How to grow long, healthy hair

Gorgeous Burgundy Red hair that completely throws my rule about dying out of the window!

 Our society is fixated on long tresses. Associated with Princesses and Mermaids, there is something mystical about having long hair. Traditionally, long hair signified fertility, femininity and abundance. Despite the ever-increasing popularity of short hair and the influx of gorgeous and stunning short styles, the majority of us still elect for long hair. It’s easier in many ways to care for, it’s convenient to throw it up in a ponytail or a bun on hot days and on days when something extra special is required, longer hair is the ideal muse for intricate and gorgeous experimental styles. It can be worn poker straight, or embrace tousles, waves or curls.

If you want to grow out a short style or simply increase the length of your already long hair, here are natural ways to achieve that full, healthy head of hair you crave.

Even the cat knows it...

 

1.       PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!

The first step required is something you either have or you haven’t – it’s PATIENCE! Hair grows approximately half an inch each and every month. Some people’s hair grows at an accelerated rate, and others grow more slowly. Hair also has an interesting concept of time...

 

Did you know that the hair grows in stages? Every individual follicle is genetically pre-programmed to follow a particular growth pattern. The growing stage lasts between 3-5 years. After growth, hair enters a resting period. Finally follows the shedding stage, when older hairs, just like autumnal leaves will be depleted, allowing newer, healthier hairs to grow. Intriguingly not every hair follows this process at the same time. Some of your hairs will be growing whilst others are resting. This is why your hair may be predominantly one length but you may have the odd, unexplainable ‘racer’ hair that is tracks ahead of all the others!

 

If you follow these steps to care for your hair, the essential ingredient is to be patient with this natural process. Your body is growing your hair all the time; it just needs the correct tools and assistance from you.

Would you notice she was wearing extensions if you didn't look closely?

 

Again, would you know Paris's beautiful blonde hair was mostly extensions if you didn't look for the tell tale signs?

 

Okay, this one is obvious...

 

2.       DON’T COMPARE TO CELEBRITIES!

 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to compare ANYTHING about themselves to celebrities. More celebrities are wearing extensions, weave and fake hair that you probably even realise. This can give ordinary people who do not wish to wear fake hair a real complex about what their own natural hair should look like.

 

Extensions are ordinarily kept in far better condition that natural long hair, which has to sustain an active lifestyle and also tend to be thicker. They are also better able to take the damage of dyes and styling because they can be removed and replaced when wear and tear begins to show. Not so with your own hair, unless you are happy to regularly chop off, start again and re-grow.

 

Instead of comparing to stars who are probably changing from blonde to red, long to short every other week (with the help of wigs, extensions and weaves), look at childhood pictures of yourself to gauge the thickness, style and type of hair you were naturally endowed with. Compare yourself to yourself and not to the fake, expensive and unattainable imagery we are bombarded with every day. Have healthy and natural expectations of what your hair can do.

You can still get your protein in if you are Vegetarian or Vegan. Research your options

3.       YOU BREED WHAT YOU FEED

What we eat goes into every part of our body. It is no different with your hair. Made from keratin (as are your nails), human hair thrives on protein. I won’t bore you by ordering you to eat healthily; I will only say that a balanced diet is heralded as ideal for good reason. Up your protein levels if you wish to see an improvement in the growth and quality of your hair. Eggs, meat and vegetables are ideal sources. A good multi-vitamin, or a particular vitamin that you may be lacking, are also ideal to keep levels topped up. A good way to test whether your hair may be low in protein is to keep check of your nails, skin and eyes. If they are all looking dull and dowdy, believe that your hair is feeling the same!

 

Drink, drink, drink! 8 glasses a day is the ideal

4.       WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE!

Our body thrives on moisture. Our skin needs it to keep supple. Our hair needs it to prevent it becoming dry and breakable. Adults are advised to drink approximately two litres of water a day (that translates to about 8 glasses), but people have different opinions on how much you should drink. Remember, a lot of your fluid will also come from dietary sources such as fruits and vegetables. Water IS the best option so don’t think 12 colas a day will be suitable for your purposes!

Regular masks will help make hair resilient to damage

5.       MASK YOUR HAIR

I love face masks, and I also love hair masks (although I rarely hair mask unfortunately!). Hair masks replace any lost moisture and although they cannot undo existing damage, they are a great way to pre-empt and prepare for future damage. Healthy, moisturied hair is less likely to become dry and break off. You can mask as often or as little as you like. Once every two weeks is advisable but for very damaged hair you should apply more frequently. You do not need to invest in a purchasable mask if you don’t wish to. You can make your own from homemade ingredients by looking at the myriad of natural recipes online. A quick and easy way is to smother hair in olive oil or coconut oil and sleep on it overnight. In the morning, wash your hair as usual. Hair will feel smooth, soft and silky.

