~ Hair Care & Styles ~

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


HAIR CARE

Prologue
Before stepping into the shower, comb your hair lightly with a wide-toothed comb to untangle knots. This aligns the strands and prevents your getting out of the shower with a lot of knots. Begin at the ends and slowly work your way up. Never try to rip through tangles from top to bottom. You'll end up with a clump of hair on your comb that could have been avoided if only you'd had some patience!

Water
The temperature of the water you use while washing your hair should ideally not be warmer than room temperature. In fact, the best thing would be to use the lowest temperature you can bear. Too cold for you? Well, hair is not sensitive, so you could at least bend over and give the lower part of your hair a final rinse with cold water.

Why cold water?
Because cold water helps the hair scales lie down flat, making them stronger. On the other hand warm water opens the hair scales not only causing more frizz but also making the hair shaft weaker and more vulnerable. In addition, the scalp secretes certain oils that are good for the hair. These oils get dissolved in warm water, causing further dryness. Cold water does not dissolve the natural oils. So make the healthy-hair choice and go in for cold water!

Shampooing your hair
Start washing your hair at the scalp, because that's where grease accumulates. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair with your fingertips. It is a good idea to dilute the shampoo in a little water in a mug and then massage it on your scalp. This way the shampoo is even gentler on the hair.
- While applying shampoo to your locks, leave them hanging down instead of piling them on top of your head as though you're posing for a shampoo commercial. Piling up your hair only leads to more tangles. Let it hang naturally so the lather works its way from the root to the ends.
- Try not to churn your hair too much. Work the shampoo gently so the strands don't get untangled and result in unbearable knots. If you have long hair, apply shampoo to your scalp, divide it into sections, and massage each section gently with the shampoo from roots to ends.

Go gentle while rinsing
- The best way to wash out shampoo is to keep combing it with your wide toothed comb while rinsing it out under the shower. This helps in the de-tangling process and also helps the shampoo to rinse out better. While you rinse your hair, do not rub it harshly. Hair is at its most fragile state when it's being rinsed. The correct way is to just simply let water run down your hair.
- Remember, it's best to rinse hair under running water. Dunking it in a tub is not so effective as residue may still remain. You have to make sure you've rinsed out all the shampoo. Once you are fairly certain it's all gone, stay under the flow of water for another half minute or so, to be doubly sure. Wrap your hair in a soft,absorbent towel - and voila! You're done!

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Essentials for Falling Hair



Does your hair fall often.
Arm yourself with these tools to combat hair fall.

Wide-toothed comb

Get yourself a wide-toothed comb. This is probably one of the most important yet underutilized of all hair tools. A wide-toothed comb helps you distribute conditioner evenly all over your hair while shampooing and conditioning. In addition, it also helps get rid of knots smoothly.

The best time to get rid of knots is during conditioning. Apply conditioner and run a wide toothed comb gently through your hair.

While untangling dry hair, do so in sections. Take one section at a time, and first, untangle the ends of your hair. Do so slowly, and don't pull unless you want your hair to fall out in clumps or break.

Don't wait for the last minute before detangling your hair. Every night, while sitting in front of the television, run a wide toothed comb gently through your hair, until you have untangled it completely. Do this every night, and you will notice that your hair remains free from tangles.

Leave-in conditioner
Dry hair tends to tangle easily, and, needless to say, causes it to break. Make sure your hair is never devoid of moisture by always keeping a bottle of leave-in conditioner handy. The next time you feel your hair is dry and rough to the touch, simply rub a dollop of leave-in conditioner between your palms, and apply it to your hair. Comb through with your wide toothed comb. Your hair will be instantly rejuvenated and moisturized. Gradually, the texture will also improve. This is a must if you blow dry your hair regularly, or if it is chemically treated. Such hair constantly craves moisture, so get yourself a bottle of leave-in conditioner.

Oil
Olive, almond and coconut oils are all excellent for the hair. While you could apply oil as an alternative to leave-in conditioner, oil tends to make your hair sticky, and you cannot style your hair well after applying oil. Your only alternative would then be to tie up your hair. For better results with oil, apply just a few drops immediately after washing your hair, when your hair is still dripping wet. Oil doesn't penetrate the strands as easily as leave-in conditioner does though. Nothing beats a hot oil massage followed by a steam treatment, as the steam helps the oil penetrate the hair strands, strengthening them and curtailing hair fall.

Egg
Egg is great for the hair - there are no two ways about it! True, it causes a tremendous stink in the bathroom, and your hair may let off an 'eggy' smell, but the results are instantaneous and worth it! Egg strengthens your hair almost immediately, and the egg yolk leaves your hair shining. Whip an egg with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply it to your hair. Wash off after half an hour. Make sure you wash off with cold water though, or the egg will start cooking in your hair, and would be harder to take off! Use a scented shampoo to counter the smell of egg in your hair, and follow up with a leave-in conditioner. Do this for a month, and you will be amazed by the change in your hair texture and the reduction in hair fall.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Falling Hair

Does your hair fall a lot? Don't worry, you're not alone. Millions of people from all around the world suffer from dry, brittle and weak hair. Some of the possible reasons for falling hair are: 

Tension

Too much work

Illness

Poor diet

Over-exposure to the sun

Perming

Amateur bleaching

Too frequent and inexpert use of tints, rinses or other colourants

Here is what you can do to prevent hair fall

Shampoo regularly. Remember, a CLEAN scalp is a HEALTHY SCALP.
Brahmi amla oil also promotes hair growth.

A high protein diet with plenty of fruits, green vegetables and dairy products is a must.

Drink 10-12 glass of water everyday.

Use a very mild shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. When you do, make sure you rinse out the conditioner thoroughly, otherwise residue build-up will cause your hair to look limp and dull.

Know your vitamins! IRON is important for healthy hair and brittle, limp hair indicates an iron deficiency. Spinach has a good iron content, so gulp it down!

