Archive for October, 2007
Natural or colored, your hair shade affects how the world sees you… and how you see yourself.
Alot of our self-image is based on the perceptions of other people. You partially view yourself through others’ eyes and act accordingly. That’s why the color of our hair tends to stereotype us.
Here’s the deal of what that means for all you redheads, blondes and brunettes. We’ve also got tips on how to keep your hair looking shiny and gorgeous, whatever the color.
Red Hair
There are very few natural redheads - only 3% of the population is said to have fiery locks. For centuries, redheads have had to fight stereotypes. For many, red hair atop a female head automatically conjured images of wild women, hotheads, femme fatales, sexpots.
Redheaded women are often portrayed as strong, independant women. They are usually seen as feisty Irish “tough girls”.
“Red is the new blond,” says Tim Rogers, editorial stylist and spokesman for Charles Worthington hair and beauty salons in London. “She is a head-turning hybrid between the moody brunette and the bubbly blonde. She’s not afraid to have fun and get noticed.”
Red hair compliments brown which seems to be the color in fashion this season. Brown hair with brown fashion can look dull, while red adds more depth and contrast. Red hair also seems to have more shine, which can make your hair look more healthy and beautiful.
Red Hair Care Tips
Accentuate the fire and shine of your red hair with color stay shampoo and hair treatments. The best way to stop color fade is by using products specifically designed for colored hair.
October 31st, 2007
You might think your flowing tresses say “casual”, but are other actually hearing “unconfident”?
What does your hair really say about you?
Secret Signals Your Hair Sends:
Short
Cropped hair is often interpreted as signifying intelligence, openness and honesty -what you see is what you get. As a rule, shorter styles also tend to make younger women appear older and more sophisticated.
Shoulder length
A woman with medium-length hair is usually perceived as classy and strong. People often view her as powerful, and someone who exemplifies both brains and beauty.
Long
If long hair is well kept, it suggests confidence and sensuality. But watch out for unkempt styles, which send a very different message: that the person is trying to cover up the parts of her body or face she considers flawed.
Curly vs Straight
Waves give the impression of playfulness, warmth and carefree nature; wearing your hair straight tells people that you are together, polished and stylish.
Ponytail
A neat, traditional ponytail is the picture of poise - it’s a good style for meeting your boyfriend’s parents or giving a presentation in front of your boss. A pony tail higher on the head conveys a more casual, energetic look.
October 30th, 2007
As it grows out of our scalp, our hair is no longer alive. Once the hair is damaged, the hair has no way of repairing itself because its already dead. So many things can damage our hair, and although natural wear and tear can’t be avoided, you CAN protect your hair from many damaging elements.
Healthy looking hair has a smooth, tightly closed cuticle layer that protects the inner cortex from drying out. The cuticle layer allows hair to maintain its moisture balance, and gives hair its elasticity, strength and shine.
Hair damage can range from uplifted cuticle scales resulting in dullness and decreased shine to bubbled and brittle cuticles to complete removal of the cuticle layer. Damaged hair is dry, porous, weak and hard to manage.
Some of the signs of damaged hair are:
• Hair looks dull and lack-luster
• Hair feels dry and brittle to the touch
• Hair is difficult to comb because it is always tangled
• Hair is flyaway and has split ends
• Hair is hard to manage and may be difficult to style
Some of the causes of hair damage are:
Excessive brushing and tearing of the hair. Excessive brushing or combing, especially when your hair is wet can seriously damage your hair. Hair is most vulnerable to breaks and tears when wet. Be gentle and use a wide-toothed comb (not metal though!) or a brush with natural fibres.
Hair pins, clips. These types of accessories clip onto the hair so tightly to stay in place, and often the tightness will cause hair to break. Never use rubber bands to tie the hair back. Use a fabric scrunchie or loose fitting comb or clip with rubber padding.
Too much heat. The best advice is to allow hair to dry naturally and not to use any type of heating tool. However, in reality this is hard to do. If you can’t live without your hairdryer or flat iron, try to use it on the lowest setting possible.
Sun damage. Skin isn’t the only part of your body that needs protection from UV rays. Summer sun worshipers are especially at risk for hair damage, but UV rays damage your hair every time you step outside into daylight-even in the winter. No, you don’t need to wear a hat everywhere you go, but definitely be conscious of the sun’s rays and cover up if you’re going to be out in the sun for a while.
