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.

High frequency for your hair

High frequency therapy is a type of intensive hair treatment to cure dandruff, hair-fall or alopecia, carried out by treating your hair with high-frequency infra and ultra rays.

Several salons in Mumbai have started using this therapy as something of a quicker solution to their hair-related problems.

What is it?

It utilises a transparent rod-like tool that is plugged in, has two to three different types of knobs that need to be fitted in front of it for different types of treatments. Usually, a wide comb is fitted. A tool used for treating dandruff that looks like a long handled comb generates current when brought in contact with the scalp. The second is an ultra ray treatment given through a distance with the use of a bulb.

Treatment procedure

The treatment begins by separating the hair in four-five different partitions, then unknotting it smoothly. After this, the comb that emits infra rays is used on various portions of the affected scalp. This is process is done for two-three minutes, followed by a thorough oil massage for about 20 minutes. Then, a moisturizing hair mask is applied to every strand of the hair from root to tip and left untouched for about 15 minutes. Then, this masked hair is treated with steam and is then exposed to ultra rays through a bulb for five-seven minutes. The treatment lasts for 45 minutes and one needs to take a head wash only the next morning. The treatment also includes pressure point massages for the neck and back.

Beauty expert Jaishree Shah says, "The best part is that this process doesn't hurt at all, one might just feel slight irritation when the mouth of the comb touched the scalp. However, you get used to it gradually. This treatment requires about eight sittings and your dandruff is completely treated."

This treatment requires a minimum of ten continuous sittings, which can be done twice or thrice a week. Post the ten sittings, one should not stop the treatment completely, but continue doing it on a fortnightly basis for better and long lasting results.

Beauty expert Bhavna Daniel, explains, "Infra rays are given prior to the treatment just when the hair is unknotted. The device is touched to scalp while the treatment and hence it shows visible effects. While, ultra rays are given in the form of a bulb, at the end of the treatment i.e. after steam. The ultra rays are given from a distance and not brought close to the scalp or hair."

Benefits of infra and ultra rays

• Improves blood circulation
• Helps generate new cells
• Exfoliates hair growth
• Treats dandruff effectively
• Prevents itchy scalp
• Stops hair fall gradually
• - Helps keep hair growth constant

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."

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.

How to take care of rebonded hair

Rebonding is a quick option for those who want absolutely straight hair but are not born with it. This is a process of altering the chemical structure of hair so it becomes straight for a considerable period of time. Rebonded hair will certainly not trouble you too much if it's taken care of in the right way.

"Ensure you apply trusted products during the treatment to minimize damage at the start. Use the right post-care products too, and use them properly. Any conditioner needs to be washed away completely as residue will cause itching, hairfall and dandruff," says Rod Anker, Creative Director of www.monsoonsalon.com and Vogue's Colorist of the Year.

If your hair is not too greasy, refrain from shampooing everyday. Try alternate days or co-washing - using conditioner as a shampoo and just rinsing it away. Keep your hair safe from environmental factors - harsh sun, cold winds and rains. Use a hat or umbrella. Hair serum creates a barrier between your hair and the outside and helps protect it better.

 

Pammy Kaul of Scratch Salons also advises, "Have your hair trimmed on a regular basis for preventing split ends." Use hair masks frequently or get hair spas done. Your hair needs moisture and nutrition regularly.