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Thursday, 28 February 2013

6 Advantages Of Water

DRINK MORE WATER

Scientifically speaking, water is the basis of life, but beyond being essential to your very existence, water serves all sorts of purposes that help you feel your absolute best. No, it can't cure cancer (though it may help prevent it), pay your rent (though it does save you money), or take out the trash, here are six reasons H2O can help solve many annoying day-to-day health issues-and possibly prevent a few big ones-from headaches to those last few pounds.




Drinkwater



1. Water boosts metabolism:
Trying to lose weight? Drinking water can boost your body's ability to burn fat. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking water (about 17oz) increases metabolic rate by 30 percent in healthy men and women. The boost occurred within 10 minutes but reached a maximum 30-40 minutes after drinking.




2. Studies also suggest that drinking one or two glasses of water before a meal can fill you up so you naturally eat less, says Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Plus, even mild dehydration will slow down metabolism by as much as 3 percent. 2. It safeguards your heart: Speaking of essential for life…drinking a good amount of water could lower your risk of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41 percent less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. Bonus: Drinking all that water may reduce cancer risk as well. Research shows that staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent, and possibly reduce breast cancer risk too.

3. Water prevents headaches: The most debilitating kind as well: Migraines. In one study published in the journal Neurology, scientists recruited migraine sufferers and divided them into two groups: one took a placebo, the others were told to drink 1.5 liters of water (about six cups) in addition to their usual daily intake. At the end of two weeks, the water group had experienced 21 fewer hours of pain than those in the placebo group, as well as a decrease in pain intensity.

4. Water boosts your brainpower: Your brain needs a lot of oxygen to function at optimum levels, so drinking plenty of water ensures that it's getting all it needs. In fact, drinking eight to 10 cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30 percent.
The door swings both ways: Research shows that a dehydration level of just 1 percent of your body weight reduces thinking functions, so staying well-hydrated is super important for your mental performance .

5. It makes you rich: Making water your go-to drink saves a lot of money in the long run. Even though 60 percent of the U.S. population buys bottled water , it's still cheaper, on average, than juices, sodas, and Starbucks- especially when you buy it by the case. What's even cheaper: buying a filter and drinking water out of the tap. To put it in perspective, replacing your daily can of soda at lunch with a free-from-the-tap glass of water (or water cooler if you have access to one) can save you about $180 a year.

6. It keeps you alert: Dehydration is the single most common cause of daytime fatigue , so if your afternoon slump is more like a desperate need for an afternoon nap, guzzle a glass of water. It can also make you better at your job, or at least prevent you from being bad at a it-just a two percent dehydration level can trigger short-term memory problems and difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page.

Manage Thick Hair

HOW TO MANAGE THICK HAIR



Thinning hair may be haunting you every day, but the problems of thick hair are no less. You need to upgrade your hairstyle from a boyish look to a dapper Mad Men style,

but thick hair wants to make you switch to dreadlocks. You want to look sharper, cleaner, and sleeker—and every year, hundreds of new grooming products promise to help you do just that. But you don't need them all. Help is on your way, as we have broken down the ABCs of hair glop for you that will provide a smooth do to match your smooth swagger.


Buzz it off

The easiest way to control very thick hair is to simply cut it short. A buzz-cut can be a great option for some guys. A short Ivy League haircut (a cut buzzed at the crown, but longer towards the front) is another good option that will help control thick hair, but still give you a bit of styling options.

On your shelf - Gels. Applied to wet hair, it holds shape and leaves hair shiny, and it comes in varying hold strengths—from light to strong. It keeps your hair stationary and gives your hair the required stiffness.

Grow it out






If you don’t want to go ultra-short, consider a longer style that will give the hair a little weight and hold it down. It will also give you more styling options. With thick hair, it’s best to go longer or very short. Mid-length styles often don’t work.

On your shelf - Use a hydrating product and a dense conditioner. This will add weight, and reduce the volume further. If your long locks are particularly thick and have a tendency to bouffant, then ask your hairdresser to cut some of the body out of them.

Say goodbye to grease






If your crowning glory needs some ‘dry cleaning’, then consider giving it a good wash every day. Thick hair is prone to attracting dirt and grime, due to which the scalp becomes oily very soon.

On your shelf - Water-based pomade. It’s softer, not greasy, and it gives the hair definition and smoothness. Another option can be hair tonics, a grease less alternative to get shiny hair without looking like some greasy punk kid.

Never have a dry patch

Thick hair with a coarse texture, however, is usually dry. A low moisture content can be the result of natural causes, such as insufficient production of sebum, which coats and protects the hair.

