Sara Johnson asked:


Preparation is the key to a successful photo shoot for those aspiring for, or embarking on the journey to become a plus size model. Confidence is always visually apparent; being well-prepared, well-groomed and relaxed equates a happy model, with shines through in print! The following is a series of steps to begin one week prior to your shoot, that’ll help make the most of your shoot.

One week prior to your shoot:

ONE:

Make an honest inspection of your hair. Does your color need refreshing, or do your roots need a touch up? Schedule color three or four days prior to your shoot to allow time for settling, or a re-do if something catastrophic happens. PLEASE do not make major color or style changes without speaking to your agency!! Remember you’ve been hired for your already determined “look” and discussion between the agency that represents you is essential prior to changing it. Plus they’re in the business of beauty. They’ll be able to give you excellent, professional suggestions if you’re looking for a change. It goes without saying, but make sure your hairs trimmed and as split-end free as possible. If you have a fringe, or bangs, make sure it’s trimmed appropriately. Consider having your stylist apply a shine treatment, as shiny hair equals healthy hair, at least in appearance!

TWO:

Make waxing appointments for two to three days prior to your shoot. If you wax regularly already, schedule your waxing appointment for 2-3 days prior to your shoot to avoid any irritation on your test day. I don’t recommend preparation for test shots to be an occasion to try waxing for the first time. Until your certain how your skin reacts to the treatment, consider a professional applied depilatory cream to rid yourself of any unwanted facial or body hair.

THREE:

Tend to your skin. Drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol and wheat products if your prone to bloating. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Avoid any drastic, or medical skin treatments prior to your shoot, instead use plenty of moisturizer and good exfoliator at least twice in the before your shoot.

The day before and of your shoot:

1. Get plenty of sleep!

2. Consider your ability in styling your own hair. If you have challenging hair, consider a professional blow-out or curl enhancing treatment prior to your shoot. If done the day before, sleep with a silk handkerchief tied over your hair, it’ll still look fab on day two. Do NOT arrive to your shoot with damp or wet hair expecting it to be completely styled!

3. Exfoliate your entire body and face and moisturize using a non-greasy, non shimmering lotion.

4. Inspect your nails and toes. Make your hands and toes are well manicured and natural. Chose a natural or clear polish, or if you wear a French manicure make sure it has a softly colored topcoat. Avoid blinding white tips! TRY to avoid acrylic nails, but if you must wear them make sure they’re fairly short and oval, no long square talons!

5. Make your body modifications invisible. Bring a good concealer if you have tattoos, “derma blend or Mac body are excellent” as you will be expected by clients to cover your tattoos. Remove any piercings, studs or barbells. Most clients are steadfast in their preference that models remove all piercings, be prepared for your “holes” to possibly close in the name of landing jobs!

The previous tips are a general guide to help you look like the best version of “you” on a test shoot! Remember to send the message with your appearance choices that promote the mantra, “I’m beautiful, whatever my size may be!”



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Kyle Spector asked:


With an explosion in the popularity of tattoos, the cosmetic surgery world has also seen an explosion of interest in a particular procedure — tattoo removal. Whatever the reason is that people got their tattoos, be it youthful exuberance, a commitment to an “everlasting” love or an expression of their undying support for their favorite musical group, many people are finding that their sentiments aren’t usually as permanent as their tattoos. In fact, studies have shown that about 10 percent of Americans have a tattoo, but 50 percent of those with tattoos would like them to be removed. That’s over 15 million people in the U.S. alone!

Since so many people are interested in tattoo removal procedures, these procedures have become more advanced and more affordable. Finding the most affordable tattoo removal procedure for you will depend on a few factors. One of the most important is the size and type of tattoo that needs to be removed. Certain procedures are better for certain types of tattoos. The costs of tattoo removal also vary depending on the size of the tattoo that is being removed. Larger tattoos generally require more treatments, which can increase the cost.

