MTips

How to Wrap Your Hair After Bonding
By Jason Cooley
Hair extensions and weaves allow you to achieve longer, fuller hair without having to wait months to grow out your hair. The process requires some skill and patience to bond the extensions to your hair so they blend seamlessly and are not noticeable. Knowing how to take care of your hair extensions keeps them looking good and allows them to last longer. Knowing how to wrap your hair at night keeps the extensions from getting tangled and pulled. Hair extension bonds can last up to three months with proper care.
Topic To Wrap Your Hair After Bonding:

• Human Hair
• Afro Hair

To Wrap Your Hair After Bonding Difficulty:

• Moderate

To Wrap Your Hair After Bonding You’ll Need:

• Natural oil or moisturizer
• Bobby pins
• Satin or silk scarf
• Elastic bands

To Wrap Your Hair After Bonding Instructions:
Straight or Wavy Hair

• Apply a natural oil or moisturizer to the edges of the hair extensions. Properly wrapped extensions stay in place without the need of a holding product.
• Grab your hair as you would to make a basic, loose ponytail. Hold the ponytail by the end and twist the length of the ponytail. Coil the ponytail around itself until you form a bun.
• Tuck the end of the ponytail under the outside coil and place a bobby pin through the outside coil into the center of the bun. Do not use an elastic band because it will cause unflattering dents in your hair.
• Wrap a satin or silk scarf around your hair to a snug fit.

Curly Hair

• Apply a natural oil or moisturizer to the edges of your extensions. Properly wrapped extensions stay in place without the need of a holding product.
• Divide your hair into small sections throughout your head.
• Braid your hair by dividing each section into three strands. Cross the left strand over the top of the center strand, making the left strand the new center strand. Place the right strand over the center strand, making the right strand the new center strand. Continue this process all the way down the section of hair.
• Tie the braid off with an elastic band and repeat throughout your head.
• Wrap a satin or silk scarf around your hair to a snug fit.

• Do not shampoo your hair for two days after getting extensions bonded to your head.

• Keeping extensions in your hair after three months can damage your hair.

How to Flip a Weave Track
By Lauren Griffin
How to Flip a Weave Trackthumbnail Making cornrows is the first step.

A weave can instantly create the illusion of having full, long hair. Weave tracks, also known as wefted hair extensions, are commonly cut to fit the width of the head, after which they’re sewn onto the natural hair. Some people prefer to flip the weave track. This means that the entire weave track is used, and instead of the track being cut to the width of the head, it’s flipped over at the side of the head. You can continue sewing without having to switch to a new weave track.
Topic To Flip a Weave Track:

• Kids Braids
• Remy Hair

To Flip a Weave Track Difficulty:

• Moderately Easy

To Flip a Weave Track You’ll Need:

• Hair clips
• Curved weave needle
• Weave thread

To Flip a Weave Track Instructions:

• Braid the hair of the person who wants the weave put in. Make horizontal cornrow braids, from one side of the head to the other side.
• Drape a weave track over the lowest cornrow at the back of the head. Use a hair clip to hold the track in place.
• Thread a curved weave needle with weave thread in the color of your weave. Make a knot at the end of the thread.
• Sew the weave track to the cornrows. Stick the needle through the lining of the weave track and under or through the cornrow. Twist the weave thread around the needle two times as it emerges from the hair. Work from one side of the head to the other side.
• Flip the remaining weave track when you get to the side of the head. Fold the track backward and bring it up to the next cornrow, so it can form another layer of hair. Sew the track to the cornrow in a similar fashion as before. Keep sewing and flipping the weave track until it runs out.
• Position a new weave track directly next to the end of the first weave track. Sew and flip the track in a similar way as you did the first track.

How to Make a Short Blouse Look Longer
By Lauren Griffin
Your stomach sinks as you remove your favorite blouse from the dryer and realize it shrunk, or that blouse that looked like a perfect fit at the store does not fit quite right. Rather than tossing it into the trash, there are many quick fixes that can help make a short blouse look longer. By pairing the blouse with other articles of clothing and the right accessories, it is easy to look great in a short blouse.
Topic To Make a Short Blouse Look Longer:

• Shirt
• Joie Floral Blouse

To Make a Short Blouse Look Longer Difficulty:

• Moderate

To Make a Short Blouse Look Longer You’ll Need:

• Iron
• Ironing board
• Tank top or camisole
• Belt
• Long cardigan or blazer

To Make a Short Blouse Look Longer Instructions:

