Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

Don’t believe that any product can achieve wonderful hair within a few hours. It usually takes a couple of weeks before you really can see a difference. Here’s how:Nourishment: Poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress and shock play a major part in affecting the condition, appearance or disappearance of hair.

Vitamin A: Promotes healthy scalp. Food sources: Dark green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B complex: Regulates secretion of oil, keeps hair healthy and moisturised. Food sources: Cereals, tomatoes, lean meat, liver, kidney, Brewer’s yeast, eggs and green vegetables. A severe lack of biotin can lead to hair loss. It works best with Vitamin B5, B12 and folic acid. Food sources: Cauliflower, yoghurt, wholemeal bread, bran & bananas. Minerals such as zinc, iron and copper promote healthy hair. Food sources: Zinc; lean red meat, chicken, pumpkin seeds and green vegetables. Iron; beef, dried apricots, lean red meat, parsley, eggs, wheatgerm and sunflower seeds. Copper; animal organs, seafood, egg yolk and whole grains. A lack of iron is cited to be the cause of hair loss among women who have not reached menopause. Proteins: Because hair is made up of 97 per cent protein (keratin), consuming enough of it gives hair a natural shine. Food sources: Lean meat, grains and soy. If you have a hair loss problem try drinking this: Blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk.

• Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc and saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can’t get enough from natural food sources.

• Invert your head while you shampoo and massage your scalp.

• Eliminate stress.

• Get enough sleep.

• To stimulate scalp circulation, massage with rosemary essential oil or rinse hair with tea made from sage.

Dandruff

• Dandruff arises from an oily, not dry scalp. Use a special-formulated shampoo to help control it.

• An anti-dandruff shampoo should contain tea tree oil, salicylic acid, sulphur and zinc pyrithione. Use on alternate days.

• Avoid taking foods with preservatives or additives.

• After washing your hair, massage your scalp with half a cup of apple cidar vinegar. Leave it on.