SHAMPOO, CONDITIONING AND TREATING YOURSELF

Shampoo contains detergent’s, which remove dirt and grease from your hair and can be rinsed off with water. All types of hair have shampoos specially formulated for them. If you are using the right shampoo then you can wash your hair daily without damaging it. Harsh shampoo will strip your hair off natural oils, so use mild shampoo with low percentage of detergent. Keep changing your shampoo from time to time as your hair may become resistant to a particular shampoo.

Shampooing your hair properly –
Always use the right quantity of shampoo for your hair. Large quantities will make your hair dull. For long hair, use shampoo of the size of a walnut shell and for short hair you need grape sized quantity.
1. To begin with first brush your hair to loosen dead skin cells and dirt. Then lean over and wet your hair well with warm water.
2. Dilute shampoo in the palms of your hands with some water. Work up some lather by rubbing your palms together. Now use your fingertips to massage the shampoo into your hair. Shampoo hair that is nearest to your scalp as the ends of your hair do not become very greasy.
3. For healthy hair, massage your scalp with small circular motions as it aids blood circulation. If you have long hair, don’t pile it on top of your head and scrub, as your hair will en-tangled.
4. Now, to rinse your hair do not use bath water, as it maybe contaminated with soap residue and flakes of dead skin. Use clean water from the tap or shower. Shampoo second time only if your hair is very dirty.
5. Before applying conditioner, make sure your hair is free from excess moisture, either by patting it dry or by wrapping a towel around your head. Avoid rubbing your hair till dry as this may damage your hair.

Different types of shampoos available are -
Ph Balance Shampoo – This has a Ph factor similar to that of your skin and hair, which have a Ph between 4.5 and 5.5. This is useful for permed or colored hair to counteract the effects of chemicals on your hair and scalp.

Two-in-one Shampoo – Contains detergent to clean your hair and few drops of conditioner to moisturize your hair. Gives quick results because your hair can be shampooed and conditioned at the same time.

Herbal Shampoo – Its available for all hair types from dry to greasy. Contains extracts of plants and herb’s, which is beneficial for each hair type.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Contains chemicals that slow down the cell multiplication that causes dandruff. But this shampoo can dry your hair, so use it once a week, alternating with an ordinary shampoo.

Medicated Shampoo – Contains antiseptic to kill bacteria, which live on the scalp. Cannot be used for dandruff and lice.

Insecticidal Shampoo – Contains chemicals carbaryl or malathion which kill head lice. These are very harsh and use conditioner after each wash.

Dry Shampoo – This is in powder form and absorbs oil and dirt when brushed through dry hair. It can leave your hair looking dull and unhealthy.
 
CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR

Healthy hair can be damaged while brushing and combing your hair, during extreme weather conditions or by styling with heated appliances.
Shampooing may make your hair look ragged. They may interlock with other hairs and cause knots. Conditioner coats each hair and smoothes it down avoiding tangles. This make’s your hair look healthy and shiny as conditioner adds moisture and strengthens your hair.

Applying a Conditioner –
1. Conditioner can be applied to towel dried hair. Wet hair may dilute the conditioner and the              effect may be less. For long hair your need 2 tbsp of conditioner and for shorthair its 1 tbsp.
Concentrating on the ends massage the conditioner into your hair. Then distribute it with a comb.
2. Rinse thoroughly as a build up of shampoo and conditioner will make your hair look      lifeless and dull. So rinse till the water leaving your hair is completely clear.
3. Wet hair can stretch easily when pulled. So first pat your hair dry and then comb with a
wide toothed comb starting at the ends and working up the scalp.

Different types of Conditioners –
1. Rinse out conditioner – This is available for all types of hair from greasy to dry. This restores body and adds volume to hair. These are creams and balsams applied after shampoo and rinsed out with water. These materials include protein and polymer fibers and adds bulk to air.

2. Leave in conditioner- This forms a barrier around your hair, which reduces damage from heat appliances. These are available in the form of sprays, liquids or mousses, which do not have to be rinsed out of your hair.

3. Hot Oils – Good for very dry, damaged hair. Olive or Almond oil is used which coats the hair shaft and repairs damaged cuticles.

