WOMEN AND THEIR HAIR

HAIR OBSESSION

Celebrities like Beyonce Knowles, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Victoria Beckham and countless others regularly surprise the world with new and different hairstyles -- changing color, style and even the length of their hair -- over the course of just a couple days. Extensions don't only add length. You can choose to add volume instead (or in addition to length), which is perfect for fine, limp or thinning hair. Turn that bob into a mane! If your existing hair is at little as 3 inches long, you can get extensions, although the extent of your transformation may be limited if your hair is very short.

Extensions can be braided in, glued in, woven in, or -- if you only need a follicular boost for a special event -- clipped in.You can also add highlights or color -- with shades ranging from mild to wild -- to your hair with the use of extensions.The process isn't painful, so it shouldn't hurt a bit.
 How do they do it?

 This magic is made possible with the help of hair extensions and a talented stylist.

THE LOOK YOU ALWAYS WANTED

A lot of us have realized that our inner hottie has longer, thicker hair than we were actually graced with. (Consider it the follicle version of penis-envy.) My own muse has wavy hip-length locks... yet the universe taunts with me hair that, while cute, barely brushes my shoulders. And that's why hair extensions are so popular -- and not just in Hollywood! Girls the world 'round just love to realize that it is possible to take your current look and give it a lift and have any style you desire... well, for a few months, anyhow.

HAIR EXTENSIONS: VERSATILITY

When you consider the versatility, then you might just be excused for forgetting all the other pros and cons. Hair extensions are available in a wide range of colors. There are a lot of options available in terms of length and textures as well. They give you the opportunity to change your look, those with plain hair can opt for curls and those with curly hair can opt for straight hair. Moreover, you can try new hairstyles, which were impossible to have with your original hair. Also those who are not sure whether a hair color will suit them or not, they can always try it with hair extensions. Hair extensions thus provide a wide range of pros, to sum it up;
Clip-in and sew-in hair extensions are the cheapest, ranging from $60 to $100 if you do it at home, by yourself. They can also be easily removed without any damage.
Instant  change of style. Stay on for a long time. You can even go for a swim or shower without removing them. Fusion Hair extensions give volume to hair. Works well for someone having short hair. With their flexibility, these extensions provide a variety of hairstyle possibilities. Fusion Hair extensions last longer compared to the other types (up to 3 months)

CONS OF HAIR EXTENTIONs

Hair and Scalp Damage
Hair damage is a drawback which should not be ignored. Your hair can be damaged due to hair extensions. The gluing can lead to weakening of hair. Though our scalp easily carries the weight of our hair, it might take time to adjust to the added weight. Tight braiding done while attaching hair extensions can cause hair to be pulled at the scalp causing breakage of natural hair. The glue used can also lead to scalp burning.

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You can have hair extensions at a price range of $150 to $2500. The cost varies depending upon the quality of extension and the length. The cost factor also depends on the salon you choose. While you go through the various pros and cons, you will understand that the cost element is of utmost importance. This is because you will be investing a lot if you don't want to damage your natural hair. Quality hair extensions and a good beauty professional are very important for perfect attachment. Now, both these things will surely lead to spending a fortune. Moreover, this will not be a permanent thing. So why not try some fashionable haircut and styling on your natural hair, as this will lend a natural look with zero damage. It will also last for a longer duration and the hair care required will be considerably less.

Perricone MD Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements, 30 day

The science to maintain youthful, healthy and radiant skin Works from the inside out to help nourish and reveal healthy glowing skin* Provides energy and supports health of joints, bones, hair and nails* Targeted nutritional supplements are an essential part of Dr. Perricone's 3-Tier Approach for a healthy body and beautiful skin.  This perfectly dosed daily program of nutrients is specifically designed to help support a healthy immune system and improve cognitive skills while enhancing the look of your skin.  They support bone and joint function, fight free radical damage and stimulate healthy growth of hair and nails.  They also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a radiant and glowing appearance. Two Perricone Prescription & Super Antioxidant Formula Supplements Omega-3 Supplement Derma-Glo Supplement Rejuvenate Suppleme.

