Tips for Lustrous Healthy Hair

A simple Google search for haircare tips will throw up a confusingly wide array of ideas and suggestions, not all of which are helpful. So, I have put together just a few tips and tricks that are easy, effective and simple. Do try these out and let me know your views.

Hair fall issues in women are usually associated with lifestyle and health problems like stress, poor nutrition, hormone related disorders like PCOS and thyroid. It is important to address these underlying issues rather than only trying out cosmetic superficial treatments. Stress, the biggest health challenge of our modern times can be handled by any form of exercise. Yoga, meditation or simple focussed and deep breathing are tried, tested and proven means of stress control and relief. Try some brisk walking, dance, Zumba, pilates or even light weights to get your mind off the stress triggers. Even reading a good book before bed helps immensely with stress management.

Nutrition is the second critical element to consider if you are facing hair fall issues. In my twenties, I went through a phase of crash dieting, skipping meals and not drinking enough water. Not only did my hair become brittle and weak but my PCOS also started playing up. The strong and varied combination of vitamins and minerals that comprise hair supplements don’t suit me and make me sick. Instead, I take two tablespoons of lightly roasted mixed organic seeds every day. You can make this at one go and store in an air tight glass jar. My all natural hair supplement comprises white sesame seeds, brown or black sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. These are full of omegas, zinc, sulphur, protein, fibre, healthy fats, vitamin E, endless amounts of essential minerals and vitamins and contribute to good, healthy and lustrous hair.

Try and eat sulphur rich food i.e. food rich in MSM-(methylsulfonylmethane). This is excellent for hair, skin and nails. You can get this in supplement form, too. However, before opting for a supplement ask yourself do you really need it and if you can’t opt for natural substitutes instead. Of course, as always I strongly advise that you consult your doctor before taking any kind of supplement. You could try taking these foods that are rich in sulphur – eggs, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, cheese, lean meats, chicken, cacao, nuts, seeds, oily fish, asparagus, avocado, beans, and legumes.

Coming to products like shampoos, conditioners, scalp tonics, oils, I suggest you stick with herbal and botanical ones. I use Nioxin Number 3. It is full of essential oils, herbs, vitamins and minerals and is available in hair salons like Affinity in NCR -Green Park, Greater Kailash B block Market, Chhatarpur. Other great products include Himalaya Herbals Protein Shampoo Gentle Daily Care Himalaya Herbal Care Botanique Rejuvenating Shampoo, Himalaya Protein Conditioners. Hair Vitalizer BHRINGRAJ by Forest Essentials is a personally tried and tested and much loved product. Some hair products can be found on www.iherb.com.

For styling products you can check out Vandana Pharmacy (41656747), which keeps an excellent range of skincare and nutritional supplements. Almost all Religare Pharmacies have a good range of products as well. Argan oil by different brands is also available here.

Hair oils should be an essential part of your hair care product range. Jojoba, coconut, castor and almond oil are in my opinion, the best options. Sharing this amazing recipe which I got from my lovely cousin. Thank you Shatakshi Chowdhry for sharing this 🙂

This concoction strengthens hair roots, promotes hair growth, nourishes and hydrates your scalp.

Ratio of oils 2:1:1- Coconut: castor: almond (preferably organic)

Soak methi seeds (fenugreek seeds) overnight. Take a handful of curry leaves and boil in the coconut oil. Strain and mix in castor n almond oil. Grind the methi seeds and add to your oil blend. Apply concoction for 4-8 hours for best results.

P.S. : you can drink up the water you soaked your methi seeds in. It helps in removing water retention, is good for diabetics. is good for digestion, and may help lower cholesterol levels.

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