Chlorine and Salt Water. When swimming in chlorine water or in salt water, always wash hair afterwards with a clarifying shampoo. There are specially formulated shampoos for swimmers. The chlorine and the salt in the water can dry hair and make it very brittle. By washing the salt and chemicals out of the hair immediately after a swim may prevent this from occurring.
Over-perming. You should never re-perm hair until the original perm has grown all the way out. A normal perm damages hair, so a perm on top of a perm is a double whammy.
Over-washing. Yes, washing your hair too much can dry out your scalp, cause flakes, and lessen the natural oils on your head that protect your hair’s roots.
Cold weather. Cold weather dries out hair more quickly because there is less humidity in the air. This dryness, combined with the cold makes hair brittle and susceptible to breakage. Weekly deep treatments can help to protect hair from being dried out.
October 26th, 2007
1. NOT TRIMMING YOUR HAIR EVERY 6 WEEKS.
The tip of each hair is weaker then the root, making it more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Having the tips trimmed every 6 weeks helps to maintain the condition of your hair and its style.
2. WASHING HAIR ON A DAILY BASIS.
Regularly washing your hair strips it of essential oils and can leave it dry and brittle. If you have naturally oily hair, use a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. When washing your hair don’t rub the scalp vigorously as this will stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum.
3. RUBBING YOUR HAIR VIGOROUSLY WITH A TOWEL.
The action of rubbing you hair with a towel actually roughens the hair cuticle, which can lead to frizzy, flyaway hair.
4. LEAVING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER IN YOUR HAIR.
Shampoo and conditioner that is not thoroughly rinsed out of the hair is the worst culprit for bad hair days. It counteracts styling products, leaves your hair looking dull, limp and unmanageable. Try to rinse your hair for an extra couple of minutes after shampooing and conditioning.
5. BLOW-DRYING HAIR UNTIL COMPLETELY DRY.
Overheating your hair makes it susceptible to breakage and strips it of shine. A better idea is to blow-dry hair until its 80% dry and then let it air dry, naturally. Alternatively use a leave-in conditioner or styling product that protects your hair from heat styling. Also, hold the hair dryer at least 30 centimetres away from your hair.
6. NOT USING PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE.
Many people misdiagnose their hair type and subsequently purchase the wrong hair products to style hair. Using the right product will help to recreate that special salon style.
7. NOT USING A CLARIFYING SHAMPOO ONCE A WEEK.
Everyday pollutants cling to hair and leave a thin coat of grime that dulls and weighs down the hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a week will give hair a residue free fresh start.
8. THINKING THE LATEST FASHION HAIR CUT WILL SUIT YOU.
Let’s face it; we’re not all beautiful models. Not all of us can get away with the latest, trendiest, most fashionable hair cut. May be that fashion cut can give you a worst look.
It all depends on individual, their texture, their lifestyle, their quality of hair.
Drastic haircuts take a long time to grow out, so be sure you want to take the risk before sitting in the char and letting your hairdresser go to work. Be specific and take lots of photographs to ensure you are getting the look you want.
October 25th, 2007
These tips assume that you are going to be using your regular hairdresser to plan your style and on your wedding day.
However if you plan to style your hair yourself, you can easily follow the same timetable and I have added some extra tips for you.
1 Plan! Plan! Plan! The earlier you start to plan the better. This gives you the chance to get your hair into the best condition possible and to have practice runs with your hairdresser trying out different styles and colors as well as trying out veils, tiaras and flowers. Ideally start this process 6 months before.
2 Collect pictures of possible hairstyles from all different magazines not just wedding magazines and discuss them with your hairdresser at least 4 months before your big day.
3 Each time you go to the hairdressers to try out a potential wedding day style take photos to help you remember what you liked about it for future reference and take someone with you whose opinion you can trust.
4 Make the most of what you’ve already got, maximize your good points rather than going for a look that isn’t really you.
5 Start weekly conditioning treatments at least 3 months before your wedding.
6 Give you hair a break from harsh styling methods and equipment; this will help with getting your hair in tip-top condition.