Swimming caps don't need to be unfashionable...

 

6.       TREAT HAIR WITH KID GLOVES

A large proportion of hair damage stems from just enjoying life: swimming in chlorinated swimming pools, or salty seas and then allowing hair to dry in the frazzling sun. Of course, we still want to lead active, enjoyable lifestyles. We don’t want to be the girl at the pool sitting on the side scared to get wet!

You can decide to wear a swimming cap, hat, spray hair with protective UV sprays (coconut oil is also great as a natural alternative) and keep hair in up styles. It is better if hair does NOT get wet for long periods in chlorine and sea salt as these can be so drying, so if you have the option to swim in fresh water, this will be MUCH better for your hair. This isn’t particularly realistic nor feasible for most of us, so I say get wet, life is short. Just pamper your hair afterwards.

Don't be bullied into excessive trimming. Understand your hair.

7.       TRIM, TRIM, TRIM

Firstly, I disagree with the frequency of trimming advised. Some people, particularly hair dressers and stylists, will advise that you get a trim every six weeks. If hair grows about half an inch a month and you commit to regular trims, you can potentially (if you have a scissor happy stylist) be cutting off all of your growth EVERY month.

 

My personal advice, after having so many stylists cut about 3 inches when I wanted a trim, is to keep close inspection of your hair. Do the ends look healthy? Are there any splits? If not, you really don’t need that trim. Of course the good thing about trims is that they will also ensure your hair never gets damaged. If your hair is prone to damage, get it trimmed, but really consider how often YOU feel this is needed. You might agree that every six weeks is great, or you might decide your hair can last longer. I am also so sick of stylists cutting more than I’ve requested that I let my mum give me a tiny trim. If you know someone you can trust with scissors (preferably a friend with hairstyling experience), pass them the scissors. If you are personally scissor savvy, you might like to trim your own.

 

 

Treat yourself! I really need to buy one of these!

8.       MASSAGE, MASSAGE, MASSAGE

Massaging the scalp stimulates blood circulation and thus hair growth. Before I even knew this, I’ve always been the type to sit and play with my hair and massage my head. If you have a partner or friend who loves giving massages, take advantage! Otherwise, you can perform your own. 5-10 minutes is sufficient. Exercise in general is also great for growth believe it or not because it stimulate the entirely of your circulatory system.

You said it, sister!

9.       KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

A large cause of hair loss is stress. Stress impacts the body in a whole host of ways and not even scientists fully understand why. Stress can be responsible for acne, rashes and ulcers. It’s important to find a way of relaxation that works for you. It might be yoga, meditation, exercise, music, reading, journaling or regular spa treatments.

I totally sleep like this...

10.   SLEEPING BEAUTY

Your body beautifies itself in its sleep. Now I won’t nag about the importance of a good night’s rest. It’s not always possible (or desirable if you have a big night planned). So long as most of your nights are spent sleeping well (or you have time for a good nap), your body will find the time to grow your hair.

She's run out of shampoo...we've all been there!

 

11.   CHOOSE YOUR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER WISELY

Some people swear by natural products, others take no issue with high street buys. If you have the money and time to invest in looking at natural products, you should always buy them. That or create your own from homemade ingredients. I can’t say I’ve noticed much difference between shop-bought and home made in terms of the effects on my hair but I’m fully aware that the less chemicals and artificial nasties, the better! You also do not need to wash your hair every day. It’s best to wash your hair every 2-3 days. If you can go past 3 days feeling happy about your hair, keep going! You don’t need to apply conditioner to your roots (unless you dye your hair) as this can make hair heavy, greasy and clog the scalp. It’s better to condition the longer parts of your hair only.

It looks great but your hair will hate you for it!

12.   BEWARE OF HEAT!

Regular heat styling is the bane of healthy hair. When you must style use heat protection, but be aware that heat protection doesn’t offer full protection for your hair. When styling, do not go over and over the same piece of hair 20 times; this intense, concentrated heat is horrible for hair over time. Styling now and again will cause no problems. Remember, you can create straight hair or curls with bristle brushes and your hairdryer, rather than with tongs.

