a large belt that covers your entire waist or something small and subtle, this will add something interesting to your look.

Some bangles or a chunky watch will also look great. If you’re not sure what type of bag to wear with your tunic, a small, over-the-shoulder bag or a clutch will work best.

5. Add Layers

Tunics aren’t just for summer. They work all year round. When it’s cold, you can add some layers to them for the perfect winter outfit.

Since they hang low, it’s a good idea to pair them with something that falls at the waist, such as a leather biker jacket or a denim jacket. This will create an interesting, layered look. If you choose a long, flowing coat, you run the risk of looking frumpy.

A short-sleeved cardigan or a shrug will look good, too.

6. Wear Them with Shorts

Wearing a tunic doesn’t mean you have to cover your legs completely. You can wear them with shorts, too!

This combination is a great way to show off your shapely legs in the summer.

If you do, the golden rule is that your shorts should be longer than the hem of your tunic. Otherwise, it won’t look like you’re wearing any at all. You can go for short shorts, Bermuda shorts, or even capris.

Skirts, on the other hand, are a fashion no-no. If you’re considering a tunic with a skirt, simply go for a tunic dress instead.

7. Think About Fabric and Color Combinations

No matter what you wear with your tunic, it won’t work if the color combination isn’t right. If you choose something that clashes, it will throw everything off. That’s why you need to select your outfit carefully.

Find out which colors go together and which ones don’t. That way, you can select items that complement each other. You can also mix and match different prints, as long as you do it carefully.

The same goes for fabrics. Play around with different combinations and find what works for you.

Tunics for Thrifty Mommas

Of course, tunic outfits are also perfect for expectant (or current) mothers.

Tunics make great maternity wear due to their loose fit and unrestrictive design. They hang loosey over your belly, so you can feel comfortable while looking fabulous.

For more Thrifty Momma tips, read our post on how to save money on maternity clothes.

Are you one of the 87% of women confused by skin care products? If so, you’re in the right place because throughout this article we’re going to share with you ten ultra simple summer skin care tips.

Not only will this advice help you to look and feel your best, but there are also a couple of health benefits thrown into the mix!

So, with that in mind let’s dive into these handy hints and tips.

1. Opt for Fake Tan

As you probably already know, exposing your skin to the UV rays found in direct sunlight or tanning beds can be incredibly dangerous for your skin.

Not only, do you run the risk of burning and prematurely aging your skin, but you also increase the likelihood of contracting skin cancer.

So, if you’re after a sun-kissed glow we recommend using fake tan instead of lying for hours under the baking sun.

If you’re on a budget, not to worry, there are plenty of inexpensive moisturizers you can purchase that contain self-tanner.

Not only do these limit the chances of ugly looking streaks, but they also gradually build up your tan so you can control precisely how bronzed you look!

Top Tip: always exfoliate before applying fake tan, this will get rid of any dead skin, and help achieve a more even coverage.

2. Always Apply Sun Cream

Always use sunscreen. Period.

If you’re spending a lot of time outside you’ll need to regularly top up your sun lotion because it’ll eventually wear off, especially if you’re swimming.

Before purchasing a bottle of sunblock, you should always ensure it has a minimum SPF factor of 30. Then, check the back of the bottle and see whether the cream contains the necessary ingredients to block both UVA and UVB rays.

This is essential if you’re hoping to protect your skin adequately!

Luckily for us, gone are the days where you had to appear white and ghostly to protect your skin.

Nowadays, we can purchase sun creams that soak into our skin so no one would even know you’d applied sunblock.

Equally, you can buy foundations, concealers, moisturizers, etc. with SPF protection. So, keep an eye out for these when you’re updating your makeup collection.

We recommend using suncream on your face as a primer, and then applying SPF makeup over the top- you can never be too careful!

3. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Similarly, we suggest wearing sunscreen designed for your lips, and then wearing your lipstick over the top.

4. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate

Exfoliating isn’t just for the application of fake tan!

If you’re hoping to keep your skin hydrated throughout the summer, then you need to exfoliate regularly.

Not only will this leave your legs, arms, and face feeling silky smooth, but it’s also super helpful for preventing in-grown hairs. So, be sure to exfoliate any skin you’ve just waxed or shaved.

5. Always Take Time to Moisturize

Have you ever heard of avocado oil?

Well, it’s incredible for moisturizing and rehydrating dry skin. Problem areas tend to include: elbows, feet, ankles, and knees.

So, try smothering them in nourishing avocado oil before bed and see if that helps!

Alternatively, to restore the hydration of the skin on your face, you should consider getting a professional facial. Not only will this make your skin feel clean and fresh they’re also super relaxing!

6. Use Mineral-Based Makeup

We love mineral-based makeup.

Typically, this cover up’s formed of a light powder base; this means it won’t sweat off as quickly in comparison to oil-based foundations.

You needn’t spend a fortune on these cosmetics either, head over to your local drug store and see what bargains you can find!

