Happy Hair

It’s important to take good care of your tresses, particularly when battling the vagaries of weather and a hectic modern lifestyle

BY MINAL KHONA

Healthy hair is a sign of general wellbeing and gives you a sense of confidence. You can counter common problems with your hair through some simple tips, which will ensure that you have healthy, happy hair all your life.

SPF for the hair

Just like your skin, hair too can get damaged by the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. And especially in a country like Australia, where the sun’s rays can be really harsh during long summers. Unprotected hair can develop a straw-like texture and become dry and brittle. A leave-in serum or conditioner can work in protecting strands of hair. As for the roots, use a bit of sunscreen, preferably the non-greasy ones on your parting to protect the roots. In an emergency, lip balm will also work, but it might leave your hair greasy.

Deconstructing hair

Often our modern day lifestyles result in overuse of chemicals in sundry products we use. To minimise product build-up which can leave your hair flat and brittle, not to mention faded because sun’s rays strip hair of its colour, it is good to change products occasionally. Use a herbal shampoo if you can, or find one which is made with fewer chemicals and no preservatives. An old wives’ tip is to mix baking soda with your shampoo and wash it off after five minutes. Another good idea is to use shikakai powder to wash your hair.

Gentle dry

As everyone knows, using a hair drier too much can make hair dry and brittle. Use a hair dryer only if you must and when you do, keep moving it all around your head, or it can even burn your hair. Bend your head and dry it upside down as well, for extra lift and volume.

Also, never rub your hair vigorously when it is wet. The best thing is to use an extra thin, highly absorbent towel to squeeze out the excess moisture. Then just wrap a towel around your hair, or let it dry naturally. Don’t run a fine toothed comb through it while it is wet or it is likely to break. Instead, use a wide toothed brush. Also, avoid styling hair while it is still wet. Wait till it is almost dry and then style it or use curlers.

To minimise product build-up which can leave your hair flat and brittle, not to mention faded because sun’s rays strip hair of its colour, it is good to change products occasionally.

Style right

A good way to maximise your tress appeal is to get it styled well. Always go for hairstyles that suit your face. For example, if you have a square jawline, opt for a bob which frames your chin and softens your facial lines. If you have a short forehead, go for longer bangs that don’t hide your forehead like a fringe would and if you have a chubby face or jowls, keep it short and away from the face. A haircut with long bangs will look unruly.

General haircare tips

• While having your hair cut, avoid smiling as it moves the muscles in your face and could affect your haircut

• Sitting cross-legged while the hair dresser is cutting your hair could lead to a lopsided cut as your body is not symmetrical.

• Don’t style your hair when it is dripping wet. Make sure it is nearly dry and then start styling with the dryer or heated irons.

• Bend over and look down while drying your hair. This will give it extra volume. Keep moving the dryer all around your head, and never hold it too close to your scalp.

• Avoid too many chemical treatments like highlights or straightening of the hair.

• It is a bit difficult to avoid hot water in Australia’s harsh winters, but when possible, wash your hair with lukewarm water.

• Use conditioning treatments like protein packs and hot oil treatments to nourish your hair.

Don’t towel dry your hair vigorously. First, squeeze out the excess water and then dry with the towel.

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Indian Link

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Rajni Anand Luthra

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