ZINC helps prevent hair loss and greying. Eat adequate zinc rich foods. Overweight people tend to have zinc deficiency, which is inversely related to the body mass index. Thus if you are overweight and if your hair falls too much, you may want to increase your intake of zinc containing foods. Recipes containing stone ground, wholegrain flour are rich in zinc.

A shortfall in VITAMIN B may cause dandruff, falling hair, loss of colour and could encourage grey hair. So B group Vitamins are essential for gloss, colour and thickness.

VITAMIN C ensures the health of capillaries supplying blood to hair follicles. Make sure your diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.

VITAMIN E encourages hair growth. Switch from refined flours to wholemeal and wheatgerm, eggs, vegetable oil.

COPPER stops hair from falling. Studies show that the copper content in the blood serum of people with falling hair is less than normal. Different types of alopecia (falling hair) are seen to have a deficiency of this important trace element. Include small quantities of nuts, especially cashews and peanuts, seeds, whole milk and beans in your diet as these contain minute but important amounts of copper.

Homemade remedies for preventing hair fall:

1.Apply almond oil on scalp and massage.

2.Grind fenugreek seeds in water and apply on your scalp. Wash off after 40 minutes. Do this every morning for a month. Remember, different treatments suit different types of hair. 

3.Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so it gets absorbed into the hair. Do this twice a week for healthy, shiny hair.

4.Add 2-3 drops of honey to a glass of water and use this as the last rinse after shampooing.

Quick Hair Care Conditioner
Mix 1 egg, 2 tbs castor oil, 1 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp glycerine. Beat until frothy and massage lightly into your scalp. Wrap your head in a hot towel, steam, then wash off. This conditioner makes hair thicker, shiny, soft and manageable. 

Honey Conditioner
Beat 1-2 eggs (depending on the length of the hair), 1 tsp honey and 2 tsp olive oil. Massage gently into the scalp. Steam, and shampoo after an hour.

Alcohol Conditioner
Beat 1-2 eggs with 2 tsp brandy. Massage into your scalp. Leave for 10-15 mins. Rinse well. The egg nourishes your hair and brandy stimulates hair growth.

Your hair is a vital beauty asset, requiring constant loving care. And with a little nurturing, lush, glossy hair will be yours.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


How to use straightening irons

Learn to use a hair straightening iron and let your hair speak your style statement.
Straight hair is just a slide away.
Straight silky flowing hair is what most women desire. Hair is a women's crowning glory which only appreciates with love and care. Hair care products and hair treatments have been around the world since ages. At present straight hair seems to have captured the hearts of millions of women. Today, a woman with the curliest of tresses can have the straightest of hair. It is no secret that a straightening iron can press out all those unruly waves and curls to a sleek, shiny mane.

Straight hair is easier to manage and there is a chic quality attached to them that makes them a hot favourite amongst women of all age groups. Straightening irons have now become an inseparable appliance for any beauty makeover. If you fancy straight hair but find it difficult to use straightening irons, read on to get some basic lessons on how to use a straightening iron.

Steps for using straightening iron
Here are some easy steps which will help you learn to use a straightening iron. Follow these simple tips and get lovely straight hair falling on your cheeks. This method keeps hair straight till the next shampoo. Sprinkling water and excessive sweating may bring back the waves. Avoid rains and running around too much to maintain the look.

1. Wash your hair using a good shampoo and a conditioner. Dry it using towel.

2. Apply hair protection products on your hair before straightening. You can use a combination of straightening balm and hair moisturiser or a hair serum. Avoid applying these products on the roots of hair.

3. Dry your hair properly before using straightening iron.

4. Brush your hair well so that the hair protection products applied are spread evenly through the hair.

5. Make several sections of your hair using clips.

6. Use thermal protection spray to protect your hair from heat. Spray it on the each section of hair from the distance of about one inch.

7. Plug your hair between the irons and glide it down to the end of hair, just like using a comb. You can use a comb to make this process easier. Start from the top exerting pressure and glide the iron towards the bottom of your hair. Repeat the process for all the sections of hair.

8. Apply smoothening product if possible after you finish straightening your hair. As frizzy hair gets settled your hair will appear smooth and attractive.

Now, that you know the process of hair straightening, all you need is a good hair straightening iron. Avoid using other heating appliances as it can cause hair fall and damage. Make sure that you buy a good ceramic coated hair straightening iron.

Frequent straightening of hair is not good for the health of your hair. You can try it for special occasions. Hair straightening exerts pressure on hair making it weak. So it is necessary that you take proper care of your hair. Oil your hair and massage it regularly to make your hair strong. When you use hair straightening irons, make sure that you also use proper hair care products thus preventing hair loss. All the best!

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Curly Locks



Your head is full of curls that rise like the living dead and seem to have a mind of their own. You've tried everything from straightening your hair to blowdrying it till it's fried, but it's still the same frizzy mess you started out with. What should one do?
First of all, there's good news for curly heads. Ringlets are back with a rage. So instead of burning out your hair with frustrating attempts to straighten it, here's what you can do to control those curls.

Curl Care
Getting curly hair to behave begins in the shower. Wash your hair every third day. On days you are not washing your hair, wet it and apply conditioner. Don't wash your hair everyday if you have curly hair, even if you are using a mild shampoo that claims it is suitable enough for daily use. Of all hair types, curly hair is the driest and most brittle.

Always follow up with a conditioner. Concentrate conditioner on ends, which are the most dry, and rinse out. Towel dry hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. If you don't have any, moisturising lotion is a good substitute! It keeps the frizz at bay and controls the curls. You could also apply a couple of drops of oil to your hair when wet. Remember, when towel drying frizzy hair, pat it down, don't
ruffle it.

For a quick fix for damaged, weak, dull or dry hair, work in a good healthy dose of conditioner on wet hair and expose it to steam for 15 minutes. Then lightly shampoo and rinse.

Curly heads need to apply more styling products, conditioners and oils to control their mane. This leads to build up. Once a month mix an equal amount of baking soda with your shampoo and wash your hair. This removes build up and residue and leaves your hair squeaky clean.

