| How to Polish Pyrite Crystals Posted: 28 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT Pyrite, or Fool's Gold, is a common crystal that can be found all over the world. Pyrite crystals can be covered in dusty chalk, but you can polish them up to make them shiny and metallic. You can clean and polish your crystals using items you already have around your house, or you can take it a step further and use oxalic acid to make each crystal shine. [Edit]Cleaning Pyrite Crystals - Run the pyrite under lukewarm water to remove dust. When you first get your crystals, they may be dusty or dirty. Run them under lukewarm water to get them wet and remove the outside layer of grime.[1]
- The initial cleaning won't polish your crystals, but it will remove most of the outside dirt and chalk.
- Dip a toothbrush into liquid laundry detergent. Pour 2 to 3 drops of mild laundry detergent into a bowl. Run a clean toothbrush under warm water, then dip it into the detergent.[2]
- Try to use a new, clean toothbrush with hard bristles.
- Scrub the pyrite gently with the toothbrush. Pyrite crystals tend to have a lot of nooks and crannies, so use the toothbrush to really scrape out the dirt in any crevices. Use the toothbrush all over each crystal to get rid of grime and dirt.[3]
- You may see a black dust, but it's just the crystals shedding their outside layer.
- Rinse the pyrite with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue. Take all your crystals over to the sink and run them under lukewarm water. Make sure you rinse off all the soap residue, or your crystals might dry with streak marks on them.[4]
- You may have to rinse each crystal a few times to get rid of all the soap.
- Wipe the pyrite with a clean towel and leave it out to air dry. Grab a soft, clean towel and use it to dab most of the water off each crystal. Spread the crystals out on a towel and let them air dry completely for 4 to 5 hours before you store them.[5]
- Air drying is much better than trying to dry with a towel, since pyrite crystals tend to have a lot of crevices that can trap moisture.
[Edit]Polishing with White Vinegar - Mix 2 parts distilled water with 1 part white vinegar in a container. Fill up a pan or a bowl with a 2:1 ratio of distilled water and distilled white vinegar. White vinegar is mildly acidic, so it won't ruin your crystals, but it will get rid of the remaining chalk on your crystals.[6]
- For example, if you're using of distilled water, mix it with of white vinegar.
- You can find distilled white vinegar at most grocery stores.
- Submerge the pyrite crystals in the vinegar for about 5 minutes. The vinegar won't take long to dissolve any remaining chalk on your crystals. Make sure they're all fully submerged, then set a timer for 5 minutes, keeping an eye on your crystals.[7]
- If it seems like your crystals need more time, you can leave them in for up to 15 minutes. Try not to leave them for too much longer than that, or you could damage them.
- Rinse the crystals with lukewarm water. Carefully grab all of the crystals out of the solution and carry them to the sink. Run them under lukewarm water until they don't smell like vinegar anymore.[8]
- You can pour your vinegar and water solution down the drain once you're done.
- As you rinse your crystals, you may notice some of the chalk coming off.
- Set the crystals out to air dry before storing them. Wipe your crystals with a towel and then spread them out to air dry completely. Usually, this takes about 4 to 5 hours.[9]
- Storing wet crystals can create mold or mildew.
[Edit]Using Oxalic Acid - Mix a 2:1 ratio of water and oxalic acid in a bucket. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands. In a large bucket, mix a 2:1 ratio of water and oxalic acid crystals with a metal stirrer. Start by pouring the water, then add in the oxalic acid, to avoid a dangerous reaction.[10]
- For example, if you're using of water, pour in 1/2 lb (0.22 kg) of oxalic acid crystals.
- You can find oxalic acid at most drug stores.
- Oxalic acid will turn your crystals a silvery, shiny color. If you want to keep them more natural looking, don't use oxalic acid.
- Always add the water to the bucket first, then the acid. If you pour water on top of the acid, it could boil over and burn your hands.
- Submerge the crystals in the acid mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Dump your pyrite crystals into the bucket and make sure they're fully submerged. Keep an eye on your crystals to see how they change over time. You can leave the crystals in for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours.[11]
- The longer you leave them in the acid mixture, the shinier they will be.