Here are my three favourites: coconut, olive and Moroccan argan oil from Organix

 

13.   REGULARLY APPLY OIL

I love applying argan oil or coconut oil to my hair after I wash it whilst it’s still damp and once again when it’s dry. The hair has its own inbuilt natural oils, but it’s nice to add a little extra for moisture, shine and care.

Experimenting with dyes is fun, but familiarise yourself with the risks

14.   BEWARE OF DYING

Many people with long hair regularly dye their hair. What you need to be aware of is that dying hair is a commitment requiring much upkeep and potential hair damage that will build over time. If you dye your hair, particularly if you are dying your hair a colour far removed from your own (brunette to blonde), you will need to dye more frequently and mask, oil and condition far more often.

 

Most people want to experiment with hair so by all means do it. Just understand that you may need to take extra care of your hair to make up for some of the damage. You can speak to stylists or friends about suitable dyes and products and their own experiences with their hair to make an informed choice.

 

For long term long hair, your natural colour is the better choice, but experimenting with colour is part of what makes hair so fun!

Wide toothed combs are great, as are bristle brushes

15.   BRUSH WITH CAUTION

I gave up my brush for a wide toothed comb and it was the best move I made. Do not comb wet hair. Instead, comb hair before you wash it so that you can run your fingers through it. Then wash and allow hair to dry. If you need to comb/brush again, do so on dry hair. Also brush from the bottom up to detangle. Brushing from top to bottom can cause breakage.

 



Some look great and natural, others look obvious and some are just...WTF? Just please don't go there mmm'kay?



16.   SHY AWAY FROM EXTENSIONS

Anything that repeatedly tugs or pulls at the root of your hair will be damaging to it. Extensions are all the rage in our society but you’ll feel better knowing your hair is all yours! Extensions are also linked to alopecia and hair loss when used excessively over time and can actually think out natural hair.

 

 



Examples of BAD (above) and GOOD (below) hair ties



17.   TAME YOUR TIES

It’s better to use soft, silky hair ties rather than harsh elasticised ones that can end up tugging out hairs. It’s advisable to tie hair loosely in the night as if you’re anything like me you practically break-dance in your sleep!

 

FINALLY...let time pass and enjoy what you have made! J

 

Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Night Concentrate

Overview
Night-time is when our body does most of it's healing and regeneration. As such, a powerful night moisturiser is highly recommended if you are serious about skincare. Of course, without an effective nights rest, a cream can only perform so many miracles! I once read a highly reputed celebrity (not that I can recall the name, but a slight niggle tells me it was Penelope Cruz) state that she does not clean her face in the morning AT ALL. She does all her prep work at night: cleansing, toning, moisturising, and let's the night work it's magic. In the morning, she only lightly splashes her face with water so as not to undo the effects of the night before.

Packaging
BLUE, BLUE, BLUE. I am so drawn to blue. It promises clarity, relaxation and pampering. For a product that promises moisture, blue is a very promising colour and that is what drew me instantly to the range.

Price
$19.30

Scent

Minimalistic, there's not much to smell here, which is a shame as the scent is very important to me (You might have noticed that from previous entries!)

Texture
This baby blue liquid is accompanied by darker blue beads. This has a silky smooth, soft texture.  It's a slightly translucent gel and the colour if so appealing.

Bang for your buck
I actually really like this product. As you use it once daily (at night...) you can really make it go far. Supposedly this product time releases moisture throughout the night, meaning that you will constantly be having your moisture levels upped. The mantra for this product is hydration, hydration, hydration. It can also be used on all skin types (again, I would exercise caution if you have problematic skin). The real proof is always in the pudding and how your skin feels upon waking.

Does it work?
My skin definitely felt very thoroughly hydrated the morning after the night before. I really enjoyed using this. It's powerfully effective but doesn't feel heavy.

Does it last?
Using once nightly, you can use a little and make it last.

Would I repurchase?
I'm on the fence here. Although I really enjoyed this product and found it effective, I'd also like to try others. I don't think I would 'commit' to this product although I wouldn't be adverse to trying it again.

Instructions for use
Apply once nightly on the face and neck.

Final verdict: 7/10

Analysis: The use of Pigs in Film

Pigs can be used symbolically in film to represent and/or embody certain beliefs and values. The pig has some positive connotations, linking them with intelligence, fertility, luck and abundance. Most people are more familiar with the negative associations, linking pigs with ignorance, idleness, uncleanliness, greed, overindulgence and rampant lust.

Aside from the adorable movie 'Babe', the majority of films choosing to elect pigs as there totem tend to focus on these negative affiliations.