Comb your hair with a wide toothed comb when it's damp and not dripping wet as wet hair breaks easily, especially if it is tangled. Apply a good conditioner and using a wide tooth comb start from the ends. Take as much time as is necessary to avoid stretching or breaking your hair. Never comb curly hair when it is dry and never, ever brush your curls. They'll just open up into frizzes.

When blow drying your hair, use a diffuser attachment. Don't dry it completely; leave it slightly damp or you run the risk of over-drying your hair.

Perfecting the Curl
If you're letting your hair dry naturally, try this: Apply gel or leave-in conditioner to towel dried hair and create curls by twisting locks of hair around your fingers or by scrunching your hair. Or twist sections and clip them up with butterfly clips. Once dry, take them down. Loosen the curls with your fingers.

Wash your hair at night, apply gel or mousse and braid it. The next morning, open out your braids and finger comb your hair for lovely, natural curls.

Fed up with hair that zooms out at the sides as if you've been electrocuted? Pull your hair taut and secure it into a ponytail when it's drying. This way your hair will tend to fall down instead of spreading out.

Frizz Busters
If you tie up your hair in a silk, satin or velvet scarf at night, it will kill some of the frizz.

If you catch a case of the frizzies, simply wet your hair. Your mane needs to be kept megamoisturised to fight frizz.
So there you have it. In a world of people with flat, limpy hair that just hangs down, your curls set you apart. Just one out of twenty have curly hair, so count yourself lucky and chuck those straightening irons where they belong. In the bin.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Get rid of dandruff

What is dandruff?
Everyone is experiences the dandruff problem some time in their life. Summer is the season which makes you sweat a lot thus giving you an oily and sticky scalp. On the other hand too much of dryness in the scalp can also lead to dandruff. The skin of the scalp is sensitive. Dandruff is nothing but the excessive shedding of dead cells of the scalp. Human body gets rid of dead cells occasionally. Loosing some amount of dead cells is normal but large amount of flaking could lead to irritation and redness. Dandruff is the accumulation of the dead skin in a large amount.

Causes of Dandruff
There are many causes of dandruff. To begin with an imbalanced diet and constipation can be reasons for a scalp full of white dandruff flakes. Using a shampoo which is not suitable for your hair or excessive use of hair products like gels, mousses and styling sprays can make hair unhealthy. Stress, fatigue, pollution and exposure to cold weather add to the problem even further.

It is a known fact that dandruff causes social problems. One may feel shy to attend a social gathering if dandruff is highly visible or is accumulating on clothes and shoulders. A very dry or a very oily scalp is the main cause of dandruff.

How to cure dandruff?
The market is full of products that can get you rid of dandruff. But if you want to stay away from strong chemical products then there are many natural ways to cure dandruff. These have been developed and have evolved over time. But before you try any method you must ensure that you are following the right diet pattern.

Natural ways to cure dandruff
Dandruff can be easily cured by adopting some natural remedies. Explore your kitchen and you will find many solutions to cure dandruff right there. Following are some simple remedies to get rid of dandruff naturally.

Soak a spoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and then grind it into a fine paste in the morning. Apply it all over the scalp and rinse it off after half an hour

Add a teaspoon of lime juice into the mug full of water and rinse you hair with this solution immediately after washing your hair

Boil beetroot in water and apply the solution to the scalp with a cotton ball every night before going to bed

Massage your hair gently with curd and rinse after half an hour

Apply a mix of lime juice and amla juice to the scalp. Keep it overnight and wash next day

Rinse your hair with one part Cider vinegar diluted with three parts of water

Massage your scalp gently with warm coconut oil twice a week

Apply Aloe Vera gel all over the scalp for half an hour before taking a bath

Massage the scalp with olive oil and keep it overnight

Mix a tablespoon of limejuice and crushed garlic. Apply it all over the scalp and rinse after 10-15 minutes

Soak a few neem leaves in hot water, filter, cool and rinse your hair with this water

Apply onion juice all over the scalp and wash it off after half an hour with shampoo

Other than these remedies, ingredients such as honey, brandy, rosemary leaves, henna, carrots, salt, tea leaves and egg white are also found beneficial to cure dandruff.

Proper diet to cure dandruff
While you are trying out various natural remedies, follow a diet that keeps your hair healthy. For example, Omega 3 Fatty acids found in fishes is beneficial for hair. It is also necessary to have adequate amount of fibers in your diet.

One should add raw vegetables and fruits to the diet. Drinking plenty of water is also essential to keep skin hydrated. Intake of fibers and water helps dispel toxins from the body. Carrots, broccoli, spinach and tomatoes are rich sources of Vitamin A, including them in your diet helps fight infections. Dark green vegetables, sprouts, nuts, dry fruits and beans are also very beneficial for a healthy scalp and hair.

If you are planning to take vitamin supplements then it is advisable to consult your doctor before doing so.

Preventing Dandruff
It is not possible to get rid of dandruff completely. One cannot be sure that it will not reappear once treated. Though dandruff is a common phenomenon it can be a cause of concern if it is in excess. Maintaining a healthy scalp is the only way to keep dandruff away.

Avoid being in the sun without applying a hair serum. Wear scarves or caps before stepping out of the house. Sunrays are harsh on scalp skin and can harm hair structure.

Avoid exposing hair to cold weather. It can cause hair problems including dandruff. Make use of head gears in extreme weather conditions.

Wash your hair at least twice a week. In humid weather washing your hair thrice a week is advisable. Select a shampoo which is suitable for your hair texture.

Condition your hair after every wash. Some may need mild conditioning and some may need deep conditioning, according to their hair texture.

Apply a leave-in conditioners for shiny, radiant hair

Avoid combing you hair when they are wet. Use a wide toothed comb.

Avoid chemical treatments such as colouring, highlighting, straightening or perming if your scalp is prone to dandruff.

