“She was a phantom of delight
When first she gleamed upon my sight;
A lovely Apparition, sent
To be a moment's ornament
Her eyes as stars of twilight fair;
Like twilight's, too, her dusky hair;” – William Wordsworth
Hair is an important aspect of our persona and most often it entangles the lover’s heart while entering into the bond of marriage. Hair has always been an intrigue for the young and the old, the intellectual and the romantic, the rationale and the free thinkers, all alike. It etches its vitality and importance by being the privileged subject for sonnets and epic poems by famous bards. Verses on hair, which speak about how the life of the awestruck admirer rests on it, disclose profusely its power of causing a genuine deep felt appreciation bordering on insanity. The length of hair till the waistline matched with the unmistakable straightness exudes subtle innuendoes of sensuousness that will remain distinct for eternity.
Somewhere stress and humdrum of daily chores that precedes the phase of marriage despicably grabs away the inherent beauty of hair, which is rightfully ours. Shahnaz Husain brings to you the hidden secrets of ayurveda and herbs, that will let the words of praise continue to flow for eternity affirming its place both in the minds of the people and the poems of life.
Great hair is a sign of health. Every strand has a story to tell, a story about inner health, rise in pollution, effect of chemicals present in hair products, dandruff and many such woes.
An understanding of your own individual hair type and the products available can help you to set up a protective-routine that would help reverse any damage done and nurse the hair back to health.
Herbs for hair
Those who use chemical hair treatment and dyes, as well as styling procedures should realize that it is all the more important to give the hair regular treatments with natural products allowing the herbs to facilitate the removal of toxins and coat the hair shaft, strengthening and protecting the hair.
1. OIL – The application of oil, with a light massage, helps to stimulate blood circulation to the follicles and also improves the texture and look of the hair. It can also help to loosen dandruff flakes and facilitate their removal. Oils have their own particular properties and benefits. Olive oil helps to restore the natural acid mantle of the scalp and keeps it healthy. Castor oil restores the health of hair that has suffered damage through the use of chemical dyes or overuse of hair dryers. Coconut oil not only improves the texture of hair, but is said to help hair growth.
2. CAMPHOR – A pinch of camphor added to coconut oil and applied on hair helps to prevent infections and lice infestations.
3. FENUGREEK (methi) – Seeds protect the scalp from infections. Soak the seeds overnight and then grind them into a paste. Apply the paste onto the scalp and leave on for fifteen minutes. Rinse off with water.
4. LEMON JUICE - is a wonderful natural cleanser. If you have dandruff, apply warm coconut oil on the scalp with cotton wool. Keep it on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and after half an hour, wet your hair as usual. This treatment helps to get rid of flakes and cleanses the scalp. Hair also gets added body and bounce.
5. EGG - is one of the most versatile ingredients. It contains silicon, sulphur and fatty acids that help to nourish the hair. The white of an egg has a powerful cleansing action, especially for greasy hair. Egg applied on the scalp before shampooing helps to add thickness too. Beat the egg with a little milk, to form a thickish consistency and apply it on the scalp and hair. After half an hour, rinse hair well with water. This not only promotes the health of hair, but adds shine and thickness.
6. MAYONNAISE - also benefits dry hair. Wet the hair and wipe the excess water with a towel. On damp hair, apply a little mayonnaise and wash off after half an hour.
7. SALT - Mix salt with a little water to dampen it, and rub it into the scalp. Salt helps oily hair and also removes scales. The salt soaks up the excess oil and helps to dislodge the scales. Wash your hair with plenty of water.
Among the plants ingredients that have been used in the treatment of hair problems are:
Amla – restores the acid-alkaline balance
Shikakai and Reetha – have powerful cleansing actions, but do not disturb the natural balances.
Mint – stimulating effect on the scalp, due to its action on the blood capillaries
Neem – Nature’s antibiotic, used for centuries to cure skin and scalp disease
Brahmi – Soothes and relaxes nerves and very valuable in healing scalp infections
Following the ancient Ayurvedic system the above plants have been combined with extracts of Bael, Henna, Hibiscus, Jatmansi, Lemongrass and Bhringaraj to formulate a range of exceptional herbal hair treatments which have proven to be extremely successful in promoting hair growth and keeping the scalp in healthy condition.
Select the henna design for hands and feet carefully well in advance. On the final day, you will not get any chance of removing and re-applying.
All seven days before the marriage date, you must go for a manicure and pedicure daily. A scalp massage once a week for six weeks will do wonders to improve the hair texture and make it bounce with a nourishing shine.
Seven days of body massage with perfumed oil will leave behind a smoothness that feels like satin to touch, relax the senses, feel blissful and hydrating the skin.
Under eye treatment will remove all the dark circles under the eyes and bring back the innocent refreshing twinkle to match the joy of glow on the face.
Applying Shaclove mixed with Shaderm will ensure no eruptions of unwanted pimples. Moisturising and application of Face Packs according to skin types will impart a matchless glow with flawless skin.
With Love & Care,
By Shahnaz Husain |
