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Ask Shahnaz

Beautician Shahnaz Hussain offers tips and answers queries. You can send your queries to shahnaz_press@yahoo.co.in

I have severe dandruff. If I don't use a strong anti-dandruff shampoo, the problem gets worse. I want a permanent cure. I suffer from hair loss too. My hair is dry and lacks lustre. It is not straight, so I can't have a proper hairstyle. — Abdur Rehman

Dandruff can cause hair loss. You should use a mild herbal shampoo. Wash your hair daily, but use very little shampoo (half a teaspoon) and rinse well with water. Dilute the shampoo in a little water before applying it to the hair.

Half an hour before shampooing, apply one tablespoon of vinegar and massage it lightly on the scalp.

Apply henna once a week. Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs, one teaspoon of methi seed powder 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. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, curd, fruit juices, nimbu paani and clear soups in your daily diet and drink six to eight glasses of water.

I used a hair removing cream for my under arms after which the skin has become dark. Can you suggest a remedy? — Sheethal

Some hair removing creams can cause skin discolouration.

Apply besan with curd and a pinch of turmeric daily before bathing.

Wash it off when it is dry. This may help over a period of time.

I have a large forehead. I generally take a centre parting and plait my hair, which is thin. I feel this hairstyle does not suit me. Please suggest some suitable hairstyles. — Meenakshi

If you cut your hair short in a layered style, it may suit a thin texture. In the front, some hair can be cut like a fringe or bangs so that it covers the forehead and not make it appear too large. Keep the length of the hair till your collarbone or just below the shoulders, which will give it body and movement. The best thing would be to go to a beauty salon and talk to the hairstylist.

I am 14 and have blackheads and rough skin on my elbow. I have tried using neem leaves, but in vain. What should I do? — Shruti

While having a bath, scrub the elbow with a loofah or washcloth. This will help dislodge the blackheads.

Or you can mix rice powder with curd and apply it on the area. Rub it gently on the skin, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with water. Take two lemon halves and rub them on the elbows. After your bath, apply a body lotion.

I am 19 and suffer from severe hair loss. Also, my hair is dry. I have dandruff and boils on my scalp. I have pimples on my face and boils on my back and shoulders. Using a neem face wash has helped but it does not remove marks. Also suggest a remedy for black heads and a suitable diet. — Shreya

You need to get professional help, since this seems to be a severe acne condition. Consult a dermatologist or a skin care clinic. If the condition persists, it will lead to severe scarring and pitted skin.

I have two children - a 12-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. Should I still use baby soaps for them? Currently, I use a loofah for them. Is it okay or will it leave the skin dry? Will washing with soapy hands suffice for children?I am 44 and dye my hair with henna once in two or three months. Since I have sinusitis and ear blocks, please suggest an alternative dyeing method. I take oil bath and wash with shikakai powder. — Gita

You need not use baby soaps for your children. You can use a normal bathing soap, which the rest of the family uses.

Or, you can use a glycerine soap. You can use the loofah (scrubber), but it should be soft and rubbed gently on the skin.

Avoid using it on the face. You can apply soap on the body or the loofah.

During the dry season, apply sesame seed (til) oil before bathing.

There is no other natural dyeing method. For an alternative, you will have to use a hair colorant.

You can try cream rinses and use a conditioner afterwards.

However, repeated colouring with chemical colorants can damage the hair.

I have split ends. Although I cut them, the problem persists. Please suggest a remedy. — Stella

After cutting off the split ends, you will need to give the hair regular oil and henna treatments.

Avoid tying the hair tightly with rubber bands and using hair dryers and brushes.

Use only a wide-toothed comb. Twice a week, heat 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 three or four times. This helps the hair and the scalp absorb the oil better.

Use a mild herbal shampoo. Use less shampoo and rinse well.

Use a conditioner after your shampoo. Weekly henna treatments will also help.

Add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two raw eggs and enough curd to the henna, mixing it into a thick paste. Apply it on the hair and wash it off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more curd.

Have a small bowl of sprouts daily and ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements.

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