Treat yourself to a spa at home

Who says you need to spend megabucks on a spa treatment every week? Here are some simple pampering tricks that you can indulge in at home

Begin to relax
Shut down your phone and television. Switch on your favourite relaxing music and sip on some camomile green tea.

Face up to it
Clean your face: Use a makeup remover and then use a gentle face cleanser to get rid of impurities.
Scrub and exfoliate: Dermatologists say that this process helps in removing the superficial layer of dead skin. Be careful not to use harsh products nor scrub too hard, otherwise it could prove to be abrasive and harm skin.
Moisturise well: Use a rich creamy nourishing moisturiser generously on your face. With circular and upward movements gently massage it in. Wash off your face with cold water.
Mask it right: Use a soothing face mask that has nourishing, moisturising, brightening and tightening properties.

Body beautiful
Polish and shine: Exfoliating the entire body is essential. Use a body scrub to get rid of dull deal skin. Rub it all over the body in a circular motion and then wash off with lukewarm water.
All steamy and hot: Take at least two sets of hot towels and wrap yourself in them one after the other. You can also use hand-held, table-top steamers along with this. The hot steam improves your circulation and gives you a radiant glow.

Do-it-yourself foot spa
- Fill a wooden bowl (any pretty bowl will do) with warm water, epsom salts, a few drops of shampoo or foot soak, a few drops of your favourite essential oil and of course fresh rose petals. Let your feet luxuriate in your homemade spa bath for eight to 10 minutes.

- Trim your nails. Use a nail file to shape them. Avoid trimming and filing too deep at the corners to prevent painful in-growing nails. Toe nails are best left square.

- Apply a cuticle gel and push back your cuticle one after the other with an orange stick. Rub in a cuticle cream or a few drops of argan or olive oil.

- Scrub your feet with a scrubbing gel or cream for ten minutes and then wipe it clean.

- Use a pumice stone to give a light brush to your heels. Slough off the dead skin. Wash it off.

- Wipe your feet dry and then apply a foot cream or a moisturiser generously. Massage it in.

Want radiant skin? Make this body scrub at home...
Here is a simple home-made mask that can bring a radiant glow to your skin...

Creamy lentil exfoliant
Ingredients:
Half-a-cup of masur dal (red lentil)
1 tablespoon of milk
1 tablespoon of cream
2 teaspoon of besan (gram flour)

Method:
Soak masur dal for a few hours and grind to a coarse paste. Add milk, fresh cream, besan. Avoid cream if you have oily skin. Apply this paste all over your body and scrub gently. Wash off.

How to deal with grey hair

You may be petrified of seeing that grey hair on your head. But before you jump the gun and try to get rid of your greys, here are some interesting facts that you probably didn't know about them.

This is the most common fact we've about grey hair that plucking one leads to many more greys. But it's just a common myth. One grey hair doesn't turn all the surround hair white. But you must pluck your hair as this act can damage your hair follicles.

Just because you have grey hair doesn't mean that you don't have to maintain them anymore. They require the same amount of care and grooming as much as your regular pigmented hair. Since they have a coarse texture, they tend to be dull and so need conditioning treatments regularly.

Another myth is a fear that people have when they start getting grey hair. People think graying of hair is a sign of ageing and turning old. But that's not completely true. Genetics is also responsible for greying hair.

Your hair could also turn grey prematurely if you're a smoker. So apart from health issues, smoking affects your skin, teeth and hair too.

6 steps to get gorgeous mane at home

Follow these tips and skip those frequent trips to the salon.

Shiny hair can now be achieved without splurging on beauty treatments. Just make sure that it is strong enough to be styled at home (styling brittle hair is a bit risky as it will break).

Use the right tools

If you want to straighten or curl your hair, apply a styling serum first. It will ensure that your hair texture does not look rough. After you are done styling, apply hold spray to keep your hair in place. With the right tools, products and some key blow-drying tricks, you can easily create magic.

Wash and condition

Gently massage a small amount of shampoo on your roots and let the runoff cleanse the ends. Without washing it off, slather some hair conditioner — concentrate on the mid-shaft to the ends; avoid the scalp and roots. If you have coarse hair, opt for a creamy conditioner.

Tip: When towel-drying your hair, gently squeeze — don't rub. After that, apply a good styling product. Then use a wide-tooth comb to remove the tangles and to evenly distribute the styling gel.

Section your hair

To make blow-drying easier, work your hair in sections. Part your hair from ear to ear and separate the front section from the back. Now divide the sections into smaller ones. Twist each section into loose mini buns and secure using hair clips. If you have thick or curly hair, divide your hair into as many sections as you can. This will make styling easier.

Blow dry

This leaves your hair with bounce and lustre. Use the nozzle of the dryer to regulate airflow. Work on one section at a time. Place a round brush near the root and pull your hair taut with it. Aim airflow down the hair shaft and slowly roll the brush out — from roots to ends. Repeat until the section is completely dry.

Tip: Avoid damaging your scalp or burning your hair. Make sure that you keep the dryer moving back and forth in small circles, instead of concentrating on a single spot.

Hold it with spray

Once the rollers are on, spray your hair lightly with a fine mist of medium-hold spray. Leave on the rollers for sometime. Hold the spray 10 to 12 inches above your head and apply in a long, single spray over your entire head.

Beautiful hair requires more than just oil and hair masks. What you eat is equally important. Here are a few ways to keep your hair healthy...

Know your ABCs

Vitamin A: It protects the nourishing oil of your scalp and also boosts shine. In case you are lacking vitamin A in your diet, make sure to take supplements. Sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are said to be rich in vitamin A.