- Put on rubber gloves and remove the crystals from the mixture. Pull on rubber gloves to protect your hands and gently pick out all of your pyrite crystals. Try not to splash or dump out any of the water and oxalic acid mixture.[12]
- To throw out your oxalic acid, slowly pour the mixture into a bucket of ice water. Then, add baking soda until the mixture stops bubbling. Test the pH of the acid mixture until it reaches 5.5, then pour it down your drain.[13]
- Never dump undiluted oxalic acid mixture down your drain, as it can harm living organisms in the water way.
- Rinse the crystals off with lukewarm water. Bring your crystals over to the sink and rinse them off thoroughly. Keep your gloves on the entire time, as you may still be touching oxalic acid.[14]
- The amount of oxalic acid going down your drain at this point is minimal, so it won't harm anything.
- Neutralize the crystals in a mixture of baking soda and water. In a separate bucket, mix a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and water. Drop the crystals in and leave them for about 5 minutes to neutralize the acid and stop the reaction.[15]
- If you don't neutralize the acid, it will keep eating away at the crystals over time.
- Rinse the crystals with water again to remove any residue. Pick the crystals out of the baking soda mixture and run them under lukewarm water again. Make sure there isn't any residue left on the crystals before you wipe them with a towel.[16]
- Be very gentle with the crystals as you rinse them, as they may be slightly fragile from the acid.
- Spread the crystals in a single layer out to air dry. Lay your pyrite crystals on a towel to air dry for about 4 to 5 hours, or until they're not wet anymore. Enjoy your shiny, silvery crystals![17]
- Your crystals should stay shiny and clean for years to come. If they start getting dull or dirty, try cleaning them with a mild detergent.
- Let your crystals dry out before you clean them to make the chalk and dirt flake off easier.
[Edit]Warnings - Always wear gloves when working with oxalic acid.
- Never dump undiluted oxalic acid down your drain, as it can harm living organisms.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Cleaning Pyrite Crystals - Toothbrush
- Detergent
- Towel
[Edit]Polishing with White Vinegar - Pot
- Distilled water
- White vinegar
- Towel
[Edit]Using Oxalic Acid - 2 buckets
- Oxalic acid
- Metal stirrer
- Baking soda
- Towel
[Edit]References |
| How to Keep Curls in the Rain Posted: 27 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT Checking the weather report and seeing rain in the forecast can bring about a sense of dread, especially if you were planning on rocking a fun and flirty curly hairstyle. Whether you have naturally curly hair or you've added some with a curling iron, keeping your curls intact throughout the day will make you look and feel good. By using the right products and keeping your hair covered in the rain, you can make your hair look great all day despite the humidity in the air. [Edit]Washing and Conditioning Your Hair - Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Pick out a moisturizing shampoo to prevent frizz and make your hair shiny. Rub it into your hair, focusing on the roots, then wash it out right away in the shower.[1]
- Look for coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil in the ingredients section. These are all very moisturizing and will make your hair super happy.
- Try to find a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair.
- Add some conditioner to your hair, then rinse it out. Grab a bottle of sulfate and silicone-free conditioner and squeeze out a quarter-sized amount. Rub it into the ends of your hair, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Use cool water to rinse it out completely.[2]
- You can use your fingers to comb through your hair while it has conditioner in it to get rid of any tangles or knots.
- Rub a leave-in conditioner in your hair. Squeeze out a quarter-sized glob of conditioner, then rub it into the ends of your hair. Scrunch it into the ends with your fingers to let your hair absorb it.[3]
- Leave-in conditioner locks in moisture even when your hair is dry.
- Dab out the excess water with a microfiber towel. Squeeze some of the water out of your hair in the shower so it's not dripping wet, then use a microfiber towel to scrunch out the majority of the water. Starting from the ends of your hair, gently pat the towel onto your locks, trying not to rub or create friction.[4]
- Microfiber towels are less rough than normal cotton towels, so they cut down on frizz.
- If you don't have a microfiber towel, you can use a cotton T-shirt instead.
- Comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb, not a brush. Grab a wide-toothed comb and start going through your hair at the ends. Move slowly upwards, trying not to tug or rip at your hair, until your hair is all combed through and smooth.[5]
- Wide-toothed combs are more gentle on your hair than a normal hairbrush, so they'll cut down on frizz.
- If you have super curly hair, you don't need to comb through it at all. Combing through really curly hair can break up your curls and make them less defined.
