Monday, February 28, 2011
Giveaway - Red Beaded Flower Hair Clip!
Today's giveaway is a Red Beaded Flower Hair Clip. It is five hand beaded petals using seed beads, held together with silver wire and formed into a flower. The back has a duck bill clip attached. Measures 3 1/4" in diameter. The hair accessories is from Fatemeh's Jewelry & Accessories.
To win this item, reply to the post with your funniest hair experience as a child. This contest will end on March 11th, 2011 at 10pm. The winner will be chosen by Fatemeh, Designer and shop owner. Good luck!
You Asked...I Answered
You Asked:
Need help,
I am in my early 50 and i am having problem with the top ofy my hair is very thin to be honest I am **** near bald at the top can you help me and please give me some advice I have been wearing locs for the past 4 years. help.
I answered:
When it comes to hair loss there are quite a few factors that you may want to look at to see if you can determine what is causing the problem. The most obvious and probably the first recommendation would be to visit a dermatologist. However, when I got to the loc portion of your email the first thing I thought was: twisting to tight. How often are you re-twisting your hair and when you retwist are there fingernails involved? Does the twisting hurt? Is heat involved?
Re-twisting to often can cause excess stress on your roots and contribute to breakage, jagged fingernails can tear those tiny hair strands to shreds. If your roots are re-twisted too tightly that could potentially lead to traction alopecia and if you are sitting under a dryer after re-twisting then it possible that you could be experiencing some heat damage at the roots that is contributing to the breakage. As you can see there are a number of things that can play a part in breakage in the crown area.
You Asked:
Tia i see you do a lot of different things with your hair but I am wondering what are some new styles for men with locs? I use virgin coconut oil on my hair now but i'm looking for something new. Hair doesn't seem as healthy as it should. HELP A BROTHER OUT!!
I am really big on no longer using harmful chemicals in my hair. So this is what I shampoo my hair with Dr. Bronners tea tree oil shampoo or the peppermint. I use this product bc it's made with coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil and it's light.
I mix pure Vitamin E with my coconut oil when i rub it in my hair and on my scalp. That's all I use. My hair is breaking so I started using this combo. I laid off the shea butter. I'm not sure if it's because I tie my hair up to have it out my face or just the hair isn't as healthy anymore....Thanks
I answered
In my opinion, finding the balance between protein and moisture is key in preventing breakage. There are quite a few natural products out there that can help you with reaching that balance. You mention that you are pulling your hair back to keep it out of your face, are you tying the locs together? Tying them together increases the potential that you will pull them too tight. Try wearing something like a loc soc to keep the hair out of your face. That will reduce the amount of strain that you put on each individual loc.
Some natural strengthening products you can use include black tea, coconut milk, henna (my fav), eggs, and many others.
As for styles - I hear the call and I will try my best to discover some new looks. Since my hubby has locs I may make this a regular feature on the blog. I have noticed a number of other ladies that have men with locs and we have to show them love too. :)
For more information pertaining to these question please check out the links below:
Vitamins For Your Hair
All Natural Strengthening Product - CurlyNikki Forum
How Dreadlock Wearers Combat Thinning Hair
Essential Oils Can Help Regrow Hair
Dreadlock Blogs
Introducing....
....Our little Claire! She was born at 8:08 this morning and is just PERFECT! She weighed 8lbs and 1oz and was 21 1/2" long. After a natural labor and birth we are both recovering beautifully. I'll have more details soon, but right now I have to go kiss, smell, and love up on our new little angel. xo, Sam
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Fall/Winter - Week 16
The hair shot was perfect - facial expression not so much, LOL. I did this twist out using a method posted on YouTube by Naptural85. It was quick and easy.
Ending to a Great Week
My LF applications have been really realistic lately, and my hair is growing back healthy - such a relief to comb my hair and not see any left in the sink or the comb (note to self: never use Color Fix ever again, and I'm too old for copper colored hair). I'm taking 5000 mcgs of Biotin everyday; any more than that then I'll start breaking out.
I'm back on the Apple Macbook Pro train also. I had a slight setback, but it looks like I can order it on May 6th (5 pay periods). Who knows when they'll ship it, since it will be custom made. Saving is a kick in the pants, but when I have it, I'll own it outright. I'm so obsessed with that laptop, it's all I can think about.
