Care tips for long silky and beautiful hairs

Care tips for long silky and beautiful hairs

Here are some tips to get through the winter with the least possible damage to your hair. Maybe this year you won't have to cut it. Shampoo every other day or less frequently, if possible, unless you exercise regularly or work outdoors. Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

• Hair treatments -- perming, straightening and colouring -- are also damaging to your mane and lead to hairfall. Be prepared for at least a 10 percent reduction in hair volume two months after any such treatment. To minimise damage, do not repeat these treatments too often -- once or then twice in a year at the most. Always go to a professional and ask for a hair protecting serum before treatment. Also use appropriate aftercare products.

• Another big no-no is over-enthusiastic massaging during oil application, in the mistaken belief that this will increase the scalp's absorption and stimulate follicles. In reality, a vigorous massage will only serve to uproot hair in the telogen phase and lead to hair trauma.

• Hair is at its weakest when wet, so never roughly comb it after a wash. Disentangle the strands gently with a wide-toothed comb or wait till they are semi-dry.

• Holding a hair dryer too close to the scalp is another reason for hairfall -- the heat can cause lasting damage. Use a diffuser attachment on the dryer, holding it at least eight to 10 inches away and never wait till your hair is bone-dry -- always leave a little moisture in. Cold air drying is, in fact, the best method. Also avoid hot rollers and tongs if you value your locks.

• Steer clear of tight hairstyles that pull your hair taut. Indian mothers enthusiastically twist their daughters' hair into tight plaits, thinking this will increase hair length -- it actually only serves to encourage a receding hairline and balding in the frontal areas of the scalp. So keep your hair looking neat, but don't pull and manipulate it too hard.

• Losing a lot of hair post-pregnancy is common, because the elevated hormone levels that persist during pregnancy prevent normal hairfall during that period. Once you have delivered your baby, it often happens that these hormonal changes are reversed and you start losing a lot of hair all of a sudden -- there's not much to do except wait it out. Don't panic, because your hair growth and hairfall patterns will eventually return to normal. If the hair loss shows no sign of letting up, however, you may want to consult a doctor.

• Certain medications cause hair loss. If you're concerned, ask your doctor whenever you're given a prescription whether the medication has such side-effects and if so, request a substitute if possible. Long periods of illness, chronic diseases, surgery etc. are also reasons why hair sometimes starts falling more than it should, but this is often temporary, nothing that a good diet and adequate rest won't solve

Let your hair air dry whenever possible. Blow-drying can dry out the hair and damage it even more. When using hot rollers or a curling iron put thin strips of cotton fabric around them to lessen the damage done by them to your hair.

If you're in a rush and have to blow dry your hair, use the dryer on the lowest, coolest setting or stand in front of a fan and run your fingers gently through your hair as it dries.

Massage your head daily for 5-10 minutes to promote blood flow to the scalp and improve the quality of your hair. Start at your temples and work toward the back of your head, apply pressure in circular motions.

Turn your head upside down and give it a good brushing from the scalp to the ends, which stimulates the scalp and spreads natural oils through the hair.
Be sure to take your B vitamins. B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin are associated with moisture rich hair. You can take a multivitamin or eat food's rich in B vitamins including soybeans, bananas, beans, yogurt, avocados, eggs and grains.

Be sure to eat enough protein. Your hair is composed of protein and if you don't get enough it could cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Make a protein shake twice a day just to be sure.

Protein Shake Recipe

2 Tbs. Soy protein Powder (your favorite kind)
1 cup milk or juice
1/4 cup fresh, canned or frozen fruit
ice
Mix in a blender until smooth and creamy.
Try this wonderful deep conditioning treatment once a week
to rejuvenate dry damaged hair.

Egg Shampoo

1 egg
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 Tbs. Castile soap
1/2 cup water or herbal tea
5 Drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Combine all in blender and whip until smooth. Shampoo with mixture using warm, not hot water for the shampoo and rinse. Store any remaining shampoo in the refrigerator for use the next day.