Home Hair Coloring Tips

If your budget does not go hand in hand with you to get your hair colored by a professional at a salon, you can opt for Hair Coloring at home. However the do-it-yourself can be at times helpful and at times not.

This means that an improper coloring can leave you with bad hair days for long time to come. If you have chosen to color your hair with professional coloring products that are available at the beauty stores, here are few things worth considering. Do not attempt the double process, which involves bleaching and toning to the desired color, yourself at home. You might end up messing it all. It is highly recommended that you visit a professional for this purpose. You can begin the process by deep conditioning your hair.


Wait a couple of days after shampooing to give the natural oils in your scalp time to return to the surface. They'll not only protect your skin from chemical reactions, but also help your hair color to set better, and give you an overall uniform result. When you are all set to color, wear an old t-shirt and gather up some tissue so that you can immediately wipe off any kind of stains. Do not forget to wear your hand gloves.

Alternatively you can try some natural hair coloring solution at home to give your hair a natural boost without damaging its look. Espresso Hair Color - With a strong cup of dark grind coffee or espresso, you can perk up black or brown hair. Brew, cool and add it to your dry hair. Shampoo after 30 minutes. Walnut Hair Color -Dark hair can be given that extra sparkle with walnuts. Boil one cup of chopped walnuts with one cup of water.


Cool, strain, and pour it on your hair. Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes and shampoo. Hair Color to a Tea - Brew a cup of strong dark tea and use it as a final rinse after shampooing, to add highlights to your dark hair. With these guidelines, you are sure to find the perfect color and hence the perfect look for yourself. But at the same time you must also remember that lack of special care for your colored hair can be the prime causes of hair loss. So go ahead and Happy Coloring!

Gone are the days when coloring your hair was limited to a handful of colors. Today with the availability of an array of colors you have the option of highlighting your hair the way it complements your skin tone. The catastrophe of being at odds with your hair color lies in the lack of knowledge and understanding the theory of hair color.







Here is a complete Hair Coloring Guide that will help you in deciding the Hair Coloring factor:







Hair Color Choices



While making a choice for your Hair Color, the first thing that you must understand is the purpose of your hair coloring. To narrow down your choice, decide first whether you are coloring your hair to cover the gray, highlighting a natural hair color or giving your hair color a total make over for an entirely new look. There are different types of Hair Color available in stores.




Permanent Hair Color changes the pigment of your Hair Shafts. The color will fade with time, but cannot be removed and the natural hair color will not return to the already colored hair. The natural color will once again evolve with the new originating hair from the roots.




Semi-Permanent Hair Color is ideal for covering gray and is immensely suitable for amateur colorists.




temporary Hair Color only leaves color on your hair, which is easily removed by shampooing. These are ideal highlights and extremely suitable if you are looking for a changed look for a particular event.

Hair Dryer

The hair dryer is a necessary tool for styling your Hair. It is not only used by professional hair stylists but by ordinary women as well. Hair dryers are a womans friend, especially on those bad hair days. This seemingly hair friendly tool, however, does not come with a few warnings. The constant use of heat to style your hair can cause damage so it is important to choose the right tool to reduce the damage brought about by thermal styling.

Inexpensive Hair Dryers

You can get hair dryers for less than $20 at almost any store. Inexpensive hair dryers may seem tempting because of the savings you get, however, you should keep in mind that these styling tools may cost you more in the long run due to hair damage. If you do get an inexpensive hair dryer, try not to use it all the time to avoid too much damage.

Moderately Priced Hair Dryers

Moderately priced hair dryers range between $25 - $50. These hair dryers are recommended for use on a regular basis. Most moderately priced dryers feature multiple heat settings as well as a cool blast feature for curling hair.

Professional Hair Dryers
Professional hair dryers range from $50 up. These styling tools are only available through professional catalogues or at beauty supply stores and are designed for regular use by professional hair stylists. Professional hair dryers cause minimal damage and may be great for home use if you are willing to shell out the cash.

The price of hair dryers should not be the only consideration when selecting this hair styling tool. Some other things you need to consider are:

Your Styling Habits
Do you use a hair dryer regularly? If you do, you should choose a good quality hair dryer, particularly one that is durable and can withstand constant use. This type of hair dryer may be a bit on the expensive side but will benefit you in the long run. If you don’t dry your hair regularly, then a moderately priced hair dryer is suitable.

Portability

If you travel frequently and use a hair dryer regularly, then the portability of the hair dryer is a huge consideration. There are folding hair dryers available in the market; however, you should remember that these types of dryers are generally less powerful.

