Tresses without stresses

Tips for hair care in the winter, and some recipes for home-made hair conditioners, by

The cold winter months wreak havoc on both skin and hair and while we take special care to keep our skin protected from the harsh effects of weather, we often neglect to do the same for our tresses. Which is why we hear complaints of frizzy, dry, dull, damaged, brittle or even falling hair during winter. The cold and dry weather outside and the heating inside, damage the hair and scalp. A little extra care at this time and a few preventative measures can go a long way in keeping our locks looking radiant and healthy.

Tips for winter hair care l Always cover your hair when stepping outdoors in winter to protect them from cold and drying wind. If you’re tying a scarf or a bandana, make sure it’s not too tight to restrict circulation of blood in the scalp. l Never go out with wet or damp hair. The cold air freezes the hair resulting in breakage. l Don’t wash your hair with hot water as it strips away the natural oils; always use warm or cool water or at least use cool water for the final rinse to lock in the moisture and give hair an extra shine. l Limit the use of curling irons, hair straighteners and dryers during winters. If you must, than use a leavein conditioner before proceeding. Use the hair dryer on a cool setting. It will minimize the hair damage. It is also best to limit the use of hair dyes and highlighters during winter. l Washing too often in winter results in dry, itchy and damaged hair and scalp. If you need to shampoo frequently try using an extra mild shampoo or give dry shampooing a go. One common product for this purpose is baby powder. Simply sprinkle some on your hair and comb off. l There are three types of hair; ‘normal’, ‘dry’ and ‘oily’. The overall health of your hair depends on the type of products you use. Determine your hair type and get products accordingly. l Using conditioner daily in winter is a good idea. Hair products labelled ‘Replenish’ are made to moisturize and are ideal for normal or dry hair but for oily hair it is advisable to skip the conditioner. For dry/damaged and brittle hair a leave-in conditioner is recommended. l Give your head a good massage with warmed olive oil at least twice a week. This locks in moisture, increases blood circulation and soothes itchy scalp. l To combat static during winter try spraying a little hairspray on your hair or on the brush and then brush your hair slowly starting from the top l While styling your hair in winter you can’t go past the many great products available in stores. To give a little oomph to limp hair, use a volumiser. Styling creams are invaluable in preventing dryness and breakage.

Home-made Hair Conditioners

If you like lustrous hair but wish to limit the use of chemicals in storebought conditioners, then try some homemade maintenance straight from the kitchen.

Strawberry and Rosemary Conditioner

1 cup crushed strawberries

½ cup crushed rosemary

1 tablespoon vinegar

Mix all the ingredients. Apply on the hair, cover with a plastic wrap and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Then wash off. This conditioner is good for all types of hair.

Mayonnaise Conditioner

Mayonnaise is one of the best natural conditioners for dry/damaged hair, but can be used for all hair types. It is made of egg yolk which conditions the hair, moisturizes it and leaves it looking healthy, shiny and full of body. There are several different ways of using mayonnaise as a conditioner. The easiest is to simply squeeze a generous amount and massage into dry hair for at least 10 minutes. Leave for 30 minutes before shampooing off.

One variation is:

1 small jar of mayonnaise

½ avocado mashed

Mix both the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Apply to washed hair, massaging from roots to tips. Leave in for 20 minutes than rinse off.

FARZANA SHAKIR

Conditioning with Henna

Henna has long been used as a conditioner and hair dye by women in the subcontinent. It gives superb results as a hair volumizer for thin hair and adds body and shine to all types of hair:

1 packet henna powder

Water as required

Mix the required amount of henna powder with water to get a smooth droopy consistency. Apply to dry hair working it in thoroughly. Leave in for the time indicated on the packet before rinsing off. Shampoo if desired.

Egg Yolk conditioner

This conditioner will add lustre to any type of hair

1 egg yolk

½ cup water

1 teaspoon baby oil

Whisk the egg yolk until frothy. Add baby oil and whisk again. Pour in the water and mix thoroughly. Massage into the hair and scalp. Cover the hair with a shower cap. Leave in for 15 minutes than wash off with cool water.

Give dry shampooing a go. One common product for this purpose is baby powder. Simply sprinkle some on your hair and comb off

Conditioner for thinning hair

This conditioner may help in cases of thinning hair and dry, itchy scalp.

1 egg white

3 tbsp coconut oil

1 mashed banana

3 tbsp yoghurt

½ a lemon

Squeeze the lemon juice in a bowl and add all the other ingredients. Mix well. Apply to newly washed hair and leave in for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.

Deep Conditioning with Olive Oil

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

30 drops rosemary essential oil

Heat the olive oil very gently until it is slightly warm (take care as olive oil can overheat very quickly; microwave oven is not recommended). Add the rosemary essential oil, mix and massage into the hair with your fingertips. Wrap a towel around the hair and leave for 45 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and shampoo.

Conditioner for Frizz Control

¼ cup honey

1 tbsp almond oil

½ cup any good conditioner

Blend all the ingredients together. Apply to damp hair. Leave in for 20 minutes than shampoo off.

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

prevalent in our own community. We’ve been talking to diabetes specialist Soji Swaraj on the issue, and with every conversation with him it hits home more and more that we’ve got to take better care of ourselves. In the midst of this, I’m trying to decide what the topic should be for my own Food column. It can’t be too hard: I’ve got to make it something nocarb, or at least lo-carb.

And so I dedicate this column to Dr Swaraj, well-known carbohydrate-hater. A