Monthly Archives: January 2020

It’s hard not to feel envious when you see someone with long and luscious locks. More so, when you find out that they were born with hair that gorgeous while you are stuck with hair that is dull and rough. Frizzy, unmanageable hair that lacks shine is not uncommon among Indian women. However, a lot of women don’t realize that this is an issue with a fix. With the right hair care routine in place, your hair, too, can make heads turn. Here is a list of some simple treatments that will help boost your hair’s health, making it long, silky, and soft.

Aloe Vera

You Will Need

• Aloe Vera Leaf
• 2 tbsp Water
• Spray Bottle

1. Slice an aloe vera leaf and extract two tablespoons of gel using a spoon. Ensure that you’re only extracting the clear gel and not the yellow.
2. Blend this gel until it gets to a smooth consistency.
3. Add two tablespoons of water to the gel and mix well.
4. Pour this liquid into a spray bottle and shake well.
5. Spray your hair with the aloe vera solution after it has been washed and dried.
6. Leave it on like you would hair spray.

Use 3-4 Times a week. Aloe vera is an abundant source of proteolytic enzymes which repair the damaged cells present in your scalp. This allows it to improve follicle health and boost hair growth. The moisture content of this ingredient helps hydrate your hair and keep it conditioned throughout the day. This will ensure a smooth texture with minimized frizz.

Hot Oil Massage with Coconut Oil / Olive Oil

You Will Need

• 2-3 tbsp Coconut Oil/Olive Oil
• Hot Towel
• Prep Time

1. Take 2-3 tablespoons (depending on the length of your hair) of your chosen oil and heat it for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage the warm oil into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
3. Massage your scalp for about 15 minutes and then leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Cover your hair with a hot towel while you wait.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and finish with conditioner.

Use twice a week. A hot oil massage can help stimulate your hair follicles, boosting hair growth. It is an efficient deep conditioning treatment for your hair which also fights issues such as dandruff and itching. Coconut oil helps nourish your strands with its rich triglyceride content. It also has the ability to penetrate deep into your hair shafts, allowing for optimum nourishment. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, which help condition your hair while preventing and repairing hair damage

Curd

You Will Need

• 1 cup Curd
• 2 tbsp Amla Powder
• Prep Time
• 2 minutes

1. Combine the two ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply these ingredients onto your scalp and hair.
3. Once your hair is completely covered, leave the mask on for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
5. Finish with conditioner.

Use 1-2 times a week. Curd contains vitamins B5 and D which are essential for hair health. It helps strengthen your hair shafts from within while also fighting off issues such as dandruff. The amla in this mask helps give your scalp a vitamin C boost, aiding hair growth.

Eggs

You Will Need

• 1 whole Egg
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Shower Cap

1. Whisk the ingredients together to get a well-combined mixture.
2. Apply this mask onto your scalp and your hair.
3. Once your scalp and hair are completely covered, wait for 30 minutes.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap while you wait to avoid a mess.
5. Wash your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
6. Finish with conditioner.

Use 1-2 times a week. Eggs are one of the most abundant protein sources. It helps provide your hair with nourishment and shine while also improving its texture. It helps repair hair damage and adds life to dull hair. Regularly using this hair mask will help strengthen and condition your hair while making it more manageable.

Fenugreek Seeds

You Will Need

• ¼ cup Fenugreek Seeds
• 1 cup Water

1. Soak fenugreek seeds in water and leave it overnight.
2. In the morning, blend the seeds adding a little bit of the water that it was soaked in to get a smooth and consistent texture.
3. Apply this paste onto your scalp and hair.
4. Leave the fenugreek paste in your hair for about 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
6. Finish with conditioner.

Use once a week. Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein, iron, vitamin C, potassium, and lecithin. These essential hair nutrients work together to prevent hair loss, dandruff, damage, and graying while promoting hair thickening and strength.

