Health and Beauty tips

Dandruff is the excessive flaking of dead skin cells. Like rest of our skin, our scalp also sheds dead skin cells during the renewal process of cells. There are two different causes of dandruff — internal and external:

• internal causes: hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitive, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat and starch, improper nutrition and heredity predisposition
• external causes: excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons, cold weather and dry indoor heating, stress and anxiety, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

There are many anti-dandruff products, such as, shampoos, creams, oils, etc, that promise to do away with the problem. Dandruff can be eradicated with the help of natural and simple home treatments too. Read further to know about how to cure dandruff.

Wash your hair regularly. Getting rid of excess oils and flakes through daily shampooing may be the easiest way to eradicate dandruff.

Switch shampoos. If your regular shampoo doesn’t work, even with daily washing, it’s time to switch to an antidandruff shampoo. Check the ingredients in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, and look for one that contains zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole.

Use three different kinds of shampoo. Your favorite dandruff shampoo may stop working after a while, and flakes may return which means that you have built up a resistance to its active ingredient. To prevent this, try rotating three brands of dandruff shampoo (each with a different formulation), using each for a month. In other words, use one shampoo for a month, then switch to a second brand for a month, then to a third brand for a month, then back to the original shampoo for a month, and so on.

Lather twice. The first lathering and rinsing gets rid of the loose flakes and the oily buildup on your hair and scalp. It clears the area so the second lathering can get to work. Leave the second lathering of shampoo on your hair at least five minutes before rinsing it off so that it penetrates the skin cells and work more effectively.

Try a tar shampoo. If the antidandruff shampoos aren’t working, it’s time to use a tar one. The tar decreases cell turnover quite effectively, though there are some drawbacks. Tar shampoos have a strong odor, may stain the shaft of lighter-colored hair, and may irritate the skin. Remember, anyway, that some people shouldn’t use a tar shampoo because it can irritate and inflame their hair follicles.

Use a rinse. If you decide to go with a tar shampoo, rinse your hair with lemon juice, a conditioner, or creme rinse to get rid of any lingering odor from the shampoo. Using a hair conditioner after washing with any antidandruff shampoo is a good idea anyway, because the medicated shampoos tend to stiffen hair and make it less manageable. Many of them also dry the scalp, which can add to flaking; a conditioner can help seal in nourishing moisture.

Don’t touch your hair! No comments.

Shower away sweat. After exercise or strenuous work that makes you perspire, shower and shampoo as soon as possible. Sweat irritates the scalp and speeds up the flaking of skin cells.

Don’t overuse mousses, sprays, and gels as they can contribute to oily buildup.

Ladies who aspire to look stunning almost always start with their tresses. There is nothing like a head of soft, fluffy hair that always catches the eye. So how does one get shining and full-bodied hair? Try these unbeatable tips for stunning hair glowing with health!

Washing and Drying Hair Tips:

• Don’t over-wash your hair. Try not to wash your hair with shampoo every single day. For days that you do not wash your hair, apply a fragrant refreshing mist.
• Don’t apply shampoo directly to the top of your head. Apply shampoo from the nape of the neck first, and then work it through the rest of your hair.
• Distribute cleansing and styling products evenly through your hair. Use a comb to spread the conditioner evenly through your hair.
• Avoid wrapping your hair in a towel and leaving it twisted up on your head for long as it can damage the hair.
• Avoid blow-drying your hair everyday. Allow your hair to dry naturally whenever possible.

To find a product that is best suited for your hair, you may have to sample a few different brands. Visit your local drugstore and check out the entire hair products aisle for the best selection, or consult your hairstylist.

Hair Styling Tips:

• Accessorize! On days when you just don’t have time, go for a ponytail or a headband. Your hair can look really cute even if you don’t spend a long time styling it.
• Experiment with color. A new color will add some zest to your appearance. If you are wary of dying your hair try a brand that washes out in eight shampoos.
• Make a new haircut. Colors and accessories do lend a lot to a hairstyle; however, haircuts are the true standby for a new look.
• Select styling tools to vary your look. Curling irons, flatirons, combs, pins, clips and an assortment of brushes offer nice diversity for hairstyles.

If you don’t feel like fighting with your hair today, wear it straight. For hair that behaves rather well, let it dry naturally. If your hair requires more maintenance, apply a gentle styling product to prevent frizzy hair. Remember, a sexy, straight hairstyle can be perfect with any outfit, for any occasion.

A healthy diet helps the body in its efforts to heal itself.

• To maintain healthy hair and help prevent loss, try these two simple changes:
  Make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eat wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week, or sprinkle two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds per day on cereal or salads.
• Supplement your diet with GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil. Take 500 mg of either twice a day for six to eight weeks to see if it helps.

Sooner or later we all have to deal with gray hair which makes look distinguished or stunning not many of us. If your gray hairs have reached the point where plucking them out is no longer an option, follow these caring instructions which will help you cover gray hair and make it more manageable:

• Try leave-in conditioners and moisturizers to soften coarseness.
• Before coloring your hair, remember that gray hair does not hold color like other hair types. If not done properly, your gray hairs may not absorb the color or the color may fade out after shampooing only a few times. To avoid this, your hair stylist can add a solution of peroxide to your hair before coloring. After this procedure gray hairs will hold color better.
• If you choose to color your hair, pick a tone one shade or two lighter than your original color. After having your hair colored, stay out of the sun, avoid using a hair dryer and find a shampoo for colored hair. Otherwise the added color may fade away quickly.
• Another option is to have your hair highlighted. Highlights will help the gray hairs to blend in better and look more natural. Highlights are usually recommended to people with blond or light to medium brown hair. People with dark hair may keep their hair trimmed shorter to minimize the effects of the gray color or they may change their hair color completely to a lighter shade. Coloring you hair black to cover up gray is not a good idea as it does not look too natural.
• To test the look, try a semi-permanent solution that lasts 6 to 12 shampoos before going for lasting color.
• Watch what you eat. Choose a diet that provides your body with the protein and vitamins it needs to stay healthy. Not only will your hair look better, but your body will thank you too. Ask your doctor what vitamin and mineral supplements will help keep your hair in good condition. Your hair stylist can also suggest special shampoos and conditioners that contain nutrients known to keep gray hair looking its best.