30 Things Every Woman Should Have And Should Know

By 30, you should have ...

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.

2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.

5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.

6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it.

8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you.

9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.

10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.

13. The belief that you deserve it.

14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.

15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know ...

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.

2. How you feel about having kids.

3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

4. When to try harder and when to walk away.

5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.

6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.

7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.

8. Where to go -- be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat -- when your soul needs soothing.

9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.

10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.

11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.

12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.

13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.

14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.

15. Why they say life begins at 30

What's on your personal list of things to have and know -- and possibly do -- before turning 30?

List excerpted from Glamour'sThirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know By The Time She's 30."

GUYS YOU DON'T NEED IN YOUR LIFE

You’ll meet many guys on your path to finding the one who's right for you, but you should avoid a few types at all cost. They might start out as perfectly decent men while they’re trying to get your attention, but once they show their true colors, you may want to head for the hills. Here are a few of the worst offenders.

THE MOOCH

This is the guy who never seems to go anywhere with his wallet after he takes you out once or twice. Whether you're taking in a movie, going out for dinner or just grabbing a slice of pizza, he will always plead poor and ask you to pay. Paying for some things is OK, but if you're with a guy who never has any money (or just has an aversion to spending his own), get out while you can -- or at least before you go broke.

THE LAZY SLOB

This guy may charm you at first with his ambitions and list of projects that he plans, but that will get old fast once you notice that all he ever seems to do is play video games and order takeout. If he never has anything new to report in terms of job hunting or physical activity of any kind, and he always has stains on his clothing, move on or risk becoming his mother.The lazy slob has no motivation or intention of ever getting a real job.

THE OVER ACHIEVER
The complete opposite to the lazy slob is the type A overachiever. While this guy looks great on paper (good job, six-figure income, sweet condo), he will never be around to hang out with you. When he is around, he will talk only about work. He'll sweep you off your feet with expensive dinners and lavish gifts, but as soon as things get serious, he'll go back to focusing solely on his career. Do you really want a guy who pays more attention to his stocks than to you? We didn't think so.

THE BIG KID

Some guys never seem to grow up. As charming as they seem at first, dating someone who is immature can be frustrating. All he wants to do is have fun, which is great (he's adventurous and has great date ideas), but when you settle down and move in together, he'll never want to talk about "boring" things like finances, rent and chores. If you're looking for long-term love, the big kid is not your go-to guy.

SHOCKING BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Women would do anything for beauty. Here are a few of the biggest OMG WTF beauty rituals you might not know about... (and if you have tried one of them, tell us all about it because we haven't found anyone brave enough to try them yet!)

ANT BODY WASH

Japanese use a refreshing and energy-giving wash made purely of Ants because  they contain high levels of formic acid, which is energy-giving. In fact you'll find that in some cultures, ants are part of a daily diet. This body wash will awaken the senses and provide an overall feeling of balance. It's also perfect for people with oily skin or sluggish metabolisms. See those ants marching through your kitchen? They're not the enemy after all. Use them to wash your hair, as a shower scrub or even as a bath soak.

BIRD POOP FACIALS

Japanese use a powder made from songbird feces, which is used by geishas and kabuki actors to wipe the heavy white makeup off their faces. But don't pooh-pooh the doo-doo just yet. Rich in the amino acid guanine, the rarified droppings are said to impart a soft, porcelain-white mien. We don't suggest you try this at home, since the droppings have to be sterilized to remove toxins and then ground into a fine powder.

PORTUGUESE URINE GARGLE

 In Rome to improve the color of their teeth and freshen their breath, Romans imported and swilled Portuguese urine. Apparently, the Portuguese pH was much more divine and manly than mellow Roman yellow. While obviously unpleasant, urine contains several compounds like ammonia and urea that actually kill germs and help fight the gum disease gingivitis. No price listed.