Onion Juice

You Will Need

• Juice from a Large Onion
• 3-4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• Prep Time
• 2 minutes

Mix the ingredients until you get a well-combined solution. Apply this solution onto your scalp while massaging it gently with your fingertips. Leave the onion juice on for about 10-15 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo. Finish with conditioner.

Use twice a week. Onion juice helps curb hair fall, boost hair growth, and also re-grow hair. This is probably owed to its high sulfur content which helps boost blood circulation, allowing for better nutrition. It is also a rich source of nutrients such as biotin, manganese, flavonoids, vitamin C, phosphorus, folic acid, and copper, all of which help restore health and shine to your hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 cup Water

1. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and set it aside in a jug.
2. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
3. Proceed to condition your hair.
4. After you’ve conditioned your hair, pour the diluted apple cider vinegar through it.
5. Do not rinse your hair any further.

Use once a week. This treatment helps get rid of dirt, oil, grime, and buildup from your hair. It clarifies your hair without the use of harsh chemicals, leaving it feeling soft and looking silky.

Ref: www.stylecraze.com

Many people want strong and healthy hair, especially as they grow older. Interestingly, your hair grows around 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month, and 6 inches (15 cm) per year. How fast it grows depends on factors like age, health, genetics and diet.

Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition.

Here are the best foods you can eat to promote hair growth.

EGGS

Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, which are important for hair health and growth. A deficiency in either of these nutrients has been linked to hair loss.

BERRIES

Berries are loaded with compounds like antioxidants and vitamins that may promote hair growth. For example, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which aids collagen production and iron absorption, two factors that may promote hair growth.

SPINACH

Spinach is loaded with folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, which may promote hair growth. A deficiency in these nutrients may result in hair loss.

FATTY FISH

Fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved hair growth and density. However, there are only a few studies in this area, so more are needed.

HALIBUT

Halibut is high in magnesium, which helps the body maintain healthy insulin levels. And diabetes has been linked to hair loss, so keeping your insulin levels regulated is important for a number of reasons. Yes, halibut is one of the best foods for hair growth, but it has plenty of other health benefits, too.

SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which helps aid sebum production. Additionally, it has other factors that may help speed up the rate of hair growth.

CARROTS

When converted to vitamin A, beta-carotene protects against dry, dull hair and stimulates the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum. So where do you find this elixir of the locks? Orange-colored fruits and vegetables are your best bet: Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, and mangoes.

AVOCADOS

Avocados are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that may promote hair growth. Additionally, they are a great source of essential fatty acids, which appear to be crucial for hair growth.

NUTS

Nuts are packed with nutrients like vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and essential fatty acids, all of which may promote hair growth and are linked to many other health benefits.

SEEDS

Like nuts, seeds like sunflower, flax and chia are rich in vitamin E and other nutrients that may promote hair growth. Some seeds also contain omega-3s, which have been linked to hair growth.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS

Copper is essential for keratin fiber strength, according to a Dermatologic Clinics report. The trace mineral may also help hair maintain its natural color and prevent graying, according to a 2012 Biological Trace Element Research study. A cup of cooked shiitake mushrooms contains 1,299 micrograms of the mineral, which is 145 percent of your RDA.

SWEET PEPPERS
Sweet peppers are a rich source of vitamins A and C, two nutrients that help ensure hair stays healthy and that may aid hair growth.

OYSTERS

Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc in the diet. This mineral helps support the hair growth and repair cycle.

SHRIMP

Shrimp are a great source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, iron and vitamin D, which may aid hair growth. They also provide a small amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

BEANS

Beans are a great source of protein, iron, zinc and biotin, which are all essential for optimal hair health. Together, they may aid hair growth.

SOYBEANS

Soybeans are one of the best sources of spermidine, a compound that may prolong the active phase of hair growth.

