Head's Up

Hair Care

Start your everyday grooming routine right at the top with clean, shiny, freshly combed hair.

Do Keep It Clean

As you get older, your hair may get more oily. Keep it clean by washing it regularly. For most girls this means several times a week. If you’re an active athlete, or if you have very oily hair, you may want to wash it every day. Use a mild shampoo that’s made for your hair type. If your hair tangles easily, use a conditioner to smooth it out.

Do De-chlorinate

If you’re a swimmer, rinse the pool water out of your hair after every dip. Chlorine can be very drying, and other chemicals can turn blond hair green. You can buy special shampoos made for swimmers, but regular shampoo often works just as well.

Do Wash Tools

Make sure your brushes and combs are as squeaky-clean as your hair. About once a week, give them a swish in warm, soapy water—you can use shampoo or even mild dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly.

Don’t Mangle Tangles

While your hair is still wet, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle small sections. Start with the ends first and work your way up. If you hit a rough spot, don’t yank! Gently work the comb through your hair.

Do Use the Right Tools

Some hair care tools can damage your hair and scalp. Choose a brush with a rubber base and round-tipped bristles. Never use a brush on wet hair, which is weaker than dry hair—the brush stretches the hair out and can cause it to break. Use a wide- tooth comb instead.

Don’t Share

Sharing is a good thing, except when it comes to hair tools. Don’t borrow combs and brushes from friends or family members, and don’t lend them yours. It isn’t stingy—it’s good hygiene.

Don’t Overheat

Blow-dryers, straightening irons, and curling irons can really dry out your hair. If possible, let your hair dry naturally. If you use a blow-dryer, use the warm or cool setting. Don’t use straightening irons and curling irons every day—save them for special occasions.

Hair Scare!

When hair-raising horrors happen to you, here’s how to handle them.

Getting Gum Out Uh-oh! Somehow you’ve man- aged to get a big, juicy wad of gum in your hair. Before you reach for the scissors, try this age-old trick. Spread a glob of peanut butter on the gum. Work the peanut butter through your hair until the gum comes out. The peanut butter will wash out with a regular shampoo.

Greasy Hair

During puberty, your oil glands get more active. For some girls this means greasy hair. If the roots of your hair look oily almost every day, you may have to shampoo more often.

Dandruff!

Does your scalp feel dry and itchy? Are your shoulders covered with flakes of skin, making your dark-colored shirts look like they’re sprinkled with snow? You may have a case of dandruff, a very common condition that’s easy to treat. Try a dandruff shampoo from the drugstore. If drugstore shampoos don’t work, ask your doctor for something stronger.

Hair products such as mousse,

sprays, and gels can cause

flakes and itching from buildup.

Shampoo regularly to remove

the buildup.

EEK—a Louse!

Head lice are a common problem among schoolkids everywhere. These tiny wingless parasites thrive in thickets of human hair. They bite the scalp, leaving tiny sores that itch like crazy. Worst of all, a single louse can lay hundreds of eggs, called nits, right on your head! If lice are on the loose at your school, take action to protect yourself. Don’t share combs and brushes with friends. Don’t swap hats, hair bands, or headphones, and don’t trade pillows at sleepovers. If you suspect unwelcome guests on your head, see your doctor or school nurse. They know a louse when they see one. Live lice are small and gray, and move around. Nits look like white grains of sand and are often found along the hairline above the neck and behind the ears. If it turns out you have lice, you can buy delousing products at the drugstore. Follow the instructions carefully to get rid of the lice completely and to keep them from coming back.

Nits “glue” themselves to hairand can be hard to get out.

A special fine-tooth “nit comb” can help pick out the nits.

Ears

Ears are easy to care for. They need just a little help from you to stay healthy inside and out so every sound you hear will be crystal clear.

Squeaky Clean

Your ears get washed every time you shampoo or shower. In most cases, that’s all the cleaning they need. Shake your head to remove excess water, and use a towel, washcloth, or cotton swab to wipe off the outer part of your ears. NEVER stick a pointy object into your ears—not even a cotton swab. You could do serious damage to your eardrums or canals. Ear wax, that sticky yellowish stuff inside, is something you’re supposed to have. Wax acts as a sort of flypaper, sticking to dirt and preventing it from traveling into your ear canal. You can, however, have too much wax. If your ears feel plugged, call your doctor to find out a safe way to get the gobs out.