Vitamin B: There are 11 B-complex vitamins and all of them are essential for increasing blood supply to your scalp. Walnuts, salmon and oysters are known to be excellent sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin C: To prevent dry scalp, hair breakage and stressed hair, vitamin C is important. It also boosts your immune system. Blueberries, broccoli and oranges are a few options.

Roll it up

Once you've blow-dried your hair, wrap it around a medium-sized Velcro roller and secure with bobby pins. Make sure not to wind the rollers too tightly, or else, the hair might get stuck. Repeat it. To give your curls more staying power, choose smaller rollers.

Your under eye dark circles guidebook

Fighting dark circles seems like a dying cause as their stubbornness is only added by the fact that dark circles can be a shadowy curtain on our impeccable skin.

No wonder how well you dress or how perfect your make-up is, dark circles can take the spotlight in a very unattractive manner. Dark circles, bags under the eyes and tired eyes can be unappealing and the sad truth is that no amount of make-up or designer clothes is going to hide dark circles. But there must be a solution, right? Today, we will try to uncover the dark secrets of dark circles and find out the causes of dark circles and ways to prevent and treat dark circles.

What are dark circles? 

We have tiny blood vessels, which are like a web under the skin. But these capillaries are so fine that the red blood cells queue up to pass through; in the process some of them leak in the surrounding area. Enzymes are produced during the cleaning up session. The breaking down of these red blood cells leaves them black and blue. The reason why this is so visible is that the skin around the eyes is the thinnest.

Causes of Dark Circles #1 

Sinus and Allergies can cause dark circles 

If you thought sinus and allergies can only drive you crazy, well it can also be the cause of dark circles. Dark circles around your eyes are a sign for allergies. Histamine reaction and constant rubbing of the eyes are the reasons of the dark circles.

Causes of Dark Circles #2 

Anemia and Kidney Infection 

Kidney problems or iron deficiencies translates to dark circles. Increase your iron intake and drink plenty of water to reduce dark circles. But before you self-diagnose yourself and claim that anemia and kidney infection is the cause of dark circles, we advise you to get a professional opinion.

Causes of Dark Circles #3 

Aging can be responsible of dark circles 

Unfortunately, aging not only loses elasticity of the skin but also responsible for dark circles. Aging makes the skin thinning, which increases the chances of damaging the skin and becomes far more visible.

Causes of Dark Circles #4 

Sun exposure can cause dark circles 

UV rays damages the skin, hence it is important to apply sunscreen under direct sunlight. The sun increases the melanin in the skin and brings it to the surface of the skin. Dark circles are obvious after a trip to the beach or the park.

Causes of Dark Circles #5 

Dark circles are attributed to insomnia and lack of sleep 

Dark circles appear if you are tired and lack sleep. It is also a reason for bags under your eyes. If you don't sleep enough, your skin turns paler.

Causes of Dark Circles #6 

Hormonal changes 

When women go through hormonal changes during their period or pregnancy, they will start noticing dark circles. Hormonal changes make the skin paler, enhancing the dark circles around the eyes.

Causes of Dark Circles #7 

Lack of nutrition 

It is rare but lack of nutrition can make dark circles more noticeable. Lack of iron is one cause of dark circle, but dark circles appear if you lack nutritious diet. A healthy diet or a balanced diet can help you fight dark circles.

Causes of Dark Circles #8 

Hereditary 

Genes can make the capillaries weak, genes can also be responsible for skin tone and the texture of the skin.

Causes of Dark Circles #9 

Smoking and drinking 

Late night parties, smoking and drinking can play havoc with your skin and result in dark eye circles. Dark eye circles could be a sign of loss of water from the body (dehydration) due to excessive drinking and intake of caffeinated drinks.

Causes of Dark Circles #10 

Dehydration 

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for dark circles under the eyes. The reason is the close proximity to the skin underneath the eye in relation to the underlying bone. When the body does not have a proper amount of water, the symptoms are often evident in this specific area.

Causes of Dark Circles #11 

Dark circles and liver disease 

Dark circles also indicate liver dysfunction due to various liver ailments. An example of such a liver ailment is hepatitis.

Treatment for Dark Circles #1 

Healthy diet 

A healthy and nutritious diet filled with vitamins like A, C, K, E and nutrients can help to get rid of dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #2 

Avoid unhealthy habits 

Smoking, drinking and insomnia are causes of dark circles, but adequate sleep, avoid smoking and alcohol can help you achieve healthy skin. Cutting back or stop smoking and drinking couple of days before an important day can reduce dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #3 

Be active 

Lack of exercise or fitness can be the cause of dark circles. Lack of activity in your life prevents the follow of blood and oxygen to different parts of the body. Hence you will see dark circles around the eyes if you are inactive.

Treatment for Dark Circles #4 

Improve blood circulation 

Dark circles appear under the eyes when the circulation is poor, what you can do is slash cold water on your face. Cold water improves the circulation in the body, hence cold shower is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body after a hot and tiring day.

Treatment for Dark Circles #5 

Sun protection 

Stepping out in the sun? Don't forget to use sunscreen and sun protection, these sun protection creams can help you reduce and prevent damaging your skin. Damaged skin brings out the dark circles which cause havoc to your flawless skin.

Treatment for Dark Circles #6 

Stay hydrated 

Lack of water makes the blood vessels to dilate and swell, making it visible under the eyes where the skin is thin. Drinking water will reduce this process. Even caffeine induce drinks can make you dehydrated and enhance dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #7 

Moisturise every night 

Trying to fight dark circles? Try applying moisturizer every night to keep the kin nourished and hydrated.

Treatment for Dark Circles #8 

Apply make up 

Not a original idea, but concealer can help you hide the dark circles to a certain extent. If the dark circles are too prominent its time to visit a specialist.

