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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 am suffering from severe hair loss. I have dandruff and oily skin. I stopped using oil since I lose a lot of hair while applying it. What should I do? — S. Balakrishnan

Dandruff can cause hair loss. You can wash your hair daily, but use very little shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water. Half an hour before shampooing, apply one tablespoon of vinegar on the scalp. Avoid vigorous massage. You can apply hot oil on the scalp once a week using cotton wool (avoid massage), as it helps dislodge the flakes. A herbal hair tonic may also be used daily. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and curd in your daily diet and drink plenty of water.

I have shoulder-length hair, with a layered cut. In the front, my hair is frizzy. When I tie a ponytail, it stands out and looks bad. My hair is also dry, rough, thick and unmanageable. Can I cut my hair shorter so that I can leave it loose? I have a longish face. I use herbal shampoo and conditioners regularly. — Sandhya

The texture of the hair is something we are born with. It can only be changed by hairstyling methods like perming or straightening. Your hair can be softened with conditioners. You should use them every time you shampoo your hair. 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. A layered cut on frizzy hair would make the shorter layers stand out. A blunt cut would be better. Since you have a longish face, the hairstyle should frame the face and give width on the sides. A shorter style, just up to the shoulders, may suit you. Consult a good hairdresser, who may show you pictures of different styles for frizzy hair.

I have straight hair. I apply oil when needed; but after a few hours, it seems as if I have not oiled my hair at all. My hair becomes dry. Should I plait it or leave it loose? I am losing hair too and my forehead is full of pimples. I have hair above the lips and between the brows. My face becomes oily and dull soon after washing. — Roopa Priya

You may be having dandruff. Pimples and dandruff often go hand in hand. Heat oil and apply it once a week at night. You should wash your hair at least thrice a week. Massage one tablespoon of vinegar lightly into the scalp half an hour before shampooing. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with water. You should leave your hair loose only if it is healthy and shiny. Henna treatment will help. After washing the face in the morning, mix rose water and lemon juice and apply it, washing it off after 15 minutes. Twice a week, mix multani mitti with rose water and apply it on the face, washing it off when it dries. You can try threading for your facial hair.

I have long, thick hair, which is rough and brown. How can I make it soft, silky and black? Also suggest tips for white, shiny teeth. I never had pimples, but for the past one week, they have been appearing here and there on the face and growing in size. Is there any remedy? — Yalu

Twice a week, mix two tablespoons of pure coconut oil with two teaspoons of castor oil. Heat it and apply it on the hair at night, leaving it on overnight. Use a conditioner every time you shampoo your hair. After rinsing off the shampoo, apply the conditioner and massage it lightly into the hair. Leave it on for two minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with plain water. This will soften your hair.

Wash your face only twice a day with a medicated soap. Apply curd daily on the face, washing it off after 20 minutes. Apply sandalwood paste directly on the pimples.

For the teeth, take three parts of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and one part of salt. Mix and use a little at a time as a tooth powder. It helps whiten the teeth and also removes stains.

I used a hair removing cream on my face. Before using it, I did a small patch test and found that it suited me. I used it twice without any problem. But the third time, it has left marks on my face. How can I get rid of these marks? — Sangeetha

Hair removing creams are known to cause skin discolouration. If the marks are dark, use a sunscreen before going out in the sun, as exposure to the sun can aggravate them. Use a facial scrub daily on the dark areas — mix rice powder and curd and rub it gently on the skin with tiny circular movements. Leave it on for five minutes and wash it off.

Apply the honey and lemon juice mixture daily on the dark blemishes and wash it off after 20 minutes. Note that these remedies are for dark blemishes, since you have not specified what kind of marks you have.

I am 17 and have normal skin. I cannot use any soap on my face, because a lot of red boils appear and I experience a burning sensation. I can use a rich moisturising soap. Do you think I should consult a dermatologist? My skin has become dark too. Is there any home remedy? I also have dark circles. — Deepthi

Your skin seems to be very sensitive. Yes, you should consult a dermatologist. This could be due to dehydrated skin-sensitivity, a condition that can arise out of an allergic reaction, sun-sensitivity or dehydration caused by continuous and long-term exposure to air-conditioning/heating. Since there is a burning sensation too, it is best to get medical advice. Try applying honey mixed with cold milk on a small area and see if it helps, as honey is a natural moisturiser and milk is soothing.

For dark circles, apply cucumber juice daily around the eyes, wash it off after 15 minutes. Do deep breathing exercises daily.

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