One of the most popular ways to get rid of a skin tag at home is by applying tea tree oil to it every day. We know skin tags aren’t necessarily a health risk, but for many, they can be a source of discomfort due to appearance, location, or size. For that reason, at-home solutions, like the best tea tree oil for skin tags, have become the most talked-about removal options.

Of course, we highly recommend leaving removal to a professional, but there are circumstances when taking care of it yourself is a more attractive option. Maybe it’s too small to justify the co-pay. Maybe you don’t have access to a dermatologist or doctor. Whatever the case, skin tag removal tools, hands-free patches, or high-precision pens are there for the taking. Tea tree oil, an essential oil known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits has become a popular solution since it can dry out and diminish smaller skin tags while also preventing breakouts and scarring afterward.

If you’re using tea tree oil to nix a skin tag, just be sure to apply it daily with a cotton round or swab to better avoid spreading germs from your hands to the affected area. And of course, always wash your hands beforehand. Ahead are some of the best potent and/or undiluted tea tree oils for targeting skin tags, moles, acne bumps, and more.

Maple Holistics.

Maple Holistics 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil

This formula is steam-distilled and undiluted to mix with a skincare product for topical application. (Pro-tip: tea tree oil makes for an amazing all-purpose house cleaner, too.)

Buy: Maple Holistics 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil $9.95

Handcraft Blends.

Handcraft Blends Tea Tree Essential Oil

Every oil blend from this brand is tested by an independent lab for efficacy and to ensure that no fillers or synthetic ingredients are in the formula.

Buy: Handcraft Blends Tea Tree Essential Oil $17.95

Bleu Beaute.

Bleu Beaute Tea Tree Essential Oil

This fragrance-free, vegan tea tree oil is specifically made for addressing skin marks like skin tags, moles and acne bumps.

Buy: Bleu Beaute Tea Tree Essential Oil $17.25

Basic Concepts.

Basic Concepts Acne Patches

If you want a more hands-free approach to skin tag removal, these patches are infused with a concentrated formula of tea tree oil to soak up bacteria and shrink tags.

Buy: Basic Concepts Acne Patches $9.99

UpNature.

UpNature Tea Tree Essential Oil Roll-On

Another hands-free option is this roll-on applicator that delivers an even layer of tea tree oil to remove skin tags, shrink pimples, relieve anxiety, and more.

Buy: UpNature Tea Tree Essential Oil Roll-On $8.99

Gya Labs.

Gya Labs Tea Tree Essential Oil

A 100 percent pure tea tree oil formula harvested in Australia and steam distilled for more potent application and faster results.

Buy: Gya Labs Tea Tree Essential Oil $8.49

āVō Essentials.

āVō Essentials Pure Tea Tree and Oregano Oil

The synergistic combination of tea tree and oregano oil makes for a powerful solution to skin tags, foot fungus, warts, dandruff, and more.

Buy: āVō Essentials Pure Tea Tree and Oregano Oil $16.95

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I’ve reached that part of my new “stay-at-home” normal where I spend an absurd amount of time on YouTube hoping to hack some random hair challenge. This week, that distinct honor goes to trimming hair; specifically, how to trim natural hair without heat. I’m familiar with the methods that require straightening or blowdrying my hair first, except I don’t ever use hot tools.

I literally can’t remember the last time I picked up a straightening brush and honestly, I want to keep it that way. Ultimately, exposing textured hair to heat will always result in some level of damage, whether it’s barely there or painfully visible when you detangle on wash day. For these reasons (and a penchant for lazy hair routines), I’ve tracked down five YouTube tutorials that are easy to follow and don’t make me feel like a complete failure. In most cases, you only need a pair of shears and some patience to replicate each step.

So press play, pause, and repeat on one or all of these guides to get rid of the split ends you can’t stop thinking about.

The Chic Natural

This 10-minute tutorial combines quick and easy no-heat trimming along with tips for elongating your hair length using ponytail holders—a two-fer worth the watch. Make sure you grab a pair of shears and a paddle brush before doing on your own.

Naptural85

As far as I’m concerned, any and all of Naptural85’s tutorials are well-worth watching, including this incredibly detailed guide to trimming your ends without a flat iron. Her go-to tools include shears, a rake comb, a detangling brush, a pocket comb, and duckbill clips. And if you have time, check out her older trimming tutorials under this one, too.

NappyFu TV

No need to lather in conditioner or run your strands through a straightening brush for this two-in-one method. Just make sure you have a pair of shears suited to your curl pattern.

Aisha Beau

After finding it difficult to justify an expensive trim and style at her local salon, Aisha put together this step-by-step trimming tutorial. It also features some of her favorite styling products, including the Creme of Nature Coconut Curling Cream.

