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Ask Shahnaz

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

Suggest a home remedy for smooth and shiny hair. My hair is coarse and rough. Is hair straightening advisable? — Kiran

Use a creamy conditioner after shampooing your hair. Use only a little less and massage it lightly into your hair. Leave it on for two minutes and then wash it off with water. Weekly henna treatments will also help. Add 4 tsp each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs, 2 tsp of oil and enough curd to the henna powder, mixing it into a thick paste. Apply it on your hair and wash it off after an hour. In hair straightening treatments, chemical lotions and/or direct heat applications are used, which cause damage. Go to an expert hairstylist, so that adequate precautions are taken. Intensive conditioning treatments will be required afterwards.

How can I do a facial at home? I have normal skin, with an oily T-zone. — Shyamala

First tie a head band or scarf along the hairline to protect your hair. Start with cleansing, using a cream or gel. Massage it lightly on your face and wipe it off with moist cotton wool. Then apply a facial scrub on the oily area, rub it gently on the skin and wash it off. Dip cotton wool pads in rose water and wipe the skin. Pat your skin briskly with it. Then apply nourishing cream and massage it on the dry areas with outwards and slightly upward strokes. Wipe it off with moist cotton wool. Massage your neck too. Then apply a face mask on your face and neck. Wash it off after it is dry. Apply a moisturiser.

I am losing hair. Though I use an Ayurvedic oil, it does not work. — Vasantha

Hair loss can occur because of an oily scalp. Sometimes applying oil may not help. Avoid massaging your head vigorously. If the roots are weak, massaging may cause further hair fall. Using the fingertips, move the scalp in circular movements. Diet is important. Have sprouts daily and include fresh fruits, salads, green vegetables, soya bean and yoghurt too. Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements. Wash your hair three times a week using less shampoo and rinsing it well. Apply a herbal hair tonic daily.

Suggest a remedy for wrinkles around the eyes.— Bharati

Apply pure almond oil sparingly around your eyes daily. Massage it lightly on the skin, using only your ring finger, for one minute under each eye. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wipe it off with moist cotton wool. It will delay wrinkles and fine lines too. You can also mix cucumber juice and potato juice in equal quantities. Apply it under the eyes daily for 20 minutes. Wash it off with water.

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