Seasonal changes and pollution not only affect your health and skin but also your hair. While we take immense efforts to take care of our health and skin, we often forget to do the same for our hair. Here is a list of products and DIYs to help you maintain your tresses and what’s more is those not only are they time saving, but are also affordable as well. And they even save you the time and expenditure of going to a salon and getting expensive treatments done.
- Parachute Coconut Hair Oil
Parachute is generally the only brand that is synonymous with the word ‘coconut oil’ in India and is one of the most popular one in the country as well as it is effective and is priced affordably. The formula is non greasy but is extremely nourishing as well and hydrates dry and frizzy hair. Regular application of this oil will help improve hair texture and add to hair growth as well.
- Coconut and Castor Oil Hair Mask
This is an inexpensive yet effective hair mask made with 5 part coconut and 3 part castor oil; and the ingredients are easy to find locally. Coconut oil is extremely moisturising and the vitamins and fatty acids naturally found in it not only nourish the scalp but also help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles and this is very essential as excess sebum build up results in clogged pores which induces hair loss. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids which improve blood circulation, and results in thick hair and prevents split ends as well as accelerates hair growth. However, due to its thick consistency, it needs to be mixed with some carrier oil for smooth application and coconut oil is great for the same.
- Shampoo
It is an important part of any hair care routine. However, it is a common misconception that washing hair everyday makes hair healthier as it is clean, but it is not entirely true as washing hair every single day strips the scalp of its natural oils that are crucial to achieving healthy hair and so, it is advisable to wash your hair every 2-3 or alternate days. There are many affordable and effective ranges of shampoos available in the market today and you can select them as per your hair types and preferences as well. Some of the affordable shampoos available are L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Clay Shampoo, Khadi SLS Free Shikakai & Honey Conditioning Herbal Shampoo, Garnier Ultra Blends Mythic Olive Shampoo, Biotique Bio Kelp Fresh Growth Protein Shampoo, Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo that are effective as well as under Rs. 500.
- Use Baking Soda
Yes, you read that right! You can use baking soda to get rid of excess shampoo and to clarify your scalp. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with some warm water and rinse your hair with it after shampooing, let it sit for 5 mins and rinse it again for soft and clean hair.
- Wood Is Good
Remember when as kids you rubbed you plastic ruler on your arm and watched you arm hair stand up due to the friction? Well, this also applies to the hair on your head as constant use of plastic combs creates friction in your hair which eventually accelerates hair fall. So switch to using wooden combs instead of plastic ones and start brushing from the ends of your hair to remove tangles and then from the roots of the hair to the ends.
- Leave-In Conditioners and Hair Masks
We often don’t have time to make DIY solutions for our hair; however, we need to maintain our tresses through proper nourishment and conditioning. There are many economical options such as the Anti-Hairfall, Protein and Anti-Dandruff hair masks by Himalaya and Biotique Bio Musk Root Fresh Growth Nourishing Treatment and the L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Oil Replacement Cream,Garnier Fructis Oil-in-Cream which can also be used as leave-in conditioners, all cost under Rs. 250.
- Flower Power
The Hibiscus is a flower that packs the power as it is extremely beneficial for hair growth and to maintain hair elasticity, retaining moisture as well as nourishes and adds shine. Use 8 hibiscus flowers along with 8 hibiscus leaves and grind them and add them to one cup of coconut oil. Heat the oil and add the hibiscus paste to it and heat them together for about 15-20 mins on medium to low flame. Once cooled, strain the oil and transfer in a bottle for later use.
- Hold The Heat
While it is common knowledge that using heat on hair harms it in the long run which inevitably causes split ends, breakage and even hampers hair growth, in order to save time, we often end up blow drying or using straightener on damp hair. What we don’t realise is that this causes a flash drying effect that only causes frizziness and damage to our hair cuticles. But if you must use heat, you should make sure to use a heat protection spray such as the Schwarzkopf Gliss heat protection spray or the Sunsilk Keratinology heat protector spray. Both cost under Rs. 500.
- Go Bananas
Overripe bananas? Don’t throw them out. Use it to make a super easy banana mask for your hair. Mash a banana and add a tablespoon of honey and apply it to your scalp and keep it for 20-30mins for smooth and soft hair.
- Serums
An often neglected part of hair care, serums are a great way to maintain the moisture especially in the ends of your hair and also to get rid of the tangles in your tresses. You can opt for serums under the range of Rs. 500 such as the Dove Elixir Hair Oil, Garnier Fructis Long & Strong Serum, Matrix Biolage 6 In 1 Smooth Proof Deep Smoothing Serum and the Streax PRO Hair Serum Vita Gloss.
(As Compiled By Prerna Mistry)