Natural Reign

When I saw a Glow by Daye bonnet in the video description, I knew I had to press play and watch this helpful tutorial on trimming split ends and giving natural hair a beautiful shape. I may or may not have added this Fro Butter to my Amazon cart, too.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I admit, I love people-watching. Not peeking around corners, creepy-stalking but waiting in line or hanging out and watching my fellow humans being themselves.

In addition to the airport and Starbucks, observing people at the gym ranks high on the best people-watching places.

It’s even more interesting because everyone’s occupation is hidden behind a T-shirt and shorts. Or spandex.

In other words, you don’t know a person’s True Identity unless they tell you.

The woman next to you on the stationary bike could be a CEO, flight attendant – or she may be an auto mechanic. Ditto for the guy in the ripped tank top and hoodie.

I especially enjoy seeing my fellow over 50/60-year-olds working out.

I observe the exercises they choose, their form, and how they move about the gym. It gives me ideas for areas in which I see people either struggling or doing things incorrectly.

Besides that, I’m nosy.

But I recently noticed people doing less obvious sabotaging practices that could do damage over time. Here are my top four.

Leaning on Things

I first noticed the habit of leaning on furniture and equipment when people sign in at the gym (the cardio section of the gym sits directly in front of the check-in desk, so I have a bird’s eye view of people coming and going).

Instead of simply punching in their code on a small keypad, many boomers (people my age, so no hate mail, please!) lean on the counter while entering their info, supporting themselves on their forearms.

At first, I wasn’t sure why anyone would use this posture. Then I realized this position takes the pressure off the lower back. So, if your back hurts, supporting yourself this way eases the discomfort.

But here’s the thing: It’s lazy. Plus, if your back is weak, so is your core. Nothing good will come out of that combo.

And if you continue to rely on countertops for balance instead of actively engaging your core muscles, guess what? Yes! Your core and your back will only get weaker. Use it or lose it, as they say.

Engage those abs, pull your shoulders back, and stand up!

Pushing Off

I’ve caught myself pushing off because I have osteoarthritis in both knees and they can get cranky. Getting up out of a chair by pushing off the armrests is easier on the knees, for sure.

But once again, it’s a bad habit that leads to more weakness over time.

Because you’re not only taking the easy route, but you’re missing out on an opportunity to strengthen your quadriceps muscles which, ironically, can help your knees.

So, the next time you’re about to get up from a chair, think for a second.

Focus on and squeeze your quadriceps muscles (fronts of your thighs) and use them to help you stand up from your seated position. Count it as a “one repetition squat.” Sending you a virtual high-five!

Overall Poor Posture

Poor posture is a rampant problem among all ages, but its effects hit home after 60.

Nearly everything we do involves forward motion, such as sitting hunched over a desk. Since your body shape is the result of what you do all day, sitting with a rounded back for weeks, months, and years achieves the posture of a bay shrimp.

Aside from looking as if you’re headed up the tower to ring the bell and alert the townspeople of their impending demise, a rounded spine wreaks havoc on other body parts – namely, the shoulders.

This position compresses the shoulder joint and can, over time, lead to rotator cuff problems (shoulder stabilizers), frozen shoulder, and other issues. Shoulder injuries become more common with age, even if you’re not practicing tennis serves every weekend.

So, be sure to strengthen your back muscles by performing rows, and pay attention to your posture throughout the day. Ears, shoulders, and hips should align when sitting. Add knees and ankles, if you’re standing.

Hanging on to the Treadmill Rails

Using the treadmill rails for support is a bad habit not limited to us 60 and over people.

By hanging on to the treadmill you burn fewer calories because you’re supporting part of your body weight (ditto for any other cardio such as the elliptical).

Plus, when you hang on while walking on an incline (as most people seem to do) you negate the benefits of walking uphill.

Think about it. When you hold on and lean back, your body becomes perpendicular to the platform. So, you’re basically walking on flat ground. On the other hand, if you lean forward as you would walking up an actual hill – without holding on – you’re kicking in those hamstrings and glutes.

Afraid of losing your balance? That’s even more reason to let go – if you can walk on your own normally.

But if you’ve been holding on, slow down the machine and start by holding on with only one hand. Then progress to letting go completely.

If you’re unsure of yourself, switch to a machine that doesn’t run by itself.

For example, I use a stair stepper machine at my gym because I like being able to stop on a dime without worrying about the machine taking off on its own.

The stationary bike or elliptical trainer are other good choices, for this same reason, if you’re a bit unsteady.

Having said that, however, if you don’t work on your balance by safely challenging yourself, the situation will only get worse, not better.