• Set up an ironing board, fill the iron with water and turn it on to the setting that corresponds to the fabric of the blouse. Lay the shirt upon the ironing board and iron out any wrinkles. Ironing the shirt eradicates any wrinkles that might be making the blouse appear even shorter.
• Wear a camisole or basic tank top of the same color underneath the blouse. The camisole extends from beneath the short blouse, giving it the appearance of being longer. The camisole also helps cover any areas of skin left exposed by the blouse.
• Wrap a belt, sash or ribbon around your waist. This will help cover and hide the short edge of the blouse.
• Wear a long cardigan, wrap or blazer on top of the blouse. If the blouse still looks short, placing a long layer on top adds length and helps hide the short blouse.

How to Lighten Jeans With Sunlight
By Kent Page McGroarty
How to Lighten Jeans With Sunlightthumbnail Use the sun to fade jeans and other fabrics.

Whether you want to fade a pair of jeans as part of a costume or simply because you enjoy the look of lightened jeans, there are numerous ways to do so. One option is to fade jeans via nature’s greatest lightening/fading tool: the sun. Sunlight lightens jeans without the use of chemicals such as bleach, which can damage fabric and injure skin. Use the sun alone to fade jeans, or in combination with other jeans-fading techniques.
Topic To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight:

• Acne Jeans Designer
• Fashion Distressed Jeans

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight Difficulty:

• Easy

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight You’ll Need:

• Lawn chair
• Sunscreen
• Laundry detergent
• Washing bin or sink
• Hanger
• Clothes line

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight Instructions:

• Wear jeans on a daily basis for as long as possible. This causes the indigo dye to rub off around jean crests, ridges and bottom, which lightens these areas. If possible, wear them outside during peak sunlight hours, such as while sitting on a lawn chair to enjoy a good book. Wear sunscreen to avoid skin damage.
• Soak the jeans with a half cup of laundry detergent for one to two hours in water that’s between 40 and 60 degrees F.
• Place the jeans on a hanger and hang them on an outdoor clothesline to dry in full sun. Move the placement of the hanger as needed so jeans are receiving maximum sunlight throughout the day. If you don’t have access to a clothesline, use a clean lawn chair to drape your jeans over, whether in a backyard or apartment balcony.
• Repeat Steps 1 through 3 until jeans are lightened to your satisfaction.

• Avoid bleaching jeans if possible; it weakens the fabric.
• Use medium-grit sandpaper, cheese grater, or pumice stone to distress jeans and fade indigo dye.
• Soak jeans in lemon juice as another jeans-fading option.

How to Lighten Jeans With Sunlight
By Kent Page McGroarty
How to Lighten Jeans With Sunlightthumbnail Use the sun to fade jeans and other fabrics.

Whether you want to fade a pair of jeans as part of a costume or simply because you enjoy the look of lightened jeans, there are numerous ways to do so. One option is to fade jeans via nature’s greatest lightening/fading tool: the sun. Sunlight lightens jeans without the use of chemicals such as bleach, which can damage fabric and injure skin. Use the sun alone to fade jeans, or in combination with other jeans-fading techniques.
Topic To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight:

• Acne Jeans Designer
• Fashion Distressed Jeans

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight Difficulty:

• Easy

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight You’ll Need:

• Lawn chair
• Sunscreen
• Laundry detergent
• Washing bin or sink
• Hanger
• Clothes line

To Lighten Jeans With Sunlight Instructions:

• Wear jeans on a daily basis for as long as possible. This causes the indigo dye to rub off around jean crests, ridges and bottom, which lightens these areas. If possible, wear them outside during peak sunlight hours, such as while sitting on a lawn chair to enjoy a good book. Wear sunscreen to avoid skin damage.
• Soak the jeans with a half cup of laundry detergent for one to two hours in water that’s between 40 and 60 degrees F.
• Place the jeans on a hanger and hang them on an outdoor clothesline to dry in full sun. Move the placement of the hanger as needed so jeans are receiving maximum sunlight throughout the day. If you don’t have access to a clothesline, use a clean lawn chair to drape your jeans over, whether in a backyard or apartment balcony.
• Repeat Steps 1 through 3 until jeans are lightened to your satisfaction.

How to Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeup
By Mary Wroblewski
How to Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeupthumbnail Decide right away if powder or cream eye shadow will work best on your skin type.