Anti-ageing tips for oily skin

Oily skinned women have typically less lines and wrinkles visible as compared to women with normal and dry skin. Though there are a few benefits of having oily skin, here's how you can prevent your skin from ageing faster

1. Apply sunscreen regularly 

Whatever the skin type, using sunscreen is a must. If protecting your skin from damage caused due to sun was never your priority, start now. Sunscreen will protect your skin from sun and you'll look younger. Most importantly, go for sunscreens for oily skin to avoid clogged pores.

2. Don't wash your face too often 

Don't over cleanse your face even though your oily skin texture may tempt you into washing your face again and again. Yes you may want your skin to look fresh, clean and oil-free but washing your face several times in a day actually leads to increase in oil production. Also, over-cleansing may make your skin dry. You can wash your face twice a day and use blotting papers during the day to keep oil away.

3. Nourish your skin 

Antioxidants help prevent oxidising and help your skin stay supple. So antioxidants is certainly something that you need to incorporate in your skin-care routine. Opt for oil-free moisturisers that contain antioxidants. Also follow a diet that includes berries, beans and veggies to feed your skin

4. Get adequate sleep 

Sleep is extremely important not only for your skin but your overall health. This doesn't mean you sleep all day, just get adequate sleep of around 8 to 9 hours. Also, sleep on your back as sleeping on your face can wrinkle the skin and age skin at a faster rate.

5. Consume Omega-3 fatty acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids revitalises your skin and repairs it from inside. Eat foods rich on omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut, eggs, soy milk and yogurt. They are not only delicious but also do a lot of benefit to your skin.

6. Avoid sugar, smoke and alcohol 

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can give yourself as it not only damages your health but also your skin. And if you have a sweet tooth and indulge in too many sweets, cut down on them. Studies have shown that consuming lots of sugar over long periods can cause skin to age and dull due to a process in our body called glycation. Limit your consumption of candies and eat healthy vegetables and fruits instead. Also, drinking alcohol dilates your blood vessels and increases blood flow near the skin's surface which makes your skin appear sallow. So limit your consumption of alcohol.

Quick tips for a shiny mane

Is the humidity and moisture wreaking havoc on your tresses? With the following tips you can make sure they do not lose their shine.

Aesthetician Ritu Singh Tanwar tells us about a simple hair mask that can be made at home. "Take a cup of thick curd and add two tablespoons of fenugreek powder to it. Apply this to your hair length properly. Let it stay for around 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You do not need to shampoo your hair, but you must apply a conditioner and hair serum," she says.

Eggs, most of us know, are very good for hair and Ritu says that one should apply egg whites on your hair length and ends to make them lustrous. "You should leave it on for around 20 minutes and then use a shampoo — preferably egg-based — to wash off. Follow this with a conditioner," she says. Trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah says that one needs to condition hair well to give it a shine, (See box on conditioning). Hair masks like these, not only make your hair shiny but also softer and more manageable. Go on and flaunt your healthy, and shiny hair!

For lustrous tresses
- Take a large mug of water and add the juice of one lemon to it.
- Now use this water as a final rinse after your regular shampoo.
- You could also use three to four teaspoons of vinegar instead of lime juice.
- Rinsing hair with this, will make it lustrous.

Here are a few steps to conditioning your hair properly...

Step 1: Moisturising your scalp is very important. We have been following this since ages — oil the scalp and the hair shaft and let it stay overnight or keep it for at least four to five hours.

Step 2: Apply a deep conditioning treatment hair pack (there are many available over-the-counter or with your trichologist). You need to apply this only on the hair length. Keep this for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Now wash off the hair pack. Shampoo your hair well and then apply a good wash-off conditioner on your hair, but avoid the scalp. You need to keep a wash-off conditioner on your hair for at least three minutes.

Step 4: Finally, before washing off your conditioner, wrap a hot towel around your head covering your hair. Then wash off once the towel really cools off. After you are out of the shower, towel dry your hair. Now apply a hair repair serum on the hair shaft. Let your hair dry naturally. Comb through with a wide-toothed, preferably wooden comb. Do this once a week and you will be surprised at the visible change in your hair texture.

Unusual beauty tips that work

Here are two unusual but very effective beauty tips to get rid of blackheads and to get soft, supple hands.

Pepper to get rid of blackheads:

Fighting blackheads is a never-ending battle. Blackhead strips are a huge dud. Try pepper instead. Mix one tablespoon of pepper with yogurt and apply it on your nose. Scrub gently in circular motions. Keep it on for seven minutes and rinse. The grainy pepper works as a natural exfoliant and lifts blackheads more effectively than anything else.

Cinnamon for soft hands:

Mix two cups of water with a cup of milk, two tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Warm it up and soak your hands in it for 10 minutes while gently rubbing them together. Cinnamon works as an exfoliant and stimulates circulation.

4 ways to whiter teeth

So, you have always been complimented for your dazzling smile. We hope you have a perfect set of pearlies to give you that radiant smile.

Yellowing of teeth are a thorough let-down. Dark lipsticks, especially shades of red and even neons, bring out the yellowness of your teeth. Thus, it is imperative to have a clean set of white teeth for you to flaunt that neon pout. However, whitening or brightening your teeth need not be an expensive affair. You don't always have to splurge on products and treatments that will leave a dent in your pocket. Here are some natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Mix baking soda
This is by far the cheapest and most effective way to whiten your pearlies. Baking soda is easily available in most general stores. Squeeze out a little toothpaste in a bowl. Add a pinch of baking soda to it. Mix it up and then brush your teeth with it. Indian food tends to stain teeth a lot, because of the use of turmeric. Try this mixture before bedtime. Ensure that you rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards, as baking soda doesn't taste good if left in your teeth.

