How to Fix Painful Shoes

Certain shoes can be painful to wear, but they do not always have to be. Before you subject yourself to the torture of aching, chafed, and blistered feet, try some of the tips and tricks outlines in this article. Keep in mind, however, that some shoes may be poorly structured and impossible to fix completely. Read this article to learn how to make your painful shoes painless to wear, or at least a little more bearable.

Things You Should Know

• Prevent blisters and chafing by putting insoles in your shoes. Applying antiperspirant stick to your feet can help reduce blisters, as well.
• Stretch out too-tight shoes with a shoe tree or shoe stretcher. A cobbler can also stretch your shoes if you'd prefer a pro to do it.
• Insert a heel grip if your shoes are too big and your feet slide around in them.
• Wear socks that meet your needs. Athletic socks provide arch support, moisture-wicking socks reduce sweat, and toe socks prevent blisters.

Steps

Using Moleskin, Inserts, and Insoles

1. Prevent blisters, chafing, and cutting by sticking pieces of moleskin inside your shoe. Purchase some moleskin from a shoe store (or the shoe repair section of a drug store) and take out one sheet. Place the sheet behind the offending strap or heel and trace it with a pencil. Cut the shape out using a pair of scissors and peel off the backing. Stick the moleskin onto the strap or heel.^[1][2]
   
   • This will also work on other areas that cause chafing. If the area is inside your shoe, cut out a small circle or oval that is slightly larger than the area getting chafed. Peel off the backing and stick the moleskin to the offending area.
   • You can also stick the moleskin directly onto your foot, and peel it off at the end of the day.
2. Prevent friction and blisters by applying an anti-friction stick to your feet. You can purchase one at a drugstore. Apply the balm directly onto your skin, where the chafing and blistering is likely to occur.
   
   
   
   • You probably do not want to apply this to existing blisters. Instead, consider buying some blister treatments instead. They look like oval band-aids and go over the blister. They help cushion the blister and keep it clean so that it does not get infected.
3. Consider using an antiperspirant stick to reduce sweating. The sweat and moisture created by chafing can cause or worsen blisters. An antiperspirant reduces the moisture, which may reduce blistering.
   
   
   
4. Keep your foot in place and prevent chafing and bruising with an insole. When your foot slips around from side to side, blisters can form along the front and back of your foot, where the material rubs against your skin. If you find your foot moving around inside a wedge heel or similar style, place a gel or padded insole inside the shoe to reduce movement.
   
5. Ease pain in the ball of your foot with some ball-of-foot cushions. If the ball of your foot is aching at the end of the day, your shoe may be too hard; this is especially common in high heels. Purchase a set of ball-of-foot cushions and stick them in the front of your shoes, right where the ball of your foot sits. They are usually shaped like ovals or eggs.
   
   
   • If you have a pair of heeled sandals that have a strap between the toes, consider getting a heart-shaped cushion. The rounded parts of the heart will fit to either side of the toe strap.^[3]
6. Use some silicone gel dots or adhesive foam tape to ease excessive pressure in smaller areas. Both can be purchased in a shoe store or a drug store. The silicone gel dots are clear and easily disguised, but the foam tape can be cut to just the right shape and size.
   
7. Use silicone heel cups or arch-supporting insoles to sooth aching heels. If your heels ache, it may be because the back/heel area of your shoe is too hard. It could also be because your shoes do not give your feet enough arch support. Try putting in a silicone heel cup or an arch support insole. Both can be trimmed down to the right size, and have adhesive on the back so that they don't slip around.
   
   • Arch supporting insoles are usually labeled as such; if you are having troubles finding some, look for something that is thicker in the middle of the insole—right where the arch of your foot would go.
   • Placing an insole in a tight shoe may make your feet feel overcrowded and uncomfortable. If this happens, try a thinner insole
8. Prevent scrunched toes in high heels by asking a shoe cobbler to trim the heel down for you. Sometimes, the angle between the heel and the ball-of-foot is too great, causing your feet to slide forward and squish your toes against the front of the shoe. Reducing the heel height might fix this. Do not attempt to do this on your own; seek out a shoe cobbler to do it for you. Most high heels can be trimmed down up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) by a shoe cobbler.^[4]
   

Fixing the Size

1. Know how the wrong size can hurt and how to fix it. Shoes that are too large can hurt just as much as shoes that are too small. Large shoes won't offer you enough support and cause your foot to move around too much, leading to chafing and scrunched toes. Shoes that are too small will leave your feet feeling cramped and aching at the end of the day. Fortunately, it is possible to stretch shoes out a little bit; it is also possible to fill shoes in to make them smaller.
   