On your shelf - Creams and waxes. Wax has a matte or shiny finish and is applied to hair that's dry or slightly damp to define and control select pieces or areas. It's extremely versatile, good for everything from messier bed-head looks to more structured styles.

All said and done, do not go overboard with the usage of hair products. Use these products for an added style quotient, but also remember – natural often looks the best. Your hair is a social asset. But in case you mess up your work of art, don’t worry—it’s a washable canvas!

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Make Hair Grow Faster



HOW TO MAKE HAIR GROW FASTER

When you're struggling to grow out an awkward hair do, it can seem like everyone else has glossy long hair. For busy (and impatient!) women, how to make your hair grow faster is one of the biggest hair care questions. Some swear by kelp supplements while others rave about head massage, but is it really possible to speed up hair growth? 4 Beauty investigates...

Smiling woman with long brown hair



Do Kelp Supplements Work?

A quick search shows that the internet is awash with women claiming they've experienced quicker hair growth while taking sea kelp supplements (derived from seaweed). Others claim that whilst kelp doesn't speed up growth, it does strengthen hair, reducing breakage and split ends. So with less breakage needing fewer haircuts, you might be able to get long hair sooner.

The experts' opinion? Give it a miss. There has been no long-term research into the effects of kelp on our bodies, and there's no scientific evidence that it helps our hair growth. It's thought that some people can suffer thyroid problems and other side effects as a result of taking kelp, so dieticians advise leaving it on the shelf until we know more.






Head Massage

All is not lost though - Andrew Barton recommends head massage as another option. "Gentle scalp massage will stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicle, bringing it nutrition and helping increase hair growth," he explains. "The more we can do to help the follicle secrete oil and push out the hair, the better. You'll get better results in the evening, so before you go to bed each night, spend a couple of minutes gently rotating your fingertips around, massaging the scalp."

 "It's only possible to quicken growth by a small percentage - at most 10%. Considering hair grows about six inches a year, that means you can only speed it up by just over half an inch per year." No chance of getting that Rapunzel look in time for your Christmas party then...


Strengthen Your Hair

Even with a speed boost, no one can achieve luscious long hair without looking after its condition. "Growing your hair to below shoulder-length may take you about seven years, and the hair that's then at the very tips was originally at the scalp, so it's old, aged hair," . "It's very susceptible to damage from heat appliances, general wear and tear and the sun. It needs to be treated with protein-based conditioners and conditioning masks, to make it stronger so it doesn't split or break. The more we can do to those very tips to help them, the less you'll need to cut your hair."

Diet and Hair Growth

The growth of healthy, strong hair is closely linked to what we eat. "Increasing levels of protein in the diet can improve hair growth, nail growth and the quality of your skin," . "We know that protein is particularly well-absorbed during the morning, so eating things like salmon or low-fat cottage cheese for breakfast is a great start." Vitamins A, B, C and E are also good for your hair and scalp, so make sure you're eating some citrus fruits and plenty of leafy green veg as part of a balanced diet.

Regular Trims

Contrary to what you hear at the salon, six-weekly trims may not be necessary. "Trimming your hair will not stimulate growth," . "That's a myth that's probably been touted by many a hairdresser. Unless you've got a short, defined style you can probably get away with leaving it eight to 10 weeks between trims."

The important thing, however, is to head to the salon as soon as the tips of your hair start to look a little worse for wear. "Regular trims help to seal the hair tips," . "The ends are weak and prone to damage, and can easily split. Once that happens, splits can continue tearing all the way up the hair shaft, making one hair into two very fine, weak strands. That's when the hair becomes frizzy and difficult to manage."

To reduce breakage and help your hair grow as long as possible, always use heat protection products to create a barrier around the hair shaft before using appliances like straighteners. When you're brushing your hair, work from the bottom up to avoid snapping it. Start by detangling and brushing the ends before gently tackling the roots.
Hair Growth and Hair Type

The bad news is that long healthy locks just aren't possible for every hair type. "Someone who's got very fine hair, particularly from an Anglo-Saxon background, may find that they will only get five years' growth out of each hair before it falls out," . "Whereas someone who comes from southern European or Mediterranean heritage might even get nine years growth out of the hair. There's such a difference in texture and fibre, and so much of that is linked to heritage and genetics."


Causes of Hair Loss

Reasons For Hair Loss

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair grows everywhere on the human skin except on the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet, but many hairs are so fine they're virtually invisible. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair you can see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 of them a day; so finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush is not necessarily cause for alarm.