Gorge on strawberries
Strawberries are tasty and make for a great scrub for your teeth. The tiny seeds in the fruit scrub away the tartar off the teeth. Works well on days when you are feeling too lazy to do much else in the way of oral hygiene.

Use a straw
We all love our daily cuppa. However, caffeine addiction wreaks havoc on your teeth. Sad but true. Having too many cups of coffee or tea stains teeth like nothing else. The same goes for soda. You simply must give it up completely or restrict your intake to as little as possible. If you can't give it up, at least try using a straw to sip coffee or soda to avoid direct contact with teeth.

So, you have always been complimented for your dazzling smile. We hope you have a perfect set of pearlies to give you that radiant smile.

Yellowing of teeth are a thorough let-down. Dark lipsticks, especially shades of red and even neons, bring out the yellowness of your teeth. Thus, it is imperative to have a clean set of white teeth for you to flaunt that neon pout. However, whitening or brightening your teeth need not be an expensive affair. You don't always have to splurge on products and treatments that will leave a dent in your pocket. Here are some natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Mix baking soda
This is by far the cheapest and most effective way to whiten your pearlies. Baking soda is easily available in most general stores. Squeeze out a little toothpaste in a bowl. Add a pinch of baking soda to it. Mix it up and then brush your teeth with it. Indian food tends to stain teeth a lot, because of the use of turmeric. Try this mixture before bedtime. Ensure that you rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards, as baking soda doesn't taste good if left in your teeth.

Gorge on strawberries
Strawberries are tasty and make for a great scrub for your teeth. The tiny seeds in the fruit scrub away the tartar off the teeth.  Works well on days when you are feeling too lazy to do much else in the way of oral hygiene.

Use a straw
We all love our daily cuppa. However, caffeine addiction wreaks havoc on your teeth. Sad but true. Having too many cups of coffee or tea stains teeth like nothing else. The same goes for soda. You simply must give it up completely or restrict your intake to as little as possible. If you can't give it up, at least try using a straw to sip coffee or soda to avoid direct contact with teeth.

Floss
Most people don't think much about it. However, flossing is one habit that you must inculcate. It is one of the best ways to dislodge the food that you have eaten all day long — even if you rinse thoroughly, food particless get stuck between your teeth. It helps in cleaning the stains in the creases of your gums while preventing gum disease. Grab some floss and make it your nightly routine.

Most people don't think much about it. However, flossing is one habit that you must inculcate. It is one of the best ways to dislodge the food that you have eaten all day long — even if you rinse thoroughly, food particles get stuck between your teeth. It helps in cleaning the stains in the creases of your gums while preventing gum disease. Grab some floss and make it your nightly routine.

Honey, the skin saviour

Honey is seen as an ideal natural ingredient to do away with skin dryness and there is more to this sweet kitchen ingredient.

Make honey part of your beauty regime to get natural glow...

Usage of honey:

Facial scrub: Women with sensitive skin can prepare a face mask made of honey, brown sugar, olive oil and lemon juice. It's less abrasive, yet removes dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and more vibrant complexion.

Hair removal: Mix honey and lemon juice and pour into a sugaring wax that's safe to use on your body. This will remove hair and also make your skin soft.

Scars: To make the scars leave your side, apply raw honey on the affected areas before bed and cover with a bandage. In the morning, remove the cover-up and cleanse the skin.

Bath treatment: Take bath with milk and honey. The alpha hydroxy acids in milk breaks down dry and flaky skin, while the enzymes in honey softens skin.

Sunburn: Honey helps to soothe sunburns. You just need to dab on a little honey on skin.

Chapped lips: Mix honey, brown sugar and olive oil, and apply on your lips. This mixture will moisturise chappy lips.

How to get rid of blackheads

Here are some sure shot ways to remove blackheads through some quick fix methods.

Squeeze them out: Warming your skin makes the pores expand, making it easier to squeeze out the blackheads. You can do this by taking a warm shower or applying a hot compress to the affected areas. Use an extractor tool or bobby pin to force it out. Be careful with these methods, and if you experience serious pain, try something else.

Use Toothpaste: Apply an inch-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush and wet the affected area. Gently with your toothbrush, scrub the affected area for a short period of time. Make sure you do not apply it too close to the eyes, as the vapours from methanol toothpastes can irritate the eyes. If you have nose blackheads, apply an even smaller amount of toothpaste, and keep clear from eyes. Always sterilise the toothbrush with boiling-hot water after following this method.

Lime juice: Make a lotion with equal parts of lime juice, almond oil and glycerin. Apply your lotion to your face. It will not only cure blackheads but the discolouring spots on the face too.

Steam and moisturise: Put a hot towel over your face for 10 minutes. Letting it sit will bring the black heads to the surface. Wash with warm water and natural face wash. Close pores with cold water and apply oil-free moisturiser.

Natural remedies to cure skin problems

Are you looking for some natural remedies to get rid of skin related problems. Try out rosewater as it helps in removing skin clogs and blackheads or you can also opt for aloe vera pack for glowing skin.

Navin Sharma, head of research andDevelopment at Cholayil Private Limited shares some useful tips that can help in attaining a "healthy" skin.

Pearl pack: It improves the skin texture, balances moisture and makes the skin glow. It helps reduce dark marks, pimples and acne. It can be used both in form of paste and powder. Pearl helps in minimizing the large pores on the skin and therefore reduces redness.

Rose water pack: Wash your face regularly with rose water for softer skin. It effectively removes skin clogs, blackheads and reduces stickiness from the face. It helps clear all the impurities and dust. Rose oil contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Proper face massage with rose water will remove excess oil in the skin, keeping it evenly moisturised and exfoliated, thus restoring the lost pH balance and skin texture, preventing acne and pimples, removing the dirt that gets accumulated in the skin pores.