Power and Wattage
The higher the wattage of the hair dryer, the more powerful it usually is. If you use hair dryers regularly, invest in one that gives more better airflow and more powerful heat. A minimum of 1750 watts is recommended.

type of hair
The type of hair you will use the hair dryer on is important. You should get a hair dryer with the right tools and attachments for your type of hair. As an example, if you have curly hair, select a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment.

Yoga for Hair Loss

If you are suffering from hair loss and you don't want to go under the knife, then yoga could be the answer. According to some yoga gurus, there is little solution for hair loss problems in western medicine. Hair loss in men & women is a universal phenomena caused by hereditary problems, poor diets, stress etc. Only one western prescription product minoxidil has some acceptance as a cure of hair loss. However minoxidil has little or no effect when there is actual baldness rather than thinning.

Yoga postures can help you overcome stress, anxiety, and indigestion, poor blood circulation in head, which are considered as main causes of hair loss. Headstand yoga pose can be very helpful as it contributes blood circulation in head as well as relieves tension.

Following are some of the of yogas which can help you to remove stress and improve blood circulation in head.

• Downward facing dog


• Standing forward bend


• Camel pose


• Shoulder stand


• The Knee to Chest (Pawanmuktasana)


• Vajrasana

Apart from practicing these yogas, one can try message therapy for hair loss problems. You can take 3-5 minutes of gentle head message by using your fingertips, which will improve blood flow to hair follicles and help hair growth.

Divya Kesh Tail (Hair Oil for Hair Loss, Dandruff and Headache), which is produced by Swami Ramdev's Divya pharmacy, can be a great cure for hair loss problems. This oil has ingredients like Bhringa-raja, Brahmi, Amalakl (Amala), Shweta Chandana & other constituents.

You can also try Reflexology by buffing of your fingernails of one hand against the other on a regular basis preferably daily twice or thrice for 5 minutes.

Meditation is another way to overcome hair loss problem as it can control stress. Sit in proper pose and observe your breathing.

Hair Growth & Hair Type

A sure sign of healthy hair is its shine. The cuticles lie flat and reflect light well. The scales of healthy hair also overlap tightly, protecting the inner layers of the hair from sun, heat, exposure to chlorine, and other hazards. Damaged hair on the other hand, has scales that are separated causing the appearance of dryness. The separation of the scales also does not provide enough protection to the inner layers of the hair, causing breakage and dull looking hair.

The texture of hair also affects how shiny and healthy looking it can be. Sebum, the hairs natural oil, can provide better coverage for healthy hair as compared to curly hair. The speed of hair growth also affects the hairs health. The growth of hair healthy hair may be increased through some common fast hair growth tips:


Get the vitamins and minerals needed by the body to maximize the hair growth cycle Hair shows the overall condition of the body, so if the body is healthy, your hair is certain to be healthy and shiny too.


A protein-rich diet can result in the improvement of hair growth.
Stay away from factors that block the growth of hair. These factors include stress and a lack of rest.


Healthy hair is also a result of good treatment. Caring for hair depends on the different hair types. The type of hair depends on its state. There is dry hair, oily hair, and balanced or normal hair.


Dry hair
Dry hair is caused by the inactivity of oil glands in the scalp. This condition may also be caused by other factors such as too much exposure to the sun, the use of harsh hair products, and exposure to chemical treatments. Another reason for dry hair may be the accumulation of oil that blocks the pores preventing the oil to go to the surface. Dry hair needs plenty of nourishment and can be remedied by following a diet rich in zinc, the use of a mild shampoo, avoiding the use of curlers and hair dryers, and with frequent herbal oil massages.


Oily hair
Oily hair is most often accompanied by oily skin. This condition is caused by the excessive secretion of oil which causes the scalp and hair to get really oily. Oily hair attracts more dirt compared to other hair conditions. This type of hair needs to be washed often and rinsed out with lemon. The use of shampoos and oils with neem and henna is also advisable for use on oily hair. It is also recommended for individuals who have oily hair to change their diet, avoiding oily foods and instead eating fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.


Balanced Hair
Balanced or normal hair is the most ideal type of hair. Balanced hair is the healthiest condition of hair; it is shiny and is not dried out. Balanced or normal hair may be maintained through an appropriate healthy diet and proper hair care.

Hair Loss Remedies

The cause of hair loss can be many, the main cause of Hair Loss being due to improper care of your hair, or unhealthy lifestyle. Hereditary can also be attributed to the cause of hair loss. Hair loss can be treated by either of the following,

• Drugs based approach.
• Use of commercial products approach.
• Natural remedy approach.
• Nutritional approach.
• Cleanliness approach.