Here follows a brief analysis of how pigs have been depicted in film and what they have been used to symbolise.

 

Carrie

 

Stephen King's 'Carrie' is the story of a telekinetic, shunned protagonist raised by a devoutly Christian mother, who is harshly rejected and humiliated by her peers at the school prom. Carrie's character is linked with blood immediately. Having not been raised to understand the natural functioning of her womanly body, she fears that the onset of her menstruation means that she is bleeding to death. Her class mates assault her with tampons and sanitary towels, leaving Carrie weeping in ignorance.

 

On prom night, Carrie and her date are drenched in buckets of pigs blood. The image is visceral and vibrant as Carrie, formerly dressed in virginal white, transforms into a blot of scarlet.

 

In one sense, this is a very visual way to represent her transformation from innocent, passive, victim to experienced, active attacker. It is only after she is drenched in pigs blood before an audience that she commits murder multiple times and burns her school to the ground. Blood for women is obviously very relevant as a form of initiation: that of transcending childhood into womanhood. Men have no such obvious heralding of there transition, hence why they feel the need to create initiations and ceremonies of there own to indicate such a passing. Mother Nature has marked out a very particular, inherent, internal ritual to signal for each individual girl when her womanhood has begun.

 

So we can understand the ideas behind blood and innocence and the significance of Carrie having to be drenched with blood before she can finally stand up for herself, but why does the blood need to be pigs blood?

 

In one sense, it could be a way of depicting that there is something unnatural in Carrie. The showering of pigs blood is her thunderous menstruation. It is also a way of affiliating her more closely with animals than with human beings. It also reflects how her classmates perceive her, and more importantly, how Carrie perceives herself.

 

Her mother constantly lambasts her with insults that she is unclean, impure and dirty. What could be more symbolic of these insults than to be doused in the blood of pigs? Just as pigs wallow in mud, Carrie wallows in blood. Interestingly, the sacrifice of pigs links to fertility rituals, the mother, the feminine, the devourer, and the underworld. Well, this all seems very relevant to Carrie!

 

Association with pigs, depending on the culture, was either a sacred or a ridiculed profession. Carrie is both a sacred, blessed being and a cast out one. Pigs blood was also previously used as a powerful purification agent, suggesting Carrie is washing herself clean of her torment and her victimhood. We can see that there is much symbolism in the choice of pigs blood, above sheep's blood or cows blood for instance.

 

 

 

Lord of the Flies

 

The symbol of the sows head implanted upon a staff in a clearing is one of the most highly charged representations of the pig in film.

 

It is a haunting and horrible image. The hunters have fully regressed to a primitive state. The impaling of the head represents a true loss of innocence and a reversion to an animalistic way of being.

 

It is also of relevance that the pigs head belongs to a sow (female). On an all-male island, there is no concept or affiliation with the feminine or with the mother. Almost as an act of separation from the female and entry into manhood, the boys desecrate the sacred sow and leave her head for all to see. This is a violent rejection of female influence. The only feminine voice heard in the film is the voice of 'Auntie' recounted through Piggy.

 

Without feminine influence to balance out masculine aggression, the island and the boys relationships to one another are destabilised and quickly turn to violence and murder. The displayed sows head is a clear way of saying, "We are men. There are no women here". It is a sacrificing of the female, the woman and the mother.

 

The boys leave a note beside the impaled head which reads, "The head is for the beast. It's a gift". There regression is exemplified by the desire of formerly civilised and rational men, to sacrifice animal matter to an unrevealed entity that they fear is terrorising them. The less the boys are bound to civilisation, the deeper there believe in monsters and beasts.

 

The sows head, the 'Lord of the Flies' speaks to Simon whilst he is in a trance-like state. The Lord expresses to Simon that the beast the boys fear exists within them. The beast is part of them. Ralph also later has an encounter with the Lord, and although it does not communicate with him (perhaps Ralph lacks the intuition of Simon), it does goad him from it's stand causing him to smash it to the ground where it still appears to grin up at him.

 

The pig here represents all that is bad in the boys: greed, excessive search for pleasure, consumption, ignorance and idleness. All of these negative traits will lead to there downfall if they continue. And yet the beast promises that as it is part of them, they are unable to fully escape it's clutches. They need not be afraid of what is outside, for this is a good island, but for what exists inside of them.

 

The killing of a sow is particularly pertinent to this, as the murdering of a mother means that she will be unable to raise piglets or breed. Eventually, if the boys were to murder all sows, they would run out of pig to hunt and consume, all through there own reckless lack of forethought.

