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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 dark circles under my eyes. My mother also has them but she developed them at a later age. I have tried a few under-eye gels without success. I am now using pure almond oil. — Ramya

Dark circles can occur due to various reasons, including hereditary factors. Apply almond oil, but an almond cream would be more effective. Also mix cucumber juice with potato juice (or lemon juice) in equal quantities and apply it daily, washing it off after 15 minutes. In some cases, sun-sensitivity can lead to dark circles. Apply a sunscreen lotion sparingly before going out in the sun. Add a drop of water to it to provide lighter coverage.

My brother is 22. His problem is severe hair loss and he is almost bald in the front. He doesn't have dandruff. — Abirami

In men, hair loss can occur due to hereditary or hormonal factors. He can consult a skin specialist to find out if he has a condition called alopecia, which can be treated. Sometimes, homeopathic treatment helps. He can try applying a herbal hair tonic or vitaliser. He should avoid massaging the head. Clinical scalp treatments can also help. He should ask his doctor to prescribe Vitamins B-Complex and C and do some deep breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can contribute to hair loss.

I am 18 and I moved into a hostel last year. Ever since, I have been losing hair. I have been taking vitamin supplements, but they do not seem to help. What can I do? — Sowmya

Hair loss can occur due to various reasons, which include nutritional deficiencies, stress, dandruff, hair damage and thyroid imbalance. Perhaps, moving out of home has been stressful for you. There can be dietary deficiencies too. However, take regular care of your hair, applying oil once a week. Use a mild herbal shampoo and rinse well with water. Use less shampoo. Apply a herbal hair tonic. Do some deep breathing exercises. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements should help. Your remedies work well for me. I have thick hair. My problem is my hair is too wavy. I cannot follow any style nor can I leave it loose. I don't want to straighten it. Should I use hair sprays and serums? And what is the best way to get rid of facial hair — waxing or bleaching? — Uma Maheshwari

Use a rinse-off conditioner after shampooing your hair. This helps soften the hair. You can also use a leave-on type of conditioner sparingly. A hand-held hair dryer can be used to straighten the hair and the lower half can be left wavy. Divide the hair into sections. Hold the end of each section with a brush. Dry the upper half with the dryer, holding it at least six inches away. For facial hair, try threading or waxing.

I am 17. I have thin, waist length hair. My problem is lice. Suggest a remedy to get rid of lice and improve hair growth. I have oily skin. It looks fresh only after a wash. What should I do to make my skin appear fresh? — Vedasri

Your hair has to be healthy for it to grow. To get rid of lice, use an anti-lice shampoo from a reputed brand. Follow the directions on the label. Comb the hair thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb. The nits (eggs) have to be removed by hand. Get somebody to help you. Unless the nits are removed, you cannot get rid of the lice. Grind methi seeds into a powder. Mix it with oil and apply it on the hair. Keep it on for an hour and wash the hair, rinsing thoroughly with water. For oily skin, use a facial scrub daily. Mix an astringent with rose water in equal quantities and use this to wipe the face twice or thrice a day.

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