Neem pack: It is an ideal solution to all your summer-related skin problems. Neem benefits can be utilized the most during this season. Neem juice helps in purification of skin and blood. You can use facewashes that contain neem leaves as an ingredient.

Aloe Vera pack: It helps cure acne problems. It contains medicinal properties that help protect the skin's natural beauty. It also works as a moisturizer and provides oxygen to the body cells which strengthen the skin tissues and help to keep the skin healthy.

Top 10 home remedies for healthy hair

Hair can look healthy without visiting high priced salons, paying for expensive treatments and trying many conditioners and shampoos.

A variety of home remedies for healthy hair can be easily found in our kitchens for better results. From beer to bananas, shiny healthy hair is easy with a variety of these home remedies. Let's have a look.

Bananas for healthy hair

Due to high level of potassium found in bananas, they help improve hair health and natural elasticity.

Use a fork to mash one banana in a bowl, and then apply the mixture from root to tip. Leave the treatment on for 15 minutes, and then wash with shampoo. This treatment will cure dry and damaged hair.

Egg yolk treatment

Massaging the yellow portion of the egg on your scalp or a mixture of three egg yolks, 1 tbsp olive oil and three drops of Vitamin E can be a wonderful hair remedy.

Leave treatment on hair for 10 minutes and then rinse and shampoo hair. You can repeat the procedure at least once a week to ensure best results. This treatment will soften and condition your hair.

Beer treatment

A popular remedy is to rinse your hair with a little beer. Place beer into a spray bottle. Shampoo and lightly towel dry hair. Lightly spray beer into hair.

Believers in this remedy claim that beer has properties that can return the shine to your hair.

Hair conditioning with mayonnaise

Apply mayonnaise to wet hair. Leave treatment on hair from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Rinse well and shampoo. Mayonnaise is an excellent deep conditioner.

Oil massage

Massaging warm oil on to the scalp is a very popular medication in India. You can use coconut or olive oil for best results.

Leaving this for an hour and following this procedure with the application of limejuice mixed with some vinegar can help you get rid of dandruff.

Olive oil treatment

Apply 4 tbsp of olive oil to hair. Massage oil into scalp and hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

For best results, leave olive oil in hair overnight for additional conditioning. Olive oil will strengthen hair and prevent breakage.

Mixture of amla powder and lime juice

Mixture of amla powder and lemon juice can be applied to the hair to help it grow stronger and have a fuller appearance.

Combine 1 tbsp. amla powder with the juice of one lemon in a small container and shake to dissolve the powder.

Gently massage the mixture onto the roots of the hair and scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.

Strawberries for luscious hair

Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel.

Wash out with a shampoo and conditioner combination.

This luscious mix of rich berries will leave your hair both conditioned and with rich gloss.

Fenugreek seeds

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. Then ground the seeds into a fine paste in the morning and apply over the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash thoroughly.

This is a highly effective remedy to remove dandruff.

Good diet and exercise

You are what you eat even with reference to the health of your hair. Consuming fruits and dark green leafy vegetables and the right amount of proteins like nuts, cereals are the key to ensuring the good condition of your hair.

Along with ample amount of water and little exercise will make your hair healthy and soft. The more you exercise, the better your body's blood circulation will be - which means that your hair will grow stronger, faster and healthier. 

Top 10 Superfoods To Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss is the common prevailing problem for which the first thing which has to be taken into consideration apart from which people also tend to use any product which is advise even if it does not give the desired results. The main focus however is to see what is being eaten which is said to definitely work in fighting against hair loss problems and enhancing hair growth.

With an idea to help you we have listed some of the super foods which are sure to enhance hair growth and prevent hair loss issues.

Here Are Top 10 Superfoods to Prevent Hair Loss:

1. Spinach:

   Leafy vegetables are known to be good sources of providing the body with Vitamins like C, B and E along with Omega-3 fatty acids, Calcium and Iron, antioxidants and nutrients which are known to help in growing hair.



2. Eggs:

   Proteins are the one which initiate the process of hair growth successfully and eggs are the one which are famous for being great source of proteins. Along with this they also are good sources of Vitamin B and biotin which help in keeping an eye on the hair loss which is why it is suggested to eat one egg on daily basis.



3. Beans:

   They are full of Vitamins C, B, Zinc which are known to promote hair growth also due to the presence of fiber and calorie protein which are also present in various types of beans like pinto beans, navy beans, Kidney beans and several others.



4. Nuts:

   Nuts are said to play great role when it comes to boosting hair growth also eliminating any chances of losing hair, some of these nuts can be peanuts, cashew nuts, walnuts and almonds which have huge mixtures of vitamins and minerals along with healthy fats which do not allow the process of hair loss to go on hence it is suggested to make nuts part of diet.



5. Sunflower Seeds:

   These seeds have been identified to include some of the essential nutrients like Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, biotin, Omega-6 fatty acids and protein which are said to play important role in preventing hair loss. Also those who want to see improvement in their hair growth will probably have to go with handful of these seeds but care also has to be taken so that this will not be taken in too much quantities will probably set off the hair loss process.



6. Salmon:

   Omega-3 fatty acids also are known to help in hair growth which is present in huge amounts in this fatty fish along with protein named Vitamin B12. These ingredients are known to help in resolving problems like too much loss of hair and drying up of hair, for best results it is suggested to go with this food for about two times in a week.



7. Beef:

   This is a kind of meat which is said to have huge amounts of Zinc, Vitamin B, Protein and Iron which is said to improve the quality of hair for which there is a need to eat beef for twice or thrice every week.



8. Oat:

   Vitamin B, Copper, Protein, Zinc, Potassium are supported with micronutrients which are said to surely give positive result in increasing hair growth and reduce hair loss.