 

If we consider the story in terms of original sin, the pigs head is the devil, it is all that is fallen in man. 'Lord of the Flies' is interchangeable for Lucifer or Satan. The Arabic translation of 'Lord of the Flies' is Beelzebub, one of Lucifer's monikers. The significance of the choir boys (religious, Godly boys) becoming the most violent and ungodly is a powerful reminder of the devils germination within every individual.

 

Why does it need to be a pigs head? The pigs head is paradoxically the food they eat and the behaviour they imitate. The boys are becoming nothing more than a tribe of violent, consuming, greedy boars. Pigs flesh is said to be the closest to human flesh. The pigs and the boys are more similar than they imagine.

 

 

Animal Farm

 

An allegorical, dystopian discussion of the corrupting influence of power, and in particular totalitarian communism. All of the animals on the farm are interchangeable for prolific Communist party figures running rampant in Soviet Russia.

 

Why would it be necessary to compare politicians to pigs? There is definitely something that human beings find relatable about pigs. There intelligence, there flaws and there impulsiveness are all uniquely human. Perhaps they are the closest animal to us in many respects, and the easiest way to characterise man's fall. If we extrapolate mans follies and faults into an animal to better analyse and understand it, perhaps the pig is the best animal to embody us.

 

The pigs begin on equal terms with the other animals on the farm, overthrowing the farmer that forces them to work and beginning a revolution. Eventually, the pigs expand to become the new masters of the farm rather than operating in synchronicity with the other animals.

 

The most powerful image occurs at the end, when the pigs, fully clothed and standing on two feet, smoke cigars and laugh with human beings. They have transformed from animals into humans. Usually, human beings are shown to regress to a de-evolved animal state, but here animals are depicted as humble, noble and purposeful. It is the humanising of them that corrupts the animal. It is impossible for the animals to now tell pig or man apart. Again, man and pig are interchangeable. The pig here represents the worst of human foibles: greed, selfishness, destruction, laziness and boorishness.  

 

 

 

 

 

The Saw Series

 

If you like your horror movies, you will be familiar with the Saw series. A serial killer known as Jigsaw, working with several apprentices, kidnaps those whom he feels do not value or appreciate living, indulging in destructive or sinful behaviours, such as voyeurism, drug abuse, overeating and infidelity.

 

He captures his victims with the use of a chilling pig mask to conceal his true identity. This horrifically lifelike masks primary intention is to reflect back what Jigsaw sees in his victims. He perceives them as sinned, flawed, fallen. They are basically pigs to him, animals that can't control there impulses but with all the intelligence and potential to be trained and salvaged. It is also reflective of the wearer who is contaminated by a disease. The original concept was to use a rotting head to reflect the rot present in Jigsaw.

 

So the mask serves the function of concealment necessary to the advancement of the narrative but it also symbolises the way each character is perceived by the Jigsaw killer. It also pays homage to the year in which Jigsaw began his work, the Chinese year of the pig. Interestingly, to be a 'pig' in Chinese astrology is connected with purely negative connotations. The pig is lazy, greedy and always last.

 

As you can see, pigs are quite a fascinating symbol and abound in movies!

 

Mise-en-scène - Lord of the Flies

The Choir
Ralph and Piggy first encounter the choir boys marching across the beach in an orderly, authoritative formation led by head boy and chorister Jack Merridew. The Eden-esque paradise of the golden sands and tranquil waters is sharply polarised against the steely blacks of there uniforms. There is a jar between the splendorous nature of the still and the almost forceful appearance of there civilised uniforms. There is a true sense that civilised man has arrived upon this exotic island.

Beyond the aesthetic juxtaposition, it is very clear that Jack is a leader. He has a position of power and authority. He is literally ahead and apart from the other boys. This represents Jack fairly well. He is a lone wolf, enthused with the authority bestowed upon him by the civilised world. If the Island is a microcosm of the wider world, then Jack is desperately clinging to the perks and privileges of his esteemed status. His rage, his cruelty and his barbarism stem from his deeply rooted insecurity that his authority will be overthrown and unrecognised, even usurped.

The boys following Jack are passive and submissive, reciting a choir song in unison as they march. They represent the danger of blindly following, the terrible repercussions of the mob mentality that develops and the ways in which a benevolent group of Godly boys can quickly regress into savages so long as a hierarchal power system is imposed and enforced.

The uniforms, the choir song and the march all convey a sense of majority rule and synchronicity.