   • Keep in mind that some materials are easier to stretch than others.
   • When you're buying shoes, try shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest. That can help you avoid accidentally buying shoes that are too small.^[5]
2. Try putting in an insole if your shoe is too large. They will provide extra cushioning inside your shoe and prevent your foot from wriggling around too much.
   
3. Use a heel grip if your shoe is too big and your foot slides forward too much. A heel grip is an oval-shaped cushion with adhesive on one side. It can be made from gel or foam covered with moleskin. Simply peel the backing off the heel grip, and stick it to the inside of your shoe, right where the heel is. It will add extra cushioning to the back of the shoe, which will prevent your heel from getting chafed and keep your foot in place.
   
   
4. Fill out large toe boxes with some lambs' wool. If your new loafers or work shoes are too large and your toes keep sliding forward and getting scrunched, try filling out the toe area with some lambswool. This breathable, airy material will be more comfortable and less-likely to wad up, like tissue. You can also try using some cotton balls.
   
5. Stretch out your shoes with a shoe tree. A shoe tree can either maintain the shape of your shoe or stretch it out, depending on the length or width of the tree. Insert the shoe tree into your shoe in between wearings. This technique works best for leather and suede, but will not work on rubber or plastic.
   
6. Stretch out your shoes using a shoe stretcher. Spray your shoe with some shoe stretching spray, then tuck the stretcher into you shoe. All shoe stretchers are going to be a little bit different, but most will have a handle and a knob. The knob will adjust the length and the handle will adjust the width. Keep turning the handle and knob until the shoe material is snug, then leave the stretcher in the shoe for six to eight hours. Once the time is up, turn the handle and knob the other way (to make the shoe stretcher smaller) and pull the stretcher out of your shoe. This is a great option for too-small loafers and work shoes.
   
   • There are different types of shoe stretchers available, including ones for high heels. A two-way stretcher might be the most useful, as it can stretch both the width and the length of your shoe.
   • Some shoe stretches have attachments for ailments like bunions. Insert these attachments before using the shoe stretcher.^[6]
   • Shoe stretchers can only break in shoes and loosen them so that they do not feel so snug or tight; they cannot make your shoe whole size bigger.
   • Shoe stretchers work best on natural materials, such as leather and suede, which have some natural stretch to them. They're not as effective on materials that don't stretch, like canvas, plastic, or rubber.^[7]
7. Ask a cobbler to stretch out your shoe for you. Doing so will give your toes more room to move, which may reduce squeezing and soreness throughout the foot. Stretching only works with shoes made of leather and suede, however. If you have an expensive pair of dress shoes that you don't want to ruin by stretching yourself, this is a good alternative.
   
8. Use ice to stretch out shoes that are too snug in the toe area. You can do this by filling two Ziploc bags partway with water and sealing them tightly so that there is no air left inside the bags and the water doesn't slosh out. Plop each bag into the toe of each shoe and stick both shoes into the freezer. Leave the shoes there until the ice freezes, then take them out. Pull the bags out of the shoe, then slip the shoes on. The shoes will conform to your foot shape as they warm back up.
   
   • This helps stretch shoes out to some extent because water expands as it freezes.
   • This will only work on natural materials, such as leather, suede, and fabric. It may not have much effect on plastics and pleather.
   • Keep in mind that if your leather or suede shoes become damp, you may see some staining. Consider wrapping your shoe with a towel to protect it.

Fixing Other Problems

1. Buy some specialized socks. Sometimes, wearing the right type of sock with your shoe is all that you need to fix painful shoes. These types of socks offer support to your feet, wick away moisture, and help prevent chafing and blisters. Here are some types of specialized socks that you might be able to find, and what they can do for you:^[8][9]
   
   • Athletic socks are tighter in the arch area. This helps offer arch support, and makes them ideal for athletic and running shoes.
   • Moisture wicking socks will help remove sweat from around your feet. This will help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
   • Running socks have extra padding on the underside, This will help absorb the impact your foot makes when you run.
   • Toe socks are like gloves, but for your feet instead. They cover each toe separately, and may help prevent blisters between toes.
   • Consider the material. Some materials, such as cotton, soak up sweat too easily, which can lead to blisters. Acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene help remove sweat, leaving your feet dry.
2. Prevent painful flip-flops by cushioning the thong part. Flip-flops can be comfortable and easy to wear. When the thong starts to dig in between your toes, however, they can become painful. Here are some tricks you can try to make flip-flops less painful:
   
   • Use silicon flip-flop inserts. They are shaped like ball-of-foot cushions, except that they have a little cylinder that sticks up near the front. Place the insert in the front of your flip-flop, then slip the thong part into the cylinder. The cylinder will help prevent the thong from digging in between your toes.
   • Wrap the thong area with some adhesive moleskin. The will be especially effective on plastic or rubber flip-flops. It will help cushion your foot and soften any sharp edges.
   • Wrap some fabric around the thong. You can even continue wrapping the fabric around the straps for a colorful, personal touch. Secure both ends of the fabric to the shoe with a drop of shoe glue.
3. Know how to treat painfully-smelly shoes. You can use micro-suede insoles to absorb odor-causing sweat, or you can stick some tea bags into the shoes while you are not wearing them. The tea bags will absorb the odor. Discard the tea bags the next day.
   
