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Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain will offer beauty tips and answer queries. You can send your queries to shahnaz_press@yahoo.co.in

I would like to know whether hair conditioners will cause hair to fall? What is the right way to apply henna on hair? Should I oil my hair before applying henna as I usually do? After washing off the henna, I use shampoo and then a conditioner. Is it ok to do that? — Riya Jose

Applying a conditioner should not cause hair loss, unless you have a dandruff problem. Conditioners need not be applied if the hair is oily. After henna, you need not wash with shampoo, since henna itself is an excellent cleanser and conditioner. There is no need to oil your hair before applying henna. Instead, you can add two teaspoons of oil to the henna paste. To the henna powder add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, two teaspoons of hair oil and enough curd to make a thick paste. If you do not wish to add eggs, add more curd. The paste should be of toothpaste consistency. Divide the hair into sections and apply the henna on both sides of a section, so that it is totally covered with henna. Wrap it around the head. Repeat this with each section, till the hair is totally covered with the paste. Keep it on for at least one hour and then wash it off.

I am 27 and been living in the U.S. for the past six years and due to the hard water here I have lost almost 70 per cent of my hair. At this rate I am scared I will be bald by 30. There is no history of baldness in my family. Is there a way to convert the hard water into soft water so that I can use that water to wash my hair? I am ready to convert just two buckets of water for my hair alone. Or how can I avoid this problem? — Venkat Raghav

The hard water may be disrupting the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. You can enquire about water softening kits available for home use. Even a water filter may help. In fact, in the U.S., you should be able to get water softeners. Use a mild herbal shampoo. After washing the hair, add two teaspoons vinegar to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. In other words, do not rinse the hair after the vinegar rinse. This should help restore the acid-alkaline balance. Applying a herbal hair tonic daily on the scalp would also help. Once or twice a week, heat pure coconut oil or olive or til oil and apply on the scalp at night using cotton wool. Wash hair the next morning. Eat a small bowl of sprouts daily and ask your doctor to prescribe Vitamins B-Complex and C.

Please tell me a way to get rid of underarm hair. I shave my underarms. I heard that shaving makes the underarms dark. I was advised waxing, but how often can I do it? Also give me some tips for pink lips. My lower lip is pink, but the upper lip is dark. — Vidya

Waxing is the best way of removing hair from the underarm region. In fact, waxing lessens hair growth and makes it softer over a period of time. The lemon and sugar mixture, which salons use for making hot wax, benefits the skin. However, waxing is best done at a salon. The frequency depends on an individual's hair growth. Cold wax offers a good alternative. The discomfort on the first waxing reduces considerably with subsequent sessions. You can apply almond oil or cream of milk on the darker lip daily. An almond cream would also help. Meanwhile, you can use lipstick to make both the lips look the same. Apply a darker colour on the lower lip and then apply the colour you wish to use on both lips.

I am 21 and have oily skin and a dark complexion. I heard that this complexion is due to excessive formation of melanin. Could you please suggest a remedy? — Sonal

Melanin is a natural protective mechanism of the skin. It is produced when the skin is exposed to the sun and actually protects the skin from the sun's UV radiation. In some skin types, more melanin is produced. One should not use products that interfere with melanin production. However, the tan can be gradually removed. First of all, try to avoid sun-exposure as far as possible, especially during the afternoon. Carry a parasol. Mix a teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply it daily on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. It will lighten the skin colour over a period of time and also help oily skin. Use a facial scrub two or three times a week.

I am 13. I cycle to school and this has left my skin looking dull. Suggest a home remedy. — Tanvi

You can mix rice powder with curd and apply it on the face twice a week. Rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and wash it off with water. Mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of curd or lemon juice and apply it daily on the face, washing it off with water after 20 minutes.

Tell me a way to get rid of cracks in my heels. I used a popular cream available in the market, but it did not help. — Vidya

You can follow an intensive treatment for 10 days. Each night, before bedtime, soak your feet in hot water for 15 minutes, after adding some coarse salt and a little shampoo to it. Scrub the heels with a pumice stone. Avoid metal scrubbers. Then wash the feet and apply a thick cream on the heels and entire feet lavishly. Then wrap cheesecloth or clean cloth, or even cotton wool and surgical gauze around the feet like a bandage. Wear cotton socks over this and go to sleep. This way the cream will remain on the heels and not get smeared on the bed sheet. Next morning, before your bath, massage sesame seed (til) oil. Scrub the feet with a loofah or washcloth. Immediately after your bath, massage a cream into the skin of the feet. This treatment for 10 days continuously is bound to improve the skin. After that give the feet this treatment at least once a week.

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