[Edit]Protecting Natural Curls - Scrunch in a holding gel to keep your curls in place. While your hair is still wet, squeeze out a quarter-sized amount of gel and rub it in between your palms. Starting from the ends of your hair, use your hands to scrunch the gel into your curls from the bottom up.[6]
- Try finding a gel made for curly hair to avoid crunchy curls.
- Scrunching in gel rather than rubbing it in promotes volume and reduces frizz later on.
- Add an anti-frizz cream to cut down on frizz. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of anti-frizz cream into your palms, then gently rub it into your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to get an even coating.[7]
- You can find anti-frizz cream at most beauty supply stores.
- The gel combined with the cream will lock your curls into place.
- Let your hair air dry instead of using a hair dryer for more curl definition. Even if you have a diffusing attachment for your hair dryer, it can cause more frizz than just letting your hair dry on its own. Try to let your hair dry naturally inside for up to 2 hours until it's all completely dry, and don't touch it until it's not wet anymore.[8]
- If you do have to use a hair dryer because you need to go somewhere without wet hair, that's fine too. Make sure you use a diffusing attachment for your hair dryer to cut back on frizz.
- Rub an anti-humidity product into your curls for extra protection. Grab a pea-sized amount of anti-humidity cream and rub it in between your finger tips. Gently scrunch it into your curls, being careful not to comb through them or break them up.[9]
- Anti-humidity products not only fight frizz, but they also cut down on the puffy volume that comes with rain and humidity. You can combine them with anti-frizz products to lock in your curls and keep them frizz-free.
- Pull your hair into a loose updo when you go outside. Now that your curls are defined and frizz-proof, it's important to keep them out of the rain. When you go outside, pull the majority of your hair into a loose bun or a twist on the back of your head and secure it with a scrunchie or a hair clip.[10]
- Make sure the updo is loose so that when you take it out your curls don't have a kink in them.
- Spray a mist of water on your curls to refresh them once you're inside. When you finally get inside out of the rain, take down your updo as soon as you can. Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz your hair lightly to refresh and reshape the curls. If you need to, you can add a pea-sized amount of gel to the ends of your hair for more definition.[11]
[Edit]Preserving Curled Hair - Use a round brush as you dry your hair for more volume. Point your hair dryer downwards at the top of your head as you dry. Use a round brush to pick up the hair near your roots and brush it outwards as you dry it to give your roots more volume and lift.[12]
- Rain and humidity can make your hair look flat and less voluminous, so it's all about adding volume back in.
- Add some dry shampoo to the back of your hair for more lift. Once your hair is dry, hold a can of dry shampoo about away from the back of your head and spray it into your roots. Wait about 1 minutes for it to dry, then use a brush to brush out the excess.[13]
- Make sure you brush out all of the excess dry shampoo, or else you'll have a visible white buildup in your hair.
- Dry shampoo adds volume, even when your hair is clean.
- Create small, tight curls with your curling iron. Grab a curling iron and start by grabbing wide sections of hair. Wrap each section tightly around the curling iron, then hold it for about 10 seconds.[14]
- Tight curls hold better than large, loose ones do.
- When you curl the layers around your face, curl them away from your face to open up your features.
- Comb through your curls with your fingers to loosen them up. While your curls are still setting, use your fingers to gently comb through them from the roots to the ends. This will loosen up your curls and make them look a little more wavy, which is what the rain and humidity might do later on.[15]
- This also helps to break up the curls and make them look a little more natural.
- Spray a thin layer of hairspray all over for extra hold. Hold a can of hairspray about away from your head and press down on the nozzle lightly. Spray a thin layer all over your hair to lock your curls in, then let them dry for about 2 minutes.[16]
- Hair spray will also help cut back on frizz.
- Protect your hair with a hood or umbrella when you're outside. Unfortunately, when rain gets on your curls it will most likely cause them to lose definition. If you're going outside into the rain, pull on a hood or grab an umbrella to keep the majority of the water off your hair as you're out and about.[17]
- You can also pull your hair into a loose updo at the back of your head.
- Try to stay out of the direct rain as much as you can to protect your curls.