4. Consider taping your third and fourth toe together using skin-colored medical tape. This helps lessen pain in the ball of your foot. The reason this works is because there is a nerve between those two toes. That nerve splits when you wear heels and put pressure on it. Taping those toes together pulls some of the strain away.^[10]
   
5. Break in stiff shoes by wearing them for short periods. If your new shoes are painful because they are stiff, you can help soften them up by wearing them around your home. Be sure to take breaks often and take the shoes off when they become too painful. Over time, the shoes may loosen up and become more comfortable to wear.
   
6. Use a hairdryer to stretch and break in stiff shoes. Turn a hairdryer on to the lowest setting and point the nozzle into the shoe. Warm the shoe up from the inside for a few minutes, then turn the hairdryer off. Put on two pairs of socks and slip the shoe on. As the shoe cools back down, it will conform to the shape of your foot. This method is best used for shoes made from natural materials; it is not recommended for plastics and other synthetic materials as it may damage them.
   

Video

Tips

• Keep in mind that feet change sizes. They get more swollen when it is warm, and thinner when it is cool. Also, feet can change size as you grow older. It might be a good idea to have a specialist measure your feet at a shoe store every so often.
• Soak sore feet in hot water after you take your shoes off. The heat will soothe the pain and may make your feet feel much better.
• If you suffer from bunions, look for shoes that are labeled as "wide." Some shoes come in narrow, normal/regular, and wide sizes.
• Wear new shoes around the house before you wear them out. Doing so helps break them in and allows you to identify any potential problems before they get too painful.
• If you develop blisters, soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm green tea. The astringent tea kills bacteria, reducing odor and minimizing your chances of developing an infection. The warmth will also help soothe away the pain.
• Consider switching your shoes around throughout the day. If you are walking to work or an event, wear some comfortable shoes. Change to your dress shoes once you get to work or the event.
• Attach a clear or black heel protector to the bottom of skinny heels when you anticipate walking on unsteady terrain. Heel protectors create more surface area, which reduces the likelihood of your heel getting caught.

Warnings

• Sometimes, it is not possible to fix a painful shoe, either because of the shoe's structure, size, or quality. In this case, you may have to consider purchasing a pair of different shoes.

References

• Videos provided by [1]

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
2. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cochlear-implants/living-with-a-cochlear-implant
3. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Choosing-the-right-shoe
4. ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tight-shoes-and-foot-problems/
5. ↑ [v161661_b01]. 19 November 2020.
6. ↑ [v161661_b01]. 19 November 2020.
7. ↑ [v161661_b01]. 19 November 2020.
8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-ways-to-avoid-blisters-and-the-best-ways-treat-them/
10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10060-heel-pain

How to Apply Castor Oil for Hair

Using castor oil for hair growth, explained

Castor oil has long been used to remedy a number of common hair troubles. It can reduce frizz, ease tangles, and add a lustrous shine to your ‘do, all thanks to its high amounts of vitamin E and antioxidants.^[1] We’ll show you how to mix and prepare your castor oil, then massage it into your scalp and hair to give you the mane you deserve!

How do you apply castor oil to your hair?

Dampen your hair with water, then dip your fingertips into your oil mixture. Massage the oil into your scalp for about 5 minutes. Distribute the oil through the rest of your hair with your fingers, then throw on a shower cap and let it sit for 20 minutes. Finally, shampoo it all out.

Steps

Mixing the Oil

1. Gather your castor oil, a secondary oil, and your other supplies. Treating your hair with castor oil is simple enough, but there are a few ingredients and tools that make it even more effective and easier to apply, such as a secondary oil to mix with the castor oil for easier application.^[2]. Here’s what you’ll need for this method:
   
   • Castor oil
   • Other hair oil (We recommend argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.)
   • Hot water
   • Large bowl
   • Jar
   • Shower cap
   • Towel
   • Old shirt (recommended)
2. Dilute the castor oil with an equal amount of another hair oil. Castor oil is fairly thick, and mixing it with another oil makes it a little easier to apply. In a jar, combine 1 part castor oil and 1 part of another common hair oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil.^[3] You only need about of each, and you can always mix more.
   
