Traditionally society wore their clothes and then either threw them away or sold their ‘designer’ and ‘vintage’ threads to specialist stores.

However with a recession looming, everyone has had to become a little bit more fashion savvy. Quality rather that fast/cheap/third world fashion and selling the good stuff on. Most of us have jobs/lives and although there is a pretty penny to be had on eBay, who has the time to get to the post office? Step in these stores, as featured in The London Paper, undercutting the 60% commission charges for selling your clothes and making your purchasing feel a little bit more refined than eBay. You’ll also make some cash, thus giving more money to spend, boosting the economy. Win, win!

They accept high street, designer and even unwanted vintage, and thanks to the stores’ central location, you can expect your stuff to get snapped up fast.

Best of all, Bang Bang buys your stuff up front – so you get the cash immediately rather than waiting for them to shift your style mistakes.

You get only 30 per cent of what they hope to sell it for, but it’s the only place we know that will sell on your cheapie high-street clothes.
21 Goodge St, W1, 020 7631 4191, 9 Berwick St, W1
Commission taken 70%

The Closet Bureau

How come nobody thought of this before? The Closet Bureau is a chi-chi new website that takes designer fashion and sells it for you on eBay.

Founder Sophia Greene (a fashion PR, naturellement) was inspired by her own mama. “Because they didn’t know how to use eBay, my mother and her friends would take their clothes to dress agencies, on a monthly basis, where they were charged up to 60 per cent commission for selling the clothes and got little  back,” says Greene. “We charge 35 per cent and take care of everything from cleaning to photography and shipping.”

Besides shouldering the admin, Greene knows all the ­insider eBay tricks. In fact, this canny clothes horse once sold a pair of Louboutins she bought for £200 at a sample sale for £1,200 . We’ll have a bit of that.
www.theclosetbureau.com, FREE collection from Zones 1-2
Commission taken 35%

Writen about in Vogue here

Seconda Mano
Don’t be confused when you arrive at ­Seconda Mano on Upper Street. The ground floor is a hairdresser, but below stairs you’ll find a cache of second-hand designer ­treasures (well, we say second-hand, but most of it is unworn).

Seconda Mano will sell your unwanted clobber at 50 per cent commission. It sounds like a lot, but their prices are quite high so if they sell your stuff you can still make a tidy profit.

They take clothes, jeans, shoes and accessories, but everything must be in mint condition, preferably with a designer label attached. In other words, that ill-advised Topshop playsuit need not apply.
53 Upper Street, 020 7359 5284
Commission taken 50%

Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) can last for anything from three to four months, but during this time hair can not be expected to be perfectly straight every morning, and straighteners will still be required.

The quality of the hair straighteners will not directly effect how long the BKT treatment will last, but it will effect how easy it is to keep your hair smooth and sleek.

Over the coming weeks Chameleon Fridays will be reviewing some of the top brands, including GHD, Babyliss, and Remington.

Below is an article answering the most common questions on Brazilian Keratin Treatment

General Questions

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

How long does BKT last?

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

How much does BKT Cost?

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

How to treat your hair after BKT

Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

Can I go swimming after BKT?

How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What to do after Keratin Treatment?

What not to do after Keratin treatment?

Health Questions about BKT

Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

What Chemicals are in BKT?

Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

Does your hair fall out after BKT?

Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out?

Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o Brazilian Keratin Treatment has numerous names including:

• Keratin straightening

• Brazilian blow out

• BKT

• BKST

• Brazilian Keratin hair straightening

• Escova progressiva (the Brazilian name)

• “the permanent blow dry”.

It is a treatment that is designed to give hair that “just out of the salon, blow dried look”.

In brief it works by applying a product, Keratin to the hair and then sealing that product to the hair. The net result is that hair is normally straighter (as if it had been blow dried straight).

For more details see here and a video here.

• If a person has the BKT treatment the net result is that they will generally have straighter, more shiny, more “healthy looking” hair.

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What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

* During a treatment the hair is first washed, with a clarifying shampoo, to open up the cuticles. Then the treatment is applied, which contains the Keratin. Then heat is applied through straightening irons. The heat seals the Keratin into the hair and so removes the frizz.

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How long does BKT last?

o Between two to four months. BKT is not permanent and is eventually washed out.

The more the hair is washed, the quicker the keratin will be washed out.

o If hair is washed one a week it may last 4 months, if its washed 3 or 4 times a week then it may last two months. For this reason three months is the most common average for the length of a keratin treatment.