Drug based approach is ideal for people who are willing to take strong medications. It is strongly recommended that you consult a dermatologist before the consumption of any drugs.

Although a variety of commercial products are available in stores, yet all may not prove as a solution to your problem. An extensive research is what can help you in choosing the proper product to prevent your hair loss. Commercial products based on natural ingredients are preferred and have proved useful too in preventing hair loss.

Nowadays people are increasingly getting more and more inclined to natural hair loss remedies to combat hair loss. Some natural remedies have proved as an effective treatment towards hair loss.

It is an eminent factor that poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles can have a bad effect on your health as well as your hair. A well-balanced and improved nutrition can help you achieve a healthy hair. Try eating sufficient amounts of protein, proper levels of useful carbohydrates and achieving a healthy balance of dietary fats. Eat more fruits in the morning and more vegetable for lunch and dinner.

Scalp cleanliness plays one integral role in preventing hair loss. If you have dandruff, you need to get rid of it immediately. Dandruff can be a prime cause of hair loss when it combines with dirt, shampoo chemicals, excess sebum follicle oil.

With time these chemicals can create a film on your scalp that hardens and start to plug up your hair follicles. Once plugged, your follicles cannot support hair growth.

Here are a few hair loss remedies that can help you maintain what you now have and save losing your hair.

• Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair.
• Water, protein, biotin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all contribute to a healthy scalp and hair.
• Massaging your scalp with the help of your fingertips enhances the scalp blood circulation, which contributes to your hair growth.
• Prolonged exposure to sun, wind and heat can result in hair loss, therefore avoid doing so. If it is really required, make sure you have protected your hair with a scarf or hat.
• Excessive use of hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons on your hair can also cause hair loss, thus try avoiding them as much as possible.
• Stress is a major reason why you can experience hair loss. Therefore, start reducing the extra stress at once by taking some time out of your daily schedule to relax. Also get enough sleep. You can also start supplementing your diet with a good hair loss nutritional supplement.
• Hair coloring damages your hair and therefore you must try to color it less frequently.

The hair loss treatments suggested here cannot provide perfect cures for all hair loss conditions, but have proved helpful under many conditions. You can thus, try them as the potential solutions to hair loss. Varying hair loss treatments are available at Drpistone.com!

Hair Loss Prevention

All people lose hair on a daily basis, but unfortunately many people will go through rapid hair loss without new hair coming in to replace it which results in thinning hair and possibly lead to some degree of baldness. Hereditary plays a major role in the severity of hair loss but improper care of your hair along with an unhealthy lifestyle may cause early hair loss.

• getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair.


• Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair.


• Use your fingertips to massage your scalp which will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth.


• Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night.


• Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair.


• Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause build-up of sweat and grime.


• If you have live a high stressed life try reducing stress by taking some time out daily just to relax, excessive stress is believed to induce hair loss.


• If you color your hair, limit coloring it to once ever 2 months. Hair coloring damages your hair and the less frequently you color it the better.


• Avoid putting too much physical stress on your hair, brush/comb your hair gently, don't pull your hair when you brush and avoid braids and ponytails if possible, they place constant stress on your hair.


• Get enough sleep.


• Use a conditioner and trim any split ends.


• See your doctor or a dermatologist for advice if you have concerns about hair loss and want to seek treatment.

Dandruff Treatment

• Unfortunately there is no cure for dandruff yet (once you get it you may continue to have it), but there are ways that you can control and limit dandruff.


• If you have only a mild case of dandruff, shampooing your hair with a regular shampoo daily or twice a day will usually do the trick.


• Start out by trying a mild shampoo, stronger shampoos can irritate and dry out your hair making dandruff flaking worst.


• If your standard shampoo doesn't get rid of your dandruff, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo and your dandruff condition should improve significantly in a couple of weeks.


• Picking the right shampoo for your hair can be a process of trial and error, try out different shampoos to see which one works best for you and also rotating shampoos periodically can be good for your hair.


• Once you have found an anti-dandruff shampoo that works for you, keep on using it or your dandruff will most likely reoccur.


• Lather and rinse twice when using anti-dandruff shampoos, the first time cycle will clean your scalp, the second cycle will medicate it.


• If you think you may have a severe case of dandruff, it is advised that you set up an appointment with a dermatologist.


• Poor health may be the cause of your dandruff, so be sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and avoid stress inducing activities.


• Something in your diet may be causing you to have an allergic reaction and trigger dandruff to occur, try limiting your diet and see if your dandruff gets any better.


• Some foods that commonly cause an allergic reaction causing dandruff include nuts, chocolate and shellfish.