9. Carrots:

   These have always been known to help in improving eye sight however there are very few who know that it will also help in hair growth due to the presence of important nutrient like Beta-carotene which helps in growing hair healthily.



10. Sweet Potatoes:

    Hair loss problem can be easily resolved by those who make it a point to include sweet potatoes in diet due to the power packed sources like beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A by our body which plays key role in growing cells and tissues.

9 Simple Home Remedies for Pimples

Generally pimples are caused due to increase of the hormone levels in the body, which can be mostly seen in teenagers. Commonly pimples are occurred on the face, scalp, back and chest areas of the body. The main reasons behind cause of acne are improper diet, high stress, sleeplessness and very busy lifestyle.

Here are the natural home remedies for curing pimples/acne:

1. Redmond Clay: 

   
   Mixing Redmond clay with small quantity of water and lavender oil gives you a clay paste which should be applied on the areas where you find pimples but not all over the face. This helps your pimples disappear overnight.



2. Apple Cider Vinegar: 

   
   Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) works as a toner and helps you clear pimples from your skin and also improves your complexion. When applied, it softens and exfoliates your skin.  But remember to dilute it before using it on your face. Apply on the blemish once or twice every day for better results. After applying, do not wash it off unless you actually want to.



3. Lemon Juice: 

   
   Dirt that is accumulated on the pores of skin generally causes pimples. The acidic property that is present in the lemons will help in cleaning the dirt on the skin. Lemon juice should be applied over the pimples and should be left for few hours which cures the pimples, lemon juice mixed with equal ratio of rose water also treats pimples.



4. Mustard & Honey:

   
   Mustard is a good source of natural salicylic acid. It works wonders in treating acne or pimples. It also contains lots of fatty acids, omega 3, vitamin C and zinc. All these components are good for your skin. For treating blemishes you can use mustard or mustard powder. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of mustard powder with 1 tsp honey and apply it as pimple mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off.



5. Green Tea & Ice Cubes:

   
   Rolling ice cubes over the pimples lessen the swelling and also the redness. This gives you relief from the pain caused by pimples and also treats them. You can even use frozen green tea cubes over your blemish for soothing effect.



6. Tomatoes: 

   
   Tomatoes act as a very good astringent and they are rich in antioxidants. Tomato facial masks help you in healing acne scars quickly. Cut a tomato into two halves and rub the juice over a blemish or eruption once or twice every day. Do not over use the tomato juice directly on the face as it may cause dryness. So, just treat your pimples with tomato juice or dilute it till it’s thin and then use it carefully.



7. Essential oils: 

   
   Essential oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil are good for your skin, if they are used sparingly. Usually you should not use undiluted essential oils directly on your facial skin. These oils should be used rarely as you may get an itchy reaction because of excessive use. Avoid rubbing undiluted essential oils on your skin. 
   
   Take a drop of tea tree oil or lavender oil and apply it on an awkwardly large pimple or blemishes. But keep in mind that it may not work well for everyone.



8. Egg white: 

   
   Egg white contains 10% of proteins, vitamins and minerals and about 90% water. The drying effect of egg white will soak the excess oils and expedites healing of your pimples or acne.  You can take a dab of egg white and apply it on your blemishes or you can mix egg white with lemon juice or honey for better results. 
   
   You can also apply little lemon juice or garlic juice on the pimple and cover it with egg white to get rid of pimples. 



9. Garlic: 

   
   Garlic is another wonderful natural remedy for pimples. It is packed with anti-microbial and healing properties, which helps you in killing bacteria faster than you think. Dab a bit of garlic juice on the affected area or your pimple and let it rest for as long as possible.

Credit: www.myhealthtips.in/

Simple Home Remedies For Sun Tanned Skin

Tanning of skin is generally caused due to exposure of skin to the Ultra Violet (UV) radiations of the sun. It results in darkening of the skin as the UV rays multiply the production of melanin in the body. Generally skin produces melanin to protect itself for sunlight, but excessive production results in sun tan or sun burns.

Once you have suffered the tan, it is not easy to remove tan from your skin. So you usually try to prevent tan by applying sunscreen lotion and carrying umbrellas. In tan, the skin shows two shades i.e., brighter and darker. The uncovered skin get tanned and becomes dark, usually the skin on face, hands, arms, back, neck and feet gets tanned as they remain uncovered most of the time and gets exposed to the sun directly.

Though there are creams and lotions available to remove tan but the chemicals present in those products may damage the skin. Hence it better you choose to get rid of tan naturally, as there are many simple home remedies that help you get rid of the horrid sun tan effects. You need to follow these natural cures for more than a week to obtain visible results and regain you natural skin color.

Check out some of the most effective home remedies to remove tan from your skin (Face & Hand):

1. Yoghurt and Turmeric:

   Yogurt is a common ingredient that is available in your home. It helps in reducing sun tan by reducing the redness of the skin, cooling it down and tightening it.  In order to treat sun tan, mix chilled yogurt and a pinch of haldi or turmeric together properly in a bowl. Now apply this yogurt paste before bathing on your face, hands and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes. You can also add lime juice and tomato juice to yogurt and use this paste on the affected areas daily for better results.



2. Honey:

   It is a natural cure to remove tan. Mix a teaspoon of honey with equal quantity of lemon juice, almond paste and milk powder and apply on the tanned area.



3. Tomato:

   Tomato works like charm in removing tan instantly. Slice tomato into two halves and rub it on the affected skin area, rub along the inner side of the tomato so that the tomato juice and seeds comes in contact with the skin directly. Leave for 15 minutes, before rinsing off with cool water.