Practice stress reducing methods such as meditation and yoga. These healing treatments can have positive effects on physical health and your hair condition too.


Dandruff is a tricky hair problem but it is not impossible to get rid of. A few lifestyle modifications, constant hair care, healthy habits and a balanced diet can keep your scalp dandruff-free. So get ready to sport a beautiful mane that you are proud of.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Fixing Hair Disasters

When straightening goes messy 
You loved the results of your straightened and wanted to kiss the mirror. But after the first wash you met with a rude awakening. Your straight hair had turned dry, wavy and frizzy. You would not dream of stepping out of the house with such hair. Wearing a cap for months is not the solution. Here are some quick solutions for undesired straight hair.

Quick Fix

Get a hair cut that decreases the volumised look

Get hot oil massage done every week

Get hair protein treatment every month

Get a hair cut done every two- three months

Apply some leave-in conditioner every time you wash your hair

Use shampoo for dry damaged hair

Oil your hair every alternate day. Oiling hair before turning in for the night is helpful
Apply Aloe Vera gel before washing your hair

Tie a pony tail if you feel your hair is unruly.

Wear a bandana to cover your mane and look stylish

Do not get any chemical treatments done for the next six months.
You will have to wait for some months for new hair to grow. Remember the process cannot be reversed in an instant but is temporary. You need to be patient with yourself and treat your hair with some tender loving care.

When your perm looks like a nest
You got bored of your poker straight hair and wished you would have curls dangling all over your shoulders. Every time you use rollers on your hair, you are showered with compliments. You wished deep inside your heart that if these curls would stay with you forever, it would change your life. So you got your hair permed.

Within a few days your mane has split ends; it is dry and turned frizzy. Soon hair fall began. You started tying your hair in a bun in the hopes that it would hide your disastrous hair. Alas, a strand or two would just spring out of nowhere. If your hair is simply driving you up the wall, get some relief from the chemical treatment gone wrong. Use the tips given below and reach out to healthy hair.

Quick Fix

Trim your hair to avoid split-ends

Get hot oil treatment done every week

Get deep conditioning done every ten days

Ask your doctor for a prescription to control hair fall

Use a shampoo for dry and damaged hair

Oil your hair before turning in for the night every alternate day

Avoid blow drying

Wear a wig if the damage is too hard to handle. Buy something that suits your personality

Perming will take some time to wear off so take it easy and be patient. Be kind to your hair and it will be better.

When your hair colour is a shock
After fantasising yourself in that lovely hair shade a zillionth time you finally got your hair coloured. But horrors of horror it turned out an absolute mess. It doesn't look like the picture you had seen. Follow these tips to save yourself of questions you do not want to answer.

Quick Fix

Avoid bleaching you hair again

Avoid applying henna on coloured hair. It makes hair brittle

Find a shade very close to your natural hair colour

Choose a dark brown shade if nothing else helps

Opt for an ammonia-free hair colour

Consult a credible hair stylist before the second round of hair colouring

Before colouring your hair get a strand test done. You do not want to repeat the same mistake again

Oil your hair regularly after the treatment.

Avoid getting chemical treatments at least for six months

Get regular protein treatments

Use shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair


When a hair cut goes wrong
There is very little you can do to turn around a bad hair cut. But there is hope. Read on to find some helpful tips that can rid you off an embarrassing cut.

Quick Fix

Consult an experienced hair stylist for giving another cut

Wear a cap when you move out

Wear a bandana till your hair grows back

Use clips to pin up hair neatly

Buy a wig if you have a social event and you want to look your best

Treat your hair with love and care. Agonising and worrying over your hair will not make it grow any faster. Occupy yourself with something else. Read a book, practice yoga or count your blessings.

When you have burnt hair
This can be really tragic. Burning hair with chemicals or fire can only be helped with a hair cut. In case the locks are at a higher end or near the forehead you will need these ideas to cover them up.

Try on a bandana

Get a haircut done

Wear scarves. There is a huge variety available in markets

Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner

Use a leave-in conditioner everyday to soothe hair

Oil your hair regularly

When you have dead hair
Dead hair is a result of using excessive chemicals and hair styling products. To prevent your mane from being dead here are some life saving fixes.

Quick Fix

Oil your hair regularly

Use a shampoo and conditioner for dry and damaged hair

Avoid blow drying hair

Avoid chemical treatments

Avoid applying henna for six months

Apply egg mask every week

When you have chewing gum in your hair
This may be an accident or not. But there are some very easy ways to get out of this one without chopping off your beloved tresses.

Quick Fix

Apply coconut oil on the area. The gum will slide easily

Apply some moisturising cream on it, if you are out

Your hair is a valuable beauty asset and this is no secret. Treat it with care to prevent it from becoming a disaster. Be true to yourself and get makeovers done that are right just for you.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


How to get silky hair

All women and young girls love having silky hair. Having smooth and silky hair is one of the attributes of beauty. Silky long hair is a beauty asset of good looking girls and women. It is easier to tie your hair in any style you like. With proper care of your hair silky hair can be a reality. Natural and safe cosmetic products can make hair silky and soft. Using natural products is not only safe but also make it affordable to maintain your silky hair. These natural ingredients are easy to obtain. Read on to know some beneficial tips to get and maintain silky hair.

Basic tips for maintaining your silky hair
Some basic hair care can go a long way. You should always cover your hair with a scarf when you go out in sun. Avoid using hair dryer regularly; it may damage your hair. Eat lots of fruits, green vegetables and drink lots of water. This is not only important for having a healthy body but also essential for good hair. Avoid combing on your wet hair and always use wide toothed comb.

Try to use natural conditioners rather than using harsh chemical products. Avoid hairstraightening if your hair is curly and do not perm your hair if it is straight. It might lead to hair damage. Always use mild shampoo for your hair. Avoid colouring your hair with artificial colours unless necessary. Do not iron your hair. Frequent ironing may cause damage to your hair. Loving your natural hair is the best way to stay away from hair fall and damage.