Also, early congratulations to Natalie Portman for winning Best Actress for tomorrow's Academy Awards. I know she's going to win. She's one of my favorite actresses. Black Swan was a helluva movie. Can't wait til that bad boy comes out on DVD. Trust me, she's going to win. If she doesn't, I'll eat my shoe (wonder how many WW points that is?)
Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Breathe in, breathe out, and experience healthier hair
A Little Bit of Whimsy...
A few years back my mother (in the pink) and I (in the orange) were in the chorus of the opera version of Cinderella. It was to be an outrageous production with bright zany costumes, picture book sets, and the world's weirdest hairdos! Here are some pictures of our crazy hairstyles, which are lightly based on hairstyles from the mid 1800's (this Jane Eyre's era), as are the costumes. If you put me in a traditional dress from that era, my hairstyle would be completely acceptable.
Popular Custom Corset Designs
Redresseur: If you are between 12-16 years in age and you wish to shape up your body then redresseurs are ideal for you. They are especially designed for children. Continuously wearing these corsets can help in perfectly shaping up your body, as adolescence is considered the ideal period to take care of your curvy figure in future.
Bondage: It is also worn to maintain the shape of the body and its design extends to the knees. So, you might have troubles in walking but you can wear it for longer durations that will help in maintaining your curves.
Waist Cincher: It is kind of a waist belt worn over the waist that gives the illusion of a relatively slimmer waist.
Hourglass: Most famous among the ladies wishing for an instant reduction of 3-4 inches in waist (well it does not reduce actually but gives and impression of the reduced waist). If you wish to dazzle in an hourglass figure then it should be the ideal choice. Perfect for party wears and other important social functions.
Popular Custom Corset Designs
Redresseur: If you are between 12-16 years in age and you wish to shape up your body then redresseurs are ideal for you. They are especially designed for children. Continuously wearing these corsets can help in perfectly shaping up your body, as adolescence is considered the ideal period to take care of your curvy figure in future.
Bondage: It is also worn to maintain the shape of the body and its design extends to the knees. So, you might have troubles in walking but you can wear it for longer durations that will help in maintaining your curves.
Waist Cincher: It is kind of a waist belt worn over the waist that gives the illusion of a relatively slimmer waist.
Hourglass: Most famous among the ladies wishing for an instant reduction of 3-4 inches in waist (well it does not reduce actually but gives and impression of the reduced waist). If you wish to dazzle in an hourglass figure then it should be the ideal choice. Perfect for party wears and other important social functions.
Jessica Simpson Haircut Styles
Jessica Simpson, sexy pop princess, is known for doing something different and special at annual hot events in the Hollywood including MTV awards. In fact, Simpson is always the front runner in coming out with new and hot Hollywood Awards Special haircut styles. Look at how stunningly sexy she looks in her wavy long haircut style with layered long tresses at annual BMI Country Awards.
Fun and fashion diva, Jessica Simpson looks stunning with a fantastic long wavy haircut style that distinctly features her sexy locks and cute face. Check out another picture on this site where Jessica is seen wearing straight long hairstyle with a sassy and sexy upstyle at the premier of her movie 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. In another photograph, Jessica is seen wearing a straight medium hairstyle with a unique version of classic half updo. She has tried several versions of this particular hairstyle at MTV Awards. If you want to copy her haircut style, you can try out seductive medium wavy hairstyle with back and side sections tied in a perfect fancy updo. It is a perfectly suitable hairstyle for a night out with your hubby.
Jessica Simpson Haircut Styles
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Marisa Miller Hairstyle
California' beach babe, Marisa Miller, 30 is a beautiful surf-wear and swim-wear model, who shot to fame for her appearances with lingerie giant Victoria' Secret Angels and swimsuit calendar specialist Sports Illustrated. Born at Santa Cruz, California, Marisa began her modeling career in 1997 with 'Perfect 10' Magazine. Standing tall at 5'10'', weighing 50 Kg and measuring 35-23-35, Marisa has beautiful and dreamy hazel colored eyes and blonde hair. With her flawless and perfectly toned skin and shapely curves, Marisa Miller rocks the red carpets and keeps the spectators spellbound in dreams.