4. Almonds:

   Almonds helps in removing tan from skin, apart from this it also cleanses, scrubs and helps in skin lightening.  Grind 5 to 10 green almonds into a fine paste and mix it with five drops of sandalwood oil. Apply this almond paste on the affected skin area. If you are not able to get fresh almonds, then soak almonds overnight and follow the similar procedure. Repeat this procedure twice a week for better results.



5. Papaya:

   Papaya is very good for the skin that helps in anti-aging. It also helps in curing sun tan. Mash the papaya and take the pulp. Now rub the pulp on the tanned skin area and massage it for a while.



6. Turmeric:

   Turmeric is one of the natural skin care product that helps you in curing almost all skin problems. To treat sun tan, mix turmeric powder with lemon juice and stir properly. Add 1 table spoon of raw milk to turmeric mixture. Apply this paste to your face and hands and leave it until it dries up. To see visible results, rinse it off with cold water.



7. Lemon juice:

   Lemon juice is an effective remedy for sun tan, as Vitamin C present in lemon helps in lightening the skin and removes tan. Take some lemon juice and apply it directly on the affected area including hands, neck and face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.



8. Cucumber:

   Cucumber works well as a cooling agent and helps you in preventing sun tan. Along with providing a soothing affect to the skin, Vitamin C present in cucumber moisturizes the skin. Take half grated cucumber / cucumber juice and add 2 table spoons of milk or milk powder along with a few drops of lemon juice and mix properly. Apply this mixture to the face and let it dry for some time then wash it with water. For better results apply this mixture weekly once



9. Bleaching:

   Another effective way to remove tan from skin is bleaching. Potatoes are natural bleaching agents and helps lighten the skin. Cut the potato into slices and put them in fridge. Now take the chilled potato slices apply them on the tanned area, leave it for 30 min and wash it off.

By following the above home remedies you can remove tan easily. Before you follow those remedies you need to take the below precautions to keep your skin safe from sun rays.

• Try avoiding direct effect of the sun by covering your hands before going out
• Apply an effective sunscreen on those areas that can’t be covered, in order to protect your skin from sun rays
• Always keep your skin hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Drinking more water will reduce the risk of skin drying

Credit: www.myhealthtips.in

10 tips to get rid of under eye puffiness

Do you feel old and tired because of your eyes? It is really hard to feel fresh and alert when your eyes are tired and droopy, because of those annoying bags under them. They are a sign of stress and fatigue.

Fret not as Asian Roots Luxury Spa, Delhi, has come up with some totally handy and effective tips to get rid of under eye bags and dark circles.

1. Go potato: Slice a raw potato (after refrigerating for a couple of minutes) into two and circle the closed eyes gently with those halves. Place it on your eyes so that it also covers the puffed ares under your eyes and leave it like that for 15-20 minutes. You'll notice a tremendous change in those bags as they'll be diminished in size.

2. Milky way: If you have extremely puffed up eyes this is the regular regime that you will have to follow. Dip cotton pads in chilled milk and place on your eyelids and relax for 20-30 minutes. This well help your eyes in water retention and it would also cool them off .

3. Oily help: Take chilled water in a bowl and add a few drops of vitamin E oil to it, now mix the two well. Dip cotton pads in this mixture and place on the eyes for 20 minutes, this well help in reducing the swelling around the eyes.

4. Cucumber relief: Cucumbers are a fantastic natural remedy to get rid of under eye puffiness. Take 2 slices of fresh refrigerated cucumber and place it on your eyes for 25 minutes. Relax with the cool soothing slices over your eyes and slip into a short nap, it will help refresh your mind as well as your eyes, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the cool cucumber will naturally help reduce puffy tissues.

5. Chilled tea bags: If you are in a hurry and do not want to go with droopy eyes then teabags are the way to go. Moisten two tea bags in cold water and refrigerate them for a while. Then place them over your eyes for 25-30 minutes. Lie back and relax with the cool teabags over your eyes. Finish by washing your eyes and face with cold water, and dry your skin thoroughly. You would feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

6. Of spoons and iced water: The puffiness of the eyes can be reduced with the help of a glass of ice water and four stainless steel spoons. Chill the spoons in the water and then place one over each eye. Keep switching the spoons while letting the other one chill in the glass of water. Keep switching until you see improvement.

8. Egg white: Stiffly beat a few egg whites and apply it around your eyes with a brush. It will result in making the area around and under the eye feel tighter and look less puffy. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse your face in cold water.

9. Green tea bag: Settle down for 10-15 minutes with a chilled, steeped chamomile or green tea bag over each eye and then relax. The natural properties of these herbal teas will help bring puffy eyes back to their original size.

10. Hydrate your body: Drink as much water as possible. Yes, it seems counter-intuitive when you are retaining water, but hydrating reduces puffiness. So drink a glass of water whenever you notice your eyes getting a little droopy.

3 Natural Tips to Prevent Hair fall & Hair loss

Hair fall has become quite common among several people that is found to be due to several problems like oily scalp, imbalance of hormones, hereditary, irregularity in diet, dandruff, change of water and too much stress. Before starting efforts to treat hair fall it is necessary to find the actual reason for this hair fall happening and once the reason has been found there are some natural treatments available that is sure to work against hair loss.

Hence we have put together these natural solutions in order to prepare your hair to fight against hair fall with positive results, these treatments suggested include:

• Onion Juice:

 This is a proven fact that onion juice is known to give positive results in treating hair fall problems, there are very few people who are aware of the fact that it is this juice which is used in several tonics which have been exclusively made to treat hair loss. Onion juice also is known to be clinically true in treating hair fall since it works as stimulant in growth of hair by increasing the blood circulation in scalp. Apart from this onion juice is also known to work as an antiseptic by cleansing the scalp, preparation method of this juice is given below:

1. Take one large onion in blender to make into juice which has to be later filtered to extract juice without pulp so that it will be easy to apply on scalp for about an hour. 
2. Though very strong and pungent in odor Onion can also be used in this form with rose water which has to be later washed off after about an hour with herbal shampoo that does not have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. 
3. For this pack to work effectively it is suggested to wait for about 2-3 weeks based on the severity of hair fall it is suggested to increase its usage in a week.