Here are some simple but great remedies for getting soft, smooth and silky hair. Try these tips mentioned below and find out which one works best for your hair.

Tips for getting silky hair
Follow these tips to make your hair more silky and soft. It will require some ingredients which are easily available in market. If shiny hair is what you desire then know that dream is soon going to be true.

Use almond oil to massage your hair one day before washing your hair. Frequently massaging your hair with almond oil will help you to get silky and soft hair. Massaging is good for improving blood circulation and getting stronger hair.

Apply paste made out of the leaves of hibiscus plant on your hair. Let it stay for 10-20 minutes and then wash your hair to get best results

Use mixture of shikakai powder, henna (mehndi) powder, amla powder and curd as conditioner to get soft and silky hair

Mix two whole eggs with four tablespoon of olive oil apply this mixture on your hair and leave it. Wash your hair after 20 minutes, you will find your hair slipping like silk after this.

Try massaging your hair once in a week with aroma oils to make your hair silky and soft

Rubbing your hair with hibiscus flower is also a good remedy for soft and silky hair. Soak hibiscus flower in water and then use the same for applying on your hair before hair wash.

Make a mixture using amla powder, shikakai powder, ritha powder, henna powder, and bhringaraj powder in equal proportion. Add water to this mixture and heat this mixture. When the mixture becomes lukewarm apply gently on your hair. Leave this mixture on your hair for 15-20 minutes and wash your hair without using shampoo to get the best results

Use mixture of mustard oil, curd and lemon to apply on your hair. Leave this mixture on your hair for half an hour and then wash it

Use Aloe Vera gel with hair shampoo which is helpful to make it shiny and soft

Apply boiled apple pulp or pour apple juice on your hair before washing

Ensure that you have a balanced and protein rich diet which is essential for good, shiny and silky hair

Always trim your hair after 3-4 months depending on your hair growth. This will help you to get rid of split ends and also maintain the texture of your hair
All these natural and safe ways of getting silky hair can work wonders. Using products with chemical contents is not long lasting and beneficial to keep hair healthy. Use natural products and stay away from harmful chemicals and pollution. This will help you save money on costly hair products. Learn to love your natural hair as natural beauty is real beauty indeed.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Dandruff Problem!

Here's what you can do to keep dandruff at bay so that you too can dare to wear black without having to furtively dust your shoulders every now and then. First, let us find out what causes this condition:

Causes
There are many theories regarding the cause of dandruff.

Dead skin
One theory suggests that dandruff is a natural process, and is caused by the flaking of the scalp. Just as the body sheds dead skin, so does the scalp. When this skin is shed at an excessive rate, it leads to dandruff.

Oily skin
It is a widely held belief that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp. However, this is not always the case, and dandruff is just as often caused by an oily scalp. The excessive oil forms a layer on the scalp, which dries, thickens and flakes off in the form of dandruff.

Perspiration
If you exercise regularly, you perspire more, which could also lead to dandruff, especially if you do not shampoo as often as you should.

Fungus
Certain forms of dandruff are also believed to be caused by a fungus on the scalp. It is believed that this fungus cannot be removed completely. Thus, dandruff too cannot be completely eradicated, only controlled.

Other factors include:
Cold weather
Use of hair sprays and gels
Certain conditioners
Improper shampoo rinsing
Infrequent hair washes
Diet
Stress
Hormones

Don't ignore the dandruff, because ignoring it only leads to more build-up. This causes itchiness, which leads to you scratching your hair. Vigorous scratching can cause wounds to the scalp, leaving them vulnerable to infection.

Treatment
If you have mild dandruff, you could try increasing the frequency of your hair washes. The rule of thumb is the more frequently you shampoo, the less dandruff you will have. If necessary, shampoo daily with a mild shampoo, to keep dandruff in check.

If your hair is dry but your scalp is oily, you may be hesitant to shampoo more often. Try this: wet your entire hair, but apply shampoo essentially to your scalp. Let the shampoo lightly run over your entire hair when you are rinsing it off your scalp, giving your locks a gentle wash.

If mild shampoos don't work, and if your dandruff is severe, use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo which contains selenium sulfide to wash your hair. Use it sparingly, as anti-dandruff shampoos tend to be strong. After applying it, leave it on for at least five minutes before washing it off, to give the formula time to work.

After applying shampoo, massage your scalp lightly with your fingertips to loosen the scales.

The shampoo could be used on its own, or mixed with your regular shampoo. You could also alternate an anti-dandruff shampoo with your regular shampoo. Once the dandruff has gone, switch to your regular shampoo.

Help from your kitchen shelf
White vinegar is an excellent remedy for dandruff. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water, and pour this over your scalp after your hair wash, as a final rinse.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


More Hair Care Tips


Nothing looks as good as a head of gleaming, healthy hair. While a lucky few are born with good hair, most of us have to work hard to attain luscious locks but the results are well worth it. Here are a few tips to keep your mane in great shape!

1. Shampoo your hair every alternate day. Some beauticians recommend shampooing your hair everyday, but this must only be done with a very mild shampoo as you could dry out your hair. However, don't let your hair get really dirty before you shampoo it, as this could cause your hair to fall. Shampooing it every alternate day or at the most, after every two days, should do the trick. Take a clue from the climate you live in. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the climate humid
- Do I exercise and workout a lot This leads to a sweaty scalp.
- Is the atmosphere in my city polluted
- If your answer to any of these questions is a yes, you need to shampoo more often.

2. Does your work or lifestyle take you out in the sun a lot Wear a cap, and try and get your hands on a conditioner which has sun block. UV radiation can cause untold damage to your hair, so don't step out without a hat or scarf. Ideally, avoid stepping out between noon and 3:00, when the rays of the sun are at their harshest.

3. Apply oil at least once a week. Leave it on for around half an hour to an hour, and shampoo off. If possible, once a month, give your hair a deep-conditioning treatment by steaming your oiled hair to enable it to penetrate the strands.