Pierced Ears

If you want to get your ears pierced, go to a professional who uses clean, sterile equipment. Allow two to three months for the holes to heal before you change earrings. Clean your newly pierced ears daily with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Redness, itching, or oozing near the hole may be a sign of infection. If this happens, call your doctor for advice.

Headphones

It’s OK to turn on the music and tune out the world, but don’t turn up the volume! Over time, exposing your ears to loud noise can damage your hearing. Take this test. If someone stands next to you and can hear sound coming out of your headphones, it’s too loud.

Many girls are allergic to the metals used in cheap earrings.

To be safe, look for surgical steel, sterling silver, or 14-karat gold.

Swimmer’s Ear

If you spend your summers at the lake or in the pool, you’re a good candidate for swimmer’s ear. This is an infection that occurs when bacteria in the water gets into your ear and grows, causing a painful earache. The best way to prevent swimmer’s ear is to dry out the ears and disinfect the canals. Follow these steps:

1 After you swim, dry your ears thoroughly with a towel.

2 Mix 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol with 1 teaspoon white vinegar. Put a few drops in each ear. The alcohol helps dry out the ear, and the vinegar kills bacteria.

3 If you have ear pain, especially when you tug on your ear, see a doctor.

Eyes

Be on the Lookout

Many girls don’t notice problems with their eyesight until they have to do a lot of reading or looking at the chalkboard in school. This is often between third and fifth grades. You may need glasses if you have:

❑ headaches while or after you’ve been reading.

❑ trouble seeing objects at a distance or up close.

❑ double vision not caused by just crossing your eyes.

Eye Exams

If you’re having difficulty with your eyes, have them checked by an eye-care professional. Even if you aren’t having problems, doctors say you should have an exam by the time you’ve begun to read. It’s important to check for early signs of disease. At the exam, you’ll be asked to read a special chart up close and at a distance. The doctor will look at your eyes through a kind of microscope and may put drops in your eyes to dilate, or enlarge, your pupils. This helps the doctor see inside your eyes, and it doesn’t hurt at all.

It’s a good idea to have your vision checked every year at school or your doctor’s office. If you have trouble seeing things far away, such as a blackboard, you may be nearsighted. If you have trouble reading up close, you may be farsighted.

“I just got glasses. I was worried everybody would make fun of me, but I realized that after a while, no one will remember what I look like without them!”

Glasses

Glasses are convenient and easy to care for. They come in lots of fun colors and styles. Some girls think of their eye- glasses as fashion accessories!

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses change the way you see without changing the way you look. But they’re also expensive and require daily care and cleaning. Some girls don’t feel ready for this responsibility.

Eye Protection

Your eyes can burn just like your skin. Wear sunglasses at the pool or beach or on the ski slope to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Look for shades marked “UVA/UVB protection.” Don’t stare into the sun, and never look directly at an eclipse, even with sunglasses.

Mouth

A smile is an invitation that you wear on your face. It says “I’m a girl you want to know!” Make sure your smile is a warm greeting and a sign of good health by brushing up on the basics.

Fluoride Facts

Fluoride is a mineral that helps make teeth strong so they can resist cavities. If you live in a city, your water probably has some fluoride in it. Make sure your toothpaste does, too. And you don’t need a huge gob of paste to get the job done—just a squirt about the size of a pea.

Toothbrush Basics

Choose a small-size toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Replace your brush every two to three months, or as soon as the bristles get droopy. Bent bristles won’t clean your teeth properly, and they can harm your gums.

Daily Duty

Plaque is a gooey bacterial film that forms on your teeth. It can cause cavities and gum disease. Attack plaque! Brush your teeth first thing in the morning and at bedtime. Try to brush after eating, too. Pack a toothbrush in your backpack and slumber party kit so you won’t be tempted to skip. Do it every day, the right way. No fair just swishing the toothpaste around a little! Correct brushing takes minutes, not seconds.