7 If you are having flowers in your hair have a trial run with your hairdresser a couple of months before and make sure you have your appointment booked for the wedding day.
8 One month before have a trial run with your veil/ tiara and finalize with your hairdresser the style you have decided upon.
9 If you are having an updo on the day, wash your hair the night before as just-washed hair can be harder to manage.
10 Make sure you have an SOS kit on your big day, which you can give to the bridesmaid with the biggest handbag! - Plenty of hairgrips and pins in a matt color in a shade similar to your hair, hairbrush, tail comb, hairspray and shine spray.
Extra tips if you are doing your hairstyling yourself
• As well as planning your style in the months before your wedding you need to try out various styling products so that you can be confident that the ones you are using on the day will make your hair look it’s best.
• To avoid your hair being flat use most styling product on the roots.
• Hair products from the same range are designed to work together.
• Have a trial run with your veil and tiara on the style you have chosen. To fix them into your hair, use clear combs and matt grips in a similar shade to your hair. If it’s practical, keep them in your hair for a few hours to make sure they have staying power and to avoid having a slipping veil and tiara on the day.
Last but not least relax and enjoy your day.
October 24th, 2007
Some hair professionals may try to discourage you from doing your own home hair color, saying that drugstore hair color products are harsh and the results can be uncertain.
But the truth is that you can achieve excellent results and save a lot of money by coloring your hair at home as long as you know a few basics about choosing the right color and applying it correctly.
Here are seven of the most common questions and my advice on hair coloring at home.
1. How do I know whether I should color my hair at home or go to a salon?
Most people can successfully color their hair at home but there are exceptions. You should get a professional color job if your hair is in poor condition - coloring dry damaged hair at home can result in uneven color. Also, if your hair has different shades and you want one even tone, a hairdresser can apply different formulas to the different areas. Finally, it’s best to leave it to the experts if you want to make a drastic change to your hair color, say dark brown to platinum blonde, or you want special color effects like highlights.
2. Are drugstore hair colors just as good as salon hair color products?
In general, salon products use higher quality ingredients that do a better job of cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning than the drugstore brands. But home coloring kits are getting better all the time and can deliver good results if used properly.
3. How do I pick a color that will look natural on me?
When choosing a hair color, your skin tone and natural hair color are the two most important factors. Whether you’re going lighter or darker, stay within two or three shades of your natural hair color. Here is a guideline for selecting a compatible hair color for your skin tone:
• Dark/olive skin: Stay with darker hair colors.
• Yellow skin: Dark, rich colors like deep auburn.
• Pale skin: Almost any color.
• Pink skin: Neutral tones like sandy or beige blonde or chocolate brown are best. Avoid reds or golden tones.
If you know what clothing colors suit you, you can also use that to help in choosing hair color:
• If you look good in warm shades like red, orange, golden yellow, cinnamon brown, olive green, and rust, then warm hair tones like golden blonde, golden brown, strawberry blonde, and auburn will suit you best.
• Cool color favorites like bluish red, fuschia, black, royal blue, and pine green indicate that cool hair tones are best for you: platinum, ash blonde, ash brown, burgundy, and jet black.
• If you look good in true red, purple, charcoal grey, periwinkle, and teal, then neutral tones like sandy or beige blonde, chocolate brown or mahogany will suit you.
4. How do I get ready to color my hair the first time?
It’s a good idea to gather a few materials together before starting: an old T-shirt, a few old towels and a washcloth that you don’t mind getting stained, some hair clips for sectioning your hair, a timer, and a hand mirror to see the back of your head.
5. If I color my hair at home and hate it, what can I do?
There are some home hair color products you can use to repair the damage, but it isn’t easy. The problem is that if you used a home hair color kit to obtain a lighter color, your hair has been bleached and colored in a single process. So the color needs to be added back in a process called “filling” before using the final color formula. Whatever you do, don’t simply buy a box of your original color and try to cover over a bad dye job… it won’t work. Fixing hair color gone wrong is a multi-stage process so a trip to the salon may be in order.
6. I already have permed hair. Can I color it without damaging it?
If your hair has been permed or relaxed, color has to be applied carefully or it can weaken the structure of your hair. Salons have colors specially formulated for treated hair. But if you insist on home hair coloring, choose a shade darker than you want since processed hair may come out lighter than expected. Then do a strand test to make sure your hair can handle the chemical stress.