The First Steps to Finding the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedure Options

As with any medical procedure, the patient’s first stop should be a consultation with a doctor. In the case of tattoo removal, either a physician or a dermatologist will be able to help you decide how to move forward. During the first consultation with the doctor, he or she will view the tattoo, discuss removal options and then create a plan for removal. The plan is needed because many treatments require multiple applications, so the doctor will decide which procedure will work best for you and try to estimate the number of treatments needed.

At this point, it is important to go over with your doctor all of the risks and costs associated with tattoo removal treatments. There five main options for tattoo removal: laser tattoo removal, intense pulsed-light therapy, chemical creams, excision and dermabrasion.

Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure

One of the most widely used methods for tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal, involves blasting the tattoo away by breaking up the pigments of the tattoo with a high-intensity laser beam. The doctor can control the width and wavelength of the beam, targeting specific tattoo colors with different combinations. Since the physician can focus the treatment so precisely, the tattoo can be removed without damaging the surrounding skin.

Most patients describe the laser treatment as virtually painless. After each treatment, the treated area may feel like a sunburn, but the tattoo should fade as the area heals. Depending on the size of the tattoo, between two and six treatments are generally needed to complete the process.

Tattoo Removal through Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) directs an intense beam of light onto the tattoo area, which essentially burns off the top layer of skin. As the skin heals, the tattoo is less noticeable. The cost for intense pulsed light therapy is based on the number of pulses needed, so the size of the tattoo will determine the cost of removal. Generally, it takes 10-12 months for the full results of intense pulsed light therapy to show.

Removing Tattoos with the Use of Chemical Creams

A variety of chemical creams can be used to fade or eliminate tattoos. The creams are generally more affordable than the laser removal and pulsed light therapy, but often have mixed results.

Excision — Surgically Removing the Tattoo from the Skin

For people who have very small tattoos, excision might be an option. Tattoo removal by excision involves a doctor actually cutting off the portion of the skin that contains the tattoo ink. Sometimes, this method can be used on larger tattoos by removing the tattoo and then applying a skin graft to the area to encourage re-growth.

Tattoo Removal through Dermabrasion

This process can be likened to sanding away the tattoo by removing the top layers of skin. Usually, a local anesthetic is used along with dermabrasion. Results usually show in three to four weeks, but this might not be the best procedure for patients who are prone to scarring since it involves physical removal of the tattoo surface.

Discussing the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedures with a Doctor



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Cristi asked:


If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, take a moment to consider your answers to the following 10 questions. You will be glad that you did.

1. Is the tattoo artist experienced? This is perhaps the most important thing to consider before hiring any one particular tattoo artist. An experienced professional will be knowledgeable in the proper cleansing of equipment, which is an absolute necessity, and also how to create designs that the customer will enjoy.

2. Will the tattoo image be as important to you in the future as it is right now? For instance, if your tattoo will be in celebration of a love interest, are you absolutely certain that person will be there 10, 20 or even 50 years from now?

3. Why do you want to get the tattoo? Is it because you want to or because someone else wants you to? Is it to fit in with a crowd or possibly a love interest? If you are making any type of permanent marking on your body, including a tattoo, you will want to be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.

4. Are you prepared to deal with possible consequences that may arise out of getting a tattoo? This may include an infection or severe soreness of the skin at the site of the tattoo. In addition, surgery will be the only way to later remove it if you should ever change your mind.

5. Do you have a design in mind? If you don’t, stop by the local tattoo parlor and ask to see some samples of what is available.

6. Can you afford the tattoo? The larger the tattoo, the larger the cost. Even the smallest tattoo can be expensive, especially if you are on a budget. Before deciding to get the tattoo, make sure that you know how much it will cost and make arrangements to have the full payment ready on the date of it’s application.

7. Do you have a fear of needles? If you do, tattoos may not be for you. Either this or you will have to find some way to put the thought of it out of your mind. A lot of people have a fear of needles and perhaps the best alternative is a temporary tattoo, which are made to look quite realistic these days.

