Archive for October, 2009

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Benefits of Lemon for Hair

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Lemon for Hair

Lemon has several medicinal properties and it is commonly used in the treatment of constipation, indigestion, skin disorders, dental problems, chronic illnesses like respiratory disorders and blood pressure. Lemon is also useful for purifying the blood, strengthening the immunity and cleansing the stomach. Lemon has been used traditionally in the treatment of hair problems as well. Common scalp problems like dandruff are treated with the help of lemon. Hair loss is also treated with the help of lemon juice. Lemon helps tighten the hair roots and makes hair less brittle thus preventing breakage. Lemon is also used as a natural conditioner for the hair. Applying lemon juice on the hair gives it a natural shine. Lemon also gives the hair volume and improves its texture. Lemon is thus very useful in caring for hair that is scanty and dull. Like other citrus fruits, the lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and this contributes a great deal to hair a skin health. Applying the juice of a lemon on hair that is greasy helps regulate sebaceous glands in the scalp and reduces oiliness in the scalp and the hair. This also helps control dandruff caused by excessive oiliness of the scalp.

Lemon is an effective natural bleach and helps lighten hair. Rinse your hair with lemon after shampooing, and the acidic nature of the juice of the lemon will lighten the color of your hair. Lemon can be used in homemade shampoos to help care for hair at home. An effective homemade shampoo can be made using a teaspoon of lemon juice, one whole egg, one teaspoon of olive oil, ½ a cup of water and a few pieces of mild soap. Mix all the ingredients together and allow the mixture to stand for a little while to allow the soap to dissolve. Apply this on your hair and rinse to obtain a smooth shine. Lemon is also a natural conditioner and can be used along with henna powder, eggs and hair oil to prepare a homemade conditioner. Mix 4 tablespoons of henna, one tablespoon of hair oil, the juice of half a lemon and one egg and use this to condition your hair after every hair wash. Make an effective hair pack using lemon (one tablespoon), two tablespoons of honey, one egg, essential oil (a few drops) and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix these ingredients together and apply it on your hair. Wrap your hair with a warm towel and leave it on for at least twenty minutes. Wash off with shampoo and cold water for the best results.<

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Dry and Rough Hair Tips | Homemade Hair Treatments for Rough Hair

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Tips for Dry  and Rough Hair

Hair can often become dry, rough and brittle and this leads to several problems like hair loss, dandruff and split ends. Excessive exposure to sun and winds cause hair to become dry and rough. Similarly, harsh shampoos that contain harmful chemicals may cause hair to become dry. Excessive shampooing may also damage the texture of your hair, and rob your scalp and hair of all its moisture. Hair color, especially those that contain ammonia are very damaging for your hair. Styling your hair with hair curlers and irons may also cause your hair to become rough and brittle. It is therefore essential to invest some time in choosing the right hair care products for your hair type. Use mild shampoos that are intended for dry hair to keep your hair protected from damage. Always cover your hair when you go out in the sun to avoid damaging your scalp and hair.

When you suffer from dry hair, it is important to take certain precautions while caring for your hair. For instance, avoid washing your hair with water that is very hot – this causes hair to become dry and brittle, and may also lead to dandruff. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and after applying conditioner, preferably rinse with cold water. Similarly, do not use heat to style your hair. Avoid using curlers and hair irons as this makes your hair rough and brittle. If your swim, ensure that you wear a cap to protect your hair from chlorine. Chlorine dries the hair and makes it very rough over time.

Treatment for Rough Hair

It is most effective to use a conditioner to treat rough hair. Find a good conditioner that suits your hair type and apply it immediately after shampooing your hair. This helps restore the smooth texture of your hair by repairing damaged cuticles and then attaching them back on the hair shaft. Conditioners also lubricate the hair, therefore avoiding damage caused by friction. Mayonnaise is an excellent natural conditioner. Beer is another effective conditioner. Spray on beer on your hair or wash with beer after shampooing to help treat rough hair. Massage mayonnaise into your hair, leave it on for at least an hour before washing it off to help treat rough hair. Honey treats dry hair effectively. Massage half a cup of honey and a quarter cup of olive oil into your hair and wrap a towel soaked in warm water around your hair. Leave this on for at least twenty minutes before washing your hair to help treat rough hair.

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What causes Dandruff | Dandruff Home Remedies

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that causes the skin on the scalp to become itchy and flaky. This is generally the result of a bacterial infection of the skin on the scalp and can spread from one person to another through the common use of soaps, towels, clothes, hairbrushes and combs. Dandruff may be either waxy or dry. Dry dandruff is characterized by an itchy scalp that sheds small white flakes onto your face, shoulders and back. Waxy dandruff is characterized by an oily scalp that on account of an excessive production of sebum causes the dandruff flakes to form patches on the scalp and hair. Thus, it is not only a dry scalp alone that contributes to the formation of dandruff, sometimes excessive oil produced by the skin or even conditions like psoriasis can cause dandruff. Several factors contribute to the infection of the skin on the scalp. Primarily, dust and pollution causes a daily build up on the scalp that may lead to an infection. In addition, several dietary and nutritional factors contribute to the formation of dandruff. A lack of zinc in the diet, poor nutrition, high stress levels and irregular eating habits may also lead to dandruff. Dandruff can also result as an allergic reaction to the chemicals or high alkaline content of some shampoos and soaps. Certain kinds of yeast and fungus infections of the scalp can also cause dandruff.