When one looks at the gorgeous Californian beach babe as is known today, one cannot believe that she is the same girl who was shy and conservative just few years back. Marisa likes to have flowing long hair while shooting for her swimsuit photo essays. However, she often has to go for short haircuts as per the requirement of roles. Regardless of what hairstyles she wear, Marisa Miller looks graceful and gorgeous in a diverse varieties of hairstyles ranging from super short to long and wavy straight hairstyles.
Marisa Miller Hairstyle
Inspiration Photo - "Life Is Devine"
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Don't Go Breaking My Heart...
Not much makes me happier than a good list. In the interest of making me happy and to provide you with something to read, I have compiled a list of some of my FAVORITE break up songs of all time. I had intended on dedicating each song to a past boyfriend or ex-friend, but fortunately there are more songs than failed relationships in my life so I went ahead a made a few playlists. So click on over to the videos and dedicate one to someone from your past today.
Top 5 Angry Break Up Songs
This one goes out to Matthew Johnson who broke up with me in an email Sophomore year and got engaged three months later.
5.These Boots were Made for Walking//Nancy Sinatra
"You keep lying when you ought to be truthin'/ you keep losing when you ought to not bet/ You keep samein' when you ought to be changin'/ Now what's right is right/ but you ain't been right yet"
Listen Here
4.You Oughta Know//Alanis Morissette
"It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced/ Are you thinking of me when your (with) her?"
Listen Here
3.No Children //The Mountain Goats
"I hope that our few remaining friends/ Give up on trying to save us/ I hope we come out with a fail-safe plot/ To piss off the dumb few that forgave us"
Listen Here
2.Song for the Dumped//Ben Folds Five
"Give me my money back, you b---ch/ I want my money back/ And don't forget to give me back my black T-shirt."
Listen Here
1.Call Tyrone//Erykah Badu
"I think you'd better call Tyrone/ And tell him come on help you get your sh--/ You need to call Tyrone Hold on/ But you can't use my phone."
Listen Here
5 Songs for When You Just Know It's Over
This one goes out to Andrew Duffle who I dumped between classes in the cafeteria b/c I heard he made out with this girl on a band trip. He later told me that was the worst day of his life.
5.It’s Not Right,But It’s Okay//Whitney Houston
"Pack your bags up and leave/ Don't you dare come running back to me/ It's not right but it's okay/ I'm gonna make it anyway/ Close the door behind you/ Leave your key/ I'd rather be alone than unhappy"
Listen Here
4.It's Too Late//Carol King
"And it's too late, baby, now it's too late/ Though we really did try to make it/ Something inside has died/ And I can't hide and I just can't fake it"
Listen Here
3.Don't Speak//No Doubt
"It's all ending/ I gotta stop pretending who we are.../You and me I can see us dying...are we?"
Listen Here
2.I will Always Love You//Dolly Parton
"Good-bye, oh, please don't cry/ Cause we both know that Im not/ What you need"
Listen Here
1.Don't Think Twice//Bob Dylan
"I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind/ You could have done better but I don't mind/ You just kinda wasted my precious time."
Listen Here
5 Songs to Help You Navigate the Post Break-Up Emotional Roller Coaster
This one goes out to R.J. Atchley who I dated twice, loved never, but who had me convinced my life was over after we broke up for the last time over the high school pay phone before firt period.
5.Ex Factor//Lauryn Hill
"It could all be so simple/ but you'd rather make it hard/ loving you is like a battle/ and we both end up with scars/ tell me, who i have to be/ to get some reciprocity/ no one loves you more than me/ and no one ever will"
Listen Here
4.Everybody Knows//John Legend
"I still can’t believe you found somebody new/ But I wish you the best, I guess./ ‘Cause everybody knows, that nobody really knows/ How to make it work, or how to ease the hurt"
Listen Here
3.The Winner Takes It All//ABBA
"I don't wanna talk/ About the things we've gone through/ Though it's hurting me/ Now it's history/ I've played all my cards/ And that's what you've done too/ Nothing more to say/ No more ace to play"
Listen Here
2.Not 'gon Cry//Mary J. Blige
"Eleven years out of my life/ Besides the kids I have nothing to show/ Wasted my years - a fool of a wife/ I should have left your ass long time ago."