   • Use cold-pressed castor oil if you plan to distribute the oil throughout your hair, and black castor oil if you only want a scalp treatment. It’s thought that cold-pressed oil is gentler on hair.^[4]
   • Try the following combination: 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of castor oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of jojoba oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell. Some people find the scent of castor oil unpleasant. If this bothers you, add in 2 to 3 drops of a fresh-smelling essential oil, such as tea tree oil. Or, mix a few drops of rosemary, peppermint, cedar, and thyme oil to create an essential oil mixture that targets hair growth.
   
4. Shake the jar vigorously to mix everything together. Once all your ingredients are inside the jar, close the lid tightly. Then, shake the jar for a few minutes, or until everything is well-incorporated. Ideally, the mixture will be uniform and free of any separation.
   
5. Place the jar in a large bowl of hot water for 2-4 minutes. Heat water on the stove or in a kettle until it just begins to boil. Then, place the jar into a large, heat-resistant bowl, and pour the water into the bowl around the jar, until the lower half of the jar is submerged. Heating the oil this way makes a hot oil treatment. The warm oil more easily saturates your hair and seeps into your scalp.^[5]
   
   • Do not attempt to warm the oil in the microwave, which can overheat the oil and cause injury when you apply it to your scalp.
6. Pour the warmed oil into a small, shallow bowl. This will make it easier for you to dip your fingers into when you go to apply it. Also keep an eyedropper handy, if you have one, which will make for more precise and easy application.
   
   • If you don’t have an eye dropper, you use a spray bottle.

Using the Castor Oil

1. Dampen your hair to help the oil absorb into your scalp. Although castor oil can be applied to dry hair, dampening your hair may help the oil absorb better. Mist your scalp with a spray bottle of water, or wet your hands and run them along the length of your hair, starting at your scalp. Make your hair just a little damp, but not dripping wet.^[6]
   
2. Cover your shoulders with a towel. This will protect your clothes from oil splashes or drips. In addition, wear an old T-shirt to avoid getting oil stains on your good clothes.
   
3. Massage the oil into your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Dip your fingers into the oil, then spread it between your roots and across your scalp. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions.^[7] Don’t use too much oil, but just enough to coat your scalp. A little bit goes a long way!
   
   • Alternatively, use an eye dropper to drip the oil onto various points on your scalp. This may be easier and less messy. Be sure to massage the oil into your scalp for about 5 minutes.
   • Alternatively, dip a cotton ball in the oil and use it to apply the oil to your scalp.
4. Apply the oil to the rest of your hair. Wet your fingers with a little more oil and rub it between your palms. Then, run your hands across your hair, from the roots to the ends. Use your fingers to comb the oil through your hair; this helps distribute the oil. Again, start with a small amount. You do not need a lot of oil.
   
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap. Loosely pile your hair on top of your head, then put on a shower cap. If you need to, keep it in place with a claw clip. The shower cap will trap the heat inside, and it will keep your hair from drying out.^[8]
   
6. Wrap a hot, damp towel over the shower cap. Warm up a towel by soaking it with hot water under a shower head. Twist the towel to get any excess water out, then wrap it around your head. Tuck the end of the towel in under your "turban," or secure it with a large hair clip. The heat from the towel will make the oil more effective.
   
7. Wash the oil out of your hair after 20-30 minutes. After about 20 minutes, step into the shower and shampoo the castor oil out of your hair.^[9] Wash your hair until the oily feeling is completely gone. Some people find that washing with just conditioner—skipping the shampoo—is more effective than using shampoo.
   
   • If your hair doesn’t feel overly oily or heavy after the treatment, you may choose to leave the oil in instead of washing it out.
8. Apply oil to your scalp once a week, or according to your preference. Start by applying the oil once a week, and then shift to more applications if your hair continues to feel dry. Or, use fewer applications if your hair becomes uncomfortably oily.^[10] Keep in mind that you may not see results like thicker or stronger hair the next day; use the castor oil treatment for 2-3 months before expecting any dramatic changes.
   
   • If you begin to notice buildup from the castor oil on your hair and scalp, use a clarifying shampoo. This helps remove any buildup in between castor oil treatments.

