High frequency for your hair

High frequency therapy is a type of intensive hair treatment to cure dandruff, hair-fall or alopecia, carried out by treating your hair with high-frequency infra and ultra rays.

Several salons in Mumbai have started using this therapy as something of a quicker solution to their hair-related problems.

What is it?

It utilises a transparent rod-like tool that is plugged in, has two to three different types of knobs that need to be fitted in front of it for different types of treatments. Usually, a wide comb is fitted. A tool used for treating dandruff that looks like a long handled comb generates current when brought in contact with the scalp. The second is an ultra ray treatment given through a distance with the use of a bulb.

Treatment procedure

The treatment begins by separating the hair in four-five different partitions, then unknotting it smoothly. After this, the comb that emits infra rays is used on various portions of the affected scalp. This is process is done for two-three minutes, followed by a thorough oil massage for about 20 minutes. Then, a moisturizing hair mask is applied to every strand of the hair from root to tip and left untouched for about 15 minutes. Then, this masked hair is treated with steam and is then exposed to ultra rays through a bulb for five-seven minutes. The treatment lasts for 45 minutes and one needs to take a head wash only the next morning. The treatment also includes pressure point massages for the neck and back.

Beauty expert Jaishree Shah says, "The best part is that this process doesn't hurt at all, one might just feel slight irritation when the mouth of the comb touched the scalp. However, you get used to it gradually. This treatment requires about eight sittings and your dandruff is completely treated."

This treatment requires a minimum of ten continuous sittings, which can be done twice or thrice a week. Post the ten sittings, one should not stop the treatment completely, but continue doing it on a fortnightly basis for better and long lasting results.

Beauty expert Bhavna Daniel, explains, "Infra rays are given prior to the treatment just when the hair is unknotted. The device is touched to scalp while the treatment and hence it shows visible effects. While, ultra rays are given in the form of a bulb, at the end of the treatment i.e. after steam. The ultra rays are given from a distance and not brought close to the scalp or hair."

Benefits of infra and ultra rays

• Improves blood circulation
• Helps generate new cells
• Exfoliates hair growth
• Treats dandruff effectively
• Prevents itchy scalp
• Stops hair fall gradually
• - Helps keep hair growth constant

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."

Can you do without shampoo?

A new beauty revolution called the No Shampoo Movement is being touted as the way to beat baldness and hair thinning. Want to give it a shot?

 

Do you know the secret to Adele's glamorous updo? She doesn't use shampoo. The singer washes her hair with plain water. Adele is part of the 'no shampoo' movement, which has followers ranging from Hollywood A-listers like Jessica Simpson and Robert Pattinson to Prince Harry. The followers of this movement (also called the 'no-poo movement'), consider it a safe way to prevent baldness and hair thinning. "The real reason for the early onset of baldness and thin hair is overshampooing. Over a long period, shampoos damage your hair drastically," says naturopath Dr Nirmala Shetty. "I hated my hair at first but started feeling the difference after the first two weeks," says wellness coach Leanna Cappucci. She uses apple cider and plain baking soda instead of a shampoo.

 

Washing your hair with a natural, homemade shampoo and conditioner may be a good idea at times. According to Dr Shetty, people of our grandparents' generation have a healthy mane in their old age because they mostly used natural ingredients to clean their hair. "Like green gram flour and boiled rice water, fresh hibiscus or shikakai paste — to keep their scalp and hair clean. Natural ingredients are easily absorbed by the body," says Dr Shetty. A lot of shampoos contain harmful chemicals, like methylisothiazolinone and diethanolamine, that can lead to health problems. Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are believed to cause irritation of the scalp for some. Says hair expert Shahnaz Husain, "Regular shampooing is counter-productive. It makes your hair dry and brittle and disrupts the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp, which often leads to dandruff." If you want to give your hair a natural wash at times, do read the box below.

 

HOMEMADE HAIR CLEANSER 

Add water to baking soda and bottle it. Use this just like shampoo. To make a natural conditioner, add 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. If your hair feels dry, use less baking soda, or try using honey instead of vinegar.

How to Wash Your Hair — The Right Way

You may do it practically every day, but do you really know how to wash your hair the right way? Using the correct techniques can make a world of difference in your hair’s health, bounce and shine — but if you’re making some common mistakes, you could be damaging your strands without even knowing it. We asked two of New York’s foremost hair pros, hair stylist Nunzio Saviano ofNunzio Saviano Salon in New York and Kyle White, lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon, to share their best tips for lathering up, the right way.

1. Start with a rinse

Just like your laundry needs a rinse cycle before you add detergent, hair should be thoroughly wet before you add your shampoo. “Hot water will open the cuticle, which is good for removing any dirt or product trapped in the hair,” says White. Another bonus: “When your hair is rinsed in warm water, it loosens the oils through the scalp and opens the cuticle so it is able to absorb the oil” in your conditioner, says Saviano.

2. If you have long hair, condition first

Yes, really! “If you have hair beneath the shoulders, protect fragile ends from drying out and further damage by running a small amount of conditioner through them and lightly rinsing, before any shampooing. This will not only keep ends healthy, it will fill any holes in the cuticle with moisture, making it smoother and boosting shine,” says White.

