Shahnaz Husain
We see too much hair damage nowadays. When I say “hair damage” I mean hair that is dry and brittle and tends to break off easily, or acquires split ends. Sometimes the splits extend almost half way up the hair shaft. Actually, damaged hair is weak and can eventually lead to hair loss. The most common causes of hair damage are hair styling techniques that employ chemical lotions, or direct heat applications, like colouring, dyeing, bleaching, straightening and waving. The hair loses its shine, natural elasticity and resilience. The chemical lotions disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp too and leave it prone to problems. According to U.S. Trichologist, David Kingsley, “Too much styling and coloring can lead to loss of volume, breakage, dullness, and split ends.” He recommends “an easy detox,” discontinuing the procedures for some time.
Damaged hair is in a fragile condition, so treat it gently. Avoid brushes and use a wide toothed comb with smooth edges. To heal damaged hair, have detox treatments to help nurse the hair back to good health. First of all, have the hair trimmed to remove split ends. Then start with hot oil therapy. Mix one part castor oil with two parts coconut oil. Heat and apply on the hair. Remember to apply on the ends too. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Avoid vigorous massage and rubbing when you apply oil. Keep the oil on overnight and wash hair the next day, using a mild herbal shampoo. Avoid very hot water. After shampoo, wrap a towel around the head and allow it to absorb excess water. The best way to disentangle the hair or comb wet hair is to use a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working upwards. Avoid hair dryers and styling rods for sometime and allow the hair to dry naturally.
For oily and limp hair, apply a hair pack once or twice a week. Make a clay pack by mixing Fuller’s Earth with aloe vera gel and apply on the hair. Wash off after 20 minutes. Multani mitti absorbs oil and dirt, while aloe vera softens and moisturises the hair. Or, soak a cup of broken “moong” dal overnight. Then grind it in a mixer with enough water, to make it into a smooth paste. Part the hair in sections and apply, so that the entire hair is covered. Keep it on for half an hour and wash your hair well with plain water. These packs cleanse and revive the hair.
Hair conditioners, rinses and serums help to soften the hair and add shine. They also coat the hair and help to protect it. Apple Cider Vinegar makes an ideal hair rinse. It detoxifies and also restores the natural balances. Add 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar to a mug of water and use as a last rinse. Both hot and cold infusions can be made from hibiscus flowers and leaves. For hot infusions, add the flowers and leaves to boiling water and keep for 10 to 12 hours. The infusion is strained and then used as a last rinse after washing the hair. For cold infusions, the flowers and leaves are allowed to stand overnight in cold water, in a ratio of one to six. The flowers are squeezed and the water is strained before use. Such infusions can be used to wash the hair and scalp, or applied on the scalp with cotton wool. The paste or juice of the flowers can also be applied on the hair.
Have herb and spice tea to detox. Add spices ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper to tea. Ginger boiled in water can also be had as ginger tea. Chamomile tea, which removes toxins and induces relaxation, is available as tea-bags.
If you have a detox programme from time to time, you can restore the health and beauty of the hair. Also, the hair is like a delicate fabric, so learn to treat it that way.
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