photo: Unsplash

In the quest for smoother, straighter hair, chemical hair straighteners have become a popular choice. These products work by altering the natural bonds in keratin, the protein responsible for hair curls. 

The hair undergoes a structural change by breaking these bonds, transitioning from curly to straight. While the appeal of a new hairstyle is evident, a more pragmatic question emerges: do these chemical processes harbor potential health risks? Let us dive deeper. 

Sports are amazing activities to keep the body healthy or bring people together for a certain goal. Organizations can fundraise using events such as charity run events. For such an event to be a success, they need proper planning, and one thing to consider is buying and giving participants the right gear.

One of the items used in various sports including a charity run or sports event is sweat bands for the wrist. These are pieces of cloth worn on the wrist to help wipe the sweat on the face and prevent sweaty hands that can be uncomfortable during the activity. They are also amazing branding items to promote the event, especially if it is regular.

Whether you are an organizer of a sports event or a participant, you need to know more about the sweat bands for your wrist before getting them. Here is what you need to know.

It's a brand new year, and no doubt there nothing anyone wants to do less than to look back at 2021, the year that looked at 2020 and said, "Hold my beer."

But in terms of entertainment options, 2021 had a better turnout than its predecessor, due in part to the reopening of movie theaters (although a good number of great stories were told through streaming services as well). Likewise, there was many good things in broadcast and streaming series to capture the attention, and a swell of wonderful stories in the comic book industry, largely bolstered by a rise in indepently produced products.

So we urge you to take a deep breath for one more last look at the year, and select the best among the nominees below to determine which ones deserve a Critical Blast Best of 2021 trophy.

This voting also includes the voting or our annual Bombshell of the Year, selecting among the twelve cosplayers who were each spotlighted in our monthly Bombshell of the Month feature.

(photo credit: Donald Tong from Pexels)

Cosplay (short for “costume play”) is a popular hobby among fans of anime, manga, comics, video games, books, and other media. People who do cosplay are called cosplayers. They dress up as characters from a movie, series, book, or video game.

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

It's the end of a year -- and the end of an era, as we mark out final Critical Blast Bombshell of the month for the foreseeable future. It's been a wonderful ride and we've met so many wonderful people along the journey. And we could think of no better way to go out than with this December's big hero with a big heart...

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

November is the month where, as the year ebbs into a close, we take stock of those things for which we are thankful. And being a part of geek culture in the 21st century, having been part of the decades prior in fandom, we are indeed very grateful for the direction in which the cosplay community has grown, not only for the splendid achievements in costuming but also in the many socially charitable ways in which it has been employed. This November, Critical Blast is honored to introduce to you, our readers, the lovely and talented...

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

With October being the month when we all get to do some cosplaying (in exchange for treats), we hope that you'll all be showing off who else lives inside of you, as does our selection for this month's cosplay spotlight. So with that, we are very pleased now to introduce you, our readers, to our...

While you may think that the holiday shopping season starts on Black Friday, or evey Cyber Monday, it really takes off around the first of October. Why? Because the ease and simplicity of shopping online at the click of a mouse comes with the trade-off of waiting for shipping. And as the carrier systems start to get bogged down with heavier loads this time of year, shipping can take time. So you should plan ahead and start marking people off your Christmas list as early as possible.

For the gamer geeks and comic book nerds in your life, one sure-fire place to find those niche needs is LostUniverse.com. And while there are numerous Funko Pops and t-shirts there to satisfy any fanboy craving, we're gong to look at someting here that's certain to put a light in their eyes -- and in their game room!

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

Our September cosplay model takes her skills as an artist and illustrator and turns them toward fashion design, crafting some of the most elegant cosplay pieces we've seen. Pulling on characters from both fandom and from history, her unique addition to the world of cosplay is a welcome one. So we are very pleased now to introduce you, our readers, to our...