3. Lather up — but only at the scalp

“You only need to shampoo the hair at the scalp, particularly at the nape,” Saviano says.

White agrees. “The best way to lather up is from roots to ends. The hair closest to the scalp is the youngest and will inevitably be the oiliest, while the end of the hair is the oldest and usually driest, most fragile part of the hair.”

Don’t use more shampoo than you need; both Saviano and White say that a quarter-sized amount of shampoo is enough. If your hair is particularly long or thick, go ahead and double that.

4. Be gentle!

Friction can permanently damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to breakage and frizz. Think about washing your hair like you hand wash your delicates — very carefully. 

“Start your lather at the roots,” says White. “Increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair growth by using vertical strokes with medium pressure.” Don’t use circular motions, which can tangle your hair.

Next, “Smooth the lather over the ends in a straight stroking motion,” White advises. “Do not scrub the fragile ends or use a back and forth motion like you’re washing a rag on a washboard.”

5. Don’t rinse and repeat

Despite what the instructions on the back of your shampoo bottle may say, there’s no need to wash your hair twice. “Avoid stripping the hair by doing one shampoo only, which is usually sufficient,” says White. “Unless the hair is extremely dirty and the first shampoo didn’t produce a lather,” in which case, go ahead and lather up one more time.

6. Add conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips

After you’ve rinsed out your shampoo, “squeeze some of the water out of the hair before you put in the conditioner,” says Saviano. “Then clip your hair up and finish showering, leaving the conditioner rinse out for the final step of your shower.” The longer the conditioner stays on your hair, the better it absorbs. Don’t put conditioner at the roots of your hair; the natural oil from your scalp is more concentrated there.

7. Finish with a cold water rinse

“Cold water will shut the cuticle tight, sealing the shingle-like outer layer, which will cause it to reflect the most light and give off the most shine,” says White.

conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips.

Daily Hair Care Routine in Six Easy Steps

Trying to look after your hair and get all that everyday stuff done you need to do, as well as look after your friends and family, can be a difficult balancing act. We all want to have great hair; but unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort.

 

That effort, however, doesn't have to take up all of your time or break the bank. In fact, the only thing you need to do is put in the short amount of time necessary to follow this simple daily hair care routine. It's that easy!

Step 1: Brush Your Hair

It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but maybe what you didn't know is that brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair. This promotes healthy growth and shine.

Step 2: Wash Your Hair

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type and texture. Work out what's best for you by seeing how your hair reacts to washing and hair care products, and develop a schedule from there. For instance:

• Your hair is coarse/dry if it often feels brittle- this means you only need to wash it every second or third day.
• Your hair is fine/oily if it feels greasy the day after you wash it- this means you need to wash it daily.
• Your hair is normal if you wash it one day and it's not too greasy the next- this means you can get away with washing it every other day.

Shampoo Tips

• Remember to shampoo in small, circular movements; don't forget to target dirt collecting areas such as the nape of your neck.
• Massaging your scalp will increase blood flow which encourages growth and will stimulate your hair's natural oils (producing shiny locks).
• Coarse/dry hair will benefit from hydrating shampoos.
• Fine/oily hair should be washed with a clear shampoo (one that doesn't look creamy).
• Normal hair can use just about any type of shampoo- just remember to always use good quality products for the best results.

Conditioner Tips

• Similar to body lotion for your skin, conditioner is moisturizer for your hair and will keep your strands hydrated and manageable.
• For an even application use your hands and a wide-toothed comb.
• If you've got coarse/dry hair try a hydrating conditioner and apply it right from your roots to your ends.
• For fine/oily hair use a lightweight conditioner and avoid putting it on your roots (evenly distribute it from the mid-lengths to the ends).
• For normal hair you can use just about any kind of conditioner, applied from your roots to your ends also.

Step 3: Apply Hair Styling Products

If you have a hairstyle that needs to use hair products- hairspray for hold, wax for hold and shine, or serum for shine and to maintain fly-away pieces- then don't use too much! You might end up weighing your hair down and reducing its volume, or just making it greasy and dirty. Often less is more.

Also, don't forget to protect your hair. If you style your hair with a hair straightener or blow-dryer, it's very important to protect your hair with heat protecting products, and to give your hair a break every few days from the stress of using hair accessories and hairstyling tools.

Step 4: Style Your Hair

Everyone styles their hair, whether they're elaborate updos, professional looking hairdos for work, or casual wash-and-wear looks. Styling is required daily and should be done as gently as possible.

Step 5: Brush Your Hair Again at Night

Brushing your hair again at night will help you to untangle any knots that made their way into your locks during the day.

Step 6: Secure Your Hair at Night

Securing your hair at night with a simple ponytail or plait will make sure your locks don't get snagged or tangled as you sleep.

There you have it, a simple daily routine (and some great hair care tips). It's not hard to follow, it won't have you spending all of your hard earned cash, and most importantly, it will get your hair in the best condition possible.

Now that you know how to look after your hair, why don't you find a style to show off your fabulous locks! Log in to your account to see our huge number of virtual hairstyles.