Coconut, honey for healthy hair in winter

The dry, cold weather can be damaging to your tresses, but there are ways to deal with the season's effects on them, says Ismat Tahseen Winter may be one of the most pleasant seasons with great weather, hot coffee and holiday fun but with the merriment it's also a must to take care of your hair at this time as the cold breeze can be quite damaging! There are ways to pamper your mane so that it looks and feels at it's best during this time. Try oiling, it works! Actor Anushka Sharma always swears by this regime. "I always condition my hair with coconut oil before washing it, which is almost three times a week. Nothing works better than a good hot coconut oil massage that nourishes the scalp and makes the hair strong and healthy," he says. Affirms beauty expert Dr Rashmi Shetty. "A hot coconut oil massage lubricates the scalp and prevents it from drying and flaking. The massage improves blood circulation, which in turn helps in making the hair shaft and roots stronger. Going natural is the perfect way to fight the winter hair. Herbs like rosemary and thyme improve its shine." Using a mask Hair masks can also work wonders for the hair. Placid Braganza, hair expert, says, "After a shampoo the hair has to be conditioned and a similar effect can be achieved by using a hair mask.A hair mask is used to leave the hair softer, nourished and strong. Ii is ideally meant only for hair that is very dry, coarse, thick, damaged due to chemical treatment. Use a hair mask after you shampoo the hair. Towel dry and then apply a generous amount of mask all over the hair, leave about half to one inch of hair from the root area as the scalp does not need the mask unless it is a scalp and hair mask. Comb hair once the application is done and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Avoid rinsing sooner as this does not allow the mask to do its job," he informs. D-I-Y hair mantra: You can make hair masks from ingredients found right in the kitchen. Says Paulomi Dhawan of a wellness haven at Powai, "If used on a regular basis these can curb the flakes and they are especially effective in winter." Here are her masks for each hair type: Dry hair: Prepare a mixture of: 1 ripe avocado ½ cup coconut cream 3-4 tablespoon aloe vera juice 4-5 teaspoon jojoba oil or wheat germ oil Method: Massage thoroughly and leave it for half an hour, then wash. Oily hair: Prepare a mixture of: apple cider vinegar 1 cup yoghurt 2 lemon peel 2 tsp peppermint 2 tsp neem oil Method: Massage thoroughly and leave it for 15-20 minutes, then wash. Normal hair: Prepare a mixture of: ½ cup milk 2 tbsp honey 5-6 drops sandalwood oil Method: Massage thoroughly and leave it for half an hour, then wash. Do's and dont's -Wash hair only with lukewarm water as hot water can damage the texture of the hair. -Allow your hair to dry naturally in winter. Do not go out with wet hair. This encourages splitting of hair. -Go for a regular oil massage. -Avoid using blow dryers in this weather. -Wear a scarf or cap in order to protect your hair from the cold.