Washing, Combing, Drying :

First and foremost, always comb your hair gently to prevent breakage. Hair is at its weakest when wet. So never brush your hair when wet. As far as possible let your hair dry naturally. Use dryers only when you are pressed for time or when you want to set them for an occasion. Detangle your hair before you wash it. Wet hair is very fragile so brush your hair thoroughly before getting into the shower.

Oiling and shampoos :

Oil your hair at least twice a week or for a day before washing. Oil really does wonders for your hair; coating each strand and making it shine. Besides oil massage also increases the circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Avoid using harsh shampoos and conditioners as they can harm your hair and make them dry. Tackle dandruff with good antidandruff shampoos. Most of all try to keep your hair clean and do not expose it to strong wind, dust and pollution. Use a scarf while on a two-wheeler.

Taking care naturally :

Do you want to have beautiful long hair, but cannot because of problems like dandruff, split-ends, greying etc which compel you to cut your hair? Well, here are some easy home recipes for good growth of hair. So get going to have hassle free bouncy hair!

1. Wash and clean a bunch of Methi leaves in water. Without adding water, add black pepper, a few drops of lemon and salt to taste and boil. Churn this in a mixer or juicer and drink this concoction. Drinking this regularly will increase hair growth.

2. Eat pieces of coconut or if you get cough because of coconut, have jaggery instead. Also include coconut in your daily food like dals, vegetables, etc.

3. Half an hour before washing your hair, rub coconut milk onto your scalp. This will also make your hair shinier.

4. Just as you massage oil, massage raw milk in your hair. Wash off after an hour.

5. Cashewnuts are very nutritious and good for your skin and also enhance hair growth.

6. Grandma's advice still holds true. At night before going to sleep, give your hair a hundred strokes with a brush. This increases the blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. However brush your hair gently for vigorous stroking will cause breakage.

7. Drink coconut water atleast twice a week. It is good for your skin, digestive system and really a miracle ingredient for your hair.

8. Heat olive oil and massage into hair and then take steam. By doing this regularly you will get rid of split-ends.

9. Make a paste of jaggery, curd, and Multanni mitti and apply on scalp an hour before shampooing to get rid of dandruff. Take this treatment once in 15 days.

. . .Shilpi Gemawat.