Beauty By Nature: Hair care in Summer

Summer brings along frizzy hair and an extra oily scalp. It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends. The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair. That is why the emphasis is on the conditioning aspect of hair care.

Strong cleansing routines and dry toning exercises as well as massaging of the scalp promote dryness and flakiness of the scalp. The use of strong-action shampoo is a strict no-no for dry hair . Often a generous oil application and massage is recommended before washing the hair. Frequent shampooing is harmful for dry hair.

Trim the damaged sections of your hair, especially if you tend to have frizzy hair and keep them short during summer. Wearing a short hairstyle during summer lets you enjoy the sun, without having to put all your worries on your hair.

- If you do not want to cut short your hair, remember to wear a hat, cap or scarf, slightly loose enough to allow scalp circulation, to protect your hair against the damaging effects of the sun.

Home remedies for dry hair
Below are a few natural recipes that are time-tested. For maximum result, use these recipes regularly in place of chemical products.

The Gentle Cleanser

· Beat an egg in a cup of skimmed milk. When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.

· Take a cup of coconut milk and add two tablespoons of gram flour or one teaspoon of shikakai. Apply on your scalp and hair and massage gently. Rinse it out after five minutes. Follow this recipe at least once a week.

The Protein Conditioner
Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerine, a teaspoon of cider vinegar and a teaspoon of protein, plus a tablespoon of mild herbal shampoo. Apply it on your scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

A Special Massage Oil/ Toner

Buy a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a teaspoon of lavender essential oil in it. Heat a little and massage it gently in your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.

1. Hair Oil Massage

The first step that you can take to reduce hair loss is to massage your scalp with appropriate hair oil. Proper hair and scalp massage will increase blood flow to the hair follicles, condition the scalp, and enhance the strength of your hair’s roots. It will also promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress.

You can use hair oils like coconut or almond oil, olive oil, castor oil, amla oil, or others. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to the base oil for better and faster results. Other types of oil that you can use are emu oil, argan oil, and wheat germ oil.

1. Massage any of the hair oils mentioned above onto your hair and scalp by applying light pressure with your fingertips.

2. Do this at least once a week.

2. Indian Gooseberry

For natural and fast hair growth, you can use Indian gooseberry, also known as amla. Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C, of which a deficiency in the body can cause hair loss.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and the exfoliating properties present in Indian gooseberry can help maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth.

1. Mix one tablespoon each of Indian gooseberry or amla pulp and lemon juice.

2. Massage your scalp with the mixture thoroughly. Cover your hair with a shower cap.

3. Leave it on overnight and shampoo your hair in the morning.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek, also known as methi, is highly effective in treating hair loss. Fenugreek seeds contain hormone antecedents that enhance hair growth and help rebuild hair follicles. They also contain proteins and nicotinic acid that stimulate hair growth.

1. Soak one cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.

2. In the morning, grind them to make a paste.

3. Apply the paste to your hair and cover with a shower cap. After about 40 minutes, rinse your hair.

4. Follow this remedy every morning for a month.

4. Onion Juice

Onion juice helps treat hair loss due to its high sulfur content, which helps improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, regenerate hair follicles and reduce inflammation.

The antibacterial properties in onion juice also help kill germs and parasites, and treat scalp infections that can cause hair loss.

In a 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology, almost 74 percent of the study participants who applied onion juice on the scalp experienced significant hair regrowth.

· Extract the juice of one onion by grating it and then strain it. Apply the juice directly onto the scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then wash it off. Finally, shampoo your hair.

· Mix together three tablespoons of onion juice and two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. You can also add one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture onto your scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off and shampooing your hair.

Repeat either of these remedies two or three times a week for several weeks.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains enzymes that directly promote healthy hair growth. Also, its alkalizing properties can help bring the scalp and hair’s pH to a more desirable level, which can greatly promote hair growth.

Regular use can also relieve scalp itching reduce scalp redness and inflammation, add strength and luster to hair, and alleviate dandruff. Both aloe vera gel and juice will work.

1. Apply aloe vera gel or juice onto the scalp.

2. Leave it on for a few hours and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

3. Repeat the process three to four times a week.

You can also consume one tablespoon of aloe vera juice daily on an empty stomach to enjoy better hair growth.