If you don’t have a balance problem, great! But if you do, start by raising your awareness so you can stop and adjust your exercise position. The key lies in catching yourself and fixing the habit before it becomes a real issue.

What unhealthy posture habits do you have? Do you hang on to things for balance? Do you have tricks for getting up from the floor or a chair? Let’s chat!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

My love of acrylic nails dates back to my pre-teen years, so it should come as no surprise that I know how to apply press-on nails when needed. Every two weeks, my mom and I would go to the nail salon as a Saturday morning ritual. After years of begging, my mom finally let me get short acrylic nails in an attempt to keep me from biting my natural ones. From that first appointment I was hooked—I pretty much always wore acrylics when I had the funds to do so.

As much as I loved an acrylic manicure with all the bells and whistles, my freelance writer income could no longer afford paying up to $100 for one monthly (sometimes bi-weekly) nail set. In addition to burning a hole in my wallet, these routine trips to the nail salon were compromising the health of my natural nails. Even after switching to gel manicures and doing some of them at home, my nails were becoming more fragile by the minute. In hopes of them from total destruction, I stopped painting them and wearing false nails altogether until I could find something that would keep my nails looking fabulous without compromising their health.

Source: Instagram

After months of looking at my bare nails, I decided to attempt replacing the luxurious manicures I became accustomed to with at-home press-on nails. I know what you’re thinking—press-on nails are so ’90s and so not worth the headache of them falling off at any given moment. While these concerns are valid, I want to be the first to tell you that press-on nails have come a long way. Today, they look much more realistic and last longer than ever before. They’re also available in most of the trendy styles we typically see all over our Instagram feeds. Plus, they’re affordable and easy to apply at home. 

I most recently tried the KISS Gel Fantasy High Volume Gel Sculpted Nails and it’s already the press-on nail style I need to have at all times. Seriously—If you’re new to the world of press-ons, this is the set that will encourage you to press on and on and on. To help you comfortably apply and rock press on nails, I’ve outline five crucial but beginner-friendly steps below. 

Mika Robinson.

Always start with clean nails.

As with any surface that you put an adhesive on, your nails need to be polish-, oil-, and dirt-free to ensure your press on set lasts. After removing any traces of nail polish with polish remover or acetone, be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly. Also, use an alcohol pad to remove any excess oil present on your nail beds.

Pro Tip: Gently buff the surface of your nail for an extra-smooth surface your press-on can actually stick to.

Mika Robinson.

Mika Robinson.

Size the press-ons to match your natural nail shape.

Most press-on nail kits come with anywhere from 20 -32 nails in varying sizes. You want to find a nail for each of your fingers by sizing it before applying any glue. It should either be the exact size of your nail (entirely covering both edges) or slightly larger so you can use a nail file to downsize the side edges. 

Avoid applying a false nail that is smaller than your nail bed, as it may easily lift on the sides when wearing.

Mika Robinson.

Apply glue to your natural nails (one nail at a time).

A thin layer of glue is all you need to ensure your nails stick correctly. Avoiding putting too much glue as this will cause the glue to spill over onto your skin and cuticles.

Mika Robinson.

Apply pressure to the nail to help that nail adhere as firmly as possible.

This is where the word “press” in “press on” comes into play. After applying the perfect amount of glue to your nail, place the false nail on your natural nail (as close as possible to the cuticle) and gently apply pressure to the nail. FYI, you can place the nail immediately after the applying glue—there’s no need to wait for it to dry down or get tacky before application.

Repeat this process for all ten nails, and remember to take your time! If you’re using adhesive tabs instead of glue, the same principle applies here. Apply pressure on the nail to make sure it’s secure.

Sally Hansen.

Buy: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat $4.99

Apply a top coat for a gel-like shine (optional).

In my opinion, one key difference between acrylics and store-bought press on nails is the impeccable shine of acrylic tips (especially if they’re painted with gel polish). To achieve this look, apply a top coat on your press-on nails. 

Mika Robinson.

Mika Robinson.

It’s that simple! Take your time while applying, and you’ll be on your way to being a self-proclaimed press-on nail queen. Ahead, three more standout design options to try at home. 

Kiss.

Kiss Jelly Fantasy On-Trend Translucent Nails

Kiss.

Kiss Glam Fantasy Ultimate Diamond Nails

Coffin-shaped tips with a holographic, 3-D accent.

Buy: Kiss Glam Fantasy Ultimate Diamond Nails $9.99

Kiss.

Kiss imPress ‘Ten Different Looks’ Press-On Manicure

This no-glue set is the quickest way to try the ombre color trend that doesn’t seem to go away.

Kiss.

Kiss Room Service imPRESS Press-On Manicure

A simple nude-colored set that will go with every WFH outfit.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.