7. I love my new color… now how do I keep it looking good?
You’ll probably want to recolor every four to six weeks. Make a record of the hair color product and shade you used, and how long you left it on the ends and the regrowth. Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair to prevent fading. Stay out of the sun and chlorinated pools to prevent dry damaged hair. Don’t use heavy conditioners and oil treatments after coloring… they can lift the color.
Now go out and enjoy your new look and all the money you saved by doing it yourself!
October 23rd, 2007
Karen Marie Shelton
DailyCeleb.com
If you don’t know who actress Bridget Fonda is, just pop into the nearest movie rental store and rent a copy of Single White Female, which was a breakthrough role for the grand-daughter of Henry Fonda, daughter of Peter and niece of Jane.
Bridget was born January 27, 1964 in Los Angeles, California and started her acting career in 1969 as an un-credited child in the world famous Easy Rider film which made her father Peter a world sensation.
She also appeared in an un-credited film in 1982 before getting serious about acting in the late 1980s. From that launching pad she worked hard to develop her career which took off in 1992 as Allison ‘Allie’ Jones who is stalked by her very scary roommate.
As luck would have it, I actually experienced a Bridget Fonda sighting in Dallas at a Houston’s Restaurant on Northwest Highway. Our waitress breathlessly whispered the news that the actress was sitting in a booth in the middle of the restaurant. Sure enough, Bridget, looking gorgeous but very tiny, was nestled into a booth with a group of people.
I must say, she looked beautiful in person, even with minimal make-up and wearing her hair casually pulled into a soft ponytail.
A few years after the Bridget sighting I had the great fortune to became acquainted with celebrity hairdresser Robert Hallowell who has worked with Bridget throughout the years.
In fact, Robert reported coiffing Bridget for a special awards show that required an hour long limo ride from LA to Palm Springs for the accomplished performer and her husband, Danny Elfman.
For her appearance at the 18th Annual International Palm Springs Film Festival Gala Awards Robert created a gorgeous and classic hair twist with an elegant sweep of hair extending from Bridget’s hairline, up and over her left ear.
The sweep of hair along the side of Bridget’s hair captured her gorgeous highlights and added a beautiful finish to the twist nestled in back just below her crown.
Robert noted Bridget’s preference for using hair care and styling products which are all natural, like Robert’s line of hair care. Her Aunt Jane (Fonda) is also a big fan of using all natural options.
Although Bridget wore her hair up in Robert’s gorgeous sweeping twist for the Palm Springs Film Festival, she has worn her hair in a wide range of styles, lengths and textures through the course of her acting career.
She has also morphed through a range of hair colors including brunette, blonde and even flirted with a version of strawberry red.
October 22nd, 2007
by Skincare-news.com team
Frustrated with your hair? Are split-ends giving you a splitting headache? Don’t let bad hair days bring you down. With a few smart skincare steps, this hair care headache can be a thing of the past! Read on to learn the who, what and why of split ends.
Ever feel like your hair is nothing but split ends, no matter how carefully you brush your hair and avoid using blow dryers or curling irons?? Take heart, and heed. Split ends, while maybe not completely avoidable, are absolutely manageable with the right tools and knowledge.
There is an old saying amongst hair designers and stylists that likens asking how to mend a split end to asking a doctor how to mend a broken heart—in other words, it can’t be done. And it certainly can’t be done with any magical cream, potion or comb. Instead, split ends, also known as trichoptlosis, can be avoided and the inevitable appearance of them delayed by implementing smart hair care practices. Almost all types of hair suffers from split ends: long, short, dry, curly, coloured, permed or natural, hair in all of its forms can suffer from this aggravating condition. Why do the ends split? A variety of factors can contribute, including environmental damage, chemical damage, aggressive brushing or combing, certain medical conditions, ponytail elastics and even your pillow case can damage the hair follicle!
