I am a 16-year-old girl with thin hair. Recently, my hair started to fall at an alarming rate. Please suggest some remedies.

Mohima Biswas

First, check if you have dandruff because this could be a major reason for hair fall. Since you have not mentioned your haircare programme, I presume there is nothing much that’s done. Use Mahabhringraj oil once a week, followed by turban therapy. You can also apply a hair mask made with 2tsp each of amla, reetha, shikakai and triphala. Mix this with two eggs and apply for 45 minutes. Use a mild herbal shampoo that suits your hair type. Eat a high protein diet and be sure to have lots of water and a regular exercise programme, which is something not many youngsters follow.

I’m 18 years old and have curly (crinkly) hair. I tried to straighten my hair with a straightener but it didn’t stay that way for long. I have only used direct heat. Please help.
Rimpa Tanti

Using artificial heat-like straighteners and blow-dryers will only temporarily change the way your hair looks. Condition your hair, oil your hair and look after it to make it look and feel better. Any chemical straightening will make it look fabulous for some time but will have long-term damage on the hair. You cannot completely change the texture of your hair like you cannot change the colour of your skin but with hair masks, regular oiling and spa therapy, your hair will look healthier, softer and more manageable.

 

I am an 18-year-old girl with shoulder-length straight hair. I have dandruff and have tried some remedies but in vain. Now my hair has turned brownish, rough and dry, and I am experiencing hair fall. Please help.

Sinjini Sinha

Hair fall happens due to dandruff and an unhealthy lifestyle. Work on a haircare programme and improve your diet by eating healthy food, drinking lots of water (at least eight to 10 glasses a day) and start a regular exercise programme. Apply coconut oil and the juice of half a lemon to the scalp. Leave it on for about an hour before shampooing it off. Also, a clean scalp is a healthy scalp. So, never let it get oily and grimy. Shampoo regularly.

I am a 13-year-old girl with dry skin, but my nose and forehead are oily and I have a lot of pimples and rashes. I apply milk and lotion every day but that’s not helping. Can you suggest some effective home remedies?

Rohana Banerjee

At 13, there are bound to be changes in the skin and hair due to hormonal changes. Treat your skin as two individual skin types, keeping the T-zone absolutely oil-free. Make the following face wash for the forehead, nose and chin: 2tsp fuller’s earth, 2 drops of clove oil (use a dropper), 1tsp fresh mint paste and some rose water to make a smooth paste. Wet your skin and take a little of this and massage well into the oily patches. Let it dry and wash off with water. For the rest of the face, try a dry massage or apply one tsp of honey daily and leave it on for two-three minutes before washing off. Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily and eat lots of fresh salad and fruits. Avoid fried food, sweets and aerated drinks.

I am a 16-year-old boy. I have oily skin with lots of pimples and black spots. Can you suggest a solution?

Ajay Shaw

Eat healthy and look healthy. Hormonal changes at16 are inevitable. Be careful about what you eat and how you take care of your skin. Mix 1tsp camphor with 100ml rose water and wipe the skin with this several times a day to reduce oil build-up and bacteria-causing acne. Drink plenty of water and eat food that’s low on oil. Also avoid constipation. 

For the marks, mix 2tsp red lentil powder with 1tsp fuller’s earth and a pinch of camphor. Mix with water and scrub gently all over the face, provided there is no pus in the pimples. Avoid pus-filled pimples and let them settle before you start scrubbing. This should ideally be done on alternate days.

 

I am a 17-year-old-girl with sensitive skin which tends to react to almost anything I apply. I have blackheads around my nose. Can you please suggest a skincare routine that will make my skin healthy and will bring back my confidence? Pimples are also leaving ugly marks on my skin.

Kavita

Clean your skin. You may be allergic to something even if it’s natural, so try out a patch test on your arm before you apply anything on your face to avoid breakouts. I would suggest that you get your blackheads cleaned by a professional and start to use orange peel powder mixed with rose water to scrub the areas prone to blackheads. This will prevent clogged pores. As for pimples, drink lots of water, eat fresh food and keep your skin oil-free. Try using a basil-based face pack that will help reduce acne and pimples and brighten dull, oily skin.

Suparna Trikha is a nature care expert and a columnist. Find her on Facebook @Suparna Trikha. If you have questions for her, write to t2onsunday@abp.in