Tips to relieve a dry scalp

Here are some simple ways to get rid of dry scalp

- Get rid of the soap. If you are still using soap to wash your hair, you could be doing it more harm than you realise. It is very harsh on the hair, and also strips the scalp of essential oils, resulting in itching.

- Choose a good shampoo. A pH-balanced shampoo is required to keep your scalp from drying out. Try a sample pack, before buying the whole bottle.

- Using olive oil helps. Massage some warm oil into your scalp and wait for 20 minutes before you shampoo it off.

 A mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar is also helpful. Rinse your hair in clear water and apply this mixture on to the scalp with cotton balls. Rinse with cool water.

- Making some changes in your diet can be beneficial. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Oily fish boasts of a naturally high oil content. Alternatively, you can take a supplement of evening primrose oil.

- Avoid using strong scented shampoos and conditioners as they may dry out your scalp. Some ingredients in shampoos as well as the product build-up left by conditioners can cause itchiness of the scalp. Try a gentle cleansing shampoo instead.

- If the problem persists, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They will be able to guide you and may prescribe a scalp relief ointment that will give you relief.

Perfect diet to prevent hair loss

If your receeding hairline and bald spot are giving you sleepless nights, here are a few dietary modifications to help keep your mane and its sheen

Men are as touchy about hair as women are about their backsides. It's a sensitive subject, one that raises many concerns and results in paranoid treatments and extreme measures. However, until the problem begins, there is little thought put into nourishing hair other than the lather and rinse routine. Before you start losing sleep over hair lossand book appointments with trichologists, take a closer look at what you're eating. Chances are that even slight modifications made to what you eat by incorporating ingredients that aid hair growth and health will have a drastic impact. While genes and lifestyle will always have the upper hand, here's what you could eat to help curb that receding hairline. 


Carrots
It's not just the eyes, Vitamin A-rich carrots provide excellent nourishment for the scalp. A healthy scalp ensures shiny, well-conditioned hair that is strengthened and moisturised. An overall balanceddiet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like the Indian salmon and low-fat dairy are great boosters for healthy hair.

Prunes
If your hair suffers from dryness, thinning, stiffness, discolouration or hair fall, depleting reserves of iron might be the culprit. Prunes are known to be great sources of iron and greatly help improve the quality of hair. Also ensure you get plenty of green vegetables and beetroots in your diet in addition to prunes.

Green peas 
Although green peas are not rich in antioxidants or any specific vitamin or mineral, they contain a well-balanced amount of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B group vitamins. These are essential for maintaining healthy hair.

Oats 
Not only are oats loaded with fiber that helps maintain a healthy heart and bowels, they also contain a high concentration of other essential nutrients such as zinc, iron and omega-6 fatty acids. Together, these are also knows as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-6 fatty acids in particular are essential to maintain normal skin, hair growth and development. Since this essential ingredient is only obtained through the diet, make sure your breakfast includes a bowl of oatmealevery few days in the week.

Shrimp 
While red meats are best avoided in excess, finding an appropriate substitute for proteins might be a little difficult for those looking to build muscle etc. Alternatively, of the wide variety of sea food available, shrimps are a great substitute. They not only go excellently well in a number of curries and pastas, their potent concentration of Vitamin B12, iron, zinc contain all the necessary nourishment to prevent hair loss.

Walnuts 
Not to be outdone by the oats, walnuts are one of the most hairfriendly nuts in the category. Not only do walnuts have more omega-6 fatty acids than any other food, but they're also full of zinc, iron, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), and plenty of protein. However, a word of caution, walnuts also contain a small trace of selenium, a mineral known to cause hair loss in people who are selenium-deficient or have way too much in their system. So a handful of nuts over the week should tide you over without much trouble.

Eggs
For a head full of healthy hair, the egg is probably one of your best friends. It's loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids in large amounts. Being deficient in any of these vitamins and minerals is known to result in poor quality of hair. In addition it's also a good source for biotin (Vitamin B7) which is a great aid to fight hair loss.

Low fat dairy products 
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources. Add a cup of yogurt or cottage cheese to your snack list and to help prevent hair loss, stir in a few tablespoons of flaxseed or walnuts for your required dose of omega 3 fatty acids and zinc.

Hairy mistakes 
Here are a few common mistakes that severely damage hair
- Excessive stress and some medication are conclusively known to retard hair growth and promote hair loss.
- Cut down on the use of hair spray, hair gels, and styling creams that contain harsh chemical ingredients, which can dry out the scalp and cause the formation of flakes. Also harsh treatments such as perms, colours, relaxers etc take a toll on the health of your hair.
- Avoid changing your shampoo and conditioner constantly. Stick to one good mild cleansing shampoo for six months before changing.
- Excessive exposure to the sun, pollution, rain water and dust without proper protection makes the hair dry, brittle and limp. Use a live in conditioner during the rains to protect it from the humidity and wash and oil it regularly to maintain a healthy scalp. 

Tips to make your skin glow

For skin that feels like rose petals, here are some quick care tips. 

- Boil cabbage in water. Strain it and use the water to wash your face to make your skin look radiant.

- Mix yoghurt with cucumber water. Apply on your face and wash it off.

- Coconut milk is excellent for skin care, especially in winter. Take half a cup of coconut milk. Use half of it to apply it over the face and body. Mix the rest with red sandalwood powder, apply the paste on the face. It can also be applied all over the body. It exfoliates your skin. 


- Is your skin looking dull and lifeless? Mix coconut water and thick pineapple juice. Add multani mitti and apply it over your face and body. Do not scrub vigorously; wash it off with ice cubes or cold water.

- Here's a way to refresh tired skin: Mix one teaspoon vinegar with one teaspoon rosewater. Apply on skin and leave for 10 minutes. Wash it off with ordinary water.

- Mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon tomato juice. Leave it on the face or body for 10 minutes and wash it off with ordinary water.

Best time to exercise

There are many reasons why you should exercisein the morning and not late in the evenings as some people may be doing... 

- Early mornings are one of the best times to workout. Though it may seem tough at first, once you start, you'll feel exhilarated.

- Getting done with your workout first thing in the morning means you are less likely to use job or family obligations as an excuse to skip it.

- It's proven that working out bright and early boosts metabolism and gives additional energy, making one more productive throughout the day.

To motivate yourself... 
- Change is the name of the game. Ensure that your workout is a little different every morning. Vary your walking route or the pace of your exercise. Don't let boredom be an option. 


- Schedule your workout to coincide with the sun rising. It will help make your morning workout fulfilling, psychologically as well as physically.

- Give yourself a reward. Have a special treat planned upon your return from your workout session like a cup of your favourite coffee or tea. After all, nothing motivates like rewards.

- One of the best ways to motivate yourself is to lay out your exercise clothes and shoes the night before. You'll be less likely to change your mind about heading for your workout when you see everything ready to go.

- And here's the best one, sleep well. Try to get at least seven hours of good and deep sleep if you'll be working out in the morning. Once you're well rested, you'll be more motivated to follow through with your morning workout routine.