Home Remedies for Treating Dandruff

One of the first steps to treating dandruff is to take some precautionary measures while caring for your hair and scalp. Don’t keep a dandruff problem unattended because regular scratching may worsen the scalp infection. It is easiest to control dandruff if you shampoo regularly. Regular shampooing gets rid of the excess oil produced by your scalp and the daily build up of dead skin and other pollutants, and this helps keep your dandruff under control. Ensure that you use mild shampoos, and that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in your hair care products. A mild medicated shampoo that contains salicylic acid is ideal for loosening dandruff flakes from your scalp, and a shampoo that has an antibacterial agent will help cure your infection.

In addition, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate your dandruff. Thyme has excellent antiseptic qualities that will help cure your dandruff. Make a hair rinse using thyme (4 tablespoons) and two cups of water. Boil the thyme in the water, strain and cool the solution, and massage it into your hair to rid of dandruff.

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Head Lice Prevention - How to Prevent Head Lice in Natural way

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Head lice can be an embarrassing condition as it itches and is highly contagious. Lice infestations are seasonal for some people, festering in some seasons and then completely dying out. Lice are known to weaken the hair roots and will eventually cause hair loss. If the infestation is particularly virulent it may cause fevers and have to be removed immediately. Head lice is usually accompanied by dandruff, hence the remedies here will help against both conditions.

Preventing Head Lice

Make a mixture out of two tablespoons of lemon juice and a few cloves of ground garlic and apply to the scalp. Allow it to settle for about an hour and then rinse off thoroughly. This aids in eliminating the lice and dirt as well. You can also apply olive oil to your hair and keep it overnight by covering it with a shower cap. Use a lice comb in the morning to get rid of the lice and repeat every 10 days. Make a paste out of margosa leaves and apply onto the scalp. Let it stay for half an hour and wash off. You may repeat this every two weeks or alternatively make a paste out of 25-30 basal leaves and add an equal quantity of margosa leaf paste to it.

Apply thoroughly over the scalp and rinse off in an hour or so. Crush a few onions and extract the juice. Massage it into the scalp thoroughly and leave on for about four hours. The pungent odor and the sulfur content will kill the lice. It is advisable to repeat this treatment for 3-4 days continuously in order to kill off the lice eggs as well. Grind a raw custard apple including the seeds till it becomes a fine powder. Apply it onto the scalp before going to bed and tie your head up with a clean piece of cloth. Wash your hair thoroughly in the morning to get rid of the lice. Make sure to keep the powder in an air tight box when you are not using it.

Apart from these it is necessary to follow certain precautionary measures to prevent lice. Keep your comb and hair brush clean and do share it with anyone. Shampoo your hair once in three days but rinse it with plain water at least once a day. Oil your hair before and after your bath and be sure to massage it well into the scalp. If you have been out in a crowded place, wash your hair as soon as you get back.

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Greasy Scalp Remedy

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Causes of  Greasy Scalp

A greasy scalp occurs when the oil glands or sebaceous glands produce oil in excess and this affects not only your scalp, but your hair too. A greasy scalp can be caused by undue stress and anxiety, an unclean scalp, poor circulation of blood and sometimes heredity. Excess oil in the hair can also cause dandruff and is a high risk factor for conditions like eczema, scalp psoriasis and dermatitis. There is no known cure for a greasy scalp, but you can take a few precautionary measures to reduce its oiliness.

Tips and Remedies for Greasy Scalp

First and foremost do not wash it more than once every alternate day. Use the flats of your fingers rather than the finger tips and massage the scalp gently. This helps avoid over stimulation of the oil glands. Do not dry or comb your hair vigorously as this will weaken the hair roots causing the hair to break easily. You may also try zinc supplement or evening primrose to battle the excess oil production. A homemade astringent can be used on the hair to reduce the excess oil. Mix mouthwash and witch hazel in a 1:1 proportion and dab onto the scalp with a cotton swab; witch hazel works as an astringent while mouthwash possesses antiseptic properties. However, make sure to use it only on the scalp as too much contact with the hair tends to damage the hair. Rinse your hair with the juice of two lemons mixed into a quart of distilled water. This acidic rinse is sure to reduce the oil content. Alternatively you can mix two tablespoon of white vinegar into a cup of water and wash your hair after shampooing it. This will help clear away the excess soap as well. Make a concoction out of a spoon of lime juice, a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and half a cup of any mild or herbal shampoo. Wash your hair with the mixture and rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap. Cover your hair when you go out and look for a mild shampoo which has a sunscreen component added to it as excess heat is sometimes known to cause a greasy scalp.

Drink about 20 glasses of water a day and consume foods rich in Vitamin A such as oranges, watermelons, peaches tomatoes, avocado, broccoli, peas, spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds and hazel nuts. In case the problem persists, it would be advisable to see a doctor as it could be the sign of some underlying disease or a hormonal imbalance.<

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