How to fix split ends !

There are several things you can do to prevent your hair from splitting.

After you apply conditioner in the shower, slowly run a wide-toothed comb through hair until all the tangles are out.

Get a haircut every six to eight weeks. It will remove split ends and keep your hair healthy and strong.

Never over-brush. A hundred brushstrokes is not necessary, and may lead to more splits than anything else.

Is washing your hair too often okay?

Experts talk about tackling greasiness and how often it is okay to wash your tresses

It's certainly hot and you're definitely sweating it out while commuting to work, at the gym or even at home. These increased levels of perspiration might make you feel like washing your hair every day. Experts tackle common questions that you may have about this predicament.

Is a daily hair wash okay?

It's not necessary to do so, feels city cosmetologist Dr Sama Rais. "Preferably not everyday as shampoos have harsh chemicals and can remove the essential oils from the scalp, causing an over-drying of the scalp. Thrice a week is good enough. Even if you perspire, just pour plain water on the hair. If your hair suffers from Hyperhidrosis (problem of excessive sweating), you may have to wash everyday. But use only a mild shampoo, which is suitable for to your hair," she says.

Overcoming dandruff issues

Dandruff and an itchy scalp is probably one of the biggest and most common offshoots of the sun playing havoc on hair. Says cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda, "There are two types of dandruff, oily and dry. Oily dandruff is dangerous as its eats away the pigment of your hair, while dry dandruff falls off. The former can give rise to numerous problems like pimples, pigmentation, etc, as dandruff on the scalp prevents blood circulation." She also advises staying away from using heavy oils. "If you have oily skin, just use a lighter oil, like olive oil, and massage it for 15 minutes, followed by a hot towel treatment, then wash it off. Home-based treatments include putting ginger juice on the scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off. Also, wash hair every alternate day with a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo. Eating green vegetables like palak and methi helps the hair," she adds.

Using henna, a myth

Henna actually dries the hair and most stylists will tell you should not use it, saysa Dr Rais, adding, "Henna makes the hair more porous and can can turn hair brittle. Instead, use a good conditioner, which has a sunscreen or even a hair serum."

How to use hair serums

Hair serums improve the texture of the hair and untangle it, leaving it softer. They are perfect for that dry, frizz that summer bestows. Anyone can use it but there are rules to follow. "If you use too much, the hair can look oily, so, take only a few drops on the fingertips and apply on the hair, not scalp," says Dr Manchanda, adding, "Look for products that have argan oil as well as those with walnut and almond oil. Avoid those having silicon. After you have used a hair serum, don't use a spray after that."

Tips for healthy hair

•  Trim away damaged ends of the hair, especially if they are frizzy.
•  Wear a hat, scarf or peak cap (not too tight) to protect hair from damaging UV rays.
•  Use a hair sunscreen if you are going out between 11am and 4 pm as that is when the sun's rays are harshest.
•  Always use a little conditioner on the hair before you go swimming.

Thinking about a hair spa?

States naturopath Nirmala Shetty, "Go natural when it comes to a hair spa. Look for nutrients in what nature provides us. For instance, grind hibiscus into a paste and apply on hair. It darkens and strengthens hair roots. Methi (rich in iron and darkens hair) and neem (antibiotic and has germicidal properties) also increase hair strength. Aloe vera is a powerful antioxidant and can tackle scalp allergies and boils. It is also a great hair strengthener. Avocado is full of antioxidants and is especially good for those who have coloured hair."

All you need to know about rebonding

Before you go ahead for a major transformation with rebonding, it is necessary that you know all about the procedure beforehand and be well aware of what it entails.

In rebonding, chemicals are used to break the natural bonds of the cells in the hair and then they are rearranged to get straight hair, Rod Anker, Creative Director of Monsoon Salon and Spa, that offer a huge discount on rebonding, said. Anker explained that a relaxant or a softener is used to break the natural bonds in the hair, followed by a neutralizer to re-bond the structure again, giving you the desired texture.