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• Buy cold-pressed, unrefined castor oil.^[11] One-hundred percent castor oil will be more effective and have the most nutrients. Skip on the refined or adulterated castor oil, which have very few nutrients left and will not be as effective.
• If your hair tends to tangle easily, you may find that it is more sleek and easier to manage after this treatment.^[12]

Warnings

• Castor oil may darken light-colored hair. This is not too noticeable, and it is not permanent.
• Apply a small dab of castor oil to the inside of your wrist as a test for irritation before applying it to your scalp. Wait 24 hours, observing the spot for adverse effects.^[13]
• Avoid ingesting castor oil if you are pregnant or suffer from long-term digestive issues.^[14]
• Note that castor oil has not been clinically proven to promote hair growth.^[15]

Things You'll Need

• Castor oil
• Other oil (argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, etc.)
• Hot water
• Large owl
• Jar
• Shower cap
• Towel
• Old shirt (recommended)

Related wikiHows

• Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair and Skin
• Oil Your Hair
• Get Olive Oil Out of Your Hair
• Make a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair
• Remove and Prevent Split Ends
• Treat Split Ends
• Detect Split Ends

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/castor-oil-benefits
2. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5596646/
3. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/castor-oil
4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/castor-oil-benefits
5. ↑ [v161775_b01]. 11 May 2021.
6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
7. ↑ [v161827_b01]. 14 April 2021.
8. ↑ [v161775_b01]. 11 May 2021.
9. ↑ [v161775_b01]. 11 May 2021.
10. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/castor-oil-benefits
11. ↑ https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-to-know-about-castor-oil-health-claims.h00-159622590.html
12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/curly-hair-care
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWA5l2UyEJQ
14. ↑ https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/the-end-is-near-avoid-using-castor-oil-to-induce-labor
15. ↑ https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-summary/castor-oil-summary-public_en.pdf

How to Apply for an Internship

Learn the who, what, where, how, and why of internship applications

If you don’t have much professional experience or you’re still in school, an internship is an excellent opportunity to build your qualifications. Because internship applicants rarely have much in the way of professional experience, potential employers will generally be more concerned with your skills and attitude. By looking in the right places, putting together an impressive application, and properly preparing for your interview, you can get a great internship that puts you on the right career path.

Things You Should Know

• Find internship opportunities through schools, job boards, and career fairs.
• Create a professional résumé that details your background, experience, and references. Be concise so it's easy to skim and include a cover letter.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions ahead of time. After the interview, send a followup email to thank the recruiter for their time.

Steps

Finding Internships

1. Search generic job sites. Websites that are used for job seekers usually include internships as well. Try sites like Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
   
   • In the search bar, type “intern” and any phrases that relate to your specific career field like “finance” or “medicine.”
   • There will also be an option for setting a geographic location for your search so you can find jobs near you.
2. Search intern-specific sites. There are sites that cater specifically to interns and entry-level job seekers. Try sites like internships.com, LookSharp, Internmatch, and YouTern.^[1]
   
   • Look for message boards or sites that are specific to your preferred career field.
3. Attend career fairs. Colleges and high schools often hold career fairs that will include a number of internship opportunities. These are a great option for finding internships because you can make a personal impression on the recruiter and ask questions about the position. If you are a student, ask someone in your school’s administrative office or career services office when these take place.
   
   • Ask the recruiter questions like what kind of work you’ll be doing during the internship, what kind of opportunities it could lead to, and what the company culture is like.
   • Most career fairs that aren’t held at schools will be for full-time jobs. If you do plan to attend one of these fairs, ask the event organizer if any internships will be available.
   • Think of your conversations with recruiters as interviews. Bring a resume, dress nicely, and exude confidence at the fairs so you make a good impression.
4. Ask your teachers. Teachers and professors often know of internship or assistantship opportunities that may not be published on a job site. They themselves may be looking for an assistant to help out with certain tasks. If you are in college, you could also approach the administrators or your major’s department.^[2]
   
   • It’s best to approach a teacher you know fairly well and whose subject matter you are interested in. Say something like “I am really enjoying our class. Do you know of any relevant internship opportunities?”

Application Process

1. Create a résumé. If you’re applying for an internship, it’s likely you don’t have much job experience. However, you’ll still need a professional-looking résumé to demonstrate your background and interests.^[3] If you don’t have much professional experience, try to think of other experiences that could be relevant.
   
   • Include information about volunteer work and extracurricular school activities or teams you participated in. Include the courses you have taken in school, your GPA, and standardized testing schools as well, especially if you feel like your résumé is too short.
   • Be descriptive in including your job functions, not just the names and dates of your employment.^[4] Instead of just saying that you served as an office assistant, describe duties like sending company-wide emails, drafting press releases, reordering office supplies, receiving and redirecting phone calls, and handling mail intake.
   • If you do have a lot experience to fill up your résumé, try to be concise. A résumé should be no longer than two pages long.^[5]
   • Design it so that the information can easily be gleamed by a skim read. Bullet points are a good way to emphasize the most important information.^[6]
   • Ask a teacher or a professional to read your résumé and give advice.
2. Gather references.^[7] Many employers desire references to back up the information they’ll see on your résumé. Contact teachers, previous employers, or professionals that know you well ahead of time and make sure they are okay with being contacted by the employers you apply to.^[8]
   
