Use SLS-free shampoo for hair growth {Tip of the Day}

This is a tip from a lady I came across recently. She told me about her hair story - how she had excessive hair fall and she consulted two doctors one after another and had been on various medicines and nothing worked out for her. And, finally, she simply changed her shampoo to Meera hair powder and her hair is now a lot healthier than it was. She also said that since she has switched, her hair has grown out a lot on its own. So, is it that may be the SLS shampoos are actually impeding the hair growth? Sounds too paranoid!!

Anyways, I have ordered the Soul Tree shampoo. I am yet to receive it. I did place quite a large order this time and shall be sharing it when I receive the products!! And, I am desperately waiting for the products to be delivered. The Kamini shampoo is good but I don't really appreciate the fact of not knowing the actual ingredients. And, also, that shampoo dries out my hair  and scalp sometimes. So, I would like to switch to a more comfortable brand. I am just hoping that this would be the shampoo for me :)

Image Courtesy:copperlotuscosmetics.com

Skipping Conditioner = Split Ends? {Hair Care}

PS: Hey all, please do let me know if you prefer this layout to the previous one or was that better. I will really appreciate the feedback.

Last week, when I did a post on "Should I apply conditioner or not?", I got a lot of responses on the post and one of the comments made me think about this post. The comment was from Krupa and she said "skipping conditioner n using leave in serum is a gud idea but without conditioner wont we get split ends?". 

[Source: Google Images]

What does a Conditioner do?

Anyways, thinking from her point of view, she is right. Conditioner is supposed to condition our hair and provide it moisture and nourishment and when the hair strands are nourished, moisturized and hydrated, they do not develop split ends. But, I want to clear a misconception. Conditioner never ever repairs Split Ends. No product can repair Split Ends.

How to get rid of Split Ends?
Split Ends can only be prevented by taking care of the hair and being diligent about applying the products meant to keep the hair in a good condition. But, if they develop, you can only snip them off. Otherwise, those split ends can travel up the length of your hair strands and cause your hair to look rough and damaged. So, always take good care of your hair with regular deep conditioning treatments and snip off the ends at regular intervals too.

How do you take care of your split ends?

Oil and Hair {Hair Care}

[Source: Google Images]

I'll now mention one thing which I have seen is a habit of many people especially of the old school. Many people commented on my hair saying that since I had not been applying oil after washing my hair, it has lost its volume. Well, the insinuation here is that many people prefer to apply oil after washing their hair and leaving it like that till the next wash. I, personally, find this method is wrong. Not because your hair looks sticky or something but I have tried this and know that it doesn't really do anything for the hair. Instead, if you keep your hair oiled and go out, your hair will becomes dirty faster and scalp will attract a lot bacteria. Oil is one of the major causes of dandruff too. Extra oily and extra dry scalp both breed dandruff so keeping the scalp healthy and clean is one of the important points of hair care.

How to Deep Condition your Hair?

[Source: Google Images]

As I have repeatedly stressed on the point of Hair conditioning, it should come as no surprise if I embark on a really elaborated ritual of homemade deep conditioning treatment. This is a variant of the regular egg or yogurt mask only. Just that there is one more ingredient - Honey. Nothing great about this recipe itself. You are well aware of the properties of egg and honey for the hair.

Dry Hair needs protein treatment so use egg and if you have oily hair, you would do better with yogurt or milk. Apply the conditioner and keep it as long as you can (as long as you can stand the smell of egg) !! Now, before applying the mask, prepare your hair a little just like you would prepare your face for a face mask.

• Comb your hair and get rid of all the tangles. 
• Brush it once or twice to make sure it is free flowing.
• Now, steam your hair. Take a bowl of water or the appliance/ saunas available for taking steam for your face. I know its kind of difficult to direct steam to your hair so you have to juggle a little with the appliance. If you are using a bowl of water, juggle with yourself or you would end up burning. Carefully, direct steam to all parts of your head. You can even divide your head in 5 parts: top, back, left, right and middle. Middle is the most difficult to get your steam to. For back and middle, bend backward on the bowl or sauna. So, place the bowl/sauna at a comfortable position. And, remember, steam is very hot and you would not be able to bear it more than a few seconds on the more sensitive portions of your skull so keep the steam time to a minimum. Once you try this, you would get used to it. Do this for at max 15 minutes. That would be enough to let the scalp absorb the mask well. Switch off the fans and AC in your room or you will end with a headache due to the temperature differences.
• After opening the hair follicles a bit, apply the mask by massaging it into your scalp. Start from one side and end with the other or part your scalp in 5 parts again. That makes easy application of the mask. After covering the scalp, part your hair along its length and dip them into the mask and spread it evenly. Keep maximum at the ends. 
• After whole of the hair is covered in mask, massage it a little for 10-15 minutes and cover with a shower cap.
• If you have a drier, set it to warm setting and direct the flow of air evenly on your scalp to provide warmth for better absorption. Or, wet a towel and heat it in microwave for 30 seconds and wrap it around the head. You can repeat the towel wraps as many times as you want reheating it after it has cooled. 
• Now, wait for as long as you can. Preferably, do this treatment in the evening because there is more to come.
• Go and rinse your hair after your tolerance is over. Do not shampoo or condition. Just rinse with lukewarm water and get all the egg out of your hair. Egg tends to stick to hair. 
• Come out of the shower. I know you are smelling nasty !! So, let your hair air dry first. 
• Now, comb your hair and untangle it. Now, take a cup of your favorite oil and warm it a little so that oil is tolerably hot to touch. 
• Apply the oil to your hair and massage well. Yes, a hot oil treatment after a homemade deep conditioning treatment. Massage your scalp gently but firmly for 30 minutes. It really helps.
• Leave the oil overnight and wash off with a mild and nice smelling shampoo the other day. You would not even need to condition it but you can apply a little to the ends if you want. 

Tips:

• Use any hair mask in place of egg+honey mask. You can even use the commercially available deep conditioning treatments.
• Use a strong smelled oil for hot oil treatment so that it will mask the smell of egg. Coconut is great for that but only unrefined. 
• You can add vitamin E or Evening Primrose Oil supplements to the mask and oil as well for extra nourishment and shine. 
• You can also use a homemade herbal shampoo which is just a variant of your favorite shampoo.
• You can end this hair pampering session with one of your favored hair rinses too. They would give extra bounce to your hair. 
• Do this once a week to counter the effects of the whole week abuse of your hair. 
• Results: Hair would be softer and shinier for days together. This treatment will take care of your hair till the next treatment :)