How to fix split ends !

There are several things you can do to prevent your hair from splitting.

After you apply conditioner in the shower, slowly run a wide-toothed comb through hair until all the tangles are out.

Get a haircut every six to eight weeks. It will remove split ends and keep your hair healthy and strong.

Never over-brush. A hundred brushstrokes is not necessary, and may lead to more splits than anything else.

How to choose an organic shampoo

Organic shampoos and conditioners have their share of benefits as compared to the chemical-based shampoos. However, there are organic shampoos that might not suit your hair texture. Here are a few things that one should keep in mind before opting for natural shampoos...

Check if the shampoo is organic

Some shampoos might just claim that they are made out of natural ingredients. But five out of 10 ingredients will actually be chemical-based, that might harm your hair. It is advisable to research in advance than pick a shampoo without knowing its pros and cons.

Look out for these ingredients

When choosing an organic shampoo look out for ingredients like olive oil, cocount oil, organic tea tree, organic shea butter and aloe vera, among others. 

Consult the doctor before use

Don't buy organic shampoos just because the label says so. There are different varieties in organic shampoos for different hair textures like oily or dry hair. It is best to consult the doctor before use.

Shoo away summer hair problems

Colouring your locks or taking a cool dip in the pool may be a problem for your hair during summer. Know how to protect your precious locks.

Kiran Lohia, managing director, Lumiere Dermatology suggests the following tips:

Hair colour fading: 

The sun's strong rays can often cause your hair colour to change due to its temporary bleaching effects. Wear a hat to protect hair. If not that, you can wear products with sun protection on your tresses.

Green hair: 

Swimming is a great way to cool yourself, but the chlorine present in it can make your hair turn green. Look for chlorine-removing shampoos so that your hair can return to its natural colour! And, try to wear a swim cap to reduce the amount of chlorine your hair is exposed to.

Forehead breakouts because of bangs: 

Greasy bangs sticking to the face can block your skin's pores leading to breakouts. Try to keep your bangs or hair off your face so that your skin can breathe.

Make your own anti-dandruff shampoo

Have you tried every anti-dandruff shampoo in the market, but still haven't found one that works for you? Try making your own at home.

You'll need:

Baking powder: 2 tbsp

Warm water: 1 cup

Vinegar: 1 tbsp

Mint juice: 2 tbsp

Directions:

Put the baking powder and warm water in a clean bowl and mix well. Then add the vinegar and mix well. Make a juice of fresh mint leaves and add only the thick filtered part of the juice to the mixture. Finally, stir everything together well and keep aside for a while. Apply this solution to your hair twice a week.

Is washing your hair too often okay?

Experts talk about tackling greasiness and how often it is okay to wash your tresses

It's certainly hot and you're definitely sweating it out while commuting to work, at the gym or even at home. These increased levels of perspiration might make you feel like washing your hair every day. Experts tackle common questions that you may have about this predicament.

Is a daily hair wash okay?

It's not necessary to do so, feels city cosmetologist Dr Sama Rais. "Preferably not everyday as shampoos have harsh chemicals and can remove the essential oils from the scalp, causing an over-drying of the scalp. Thrice a week is good enough. Even if you perspire, just pour plain water on the hair. If your hair suffers from Hyperhidrosis (problem of excessive sweating), you may have to wash everyday. But use only a mild shampoo, which is suitable for to your hair," she says.

Overcoming dandruff issues

Dandruff and an itchy scalp is probably one of the biggest and most common offshoots of the sun playing havoc on hair. Says cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda, "There are two types of dandruff, oily and dry. Oily dandruff is dangerous as its eats away the pigment of your hair, while dry dandruff falls off. The former can give rise to numerous problems like pimples, pigmentation, etc, as dandruff on the scalp prevents blood circulation." She also advises staying away from using heavy oils. "If you have oily skin, just use a lighter oil, like olive oil, and massage it for 15 minutes, followed by a hot towel treatment, then wash it off. Home-based treatments include putting ginger juice on the scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off. Also, wash hair every alternate day with a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo. Eating green vegetables like palak and methi helps the hair," she adds.

Using henna, a myth

Henna actually dries the hair and most stylists will tell you should not use it, saysa Dr Rais, adding, "Henna makes the hair more porous and can can turn hair brittle. Instead, use a good conditioner, which has a sunscreen or even a hair serum."

How to use hair serums

Hair serums improve the texture of the hair and untangle it, leaving it softer. They are perfect for that dry, frizz that summer bestows. Anyone can use it but there are rules to follow. "If you use too much, the hair can look oily, so, take only a few drops on the fingertips and apply on the hair, not scalp," says Dr Manchanda, adding, "Look for products that have argan oil as well as those with walnut and almond oil. Avoid those having silicon. After you have used a hair serum, don't use a spray after that."

Tips for healthy hair

•  Trim away damaged ends of the hair, especially if they are frizzy.
•  Wear a hat, scarf or peak cap (not too tight) to protect hair from damaging UV rays.
•  Use a hair sunscreen if you are going out between 11am and 4 pm as that is when the sun's rays are harshest.
•  Always use a little conditioner on the hair before you go swimming.