   • Have at least 3 recommenders in mind. Provide no more than 5 per job application.
   • Try to give your recommender some guidance as to what qualities you want emphasized in the letter.
3. Create a portfolio. For certain job fields, a work sample portfolio will go a long way toward landing you an internship. If you’re applying for something related to writing, art, computer programming, research, or a performance field like dancing or acting, your work samples will likely speak louder than your résumé or cover letter.^[9]
   
   • Provide a short description for each sample that gives the context for its creation. Describe the sample’s purpose and whether you made it for a job, school assignment, or recreation.
   • If you have a large number of samples, be selective about what you include. Choose 3-5 samples of your best work. Consider changing your portfolio around for different jobs if certain samples are more directly applicable than your best.^[10]
   • There are numerous free and premium online platforms for developing portfolios. Portfolio Gen, Carbonmade, eFolio, and Coroloft are some free options. Big Black Bad, Parade, and Pixpa are some premium options.
   • If you have some web design skills, you could use an open source site like WordPress, Blogger, or TypePad.^[11]
4. Craft your cover letters. Cover letters are an opportunity to make a personal appeal to potential employers. Discuss your background, your interests, why you would be a valuable to the employer, and why the experience would be valuable for your long-term pursuits.^[12]
   
   • Avoid repeating the content from your résumé. Instead, express exactly how your experience prepares you for the internship you’re applying for.^[13]
   • Write a unique cover letter for each internship you apply to. Employers can easily tell if you’re using a cookie cutter letter and may reflect negatively on you.^[14]
   • Try to find a specific person to contact and address the letter to them.^[15] If you can’t find a specific contact person, address it as “Dear wikiHow hiring manager.”

Acing the Interview

1. Dress well and groom yourself. Looking clean and professional is essential to demonstrating that you belong in a work environment. Consider the appearance of people working at the company you’re applying to and try to replicate that as best as possible. For some internships, you can dress more casually.^[16]
   
   • Always shower, brush your teeth, and comb your hair before your interview.
   • For men in a corporate environment, a suit is most ideal. If you don’t have a suit, wear a dress shirt, dress shows, and dress slacks with a tie. Make sure everything is properly laundered and ironed.
   • For women in a corporate environment, pantsuits or a professional dress should be worn. You can wear high heels or flats, as long as they are professional looking.
   • Try to conceal any tattoos and remove nontraditional piercings.
2. Exude confidence. One of the biggest things employers are looking for in an interview is composure and confidence. Sit upright, maintain eye contact, and speak up.
   
   • If you think you may come off as nervous, try to practice some potential answers in front of mirror beforehand.
   • Try to think positively and imagine yourself succeeding in getting the internship to build confidence.
   • Find the technique that works for you. Living in the moment in the interview and not thinking of the outcome may take the pressure off and help you relax.^[17]
3. Prepare for generic questions. Consider the questions you’ll be asked ahead of time. You’re more likely to be nervous if you have to think of your answer on the spot.
   
   • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “What made you decide to apply for this internship?” “Describe a time when you had to meet a deadline,” “Describe a time you had to work with a team,” “Describe a time you had to deal with a problem customer,” are common questions you’ll hear in a job or internship interview.
   • While it’s good to be prepared, don’t overthink your answers. The main purpose of these questions is to see how well you think on your feet and sounding over-rehearsed can reflect negatively on you.
4. Emphasize how you can help them. A common mistake internship and job applicants make is overemphasizing how great the experience will be for them. Try to phrase all of your answers in ways that demonstrate your value to the employer.
   
   • Instead of saying “This would be a great opportunity for me to learn more about sales,” say something like “I think my passion for developing sales skills will really contribute to your team’s goals.”
5. Ask questions of your own. Interviews will almost always end with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. Even if you don’t have anything particularly pressing to ask, coming up with a question or two will demonstrate that you’re engaged.^[18]
   
   • If you can’t think of anything specific, ask something like “When do you think you’ll be making your hiring decision?” “How long has the company been around?” or “What is the typical day-to-day like in the office?”^[19]
6. Send a follow-up email or note.^[20] Job and internship-seekers often send a follow-up message to thank the potential employer for their time and restate their excitement about the position. You should wait two or three days before sending the follow-up.^[21]
   
   • A good follow-up should say something like “I just wanted to reach out and thank you for your time the other day. I sincerely enjoyed learning more about the company and position. Please let me know if you have any additional questions about my background or need anything else from me. I look forward to discussing further.”

