13 Food Types for Healthy Hair

A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron, will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Following a simple diet schedule of these 13 food type one can hold back hairloss without having to run around expensive salons.

When your hair starts falling off like dry straws, what can you do? 

Well, panicking and running around to expensive salons for hair treatment might seem a brilliant idea, but the truth is that you can manage to get a hold of the situation back at your home alone.

First, it would help to locate the various reasons for hair loss. Studies have revealed that men lose hair for some common reasons, like:

• Improper diet,
• Lack of proper vitamins,
• Genetic factors,
• Excessive stress, anxiety and worries,
• Prolonged illnesses like typhoid, anemia, dysentery, jaundice etc,
• Poor blood circulation, and
• Unclean scalps.

Once you have located the source of your problem, it can become much easier to fight back. In desperate times like these, it would help to go completely natural. Do not trust chemical products since they might cause more harm than good. To put your panicking soul to rest, here are 15 different ways to reduce hair loss:

• Take a glass of water with flaxseed (alsi) in an empty stomach. This will provide you with the omega 3 acid that you need for hair growth.
• Begin every day with one amla. Women generally use hair oil made of amla to get those lustrous curls, didn’t you know?
• Soak 5 almonds every night in water and eat them with their skin on.
• Your scalp needs nutrition. So get plenty of fluids like buttermilk, lime juice and coconut water. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day!
• One bowl of sprouted pulses for would be great.
• Proteins. Eat chicken and egg each day.
• Reduce you daily intake of tea and coffee.
• When you are washing hair, use a teaspoon of lime juice for the last rinse. That make your hair lustrous while protecting it from dandruff.
• You are never too old for milk. Drink two glasses of skimmed milk for maximum benefits.
• Apply a paste of methi seeds on your scalp for half an hour once every week, and drink methi water on empty stomachs.
• Remember how the age old sadhus survived on fruits? No wonder that they had such long hair! Eat at least 2 or 3 fruits every day like strawberries, bananas, apples, mangoes, chikoos, and grapes.
• Go green- eat a lot of vegetables, munch away on that iron laden spinach.
• It is better to have more faith in white meat. Fish, chicken and egg can do wonders for your hair!  Try to stay away from red meat.

Hair loss is more common in case of men than women. And you always did wonder whether gender difference worked out better for women, right? Follow these principles to the boots, and you would see satisfactory results soon enough!

Home made hair packs for luscious hair in this winter

Winter can be harsh on your hair. Here are few hair packs which will help maintain beautiful hair this season.

A good hair care routine is a must during the winter months.  Lack of moisture in the air coupled with decreased humidity and pollution makes your hair weak causing split ends and damage. To regain the nourished and glossy look of your hair, try some of these time-tested beauty regimes, formulated by our experts especially for this season.

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Home-made hair care packs for winter

Strawberry pack

You will need: One cup crushed strawberries, half cup rosemary shredded and one tablespoon vinegar. Mix the above ingredients well in a bowl and apply to your hair. Leave it on till its dry (about half an hour) and rinse. This pack works well even on coloured hair.

Egg and banana pack

Bananas make for wonderful hair conditioners. Use ripe ones for maximum benefit. You will need:  two ripe mashed bananas, two eggs beaten well, juice of one lime and two vitamin E capsules. Mix all the items in a bowl, apply to your hair and wear a shower cap, keep it on for about thirty minutes, then shampoo. This pack can be used as often as twice a week.

Fuller’s earth pack

Fuller’s earth or multani mitti is a must in beauty regimes of Indian women. You will need:  two tablespoons each of Fuller’s earth and gram flour (besan) and half cup vinegar. Mix well and apply for twenty minutes, then rinse. For very dry hair, you can apply hair oil before putting on the pack.

Shikakai pack

You will need: two to three tablespoon shikakai powder, two tablespoon each of fenugreek seeds and green gram (soaked the previous night and blended together). To this add one whole egg, mix well and use like a shampoo. This pack makes hair soft and shiny.