At any one time, about 90% of the hair on a person's scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors. This life cycle is divided into three phases:


Anagen -- active hair growth that lasts between two to six years.
Catagen -- transitional hair growth that lasts two to three weeks.
Telogen -- resting phase that lasts about two to three months. At the end of the resting phase the hair is shed and a new hair replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.

As people age, their rate of hair growth slows.

There are many types of hair loss, also called alopecia:
Involutional alopecia is a natural condition in which the hair gradually thins with age. More hair follicles go into the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number.
Androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition that can affect both men and women. Men with this condition, called male pattern baldness, can begin suffering hair loss as early as their teens or early 20s. It's characterized by a receding hairline and gradual disappearance of hair from the crown and frontal scalp. Women with this condition, called female pattern baldness, don't experience noticeable thinning until their 40s or later. Women experience a general thinning over the entire scalp, with the most extensive hair loss at the crown.
Alopecia areata often starts suddenly and causes patchy hair loss in children and young adults. This condition may result in complete baldness (alopecia totalis). But in about 90% of people with the condition, the hair returns within a few years.
Alopecia universalis causes all body hair to fall out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair.
Trichotillomania, seen most frequently in children, is a psychological disorder in which a person pulls out one's own hair.
Telogen effluvium is temporary hair thinning over the scalp that occurs because of changes in the growth cycle of hair. A large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing hair shedding and subsequent thinning.


What Causes Hair Loss?

Doctors don't know why certain hair follicles are programmed to have a shorter growth period than others. However, several factors may influence hair loss:
Hormones, such as abnormal levels of androgens (male hormones normally produced by both men and women).
Genes,from both male and female parents, influence a person's predisposition to male or female pattern baldness.
Stress, illness, and childbirth can cause temporary hair loss. Ringworm caused by a fungal infection can also cause hair loss.
Drugs, including chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment, blood thinners, beta-adrenergic blockers used to control blood pressure, and birth control pills, can cause temporary hair loss.
Burns, injuries, and X-rays can cause temporary hair loss. In such cases, normal hair growth usually returns once the injury heals.
Autoimmune disease may cause alopecia areata. In alopecia areata, the immune system revs up for unknown reasons and affects the hair follicles. In most people with alopecia areata, the hair grows back, although it may temporarily be very fine and possibly a lighter color before normal coloration and thickness return.
Cosmetic procedures, such as shampooing too often, perms, bleaching, and dyeing hair can contribute to overall hair thinning by making hair weak and brittle. Tight braiding, using rollers or hot curlers, and running hair picks through tight curls can also damage and break hair. However, these procedures don't cause baldness. In most instances hair grows back normally if the source of the problem is removed. Still, severe damage to the hair or scalp sometimes causes permanent bald patches.

5 Ways to Speed up Hair Growth

5 Ways to Speed up Hair Growth - wikiHow

Monday, 25 February 2013

Yoga Poses


5 Simple Yoga Poses for Good Health.


Yoga Asanas:

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that has got global recognition. More and more people are adopting this form of exercise regime to stay healthy and fit. It is one form of exercise that can be done by people of all age groups. Its exercise positions are called ‘Asanas’. Not only the common people but many movie stars and celebrities are reaping the benefits of yoga.
By practising yoga not only the body stays fit but the mind too. It helps cure many diseases apart from weight reduction that other exercise forms cannot cure. People who have perfect body shape too are indulged in yoga as it is for overall fitness and health of the body.
Though yoga has many asanas and newly evolved fusion variations like power yoga , vikram yoga etc ,  that can be practiced but a few basic ones are easy to perform and are great for our body too.


Paschimottanasana:

Paschimottanasana Asana
Paschimottanasana
The first one is the ‘Paschimottanasana’. All you have to do is sit down on the floor. Keep your back absolutely straight. Stretch your legs out. Stretch out your hand and then slowly bring them down to touch your ankles. Remember you must not bend your knees while doing this. Repeat the same four to five times. After you are done with it, breathe in deeply and then relax.


Bhujangasana:

Easy Yoga steps
Bhujangasana
The second one is the Bhujangasana. It is also called the Cobra pose. This is believed to strengthen your backs, is good for your heart and also for your arms. First lie down on the floor on your stomach. Stretch out your legs and keep your palms flat on the floor by your chest. Keeping your lower body touched to the ground, raise the upper half as high as you can. Repeat.