MEAT

Meat is a great source of protein, which is essential for healthy, strong hair. Red meat, in particular, is rich in iron, which may aid hair growth

ALMOND BUTTER

Almond butter contains a wide variety of nutrients—including protein, healthy fats, and certain vitamins—that have all been linked to hair health. It’s the vitamin E content in the nuts that researchers say is particularly good for keeping your locks thick and lustrous. One small eight-month trial published in the journal Tropical Life Sciences Research found participants who supplemented daily with 100 milligrams of vitamin E saw an increase in hair growth by as much as 34 percent.

Just a tablespoon of almond butter provides nearly 3.87 milligrams of Vitamin E. The recommended daily Vitamin E allowance is 15 milligrams, so almond butter will put you well on your way, especially if you eat more than one tablespoon.

Don’t like almond butter? Regular almonds will help, too. According to the NIH, almonds are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin E. An ounce of dry roasted almonds provides one-third of your DV for fat-soluble vitamin E.

PEANUT BUTTER

Like almond butter, peanut butter is rich in vitamin E. If you love adding nut butters to your diet, it could help your hair, too.

TANGERINES

The benefits of tangerines affect your hair in a big way. Their vitamin C content makes it easier for your body to absorb iron, which is found in foods like red meat and spinach. Iron deficiency has been linked to hair loss, according to a study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of it. And vitamin C foods will only help your body absorb that iron even more.

GUAVA

Guavas, like tangerines, are high in vitamin C. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, a vitamin C supplement was found to promote “significant hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning.” Although we often think of oranges as the best source of vitamin C, one guava packs four to five times as much.

GREEK YOGURT

Ever notice what sits atop nearly every ancient Greek statue? A mop of thick, full, wavy hair. An artistic choice? Perhaps. But maybe it’s due to the thick, protein-rich yogurt that Greeks and other cultures have been eating for hundreds of years. Greek yogurt contains vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid), and B vitamins can help you maintain healthy skin and hair.

OATMEAL

Oats are rich in iron, fiber, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which stimulate hair growth, making it thick and healthy.

LIVER

As we mentioned, iron deficiency can lead to hair loss, most notably in women. Iron is plentiful in our ol’ friend spinach (and other dark leafy greens), soybeans, lentils, fortified grains, and pasta. Liver may sound much less appetizing, but if you like pâté, your hair will benefit. Organ meats like liver have iron in abundance.

BARLEY

Like almond butter, barley is rich in vitamin E. It can help with hair growth, so eating foods high in this nutrient is always a good idea if you’re looking to add more foods for hair growth to your diet.

MARMITE

Marmite is a spread made from yeast extract, and it’s high in folic acid. The Australian condiment contains 100 micrograms of folic acid per serving, a quarter of the 400 micrograms of folic acid the CDC recommends women get each day.

FOODS FORTIFIED WITH VITAMIN D

In most diets, fortified foods provide the bulk of the vitamin D. Some foods that tend to be fortified include:

• breakfast cereals
• orange juice
• yogurt
• margarine
• soy drinks

Other foods that contain vitamin D include:

• fatty fish
• beef liver
• cheese
• mushrooms

L-lysine Sources

Certain amino acids in protein-rich foods may help promote hair growth, and L-lysine is one example. L-lysine is also present in the hair’s root, and it is responsible for the shape and volume of the hair. An L-lysine deficiency can cause hair loss, but getting enough of this amino acid can prevent this issue and promote regular hair growth.

People can take L-lysine supplements. It also exists, as dietary protein, in the following foods:

• meat
• eggs
• beans
• lentils
• nuts
• spirulina

A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. Fortunately, correcting a deficiency in any of these nutrients may help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair growth.

If you think you’re lacking any of these nutrients, try adding some of the above foods to your diet.

When your hair feels dry to the touch, it may also be brittle and hard to style. But having dry hair doesn’t mean that you have a larger health problem, or that there’s anything wrong with the hair that you have. Sun exposure, heat styling, humidity, smoking, and more can all contribute to hair that’s damaged and dry.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do if you feel like reducing the dryness of your hair.