Who doesn’t like a handful of cashews as an evening snack? Luckily, these delicious nuts are also good for your health.

Benefits of cashews include:

Full of good fats that are good for cholesterol and a healthy heart

Contain magnesium and copper that help to strengthen bones and are good for blood flow.

Contain soluble dietary fibre

Do include nuts in your diet. You could go with a handful of mixed nuts or even chop some nuts up and add them to your morning cereal. However, remember, its best to eat nuts raw or dry roasted, with minimum or no salt. Also, nut allergy can be fairly common. So make sure you’re not allergic to a certain nut before indulging in it. And like with anything else in life, eat in moderation. Other than that, all we can say is, go nuts!

5 Major Hair Care Myths

Hair Care myths include fixing split ends, plucking grey hair, braids and hair fall, hair washing causing dryness and quality of hair products

There's a lot of faulty science passed down generations when it comes to grooming.

Here, we take the mumbo-jumbo that a lot of you might believe.

Fixing Split EndsIt can't be done. Nope - it can't. The myth of 'fixing' split ends might have started with a company selling a split end sealing product, but split ends are terminal - they can't be fixed. You have to cut them off.

Of course, there are temporary fixes, with products that lay down the split ends so they don't show. But that's where the fixing ends.

Plucking a Grey Hair Causes Two to Grow BackAgain, not true. Plucking grey hair will damage your roots, even infect the empty root and hurt like hell, but it won't cause more grey hairs to sprout out. If it did, you'd have the world's cheapest (and most natural) way of avoiding baldness.

Braids Will Grow Your Hair FasterFor both women and men who braid their hair, braiding will cause too tight or too long can cause hair loss and baldness. One of the reasons behind this is Traction alopecia, a slow hair loss caused by pulling hair too tight by applying too much tension.

Regular Hair Washing Causes Hair Drying (and Hair Loss Too!)Unless you're using a shampoo that leaves residue in your hair, a good shampoo and conditioner -selected for your hair texture and condition - the added add moisture and body will lead to nicer, healthier hair.

Hair Products used by Professional Stylists are the Same as Store-Bought ProductsNot all shampoo is the same. (If it were, wouldn't SRK be saving money using Head and Shoulders) While the concept of 'professional hairstylist' is ambiguous in India, the expensive, 500 bucks a haircut guys (not barbers!)

Professional products have more quality, expensive ingredients blended for an optimum formula - something you won't find in your local Rs.1 sachet shampoo. If you pay a buck, you'll get a bucks worth of hair care.

Keep your Hair Silky and Bouncy

Dry scalp, dull hair, dandruff and excessive hair fall - these problems are not just winter problems. And fretting and worrying can worsen things, say experts, claiming the problem can be controlled with the right treatment.

Dry scalp, dull hair, dandruff and excessive hair fall - these problems are not just winter problems. And fretting and worrying can worsen things, say experts, claiming the problem can be controlled with the right treatment.

The importance of hair can be understood from the fact that those with a receding hairline or bald patches are queuing up outside specialised hair transplant clinics and splurging on treatments.

Rohit Batra, dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS: 'It is a temporary phase and people shouldn't get tense thinking about it because stress is also a reason for excessive hair fall.

'Flaky skin, frizzy, rebellious hair are common during winter, but it can be avoided and repaired.'

To keep the tresses lustrous and bouncy, Batra suggests that one should 'oil hair regularly'.

'Fungal problems aggravate when people do not wash their hair frequently, when they do not oil their hair or let the conditioner stay for a longer duration.

'Another factor is that in winter usually people wash hair with hot water, but they forget that it is not advisable. They should wash hair with lukewarm water because hot water leaves the scalp dry,' Batra added.

If dermatologists are not available, one can consult hair stylists who are trained and can dole out good hair care tips.