Trikonasana:

Yoga Tutorial
Trikonasana

The third one is the Trikonasana or the triangle pose. This improves flexibility of the body, strengthens back and torso. Stand straight on the floor with your legs wide apart. Bend towards one side without bending the knees. Touch your feet or ankle with one hand and keep the other straight up. Reach as low as possible. Now repeat the same by bending the opposite side. While doing this Asana keep your head straight looking at front.


Uttanasana:

yoga easiest asanas
Uttanasana

The fourth asana is the Uttanasana. This is one of the simplest asanas in Yoga. It helps make legs more flexible and the spine stronger. Stand straight and slowly raise your arms up. Inhale while doing this. Now exhale and bend your upper half of the body and touch the floor or your feet. Try not to bend your knees. Repeat the exercise about 5 times.


Tadasana:

Tadasana
Tadasana

The fifth asana is Tadasana or the mountain pose. It puts a stretch on the whole body and helps you relax. Stand straight with feet together and hands by your side. Raise your body to your toes and while doing this stretch your body taking your arms up. Hold the position for a few seconds and then come back slowly.

Home Made Beauty Tips


DANDRUFF-FREE HAIR.



Several fixes for dandruff
If you are plagued with dandruff, follow one or more of these natural remedies:

* Spike your shampoo
 Add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), an antiseptic herb, to a palm-size amount of gentle shampoo just before washing your hair.

* Massage your scalp
 while shampooing to loosen flakes, but avoid scratching, which will create sores.

* Rinse with antiseptic herbs
 Boil 2 rounded tablespoons of dried herb
(or herbs mixture) in 1 cup of water for 5 to 7 minutes. Cool, strain, and massage tea through shampooed hair and into your scalp. Do not rinse out.

* Get you biotin
 This vitamin like nutrient may prevent and treat dandruff. Good sources include brewer's yeast, cheese, and rice bran.

* Reduce stress
 Dandruff (and other skin conditions such as eczema) can be worsened by high levels of stress. Practice yoga or tai chi, take natural antidepressants and meditate.
  
Get Rid Of Dandruff:
Vinegar is poured into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes.
Then the hair is washed.
The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.

Dandruff-Coconut Milk Solution

If you have dandruff with itchy scalp, coconut milk is a fine remedy for it. The reasons for getting dandruff may vary. Sometimes dandruff is caused by simply the dry scalp. In the initial stage just do a hot oil massage. Dandruff will vanish. But if you just avoid it like that after few weeks it may get infected with bacteria or fungus. This is now the real dandruff problem. Sometimes the dry scalp may lead to itching. When we scratch the problem become worse.


Coconut Milk for Dandruff Remedy
  • Get a fresh coconut and grate it. Then using a mixer/grinder take the milk of it. Add one or two spoons juice of fresh lemon. Apply this on scalp using finger tips without washing head. Give a light rubbing on the scalp. Apply well and massage the scalp for 10-20 min. Then take a bath as usual. Really coconut milk and lemon works well with dandruff problem.
  • If you have dry hair, by using this it may feel more dry. No problem just be like that for three days minimum. Still continue use this for few days. At first you will get relief from itching on the scalp. After applying coconut milk, rinsing out the flakes and residue is very important. Do not use any shampoo at this time. The coconut milk may give some oil to hair, but it won't be sticky. Sometimes you may not like the smell. whatever the condition certainly this will give relief from dandruff. 

Homemade Anti-Dandruff Rosemary Preparation: 

1 handful Rosemary Leaves 
1 litre water 
2 tsp.Vinegar 
Boil the water and soak rosemary leaves in it. Let it stand for one night. Strain and add vinegar to it. After shampooing, wash your hair with this preparation. It treats the hair very fast. 
Homemade Anti-Dandruff Sesame Preparation With Bhangra Leaves: 

500 ml Sesame Oil
100 g Bhangra Leaves
 
Boil bhangra leaves in sesame oil for 15 minutes. Let it stand for an hour, then strain it. Massage this oil in your head. Leave it for an hour then shampoo your hair.

   Homemade Anti-Dandruff Sesame Preparation With Bhailavan: 

1 tbsp Sesame Oil
3 tbsp Bhailavan
 
Blend the two together and apply it on the head. Leave it on for 2-3 hours and wash it off with a shampoo in lukewarm water.

  Homemade Anti-Dandruff Treatment With Ginger: 

Ginger root
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice 
Squeeze ginger root through press to obtain one tablespoon of juice. Mix all ingredients. Apply to scalp and let dry before shampooing. Repeat three times a week.  

How To Get Beautiful Dandruff Free Hair


How To Get Beautiful Dandruff Free Hair In 4 Weeks.