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

o BKT normally makes the hair look shiny and more healthy. Surprisingly the hair can also feel softer. Keratin provides a lot of nutrients for the hair, hence it looks so good afterwards.

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How much does BKT Cost?

o Its not a cheap treatment and costs vary, depending on the salon, from £200 to £500 per treatment.

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

o No. The procedure involves a very long and detailed hair straightening process using irons and driers. It takes over 2 hours, and this is not something somebody can “have ago at”.

DIY is not a good thing!

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I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

o Possibly not, it will depend on the exact hair type. If its incredibly tightly curled hair then you may end up with soft curls

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What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

o These are both Japanese hair straightening products. They work by applying a chemical to the hair that stays on the hair for the rest of its life. The hair is permanently straight and will only return to its natural method as the hair grows.

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Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

o They are very different treatments and it depends what you want. The former allows for flexibility and a more natural look, the latter is a longer lasting treatment.

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Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

o Yes, initially. BKT is not permanent and comes out in the wash; the less the hair is washed the longer it lasts.

o For the first 3 to 4 days after Brazilian Keratin Treatment the hair should not be washed, and then it should only be washed with a sodium chloride free shampoo and conditioner

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Will sea water damage my hair after BKT?

o No, but it should be avoided. Sea water, which is salt water (and salt is Sodium Chloride), washes the keratin out of the hair quicker than normal water.

For this reason swimming in sea water reduces the life span of a BKT treatment.

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Can I go swimming after BKT?

• Brazilian Keratin Treatment is washed out more rapidly by sodium chloride and chlorine. Sodium chloride (salt) is in sea water and chlorine is in most swimming pools and spas. So if your going to swim, and want to keep the BKT effect for as long as possible try and cover your hair.

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How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

o About three to four days after the first treatment

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Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

• Yes, a minimum of three days, possibly four, depending on your hair type.

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

It must be a sodium chloride free shampoo. Most of the shampoos in the market contain sodium chloride; Eluence produce one at £20.

However, the same product can be purchased for just £7 from this site. Even though the postage and packaging is expensive its still very cheap. If you can buy several you will get a very good bargain.

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What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

o The conditioner, like the shampoo, this needs to be sodium chloride free. As the sodium chloride washes out the keratin faster.

The conditioner can also be bought cheaply from this site.

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What to do after Keratin Treatment?

* Do keep your hair dry

* Blows dry your hair after washing.

* Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.

* Do use a shampoo without Sodium-Chloride (Sulfate-Free) on your hair at all times.

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What not to do after Keratin treatment?

* Don’t do any of the following for the first 3 or 4 days:

1. wash your hair

2. Tie your hair into a pony tail.

3. Use hair clips.

4. Do not place your hair behind your ears.

5. Do not exercise or sweat.

6. Do not use hair bands.

7. Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.

8. Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

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Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

o No. There are two types of BKT. BKT with formaldehyde (commonly referred to as just BKT without an reference to the formaldehyde ) and BKT without formaldehyde, commonly referred to as BKT formaldehyde free. Some people do not like the formaldehyde product, due to the nature formaldehyde   – it is a potent chemical.

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What Chemicals are in BKT?

o BKT contains ether, Keratin, and more often than not formaldehyde. Unless its specifically states its “formaldehyde free” then it will almost certain contain that.

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Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

* During the treatment it is a possible that you could get the product in your eyes, much like there is with any bleach, shampoo, or conditioner. During the treatment its possible the fumes given off could go in to your eyes.

This is not problematic, any more than getting shampoo in your eye – merely wash it out.

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Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

o Sodium Chloride, which is salt, is found in both sea water and most shampoos. In its self it is harmless and will not damage the hair, however it does wash keratin off quicker than normal water, reducing the life span of a BKT treatment, therefore is should be avoided.

There are shampoos available that do not contain sodium chloride.

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Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

• BKT has been available in the UK for the past few years, famously used by Girls Aloud; it has been in the US for much longer.

The primary chemical in BKT is Keratin – which holds the hair. However, most BKT treatments also have formaldehyde in it.

• Formaldehyde is not a nice chemical, and has been linked to cancer. There are no known cases of death or even illness from its use in BKT, and the concentrations are so low, and the exposure so minimal it is unlikely to have an effect for the customer. The stylist, on the other hand, has regular exposure to the chemical, on a daily basis and for this reason some hair dressers simply will not work with it.