- Adding moisture to your hair is the best way to prevent frizz.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using products with silicone or sulfate in them, as they can dry out your hair and make it frizzy.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Washing and Conditioning Your Hair - Moisturizing shampoo
- Conditioner
- Microfiber towel
- Wide-toothed comb
[Edit]Protecting Natural Curls - Holding gel
- Anti-frizz cream
- Anti-humidity product
- Scrunchie or hair clip
- Spray bottle
[Edit]Preserving Curled Hair - Hair dryer
- Round brush
- Dry shampoo
- Curling iron
- Hairspray
- Hood or umbrella
[Edit]References |
| How to Wear Sweaters Posted: 27 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Sweaters are a comfortable and stylish addition to just about any outfit, regardless of the occasion. If you have a lot of sweaters lying around in your closet, you may be overwhelmed with the number of possible outfits you can create. There's no need to fear—keep exploring your wardrobe, and you may be surprised at the ensembles you'll be able to create! [Edit]Choosing a Sweater Style - Pick out a V-neck sweater for a more casual outfit. Look for any sweaters with a lower neckline. This type of sweater is great for layering, and is a fun addition to a variety of casual outfits. You can unlock this garment's full potential by mixing and matching it with polo shirts, long-sleeved tees, and other similar types of garments.[1]
- Double-neck the neckline before you go out in a V-neck shirt. If your shirt dips beneath the top 2 buttons on your shirt, you may want to look for a smaller sweater.
- Create a sportier look with a crewneck sweater. Note that "crewneck" is a fancy term for any sweater with a rounded collar. Many sweatshirts and sweaters fall into this category, which makes this type of garment a practical addition to a variety of outfits. You can wear this type of sweater plain, or take it to the next level by layering it with a simple tee or nice shirt.[2]
- If you're dressing to impress, it's best to wear a dress shirt or blouse beneath your shirt.
- Select an oversized sweater for a more cozy outfit. Look through every sweater in your closet and wardrobe, even if some of them are oversized. Save these sweaters for especially chilly weather when you want to stay bundled up. These sweaters work great with casual outfits, or you can dress them up with accessories and nice slacks for a more polished look.[3]
- For instance, you can wear an oversized sweater with jeans, or wear your sweater with a nice pair of slacks. There's no right or wrong way to stay comfy in an oversized sweater!
- Add an extra layer with a cardigan. Treat cardigans as a hybrid between a jacket and a sweater. Unlike other types of sweaters, cardigans act more like an extra layer; however, they're still an important part of any outfit. Pair a cardigan with a simple tee for a more casual outfit, or play around with fancier blouses or dress shirts if you really want to look polished.[4]
- As a general rule of thumb, don't tuck your cardigan into your waistline, as this will look unprofessional.
- A lot of people prefer to roll up their cardigan sleeves for a more stylish look.
- Dress up or down with a turtleneck sweater. Pick out your favorite turtleneck sweater and look for any slacks, skirts, blazers, or other accessories that match the color scheme. You can jazz up your outfit by layering a sport coat or blazer overtop, or you can wear your turtleneck as a solo part of a casual outfit.[5]
[Edit]Creating Casual Looks - Layer a sweater over a long-sleeve top for a cozy look. Pick out a long-sleeve top that you haven't worn in awhile, like a generic tee or flannel shirt. Slip a comfortable sweater overtop to create a layered, fashionable look for your outfit. Finish off the ensemble with a nice pair of jeans, shorts, or regular pants before you go out and about.[6]
- For example, you can slip a sleeveless sweater over a dark tee, then finish off the outfit with a pair of blue jeans.
- Give off a casual vibe with a sweater and ripped jeans. Look through your closet for a pair of distressed jeans that still fit you comfortably. Pick out a sweater and layer it over the waistband of your jeans. Don't worry about tucking in the sweater—this will give your outfit a more casual look.[7]
- For instance, you can pair a striped sweater with a pair of distressed jeans.
- Slip into a long cardigan for a comfy, casual look. Get dressed in your go-to outfit, whether it's jeans and a T-shirt or something fancier. Slip into a cardigan before heading out—the longer the better. Your sweater can help keep you cozy while also making a subtle fashion statement.[8]
- For instance you can wear a short-sleeved tee with jeans, then layer a hip- or knee-length cardigan overtop.