'Season change always has certain side effects. Be it monsoon or winter, it is a time when everyone needs to take care of one's skin and hair,' stylist Raj, who is associated with Prince and Princess beauty clinic, told IANS.

'The number of customers with such complaints increases during winter. On a normal day, a fall of 50-60 strands is considered healthy. In winters, a person can experience hair fall of more than 200 strands,' he added.

If you can't afford professional treatments, you can go for effective home remedies, says stylisht Gaurav Sharma.

To get rid of dandruff, 'use lemon juice, camphor mixed in coconut oil. People should apply lemon juice for 15 minutes and then rinse it. This is a very effective remedy. Lemons are easily available and are also cost-effective,' he said.

'To get back the texture, wash hair with beer. It really helps bring the shine back and gives volume too,' he added.

Even celebrity hairstylist Amjad Habib emphasises the quick home remedy to fix fizzy tresses.

'Home remedies are the most effective. People who have normal but frizzy hair can apply mashed mango and mint paste. It brings back the shine and makes hair smooth,' said Habib.

'People who have very dry hair should apply a paste of three bananas and honey and leave it for 50 minutes. It takes away the dryness and makes the hair softer. Lastly, for people who have oily hair they should apply a paste of mint on the scalp and leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly,' he added.

Batra also advises a nourishing diet.

'As far as medicinal precautions are concerned people can take Vitamin H, calcium pantothenate and biotin. A lot of hair serum (like Livon) are also available in the market. It helps a lot in bringing back the shine.'

'A rich diet of protein is what we recommend. For non-vegetarians fish and chicken helps. Vegetarians should indulge in soya products,' he added.

7 Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Hair

It's time to rethink your go-to ponytail.

"There are a lot of things you do on a daily basis that can wreak havoc on your hair," says celebrity stylist Harry Josh, who works with Gisele Bundchen, Rose Byrne, and a ton of other A-listers. According to Josh, here's what you're doing wrong.

1. Using the wrong hair ties.

"You might still be using an elastic with the metal fasteners that hold the hair tie together, or, God forbid, an office rubber band to put your hair up, but these types of hair binders will only rip out your hair when you try to take them out," Josh says. "Instead, get one that is made entirely out of fabric. And never use a rubber band to pull your hair up — they're your hair's worst enemy."

2. Doing your ponytail the same way each time.

"If you normally put your hair in a ponytail in the exact same spot every day, you can actually cause surface breakage in that area," Josh says. "What happens over time is that your hair will start to get weaker and break off in that spot, and you'll be left with a bunch of flyaways."

3. Pulling it back too tightly.

"Over time, this can cause breakage to the hairline, since you're essentially putting a lot of tension on your hair at the root," explains Josh. "If you have a frail hairline, opt for looser styles." 

4. Skipping using heat protectant spray when you style.

"These types of products nourish as they style and put a barrier between the plates of the hot tool and the inner core of your hair shaft, which keeps it strong," says Josh. "Some even contain UV filters, which help shield UV rays from sun damage, which makes it feel rough and look dry."

5. Brushing it with a boar bristle brush when it's wet.

"You always want to use a paddle brush or wide-tooth comb when you're trying to detangle your hair after you shower," says Josh. "Go for one with bristles set far apart; otherwise, using a boar bristle brush will yank your hair out since its bristles are so close together." 

6. Never brushing it at all.

"Brushing your hair invigorates the blood in your scalp, bringing it to the follicle," Josh explains. "And the healthier the follicle is, the healthier and more lustrous your hair will look."

7. Trying to fix your at-home dye job yourself.

"If you're trying to do the ombré look or give yourself highlights at home, and your hair comes out looking more yellow than what you were going for, call your stylist," Josh says. "If you go out and buy another box, thinking you're going to give it another go, think again. You could end up frying off your hair and making it fall out."

Benefits Of Mosambi Juice For Hair

Mosambi juice is good for the health. This juice is rich in minerals and nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. It is healthy as well as energising. But did you know that mosambi juice is good for your hair too?