• Coriander Juice:

Coriander also known as cilantro is one such other juice like onion that is said to boost hair growth and fighting against hair fall providing hair with all the necessary nutrients which enable in proper growth. Here we provide you with the way in which it can be prepared and used which are given below:

1. Make paste with freshly chopped coriander leaves and water, which has to be made to be of juice consistency that has to be filtered to get juice that is easily applied on the scalp for about an hour before shampooing it off.
2. To increase the benefits being extracted from this juice it is suggested to use them with other type of packs too, for this juice to show its effect it is necessary to give it nearly 2-3 weeks of time and can be used couple of times in a week or month based on the density at which hair fall occurs.

• Fenugreek seeds with yogurt:

This combination is said to work best for people suffering from dandruff and hair fall issues, hair growth is ensured with the presence of protein and nicotinic acid in fenugreek seeds also known as methi seeds. People who have oily scalp are suggested to replace yogurt with water or aloe vera juice to make paste for easy application on scalp. Yogurt in this mixture is known to provide nourishment and acts as conditioner for dry scalp, process in preparation of this paste is given below:

1. Mix fenugreek powder with yogurt based on the hair length to make paste which can be later applied on the scalp to cover entire hair so that it will be conditioned and left so for about an hour but later has to be washed off with herbal shampoo.
2. For this paste to show its result it might take about 2-3 weeks and has to be used couple of times every week to give the desired output.

For all those who are worried about their hair loss problems should understand that there is a duration of about 2-4 months when hair is said to undergo telgon phase which is due to the condition named telogen effluvium as per which there will be regular hair fall which is pretty much normal to happen.

For all those who do not know what telogen phase is will be able to recognize it once they see a bulb on hair tip when it sheds, however there is nothing to worry about since there will be growth of new hair strand instead of the one which has been shed.

There is also nothing to worry hugely about this phase since it is said to last only for 3 months which will then be followed by normal hair growth, but for those who identify this phase to last more than 6 months should go with medical help. We hope that the home made treatments given above will help to prevent hair loss.

Home remedies to cure acne

Acne is a very common problem from which a very large feed of young people are suffering these days. Dirty skin, eating chocolates, greasy food and hormonal changes are a few common reasons which are inculpated for it. 

Skin specialist Dr. Sandeep Bhasin of Care Well Medical Centre brings some home remedies which will help you get rid of acne easily.

1. Always do a skin test: Home remedies are easy to make and apply but before that one should definitely go for a skin test to a dermatologist before inception of any kind. Your skin type and reason for your acne can be different from others in which only a dermatologist can help you out. Applying the remedies without knowing the reason or skin type may harm your skin and give you more side-effects from the same.

2. Leafy intake: Vitamin A & Iron supplements are really good for acne. Consume more of green leafy vegetables, dairy products and fortified cereals; the top sources of provitamin A include carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe and squash. Daily intake of 20,000 IU would help in reducing the acne formation as well as the scarring caused by the acnes.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular workouts, physical exercises and a fit body with a balanced weight will help you in the long term; reducing sweets, carbohydrates and high calories in diet would help in controlling acne.

4. Nature's helping hand: Tea tree oil is a common antiseptic oil which is very helpful in reducing the inflammation of acne. It is highly beneficial and it helps in reducing the redness of the acute stage of acne. Take some tea tree oil and apply it to the acne overnight.

5. Herbal cure: Neem and chiraita are excellent herbs which help in decreasing the acne formation. Crush some leaves and make a paste out of them, apply the paste daily for a cleaner looking and an acne free skin.

6. Baking soda: Baking soda is one of the ingredients which can be found in every kitchen easily. Mix baking soda with some water in a bowl as thick as a paste and apply it over the face as a facial mask. Remove it after 20 minutes and wash your face with lukewarm water or as the dermatologist prescribes as per your skin type. Natural bleaching agents of baking soda will definitely help in speeding the healing, clearing up and reducing of the scars.

7. Oatmeal: Mix some water with oatmeal ground in a blender from which you will get a thick paste. Apply the paste to the face as a facial mask and let it dry for 15 minutes. Wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry your face with a white clean towel. Natural properties of the oatmeal will help in cleaning up the acne and reduce the scarring.

8. Organic yogurt: If you are not allergic to milk products then organic yogurt is very gentle and is a must for acne reduction. Apply the yogurt on the acne and let it remain for at least 10 minutes. Lactic acid in the yogurt contains natural alpha hydroxy acids and has milk exfoliating effects which helps the skin rejuvenate and reduce acne scarring.

9. Egg-white: Making a facial mask from egg-white is very helpful in healing acne scars and reducing acne inflammation at a fast rate. Apply the mashed egg-white over the face as a facial mask and wash it after 20 minutes with lukewarm water. But, be sure that your skin is not allergic to eggs and taking the advice of dermatologist is a must. If you can undergo it then also try after mixing few drops of lemon with it.

10. Cold pressed olive oil: Olive oil is a great skin moisturiser and in use from years for personal care as it contains four different antioxidants one of which is linoleic acid which prevents water to evaporate from our skin. Take some cold pressed olive oil and apply it to the scars. It helps in reducing the visibility of acne scars and helps in softening them.

11. Ice magic: Place an ice-cube over your acne pimples one by one and it will really help reduce the redness and swelling from them. Ice cubes also helps in reducing the size of acne scars by tightening them.