Piggy and Ralph

Ralph is charismatic, benevolent and a natural leader. He is kind, fair and just. As the protagonist of the novel, Ralph is instantaneously selected to be the leader by the boys. His natural air of authority, athletic build and charming approach, bind the boys to him. Ralph is the embodiment of the civilised, well-raised boy, lending his breeding, manners and productivity to the ramshackle, chaotic farcical formation that is the Island.

 

Ralph introduces the concept of assemblies and meetings, commanding the boys with the conch. Ralph consistently prioritises the importance of shelter and rescue, whilst the other boys focus on the instant gratification and immediate pleasures of play and consumption.

 

Ralph is often compared to the ego of man, whilst Jack is perceived as the id. Piggy by contrast represents intelligence, science and rational thought. Piggy lacks the physical build and easy charm of Ralph, and he also lacks the power hungry thirst and lunge for power that enables Jack to be so successful. What he does possess is a clear, calm mind, a mind that can establish between fact and fiction. Piggy immediately understands that there is no monster on the island.

 

Bound by his physical flaws and inabilities, Piggy is heavily reliant upon the civilised world and unable to function in this primal state. Ralph and Piggy form a duo dependent on one another for what the other lacks. Ralph enables Piggy to be tolerated by the group, whilst Piggy practically serves as Ralph's wingman or PR, encouraging his leadership and promoting his ideologies and values.

 

The breaking of Piggy's glasses (as pictured) reveals the boys hostility towards the intellect, rationality and reason. The boys are not in school anymore and simply do not respond to Piggy's common sense. The crack in the glasses represents the waning of Piggy's already very ropey influence. It also hints that another, larger 'crack' is to come.

 

 

 

 

Assembly

Ralph calls a meeting, but gradually, the choir boys begin to lose interest and separate into a new group; the Hunters. We can track the regression of the hunters from choir boys into savages by the shedding of there uniforms. Initially attired head to toe in black, here they retain only there caps. Perhaps we can infer that there is still some reason and humanity within there heads. Otherwise, they are completely stripped of clothing, slowly becoming animalised and less civilised. They no longer feel the need to wear a uniform to establish authority.

 

They are also armed with staffs. Again, there is a sense of passive singularity. Jack and Roger are the only two of the group to have established personalities. The remaining hunters are intrinsically similar and undefinable. They function solely as a mass.

 

The posture also represents dysentery in the ranks. Jack looks both vengeful and disinterested whilst the rest of the boys hold poses ranging from boredom, disinterest, sullenness and rebellion. There loyalty lies elsewhere. There is a great repressed tension here.

 

 

Ralph and Jack

Ralph and Jack have an intriguing relationship. They are both recognised as authority figures, and as such, despite there fundamental differences, they have a grudging respect for one another.

 

Ralph is inherently more humane, compassionate and pleasant whilst Jack is hot headed, bullish and impulsive. When the two are together, there is an easy camaraderie about them. Here they conspire, both dressed in there school attire, as equals. Neither boy is above the other. Later, this relationship is to deteriorate.

 

 

Leader V Leader

The difference between the two pictures marks the deterioration of the boys relationship. Whereas before they were seated side by side, Jack is now at an imposing height whilst Ralph stands lower, indicating that Jack has officially usurped Ralph's leadership.

 

Jack is topless (animalised) whilst Ralph is clothed (civilised). Jack still wears his cap, but this is the only lingering part of his attire.

 

Jack looks hostile and tempestuous whilst Ralph, good-hearted and somewhat naïve, grudgingly acknowledges his fading star.

 

Wild Thing

The boys dance around a camp fire. Even Ralph finds himself mysteriously hypnotised and pulled into the compulsive acts of dancing, chanting and fighting. These tribal behaviours reveal the animalism within the boys, for there is a temptation and a pleasure to be had in these simplistic, barbaric regressions.

 

On the night of Simon's murder, the boys play fighting transforms into sheer insanity. Mimicking animals, the boy above is no longer recognisable as a civilised boy. His hair is tousled, he is nude and painted. The still is both eerie and intimate, wild and cramped. The boys are making a departure from one way of being and emerging into a more primitive manner. They are shedding there civilised facades to reveal what man is beneath.

 

 

 

Simon and the Lord of the Flies

Simon is rejected by the group immediately. Intuitive, sensitive and spiritual, Simon is prone to faints and fits, and yet he has a deeper understanding beyond his years that the boys are unable to process. Even Ralph and Piggy, his close affiliates, do not fully understand him.