• If you have to scratch your head, avoid using your fingernails to scratch (you'll risk an infection if you do) instead use the pads of your fingers.


• Wear a hat outside on days that are extremely cold, windy, and when you're going to be out in the sun for a lengthy period.


• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.


• Limit the use of hair coloring and hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.


• Make sure that you get an adequate amount of B6 in your diet, which will help prevent dandruff.


• Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers in a circular motion to increase circulation.

What is Dandruff ? Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is simply dead skin shedding from your head at a fast rate. Almost everyone has had dandruff at some point to one degree or another. People with a strong degree of dandruff will experience an itchy scalp.

Causes of Dandruff:

The following are items that may cause dandruff:

• Hormone imbalance.
• Excessive perspiration
• Allergic reactions
• Excessive stress
• Poor hygiene
• Poor nutrition/health
• Lack of sleep
• Inherited genetic trait
• Inadequate shampooing and rinsing of the hair.
• Tight fitting hats.
• Excessive use of hair styling products (gel, mouse, hair dye, hair curler...)
• Cold weather
• Dry environment.
• Excessive Heat

Even though dandruff is known as the drying of the scalp, it is most common in people with oily hair.

Black Hair Care Tips

African-American/Black hair in general is more brittle, coarser, dryer and curlier (nappy) than those of non-African decent. Because of this hair care for a Caucasian would be different than for an African, who needs to be more careful when treating his/her hair because it is more delicate.
A healthier lifestyle will result in healthier hair.

• Massaging your scalp on a regular basis will stimulate oil production, which will help reduce the dryness of your hair.


• Daily shampooing is not recommended, ethnic hair is dryer than other types of hair, shampooing strips away the oils from your hair so try shampooing once every 3 to 7 days instead.


• If you engage in daily activities that cause you to sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo on occasion, but if you feel the need to use a mild shampoo, go ahead and do so.


• Use a mild moisturizing shampoo with a low PH level when washing your hair.


• Don't use a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, use a separate shampoo and conditioner, 2 in 1's aren't suited as well for dry hair.


• When washing your hair rub only in one direction to avoid tangling.


• Shower with warm water, hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.


• Oil your scalp after shampooing, with your hair still moist, massage the oil into your scalp and brush out to the ends of your hair.


• Use a conditioner when you shower, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.


• Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.


• Don't rub your hair dry with a towel, instead blot the water out of your hair, when you rub, it'll cause your hair to tangle and you'll also risk breakage.


• Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as blow dryers.


• Use a wide toothed comb or pick to comb your hair. It makes it easier to comb if your hair is slightly moist so the comb can slide easier across your hair. Using a leave in conditioner will also make your hair easier to comb. If your hair is very wet, wait until it dries more, hair is most fragile when it is wet.


• If you encounter a tough knot or tangle use your fingers to loosen it and then continue combing.
  Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it, using a brush to detangle your hair will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off.


• Use a soft boar hairbrush on your hair daily which will distribute the oil at the root of your hair and scalp to the rest of your hair. Dampen the brush slightly before brushing.


• Get a hot oil treatment once a month which will remoisturize your scalp and hair.


• Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase where your hair will make it so that hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught.


• An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.


• Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which dry out your hair.

Additional Greasy Hair Cures

Hair experts suggest greasiness can be tied to some forms of thinning hair. It is believed that the homeopathic remedy Phosphoric can help greasy related conditions. Zinc supplements can be helpful in helping to correct sebum imbalances. Evening Primrose may also provide assistance.

Nutritional experts suggest dietary changes which medical professionals may or may not agree. Dietary changes for managing greasy hair includes cutting down on refined carbohydrates such as sweets and carbonated sodas.

If the greasy hair problem persists it could be hormonal so consider consulting a medical professional or with a trichologist who specializes in hair diseases.

Greasy Hair Treatments

Some holistic hair and beauty experts believe that homeopathic remedies taken by mouth can actually help minimize greasy hair conditions. The homeopathic remedy Bryonia taken in a remedy of 30c is thought to help in some cases.

Other experts believe greasiness is associated with tight sensation in the scalp area which may feel sweaty or clammy.

1. For extra oil removal, leave shampoo on the scalp area to soak in and remove more oil before rinsing.

2. Avoid any vigorous rubbing, massaging or manipulation of the oily scalp areas. This will only stimulate the sebaceous glands further and cause more sebum to be produced.

3. If you enjoy full body massages, ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging your head and/or scalp areas.

4. Be gentle when shampooing hair. Pat shampoo into the scalp area with pads of the fingertips. Be careful to avoid scratching the scalp. Rinse suds completely.

