I am a 30-year-old woman. For the last five years my hair has been greying and it has affected my confidence. I have been using dry amla paste for the last one month, but there is no change. I don’t want to dye my hair with chemicals. Please help.

Anupama

Why not think of using a henna instead? Some of the herb-based hennas in the market have wonderful effects on hair. Premature greying can be controlled with henna and also with the use of a good quality brahmi amla oil. Only using amla won’t darken your hair. You need to burn 200g of amla in an iron vessel and let it cool. Add one litre of water and simmer till it reduces to half. Strain this water and use it on the roots of the hair everyday. If you however feel that you cannot do without chemical hair colour opt for an intensive hair care programme.

I am a 60-year-old woman. I had blemish free, normal glowing skin even five years back but now my skin has become dry and there are pigmentation marks. Is there a natural way to lessen these marks?

Sangeeta

I am surprised that you have not mentioned any skin care programme! After all you must be aware that there are tremendous hormonal changes in the body after 50. You need to take extra care of the body, skin and hair. Use a vitamin based nourishing cream preferably with vitamin E oil and wheat germ oil. Make a paste of 10 almonds, mix it with milk and scrub the face gently with it every day. I think you should visit a doctor to know if you need internal nourishment. Complement this with a healthy diet!

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Parno Mitra
actress

My beauty regimen is very simple and natural. I drink a lot of water and follow a no-carb diet which includes lots of fresh seasonal fruits. A  green smoothie which is made with fruits and vegetables like Kale, cucumber, spinach and apple, is part of my breakfast. I sip on green tea twice a day and usually start my day with 25 Surya Namaskars. I also go for runs whenever I get some time off.