 

Simon is the lone communicator of the truth of the Island. He understands that there is no beast or monster, the evil of the Island exists within man and is not external. The fear they possess is really fear of themselves displaced onto an unknown other.

 

Here, Simon stands with the sows head. In a hypnotic, hallucinogenic state, Simon hears the pig reveal the truth. When Simon attempts to pass his message onto the boys, he is murdered. Simon has often been professed to be a Christ like figure, a profit bringing a message that the others refuse to listen to.

 

Burn, baby, burn!

Fire is a powerful image in the film. It indicates reckless destruction. Fire, initially used as a beacon to warm communities and heat food, is no longer contained and eventually burns down the Island and leads to the boys being rescued. Here, we can see the beginning of the reckless use of fire. Before a clouded sky and a calm sea, the third of the fourth elements, fire, controlled by the boy, is swung about aimlessly. They lack the maturity to control there animalistic urges.

 

If fire represents enlightenment, action and aggression, we can see that the boys are slowly losing control of this element. Eventually, fire will lead to there undoing and there liberation.

 

 

 

Jack, Unrecognisable

One of my favourite stills of Jack, he is now beyond recognisable. His face is hidden and masked enabling him to disconnect himself from the repugnant acts he has committed. He is concealed and hidden, as well as armed with his staff. The white paint on his chest almost looks like a crucifix, a gross parody and distant reminder of his former alliance.

 

Jack Merridew

A full frontal still of Jack Merridew. His painted face looks haunting and dehumanised. He is disconnecting himself from his new persona as leader of the hunters. His ability to hold a direct gaze indicates the ease and comfort with which he operates whilst 'concealed'.

First Glimpse: Nymphomaniac

Those who are familiar with the films of Danish film maker Lars Von Trier might be aware that his works do not shy away from courting controversy. After publically confessing to sympathising with Hitler and persuading the usually fully clothed Kirsten Dunst to shed her clothing and bath naked in the moonlight as Justine in Melancholia, Von Trier has a morbidly magnetic charm that seems to both haunt and hypnotise actors and audiences alike.

Everybody wants to work with him. He adds clout and courage to an actors resume, and yet they all seem equally terrified of what he might expect them to do, understandably...

His latest offering, which is destined to hit screens on the 25th December (appropriately, Christmas day), is entitled 'Nymphomaniac', a title that is bound to entice fans and foes of Von Trier in equal measure.

Von Trier's muse, the musically voiced Charlotte Gainsbourg returns as Joe, a self-confessed nymphomaniac, who is discovered by Stellan Skarsgard (portraying Seligman) badly beaten in an alley way. As he tends to her wounds she furnishes him with the details of her life from birth to present, including all of her erotic, amorous adventures.

But with no more than a provocative title, a smattering of unusual casting choices (Disney's one time darling Shia LaBeouf, Uma Thurman and Connie Nielsen) and some rousing snippets of scenes, what are we to make of what will prove to be one of the most heralded and possibly derided movies to end the year?

Trier has decided to shoot a soft cut and an explicit version of his story and the rumour mill has already gone into overdrive as to the content, especially with such large names present for ridicule, exposure and critique. Shia is even reported to shoot a scene involving a rather private prolapse collapse...if you know what I mean.

LaBeouf famously declared, "The movie is what you think it is. It is Lars von Trier, making a movie about what he's making. For instance, there's a disclaimer at the top of the script that basically says we're doing it for real. Everything that is illegal, we'll shoot in blurred images. Other than that, everything is happening. ... [V]on Trier's dangerous. He scares me. And I'm only going to work now when I'm terrified".

With the promise of real, rather than simulated sex, LaBeouf's partner has supposedly split with him due to the intimate nature of his new project, and many critics are already claiming that Lars is attempting to make pornography mainstream. It is reported that Lars will digitally manipulate the genitalia of porn stars onto his cast.

But with sex being such a sensitive subject, are people ready to see a film of A-listers exposing themselves not only psychologically but physically also? Is this really art, or is it simply porn for the masses?

The third and final part of his 'Trilogy of Depression', this will no doubt be a bleak and disturbing film, equally evocative and repulsive. Such a clever, inventive and thorough film maker will undoubtedly provide us with a no holds barred account of nymphomania through his eyes, with all his jaded, bitter, grasping and anxious responses to sex coming to the fore. But sex is never just about sex so there will most certainly be some discussion about relationships, promiscuity, validation, modern day culture and the balance of power, dominance and submission. I am sure that Von Trier will have some curveballs for us, because I do not believe his perception of sex will be so black and white.