Get a trim

If your hair is too dry, it might need a reset in the form of a fresh cut. Even if your hair isn’t very long, split ends can make hair hard to style and contribute to it feeling dry or coarse.

Visit your stylist and trim off hair that’s unhealthy and weighing down fresh hair growth. While you’re there, ask the stylist if they have any tips for your particular hair type and length. They may recommend a new styling routine that can keep your hair from being damaged.

Take vitamins

You know that you need certain vitamins to nourish your body, but certain vitamins directly impact the health of your hair and nails, too. Vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin (sometimes called vitamin H), and the mineral iron will all contribute to hair that looks healthier.

Because prenatal vitamins contain all of the above vitamins, some people take them just for the way they affect their hair. It’s also popular at the moment to take supplements that contain only biotin to make your hair look better.

Add omega-3s and antioxidants to your diet

Omega 3’s keep your hair from thinning out and can make hair look shinier. To get similar results without taking a supplement, increase the amount of marine proteins in your diet. This includes:

• salmon
• oysters
• mackerel
• tuna
• sardines

These are all rich in peptides and omega-3s, which can make your hair shinier.

You might also consider eating more antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, which makes hair look older. Some foods that are rich in antioxidants include:

• walnuts
• kidney beans
• blueberries
• broccoli
• tomatoes

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes healthy fats, like those found in canola oil, for better hair health.

Avoid washing your hair every day

Shampoo removes dirt and sweat from your hair, but it also strips your hair of. Sebum is the natural oil that makes your hair easier to maintain and, when you have the right amount, shiny. Too much sebum leads to a greasy hair appearance.

But you probably don’t need to be stripping your hair of sebum every day — you can most likely wash your hair every other day and see your hair appear healthier as a result. If you can’t go a day in between washing, at least use a shampoo specifically for dry hair or even try a baby shampoo. Both are mildly cleansing without stripping hair completely of its natural oil.

Wrap your hair instead of air drying

If your hair is brittle and difficult to style after you wash it, it could be losing too much moisture during the drying process. Try wrapping your hair with a cloth or towel after you wash it instead of letting it air dry.

If you sleep with your hair wet, use a silk pillowcase to keep your hair’s moisture from getting absorbed into your pillows.

Cut down on heat styling

Heat styling to curl, straighten, or add volume to your hair might have been a part of your daily routine for years. It may also be the reason that your hair is drying out.

Try colder showers

The hot water that you use to rinse your body in the shower might also be scalding your hair. Cold showers have some health benefits, and making hair grow faster could be among them. After you shampoo and condition your hair in the shower, rinse your hair under a cooler temperature of water for a minute or two to revitalize strands and refresh your scalp.

Use essential oils

Moroccan argan oil has become a popular home remedy for dry hair. Using a few drops of argan oil on the ends of your hair may give it a more finished and supple appearance. Other essential oils, like peppermint oil and lavender oil, may help stop hair loss and prevent breakage.

Mixing argan oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and a carrier oil like coconut oil together to make a quick spritz hair perfume may make your hair feel less dry over time.

Wear a hat

Ultraviolet rays can damage your hair shaft the same way they can damage your skin. If you have dry hair, limit your hair’s exposure to these rays. Wear a hat during your daily activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. If your hair has already been exposed to UV rays, smoothing some pure aloe vera gel on your hair might help repair the damage.

Use hot oils

Olive oil is one of the most popular home remedies for dry hair. Besides olive oil, the following can also be used with good results:

• coconut oil
• almond oil
• castor oil
• jojoba oil
• corn oil

All of these oils are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and help to seal the outer hair layer or cuticle with moisture, thus repairing the damage.

To prepare this home remedy:

1. Warm but do not boil around half a cup of oil.
2. Gently massage it into the hair for some minutes.
3. Cover the hair with a warm towel.
4. Leave for 30−45 minutes or overnight.
5. After this time, shampoo and rinse the hair.

This treatment will strengthen and add shine to dry hair.

