grooming
Dry days need not mean dull hair
Parvesh Handa

TO maintain healthy hair during the cold, harsh winter months, it is essential to follow a few guidelines. In summer, skin and hair may require less nourishment but during winter they require more attention and regular application of conditioner.

The first essential step to healthy winter living is to take a healthy, nourishing diet. As the temperature drops, less moisture can be found in the air. This causes a significant amount of dehydration, draining our skin and hair of the moisture it needs to stay healthy. It is as important to keep hydrated in winter as it is in the summer to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. Your diet is reflected in your hair. Fruits, vegetables and protein are important dietary components and hair thrive on proteins to stay well nourished. The shortage of essential proteins in your diet will result in lifeless and brittle hair.

Treat your hair well in winter season. Condition them regularly and avoid overstressing them by blow-drying or hot curling. For extremely dry or damaged hair, shampoo your hair once a week and then apply a generous amount of moisture mask. Select a moisturising conditioner that will help draw moisture from the air during the day. Wrap a warm, moist towel around your head for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the conditioner to penetrate deep into hair shafts. Avoid too much washing of your hair, the natural oils that come from your scalp can help keep your hair healthy. The more you wash your hair in winter, the drier they become.

Massage your hair once a week with mild hot olive oil for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo the hair after giving steam to your hair with a warm, moist towel, as stated above. You may prepare a nourishing protein-rich shampoo yourself. Take the yellow of two eggs and mix to it two spoons each of rum (liquor) and olive oil. Massage well into the hair, then rinse off after about 30 minutes. This will also help you get rid of your dandruff and lend shine to dry hair. It's also wise to use lemon shampoo for problem hair. After shampooing, rinse the hair with a little quantity of clean water that has two tablespoons of vinegar in it. Avoid taking fried, greasy food and sweets.

Here is another home-made recipe for healthy hair. Mix equal quantities of reetha, shikakai and amla (available from any general store) in clean water. Keep it immersed in water for 10 to 12 hours, then boil it for 10 to 15 minutes and use the mixture as hair shampoo.

Today, there are fantastic products and styling tool options available in the market that eliminate static electricity from your hair. Consult an experienced beauty therapist with a complete hair-care system if you have any other problems with your hair. Healthy hair, when sculpted to complement your face and lifestyle, will be your best winter fashion accessory.