The Natural Way

SUPARNA TRIKHA DEWAN OFFERS NATURAL SOLUTIONS AND HOME REMEDIES FOR YOUR BEAUTY PROBLEMS

I am a 25-year-old man. I have started losing hair at an alarming rate. Also, my hair has started greying. I have been taking homeopathic medicine to cure it. Please suggest a natural hair dye. Also, how can I prevent the hairloss?

Saif, via e-mail

Start using henna weekly. This will not only promote hair growth but will also darken your hair naturally.

Ushoshi Sengupta Model I use a good make-up remover and cleanser after every shoot and follow it up by splashing my face with chilled rose water. I let it dry by itself. For regular use, I use a Lotus SPF 40 sunblock on my face whenever I step out and an SPF 25 on my arms. I also make sure I carry wet wipes whenever I go out.

I am a 21-year-old man with curly hair. I would like to flaunt straight hair. How can I straighten my hair naturally?

Tuhin Purkayastha, Calcutta

Massage the scalp with honey and leave it on for 20 minutes. This will soften the hair and open up the curls.

I am an 18-year-old girl, suffering from an excessive hairfall problem. Also, my hair becomes very sticky and rough within hours of shampooing. How can I have lustrous and healthy long hair?

Mitali, Calcutta

Check whether your have dandruff. Change the shampoo that you are using. Go for a shampoo which is suited for oily hair. Also it is important that you use an after-shampoo rinse. Mix the juice of half a lemon to strained tea water and use this as an after-shampoo rinse.

I am an 18-year-old girl. I oil my hair twice a week and wash it with shampoo and also condition it regularly. Though my hair feels soft when I touch it, it appears to be very rough, giving me an unkempt look. How can I get soft and silky hair?

Name and address withheld

Take one cup of homemade mayonnaise and massage it into your hair. Then cover your hair with a shower cap. Steam your hair for five minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Your hair will become softer and it will look more manageable.

I am a 21-year-old woman. A few days ago I found a black spot on my left ankle. What should I do to remove the ugly mark?

Bikky, via e-mail

Never take spots like this one lightly. You should consult a doctor immediately and check out what it is.

Cosmetic cures

Bridgette Jones has the most effective make-up tricks up her sleeve

I am a young woman. How do I do a French manicure and pedicure at home?

Name and address withheld

This clean classic look is a favourite on the hands, but the popularity of French polish on the toes is catching on. The French manicure is one where the tips of the nails are pure white. It is popular since it makes your nail look healthy and clean. It’s suitable for all occasions as it’s ultra natural.

Advaita Kala Author My beauty routine is pretty basic. I drink lots of water, avoid too much make-up and keep my face clean. It is also important to moisturise and try and stick to natural and organic products from companies like The Body Shop for example.

The French manicure and pedicure works well for nail lengths which are medium to long. The white nail polish is aligned with the edge of the finger or toes nail, but there are alternatives which also look good. You can have long nails with little white or shorter nails with lots of white.

You can also choose between the shapes for the tips of the nails — round, oval or square. To draw the white tips, use a small paintbrush to spread the colour evenly.

The tools that you will require for French manicure is as follows : 1. base/top coat, 2. tip guide strips, 3.neutral polish/white polish, 4. French manicure kits that offer everything in one box.

The next step is to file and shape your nails. Tend to your cuticles, then wash and dry your nails. Apply the base/top coat and let it dry. Peel off a guide strip and affix it below the tip of a nail, following its natural curve. The guide will allow you to paint an even white tip with precision. But if you don’t have the guide strips then follow this method. For a square look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a round appearance, follow the curve of the nail; and to get a pointed style, paint in from each side to the centre.

Paint each nail tip white, extending the brush stroke from the top of the end of the nail. Take care not to get any white polish on the body of the nail below the guide. Let the tips dry.

Once they are dry remove all the guides. Apply two coats of the neutral polish. Finish with a thin layer of base/top coat.

TIP: The key to this look is to wait for each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat otherwise you are sure to end up with smudges.