Just like the skin, hair is subject to sun and environmental damage. However, hair also suffers from: pulling, tangling, yanking and twisting, stretching, binding and even overly-enthusiastic brushing. It’s no wonder the ends of the hair tend to show damage more quickly than the roots. Made up of several layers including the cuticle and the cortex, hair can be baby fine or thick and course, curly or straight, depending upon the shape of the hair follicle. The cuticle, or top protective layer of the hair has layers which in healthy hair, are normally smooth and flat. However, as the hair grows, this layer can weaken and break, causing the flaps of the cuticle to buckle or lift up, which makes the hair look dull and lifeless. Once the cuticle has started to break down, the ends of the hair loose strength and start to split. Realistically, only one cure exists for split ends: regular trims or haircuts. However, there are a few great at-home methods and products you can implement to help delay the onset of split ends. First, invest in a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, such as: L’Occitane Damaged Hair Shampoo and L’Occitane Damaged Hair Conditioner.
Then, for all hair lengths, one of the best solutions is regular trims or haircuts every six to eight weeks, without fail. By keeping the ends neatly trimmed, you will also be cutting away that part of the hair that has the most heat and environmental damage. In addition to regular trims, follow these guidelines:
• Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb, and apply a leave-in conditioner for extra protection.
• Limit your use of heat-styling appliances such as blow dryers or flat irons. When you are using them, opt for lower-heat settings and use a heat-protectant styling crème. These products are designed to be used with heat appliances to both smooth the cuticle and protect the hair from heat.
• Avoid pulling the hair out of pony-tail holders without undoing the elastic. Always unwrap the elastic from the hair, rather than tugging the hair out of the elastic.
• When outside, always protect your hair from sunlight with an SPF product designed specifically for hair, or wear a hat. Or better yet—both!
• To preserve the hairs natural oils, try and limit washing the hair to just two-three times per week, rather than daily.
• Avoid aggressively brushing the hair and finally,
• Try sleeping in a silk pillowcase.
For a deep-down treat for the whole scalp, try a conditioning oil. Sundari Neem and Coconut Hair Treatment Oil is designed to be massaged into both the scalp and hair to strengthen and revitalize. Also, a deep conditioning hair mask will quench parched and splitting ends. Try Philosophy Shear Splendor Restorative Conditioning Mask once a week. Apply thickly to damp hair, cover with a shower cap and let the hair marinade for 30 minutes to restore shine and strength.
While split ends are frustrating, they needn’t spoil any more hairstyles. Pay attention to what you may be doing to cause split ends, avoid excessive use of heat appliances, baby those tresses and you will be enjoying fabulous hair days, every day of the week in no time flat.
October 22nd, 2007
Even though you may love the latest celebrity hair style, it might not be the right hair style for your face. The shape of your face and the proportions of your features will help tell you what hairstyle is best suited to you.
• Oval-shaped face
You’re lucky - this is the kind of face shape that suits just about any hairstyle. Both long and short hair cuts look great on you, as your face shape is well balanced. The chin and forehead of an oval face shape are in even proportion.
Avoid covering up your perfect face shape with heavy bangs or wearing your hair on your face. You’ll lose your face shape and it may add weight to your face.
• Round face
Hairstyles with fullness and height at the crown will give the impression of a narrower face. Try a cut with layers while keeping the sides close to your face to make your face appear longer. Round faces suit either short hairstyles swept back from your forehead, or hairstyles that are longer than chin length. Wispy fringes and side parts are also good.
Avoid chin length hair, center parts, fullness at the sides of ears, straight “chopped bangs - these wll all emphasise the shape of your face.
• Heart-shaped face
The heart shaped face is widest at the temples and narrowest at the chin, which can appear pointy. Short hair and chin length hair often looks great on this face shape, as the fullness can even out the jaw and chin lines. Chin length bobs, short shags, swept forward layers and wispy bangs all work well.
Avoid full styles that emphasise the upper face without balancing out your narrow chin. Too much height at the crown and tapered necklines will make you look top heavy.
• Rectangular, Long face
If your face is long and slender, with your forehead and below cheeks about the same width, hairstyles that balance out the length of your face work best for you. These include short to medium lengths with fullness at the sides and soft wispy bangs. This will shorten the length and add width to your face. Layered styles work well and add softness to the straight lines of your face.
Avoid too much length, it will only make your face look longer. Too much height will also lengthen your face.