How to Brush

1 Hold your toothbrush at an angle to your gum line. Brush back and forth in small strokes, one tooth at a time. Repeat until you’ve scrubbed every single tooth.

2 Now do the inside of each tooth, using the same back-and-forth motion. Make sure to brush right up to the gum line.

3 Use the very tip of the brush to get behind your top and bottom front teeth.

Tickle Your Tongue

Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! Freshly scrubbed taste buds are an important part of a clean mouth and fresh breath.

Healthy Gums

Think pink! Your gums need just as much attention as your teeth. If you don’t take care of your gums, you could be setting yourself up for gingivitis a disease that causes painful, red, swollen gums. To prevent gingivitis, floss once a day to fish out food lurking along the gum line. Dental floss comes in different thicknesses, waxed and unwaxed, to slide between your teeth comfortably. It even comes in tasty flavors!

Fresh Breath

Halitosis is a fancy way of saying “bad breath.” But no matter what you call it, nothing shouts “Stand back!” quite as loudly. In rare cases mouth odor is caused by a nasal infection, upset stomach, or other problem that may need a doctor’s attention. But it may just be a sign that you’re skimping on brushing and flossing food between your teeth can rot and stink just like garbage. So clean it out!

Say “Cheese”!

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of calcium, a mineral that helps toughen up teeth. A balanced, healthy diet that limits gooey, chewy, sticky snacks is the smartest choice.

Regular Visits

Does going to the dentist make your teeth chatter? You'll be less afraid if you know what to expect. Before the exam, ask your dentist to explain what will happen. And remember, regular checkups are the best way to avoid cavities and other problems that require special treatment.

Braces

Grin and Bare ’Em

Today, millions of Americans—girls, grown-ups, even movie stars—are proudly sporting tin grins. If you’re about to get braces, you may be nervous about what others will think or say. Perhaps you’re braced for taunts of “Hey, metal mouth!” or “Woo-woo, train tracks!” You can rain on a bully’s parade by taking the lead yourself. Give one and all a super-dazzling smile. If you show that you’re confident, it will help you feel confident.

Braces are a short-term investment in your long-term smile!

“Remember, you’re not the only one in the world who has braces. Even adults wear them. Just smile. Braces are cool!”

Brushing

Brushing your teeth carefully is more important now than ever because food can get trapped on brackets and under wires. You should brush after every meal or snack. And at least once a day, devote several minutes to scouring all the nooks and crannies. If you don’t, you may be in for a shock when your braces come off—an ugly line of tooth decay right where the braces used to be!

Flossing

With braces, it’s especially important to floss your teeth daily. Most dentists say that bedtime is a good time, since you’re more likely to slow down and do it right. Ask your orthodontist to show you how to thread the floss above your brackets. There’s even a nifty tool that you can use.

A special brush called an interproximal brush scoots into the tight spots. Ask your orthodontist how to get one.

No-Go’s

Hard foods can break your braces, and sticky foods will get, well, stuck in them. Cut apples and carrots into bite-size bits, and say “later” to caramels and gummy candy. For now, imagine the goodies you’ll eat with your beautiful, straight teeth after the braces come off.

Rainbow Smile

Express your style every time you smile. You can choose rubber bands for your brackets in all sorts of colors, from pastels to Day-Glo bright. Ask your orthodontist what choices are available to you.

Face

The skin on your face doesn’t need a bunch of fancy lotions or potions—just a little tender loving care.

A Gentle Wash

Wash your face thoroughly at least once a day, especially at bedtime. Use a mild soap or facial cleanser—not a deodorant soap or a body bar meant to be used in the bath or shower. Use your hands or a soft, clean wash cloth to gently wash your face. Use warm, not hot, water and rinse your skin well to remove all traces of soap.

Hands Off!

One of the best things you can do for your face is to keep your hands off it! Your fingers can spread oil and bacteria. When you do need to touch your face, use clean hands. And never pick at pimples—you could turn a tiny flare-up into a big-time breakout that leaves a scar.

Chapped Lips

If your lips are chapped, soothe them with a swoosh of lip balm. Look for one with sunscreen in it. Also, make sure you’re drinking enough water. Dry, cracked lips may be your body’s way of croaking “Help—I’m thirsty!”