Listen Here
1.She’s Got You//Patsy Cline
"I've got your picture that you gave to me/ And it's signed "with love," just like it used to be/ The only thing different, the only thing new/ I've got your picture, she's got you"
Listen Here
INTERACT: I could go all day, but I would LOVE to hear YOUR favorite break-up songs. Leave 'em in the comments!
New Product Review: Shielo Hydrate
My birthday was yesterday. 45... FORTY FIVE. I still feel 23 though. I had a great day. Very calming in the morning, beading in the afternoon, and my favorite meal in the evening (Outback Steakhouse, 3.5 lbs of Alaskan King Crab legs, drawn butter, sweet potato with butter and brown sugar, and broccoli (dipped in the same drawn butter). I didn't even bother counting my Weight Watcher points. Today is a new day, and I'm back on track. I love Weight Watchers because you can still eat the foods you like as long as you stay within your daily points. It teaches moderation. I'm only going to weigh in on Sundays. Stay tuned.
Alexander McQueen Canvas Foldover Boot
DJ ALLY BENSON - será que sabe tocar ????
Reparem nos 2:52 minutos de video.
36 Weeks! Woot Woot!
I made it! *HAPPY DANCE* Yes mam I did! I went to the doctor yesterday and got a great report! I'm medicine free, pump free, and just, well, free for the first time in months! All of these months of hard work and I have finally made it to the 36 week hump!!! 36 weeks and one day to be exact (that one day counts to me like a half year counts for a five year old). Yesterday on the way home from the doctor's office we stopped by the store and I got to look at baby things! Itty bitty tiny baby things! And I do believe that I finally feel some of that relieved excitement creeping over me! It's heavenly...I'm going to soak up every second of it until this baby is here in my arms (which the doctor thinks will be very soon) and the next time you hear from me there will be baby pictures to show! Itty bitty baby pictures! eek! xo, Sam
Why you need Silica in your beauty & hair regimen now!
So why is silica even worth talking about? First off, it's important to know that silica is one of those essential nutrients our bodies need in order to function properly. Kinda like essentail fatty acids or water. We have a natural store of silica in all of our connective tissue which depletes during the day through normal body functioning. We also loose silica as we age and that's when we begin to experience the signs of aging. Those who have adequate amounts of silica in the body boast of having beautiful skin, healthy hair, strong nails, and healthy joints. In fact, I learned that newborn babies have the greatest amount of silica reserves.
You might even remember me mentioning silica as a beauty nutrient when I talked about juicing cucumbers in my video. Because silica is a natural occuring mineral, some of the food we eat contain silica. However, because our soil is becoming deficient and most of the food we eat has been processed, the amount of silica we receive from our food is minimal. Our bodies need this mineral to function optimally so it only makes sense that we supplement silica in a form that our bodies can readily absorb.
Horsetail
As I mentioned before, horsetail silica, is a plant based source of silica and the most widely available. You can purchase in supplement form or you can even buy horsetail tea bags. I was really interested in picking up some horsetail silica extract then I came to find out that all silica is not created the same.....
It seams that the body more readily absorbs silica in colloidal form. This means that the particles are small enough to be absorbed into the body's system more efficiently. You guys already know that I am really trying to focus on supplementing in ways that make sense. Meaning I want the nutrients to be in usable form right away so I can get the most benefit. So when I found out that there are silica sources even more powerful than horsetail, I immediately wanted to know more.
Here are some reviews of silica from makeupalley.com
jenjenluv on 1/26/2011 6:25:00 PM More reviews by jenjenluv
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair, Not Sure Hair: Blond, Other, Other Eyes: Hazel
I started out with the smaller bottle of this stuff. I'm not sure the brand, i am too lazy to go check. The first bottle went fast. it only lasted about 2 weeks. Now i'm on my second bottle. It's been about a month and i still have lots left. I take a table spoon a day and i like the taste. The gel turns into an almost fluffy texture when in your mouth. My skin is much nicer looking. Not as oily. My nails are stronger. I noticed new little lashes growing on my lashes. and my brows are growing in nice and thick. My hair seems a bit better. I'm sure in a couple mnonths it will be even nicer from using this. It's hard to say right now because the winter has been harsh on it. Overall i think its a great little miracle worker. I don't know how it works really but it's had nothing but great reviews, and while it doesnt work magic over night, it subtly does wonder for your hair skin and nails.