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2015/01/30/the-10-best-websites-for-finding-an-internship/#266ce52763f8
2. ↑ http://redbus2us.com/how-to-get-internships-co-ops-in-usa-by-networking-ask-professors/
3. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
4. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
5. ↑ https://www.internships.com/career-advice/search/resume-101
6. ↑ https://creativemarket.com/blog/how-to-design-a-resume
7. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
8. ↑ https://www.chegg.com/skills/internships-announcement/
9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/jobs/an-online-portfolio-can-showcase-your-work-career-couch.html?_r=0
10. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
11. ↑ http://www.wpexplorer.com/online-portfolio-wordpress/
12. ↑ [v161140_b02]. 21 November 2019.
13. ↑ https://www.internships.com/career-advice/search/coverletter-howto
14. ↑ https://www.thebalance.com/internship-cover-letter-sample-and-writing-tips-2060231
15. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
16. ↑ https://www.chegg.com/skills/internships-announcement/
17. ↑ [v160967_b02]. 10 January 2019.
18. ↑ [v161140_b02]. 21 November 2019.
19. ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/8-questions-ask-internship-interview
20. ↑ [v161595_b01]. 7 October 2020.
21. ↑ https://www.looksharp.com/guides/the-ultimate-guide-to-following-up

How to Cut Hair Straight

Grab your scissors! It’s time to give yourself or a buddy a neat and clean new ‘do

Cutting long hair straight is simple, but there are a few bad habits that can create gradations and prevent that neat, blunt, straight-across cut. Whether you’re cutting your own hair or somebody else’s, there are a few valuable tips and tricks to keep in mind—especially if it’s your first time! Keep reading to find out how to give yourself or a buddy a stellar straight-across ‘do!

Things You Should Know

• Before cutting your own hair, pull your hair in a low ponytail, tying the hair tie just above where you want to cut your hair. Use sharp hairdressing scissors to cut your hair.
• To make sure your hair is cut perfectly straight, divide your hair into 2 or 4 even ponytails, and lay them in front of your shoulders. Cut them at a slight angle.
• When cutting someone else’s hair, start with the bottom layer. Cut their hair layer by layer to be as exact and precise as possible.

Steps

Cutting Your Own Hair

1. Comb your hair out and straighten it. Before cutting your hair, make sure it’s free of any knots and tangles and that it falls straight. If you have straight hair, you can cut it dry or damp. If you have wavy or curly hair, wash it, dry it, and straighten it so that your cuts will be more precise and even.^[1]
   
   • If you have curly or wavy hair and don’t plan to style it straight, remember to cut it a little longer than you want it to be: once it’s wavy or curly again, it’ll be shorter.
2. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail. Part your hair down the middle. Pull it back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, then secure it with a hair tie. Make sure that the ponytail is neat and smooth, and that all your hairs are in elastic.^[2]
   
3. Tie another elastic a few inches/centimeters below the first one. Smooth your ponytail down as much as you can, then wrap another elastic around it. Adding elastics gives you control before and as you cut. Depending on how long your hair is, and how short you plan on cutting it, you may need to add a third elastic below the second one.
   
   • If you don’t have extra elastics, just gently pull the first elastic down to right above the place you want to cut your hair.^[3]
4. Hold the ponytail in your fingers where you want to cut it, and cut. Make a V-shape with your fore and middle fingers, then close your fingers around the ponytail. Using sharp hairdressing shears, cut your hair slowly and carefully, a little bit at a time.^[4]
   
   • Make sure to cut an inch or so below the hair tie, rather than above, so that it’s easier to flatten out the hair between your fingers. Cutting above the hair tie, where your hair is thickest, will result in a choppier cut.
5. Undo the ponytail and check the shape. Turn around so that your back is facing the mirror, and hold another mirror up in front of you. Your hair will either have a rounded bottom edge or a slight curve.^[5] If this is not straight enough for you, proceed to the next step.
   
6. Part your hair down the center and make 2 ponytails. Drape the left side of your hair over your left shoulder, and the right side over your right shoulder. Tie them tightly, letting the hair hang over your shoulders.^[6]
   
   • If your hair is particularly thick or unruly, it into 4 ponytails to make it more manageable. Just make sure all ponytails are the same length and lie in front of your shoulders.
7. Pinch one ponytail in your fingers and cut. Grab a ponytail, then pinch it between your fore- and middle fingers as you did earlier, and drag your fingers downward at a slight upward angle (that is, with the angle higher nearer your shoulders and lower at your neck). Cut the hair below your fingers using the same process as before.^[7]
   
   • Cutting your hair at this angle will allow you to cut the hair from the back of your head shorter; when you brush your hair out, it will be the same length.
8. Repeat the process with each ponytail. To ensure that you’re cutting each ponytail at the same length, measure the uncut hair against the cut hair. Take the innermost strands from both the left and right sections. Note where the cut strand ends on the uncut strand with your fingers.^[8]
   