- Accent your outfit with a leather jacket for a more rugged look. Find a leather jacket that goes with the color schemes of your sweater. Slip into this garment to balance out the cozy, plain sweater that you're wearing.[9]
- You may also want to experiment with jean jackets, or other types of accessories.
- Experiment with flowy accessories to make your outfit extra comfortable. Search through your wardrobe for any shawls, ponchos, scarves, or other accessories that really add a relaxed touch to your outfit. Drape these accessories over your shoulders to capture a boho-style look for your outfit.[10]
- For example, layer a brown shawl over a neutral-toned sweater and pair of pants, then complete the outfit with a pair of boots.
- Finish off your outfit with a comfortable pair of sneakers or boots. Look through your shoes to find some sneakers or boots that don't put a lot of strain on your feet. Use these shoes a comfortable but casual accent to your sweater, regardless of the style.[11]
- Sneakers and boots are great options for cooler weather, which is when sweaters are worn the most.
[Edit]Dressing Professionally - Tuck in your sweater when you're headed to the office. Unless you're wearing a cardigan, tuck the bottom seam of your sweater into the waistline of your slacks or skirt. This adds a really polished edge to your outfit, and helps you look extra professional.[12]
- For instance, you can layer a neutral-toned crewneck sweater over a dress shirt and tuck it into a nice skirt or pair of slacks. To finish off the look, slip into a blazer or sport coat.
- Play around with different sweater textures to give off a classy look. Look through your closet and see if you have any ribbed or cable-knit sweaters. Slip into a texture sweater to really give your outfit an extra dimension and added some classiness.[13]
- For example, pair a cable-knit sweater with a nice pair of pants or a professional skirt before heading into the office.
- Layer a sweater over a dress shirt to give off a professional vibe. Pick out a neutral-toned dress shirt or blouse from your office, like something that's white, cream-colored, or similar. Grab a crewneck, V-neck, or cardigan sweater and slip it over your nice shirt, which will create a really polished, office-ready look.[14]
- Make sure that the collar of your shirt is visible and pressed over the neckline of your sweater.
- For instance, you can wear a neutral-toned crewneck sweater of a collared polo shirt, along with a pair of khakis or other nice pants.
- Pair a turtleneck with a nice skirt or pair of slacks for a work-ready look. View your turtleneck sweaters as any other shirt, blouse, or tank in your closet. Mix and match these cozy sweaters with your favorite pair of jeans or slacks, or dress it up with a nice skirt. Play around with different outfit combinations until you find something that really works well for you![15]
- For instance, you can wear a dark turtleneck with a dark, knee-length skirt and ankle boots for a sleek look.
- You can also pair a turtleneck with a nice pair of slacks or dress pants, along with a slick pair of dress shoes.
- Wear a matching sweater and pants for a monochromatic look. Search through your closet for a sweater and a matching pair of slacks or a nice skirt. Finish off your outfit with a matching pair of shoes, along with a similarly colored accessory.[16]
- For instance, you can wear a yellow sweater with a yellow pair of slacks, along with a yellow pair of dress shoes or low pumps. Take your outfit to the next level by wearing a pair of dangly yellow earrings, along with an over-the-shoulder yellow handbag.
- Mix and match your sweater with a blazer for more formal occasions. Get dressed in your favorite sweater and slip on a sweater for good measure. Pick out a nice pair of slacks, dress pants, or a professional skirt that really enhances the blazer.[17]
- For instance, you can wear a neutral-toned V-neck sweater over a dress shirt with a nice pair of slacks, then wear a blazer overtop.
- Layer your sweater over a short dress for a stylish look. Look through your wardrobe for a short, fashionable dress that can serve as the base of your outfit. Slip into the dress, then pick out a sweater that you can layer overtop. As a finishing touch, slip a belt around your waist to give your outfit an extra dimension.[18]
- For example, layer a crewneck sweater over a knee-length dress, then tie a thin belt around your waist for good measure. It's okay if the dress peeks out beneath your neckline and sleeves!
- Accent your sweater with a chunky belt. Grab a thick belt and secure it along your waistline, overtop your sweater. This belt will help split your outfit in half, and really take your professional ensemble to the next level.[19]
- There's no right or wrong way to wear a sweater. Play around with what you have in your closet and see what kinds of outfits you can create!
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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