Follow these tips and get the lustrous hair
you've always wanted
We all have had some frightful bad-hair days sometime or the other. And all of us strive to stay away from it. However, 'perfect hair' is elusive and is something that is only visible in magazine glossies! Everyone – be it a man or woman, a youngster or an oldie - aspires to have manageable, satin soft, silky and glorious hair. Here are a few pointers you need to keep in mind that will help you achieve it.
Wash it right
Though many of us shampoo our hair daily, experts insist that washing hair a few times a week is sufficient. Sometimes skipping the shampoo helps hair retain shine, especially of the shampoo is teeming with chemicals. Those who apply shampoo daily should apply a conditioner first. Then, without rinsing in between, apply shampoo just to the roots, lather, and rinse everything out. This way you have a clean scalp and shinier hair.
Don't use hot water
Rinsing hair with cold water closes the cuticle, making each hair surface smooth and shiny. Never use hot water to rinse your hair. Hair stylist Perry Patel says, "It is not very good to use a blow dryer on a very hot setting." Experts say that it is wise to look for hair dryers that don't give off too much heat.
Never forget the serum
"Do you forget to wear clothes after you are done showering? Then how can you forget to apply hair serum?" asks hair expert Javed Habib. The serum is like a raincoat on your hair say experts. Products with silicon seal the cuticle and create a barrier between styling tools and hair, reducing friction and limiting heat damage. But don't go overboard with it for then it will fall flat and look greasy.
Brush well
Daily brushing and styling can take a toll on your hair, robbing them of natural oils and leading to breakage. Trade in your plastic brush for one with natural bristles, which redistribute oils throughout hair as you brush, boosting shine.
Avoid chemicals
Alcohol based products, chemicals in random hair products, pollution and excessive humidity robs hair of its natural shine. If you have very dry hair opt for a good quality hair cream.
We all have had some frightful bad-hair days sometime or the other. And all of us strive to stay away from it. However, 'perfect hair' is elusive and is something that is only visible in magazine glossies! Everyone – be it a man or woman, a youngster or an oldie - aspires to have manageable, satin soft, silky and glorious hair. Here are a few pointers you need to keep in mind that will help you achieve it.
Wash it right
Though many of us shampoo our hair daily, experts insist that washing hair a few times a week is sufficient. Sometimes skipping the shampoo helps hair retain shine, especially of the shampoo is teeming with chemicals. Those who apply shampoo daily should apply a conditioner first. Then, without rinsing in between, apply shampoo just to the roots, lather, and rinse everything out. This way you have a clean scalp and shinier hair.
Don't use hot water
Rinsing hair with cold water closes the cuticle, making each hair surface smooth and shiny. Never use hot water to rinse your hair. Hair stylist Perry Patel says, "It is not very good to use a blow dryer on a very hot setting." Experts say that it is wise to look for hair dryers that don't give off too much heat.
Never forget the serum
"Do you forget to wear clothes after you are done showering? Then how can you forget to apply hair serum?" asks hair expert Javed Habib. The serum is like a raincoat on your hair say experts. Products with silicon seal the cuticle and create a barrier between styling tools and hair, reducing friction and limiting heat damage. But don't go overboard with it for then it will fall flat and look greasy.
Brush well
Daily brushing and styling can take a toll on your hair, robbing them of natural oils and leading to breakage. Trade in your plastic brush for one with natural bristles, which redistribute oils throughout hair as you brush, boosting shine.
Avoid chemicals
Alcohol based products, chemicals in random hair products, pollution and excessive humidity robs hair of its natural shine. If you have very dry hair opt for a good quality hair cream.
Everytime you watched a movie and saw the
actress walking out like a goddess after a relaxing bubble bath, would you sigh
a little, thinking, "Wish I could do the same?" Well, here's good
news. These rejuvenating sessions can be enjoyed at home and you can make a
bubble bath with natural ingredients.
Bubble bath is the technique of bathing by using foam on the surface of water (essentially in your tub).
Bubble baths are not just about spending a fortune on liquid soaps and bath mixtures to add to your tub. One might not be very familiar with this, but by using the right kind of essential oils and natural ingredients, you can make your own mixture of bubble bath.
Cosmetic physician Jamuna Pai says, "An important ingredient in bubble baths is essential oil. Essential oils add the scent to your bubble bath. Use these sparingly, as you only need to use several drops to get a pleasant effect. But one should be careful before using them. For example, there are some essential oils such as marjoram that should never be used by pregnant women. It is best to consult a dermatologist before using them, in case of skin allergies."
Various essential oils can add different fragrances to your bath. Dr Pai suggests that coconut oil, when used in bubble baths, provides a wonderful nutty and floral fragrance to it. Even almond oil for that matter is virtually unscented. Adding half-a-cup of either almond oil or coconut oil to your bubble bath will soften your skin tremendously.
Ways to enjoy a bubble bath:
- Make sure the ambience is right. Decide to have a bubble bath on a day when you are not tied up and aren't expecting guests at home. Switch off your phone, burn aromatic candles, and play some music in the background.