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

Just like August, this month's Bombshell brings the heat with her cosplay, as well as her professional photography and range of characters. We couldn't be happier to introduce you, our readers to our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, August 2021

SillyThig

Baby Yoda (The Mandalorian)

Photo: SillThigCosplay

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

This month our search unearths a cosplayer who not only looks like your favorite superheroes, she can also give them a run for their money physically! We think you'll be as impressed as we are with her accomplishments as we are. So it's with admiration and awe that we are happy to introduce our readers to our...

For most anime aficionados, showing their love for the fandom means building a massive manga collection. The selection could comprise vastly of character figures, toys, and clothes. Although the love for anime originated in Japan, it’s now possible to amass different collectibles even when you’re from other parts of the world—all thanks to the rise of online shopping.

Now, you may have shopped online for your favorite anime figures and toys. However, though, anime-themed apparel may be a bit of a challenge to order online. There are several factors to consider such as the fit and the actual appearance of the products. Worry not because this guide is here to help.

How To Shop for Anime-Themed Apparel Online

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

This month our search takes us to Texas, where we meet up with a cosplayer who is in a league of her own when it comes to realizing League of Legends characters. Top this with her work helping people in her real world job and the time she spends doing cosplay for a number of local charities, and we couldn't be more pleased to introduce you, our readers, to our...

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

This month we reach out to the southern hemisphere to find a cosplayer worthy of bearing the mantle of our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, May 2021

DannJess

Jack Skellington (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

 

What is your interest in cosplay?

The Critical Blast awards have all been announced, but we saved the best for last: the Bombshell of the Year for 2020, based on our readers votes of all twelve of our Bombshell of the Month nominees for the prior year. And while we wanted to announce this earlier this year (we knew the results as of February 1st), we wanted to wait on this one until our Bombshell had her award in-hand, and that meant waiting for order to be taken and to arrive -- which was slightly more complicated this year due to Covid's impact on many trophy shops, many of which rely on intramural high school sports for their income. (This year's trophies came from Icon Trophies and Designs.)

April. It's the month of fooling (as the weather is capable of doing lately, tricking us into believing it will be warm only to surprise us again with a quick chill), as well as the month of baskets of sweet things and pretty outfits. Well, we can't deliver any colored eggs your way, but we can deliver some sweet cosplay which, not necessarily coincidentally, involves pretty outfits. And be sure about our latest cosplayer -- she's certainly not fooling around with her skills!

Every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings. If you got inspired to cosplay, click here for more cosplay ideas.

Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sunny cosplay. And while it comes to us from the UK but, honestly, I have no idea if its even remotely anywhere near York.

One of the things we here at Critical Blast love is cosplay, which is why every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and photogenic presence, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

Which brings us to Ellie -- Weird Ellie -- who blows in like a breath of fresh Spring air to become our...

Want to watch any anime series and films hassle free? You’re in good luck. Anime is no longer the small niche it was a decade ago. Thanks to the growing trend of streaming films and TV programs on networks like Netflix and Hulu, anime is now a global phenomenon.

That means you can watch new and classic anime shows regardless of where in the world you live. It also doesn’t matter whether you use an Android smartphone or the latest Mac computer. If you want to watch anime, these are the best websites to use.

#1: Crunchyroll

If you’re looking for a free website to watch anime, Crunchyroll fits the bill. It’s an American website that features 1000+ Japanese anime films and shows in their original language. The shows are subtitled although there are a handful of them also dubbed—original audio is replaced with English audio.

It's February -- the month of hearts and flowers, stuffed bears and romantic greeting cards, and all in the name of love.

One of the things we here at Critical Blast love is cosplay, which is why every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and spirit, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

Which brings us to Steffany, who uses the nomme-du-cosplay New Moon. So let's dive right in and get to know her better! Critical Blast is proud to introduce you one and all to the...

Multi-million dollar businesses: Amazon, eBay, and even Harley Davidson all started from a passionate hobby. So it stands to reason that you can also tap into your geeky passion and turn it into a profit. Before you do so, however, you’ll need to know how to make that possible. Here are a few smart moves to turn your geeky passion into an actual business!