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felgoj on 3/19/2010 2:15:00 PM More reviews by felgoj
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
My coworker can attest to the fact that when she takes silica (horsetail extract) regularly for a few months, her hair grows faster. I've seen her have gorgeous hair that she grew out from a short bob to long past her shoulders in almost no time (1 season). I started using silica (along with biotin) 1 week ago in an attempt to grow stronger, thicker nails. I forgot that it's good for skin & hair as well, & I'm glad that it is b/c currently I'm desperately trying to grow out a bad haircut by the time summer comes! lol Let's hope the results will be good. So not much has happened in 1 week except: My eyelashes are SO MUCH LONGER! I thought I was imagining things but I compulsively examine my lashes every day & I could swear the other day my lashes looked different -- longer & curly at the ends (my ordinary lashes never curled on their own). I don't wear mascara every day, so knowing that my lashes look puny with mascara on, I applied mascara today to check the length & it's official -- my lashes really grew longer in 1 week. The difference is so obvious. Nothing else in my skincare routine or daily habits changed except for the addition of biotin & silica to my diet. I have to credit them both & will continue using them together (as long as biotin doesn't cause me any bad acne breakouts). I take biotin once a day (5mg) & silica twice a day (both Vitamin Shoppe brand) with food. I'm so amazed at this unexpected result! I hope to get similar results with my hair, & will update after a month or two to allow for some hair/nails results (which obviously will take longer than lashes ....but who knows! lol). Now I know the real value of silica & I wish I believed in its powers sooner. UPDATE: I'm 2 weeks into this & I noticed my pores have shrunken! I always had giant oily pores that have been a major source of embarrassment & disappointment. Two men in my life have also asked me why I have holes in my face (ugh!). My skin now looks velvety smooth without any makeup & my pores are no longer obvious - my pores look normal! YAY I thank silica & biotin for this. I wish I discovered this a lifetime ago. continued >>
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dawl_1015 on 2/26/2010 10:11:00 PM More reviews by dawl_1015
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Tan, Cool Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
This product is amazing, I use the Hubner brand and experienced ridiculously fast nail growth, clear skin, and stronger/thicker hair. My hair has been dry, thin and basically crappy my entire life.. Its very dry despite constant conditioning, a healthy diet etc, and never grew. Now the baby hairs around my forehead are literally 5 inches long (the BABY HAIRS), when they used to be only a centimeter! As for the rest of my hair, it's getting better, Ive only been using it 2 months. My nails grow so fast that I trim them, and 3 days later, they're back to the same length, its crazy. I dont know if this will work for everyone, but it's been awesome for me, and I recommend that people try it for at least 2 months to see if they get good results! Where I buy it, it's $30/bottle CDN, but I get it from a small, local health food store, and you may find it cheaper at other places. Happy hair growing =)
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eurobarbie on 7/26/2009 10:16:00 AM More reviews by eurobarbie
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Blue
I had first found out about Silicea through many advertisements in health food stores. It was probably not untill a year later I had decided to purchase it when I noticed how lacklusture my hair had become, perhaps through too many uses of my straightening iron and the bi monthly hair colourings. Of course I still use topical hair creams and lotions, to be honest I knew that if I wanted nicer hair I would have to chop off my ratty ends and suppliment my diet. In addition to the not so pleasent state of my hair I had my mothers weak, brittle nails and moderate hormonal acne. This is when I decided to purchase Silicea. I had read up about Silicea before purchasing because I was abit scared of putting this in my body. The Hubner Brand Silica website states "Silica gives strength and support to all connective tissue, tendons and ligaments, skin, hair and nails. Silica supports the absorption of calcium in the human body. It is essential to the human body, it is found in lungs, intestines and blood." So simply I suppose, silicon is needed in a lot of the parts of our body and this is an aqueous solution made of oxygen and silicon. It is reccomened to be taken once daily, a tablespoon mixed into your favourite drink. I did so, I first mixed it in with water, and to be honest whilst there is no taste whatsoever I found little bits of gel still floating around no matter how well I would mix it, I would feel them slide down my throat and it wasn't the most pleasent experince. So I started taking it with orange juice, and couldnt tell the gel apart from th juice no mater how hard I tried. My mother takes this with a glass of milk as silicea helps absorption of calcium and she doenst find the bits of a gel a problem. After about two weeks, I