The Skin You’re In

The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than on other parts of your body, so be choosy about what you put on it. Look for unscented soaps and lotions that are labeled hypoallergenic, which means free of ingredients that can be irritating. If your skin is oily or prone to pimples, choose facial products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic—not likely to clog your pores. If your skin is dry, dab moisturizer or lotion only on the spots where it’s needed.

Acne

Almost every girl comes face-to-face with skin flare-ups at some time. But you don’t need to lose your head over them.

Acne Attack

Zits! Blackheads! Whiteheads! All of these bumps and blemishes are part of the package known as acne. Acne can appear for several reasons. During puberty, your body produces more oil, which combines with bacteria and dead skin cells to clog your pores—and that causes pimples. Family history also makes some people more likely to get acne. If you feel like pimples are picking on you, you’re not alone. Almost every girl and boy in your school will have a battle with skin blemishes at one time or another.

Striking Back

While occasional bouts of acne are practically unavoidable, you may be able to prevent a few blemishes from becoming a full-blown breakout. Keep your face clean. Wash your face daily with a mild soap or cleanser, but don’t overdo it. Harsh scrubbing and rubbing can irritate already bothered skin. Don’t pick at or pop pimples. The oils and dirt on your fingers will only fan the flames of a flare-up. Plus, you can cause a permanent scar on your skin. Check out the drugstore. Acne products can provide some relief for mild breakouts. Cruise the skin-care aisle at the drugstore, and read the labels carefully. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid help reduce oil and get rid of dead skin. Talk to your doctor. Severe, out-of-control acne may call for medical attention. Your doctor can prescribe special creams or pills that are stronger than products available without a prescription.

Sun Sense

On bright, sunny days and on snowy days, too, always bring your “sun sense” along with you.

No Safe Tans

You may think a tan looks great now, but wrinkles and spots don’t look good on anyone. Doctors agree there’s no such thing as a safe tan. All skin, regard- less of type, is damaged by the sun. Exposing your unprotected skin can give you a blistering-hot burn and lead to allergic reactions—and skin cancer.

Protect Your Skin

The sun’s rays are most intense between ten o’clock in the morning and three o’clock in the afternoon, but dangerous rays are present all day long. Remember, too, that the sun can damage your skin even on cloudy days and in winter. The sun reflects off the clouds and snow, making it extra intense. So before you head out the door, be sure to slather on some sunscreen. Sunscreen products carry a rating called an SPF, or sun protection factor. An SPF rating of 15 means that the sunscreen protects your skin 15 times longer than if you had used nothing at all. Everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Girls with fair skin should use a product with an SPF of 30 or greater. Going swimming? Wear water- proof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45, no matter what color skin you have.

Reapply Often

If you’re spending a lot of time outside, bring your sunscreen along and slather on more every couple of hours. When you’re at the beach or pool, it’s especially important to reapply sunscreen after you get out of the water.

Body Talk

Do you feel as if the whole world can spot every

spot on your face? Keep your chin up. And give

people something else to notice—your smile!

Freckle Face

I have freckles. I hate them and wish I could get some kind of lotion that would make my freckles go away. I need help!

There’s no magic potion or lotion that will make your freckles disappear. But wearing a hat and plenty of sunscreen when you go out in the sun may keep you from getting more spots. And the next time you look in the mirror, practice pairing your freckles with a grin. See? Smiles and freckles are a winning combo! The fact is, most of us have something we’d like to change about ourselves. But try to think of your freckles as a special feature, something extra that makes you uniquely YOU.

Cold Sores

I have a big, ugly sore on my face right next to my mouth. My mom says it’s a cold sore, but I don’t even have a cold! This isn’t the first time I’ve had this problem, either. How do I get rid of it? Cold sores, also called fever blisters, don’t have anything to do with the common cold. They’re caused by a virus similar to the one that causes chicken pox. While cold sores aren’t serious, they can be an occasional nuisance. They often flare up when you’re sick or stressed out, although there’s no way to predict exactly when you’ll get one. There are products you can buy at the drugstore to help dry the sores up. If you have frequent, painful sores, your doctor may be able to prescribe stronger medication.