Cutting Someone Else's Hair

1. Dampen the person’s hair with a spray bottle. While some cuts are best done on dry hair, a straight-across haircut is best done on wet hair to ensure it’s as smooth, straight, and manageable as possible. You don't have to wash the person's hair with shampoo and conditioner, but it needs to be wet (but not soaking).^[9]
   
   • Keep in mind that however short you cut their hair, it will be a bit shorter when it’s fully dry.
2. Gather the top three-quarters of their hair into a bun. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a neat part, then pull the hair into a bun at the top of their head. Clip the bun out of the way, or secure it with a hair tie. Leave the bottom portion of their hair loose.^[10]
   
   • Have the person sit in a tall chair so that their hair is at a comfortable cutting level for you.
3. Pinch a strand of loose hair in your fingers. Make a V-shape with your forefinger and middle fingers. Close your fingers against a -wide strand in the middle of the loose hair: the middle strand of hair will be your guide for the rest of the hair.^[11]
   
   • You can also use a rat-tail comb to measure out the sections. This will prevent you from accidentally pulling down too hard on it.
4. Slide your fingers down the strand to where you want to cut. Keep your hand against the person's back and avoid creating any angle by pulling it away from the back. Make sure your fingers stay parallel to the part you made earlier and the floor.^[12]
   
   • Don’t twist your fingers upwards, flip the hair, or pull the strand away from the person's back. Doing so will cause a slight gradation.
5. Cut the hair off below your fingers. Use the length of your fingers as a guide. Make sure that you’re using sharp hairdressing shears for this; don’t use ordinary scissors.^[13]
   
   • Ensure the person is sitting straight with their face forward before you cut and that they’re not crossing their legs. Otherwise, you won't be able to cut their hair straight.
6. Gather another section of loose hair and measure it against the already-cut one. Take another -wide section of hair. Add it to a few strands from the section that you already cut. Pinch the section between your fore- and middle fingers, like before. Slide your fingers down until the bottom edge is level with the cut strand.^[14]
   
7. Cut the hair, then pinch another strand. Measure the new strand up against the previous strand, and cut it. Continue in this manner until you have cut the entire bottom layer of hair.^[15]
   
   • Never pull the strands away from the person's back while cutting them. Keep them as close as possible to their back.
   • Measure up the left and right sides in the front to ensure that they are even.
8. Let down another layer of hair and clip the top layer of hair in a bun. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create another neat, horizontal part. Leave enough hair so that you can still see part of the previous layer beneath it. Gather the rest of the hair into a bun once again.^[16]
   
9. Measure the upper layer against the bottom one and cut it. Take a section of hair from the new layer. Add a thin strand from the bottom layer to it and, using the cut hair as your guide, cut the new strand below your fingers as before, and repeat the process with the rest of the hair.^[17]
   
   • Measure the new strands against the previous ones and the new layer against the old one.
10. Dry the person's hair, then make any necessary adjustments. If you want to, you can wash the person's hair to get rid of any tiny snippets of hair. Blow dry the person's hair, then trim off any ends that stick out.
    
    • Since you cut all the hair from behind, the front strands may end up slightly uneven. To even them out, let the hair fall where it would naturally fall by the person’s shoulders and trim it using your fingers as a guide.^[18]

Video

Tips

• Cut slowly and carefully. Remember, you can always cut off more hair if it’s still too long, but it’ll take a long time to grow it back if you cut too much off.
• Straight cuts aren't recommended for curly or wavy hair types due to the unique shape of each curl.
• If you have curly or wavy hair, and plan on straightening it after it’s cut, cut it while it is straight.
• If you’re cutting your own hair, consider getting a 3-way mirror. This will allow you to easily see the back of your head without having to hold up a second mirror.

Things You'll Need

Cutting Your Own Hair

• Brush or comb
• Hair tie
• Hairdressing shears
• Mirrors

Cutting Someone Else's Hair

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips
• Hairdressing shears

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@meghasinghx/video/7265094351741668650
2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@meghasinghx/video/7265094351741668650
3. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@meghasinghx/video/7265094351741668650
4. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@meghasinghx/video/7265094351741668650
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/_RLQqLHmrSY?t=527
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/qQX805YvYx8?t=98
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/CU9s42ROD6M?t=287
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/CU9s42ROD6M?t=427
9. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/all-hair-types/cut-hair-wet-or-dry
10. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=24
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=62
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=62
13. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=72
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgYVImOwYiI
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=73
16. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=126
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=139
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/nAyvxky-zaU?t=190