His voyeuristic approach to startling subject manner leaves audiences reactions and responses instantaneous and uninfluenced. Just how much will audiences dare to see? How much can they look at, in the company of others, without flinching or turning away? As much as I am curious as any cat to see this film, I would be reticent to see it in a full cinema screening.

Von Trier's films are always a harrowing exploration of his psyche; an intelligent but damaged man, Trier's has a bleak, uncompromising view of the world through the prism of his depression. He has tragic views of marriage, nature and now sex. He is impossible to predict or premeditate. As much as we are sex saturated, Von Triers perception will no doubt offer something very different to what mainstream audiences are used to. Even in our desensitised society, he may find a way to shock us. Perhaps that is what drew him to such a project.

Supposedly four hours long, this film will really push movie-goers to the brink. So are you excited to see this film, or disgusted that it was even cleared for production? One thing is for sure. Lars has not only pushed the boat out. He has disappeared beyond the edge of the horizon in it and sailed to a foreign shore. And to think...behind it all lies his indisputable mummy issues (she admitted his real father was not the man he had always assumed him to be). Maybe there will be something about the Oedipus Complex in here...

O’slee – Pomegranate Milky Mask

Overview
This Malaysian brand sets off some of my most responsive hit points. For starters, their skin meal series sounds so nourishing, hearty and wholesome, that you genuinely do feel that you are feeding your skin via application of the product. Secondly, there wave of rosehip products, an ingredient introduced to me via my girl crush on Miranda Kerr, really appeal to me. Rosehip oil is one of my absolute favourite skincare products, so to have a whole line concocted around it is quite exciting for a product devotee such as myself! This particular product is a pomegranate milky mask. You can face mask as often, or as little as you like, but I advise three times a week (I advise this purely because that’s how many times Miranda Kerr claims to slap a mask on and it seems to work for her!). Face masks are beautifying, rejuvenating and just plain relaxing. Here is my opinion of this Malaysian miracle.

Packaging
This exterior will really appeal to girly girls. This baby pink box is soothing and looks like a merging of Barbie and Polly Pocket. The design clearly emphasises the pomegranate ingredient, and looks warm, soft and appealing as a result. In fact it was the boxes design that really made the product jump off of the shelf at me! Within the pink box is a beautiful little pot, purple-pink with product and a teeny tiny lid to emphasise the delicious pomegranates within. It looks good enough to eat.

Price
RM 59.90 (£11.72)

Scent
One of the most appealing factors of this product is it’s bewitching scent. It smells like a wonderful smoothie or yoghurt – you really could eat this. It’s creamy, rich, fruity and floral. Divine!

Texture
Thick in texture like a robust yoghurt or thickened smoothie. I really do feel the manufacturers wanted us to eat this product! Really lovely to apply: soft and thick, like a gentle caress on the face.

Bang for your buck
So here is what the product claims to do. Promoted as a whitening and anti-ageing mask, skin is protected against flighty free radicals which promotes a youthful appearance. It is the oxidation of free radicals that causes skin to age, and although skin will age regardless, regular face masks do help the skin repair and rejuvenate, which is why it is useful to do them often. Milk extracts are included to lighten the complexion and assist with pigmentation issues, promoting a universal skin tone rather than a blemished one. Skin is also hydrated, collagen production is increased and pores are refined whilst skin becomes firmer. Finally, kaolin removes oil and dirt from pores, leaving complexions fresh and clear. The overall impact of the product, summarised in its own words, is ‘antioxidants, whitening, moisturising, firming and deep cleansing’.

Does it work?
I have a pretty fair complexion, and I didn’t notice my complexion getting any lighter, but I didn’t notice it getting any darker either! It definitely felt like it levelled out and balanced my complexion. My skin felt brighter, firmer and far fresher after use. My face felt moisturised, soft and truly benefited from this nourishing product. It does truly feel like your face has been fed.

Does it last?
Although the pot is small, the texture of the product is so thick, that you can apply a little and really stretch out the use whilst still maximising the full potential of it's benefits.

Would I repurchase?
Most certainly, too good to miss!

Instructions for use
As advised by the manufacturers, apply mask 2-3 times weekly. Use cleansing sponge included to clean away the product effectively. Use included mask stick to apply mask. Do not allow water to come into contact with the mask. Apply a thick layer of product to a cleansed face and clean away after 10-15 minutes.

Final verdict: 8/10