4. Restructurants – Good for flat hair that is damaged and has lost all its elasticity. These penetrate the hair and help strengthen the inner layer of the hair shaft. 
 
5. Henna Wax – Effectively moisturizes dry and damaged hair. This wax is clear and thick and leaves all types of hair shiny and manageable.

6. Anti-frizz, Shiners and Glossers – Restores the acid mantle and removes snarls from hair. Special Cream rinse conditioners untangle frizz in the hair. It also enhances the beauty by giving high gloss to the locks. It keeps breakage and split ends under control by minimizing the stress on the hair while combing, brushing and setting.

7. Deep Conditioner – This is used on excessively brittle and broken hair. These contain large amounts of proteins and should be applied over a long time for absorption. The protein helps repair hair damage.

TREAT YOURSELF (HOME-MADE COSMETIC CARE)
People have used natural products like eggs and lemon juice on their hair for generations. You can prepare this mixture, which is less harsh at home. But you have to use the preparations immediately otherwise they may spoil.

Warm Oil Treatment – Dry damaged hair can be treated with warm Olive Oil. Pour 2 tbsp of Olive Oil in a cup and place it in a bowl of hot water, until the oil is lukewarm. Massage the oil into your hair and wrap your head with a Clingfilm and seal the ends. Wrap your head with a towel for 30 minutes and then shampoo. Finally rinse thoroughly.  

Egg Shampoo – Egg is an excellent cleanser, it drags the dirt away when you rinse your hair. And the protein in the egg acts as a conditioner. Prepare egg shampoo by beating both the egg white and yolk together in a bowl. Massage this mixture into dry hair, leave for 5 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water.

Mayonnaise Conditioner – Mayonnaise is made with eggs, oil and vinegar and makes your hair beautifully shined and conditioned. You can prepare mayonnaise by mixing 1 tbsp of vinegar with an egg yolk and 8 tbsp of olive oil. Beat the mixture till it becomes creamy. Apply it over your hair, wait for 5 minutes and then shampoo.

Conditioner for Shine and Sheen – Place some grated cabbage and onions together in a copper vessel and leave it overnight. In the morning you can deodorize onion smell by adding a few drops of cologne. Then add a few drops of Amla or Brahmi and then apply. After 20 minutes you can shampoo. Your hair will gain wonderful shine and color. This routine can be carried out once a week.

Henna Conditioners for Dry Hair and Oily Hair -  
a. For Dry Hair – Mix Henna, 1 tbsp oil and some warm milk to make a paste. Apply the mixture and rinse after 20 minutes.
 
b. For Oily Hair – To Henna, add 2 tbsp of yogurt and a pinch of sugar. If the paste is thick then you can add some water. Apply the paste to your hair. After 20 minutes rinse it out with clear water. Henna gives color and body to the hair.

Conditioner For Setting Hair – Rinse your hair with 1 tsp of gelatin mixed in a mug of water. Finger-dry your hair and set them as you wish.
 
The All Purpose Conditioner (Magic) Rinse –
Mix together
1tsp of Castor Oil (adds volume to the hair)
1 tsp of Amla or Brahmi Oil (acts like hair tonic)
1 tsp of Malt Vinegar (Restores acid mantle)
1 tsp of Glycerin (Moisturizes) and
1 tsp of Shampoo (blends the ingredients)
Apply this mixture before washing your hair and leave for 20 minutes before shampooing. There will be a wonderful change in your hair texture.
 
QUICK RINSES – Your freshly washed can have extra volume, brightness or shine by applying a rinse.
Brightening Blonde Hair – Add 4 tsp of Lemon juice to a liter of cool water and pour it over your hair as final rinse.

Extra Shine for Dark Hair – Add ½ cup of vinegar to a liter of water and pour it over your hair. Rinse thoroughly to ward off smell. 

INFUSIONS –
Different herbs have different effects and they can be used to cure various problems. An Herbal Rinse is called an Infusion. To make one place 25gm of required herb in a container and pour 300ml of boiling water. Close the container and leave for several hours. Strain the liquid and pour over wet clean hair.