Suguna Shah, of Lakme Salon, continued saying that rebonding is almost hassle-free - especially if you are doing it during the summers or as the climate warms up. You just need to condition hair well and protect it from heat and it will not get damaged, she asserted. Since care in the first few days after rebonding is crucial, Shah said that it is necessary that you keep hair covered and protected. Also do not wet your hair for three days after the procedure, because the chemicals have to seep in and settle. (

How to care for coloured hair

All of us are fond of coloured hair. But post-colour hair care is also important. Follow these tips, then go for that long desired colour treatment done

Deep condition your hair

Make sure you keep your hair well-conditioned by using either post-hairwash conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, serum or a hair mask. It is very important to maintain the moisture balance in your hair, especially after treating it with colour. A homemade mask, made of either mayonnaise or honey, will help replenish the hair's lost moisture. Similarly, hair masks that include ingredients like jojoba, aloe, etc, are beneficial. 

Avoid hair styling products

Coloured hair is known to get dry after a while, if you fail to moisturise it properly. It aggravates with blow drying and use of hair styling products like straighteners and curlers. They make your scalp flaky, which attracts dandruff. Also, make sure you leave your hair to dry, naturally.

Use colour protection shampoo

There are special products designed for colour-treated hair and they help prevent the colour from fading out. Also, avoid hot water hair wash, use only cold water.

Oil your hair often

Always remember what your mom said, oil your hair ever day. Oil is the best thing for your hair. It not only provides nourishment, but also helps moisturise your hair and scalp.

Tips to protect your hair from sun damage

Whether packing for a beach vacation or simply stepping out in the summer, most of us tend to lavishly apply sunscreen on our face and body. What most forget, is that the hair needs protection too. UV rays can damage the hair shaft, making hair dull, dry and easily breakable. While some advocate the use of sunscreen on the scalp, others feel opting for hair products with sun protection are good enough.

1. SCALP GETS PARCHED

Sisnel Rebello, Saks top stylist says just like our skin, our hair and scalp is also affected with the harsh UV Rays. ‘The sun makes our hair dry and brittle as it affects the cuticles of the hair and our scalp gets parched. If your hair is coloured, then the UV rays make the hair colour dull and it tends to fade quickly. Basically, sunscreen for hair repels the rays of the sun. These products contain UV filters which protect the hair. They also contain Vitamin E, which protects the hair from external aggressions such as dust and pollution and harsh rays of the sun,’ he says. Look for hair care products like mousse and leave in gel, that all contain properties (Vitamin E, Xylos Agent and UV filter) that will protect your hair.

2. PROTECT THE HAIR PROTEINS

The hair shaft is made up of an outer layer of protein called keratin, which when exposed to UV radiation gets damaged, says Dr Swati Srivastava, dermatologist. ‘UVA damages the melanin content and makes the hair colour fade away. UVB damages the protein content and makes the hair brittle and lifeless, eventually ‘frying’ the hair. Sunscreen for hair helps protect the proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. These are what help make hair look good and lustrous. Hair sunscreen can be either sprayed on damp hair or applied as a leave on conditioner. However, if you are going to be in the sun for more than a few hours, it is best to reapply,’ she says.

3. CAN AFFECT HAIR GROWTH

Genet Sandrine, style director, Jean-Claude Biguine Salon and Spa India says too much exposure to UV rays causes damage to the outside covering of the hair which is the cuticle and can penetrate into the center of the hair, (the cortex) and cause damage there as well. ‘Excessive sun damage may lead to dry, weak and brittle hair. Research also suggests that UV rays are found to damage the scalp, particularly the hair follicles, where hair begins to grow. Once the hair follicles are damaged, hair growth may be altered or affected. While sunscreen for hair is quite a new concept, it is slowly catching up.

4. Tips to protect hair from sun damage

Always wear a hat or a scarf

Use leave-in conditioners with UV filters in hair.

Avoid blow drying and chemical treatments of hair

Keep your hair tied to avoid more frizz.

Dr Swati Srivastava, dermatologist

Source: DNAsyndication /By SanayaChavda