8. What type of tolerance do you have for pain? There is no other way to say it, but getting a tattoo is painful. It does involve needles and you should really consider your level of tolerance before signing up for a tattoo.

9. What will you do if you ever decide to have it removed? Can you afford the cost associated with surgery? The only way to remove a tattoo is through surgery, which can be very expensive. Unless it is for medical reasons, most health insurance policies will not cover the cost of a tattoo removal. This means that the patient will often find themselves with 100% of the financial responsibility and, before getting a tattoo, you should make sure that you will be financially able to handle any future medical procedures that are associated with a tattoo.

10. Are you prepared to treat the area as recommended to avoid infection? This will likely involve keeping the tattoo site covered until it is able to heal properly and keeping it clean in the way that the tattoo artist or physician recommends.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.



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Beth Ortega asked:


You have decided that the body art you got so long ago is really not keeping in line with who you are as person now. Back then, it seemed funny to get a picture of Daffy Duck on your upper arm, but really, considering that you are now a professional, it all seems rather stupid.

So, you have to start thinking about choosing a tattoo remover, so that the only Daffy Duck you see is on the television (or during the occasional trip to Disney World). You have done you research, and have found out that there are two main tattoo remover options to choose from.

The first option, TCA, caught your attention as a tattoo remover because the price seemed reasonable. The TCA solution is a clear chemical that you should only be able to get from a dermatologist. The important thing to keep in mind, however, is that fact that you will be the one to administer the TCA to your tattoo via a q tip every few weeks.

If you find it hard to even bring yourself to take out a splinter, then perhaps you would do better to choose lasers as a tattoo remover. The laser procedure will take place in an outpatient facility and will be done by a dermatologist. The heat of the laser will permeate the upper layers of the skin, eradicating the skin molecules that have bonded to the tattoo ink. Just like with the TCA, it will take several sessions to remove the tattoo, so you need patience!



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Sylvia R Rolfe asked:


So you got a tattoo and now you have decide it wasn’t for you; but how other then laser surgery can you get tattoo ink removed. Recently the market has arisen for tattoo ink removal creams. Obviously, less painful and not requiring surgery these are becoming more popular in the world of tattoo removals. So how do these work and are the creams worth the money?

Firstly, you have to take into account when it comes to cream products to remove tattoo ink. Like most things in life, this can be a case of you get what you pay for. Some of the less expensive products may work, but research shows many do not. Some say these creams work, well others claim they made no difference except on the pocket book. Do you research about the various creams on the market, read through the testimonials and see what customers have to say about the products before you purchase. There is nothing more important than proper product research. No matter which one you look at you need to know how exactly these creams work to remove your tattoo.

The tattoo removal cream works to slowly force the skin to break down and peel away. It pretty much is forcing the skin to age prematurely and will slowly fade the tattoo away from removing layers of skin more rapidly then they should be naturally shed. Of course, the majority of these creams involve harsh chemicals that are quite literally damaging your skin and forcing to break down and peel away before its time. It would be like exposing yourself daily to a sunburn which you peel away to get rid off. Though it is probably the most inexpensive way to remove a tattoo is could cause some serious issues due to the chemicals involved in the process. Your skin may blister and burn during this process and it can take a fair amount of time dependant on the colours of your tattoo. After all, the cream is composed of acids. Not something to take lightly.

No matter the reason you are seeking tattoo ink removal, do your research, as previously stated you often get what you pay for and if you can endure the blisters and pain of the cream then all means go with the inexpensive choice. Do your research and seek which removal method is best for you and the type and colour of tattoo you have.



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Bart Clive asked:


Tattoos in the past essentially were permanent and if you wanted to get rid of it you could either have it changed to look like something else, learn to live it or find a new girl friend/boy friend with the same name as the previous one. Sometimes we regret that decision made under the influence of tequila shots, Jell-O shooters or that hot two week love affair. Due to recent technology advances there are now some better options on what method to be used to get rid of that tat. All tattoos have different characteristics so removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case.

