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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 have two problems. The first is dry skin. Second, I have many boils on my face. Every time they break, they leave marks and small holes on my face. My face looks more mature for my age. I tried curd mixed with besan and a little lemon juice. If I do this regularly, more boils develop. I want a smooth and younger looking face. I do not apply any cream. Suggest solutions. — Lakshmi Prabha

From what you say, you may be having acne. Acne usually occurs on oily skin or oily areas of combination skin. Your skin feels dry due to dryness of the outermost layer, which is short of moisture. If there is acne or any eruptions, besan should not be applied, because it can clog the pores and cause further eruptions, or irritate the skin. You can apply one teaspoon of honey mixed with curd. It will relieve dryness and restore the normal skin balance. Ideally, you should use specialised and medicated products to control the condition, as it can cause extensive scarring. Wash your face with a medicated soap only twice a day. You can mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with half a teaspoon of methi seed powder and a few drops of honey. Apply the mixture only on the eruptions (boils) at night, leaving it on overnight. Application of sandalwood paste may also help. Avoid creams. When the condition subsides, treatment can be taken for the scars and the pits.

I am just 13 and have lots of grey hair. Suggest a way to overcome this problem. — Chandni

The exact cause of premature greying is not known. The hair which has already turned grey will not become dark, except by colouring/dyeing. However, amla is said to check greying. So, you can have the juice of one raw amla mixed with a glass of water. You can also consult an Ayurvedic physician and seek advice. You can add amla to henna powder, but henna leaves a reddish brown colour on white hair. You can soak a handful of dry amla in about two to three cups of water overnight. Next morning, strain the water, but do not throw it away. Grind the amla. Add to the henna powder, the ground amla, four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs and enough amla water to make it into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair such that the entire head is covered. Keep it on for two hours and then wash it off with water. You can do this once a week, or thrice a month. Ask your doctor to prescribe Vitamins B-Complex and C.

I am in Standard XI. I used to have thick hair, but stress has caused severe hair loss. As a result, my scalp is visible. Suggest home remedies to increase density of hair. Both my parents suffer from baldness. — Priya

Consult a dermatologist, for you could be suffering from alopecia. Perhaps, the specialist will suggest medication. You can also take treatment at a hair care clinic, which may help stimulate the hair follicles. You can apply a herbal hair tonic. Diet will help. Have a small bowl of sprouts daily. Sprouts are rich in amino acids, which strengthen the hair. Your diet should contain adequate proteins, contained in foods like soyabean, dals, milk and milk products, fish, chicken and eggs. It may be useful to learn yoga and practise pranayama.

I have curly hair. It is dry even after using reputed brands of shampoos and conditioners. I have tried applying oil and curd before washing my hair. It stays soft the day I wash it but then turns dry. Can you suggest any other method which can soften my hair? — Radhika

The natural texture of your hair may be rough and that is why it seems dry. You should use less shampoo when you wash your hair. But, rinsing it thoroughly with water is important. Once or twice a week, heat half a teaspoon of castor oil mixed with one tablespoon of pure coconut oil and apply it on the scalp and the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and the scalp absorb the oil better. You can also use hair-conditioning preparations, which can be left on instead of being rinsed off. Weekly henna treatments would also help. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, two teaspoons of hair oil and enough curd to the henna powder, mixing it into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair and wash it off after an hour with plain water

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