4. Egg is excellent for the hair. It nourishes hair and adds shine. Whip up an egg and apply it to your hair once a week, after applying oil.

5. Visit your hairdresser for a trim at least once in four to six months, to keep split ends in check. There is no 'cure' for split ends. Once a hair is split, the end has to be cut off to avoid further splitting of the strand. Hairdressers would naturally recommend more frequent visits, but if you are trying to grow out your hair then a trim once in six months should suffice. If you want to maintain your current hairstyle, get it trimmed more often.

6. Condition your hair after every wash. After shampooing your hair, towel dry. Take a little conditioner in the palm of your hand, rub hands together, and apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair. Never, ever apply it to the scalp. Once you've applied the conditioner, comb it through your hair with a wide-toothed comb so it gets evenly distributed. Wash off after three minutes.

7. Is your hair frizzy? A great trick to tame frizzy hair is to apply two or three drops of oil to your hair, just after washing it, when your hair is still soaking wet. This tames the hair without giving it an oily appearance.

8. Don't shampoo your hair with hot water. Cold water is best.

9. If you have long hair, sleep on a satin pillowcase. This helps hair glide when you move in your sleep. Regular cotton pillowcases may latch on to your hair, causing breakage. It's best to tie hair up when sleeping. Never, ever use elastic rubber bands. Instead, invest in 'scrunchies', which are rubber bands enclosed in cloth.

10. Make sure your diet is healthy, or it will reflect on your hair. Get your daily dose of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Fish is excellent for hair.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


HAIR & YOUR HEALTH


Ignoring hair loss can be a big mistake because hair is an indicator of health and losing your tresses might mean there is some imbalance that needs attention. Dermatologists believe that hair loss can be treated in most of the cases with timely medical help.

What is hair loss?
Shedding 50 to 100 hairs is a part of the normal hair cycle. But if you are seeing a gradual thinning of your mane or bald patches on your scalp, consult a dermatologist.

What are the causes?
If you have diffused thinning all over your scalp, you might have androgenetic alopecia. Hormones are the culprit. There can be an increase in male hormones and other imbalance related to ovarian cysts, pregnancy, birth control pills and menopause. Heredity factors might also have a role in it.

If your hair growth goes in to a resting phase, yours might be a case of telogen effluvium. Child birth, malnutrition (iron and protein deficiencies), crash dieting, surgery, infection or extreme stress can cause a lot of shedding of hair.

If you are losing hair in patches, it is called alopecia areata. This happens when the hair roots are attacked by your immune system.

Other reasons for hair loss include:

Medication

Chronic illness like renal and liver problems

Pulling your hair through regular braiding and ponytails

Thyroid disease

Improper hair treatments with repeated use of chemical colors or incorrect way of applying
hair cosmetics.

How can it be treated?
When hair loss follows temporary events, it will grow back after you pass that phase. Stress, pregnancy, disease, medication are some of the examples of such temporary events.

If your hair is thinning out because of an underlying protein or iron deficiency, it will grow back when you take a proper diet or supplements.

In cases where tress trauma is caused by hormonal imbalance, dermatologists may prescribe estrogen and progesterone pills or creams. Birth control pills with low androgen levels are also given in a few cases. But a thorough medical check-up is required before taking these treatments.

If you are losing hair in patches, your doctor might give you topical treatments like ketoconazole to treat any underlying fungal infection.

Many a times dermatologists may not be able to help you regrow your hair. In the case of thyroid disease, you might not see your tressing making a comeback even after taking thyroid medication. However, your doctor might be able to stop further hair loss.

There are many companies peddling hair loss cures. Don't let these magical cure companies mislead you with their before-and-after pictures and guaranteed hair regrowth. The solution to your lost tresses does not lie outside. By taking a good look at your body basics you will not only treat your hair but also find a cure for the silent ailments that are attacking your health.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


How to get long hair


Trim hair frequently
It is important to trim your hair once in three months. Not trimming your hair for long time will surely lead to split ends. Hair grows by about 12 cm every year. Male hair grows more quickly than female hair. You must have noticed that your dad or your brother visit the salon once in a month to chop their hair. Regular trimming prevents hair from getting damaged. If you are thinking that you should keep a pair of scissors away from your hair, then you are wrong. A pair of scissors once in a while will save you a fortune.

Conditioning is important
Are you dreaming to get lustrous long locks? Are you craving for silky hair? To induce hair growth you need to understand how to condition your hair properly. Make it a routine to apply a good quality conditioner after shampooing your hair. Deep conditioning is the secret to get healthy looking hair. Well maintained hair grows fast. Keep your hair clean and see them growing day by day.

Oil your hair
No, you need not need to apply oil and step out of the house. Remember, applying oil does not have any other substitute. If you want long and healthy hair, you have to apply oil. Massage your scalp with warm oil once or twice a week. For best results keep it overnight. Coconut hair oil helps hair grow faster. Almond hair oil is a great source of vitamin E, which is beneficial for hair growth. Tonight ask your hubby to give you a soothing hair massage and let your hair down.

Say yes to natural hair
If you are using a blow dryer after each and every wash, just throw it away, dump it or get rid of it. Heat appliances are responsible for most of the hair damage. Let you hair dry naturally. You will get long hair when you do something to boost its growth. Curling irons, straightening irons, and blow dryers slow down your hair growth. Start to Love your natural hair and you will never experience problems like hair fall and dry hair.

Avoid chemical treatments
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair. All hair colouring products make use of chemicals such as peroxide. Instead make use of natural hair colouring methods. Apply henna and get instant shine in your hair instead of suffocating it of harsh chemicals. Chemicals hinder the growth of the hair. Frequent use of the chemicals will have adverse effects on your hair.

Eat balanced food
Healthy and balanced diet is what you need to grow your hair long in less time. Do not opt for crash diets and do not go on fasting for long time. Have three to four small meals through out the day and include food from every major food group to receive maximum amount of nutrients. For good hair try whole meal products, eggs, liver, kidneys, vitamin D, herrings, salmon, carrots, green vegetables, and vitamin C. Eat right and get long healthy tresses.