How To Get Beautiful Dandruff Free Hair.
Dandruff Free Hair



In a healthy body resides a healthy mind. If you are facing hair problems then somewhere it’s the result of unfavorable lifestyle. Today, more than 50 percent of women are facing dandruff problems. Dandruff is itchy, irritating and makes scalp either greasy or completely dry and damaged. It also creates skin problems like acne, rashes and can lead to low self-esteem as well.
But fret not because we bring you some really cool tips and products that will make your hair dandruff free.
Change your brush/comb
Yes, you heard it right. A brush or a comb plays a vital role in causing major hair related problems. Hair, they are the most delicate part of our body. Rough brushing causes blisters on scalp and leads to scalp infection. Basic Hygiene is very important in hair care. Soak your brush in hot water and add some antiseptic lotion. This process will clean the dust and kill all the chances of infection. Also, do not share your hair equipment with anyone.
Limited use of styling gels/petroleum jelly
Spare your hair from greasy gels or lotions as they are really harmful. They contain substance that makes a water and air proof barrier on scalp. In hot weather, our scalp skin sweats and as the air cannot enter, the greasiness remains sticking to it. As a result scalp gets infected and causes honeycomb dandruff.
Wash your Hair Regularly
Regular use of shampoo is necessary to clean all the dirt from skin. Working women are more prone to dandruff, due to the weather conditions outside. For daily use, buy a shampoo that is gentle on scalp. 
Use Products with Rosemary Essence
If despite regular shampooingdandruff persists,then strong dandruff needs something strongerRosemary's known to combat serious dandruff problems. Rosemary stimulates follicles and deters greying of hair and dryness that causes dandruff.
Use this three way process that would solve the eternal problem of dandruff.
  •  Dandruff control shampoo: Wash your hair with a shampoo with rosemary oil. Check the label behind for the ingredients. There is a good range of hair care products in the market. A Shampoo with rosemary oil and menthol is very effective on dandruff prone scalp.
  • Dandruff control conditioner: After shampooing, always apply a conditioner (preferably with rosemary extracts). This will stop dandruff from coming back. Try and use the same brand conditioner as shampoo. The two way action gives best results.
  •  Rosemary Oil: Mix small proportion of rosemary oil in base oil and gently massage with fingers. Wrap a hot wet towel and leave for few minutes and shampoo afterwards.
Along with these above solutions, do eat a healthy diet and Stay Happy. I am sure, dandruff will never come back again.

Tips for dandruff free hair


Tips to get a dandruff free healthy hair.


As pollution level is rising day by day to dizzying heights problems such as dandruff and hair fall have become common. This is something that has been bothering a lot of people. It is practically impossible to remain untouched from the growing air pollution so it is better to take preventive measures to stay away from dandruff. 
If you have already been caught up with this terrible problem of stubborn dandruff in your scalp its time you take help of some easy home remedies to ward it off. 
Many anti dandruff shampoos are available in the market but they work only to an extent. If you have minor dandruff problems and are in the early stages of dandruff problem then these products might work a little bit. For people who have wanted to fight off dandruff from a long time, only some strong remedies would work. 

Some of the easy home remedies for warding off dandruff are given below. 
  • Tea tree oil is proven to be a good remedial measure for discarding dandruff off your scalp. You just need to add the tea tree oil to your hair oil and massage you scalp ensuring that it reaches the roots and then shampoo it off. Do this twice every week for best results. 
  • Camphor is also known for its dandruff healing properties. Mixing it with coconut hair oil and applying three times a week gives great results. 
  • Massage scalp with warm wheat germ oil (five tablespoons) and wrap warm towel for thirty minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly.
  • Take out juice of one fresh lime; mix 10 grams of black pepper powder and 1/4th cup of milk in it. Now massage your scalp with this mixture and leave it for an hour. Rinse off. 
  • Another simple method for removing dandruff from hair would be heating oil and massaging your scalp and hair thoroughly at night and washing all off in the morning. You could also use olive oil. 
  • Apply a mixture of curd and lime juice in your scalp. Keep it for an hour and then wash off. Doing this every alternate day for two weeks would relieve you from the problem completely. 
  • Aloe Vera is also supposed to be a great dandruff healer. Application of it twice a week for thirty minutes before washing off would lead to good results. 
  • Soak 1 teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds overnight. Make a paste in the morning by grinding them and apply all over the scalp. Wash thoroughly after thirty minutes. 

These simple to do, home based remedies are sure shot ways towards dandruff free healthy hair. So follow any of them and enjoy best possible results. 