7. Eat a Healthy Diet

Now you’re probably sick of hearing this advice, but it’s true. Your skin needs a healthy diet to look its best. You need to eat foods full of antioxidants and protein.

These minerals stimulate the growth of collagen which is essential for the prevention of wrinkles!

8. Drink Plenty of Water

During the summer months, you should always aim to drink eight glasses of water a day. This is because the heat of the sun dries out our skin, so to stay hydrated we need to drink more than usual.

9. Keep Clean

The classic, basic white t-shirt will never go out of style.

If you are someone who constantly throws on a t-shirt then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, you’ll read 7 cute ways to wear a TShirt anywhere!

1. Cute Ways to Wear a TShirt Include Tucking It Into High-Waisted Jeans

Mom jeans are totally on-trend right now. Have you seen stores start to develop high-rise jeans that were once cool back in the 80s?

The return of the mom jean has begun to transform how women style jeans today. The high-waisted denim trend continues to thrive in places like Madewell and Topshop where they offer quality jeans for under $150.

Elevate your look right now by embracing the simplistic fashion behind a T-shirt and jeans. The high-waisted cut is simultaneously flattering on any body type and a great way to show off your womanly figure.

Browsing through popular sites like Tumblr and Pinterest are just what you need to do in order to find inspiration to rock the high-waisted jeans this year. Learn more about trendy fashion looks because fashion constantly changes over the years.

2. Wear a T-shirt Under Overalls While Gardening

Another trend hitting the fashion world is overalls.

From stark white overalls to ripped ones, you can easily find them at places such as Old Navy for under fifty bucks.

The overalls you find should be form-fitting and comfortable with just enough stretch for you to be able to move around freely. Add a simple T-shirt underneath your new overalls for a stylish take on this boho-inspired piece.

It’s also a creative idea to put on a punchy pop of color underneath your dark-wash denim overalls to bring some life to your look. Find a red, navy, or even teal t-shirt to wear under your overalls this summer to fit right in with all the cool kids.

Overalls look appropriate when you are out in your garden fixing up your new spring plants, but you can also wear this trend out to the movies with your kids.

3. T-shirts At the Office

Sure, you can definitely pull off wearing a T-shirt to work now!

Of course, it’s all about balance where choosing the right T-shirt to style for your office job. Find a vibrant T-shirt in a pattern you love and pair it with appropriate slacks or a mid-length skirt for the perfect office look.

If you work from home you don’t need to worry about what you wear at all! However, most people work regular 9-5 jobs where they sit in an office setting.

T-shirts don’t have to be reserved for the weekends any longer. A lot of offices are embracing a more traditional approach that requires employees to have certain days where they are free to wear what they want.

Take this time as an opportunity to dress down and see what works for your lifestyle to feel less stressed, too. You probably don’t want to feel stuffy in an obnoxious boxy top, so browse through your mall to look for a cute new cotton T-shirt that seems ideal for work time.

4. T-shirts and Leggings are Perfect for Running Errands

One of the best combinations is T-shirts and leggings.

While enjoying time out with your girlfriends, pulling up a cozy pair of leggings can feel so nice after a long day of office wear.

Leggings and T-shirts go hand in hand nowadays. Loungewear has become a normal part of our lives. Sports leisure thrives in American culture at the moment. Just think about street style and how it has evolved over the past few years.

Did you know that the huge athleisure trend is now how we describe a mix of athletic clothing and normal clothing? This trend continues to show up everywhere. Designers are taking this trend to heart and putting their own twist each season.

5. T-shirts and Denim Skirts

Fashion-oriented brands are also releasing new takes on the classic denim skirt trend.

From jagged edges to scalloped hemlines, denim skirts are also making a major comeback in 2018.

Pairing a light wash denim skirt and a basic T-shirt makes you look effortlessly chic while you show off exactly how to wear a shirt for the summertime.

6. T-shirts with Logos are Back in Style

Have you seen models and celebs rocking Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, and even Levi’s logos across their chests these days?

Flaunting designer logos was once a method to show off status and now it’s back in style one more time.

Logo designs are returning to brands in 2018 as they increase in popularity with exposure from the hottest style icons of the decade, Kylie Jenner, and Gigi Hadid.

Wear your own version of this trend by finding the right logos to show off in a fresh take.

7. T-shirts for Pajamas

One final style tip for embracing the simplicity of how to style tee shirts involves your bedtime routine!

Slip into a cozy T-shirt for the night in order to feel well-rested in the morning. There’s something about wearing a worn-in tee that feels like home for a lot of people.

You can also borrow your boyfriend’s super over-sized T-shirt to wear to bed, too. If you are in a long-distance relationship, you should feel connected to your partnership by sharing your favorite unisex clothing with one another.

T-shirts are a great way to think about your loved one right before you doze off at night and make for comfy pajamas.