Hair growing tips
The ultimate truth about hair growth is 'just wait and watch'. There is no such magic wand that will turn your bob hair to knee length. But that does not mean you can not boost the growth of your hair. Here are some tips to get healthy hair. If your tresses are healthy they will grow faster.

Sleep well and get minimum eight hours of sleep every day.

Do not comb your hair when they are wet. Do not harshly rub your hair with towel.

Drink plenty of water. Carry a water bottle every where you go and keep sipping through out the day.

Do not wash your hair daily. Let the natural conditioner show its magic.

Do not wash your hair with hot water. If possible use cold water while shampooing your hair.

Use good quality protective hair serum with SPF (sun protection factor) before stepping out in the sun.

Do not do up hairstyles that will put pressure on you hair like tight braids and french twist. Make use of good quality hair accessories.

You may consider vitamin supplements with the consultation of your doctor that will help you to grow your hair fast.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


The Truth About Hair

Our hair is a natural fashion accessory. It is the part of our body that is most easily amendable to the whims of fashion. We cut it short, let it grow wild, or even shave it all off. We comb our hair, tie it in braids, or just let it loose. An entire industry has grown around our fixation with hair. Manufacturers, saloons, parlours, and stylists help us indulge this collective fantasy to have our hair permed, straightened, curled, smoothened, bleached, dyed, and subjected to countless other beautifying exercises.

As something that occupies our imagination, it is natural that we have grown a number of myths around hair and its management. Below, we debunk some of these common myths.

Myth: Too much washing is bad for your hair.
Fact: Actually, how much you wash your hair does not really affect your hair. What is important is that you match the shampoo you use to the type of hair you have.

Myth: Cutting hair helps it to grow better and faster.
Fact:Because hair is generally thicker at the base, it may give an illusion of being thicker when cut. Cutting your hair does not improve either its length or the rate at which it is growing (about half an inch in a month). However, in case of split ends, trimming helps to prevent the split from progressing up the strand and allows the hair to continue growing normally.

Myth: Hair oils do not really help hair, only massaging the scalp does.
Fact: It is true that scalp massages improve circulation in the scalp and stimulate the follicles, leading to healthy hair growth. However, coconut and other oils such as amla applied before a bath also play a role in preventing the hair from drying out after shampooing.

Myth: Rinsing out a conditioner destroys its beneficial effect.
Fact:Rinse-out conditioners are designed in such a way that they leave behind beneficial proteins and other elements in the hair, even after they are washed off. Leave-in conditioners, on the other hand, are meant to be left on without washing off, for their benefits to have effect.

Myth: Split ends can be repaired with conditioners.
Fact: While a good brand of conditioner generally improves the health of the hair—which may prevent the formation of split ends—it cannot repair already split hair. Certain hair care products do join split ends, but their effect is very temporary and will last until the time you next wash your hair. The only way to prevent the split from affecting the entire strand of hair is to trim it above the split with a good pair of scissors.

Myth: Fashion treatments such as blow-drying and colouring can lead to hair loss.
Fact:Treatments such as blow-drying and the chemicals in hair colour products can damage hair. However, this will not be permanent and the lost or damaged hair will usually grow back. You may also try products, such as shampoos and conditioners that are designed specially for chemically treated hair, to contain the damage to your hair.

Myth: Colouring hair during pregnancy can harm the baby.
Fact: There is a school of thought that believes that the chemicals involved in hair colours may harm the yet unborn baby. However, this is a disputed point, with no conclusive report yet. Some doctors believe that inhaling the strong hair dye is more harmful than its application. It is always better to play safe and discuss this with your doctor before making up your mind.

Myth: Sun rays do not harm hair.
Fact: While hair plays a role as a natural protection for the scalp against the Sun, over-exposure to sunlight can damage your hair. Wear a hat, cap or scarf if you are going to be in direct sunlight for some time.

Myth: Hair grows at the same rate all over the scalp.
Fact: This statement is not entirely true. Studies show that in some people, the rate of growth of hair differs marginally on different parts of the head. In babies, the growth of hair is indicated to be faster on the crown than on other regions of the head.

Myth: Smoking does not affect hair growth.
Fact: On the contrary, smoking has been proved to cause hair loss. According to a study, smokers were also predicted to be four times more prone to developing grey hair as against non-smokers.

Myth: Brushing hair causes it to fall out.
Fact:Brushing hair, unless done in a vigorous or over-zealous manner, does not harm healthy hair. However, in the case of a person suffering from a hair loss condition (such as alopecia), hair strands with weak roots may be shed due to brushing. In fact, even under normal circumstances, the scalp sheds up to 100 loose strands of old hair daily, which may come out while brushing.

Myth: The health of one's hair is entirely determined by hereditary factors.
Fact: This is only partially true. While hereditary factors do determine the type of hair one is born with, other environmental factors such as stress, diet, and hair care practices followed are equally important.

Myth: Hair products that are labelled as 'natural' are free from chemicals and safe to use.
Fact: Many products labelled natural, nevertheless, contain skin irritants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The only way you can guard against being duped, is by scanning the contents on the label.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


Dealing with Dry Hair

Everyone has a bad hair day once in a while. However, when you have dry hair you seem to have bad hair days more often than people with other types of hair. This is because dry hair brings with it a host of problems. These include frizziness, split ends, dandruff, etc. Here are some measures you can use to make it more manageable and keep it looking great.

Drink lots of water
In most cases, people have dry hair because their bodies are simply not getting the required daily fluid intake. Seventy-five percent of the human body is made up of water. When your body loses some of its water content, it starts drawing in the water from those parts of the body that need it less. This is to supply water to the essential organs like the heart, lungs, liver, etc. Consequently, your skin and hair are the first to suffer from the lack of water in your body.

