Time to de-stress your tresses

Dry, drab, split, brittle, frizzy and lifeless — let these not become adjectives for your hair. Hair in summers is exposed to harsh sunlight, pollution and heat. Here're some tips to keep your hair healthy.

Dry, drab, split, brittle, frizzy and lifeless — let these not become adjectives for your hair. Hair in summers is exposed to harsh sunlight, pollution, heat and humidity that damage hair cuticles. Other self-induced harm includes tying hair into a tight ponytail, colouring, perming and blow-drying.

Daily hair care
In summers, the sebaceous glands get over active and secrete sebum (oil) that makes hair oily. This in turn attracts dust and dirt and if neglected often leads to hair fall and dandruff.

Natural products have ingredients that are normally found in hair. To boost hair health, look for products that contain aloe vera (powerful moisturiser, anti-irritant, rich in Vitamin C and E and promotes hair growth), panthenol (vitamin B5, which improves elasticity) and silk protein (penetrates the hair shaft and strengthens hair).

Avoid products prepared out of parabens which can cause harm to the body and ammonia that softens the hair fiber to make the hair supple and continuous use of this component leaves hair fragile.

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If your hair is coarse and curly, steer clear of any styling products that can cause them to dry out and frizz quickly, like alcohol-based sprays and heated styling tools.

Wet hair leads to lots of tangles. Avoid towel-drying hair, instead squeeze sections with paper towel to get rid of excess water. Also, use a wide-tooth comb to prevent excessive breakage.

Usage of conditioner is must. After every hair wash, even if the hair is oily. The role of conditioner is to supply nutritive oils to the hair.

Grind and sieve two carrots, two cucumber, few drops of lemon and few mint sprigs. Drink this mixture as it works as a tonic for hair.

Grind one cup of grated coconut, one-fourth cup of neem leaves and fenugreek leaves each to make a thick paste. Mix little water and apply all over the scalp and hair. Keep for some time. It softens, darkens and strengthens weak hair.

Those prone to dandruff must use dandruff related oils and shampoos.

The use of hair mask twice a week is effective, as it provides deep condition to hair.

With inputs from hair experts Erica Barroso, Surya Brasil; Divita Kanoria, Tathastu and Charvi Gupta, Lotus Herbals