Thinking about a hair spa?

States naturopath Nirmala Shetty, "Go natural when it comes to a hair spa. Look for nutrients in what nature provides us. For instance, grind hibiscus into a paste and apply on hair. It darkens and strengthens hair roots. Methi (rich in iron and darkens hair) and neem (antibiotic and has germicidal properties) also increase hair strength. Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant and can tackle scalp allergies and boils. It is also a great hair strengthener. Avocado is full of antioxidants and is especially good for those who have coloured hair."

All you need to know about rebonding

Before you go ahead for a major transformation with rebonding, it is necessary that you know all about the procedure beforehand and be well aware of what it entails.

In rebonding, chemicals are used to break the natural bonds of the cells in the hair and then they are rearranged to get straight hair, Rod Anker, Creative Director of Monsoon Salon and Spa, that offer a huge discount on rebonding, said. Anker explained that a relaxant or a softener is used to break the natural bonds in the hair, followed by a neutralizer to re-bond the structure again, giving you the desired texture.

Suguna Shah, of Lakme Salon, continued saying that rebonding is almost hassle-free - especially if you are doing it during the summers or as the climate warms up. You just need to condition hair well and protect it from heat and it will not get damaged, she asserted. Since care in the first few days after rebonding is crucial, Shah said that it is necessary that you keep hair covered and protected. Also do not wet your hair for three days after the procedure, because the chemicals have to seep in and settle. (

How to care for coloured hair

All of us are fond of coloured hair. But post-colour hair care is also important. Follow these tips, then go for that long desired colour treatment done

Deep condition your hair

Make sure you keep your hair well-conditioned by using either post-hairwash conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, serum or a hair mask. It is very important to maintain the moisture balance in your hair, especially after treating it with colour. A homemade mask, made of either mayonnaise or honey, will help replenish the hair's lost moisture. Similarly, hair masks that include ingredients like jojoba, aloe, etc, are beneficial. 

Avoid hair styling products

Coloured hair is known to get dry after a while, if you fail to moisturise it properly. It aggravates with blow drying and use of hair styling products like straighteners and curlers. They make your scalp flaky, which attracts dandruff. Also, make sure you leave your hair to dry, naturally.

Use colour protection shampoo

There are special products designed for colour-treated hair and they help prevent the colour from fading out. Also, avoid hot water hair wash, use only cold water.

Oil your hair often

Always remember what your mom said, oil your hair ever day. Oil is the best thing for your hair. It not only provides nourishment, but also helps moisturise your hair and scalp.

Can you do without shampoo?

A new beauty revolution called the No Shampoo Movement is being touted as the way to beat baldness and hair thinning. Want to give it a shot?

 

Do you know the secret to Adele's glamorous updo? She doesn't use shampoo. The singer washes her hair with plain water. Adele is part of the 'no shampoo' movement, which has followers ranging from Hollywood A-listers like Jessica Simpson and Robert Pattinson to Prince Harry. The followers of this movement (also called the 'no-poo movement'), consider it a safe way to prevent baldness and hair thinning. "The real reason for the early onset of baldness and thin hair is overshampooing. Over a long period, shampoos damage your hair drastically," says naturopath Dr Nirmala Shetty. "I hated my hair at first but started feeling the difference after the first two weeks," says wellness coach Leanna Cappucci. She uses apple cider and plain baking soda instead of a shampoo.

 

Washing your hair with a natural, homemade shampoo and conditioner may be a good idea at times. According to Dr Shetty, people of our grandparents' generation have a healthy mane in their old age because they mostly used natural ingredients to clean their hair. "Like green gram flour and boiled rice water, fresh hibiscus or shikakai paste — to keep their scalp and hair clean. Natural ingredients are easily absorbed by the body," says Dr Shetty. A lot of shampoos contain harmful chemicals, like methylisothiazolinone and diethanolamine, that can lead to health problems. Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are believed to cause irritation of the scalp for some. Says hair expert Shahnaz Husain, "Regular shampooing is counter-productive. It makes your hair dry and brittle and disrupts the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp, which often leads to dandruff." If you want to give your hair a natural wash at times, do read the box below.

 

HOMEMADE HAIR CLEANSER 

Add water to baking soda and bottle it. Use this just like shampoo. To make a natural conditioner, add 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. If your hair feels dry, use less baking soda, or try using honey instead of vinegar.

Tips for good hair care

It is crucial to take good care of your hair

 

A good hair care routine is a must. If your hair grows weak, causing split ends and damage, try some of these time-tested beauty regimes to regain the nourished and glossy look of your hair:

Home-made hair care packs

Strawberry pack

You will need: One cup crushed strawberries, half cup rosemary shredded and one tablespoon vinegar. Mix the above ingredients well in a bowl and apply to your hair. Leave it on till it is dry (about half an hour) and rinse.

Egg and banana pack

Bananas make for wonderful hair conditioners. Use ripe ones for maximum benefit. You will need: two ripe mashed bananas, two eggs beaten well, juice of one lime and two vitamin E capsules. Mix all the items in a bowl, apply to your hair and wear a shower cap, keep it on for about 30 minutes, then shampoo. This pack can be used as often as twice a week.