Professional artists usually penetrate the deeper layers of the skin at more uniform depths. This allows methods that remove broader areas of inked skin at the same depth.

Amateurs cannot duplicate the uniformity of depth so lesser skilled tattooists usually apply ink at more varying depths making removal much more difficult.

If you have decided that for some reason, you just gotta get rid of that body art, the choices are:

1. Laser Surgery

2. Intense Pulsed Light

3. Dermabrasion

4. Surgical Excision

5. Salabrasion

6. Removal Creams

7. Cover-up

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery is considered the most effective non invasive, bloodless removal alternative. A high-intensity laser beam is targeted on the imbedded ink by a surgeon where he directs high intensity pulses to break up the pigment. The laser is applied with micro-second lasting pulses and it takes about 200 pulses for a small tattoo. The laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to vaporize into smaller particles that are then removed by the body’s immune system. Laser surgery is relatively low risk, pain free and effective with the least side effects. Multiple treatments are normally required. Expect to experience minor pain similar to the original tattooing experience. The lasers high energy vaporizing the ink under your skin will cause sensations similar to specs of hot grease. It usually takes more than one treatment which only takes a few minutes.

Intense Pulsed Light

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is the most recent development in tattoo removal. This method uses high intensity light instead of lasers’ to vaporize the ink. After applying a gel a wand is aimed at the tattoo that emits high intensity light pulses. One the plus side this method is less painful and more effective but is much more expensive than laser removal.

Dermabrasion

Basically dermabrasion consist of freezing the removal area of skin and the top layers are sanded off to remove the inked area. This is done with a high speed rotary sanding type device. You will need at least a local or some other type of anesthetic, hey; you are getting your skin sanded off! There will also be some bleeding and a dressing will need to be applied. After the affected area heals the scarring will depend on an individuals own body and what the location on your body the tattoo was on.

Surgical Excision

Surgical Excision is nothing more than having a dermatologic surgeon use a scalpel to remove the inked skin and closing up the wound with stitches. This is ok for small tattoos on certain parts of the body. It is even possible to remove larger areas and graft skin from other parts of the body. Again you will need an anesthetic to numb the area but scaring will be limited to the sutured area and is usually minimal. This method results in the most complete and immediate removal of tattoo ink.

Salabrasion

Salabrasion is the oldest and crudest tattoo removal technique. I has been used for a few hundred years and is still occasionally used today. Local anesthetic consisting of tap water dipped in table salt is applied on the tattooed area. An abrading device like the one used with dermabrasion, or an even something simpler like a wooden block wrapped with gauze, is used to scrape the area. After the tattooed area gets deep red, it is covered up with bandages to heal. This is the preferred method selected by the biggest and baddest biker dudes and those lucky few who can drive nails through their hands and not feel it. If you are seeking a professional for a tattoo removal and he mentions the word Salabration, see how fast you can find the nearest exit and hope he hasn’t already locked the doors.

Tattoo removal creams

Removal creams have varying degrees of success much of which is dependent on the individual tattoo characteristics, depth of ink, type of ink and individuals body chemistry. Before spending a large amount of money for surgery you may want to try a removal cream if you can accept fading as opposed to complete removal.

Cover-up

So you changed your mind and for some reason you just do not like your latest tattoo but don’t necessarily want to get rid of it but just change it to something else. A tattoo cover-up job can be much less painful and cheaper alternative to removal. You just gotta find a skilled tattoo artist who can help you redesign the image into something you like and have him do the modifications. It is amazing what a talented artist can do to completely change a tattoo. Just make sure that you find an artist that is experienced in doing this and ask to see pictures of some of his modification jobs.

It doesn’t matter what removal method you use there will be some type of scaring or color variations. The most important thing is to consult with a physician that specializes or has extensive experience in removing tattoos. Good luck and remember that the best way to avoid these removal methods is to be very careful and selective when deciding to get that tattoo in the first place.

Go to www.tattoozfind.com to find the right tattoo. Find a large free image gallery along with extensive tattoo information and resources. You may consider taking one for a test drive before making it permanent.



