Anti-aging face creams- do they really work, after all?

Boots stores were recently inundated with customers who had seen the BBC's Horizon programme endorsing one of their No 7 skin care products, as it appears that it really does get rid of the wrinkles. For more info on this story see here.

Details of the latest trial focusing on wrinkles caused through aging , rather than sun damage, is reported in Archives of Dermatology You can read a detailed abstract of the article via this link, but not the full-text. You might want to have a look at the past issues of this journal for items of interest.

For up-to-date information on cosmetics and skin care, read Cosmetics International available in the Library. This publication includes global information on companies, marketing, packaging, ingredients and people in the industry, so it's well worth reading.

If you want to read more about skin care and cosmetic ingredients, then we have some books in stock that you will find useful. I will give you the shelf location to help you find the books, but if you want any more help don't forget I am based at Richmond House Library where I will answer any queries you might have. For ingredient information try reading: Cosmetic Watch, Charlwood and Robinson, 658.55 CHA, or Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary, Michalun, 646.726 MIC. For general skin care there is: Skin Care: beyond the basics, Lee, 616.5 LEE and The World of Skin care, Gray, 646.726 GRA.

Codes of Practice

Did you know that you can download codes of practice for waxing and nails services from the Habia (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority) website? If you select the 'for business' link from the menu you can then choose to download the codes of practice for both waxing and nail services. Although compliance with the codes is voluntary, they are intended to encourage good practice throughout the nails and beauty industry and are based on nationally agreed standards. The codes of practice are well worth reading as they cover all aspects of waxing and nail services.

You can also read information on the National Minimum Wage by clicking on the 'for business' link, which will be of interest if you are thinking of setting up your own business. For more information on the National Minimum Wage see the DTI site.

Afro Hair and Beauty Live

Afro Hair and Beauty Live is taking place on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 May ( Bank Holiday Monday) at the Alexandra Palace in London. It is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the show and there will be demonstrations, competitions, fashion and hair shows and free makeovers. If you buy an advance ticket for Sunday you can get £2 off. You can also get a student discount, (for this you will need student ID). For more details about the show and ticket information click here.

Hype Hair magazine

If you are looking for information on afro hair styles or products, try looking at the May/June issue of Hype Hair which has just arrived in the Library. Hype Hair is a US hair magazine dedicated to afro-caribbean hair care. It also includes features on beauty products and makeup for dark skin.

FHBS Inspirations 07

The FHBF (Freelance Hair and Beauty) Inspirations event will take place at the Renaissance Solihull Hotel on Sunday 10 June 2007. One of the highlights of this event is Beverly C. Twice winner of British Hairdresser of the Year in 2003 and 2004, who will be cutting, styling and dressing long hair as well as sharing the secrets of her success . For further details see the FHBS website.

New Facials Book in Stock

If you are studying NVQ level 2 or 3 Beauty Therapy we have a new book on facial massage and skin care in stock that is well worth reading: Facials and Skincare in Essence, written by Helen McGuiness. Included in this book are several case studies, a chapter on anatomy and physiology and a glossary of terms used in skin care.

There are copies available at Richmond House and Summer Row Library.

The L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2007

Having, many years ago in a previous life, entered a regional heat of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy competition I read with interest that the 2007 Grand Final will be held at Earls Court, London on 21 May. The first L'Oreal Colour Trophy was held in 1954 and less than 20 stylists entered, although I can't claim to have entered the first competition as I was much too young back then! It was during the late 1960s that as a young apprentice hairdresser I entered a regional final of the competition, which was held in Birmingham at the building that is now the Carling Birmingham Academy. I didn't win, but was placed about mid-way down the list of entrants and it was great fun.
You can find plenty of information about the 2007 L'Oreal Colour Trophy here. If you are interested in men's hair fashions, have a look at the News Room link on the site to see the information on the men's catwalk show.

Smoking Legislation

You are probably aware that from 1 July 2007 a law will come in to effect banning smoking in enclosed spaces. All spas, hair, beauty and nail salons, except those in prisons, will be legally required to become smokefree. The Habia ( Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority) website provides information regarding this legislation, along with other issues relating to health and safety. Further guidance is available from Smokefree England.

Specific guidance on legislation for employers is also contained in the Habia Employment Pack for Salons that is available in both Summer Row and Richmond House Library (reference only) shelved at 344.4201 HAB.