5. Washing hair more often does not cause hair to become greasier. This is an old wives tale.

6. Clay based masks are also very good for cleansing the hair.

7. Wear your hair in easy-to-manage, well cut styles.

8. Chemicals such as hair color, highlights and waving can help as it lifts the tresses slightly away from the scalp, making it less easy for the sebum to easily travel up the hair shaft.

Keep astringent skin care products handy with cotton balls. Dab astringent on cotton balls and then lightly blot the scalp areas where grease is a problem.

Avoid allowing astringent to overflow to rest of the hair since astringents can dry out tresses.

If you worry about using full strength shampoo, consider using diluted formulas or switch to herbal formulations that include seaweed or rosemary. You may also try a final rinse consisting of lemon or vinegar.

Greasy Hair Combat Options

To combat excessive oils consider the following options:

1. Shampoo with lukewarm or cool water and avoid hot temperatures.

2. Use products that are advertised as clarifying or oil controlling.

3. Shampoo every day, if necessary, to minimize oil buildups.

4. Layer shampoo appropriately. Use oil removal products only on the scalp but layer moisture enhancing or body building products on the middle and ends.

5. Focus oil removal shampoo products only on the scalp area. Avoid applying to the middle or ends of the hair where natural oil is needed.

6. Never pile wet strands on top of the head. This can transfer oil and grease from the scalp to the rest or the hair.

7. Always finish each shampoo with a cool/cold water rinse which will help cut down on the natural oil production.

8. In between shampoo sessions, use cornstarch, cornmeal, dry shampoo or blotting skin papers to remove excessive oil that builds up.

Do not use talc, baby powder or related types of powders that can contain chemicals that can be toxic to the lungs.

9. Wear hair up and off from the face whenever possible. Skin oils can easily be transferred via the tresses to the scalp and vice versa. This only makes the situation worse.

10. Never brush hair other than to lightly style. Brushing hair can stimulate the sebaceous glands and carry excessive oils throughout the rest of the strands.

Control Greasy Hair

Control excessive hair oils and grease by avoiding the following:

1. Moisture enhancing or enriching shampoo products applied to the scalp section of your hair. If your middle or ends are dry or damaged, apply moisture enriched formulas only to the areas of your hair that are excessively dry.

2. Rinse out conditioners applied near the scalp. Only apply to the middle or ends and keep away from the top of your head.

3. Deep conditioning products applied near the scalp.

4. Styling products such as gels, pomades or mousses that will attract oil to the scalp area.

5. Washing hair in hot water.

6. Touching, combing or brushing hair except when absolutely necessary. Your fingertips, teeth of the comb or bristles of the brush can transfer oil to and from your scalp causing hair to rapidly become greasy.

7. Wearing forehead hugging bangs. Grease and oils from the hair and skin can easily migrate causing the problem to worsen in some cases.

8. Using oil based skin care products and cosmetics.

How To Shampoo Greasy Strands

• When applying grease cutting shampoo formulas to greasy strands, make sure that you only focus the product on the areas that are greasy. If that means your scalp and your strands, then apply to both areas.
• If the greasiness is only on your scalp and not on your strands, focus the grease cutting shampoo only on the scalp area and use a different product for the strands.
• A common side effect of greasy hair is dried out middle and end sections. This is because in an attempt to control the oily roots, the shampoo designed to remove excessive oils overlaps onto the rest of the hair and removes precious natural oils.

Greasy Hair Shampoo Theories

• Greasy hair happens when the sebaceous glands on the scalp become overactive. This means that the glands produce too much oil. In a normal environment, the sebaceous glands are designed to produce and secret sebum, which is an oil based matter, which naturally lubricates the hair and skin.
• Some hair experts believe the best way to deal with greasy hair is to wash your hair every morning with an oil-control hair care product. Many times shampoo products that contain the words "clarify" or "oil reducing" will be most helpful.
• Other experts suggest that daily washing will only over-stimulate the sebaceous glands causing more grease to be secreted, thus starting a never ending circle where the more frequently you wash, the greasier and oilier the hair becomes.
• If you are unsure which is the best approach for you to take, try both methods initially to determine which helps the most.
• Some people with greasy hair actually find that washing daily or even twice daily will do the trick. Others find that waiting as long as possible to shampoo will actually help break the greasiness cycle.

