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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 put on weight around my abdomen and waist. What should I keep in mind while selecting clothes? — Susan

Dark colours, vertical stripes and one-colour outfits help tone the figure. Avoid frills, gathers, pleats, belts and large prints. Wear top and pants, top and skirt, or kurta and churidar of the same colour.

You can use accessories to brighten it up like scarf, dupatta, buttons, shoes, handbags and jewellery.

I read about hot oil therapy. Can you tell me more about it. Will it help my dandruff problem? — Nailah

Heat oil, but do not bring it to the boil. The temperature should be comfortable for application. Then part the hair in sections and apply the oil using cotton wool, rubbing gently to dislodge the dandruff flakes.

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. You can do this at night and leave the oil on overnight.

Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon, or one tablespoon of vinegar, on the scalp and wash your hair after half an hour.

My hair is long and a little thick, but it is brown in colour. How can I make it black? Is straightening or ironing good for the hair? Will it cause hair loss? — Suraja

Mix one teaspoon of castor oil with two teaspoons of pure coconut oil. Heat it and apply it twice a week at night.

Leave it on overnight and wash the hair the next day. You can also use a conditioner after your shampoo. If you use direct heat to straighten your hair, it will become dry and brittle. It can lead to split ends and broken hair.

Chemicals and direct heat strip hair of its outermost protective layer, making the strands weak and dull. The protective layer also contributes to the lustre of the hair.

My skin looks dull and lifeless. Please tell me how to bring the glow back. — Arthi

Use a facial scrub once or twice a week. It helps remove dead cells and brighten the skin. Once daily, mix one teaspoon each of honey and curd and two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply it on the face.

Wash it off after 20 minutes. Use a face mask once or twice a week. Mix two teaspoons of curd, one teaspoon of honey, three teaspoons of oatmeal and egg white, or orange juice.

Apply it on the face and wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. If you have pimples, acne or rash, leave out the oatmeal.

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