Looking for More Style Tips in 2018?

These seven cute ways to wear a T-shirt will inspire you to go to your closet and reconsider how to style your favorite worn-in shirts!

You need to check out the rest of our blog page to discover more beauty and fashion style tips right now.

We also offer tons of money saving advice so you can focus on balancing a happy family life by earning your own living as a hard-working mom.

Be sure to follow along with us over on our Facebook page where we love to post daily updates to show you how to start living a frugal life!

We’ve all been there: it’s Saturday night, and you’re finally going to have an epic date night with your husband.

You’ve gotten your hair done, taken care of your manicure/pedicure, and you’ve even tried out a new makeup tutorial.

The only problem?

When you open up your closet, you realize you have nothing to wear. We all want beautiful outfits — but with everything else you have to pay for, it can be tough to justify the cost.

The good news?

There are plenty of ways to be able to treat yourself to stunning pieces of clothing without blowing your budget.

Read on to learn how to pull it off.

1. Hit Up Etsy

One of the best ways to find beautiful outfits without having to pay an astronomical price for fashion?

Start by browsing through the virtual clothing racks at Etsy, everyone’s favorite shopping hub.

First of all, you’re much more likely to get quality and handmade pieces on Etsy than on fast fashion retail sites that mass produce their clothing. After all, just because you’re interested in affordable clothing doesn’t mean that you’re OK with it falling apart after one wear!

Plus, shopping on Etsy means that you’ll have access to countless designers from all over the world. So, it’s pretty much impossible not to find something that fits both your style and your body type.

Especially if you’re interested in more inclusive sizing, or if you need clothes that go with a specific lifestyle, Etsy is the perfect place to start.

In many cases, you can even communicate with designers directly. So, if you’re looking for affordable custom-made clothing, Etsy is the perfect place to start.

2. Shop Local Designers

Another way to find beautiful outfits that won’t break the bank?

Always make it a point to shop local. No matter which city you live in, we can guarantee that there are plenty of local fashion designers making quality and seriously stylish pieces that would look great on you.

Plus, because they’re just starting out, their price points are a lot more likely to be affordable.

In some cases, local designers may even be willing to offer you a major discount on their clothing in exchange for a promotion on your blog or social media pages.

Going local isn’t just a way to give back to your community. It’s also a way to help young designers get their start. It’s hard not to feel good about that!

3. Take The Thrift Stores By Storm

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that vintage fashion is back in a big way.

There are countless reasons to love vintage fashion and thrift shopping that go way beyond getting access to classic looks, however.

First of all, you can rest easy knowing that you’re not contributing to the endangerment of garment workers because of unsafe (and often illegal)sweatshop conditions.

Additionally, thrifting is an awesome way to be sure that you’re doing everything you can to protect the environment. The clothing industry is one of the most wasteful things on the planet.

Every year, thousands upon thousands of pounds of clothing is thrown out — and fashion brands still keep on producing.

If you’re concerned about the clothing industry’s impact on the planet, then making a commitment to buying vintage clothing is a wonderful way to do your part.

Plus, not only is thrifting affordable, it’s also incredibly fun!

Wearing vintage clothing is an awesome way to express yourself. You’ll also guarantee that you’ll be able to wear pieces that no one else can get!

So, this weekend, grab a few of your best girlfriends and commit to going vintage shopping. The planet — and your wallet — will certainly thank you.

4. Look For Affordable Online Retailers

As a busy mom, we completely understand that, no matter how much you’d like to, you simply don’t always have the time to shop at a brick-and-mortar store.

It’s much easier for you to browse through potential pieces of new clothing online, try them on in the comfort of your home, and then ship them back if they don’t look quite right.

The only problem?

It seems like many online clothing retailers are only getting more expensive these days.

Don’t panic — and definitely don’t give in and overpay. Instead, to find the best clothes at the right price, you’ll just have to do a little research.

Instagram is an awesome place to start.

Scour hashtags like #affordablefashion or #thelookforless to help you find clothes that won’t blow your budget. Plus, you’ll also discover new designers and trends!

If you’re looking for one of the best affordable retailers out there with clothing for every occasion?

We can’t get enough of Morning Lavender.

Not only do they have stunning dresses, beautiful outfits for the office and date night, and seriously chic workout wear?

They can also help you to find the perfect dress for your wedding for less!

Shop For Beautiful Outfits With These Tips

We hope this post has helped to remind you that you don’t have to spend a lot in order to find beautiful outfits that will help you to make a serious fashion statement.

Places like Etsy, local shops, affordable online retailers, and your favorite thrift shop are filled with awesome pieces just waiting to be discovered.

Looking for even more deals on everything from clothing to your next vacation?

At Thrifty Momma Ramblings, we’ve got you covered.

Spend some time on our website to get access to the latest coupons, freebies, and giveaways.

Then, be sure to check out our blog to learn how you can make the frugal lifestyle look like a million bucks!