The dust and pollution of Kathmandu have taken their toll on just about everything – our homes, our health, and our skin. While we are doing everything in our control to protect each of these elements from pollution, it seems like there isn’t much we can do in terms of saving our tresses. Frizzy, dry, and unmanageable hair is what we must battle with at the end of a long day only to do it all over again the next day. Here’s how you can keep your hair looking its best despite many factors working against it.
Regular shampooing and conditioning
One of the best ways to keep your hair away from the ill effects of pollution is to shampoo and condition it well. Shampooing will get rid of all the grit and grime that accumulate in your hair and conditioning will prevent it from wear and tear. If you fear that shampoos can strip your hair off its natural oil and make it brittle then use a mild, clear shampoo that isn’t cream based. Alternatively, you can also just choose to rinse it with plain water and go without the shampoo on certain days.
Also, massage your scalp on a daily basis, as this will increase blood flow and that in turn will encourage a healthier scalp. You can do this prior to shampooing your hair. Also give your hair a deep conditioning treatment once a week as this will prevent dryness, strengthen hair strands and provide extra nutrients which promote hair health.
Cover it well
The sun’s UV rays are said to be harmful for the hair. Over exposure to the sun starts making the hair look dry and dull. Covering the hair with a scarf or hat helps prevent direct effects of these harmful rays. Applying serum protects the hair since it forms a layer on the hair strands preventing the harmful pollutants from directly attacking the hair. One of the simplest ways to protect your hair is to use hair accessories like hats and scarves and cover it up when you are headed out of the house.
You can also tie up your hair in a nice pony or a top bun as keeping your manes loose while going out can give dull, lifeless and full of tangles and locks. Carry a new look everyday from the top bun to the French bun and protect your hair in a fashionable way.
Opt for simple hair treatments
Keeping hair oiled for too long and going out with oiled hair may not be best for your hair. It is seen that oiled hair gets dirtier more easily and faster. Also remember not to keep the oil for a very long time, as keeping oil in the hair longer makes it harder to wash off. The harder it is to wash off, the more shampoo you’ll use and eventually the hair becomes drier. Treating your hair and scalp with steam once in a while is known to help open up the pores and improve blood circulation. All you have to do for this is wet a towel with warm water and cover your hair with it till the towel cools down.
You can also choose some oil like almond or olive to massage your scalp before steaming your hair and mix a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree etc in the water. The antiseptic formula of these oils will inhibit the growth of any fungal infections, lice, and dandruff and keep your hair damage free in the long run.
A silky-smooth soup with a big dose of healthy greens
Follow a healthy diet
Eating healthily will ensure that your hair remains in a good condition. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, protein such as fish and chicken and lean red meat will go a long way in keeping your hair as well as your body healthy. And include plenty of water in your diet. Drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water a day will keep your skin and hair properly hydrated and will boost your follicles growth potential as well. If you want to boost the effects of this then consider taking a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement. Reduce your intake of fatty or fried foods, salt and sugar.
Avoid hair products and heat
Hair products such as gels, hairsprays, conditioners, mousses and colors can enhance your hair but overuse can damage hair strands or even cause hair loss. If they are used too often then they can build up in the hair which puts too much pressure on it, causing it to weaken and break. Other risks include dry hair or split ends. The worst case scenario is hair thinning and loss. Monitor your use of these products. Avoid using them for one or two days a week to give your hair a break. This will also enable your hair to regenerate itself. Hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs can style your hair in a great many ways but this comes at a price. They are fine in the short term but prolonged use can dry out your hair or cause split ends. They can even cause excessive shedding.
Minimize this risk by choosing a cooler setting on your hairdryer or use curling tongs which don’t need to be heated.