PIG PLACENTA BEAUTY DRINK

Japan Is in a world of it own, who doesn’t know about placenta it's slimy, slippery, bloody and full of fluids, so who would think to drink such a thing? The desire for youth and beauty can be a strong one, which is why people in Japan are currently lining up to drink ground pig placenta. Like menstrual blood, placentas are full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals – everything that an egg or baby feeds on. 

THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT MEN LOOK FOR

You may think that a man’s mind isn’t that complex in comparison with your own, but sometimes they experience those strange things you women call “emotions,” too. So here, very plain and simple are 10 little things They want from you, but are often too darn stubborn to ask for.

SEX

Admit it -- you saw this one coming. Yes, we want sex. Often. In fact, just about any time and any place. But there's more to it than just sex. We also like other signs of your affection, so hold hands with us or give a spontaneous hug.

HONEST REACTIONS

Don't fake it. We can tell when you do.

COMPLIMENTS

Men want to be complimented just as much as women do. When we look good, tell us.

LAUGHTER

Make us laugh! A sense of humor is a wonderful thing, and a woman with a good one is extremely appealing.

ACCEPTANCE

We want you to accept us as we are, not think of us as someone you can renovate. Yes, they have faults -- but look past them. They want you to accept them for the men they already are and are working to become.

HONESTY

There's no real basis for a relationship without honesty, and it starts when we first meet. If you're truly interested, don't start out playing hard-to-get.

SPACE

Don't crowd us. Men like time and space with their friends, and even time alone. Women who require men to spend every minute with them need to get a life of their own.

COMMUNICATION

Go ahead and express yourself. Your man may not always agree with you, but it probably makes him proud that you can stand up for yourself. Strong women are sexy!

BELIEF

If you love your man, believe in his dreams as much as he believes in yours.

TRUST

If you can't trust each other, the relationship is doomed. Take his word for it and don't constantly check up on him or try to trick him. Trust is respect, and both parties in a relationship deserve to be respected.

Nigerian author wins Caine Prize

Nigerian writer Rotimi Babatunde has won this year’s prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing.

Nigeria’s Rotimi Babatunde wins Caine writing prize

The £10,000 ($15,700) prize was given for his story Bombay’s Republic about Nigerian soldiers who fought in the Burma campaign during World War II.

Caine Prize (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Rotimi Babatunde wins Caine prize for African writing(guardian.co.uk)
• Nigerian author wins Caine Prize with ‘darkly humourous’ prose(edition.cnn.com)

Netflix of Africa' brings Nollywood to world

A poster from popular Nollywood movie, "Fazebook Babes"

(CNN) -- When Jason Njoku graduated from his UK-based university in 2005, he was filled with high hopes of entrepreneurial success.

But after his business endeavors failed to take off for years, Njoku had no option but to move back to his mother's house in London.

Returning home as a penniless 29-year-old was "a harrowing experience" but provided Njoku, a chemist by training, with his Eureka moment -- he realized there's a growing appetite for Nollywood films after noticing how his mother and other relatives had difficulties getting their hands on their beloved movies from Nigeria's booming film industry.

The tech entrepreneur spotted the gap in the market and in 2010 he founded iROKO Partners, an internet company that distributes Nollywood films to viewers across the world.

Described as the "Netflix of Africa," Njoku's company has today grown to have more than 500,000 registered users. It has offices in London, New York and Lagos with some 100 staff and has secured $8 million in funding from U.S.-based hedge fund Tiger Global, early investors in Facebook.

Earlier this week it launched a new internet subscription service which enables viewers to watch exclusive Nollywood films for $5 a month.

CNN's Marketplace Africa spoke to Njoku about entrepreneurship in Africa, Nollywood and his plans for the future.

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Bringing Nollywood to the world