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Ingrid Preube asked:


The Rise and Rise of Reduction Of Hair With Laser

In spite of the high expense of this treatment, it is becoming more and more popular. Once it was thought of as a service only affordable by the rich or celebrities; these days, as laser hair removal is becoming more readily available, it has managed to capture the imagination of the general population.

In today’s competitive planet, the expense of all products and services are eternally under the microscope by people and businesses alike. Vast amounts of business are won purely on expense considerations, and in all areas we are constantly presented with marketing designed to persuade us that a particular firm is the best value option. Laser hair reduction is no exception to this rule, and the pricing can be quite perplexing.

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This has poured a lot of confusion into the mind of the people about the cost of laser hair removal Quite a lot of things will affect the price you’ll end up paying. To help you locate affordable laser hair removal, here are some useful tricks of the trade.

Tips to get Affordable Laser Hair Removal

You should look around and select the clinics offering special deals. Commonly the majority of the clinics have some package deal for the clientele to reduce the laser hair removal price per treatment. Look around and select the package which best matches your budget. Additionally, some clinics may be willing to tailor the pricing according to your ability to pay, thus ensuring it is possible for your ability to pay.

In some cosmetic laser clinics one can obtain extra special deals by paying in full up front. Enquire of the clinic if they might offer a special deal in consideration of paying the treatment charges up front.

If the clinic offers other skin procedures, like wrinkle treatment, tattoo removal, acne treatment, laser skin resurfacing or electrolysis, you can sometimes claim special deals by putting your name down for these procedures.

It might be that the clinic offers a special deal for getting treatments for big areas of body. Some clinics offer special skin area benefits thus further lowering your laser hair removal price.

One last, and very powerful technique that you can use to persuade your chosen clinic to give you a substantial special deal on your treatment: provide a referral, either taking a friend along to introduce to the clinic or offering to give referrals to multiple contacts. This is a great way to negotiate a special deal on the cost of laser hair removal.



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Melissa Peterman asked:


Unlike henna, where a bride is purposely painted with temporary tattoos specifically for her wedding day, permanent tattoos that were once a great idea are often one of the first things brides request to be without come their wedding day. In many Asian, Indian and Middle East cultures, temporary henna tattooing is a necessary part of the wedding ceremony, but in America, getting a tattoo isn’t usually temporary- it’s permanent.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo removal has been around for years, but previous methods were much more intense and scarring was unavoidable. Nowadays, graduates from laser schools for hair removal and skin rejuvenation often are trained in laser tattoo removal as well. Lasers work by directing laser beam energy toward the ink in the skin with highly concentrated colored light beams. These laser beams break up ink particles into tiny fragments which are later cleared up by the body’s own cells. The procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.

If I am Getting Married in Six Months, Will I Have to Have More Than One Session?

How many sessions you will need will depend on several factors:

• The depth of the ink level

• Size of the tattoo

• Color of the tattoo

• Age of a person

• The newness of the tattoo- the more recent, the more difficult

• Health- your body’s ability to heal

Is it Painful?

The heat generated by the lasers may cause pain and blisters are commonly formed. Even though laser technology is developed, the chance of scarring is always present with multiple treatments.

What Does it Cost to Remove a Tattoo?

Lasers are considered safe and are believed to provide the best results. The cost of laser tattoo removal varies. The rule of thumb is usually between $100 and $150 per square inch per treatment- which can really add up! So, depending on the size as well as color of your tattoo will depend on the cost as well as the time it takes to have it removed. The darker the color of your tattoo, the more treatments are necessary to remove the deep color. Laser removal combined with some quality concealer and you should be good to go in just about anything.

That tattoo that you got ten years ago with the giant butterfly across your back seemed like a great idea at the time, but since then a few things have changed. If you are getting married and your dream dress just happens to be backless, the good news is there are options! From make-up to tattoo laser removal you don’t have to make your past apart of your future.



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