Tips to Make Hair Grow Faster

10 Tips to Make Your Hair Grow Faster.


Any women's wish, is to have a long, healthy and beautiful hair . However, hair takes its time to grow and we don't usually tend to wait for it. We feel the need to do something about it.
There's countless options we can follow, to speed our hair healthy growth. There's no such thing as magical potions to make it grow suddenly though.
If your purpose is to make your hair grow from a shoulders length hair to mid back length hair quickly, I'm afraid you won't get it. Technically all you can actually do, is to apply hair extensions, clip on ponytails or long wigs.
If you know what patience means though, there's a couple of tips you can follow to maximize all your hair's potential and consequently make it grow slightly faster than usual.

1. Practice Good Hair Habits

If you want to have your hair grow faster, you need healthy hair. Good hair habits will help you avoid damaging your hair and keep it healthy.
Here some good practices:
  1. Use a brush with natural boar bristles.
  2. Don't braid or put your hair in a ponytail when it is still wet.
  3. Avoid chemical treatments such as bleaching, perms, coloring or highlighting.
  4. Minimize heat styling with things such as hot combs, hair dryers and curling irons.
  5. Although the best thing to do, is to avoid using heat styling, it is still important to dry your hairs roots after washing it. I learnt this with a specialized doctor. The roots of our hair take a long time to dry whenever we wash it, between 2 and 3 days actually. Therefore, it is extremely important to dry it with a hair dryer. Do not forget the important thing to is, is to dry your hairs roots, not the ends. If you leave the ends wet, is no big deal.


2. Maintain a healthy diet

Eating well and healthy is really important. You must eat lots of fruits and vegetables. You should also do a diet based on proteins. Since hair is protein, a diet that is too low in protein may cause some thinning hair or a retardation in the growth cycle. For instance, fish, eggs, beans or yogurt, are filled with protein. Soy protein has also been found to be helpful in stimulating hair growth.
Remember, beauty comes from the inside. In a way, you are what you eat. If you feed yourself lots of healthy nourishing foods your body will reflect this.

3. Flax seed oil

Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition. It is a natural acids source that are essential to keep our body healthy.
They are also good for the heart, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1,000 mg taken one to three times daily.
Therefore, if you don't eat much fish, you must take the Flax Seed Oil supply in order to help your body having all the vitamins you need and consequently speed up your hairs growth.

4. Keep it trimmed!

To cut your split end is very important. When you ignore split ends, it ends up leaving you with shorter hair due to breakage.
Damage to your hair will move up from the ends and the only way to stop it in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens.
Do not forget the hair starts growing for the root, not the ends. Therefore, whenever the split ends are cut, your hair follicle is working less to repair split, dead ends and working more in the root. If you cut the ends frequently, your hair will grow faster and healthier. Trust me, it's true!
It's always easy to talk though. It's hard to put it into action. I hate having to trim my hair when I have worked so hard on making it long! But it's a need that will bring good results in a long term time. Just be patient and you will see!

5. Massage the scalp

Always give yourself a scalp massage. You will want to massage your hair at least three times a week, use the tips of your hands and firmly massage your scalp. Make sure you cover the entire head. With a good scalp massage you increased blood circulation which enriches skin with essential nutrients and oxygen.
After a massage actively circulating blood brings the nutrients to hair follicles. Besides, massage helps to relax and improves the strength of the roots.

6. Don’t wash your hair every day

I know it sounds disgusting, but washing your hair too often pulls the strands, damages the scalp, and rids your hair of the natural oils essential for growing long, thick hair. You must allow the hair oils to condition your hair rather than constantly washing the oils out.
After a while, your hair will be trained, and it won't look as dirty as it looked before, and the washes will last longer. There's plenty of videos on youtube of beauty gurus that teach you the best way to train your hair.
The ideal, would be to wash your hair between 2 or 3 times a week, maximum. You'll see it will get shinier and healthier.

7. Comb after wash it - Dont Brush it

Comb through your hair with a wide toothed comb right when you turn off your shower water when it is still soaking wet. It's much better for detangles your hair super quickly. This way you are struggling afterward or having to attack your hair with a brush. Using a brush on wet hair can break the strands you have worked so hard to protect.
Use a wide-toothed comb and comb your hair in a slow motion.
Additionally, avoid pulling your hair tightly especially for women who are fond of ponytails, braids, cornrows and clips. 

8. Always Use Heat Protect


Applying a heat protectant spray when using heated styling tools is very important.
Heat protectant is something I often forget to use, but it is really important to protect your strands against damage. If you protect your hair from the time it is a baby hair at your root it will have a long and happy lifespan, and be able to grow much longer than if you abuse it for years.