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Does your hair fall out after BKT?

o No, not all

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Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

o No, none, other than you have to wait for several days before washing it. The hair actually looks and feels better after the treatment.

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How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o As many times as you want, as it is not harmful for the hair

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out

* Yes, can easily be done every month (funds permitting), as BKT does not harm the hair.

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Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

o Yes. If you’re using BKT once it’s been washed out the hair will return to normal.

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CBS News Article on the “dangers” of BKST/Brazilian Keratin Straightening Treatment

Its an American news article, so it takes itself very seriously.

Male grooming is now worth an estimated £700m in the UK and is the fastest growing sector in the beauty industry. It seems that men are no longer content to buy or more commonly borrow (I would say steal), their partners products. Loreal have capitalised on the powerhouse that is celebrity endorsement, with their legion of Alpha males now telling the boys they too are “worth it”.

Superdrug have just launched their new Taxi Man range of male cosmetics. First up is the brilliantly titled guyliner and manscara (both £6.50). In September, we will see a concealer (£6.50) and lip balm (£5, £5?!) There is also my ego cosmetics , and lets not forget that clearasil have been subtly promoting their tinted cream in non gender specific teenage advertising for years.

Lots of reports covering the new Taxi man range for superdrug are overlooking the facts. This is not ground breaking, men have worn make-up since the beginning of time. The Egyptians were all about eye liner, let’s not pretend this is a new thing. What about the reign of Elizabeth l? Apparently the nomadic tribe Niger Wodaabe have highly made-up male beauty contests judged by the women.

Wonder if the men feel objectified? What would Superwoman think?

For more details than you could ever wish for on the history of men’s make up, see A history of men’s grooming.

What is a modern woman? In a historical snapshot the 50’s saw ‘our’ men come back form war and we returned to our rightful place in the kitchen. Then we had the 80’s, and suddenly we could smash through the glass ceiling in the workplace. What happens now though?

What is it that women want? A career or a family? Or something else, something more, do we actually want both?

Dr Pam Spurr wrote for MSN UK on the subject………

Frighteningly, as sunglasses become fashion items in their own right, we are choosing style over substance. It seems that many ‘fashion’ shades are not compliant with safety guidelines and 63% of us will chose our glasses based on price and trends before safety. Damage to the retina through unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays increases the long-term risk of sight loss resulting from conditions such as cataracts and possibly Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Sunglasses purchased in the UK have to meet set safety standards, so those wanting to ensure adequate eye protection can be assured than in Britain they are safe. This statement does need to be qualified with the understanding that this only applies to those bought legally and not labeled ‘fashion’ glasses.

However with the increase in designer ‘fakes’ available, not to mention the readily available Internet shops, buyers need to be careful. Also, many people buy cheap sunglasses abroad, where the same standards may not apply.

See also tips for safer sunglasses 08.

Follow the guidelines from the College of Optometrists for the best protection:

• Wear good quality, dark sunglasses and check that they are up to standard. Dr Blakeney says: “Good sunglasses needn’t be expensive, you can buy perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores, but just follow a few guidelines.”

• Make sure sunglasses carry the ‘CE’ Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which means they offer a safe level of UV protection.

• Do a simple quality test before buying. Hold the sunglasses at arm’s length and tilt them slightly. Then focus on an object in the distance, move them up and down and see if there is any distortion, especially at the lens’ edges. If the lenses are high quality, there should be no movement.

• Don’t confuse the shade of the lens with their ability to filter UV rays. Dark sunglasses may still allow UV rays to enter the eye and can be more harmful than wearing no glasses at all, because they cause the pupil of the eye to dilate, which allows more UV rays to enter.

• When buying sunglasses to use when driving, make sure they are in the filter category of 0-3. A lens carrying a filter category of 4 will be too dark for safe driving. Never wear sunglasses while driving at night or in poor light.

• Avoid scratches, as a scratched lens will scatter the sun’s light and could cause glare around the area of the scratch. Avoid wear and tear by using a case, cleaning them with a mild detergent and water or a lens cleaner and drying them with a microfibre cloth - not paper, which can scratch the lens.

• Don’t discard sunglasses in the winter. The sun’s UV rays can be present in high enough levels to warrant protection throughout the year and the glare can be more noticeable as the sun’s lower in the sky.

For help on choosing a suitable pair of glasses see Tips for Sunglasses.