Factors Making Greasy Hair More Pronounced

• Perspiration, excessive or not can make greasy hair more pronounced. So can naturally oily skin as well as smog, smoke, environmental toxins and wearing excessive amounts of makeup. Some hair experts definitely believe that spending time in smoke filled bars or other locations will encourage oil and grease to buildup on the skin and migrate to the hair.
• This is especially true to people genetically predisposed to greasy hair conditions.
• Greasy hair is more controllable on longer strands since the grease and oil has to travel further down the strands to the ends then with medium or shorter hair. Because short or very short hair covers a much smaller area adjacent to the scalp, grease and oils can build up much faster and be a more severe problem.
• Fine or thin hair may also experience more oil problems than medium or thicker strands. Wavy and curly tresses have less oil problems than naturally straight hair since it is easier for grease and oil to move down straight strands than wavy or curly ones.

Greasy Hair ---- Linked To Genetics

Many hair experts believe that the cause of greasy hair is hereditary. Yes, it is believed to be genetic. The same hair experts do not believe that it's possible to retard the production of oil and grease delivered to the strands through changes in diet.

During puberty there is a significant marked change in sebum production due to higher levels of hormones. This why teenagers may go through periods when their hair may become more greasy and need to be washed more often. Inadequate removal of the grease makes the problem worse.

Greasy Hair But Not Oily/Greasy Scalp

If you suffer from greasy hair, but not oily scalp, it is most likely that the following conditions are at play:

1. You are using products not right for your hair type. Fine or thin hair can become greasy more easily when heavy conditioners or styling products are used.

2. If you use too much of a product or concentrate it in one location, this can also cause oiliness.

3. Cheap products or products with excessive chemicals may cause oiliness.

Types Of Greasy Hair

Greasy hair can also be a linked to the development of skin problems including acne on the face and scalp.

It can be generally categorized into two types which include:

1. Greasy hair from roots to ends with greasy or oily scalp.

2. Greasy scalp and roots with dry hair from below roots to the ends.

Although there are always special circumstances, greasy hair can be caused by the following:

1. Genetic predisposition towards greasy, oily scalp that migrates through the hair.

2. Normal hair without genetic predisposition towards greasiness that is treated with improper products which cause oily/greasy scalp with or without oily/greasy strands.

3. Lack of regular and consistent hair cleansing which results in the build-up of toxins, dirt and other substances resulting in greasy strands.

Whether there is a genetic predisposition to greasy hair or not, utilizing improper hair care products and/or methods can lead to greasy strands.

Irregular hair washing, genetically predisposed to greasiness or not, may result in a greasy condition from oil buildup. Even hair that is predisposed to dryness may actually develop greasy roots from lack of washing.

Greasy Hair - Causes

Hair that develops a lank, flat, stringy or oily appearance is often referred to by hairdressers and hair consumers as "greasy" hair. This type of hair is hard to control, clumps together easily and does not hold a style well.

Where does greasy hair originate from? Regardless of how or why it happens, greasy hair is directly related to the overproduction of sebum, a waxy type of substance naturally occurring in the body which is designed to keep hair supple, soft and waterproof. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands.

The amount of greasiness that is experienced is directly tied to the amount of oil present on the scalp. People with fine hair tend to have more hair than people with other hair textures. Since there is a higher volume of hair associated with fine textures, there are more sebaceous glands and thus potential for excessive oil production.

Hormonal changes is also sometimes linked to the development of greasy hair and skin issues. This is more likely during puberty than menopause.

It is believed by some hair experts that chronic greasy hair can lead to other long term hair problems including potential hair loss or some forms of scalp breakouts and/or greasy dandruff.

Curly Hair Care Tips

Curly hair tends be dryer, more brittle and prone to frizzing, so it requires more care than straight hair. Below are some tips on managing curly hair.

• Limit shampooing your hair to no more than twice a week., shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils.
• Use a conditioner every time after you shampoo to re-moisturize your hair.
• Use a leave-in conditioner on your hair daily or every other day.
• Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically geared towards curly hair.
• Avoid using narrow toothed combs and brushes, use wide-toothed combs instead which has less of a tendency to cause breakage and frizzing.
• To detangle your hair, in the shower start with your hair moist and conditioned (which will protect it from breakage), use your fingers to begin the untangling then finish with a wide toothed comb starting from the end going up finishing at the root of the hair. Then rinse your head with water and try to retain half of the conditioner in your hair. If you try to detangle your hair when it's dry, you will cause it to frizz.
• Let your hair aid dry to reduce frizzing, avoid brushing and using a towel to dry your hair. If you need to your hair to dry quickly, blot your hair with a towel, but do not rub it.
• Deep condition your hair once a month or more to re-moisturize your scalp and hair.
• Use a small amount of styling product with moisturizing ingredient(s) in it to keep your hair from frizzing when your hair is still slightly moist and gently style with your finger. Apply the styling one section so that it is equally distributed.
• Avoid playing with your hair or touching it as much as possible, the more friction that occurs on your hair will cause it to tangle and/or frizz.