9. Use a deep conditioning treatment

This will help hydrate strands and make them stronger. A hair treatment can help restore damaged hair, add shine and body to dull lifeless hair, and improve the texture of frizzy, unmanageable hair.
Damaged hair loses two essential components; moisture and protein. Most times, both of these elements need to be replaced for an effective hair treatment.
An occasional deep conditioning or reconstructing treatment will help restore your hair to its prime condition. It's also a good idea to treat your hair before and after any chemical processes.
I love my Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque because it truly leaves my hair really soft and easier to comb.

10. Reduce Stress

Finally, we all know stress ain't good for our health. Stress can cause a variety of health problems, so it should be no surprise that it also affects the hair. Excessive stress will slow down your hair's growth rate and it will make it weaker, turning it extremely more vulnerable to breaks.
Some stress-reducing techniques are deep breathing, regular exercise, mediation, yoga, or enjoying a hobby or recreational activity such as reading, cooking, or gardening
Is very important to reduce your stress level as much as you can to get a hair and life more healthy.


Natural Tips to Prevent Hair Loss


5 Natural tips to prevent hair loss.


It's better to use natural products to stop hairfall than to go in for expensive parlour treatments, that may not help the problem.
Try the following easy tips at home and see how effective they are in reducing hair loss!
1. Hot oil treatments: Take any natural oil - olive, coconut, canola - and heat it up so that it is warm, but not too hot. Massage it gently into your scalp. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for an hour, then shampoo your hair.
2. Natural juices: You can rub your scalp with either garlic juice, onion juice or ginger juice. Leave it on overnight and wash it thoroughly in the morning.
3. Get a head massage: Massaging your scalp for a few minutes daily will help stimulate circulation. Good circulation in the scalp keeps hair follicles active. Circulation may be improved through massage by using a few drops of lavender or bay essential oil in an almond or sesame oil base.
4. Antioxidants: Apply warm green tea (two bags brewed in one cup of water) on your scalp and leave this mixture on for an hour and then rinse. Green tea contains antioxidants which prevent hair loss and boost hair growth.
5. Practice meditation: Believe it or not, most of the times, the root cause for hair loss is stress and tension. Meditation can help in reducing that and restore hormonal balance.

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Best Foods for Healthy Hair and Scalp

20 best foods for healthy hair and scalp.


Just as food filled with loads of oil and calories can cause acne flares and jeopardise your waistline, unhealthy food can also cause damage to your healthy hair and scalp.Every individual craves for healthy and better looking hair, luscious locks, that won't diminish with age. Hence, be careful of what you eat, as the nutrients you consume are essential to fortify follicles, each strand of your hair and your scalp.  If you want to get rid of dull, dry, or greasy hair, then pile up your plate with these foods and see the difference. Presenting 20 best foods for healthy hair and scalp.

 1: Salmon
The key ingredients for a healthy hair and scalp are protein and vitamin D. Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This omega-3 fatty acid is very much essential to keep your scalp and hair shaft very well hydrated. As healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, get in more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

2: Beef
If you don't have cholesterol problems, then you must consume this meat at least twice a day. This food has all the possible nutrients that your hair needs for its up keep. The presence of protein, vitamin B, iron, zinc and other vital minerals will help to maintain the health of your scalp and hair .Though it is rich in nutrients, the consumption of beef should be minimum to avoid other health problems.

3: Prunes
Including prunes in your diet can help to improve your hair texture as well as proper bowl movements. As it is rich in iron, it helps prevent hair loss, dull hair, thin hair, and discoloration of your hair.

4: Green tea
The presence of polyphenols helps in keeping your scalp healthy. If your scalp is healthy, then the overall health of your hair improves, as it helps to keep your hair shiny and dandruff free. Washing your hair with green tea or applying it on your scalp will help to kill your dandruff worries.

5: Carrots
Carrots not only help to sharpen your vision but also to maintain the health of your hair due to the presence of vitamin A. Existence of vitamin A helps in formation of sebum oil in the scalp - says Dr. Sandeep. Sebum is a very important element which helps to keep the scalp and hair very well moisturized. A moisturized scalp means healthy hair.

6: Eggs
Eggs are rich in biotin and vitamin B. These two nutrients are very important for the health and maintenance of your hair. Biotin is a star element, which helps to keep your hair shiny and lustrous. Biotin is also present in many shampoos and conditioners and is one of the important elements needed for hair health.