To combat this effect, make sure that you drink adequate amounts of water each day. You should aim to consume at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Avoid substituting water with other liquids such as juices, colas, coffee, etc. Colas and coffee usually have caffeine in them that acts as a diuretic. This will speed up the loss of water from your body. In the case of juices, the sugar content in them is very high which could again lead to health problems like diabetes. There is just no substitute for plain water.

Oil your hair
Along with being properly hydrated, your hair also needs to be enriched with natural oils. This will soften your hair and provide it with the nourishment it requires. Olive oil is considered to be the best oil to achieve healthy hair. Try and cook your food in olive oil and see the difference it makes to your hair. For a quick fix just before you go out, apply a little olive oil to your hair to make it easier to comb and style. If olive oil is too expensive an option, you could use a cheaper alternative like coconut oil.

Shampoo less often
The problem with dry hair is that it is already running low on nutrients. Hence, you cannot afford to lose these nutrients from your hair as they will take a long time to get replenished. The chief cause of this loss of nutrients from hair is excessive shampooing. Most shampoos are full of chemicals like acids and detergents. While they do a great job of ridding your hair of dirt and grime, they also tend to strip away the natural protective layer of oil that covers your hair. For people with normal or oily hair, this is not really a problem as the lost oil layer is replaced soon. However, people with dry hair cannot replace the oil layer so quickly, which leaves the hair dry and frizzy.

Avoid shampooing your hair too often if it is prone to dryness. Shampooing your hair twice a week is enough to keep it clean. At the same time, it will prevent the excess loss of oil from your hair. Also keep an eye on the brand of shampoo you are using. Opt for a mild shampoo that contains only small amounts of chemicals in it. This will be less harsh on your hair. If possible, choose a shampoo made out of natural ingredients like aloe vera.

Condition your hair
Merely shampooing your hair is not enough. It needs to be supplemented with further treatments to protect your hair. The most important after-shower care is provided by hair conditioners. A conditioner forms a kind of protective layer over the hair and seals in its moisture. This goes a long way towards preventing your hair from breaking or developing split ends. Again, preferably choose a conditioner with natural ingredients. It need not be an expensive brand name. Many local beauty stores have their own brands which are cheaper and perform the same function.

You could also keep a bottle of leave-in conditioner on hand. A leave-in conditioner is a conditioning product that can be used on hair when it is either damp or dry. If your hair feels a bit frizzy during the day, just apply a small amount to your hair to smoothen out the frizz.

[MysteRy]

Hair Care & Styles


How to dry you hair naturally?

Letting your hair dry naturally is the secret to have healthy hair. Hair makeovers that use excessive heat and chemical treatments like straightening, ironing, highlighting and perming cause damage to your hair. Repetitive chemical treatments can harm hair follicles and could lead to breakage and hair fall. Towel dry hair and keep hair problems at bay. Go step-by-step to get velvety hair without blow dryers or curling irons.

1. Towel dry hair
Once you are done with your shampooing let your hair drip so that the access water will drain out. Make use of absorbent and soft towels. Blot your hair with the use of towel slowly. Avoid vigorous rubbing as it may cause harm to the hair cuticles. Damp hair is fragile and more prone to breaking. Rubbing wet hair also causes split ends. Start blotting from top of the head and then move towards end. Absorb excessive water from your strands. After soaking up hair wrap the towel around your head and let it absorb excess moisture from your hair. Keep it that way for five to ten minutes.

2. Apply leave-in conditioner
Undo the wrapped towel. Apply leave-in conditioner or hair serum as per your hair type. Leave-in conditioners do wonders for any type of hair. You may also use hair serums to ease the frizzy hair and tangles. A small amount of leave-in conditioner can add shine to your tresses making it silky. Do not comb wet hair. Combing wet hair can damage hair cuticles. Combing wet hair is one of the reasons of hair fall. Brushing wet hair can lead to acute hair loss. Let you hair air dry.

3. Detangle hair
Detangle your semi damp hair with the use of your fingers. Move your fingers through your tresses and remove all the tangles and knots. Running fingers through you hair will add natural volume to your locks, leaving them pulpy.

4. Comb your hair
After detangling your hair with your fingers it is time to comb them. Use wide-tooth comb to get rid of remaining tangles. Let's get this sorted one last time, start combing from the bottom of hair and gradually move upward. Bottom to top is the way to comb hair. To make combing easy you can make sections of your hair thus preventing hair breakage. Let you hair air dry for about an hour.

5. Style your hair
Make sure that you have completely dried your hair. Move your finger through them and check for the dampness. Now you can proceed with brushing your hair. Go ahead and style your mane as per your preferences.

Wet hair care tips
Introduce following tips in your day-to-day hair care regime to maintain lustrous locks. Try using a shower cap in bath if you are used to squeezing out the water from hair and tying it up.

Do not tie wet hair, let you hair be loose until it dry completely

Do not comb or brush wet hair

Do not squeeze or twist hair while it is wet

Do not roughly rub your hair with towel

Do not wash your hair with very hot or very cold water

Do trim your hair periodically to avoid split ends

Do restrict blow drying your hair

Do use good quality conditioner to keep your hair manageable

Blow dry hair on special occasions
Air drying is not always possible. There are thousands chores that we have to accomplish besides drying hair. It is hard to dry your hair naturally if you do not have enough time. Secondly, you cannot keep your hair damp for longer period in colder climate as you may catch a bad cold. Thirdly, you have to compromise a little bit on styling too. Hair dryers are unavoidable on some occasions. Though frequently blow drying is not a great idea, sometimes it is suitable.

Air drying your hair is the prevention against many hair problems. One may suffer from alopecia, an acute hair loss due to constant use of hair drying equipments. Today every woman is fascinated with hair styling and makeovers. Loving your natural hair is like a challenge. Letting you hair dry naturally helps to combat hair disasters.

Dump those hair dryers, irons, and roller and let fresh air pass through your locks. You will enjoy the touch of your naturally beautiful tresses.