Long Hair Care Tips

Caring for long hair takes a lot more time compared to caring for short hair or hair of normal length. Just washing and drying long hair can be quite a task in itself. Below are some tips on managing long hair.

• Avoid sleeping with tightly braided hair or hair in a tight ponytail. The stress can cause breakage and/or hair loss.


• When your hair is braided, make sure that it is not too tight or it could cause breakage and/or hair loss.


• If your hair is braided or you have a ponytail, use a specially treated band or scrunchie which will prevent breakage of your hair, limit your use of clips, bows, and untreated bands.


• Even if you plan on growing your hair out further you should trim your hair once every 3 months, if not split ends will cause your hair to break off and your hair will begin to lose its beauty, if you plan on just maintaining your length, a trim once every month and a half to two months should suffice.


• Don't use a brush to detangle your hair, this will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off. Instead use your fingers, a pick, or a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair.


• When detangling your hair work your way from the tips of your hair up to the hair roots. Work on detangling one section of your hair at a time and go in a downward direction.


• Be gentle when detangling, pulling down on your hair too hard will cause breakage.


• If you detangle your hair before washing it, it'll be easier to dry and style as well as decrease the knots and tangles after you are done washing your hair.


• Don't rub your hair dry with a towel, instead blot the water out of your hair, when you rub, it'll cause your hair to tangle.


• Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase where your hair will make it so that hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught. Another tactic to prevent breakage is to put your hair up in a ponytail on the top of your head with a scrunchie or specially treated band (that prevents breakage).


• An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a satin or silk scarf over your hair before you sleep to prevent breakage.


• Brushing your hair is important because it spreads the hair oils out across the length of your hair. Use long strokes starting from the roots of your hair when brushing and stroke your hand over your hair after you are done brushing to get rid of static

Hair Care Tips

General

• A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair.


• Get enough sleep.

Hair Products (Gel, mouse, hair spary...)

• Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.


• Avoid putting hair styling products directly on your scalp, if you put it on your scalp you'll clog the pores on your head.

Swimming

• Before entering a pool, wet your hair so your hair will soak up the initial water instead of the chlorinated water.


• When swimming where a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, if you choose not to wear a cap make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are done swimming.

Drying

• Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting.


• Don't leave the blow-dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair.


• To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towel and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.


• Gently use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

Combing/Brushing

• Use a brush whose bristles are made from natural animal hairs, it is softer and more flexible which means less damage will be done to your hair.


• Hair is most fragile when it is wet so avoid brushing or combing when it's wet, or else it will cause breakage, wait until your hair is almost completely dry before brushing it.


• Use brushes/combs with widely spaced bristles/teeth and smooth tips. Sharp tooth combs can damage your hair, cause split ends, and scratch your scalp.


• To keep your brushes and combs clean, wash them weekly using soap or shampoo.


• Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it.


• Begin by combing your hair gently at the ends to get any tangles out and work your way up to the base of your hair.


• Always brush/comb with a downwards stroke.


• Avoid using plastic brushes/combs which create static electricity

Shampooing and Conditioning

• Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type, trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair.


• Shower with warm water, hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.


• It is important to wash your hair, shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils, any hair products you may put into your hair.


• When shampooing, rinse your hair out before applying any shampoo to remove any dust, dirt, and any other foreign items, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your finger tips and work your way outwards. After you are done make sure that you thoroughly rinse out your hair to remove any shampoo residue that may be left. Shampoo residue may dry your scalp/hair and or attract dirt. It is recommended that you only lather once to avoid drying your hair out, if you have oily hair, lathering again may stimulate your oil glands to create even more oil than normal.


• You should wash your hair as often as you feel necessary to keep it clean, but a general rule is for oily hair you should wash it every day or every other day and for dry hair only wash it 2-3 times a week.


• Try rotating the shampoo and conditioner periodically, your hair responds differently to different products.


• Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.


• Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.


• When conditioning your hair, try to spread conditioner evenly through out your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing out your hair.


• Put the conditioner in at about an inch away from the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils and usually don't need the extra conditioning.


• Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning, don't use excessive force rubbing your hair, remember hair is most venerable when wet

Home-made Hair Conditioners

Avocado & Egg Yolk

Mash a small avocado and combine with an egg yolk. Apply to hair for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash your hair as usual. This is a great moisturizing mask for your hair.

Castor Oil & Egg Yolk

Mix an egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of castor oil and massage into your hair. Rinse and wash your hair as usual afterwards.