7: Dark green leafy vegetables
Include lots of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and lettuces in your diet. All these dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both these vitamins help in the formation of sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner and hence moisturizes your skin and scalp.

8: Brown rice
Brown rice has some protein, vitamins and fibre. Besides giving you healthy hair and scalp, it also keeps you from over eating as it keeps you full for a longer time. Hence, switch to brown rice now to maintain your hair as well as your body.

9: Oysters
Hair loss or dandruff is due to low level of hormone androgen production. Include oysters in your diet as they are rich in zinc, which further helps in the production of androgen and hence fights against hair fall and dandruff. Besides, it also helps your locks retain shine and health.

10: Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the best nuts for your hair nourishment and maintenance. As they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E and copper they protect your hair against damage from the sun by being a shield when you venture out; they also prevent hair loss and help keep your hair lustrous and rich in colour.

11: Cottage cheese
Besides it being low-fat, cottage cheese is also rich in calcium and protein. Include this healthy cheese for breakfast if your goal is to get rid of dull hair and shed some extra kilos at the same time.

12: Green peas
Green peas are a well-balanced food available for healthy hair. They are loaded with all types of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B, which help in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.

13: Lentils
"If you really want healthy hair and scalp, then include lentils in your diet at least 3-4 times a week,". Lentils are rich in folic acid. Presence of folic acid helps in providing the requisite amount of oxygen to your scalp and skin, which further promotes hair growth and cell renewal.

14: Bell peppers
Include all colours of bell peppers in your diet as they are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C guarantees efficient transition of oxygen to hair follicles. Besides, it also helps in the formation of collagen and promotes hair growth and prevents hair breakage.

15: Whole grains
Whole grains are rich in nutrients and fibres. This promotes hair growth and makes it a super food for healthy hair. Besides, it also aids good digestion and prevents ailments like diabetes, obesity and constipation.

16: Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which when consumed gets converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents dull scalp and hair and promotes growth and proper circulation of oxygen to the hair follicle.

17: Blueberries
This super fruit is loaded with vitamin C, which helps in oxygen circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, and prevents hair breakage.

18: Bacon
Though it is an enemy if you want to kick some calories, but if you want healthy hair then you should consume not more than 4 ounces - says Priya. It is loaded with all healthy hair promoting nutrients like vitamin B, zinc and protein.

19: Shrimps
Shrimps are not only delicious but also a great doctor for your dull hair and scalp. Shrimps are loaded with vitamin B12, iron and zinc, all of which prevent hair loss and promote growth and maintenance.

20: Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a perfect hair rejuvenating snack. They're good for overall health, as they are loaded with protein, omega-6 fatty acids, zinc and iron.

Foods for Healthy Hair


Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair.


When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that counts -- it’s what you put in your body, too.

 There's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns.
Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says.
Other options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower.

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.
Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.
Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says.
Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.
Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.
Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says.
Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says.
Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.


Benefits of Turmeric


7 Benefits of Turmeric for a Flawless Skin.


Turmeric or 'haldi', is one of India’s most widely used spices. Not only it is used to add colour and taste to our food but also as a cosmetic. It has also become a part of our rituals. One of the most important ceremonies of Indian weddings is the 'haldi' ceremony where a paste made of turmeric is applied to the bride and the groom’s body as part of their marriage preparations.
Turmeric has been used as beauty product over the centuries. Here are some properties of turmeric that you can use to cure seven common problems and get a flawless skin.


Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of ageing. Take besan(gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternately prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion. 

Wrinkles

You can use turmeric in combination with other ingredients to manage your wrinkle woes.
  • Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. Lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells.
  • You can add turmeric powder in buttermilk and sugarcane juice. This will work the best for dark circles and wrinkles.
  • Turmeric-honey paste can be applied on the face and neck to help exfoliate skin and keep a check on pores. 

Acne

Not only does turmeric take care of the scars and inflammation but also reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands.
  • To prepare turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water.
  • You can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes.
  • For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes.
  • To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. 

Stretch marks 
Mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help women lighten the stretch marks. 

Burns
In case you accidently burn your skin you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 

Facial hair
Chickpea flour (sattu) or gram flour added to kasturi turmeric can be used as a facial scrub to inhibit hair growth. Be sure to apply this paste for about a month to notice results. Home remedies usually show results over a period of time upon consistent use. 

Cracked heels
Apply a mixture of coconut oil/castor oil and turmeric powder on cracked heels preferably 15 minutes before you head to take a bath.
These were some of the many skin benefits of turmeric that can give you a flawless skin naturally.