therapy Tress

Curb mane trouble with simple hair care tips and effective home remedies, writes

PRIYA NAIR

If you have unruly hair that refuses to behave, you first need to find out the cause. Look for telling signs that indicate just what kind of TLC your hair needs, then go about doing damage control. Your hair will soon go back to looking its luscious best

Dry, rough, frizzy

If this is a problem, you could be guilty of hair abuse. Are you using hair dryers too frequently?

Colouring your hair or spending too much time in the pool? If this is the case, you need to change your habits. When your hair is subjected to chemicals, without adequate hydration it can go dry and frizzy. Use a moisturising shampoo, avoid using too many chemicals and dry your hair naturally to help it recover. A hot oil massage with a deep conditioning protein treatment will give your hair the nourishment it needs on the inside and the outside. Go for one every month, if possible.

Brittle, split ends, knotty

If your hair breaks midway every time you run a comb through it, something is definitely wrong. Also, if you have a lot of knots in your hair and it breaks while being combed, it is an indication that you are either using the wrong comb or not combing your hair frequently enough.

A hot oil massage with a deep conditioning protein treatment will give your hair the nourishment it needs on the inside and the outside

Some people have split ends and they leave their hair loose, which only draws more attention to the problem. This stems from infrequent haircuts. Always keep your hair trimmed and well groomed. The moment the ends start getting straggly, go for a trim if you would like to retain the length. Then, make sure you use a widetoothed comb to remove knots, and this also helps improve blood circulation in the scalp.

As for breakage, the best bet is to consult a doctor and change your diet so that your hair regains its health.

Home remedy: Try mixing an egg with yoghurt and apply on the scalp. Leave on for half an hour, and wash off.

You can also mix a mashed banana with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice till the mixture is smooth. Apply and leave on for an hour before washing it off.

Oily, greasy, limp

If you run your hands through your hair and your fingers feel sticky, it means you have greasy hair. The problem with greasy hair is that it tends to fall flat and have a permanently limp look. That could be due to an oily scalp or too much of the wrong conditioner. Wash it frequently and maybe change your shampoo to one suited for oily hair. Also, use a conditioner that is light in texture and avoid leave-on serums and styling products.

Home remedy: Mix two eggs with a spoonful of honey and lemon juice and apply. Wash off after 20 minutes. You can also soak a ladleful of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind to a paste with a little water and apply. Wash off after it dries up.

Dandruff, itches, sore scalp

If your shoulders are often covered with dry flakes falling from your scalp, it obviously implies a dandruff problem.

Also, if you have a lot of knots in your hair and it breaks while being combed, it is an indication that you are either using the wrong comb or not combing your hair frequently enough

Home Remedy: Beat an egg and apply on the scalp. Leave on for 20 minutes then wash off with your regular shampoo. You can also mix honey and vinegar in equal proportions and apply to the hair. Wash off after 5 minutes.

A dietary change is needed to increase nutrition. Sometimes, stress and inadequate sleep or using hair colour causes dandruff. There are several good dandruff control shampoos available in the market. Opt for one that is gentle and doesn’t strip your hair of its moisture. Oil your scalp regularly, and if your scalp itches all the time and is a bit sore, consult a dermatologist who might suggest a hair lotion or medication that will help cure the problem.

Home remedy: Use a hot oil pack, but only after consulting a doctor so that you do not aggravate the scalp further, especially if it is itchy.