You’ve probably heard of shimmer and sparkle eye makeup, but if you really want to make a fashion statement at your next “black and white only” party or other festive event, try creating zebra eyes. This fun and edgy look takes multiple steps, but it comes together quickly, especially if you refer to a picture of a real zebra for inspiration.
Topic To Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeup:

• Smokey Eye
• Eyeliner Tips

To Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeup Difficulty:

• Moderate

To Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeup You’ll Need:

• Zebra picture(s)
• Assorted brushes
• Concealer
• Translucent powder
• Pinkish-mauve eye shadow
• White eye shadow
• Black eye shadow
• Black eyeliner
• Gray eye shadow
• Mascara

To Do Zebra Eye Shadow Makeup Instructions:

• Wash your face and apply a light foundation. Brush your face lightly with a translucent powder.
• Apply a concealer underneath your eyes to cover shadows, dark circles and other imperfections.
• Apply pink-mauve eye shadow to your eyelid and crease. Choose the hue to best complement your skin tone, for this color will serve as a backdrop for your zebra eyes. For a more dramatic effect, try a burnt umber eye shadow.
• Apply white eye shadow liberally over your eyelid, from the inner corner to up over the lid.
• Moisten the black eye shadow with an angle brush and draw a medium-thick line to the crease of your eye. Then blend this line gently with the brush.
• Choose quality eye shadows for your zebra look to increase the likelihood of the makeup lasting for hours without a touchup.
• Apply a medium line of black eyeliner to your upper eyelid. Make a thick line for an even more dramatic effect.
• Draw several squiggly black lines from the top of your eyelid to the crease with the black eyeliner, making them thick in some places and thin in others. Here is where a picture of the zebra look you wish to replicate will come in very handy, for you can make the black lines as wide, bold and pronounced as you like, just like those of a zebra.
• Apply dark gray eye shadow in your crease and blend it. The gray will make the white and black effect “pop.”
• Place black eye shadow in the outer corner of your crease and blend it.
• Smudge some white eye shadow in the inner corner of your eye and then run a line underneath your eye.
• Apply two coats of mascara to the top and bottom lashes. For a more dramatic effect, apply false eyelashes.
• Never fear: The mauve base coat will show through at the end.
• Dab your entire eye, on the lid and below it, lightly with white eye shadow — and then get ready to dazzle people with your zebra eyes.

How to Fix Couches That Have Been Broken
By Jennifer Eblin
How to Fix Couches That Have Been Brokenthumbnail A broken couch will often sag in the middle.

Even the best couch might break down over time, especially with frequent use. A couch basically consists of a wood frame with metal springs, padding and cushions on top. The padding and springs offer support for any weight placed on top of the couch, while the frame provides additional support and creates the design or shape of the sofa. Fixing a broken couch typically involves gaining access to the frame.
Topic To Fix Couches That Have Been Broken:

• Chair Cushions
• Sagging Sofa Cushions

To Fix Couches That Have Been Broken Difficulty:

• Moderate

To Fix Couches That Have Been Broken You’ll Need:

• Utility knife
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Wood piece
• 2-inch wood screws
• Staple gun
• Staples

To Fix Couches That Have Been Broken Instructions:

• Locate the source of the damage or where the couch is broken. Run your hands over the arms of the couch and along the back, shaking the frame and feeling for any loose connections. The couch should wobble slightly when you find the break.
• Remove any cushions from the couch and examine the fabric covering the damaged spot. If the fabric features seams, gently run a utility knife across a seam, popping the threads loose. If the couch uses upholstery staples, slide the tip of a pair of pliers under each staple and gently pop it loose from the fabric. Peel the fabric away until you have access to the frame. You might need to pull off stuffing or padding.
• Examine the frame carefully. The frame forms the support for the couch and consists of individual wood planks and pieces connected with screws. Locate the broken or damaged plank within the frame. Unscrew the screws holding the broken piece in place. Set aside the two parts of the broken piece together, lay them together, and measure the width, height and length of the piece. Purchase a new wood plank in the same size.
• Place the new wood plank in the exact same location where the old piece was. Screw two-inch wood screws through the new plank and into the frame, attaching the wood to the couch frame. Attach two wood screws through both ends of the wood and wherever it touches the frame.
• Cover the repaired area with the original stuffing or padding, if you removed it. Pull the fabric back over the couch and push down with your hands, holding the fabric in place. Staple the fabric to the frame with a staple gun, which keeps the fabric from pulling away.

• You might discover multiple pieces of the frame broken. After replacing the first broken plank, look over the frame for any additional damaged spots. Remove each damaged plank from the couch frame and replace with a new plank, cut to the same size and shape.