6. Licorice Root

Licorice root is another herb that prevents hair loss and further damage to the hair. The mollifying properties of licorice roots open the pores, soothe the scalp and help get rid of irritations like dry flakes. This remedy is good for dandruff, hair loss and baldness.

1. Add one tablespoon of ground licorice root to one cup milk with a quarter teaspoon saffron. Mix it thoroughly.

2. Apply the paste on bald patches at bedtime and leave it on overnight.

3. In the morning, wash your hair.

4. Follow this remedy once or twice a week.

You can also take licorice internally in the form of licorice tea three times a day.

7.Repair damage with an avocado

Mash a ripe avocado (pit removed) with one egg, then apply this home remedy to wet hair. Avocados are rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals that will help restore luster to your hair, says Stephen Sanna, expert colorist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City. Leave on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse several times. Repeat once a week for damaged hair and

8.Massage in butter

Try this home remedy: treat dry, brittle hair with a small amount of butter for a glossy shine. Massage it into your dry hair, then cover your hair with a shower cap for about a half hour. Shampoo as usual, and rinse all the butter out.

9.Condition with olive oil

Put the moisture back into dry hair by warming up 1/2 cup olive oil (do not boil it), and then rubbing it into your hair. Cover tresses with a plastic bag, then wrap everything in a towel. Let this home remedy do its thing for 45 minutes, then shampoo and completely rinse.

10.Rinse with tea

To give a natural shine to dry hair, use a quart of warm, unsweetened tea (freshly brewed or instant) as a final rinse after your regular shampoo. Tea can enhance hair color, so make sure to use a tea that works with your hair color. Blondes should use chamomile tea; black tea may darken their tresses. Brunettes should use black tea to enhance shine and enrich color.

11.Whip up an apple cider vinegar mask

Put the life back into your limp or damaged hair with this terrific home remedy: combine 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites, then rub the mix into your hair. Keep your hair covered for about a half hour using plastic wrap or a shower cap, then shampoo and rinse.

12.Make a "shampoo omelet"

Mix one egg with a small amount of shampoo, then apply to your damaged hair for five minutes and rinse well. This treatment helps to enhance the protein in your hair.

13.Treat with botanical oils

Available at health food stores, olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils are all wonderful elixirs for damaged hair. If your hair is thick and heavy, coconut oil works well. Dampen your hair and apply small amounts of the botanical oil until your hair is thoroughly covered. Top off with shower cap and warm towel for about 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo your hair out.

14.Try sandelwood oil

Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with a few drops of olive or jojoba oil, rub the mixture between your palms, then smooth it through the ends of your hair for instant sleekness and a way to curb and condition brittle, flyaway hair. Alternately, squirt a few drops of hand lotion in your palm and smooth it through damaged hair.

Other tips to care for dry hair

· First assess whether your scalp and hair are moisture-dry or oil-dry.

· Condition your hair as often as you wash it.

· Never comb, brush or massage vigorously if the hair is extremely dry.

Before any kind of routine care is followed, be familiar with the needs of your scalp and hair.

Cover up!

Use a scarf or hat to cover your head when you’re out in the sun. Not only does this provide extra UV protection, but it also helps your scalp to retain moisture. A hat reduces damage caused by wind, especially if your hair is prone to tangling, and protects colour-treated hair.

2. Put your hair up in loose, comfortable styles

A messy braid is ideal for keeping your hair under control and minimizing exposure to the sun. Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat.

3. Wash less often

Frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which in turn stimulates additional oil production and makes you feel the need to wash it even more. Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool, and see if that gets rid of some extra oil. Use a homemade or natural dry shampoo, such as cornstarch, in place of regular shampoo to go a bit longer without washing. Another quick fix is to dab a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel along your scalp to dissolve excess oil.

4. Reduce the heat

Try to blow-dry your hair as little as possible. It is already exposed to a significant amount of heat on a daily basis in the summer, and it will probably air-dry quickly anyways, so give the blow dryer a break and go au naturel if you can. Avoid flat-irons, too, as they will do further damage to already-dry hair. Plus, a sleek hairstyle only makes that frizz stand out more.

5. Spritz & Seal

Make a concoction of water, aloe vera juice, and avocado oil. Keep it on hand to spritz whenever a bit of moisture and/or control is needed. Another good option is argan oil mixed with water.