Apply a gelatin preparation

Plain gelatin is a good protein source for the hair. It coats the hair strands and moisturizes them, making the hair smooth and shiny.

To prepare this home remedy:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin with 1 cup of warm water.
2. Leave it aside for 5 minutes to partially set the gelatin.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 6 drops of an essential oil, such as jasmine, lavender, clary sage, or rosemary to the preparation and stir.
4. Apply the mixture to clean hair.
5. Finally, leave the preparation on the hair for 10 minutes and rinse with tepid water.

Using egg and mayonnaise-based mixtures

Eggs and mayonnaise contain lots of protein, which helps to fortify and strengthen the hair and restore moisture to brittle or very dry hair.

People can prepare one of these protein-based mixtures at home in the following ways:

1. Whip an egg white with 2 tablespoons of tepid water.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp.
3. Massage with the fingertips in circular movements for a few minutes.
4. Rinse the hair with cool water and then shampoo.

Or:

1. Mix three eggs in a bowl.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey.
3. Apply the mixture to hair and scalp.
4. Cover the head with a plastic covering or shower cap for about 30 minutes.
5. Rinse the hair with cool water and shampoo.

Or:

1. Wet the hair with warm water and gently apply to it a thick layer of mayonnaise.
2. Gently massage the hair and scalp, working it through the hair strands to the ends.
3. Cover the head with a plastic cap for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Rinse the hair with cool water and shampoo.

Applying a yogurt and oil mask

Yogurt and oil together can make an effective home treatment for dry hair.

To prepare this home remedy:

1. Add half-a-cup of plain yogurt to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 6 drops of an essential oil.
2. Mix together thoroughly.
3. Apply the mixture to shampooed hair.
4. Cover with plastic or a shower cap and leave for 1520 minutes.
5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.

Applying an avocado paste

The avocado fruit is rich in vitamins A and E, saturated fats, and minerals, which all nourish damaged and dry hair, helping to moisturize and strengthen it.

To prepare an avocado paste, mash a ripe, peeled avocado with one egg and apply the mixture to wet hair for 20 minutes. Then rinse the hair several times.

Using a banana mask

Bananas are high in potassium and have high moisture content, which makes them suitable for treating dry hair. Because of their beneficial properties, bananas may prevent split ends, soften the hair, and improve elasticity.

To take advantage of these benefits, mash one banana and thoroughly spread it on the hair, from roots to ends. Leave it on for 1 hour and rinse with lukewarm water.

Take preventive measures

Making some lifestyle changes and taking preventive measures can help alleviate dry hair. Tips include:

• Avoid overuse of hair styling products, including hair dye and heated styling tools, such as a blow dryer, curling iron, and flat iron.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Avoid excessive contact with chlorinated water in swimming pools.
• Wear loose hairstyles instead of tight ponytails.
• Do not sleep with accessories in the hair.
• Apply a weekly moisturizing hair mask.
• Use soft and padded hair accessories and avoid metal clips and other metal accessories.
• Avoid washing hair too often, only washing it every few days instead.
• Use mild shampoos, such as herbal or sulfate-free shampoos.
• Use cold or tepid water instead, of hot water when washing hair. Cold water helps to seal the cuticles and reduces moisture loss.
• Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, such as those with softening oils that can include sweet almond, Argan, sunflower, and soybean.
• Protect the hair from harsh elements and chemicals at the beach or swimming pool by rinsing hair with 1/4 cup of apple cider mixed with 3/4 cup of water before going to the beach or after a swim.
• Trim the hair frequently to prevent split ends showing.
• Wear hats and scarves to protect the hair from the sun.
• Drink plenty of water and follow a healthful, balanced diet, as what a person consumes will directly impact their hair’s health

Trying home remedies for your dry hair is easy enough, with no risk to you. But long-term hair loss and breakage can be a sign of other health issues. Speak to a dermatologist if you have any of these symptoms:

• hair that comes out in clumps
• bald spots or patterns of baldness
• hair that breaks when you brush it