• Square face
If your face is square, with a strong, square jaw line and often an equally square hairline, the right hairstyles for you are ones that soften the square look of your face. Short to medium length hair cuts, with soft wispy bangs and a wave or curl will compliment and balance out your straight face shape. If you hair is straight, maybe consider a body wave. Side parts and fullness/height at the crown can add length to your square face shape.
Avoid straight styles - long straight hair, blunt bangs, straight bobs and center parts, as they will emphasise your square jawline.
• Triangle face
If you face is triangle, with a wider chin that narrows at the forehead, you want to stick to styles that narrow your chin and widen the forehead. This will balance out your features. Shorter hair can often balance our your prominent jaw line, as well as styles that are full at the temples that taper at the jaw. Off center parts, wedges and shags are also good styles for you. Lots of layers will give you the fullness through the upper part of your face.
Avoid Styles that are full at the jawline and center parts.
• Full forehead, long chin
If your forehead is large and your chin long, it can help to add volume below the chin line to balance it out. A thick layered cut or mid-length bob will add fullness where it’s needed. Bangs can also reduce the look of a full forehead.
• Large features
Full hair can help downplay a large nose or other feature and can help balance out large features. Straight hair, parted down the middle or a long, heavy fringe will make a larger nose seem even more prominent. Subtle highlights in your hair can help by drawing the eye towards the hair and away from the face.
• Long or short neck
A long, graceful neck is a beautiful and desireable feature and should be shown off and considered when choosing a hairstyle. Short hair can really show off your neck, however long hair can also add to your already graceful neck when worn in an elegant style, like a twist or updo.
If you want a short hairstyle and your neck is short, create the appearance of length by tapering your hair at the base of the neck and fuller on top.
October 19th, 2007
Lay down those straightening irons - big hair is back!
If you really want to turn heads this summer think Jessica Simpson or Angelina Jolie flowing locks.
Whispers from the hottest hair professionals is that poker-straight hair is passe, with summer hair big and beautiful, full of cascading curls, with lots of luxurious volume and movement.
As seen at some of the most influential designer shows for summer, including Gaultier, Burberry and Marni, mega-volume is back, from slightly dishevelled to massively mussed-up.
The most important thing a girl can do this summer is master the art of blow-drying.
Girls have been dependant on straightening irons for too long, but now it’s time to learn how to blow-dry your own hair at home, and save the irons for touch-ups.
However some professionals say straightening irons could also be used to create drop-dead gorgeous curls. We’re seeing lots of 1970’s influences with soft layers and disheveled base lines.
Stay clear of asymmetric do’s and embrace this new bohemian style.
Warm colors are also hot this summer - New season colors include auburn, rose-tinted, rich burgundy, honey golds, wheatened yellows and raging copper.
How To Get The Look
Whatever your hair type, you can encourage greater volume by using cleansing and conditioning products specifically designed to increase the dimension of each individual hair - particularly useful if you’re in the fine-to-normal category.
Create extra volume by blow-drying your hair with your head held upside down. Blast at the roots of your hair and also sweep a vent brush through each section.
Invest in some body building style products such as volume root lift spray and spray gel. These products are designed to revitalise fine, limp, flyaway hair.
movement.
As seen at some of the most influential designer shows for summer, including Gaultier, Burberry and Marni, mega-volume is back, from slightly dishevelled to massively mussed-up.
The most important thing a girl can do this summer is master the art of blow-drying.
Girls have been dependant on straightening irons for too long, but now it’s time to learn how to blow-dry your own hair at home, and save the irons for touch-ups.
However some professionals say straightening irons could also be used to create drop-dead gorgeous curls. We’re seeing lots of 1970’s influences with soft layers and disheveled base lines.
Stay clear of asymmetric do’s and embrace this new bohemian style.
Warm colors are also hot this summer - New season colors include auburn, rose-tinted, rich burgundy, honey golds, wheatened yellows and raging copper.
How To Get The Look
Whatever your hair type, you can encourage greater volume by using cleansing and conditioning products specifically designed to increase the dimension of each individual hair - particularly useful if you’re in the fine-to-normal category.
Create extra volume by blow-drying your hair with your head held upside down. Blast at the roots of your hair and also sweep a vent brush through each section.
Invest in some body building style products such as volume root lift spray and spray gel. These products are designed to revitalise fine, limp, flyaway hair.
October 19th, 2007
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