6. Condition always

Rinse with apple cider vinegar diluted in water for a quick natural conditioner. Use some coconut oil or sea butter (careful with this, since it can be heavy) to smooth, DE-frizz, and moisturize your locks after washing. The oil will give some shine and, if you have wavy hair, create natural, air-dried curls. Try a natural deep conditioning treatment once a week to get that extra bit of moisture into your hair.

7. No more swimmer’s hair

If you’re a blond who turns green after a dip in the pool, try rinsing out your wet hair with ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and 2 cups water to get rid of discoloration and dullness. It helps to get your hair wet before entering the water because then it won't absorb as much chlorine.

8. Add some sunscreen

There are shampoos that contain UV protection, but most of those are chemical-laden, conventional shampoos that I’d recommend avoiding. One quick way to add some protection is to run your hands lightly through your hair after applying sunscreen to your body.

9. Try a hot oil rinse

Coconut, olive, and avocado oils are good at penetrating the hair shaft. Shampoo hair as usual, then work in oil from ends to roots. Rinse, then condition as usual. Your hair should feel moisturized afterward, but not greasy.

10. Fake that beach look if you haven't been there

One blogger recommends this homemade sea slat spray made with 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp coconut oil, mixed with water in a small spray bottle. Spray and scrunch to get that desirable wavy beach look. The coconut oil will counteract the dryness of the salt.

11. Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush

Avoid pulling anything through your hair when it’s wet, since that’s when it’s most susceptible to breaking. Wide-tooth combs are most gentle for untangling hair, as brushes can pull and tear when they snag strands.

Avoid Heat:

The sun is already putting too much heat on your hair, so avoid the additional heat as much as you can. Go slow on the blow dryer, and if required, wash your hair half an hour earlier so that they get ample time to air-dry. Avoid using the styling iron and curlers and let them be as natural as they can be.

Trim Them:

The tips of your hair take a lot of beating during the summer. This is when you see split ends and dry tips, and this is neither healthy for your hair, nor do they look good. Summer is the ideal time to give yourself a new haircut, but if you don’t really want to shorten your hair, go for a small trim that will take care of the ends and bring back life to your hair.

Lots Of Fluids:

While you may be doing all of the above to protect your hair from the sun, if you’re not drinking enough water, you’re not going to achieve anything. Your hair, and your skin, will benefit immensely from the amount of water and extra fluids that you have, so go for cooling liquids that will help keep your hair healthy and let you feel cooler. Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as you can. This is most needed for hair care for summer.

14. Hair-Dos:

Summer hair care dictates that it is the time for flaunting hair-dos but not for flaunting your beautiful tresses. Explore your skills by trying new styles ponytails,buns and Up-dos.They are stylish yet elegant and protects hair from external damage. But if you have short hair, it doesn’t mean it can’t be just as much fun!

15. Right Hair Products:

Look out for products with the tags Replenishing, Hydrating and Moisturizing. Avoid any styling product that has formaldehyde(alcohol) and the products that comes with the tags Volumizing or Bouncy. These dry the hair more so strictly avoidable.

Sun Protection:

Best way to screen hair from the scorching sun is wearing a scarf. If scarf is not to your liking then make sure you use a leave-in conditioner with sunscreens. If you have too much work outdoors and are in the sun often, opt for hair products that have a good amount of SPF in them. You may also want to go for a special hair-mask or sun-screen product that is made for your hair. However make sure you wash your hair once you are home.

Control Frizz:

The summer heat makes your hair extra dry, making it frizzy. Try and control your hair from becoming too frizzy by tying it up. Use the hot months to show off your hair in different styles, from braids to ponytails to updos, knots and buns. Not only does it keep your hair protected from frizz, it also reduces the sweating.

Simple DIY Hair Care Masks:

1. Egg and Mayo mask to care for dry and damaged hair

ngredients

· 1/4th cup plain yoghurt

· 1/4th cup mayonnaise

· 1 egg white

Method

· Blend all the 3 ingredients together.

· Cover your hair with the mixture and spread it evenly by running a wide-toothed comb through your hair.

· Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off with plain water.

2. Deep Conditioning mask to bring back moisture and shine

Ingredients

· 1 cup mayonnaise (room temperature)

· ½ cup olive oil

· 3 egg yolks