noticed my nails and hair were a little bit better, but again being honest, it was probably not the strength of result I was hoping for. But I had also had subsequently being applying the gel to any pimples I had before going to bed, using a cotton tip soaked in the gel, and I had found that my skin was so much better. I was so surprised, having acne for the last six years having tried everything from over the counter prescriptions to homeopathy, I was so surprised a simple natural compound worked so well. It has cleared up 90% of my pimples, and now I only dab the occasional spot and it is litterly gone the next day. There is a little bit of tightness and redness which may occur whislt the gel is on your skin. You may also feel a slight tingle after about 10minutes of the gel being on your skin. I get this sensation whilst my mother doesnt, but it is only superficial, do not be scared, do not wash it off it helps dry the pimple naturally and I find also prevents scaring. I still drink the gel when I feel that I am getting a few pimples due to eating too much sugar or that time of the month, it works beautifully. I had continued drinking the gel for 2 months after my initial purchase, The overall condition of my skin was lovely, I cant really decsribe it, I guess I would have to say healthy. The dryness around my knees and elbows had healed up and skin was more radiant. I had found my fine hair to have less breakages and I allowed it to grow longer as I had wanted to for a while. I couldnt really tell any effects on my nails as I had got acrylic nails shortly after, but they do grow quite fast. Now the product itself, as I have said to me there is no taste or smell, although the sales lady told me there was a metally taste, I have noticed no such thing. The gel is a clear thick mixture. Be sure to always keep this in the fridge after opening and shake the bottle very well before adding the gel mixture to your drink of choice or before applying it to your face. This mixes in any particles that have seperated. I initially purchased this from a healthy food store in QVB for 45AUD but have being buying it from Chemist Warehouse for around 30AUD ever since. I recommend it to alot of my friends with acne and other skin conditions, it has helped a handful of them greatly and I cant encourage people enough to try it. Its natural and relatvly cheap considering the amount of money people spend on pimple mediactions which contain harsh chemicals which may dry out your pimples but are causing havoc to your skin and body. oh yes, have repurchased and will always repurchase. I wish everyone the best of luck with this product :)
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pinkandblack on 7/25/2009 2:24:00 AM More reviews by pinkandblack
Age: 36-43 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Not Sure Hair: Other, Other, Other Eyes: Other
I'd experienced nothing-short-of-miraculous hair regrowth (my hair had been thinning for a while) with BioSil capsules, then I switched to Flora Silica because it was half the price and lost all that new growth )= I've just restarted my BioSil regimen and will update in a few months.
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illeyad on 7/25/2009 1:39:00 AM More reviews by illeyad
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Brown
Silica is one of the best beauty supplements out there. For those who don’t know Silica is not to be thought of as ‘plastic silicone’ it is classified as a natural mineral found in the earth known as Silicon Dioxide. It is known for assisting in calcium absorption during bone formation- therefore it is known for helping mend bone fractures. Silica studies have revealed that it can prevent osteoporosis. It can also promote the health and healing of your connective tissue. As healthy and wonderful as this sounds, I am sure you are more interested in it’s beautifying properties! I originally bought this supplement for the promise of healthier nails and hair after Biotin turned out to be a failure for me. For those who do not know, Biotin is known to cause break outs in acne prone skin. I wanted an alternative and came across Silica tablets at my local GNC for $18 per 90 soft gel tablet bottle. After 6 weeks of use, I am pleased to report I have suffered no break outs and have finally achieved my stronger, less flexible mid length nails. A huge change from the original brittle, breakable, pealing nails I had. Although I must admit, Biotin had done a better job adding a little thickness to my nails where Silica only made them a tiny bit thicker, but much more stronger. However, healthy nails were not the only benefits I achieved, I noticed my skin appeared more dewy and glowy. After some research I found out that Silica promotes skin health and collagen renewal. It also is credited towards fetal growth, bone health, dental health, capillary health, speeds healing, such as sprains, bruises, and cuts. I am extremely pleased with this product and highly recommend it to anyone who is not 100% happy with Biotin, or had bad results from it. Research reveals that the most potent form of Silica is found in the product- Biosil, a more natural form. It is twice the price, however it is considered the best because it is all natural and comes in a potent liquid form that is more readily obsorbed. Happy Shopping!