- Turn on the water in your tub. Make sure you choose the right temperature for the water. You wouldn't want to scald yourself by stepping into a tub of boiling water.
- Put the mixture of your bubble bath accordingly so that it can create the right amount of foam for you to enjoy your bath. Once the tub is filled, turn the water off.
- As you are in the tub, breathe slowly and try relaxing. Please be careful that you do not sleep off in the tub because of this rejuvenating mode!
Natural ingredients like essential oils may prove to be extremely useful for the skin. But even then, make sure you don't always use them. Not only is it time consuming but also, if used incorrectly, they can ruin the experience for you. Dr Pai says, "There's nothing wrong in using the natural 'kitchen wonders' for having a bath. But for hygienic purposes, it is better to use a soft wash with a soap-free shower gel on a daily basis."
Natural bubble baths you can try at home
Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath
This bubble bath has lavender and patchouli oils to relax you before bedtime. Use soft music and lighted candles in your bathroom for a soothing effect.
6 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of patchouli oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsp. shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Cold Season Bubble Bath
This bubble bath will help you breathe easier, with eucalyptus oil to ease congestion. This is perfect for the cold season.
6 drops of eucalyptus oil
3 drops of spearmint oil
3 drops of peppermint oil
1 quart of distilled water
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath
This citrusy bubble bath will cheer you up and energise you. Perfect for a morning bath or use after exercising.
6 drops of orange oil
4 drops of grapefruit oil
3 drops of lemon oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsp.shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Love Potion Bubble Bath
This bubble bath will put you in a romantic mood. All of the ingredients are considered aphrodisiac! It is also good for a sensitive skin.
6 drops jasmine oil
3 drops rose oil
3 drops vanilla oil
6 drops ylang ylang oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsps. shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Directions: Mix water, soap and glycerine together and stir. Then, add your essential oils to the mixture.
Bubble bath is the technique of bathing by using foam on the surface of water (essentially in your tub).
Bubble baths are not just about spending a fortune on liquid soaps and bath mixtures to add to your tub. One might not be very familiar with this, but by using the right kind of essential oils and natural ingredients, you can make your own mixture of bubble bath.
Cosmetic physician Jamuna Pai says, "An important ingredient in bubble baths is essential oil. Essential oils add the scent to your bubble bath. Use these sparingly, as you only need to use several drops to get a pleasant effect. But one should be careful before using them. For example, there are some essential oils such as marjoram that should never be used by pregnant women. It is best to consult a dermatologist before using them, in case of skin allergies."
Various essential oils can add different fragrances to your bath. Dr Pai suggests that coconut oil, when used in bubble baths, provides a wonderful nutty and floral fragrance to it. Even almond oil for that matter is virtually unscented. Adding half-a-cup of either almond oil or coconut oil to your bubble bath will soften your skin tremendously.
Ways to enjoy a bubble bath:
- Make sure the ambience is right. Decide to have a bubble bath on a day when you are not tied up and aren't expecting guests at home. Switch off your phone, burn aromatic candles, and play some music in the background.
- Turn on the water in your tub. Make sure you choose the right temperature for the water. You wouldn't want to scald yourself by stepping into a tub of boiling water.
- Put the mixture of your bubble bath accordingly so that it can create the right amount of foam for you to enjoy your bath. Once the tub is filled, turn the water off.
- As you are in the tub, breathe slowly and try relaxing. Please be careful that you do not sleep off in the tub because of this rejuvenating mode!
Natural ingredients like essential oils may prove to be extremely useful for the skin. But even then, make sure you don't always use them. Not only is it time consuming but also, if used incorrectly, they can ruin the experience for you. Dr Pai says, "There's nothing wrong in using the natural 'kitchen wonders' for having a bath. But for hygienic purposes, it is better to use a soft wash with a soap-free shower gel on a daily basis."
Natural bubble baths you can try at home
Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath
This bubble bath has lavender and patchouli oils to relax you before bedtime. Use soft music and lighted candles in your bathroom for a soothing effect.
6 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of patchouli oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsp. shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Cold Season Bubble Bath
This bubble bath will help you breathe easier, with eucalyptus oil to ease congestion. This is perfect for the cold season.
6 drops of eucalyptus oil
3 drops of spearmint oil
3 drops of peppermint oil
1 quart of distilled water
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath
This citrusy bubble bath will cheer you up and energise you. Perfect for a morning bath or use after exercising.
6 drops of orange oil
4 drops of grapefruit oil
3 drops of lemon oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsp.shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Love Potion Bubble Bath
This bubble bath will put you in a romantic mood. All of the ingredients are considered aphrodisiac! It is also good for a sensitive skin.
6 drops jasmine oil
3 drops rose oil
3 drops vanilla oil
6 drops ylang ylang oil
1 quart of distilled water
2 tbsps. shower gel
4 ounces liquid glycerine
Directions: Mix water, soap and glycerine together and stir. Then, add your essential oils to the mixture.