As the juice contains several nutrients, it is helpful in keeping your hair healthy. It can be used on your hair to improve its quality. Here are some hair care tips using the mosambi juice.

Fruit Hair Packs

To make a mosambi juice fruit hair pack, you need to extract the juice and mix it with yogurt or cream and then apply on the hair. Mosambi juice helps in increasing the smoothness of your hair. It also gives the hair a natural glow. You can apply this hair pack on your hair and keep it for half an hour. Rinse it well with cold water and repeat the process once every week. Regular use of this fruit hair pack will give better results. This is one of the hair care tips you must follow.

Improves Strength

Mosambi juice can also be used directly on the hair. This juice contains vitamin C which helps to improve the strength of the hair. This is one of the best hair care tips for people who suffer from hair fall. Mosambi juice extracts can help in making the hair strong naturally. Before directly applying the juice on hair, strain it to remove any impurities. Use the juice at least once a week for good results.

Colours Hair

A fruit hair pack using henna and mosambi juice can be used to colour the hair. Henna and mosambi juice have the properties to impart colour to the hair. However, mosambi juice is better because it contains copper which increases the melanin content in the hair and hence, it imparts a black shade to the hair naturally. People who suffer from grey hair problem can use this hair care tip.

Hair Growth

Overall growth of the hair can be improved by using mosambi juice. One can use mosambi juice to improve the texture and quality of hair. Many hair care tips suggest that mosambi juice should be used frequently by people who suffer from hair growth problems.

Direct Consumption

Drinking mosambi juice is also good for the hair. The consumption of vitamin C present in this juice is good for hair health.

Time to say goodbye to dandruff now

Dandruff is an embarrassing problem. One that often gets aggravated as winter sets in. We’ll tell you how you can get rid of it!

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is shedding of the skin on the scalp, that leads to white flakes on the head, neck and shoulders.

Our skin cells continuously renew themselves. The new skin cells push the old ones to the surface and out of the scalp. In the case of a person with dandruff, the rate of renewal is faster – which means more dead skin is shed, making dandruff more noticeable. Some people with dandruff might also suffer from irritation, itch and redness on the scalp.

Excessive flaking could also be a sign of underlying conditions like psoriasis. Dandruff can also occur when the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.

Signs and symptoms of dandruff:

The biggest sign will have to be white flakes on the scalp and hair. If the person is wearing dark-coloured clothing – flakes will be noticeable when they fall on the shoulders.

• An itchy scalp
• Sore scalp
• Greasy flakes

If you have dandruff pay attention to these tips:

• There are many over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that contain varied ingredients to combat dandruff effectively. It’s best to pick one with any of the following ingredients: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acids, tea-tree oil, green tea.
• Shampoo your hair every day to prevent dead skin build-up on your scalp.
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, and use a mild shampoo on the other days of the week.
• When you wash your hair, apply shampoo, lather well, rinse and repeat again. Make sure you rub your scalp gently to dislodge any dead skin on your scalp. Also, if you are using an anti-dandruff shampoo add another step i.e.: apply shampoo, lather well, wait for 2 minutes and then rinse. This allows the shampoo time to work.
• In case you use a conditioner, make sure you only apply it on your hair and not the scalp. Also ensure you wash it off thoroughly, as any residue will only worsen your dandruff.
• Brush/comb your hair regularly. This will help routinely dislodge any dead skin on your scalp.

Some home remedies for dandruff:

• Make a mixture of 6 tsp. of water and 2 tsp. of vinegar and apply on scalp with cotton. Leave it on overnight and rinse. Do this once a week for about a month.
• Make a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds and curd. Apply on scalp and leave for half an hour and wash.
• Mix a tsp. of lime juice and 2 tsp. of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash after an hour.

If your dandruff is persistent even after a few weeks of such treatments – it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.