CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Rule for Hair Dryers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC:) unanimously approved the establishment of a new federal safety rule on hand-supported hair dryers. Hand-supported hair dryers that lack an immersion protection device have been identified by CPSC as posing a substantial product hazard to consumers.

Hand-supported hair dryers typically are used in bathrooms, near water sources, including the sink, bathtub, and lavatory. When there is no immersion protection device present, the uninsulated, electrically energized wires in the hair dryer present a risk of shock and electrocution to consumers.

Current industry standards require that manufacturers incorporate a device into the hair dryer that prevents shock and/or electrocution hazards when it contacts water. Industry voluntary standards, which require an immersion protection device, have contributed to a significant decline in electrocutions or electrical shock incidents related to immersion or contact with water. The majority of manufacturers and distributors of hand-supported hair dryers comply with these voluntary industry standards.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act ("CPSIA") of 2008 provided CPSC with the authority to establish federal safety rules for consumer products that have demonstrated substantial compliance with a voluntary standard or set of guidelines.

For more information, read the CPSC press release by clicking here.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

I’d love to kiss you but I just washed my hair!

p>I’d love to kiss you but I just washed my hair!
—Bette Davis in The Cabin in the Cotton, 1932

Ciao bella,

Recently I was up late channel surfing. This infomercial really caught my attention. The “WEN HEALTHY HAIRCARE SYSTEM,” a new and innovative shampoo/conditioner developed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean claiming luxurious, shiny and manageable hair after using it. There were all the “live” testimonials playing with their gorgeous locks! Before and after photos were also shown.

It was revolutionary hair care without harsh chemicals, using a perfect blend of herbs and natural ingredients. A “single” step" process that cleanses and conditions simultaneously and will not strip hair of color or moisture.

It all sounded fabu! But I’ve learned my lesson! “Google” reviews first—nothing like another sap to order the latest and the greatest! Must be used following manufacturers explicit directions. Cucumber seems most popular. Ordering from Amazon is safest (otherwise you could be signed up for automatic delivery!) Cleansing hair has come a long way.

As early as 4000 BC a cosmetic routine was established during the Eurasian Bronze Age where a system of beauty pampering ranged from bathhouses to hairstyling. Shampooing hair consisted of using soap, perfume and essential oils, none of which provided the quality of cleansing and luster of modern shampoo. It took modern science to understand the composition of hair soil and then develop a cleansing formula to combat it. The science of shampoo was a huge milestone in the achievement of personal hygiene. Good shampoo, let alone the word itself, was centuries away!

The Greeks and the Romans took part in the first development of personal hygiene. The Roman baths emphasized on the purity of water and according to their famous innovations of aqueducts were ultimately designed to improve the quality of life, certainly related to one’s personal health.

The ancient Greek word KOSMOS meant “to order, to arrange, or to adorn” while its similar meaning to English “cosmetics” was KOSMETIKOS, meaning “having the power to beautify” So as “curiosity killed the cat” one might say, I’m placing my order for shinier, healthier-looking and more manageable hair as Chaz Dean promised!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

What's in Your Beach/Pool Bag? Summer 2011

What's in Your Beach/Pool Bag? Summer 2011

Ciao bella,

Well it’s that TIME of the year again gals!! Finally the fun weather is here! Every summer I put this list together to help you with your summer essentials when you are away from home at the water. First, invest in a sun hat! Some already have an SPF of 30/50 in the material! So let’s get it together from the most important stuff down!

First of all, Sun Protection-30 SPF or higher for faces only. Then a 30 SPF or higher for body preferably “water resistant.” You still must reapply! Follow directions thoroughly! Don’t forget your lip protection! Mine is a “pink” zinc ointment—Very colorful.

Sunglasses-can’t choose this year from my vintage collection! I did find stylish “sun” bifocals for reading!

A bottle of water to hydrate through the day. Put bottle of water in freezer the night before so it will stay cold for your sipping pleasure!

A nice big fluffy towel—nothing like it to lie on/dry off!

A cover-up when you feel enough SUN or that chill you get when you leave the water. I just ordered 2 fashionable turbans for hair protection when I’m hanging in the pool. And since you never know who you will meet in the water, a comb/brush to refresh the coif. Goody has put out a “Spin Pin” to whip up a quick chignon!

An energy bar for a quick pick-me-up snack or some nuts and fruit.

A fav magazine or book when you’re tired of “people watching.”

I always like to carry a spritz bottle with rose water for a quick cool-off! Evian also works well!

Hand sanitizer always comes in handy. The towelettes are so convenient.

This is what’s in my bag-hope it's in yours! Enjoy these beautiful summer days!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

“You Look Marvelous Beauty Talk”—Spring 2011 Series

“You Look Marvelous Beauty Talk”—Spring 2011 Series

Ciao bella,

After an All That Zazz Beauty Talk at the North End Library, three Post-Gazette writers meet: Mary DiZazzo-Trumbull, David Trumbull and of course that talented pooch, Freeway, and his human companion, Marie Simboli!

The talks were a success! All left the library feeling better on beauty education and latest products. I feel I am here to educate the public on the best new and old products. Also make-up techniques and tips were appreciated. Everyone had many questions and I answered them to the best of my knowledge. I also reminded people to feel free or email me with any other beauty dilemma they might be experiencing, for example, salon and spa advise, product purchase and use.
Here is a recap of some of the subjects we discussed.
My first talk of the three-part series examined “Skincare” and “Makeup.” I told everyone how important it was to use good, natural (ingredients closest to what your skin produces naturally), organic products. I’ve tried and sold many lines of skincare and at this point in time I love my Kosmea skincare line. Find it on my web site and find out why it will be good for you! Mineral Makeup is truly the best for your skin. It’s a powder which consists of many colors, blush and eye shadow. Find it at the drugstore. I recommend Bare Essentials or Avon.
The second Beauty Talk was on “Hair care” and attending my first Beauty Pageant. I suggested a fab hairspray Elnett—look at my web site on a column called “Hairspray”—quite a story. It holds your hair without leaving it stiff and combs right out. Ah yes, the Miss Boston Beauty Pageant!—I’ll be encouraging gals to go for IT, after all everyone wins in their own way!
The third Beauty Talk was on “Nail care” and a NEW two-week manicure called SHELLAC. Good-bye weak damaged nails, no more snags, no more weak nails that chip the next day after a manicure! Hello strong protected nails! It cures under a UV lamp to a high gloss in minutes. Grab your keys and purse and go! I've had very good success using Shellac! You must try it to believe it! Call me for more info!
We also discussed the scentabulous fragrance of LUSH products. Their lip scrubs are the best! And the newest massage bar “Tiny Hands Serum” made with Argan Oil (a natural ingredient full of vit E), also Shea Butter and Marigold Petals to soothe irritated skin!
So get beautiful and look marvelous everyday!!
Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!
--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.