Sunflower & Wheatgerm Oil

Mix 1 cup of sunflower oil and 1 cup of wheat germ oil. Warm the mixture and massage it on the head and hair. Wash off with lukewarm water in which one tablespoon of lemon juice has been added.

Mayonnaise Conditioner

Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to damp hair. Work into hair and then cover with a shower cap or towel for up to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then shampoo as usual.

Home-made Head Louse Remedies

• Apply olive oil to the hair and scalp and leave overnight. This can smother the lice.


• Mix 1 teaspoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon garlic make into a past and apply to hair.


• After shampoo, rinse your hair with 1/2 warm water and 1/2 vinegar. Cover the scalp with a shower cap for 15 minutes. This will help soften the glue that the nits/eggs use to attach to the hair. Comb the hair with a special fine-toothed nit comb (available at pharmacies) and rinse.

Home-made Dandruff Remedies

• One of the best ways to control dandruff is to apply a mix of vinegar and water to the scalp.
  
• Apply warm coconut oil on the scalp with a cotton ball. Leave it overnight. Apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp the next morning and wash your hair as usual after 30 minutes.
  
• 1 part sulfur powder, 2 parts surgical spirit, 1 part almond oil and 4 parts rose water, or distilled water. Rub on your scalp.
• Mix some olive oil and almond oil and massage into your scalp. Leave for 5 minutes then rinse.
  
  Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight and then grind to a paste. Apply paste to the scalp, leave for 20-30 minutes and then wash hair as usual.

Hair Care Recipes

Olive Oil Hair Mask or Pack

Mix 5 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 eggs. Apply thoroughly to hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes rinse well.

Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask

Mix 2 tablespoon honey with 3 tablespoon olive oil. Apply thoroughly to hair. Cover hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes shampoo and rinse well.

Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask-1

After you shampoo your hair, pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice or vinegar through hair and massage and rinse with water. Apply your usual conditioner and wash with water. It will remove all the dirt and your hair will be shine sparkling. Do not repeat this method before 2 weeks.

Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask -2

Grind fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked in water overnight. Massage this paste on scalp and hair and leave it for15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. This paste is good for all types of hair problems, viz. dandruffs, falling hair, thinning of hair, baldness, split hair, etc.

Hair Rinse for soft and shiny hair

Mix 1 Tbsp of following herbs with enough boiling water and let it stand for 1/2 an hour. Add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and mix well. Shampoo your hair. Pour mixture over hair repeatedly. Vinegar will seal the hair cuticle.

Use the herbs as following:

For general hair care: rosemary leaves, nettle, burdock root, elder flowers
For dry hair: chamomile flowers, comfrey root, nettle, elder flower

For oily hair: lemon peel, peppermint, lemongrass

Shining Hair

Mix juice of one fresh orange, water, 1 tablespoon Honey and a few drops (5-7) of sandalwood oil. Use as an after-shampoo rinse. Beat two eggs in a tablespoon of milk and apply on your hair. Rinse your hair after 5-7 minutes to get an instant shining.Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and rinse your hair.

For Damaged Hair

Mash a ripe banana with a few drops of almond oil and massage into hair. Leave it for about 15 minutes. Rinse with soda water and then shampoo and condition.

Falling Hair, Hair Loss

Rub Indian gooseberry (amla) into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, it will stop hair falling.Eat a protein rich diet including green leafy vegetables, carrots, mango, dried apricots, whole grain cereals, and sprouts, lentils in the daily diet for the hair loss and hair fall.

Split End Hair

Split ends in hair are caused when they are damaged by strong shampoo or heat from hair dryer. Following are some cures for spit hair.

1. Make a pack by beating 1 egg yolk in a mixture of 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp honey. Massage on hair in thoroughly and then wrap head with shower cap for half an hour. Wash.

2. Massage hair and scalp with warm olive oil and wrap head with shower cap and leave for overnight or for 8-10 hours. Wash.You can alternately do the following: Take 1/2 cup olive oil in 1/2 cup boiling water in a bottle and put its cap. Shake the bottle vigorously. Massage thoroughly in hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave for 1/2 hour, then wash. Take care of your hands and head because the water is hot.

3. Oil your hair twice a week with coconut oil mixed with fresh lime juice.

4. It is always better to keep the split end trimmed; otherwise, they may split further up the hair.

Frizzy Hair
Make an after-shampoo rinse by mixing one tablespoon of honey to a liter of water. Use it after every hair wash with your usual shampoo.

Greasy Hair
Greasy hairs are mainly due to becoming sebaceous glands overactive. You should avoid too much brushing of hair. Wash your hair frequently with a nourishing shampoo.