Hair Care

The Structure of Hair

Like skin, hair too, is a complex cellular
structure made up of a special kind of protein
known as Keratin.
Each strand of hair has two parts

The Hair Follicle, which is embedded in the

scalp.
The Hair Shaft, which is the visible part of your
hair.
The hair shaft which is made up of dead cells,
has three layers

1.The Medulla, the soft, innermost layer.

2.The Cortex (surrounding the Medulla),

which gives hair its thickness, strength and
flexibility. It also contains Melanin - the
pigment which determines hair colour.

3.The Cuticle, the outermost protective layer.

This is a transparent layer of tiny
overlapping scales made of Keratin. It acts
as a protective barrier against chemicals
and also prevents excessive evaporation of
the moisture essential for soft, supple hair.
The hair follicle is divided anatomically into:
the Infundibulum the Isthmus the Inferior
segment, which contains the hair bulb
The hair follicle is situated during active
growth, in, or just above, the subcutaneous fat
at core temperature. It is protected from any
deleterious effects of materials on the scalp.
Only severe scarring or systematic factors
interfere with hair growth.

How Long Does A Single Hair Live?

Each hair grows from a root. The cells in the
hair bulb divide, creating a new hair that will
grow and eventually fall out.
This cycle, which is known as the pilar cycle, is
divided into three phases: the hair grows for an
average of three years, a brief stagnation
period of two or three weeks follows, then the
hair is discarded over about three months.
After a latent period of two to five months, a
new cycle begins and a new hair starts to grow.
The entire process happens about 25 times in
the course of a lifetime.

How Does Hair Grow?

Hair begins life at the bottom of the follicle as a
cluster of cells called the Papilla. While forming
a hair, the cells of the papilla multiply to form
the hair bulb. As the hair bulb increases in size,
these cells stretch themselves to become the
hair shaft, which is what we see. This is the
primary stage of hair growth which lasts for
about 3 - 7 years.
The next stage is the transition stage. During
this stage which lasts for several weeks, the
activity in the bulb slows down and the follicles
start shrinking towards the surface.
The final stage is the resting stage where the
hair growth stops. This lasts for about 3 - 4
months after which new hair grows beneath
the old follicle, pushing the old one out until it
is shed. Hence the life cycle of every strand of
hair is determined by the cycle of the follicle.
This process is spread all over the scalp as
there are approximately 90,000 to 1,50,000
follicles on our scalp and a daily loss of 50-100
hair is quite normal.

What Is The Speed Of Normal Hair

Growth?
The human scalp has some 1, 00,000 – 1,
50,000 hair follicles.
Each follicle grows a hair continuously for
between 2 and 7 years, potentially producing a
terminal hair in excess of 1 metre in length.
Each scalp follicle on average grows 20-30
hairs in a lifetime.
About 95% of the follicles on the scalp are in an
active growth phase. The density of the follicles
decreases with age, from about 500-700 per
cm (2) at birth to 250-350 cm (2) as an adult
once the scalp area increases.
Although a single hair can grow for years, it’s
not living in the sense that it can repair itself.

What is pH Balance?
A number of international shampoo brands
carry a caption which says 'pH balanced
shampoo'. But what is pH balance and how
does it actually affect your hair? Here’s what
it’s all about.
pH is a scale from 0 to 14, which measures the
acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Solutions with
a pH less than 7 are acidic, while those with a
pH more than 7 are alkaline. Solutions with a
pH of 7 are considered neutral.
The natural pH of your hair is around 5.5. At
this pH, the hair is the strongest since there is
a unique balance between the positive and
negative charges, resulting in a maximum
number of salt bonds being formed. If a
solution which is either acidic or alkaline is
applied to your hair, it will become weaker.
Because the unique balance of charges is
destroyed, reducing the number of salt bonds
formed. Any chemical with a pH of more than
10, or less than 0 will severely damage your
hair.
But Sunsilk Shampoo plus Conditioner has
been specially formulated taking into
consideration the natural pH balance of your
hair. Most other hair care and hair wash
products - like toilet soaps, lime juice solution
or vinegar - are either significantly acidic or
alkaline and can lead to the weakening of your
hair.
How Does Hair React To Light?
Looking at a hair through a video-microscope,
we can see that it is actually translucent. Its
various surfaces do not react to light in the
same way, nor do they reflect it in precisely the
same way. A small proportion (5 to 6%) of
available light is reflected by the hair like a
mirror. The rest penetrates the hair shaft,
where it is absorbed to a greater or lesser
extent by melanin.

Why Your Hair Needs Shampoo

1.Dirty, unwashed hair leads to unhealthy
hair... and looks unclean!
2.It can lead to dandruff.
3.Scalp infections are caused by unclean
hair.
4.A good shampoo cleans and improves your
hair texture.
 5.In cities and towns prone to pollution, it
becomes necessary to shampoo your hair
every alternate day if not everyday!
6.Ideally, hair should be washed before it
gets dirty, in order to prevent the damage
that can be caused by the particles of
grime which lie on the outer layer of your
hair (the cuticle).

Be sure to use a shampoo that caters to

your hair need. Choose a product suited to it
and use it regularly to improve its condition
and maintain its texture.

The Right Way to Shampoo

Before washing, brush your hair with your
head upside down to remove dust and
impurities. The temperature should be
comfortable. The idea that the hotter the
water, the cleaner the hair is a misconception,
because water that is too hot can burn your
scalp and damage your hair. Avoid a powerful
shower which can cause your hair to tangle. It
is important to pre-rinse your hair before you
apply shampoo. Your hair needs a good soaking
of at least 1 minute to create a good lather
when you shampoo. Once your hair is
thoroughly wet, pour the shampoo from the
bottle into the palm of your hand and rub your
hands together. Do not apply shampoo directly
to your hair because it might saturate on one
spot and you may end up using two to three
times more than you actually need. Gently
smooth the shampoo over your hair with your
palms and let it lather. Now massage in the
shampoo gently, with your fingertips. Don’t use
your fingernails - they could scratch your scalp.
When you shampoo, don’t pile all your hair on
the top and rub it about. This will lead to
tangling. Instead, run your fingers gently
through it, front to back, allowing your hair to
fall back over your neck. Rinse your hair
thoroughly until the last trace of shampoo is
gone and your hair is squeaky clean. If you
wash your hair every day, you will need a small
amount of shampoo and just one wash. But if
you don’t wash your hair daily, have two
washings.

Are Soaps Bad For Hair?

Even though soaps have been traditionally
used, there are various reasons why they are
not effective cleansers like shampoos:

• They leave behind fine granule-like

deposits of calcium and magnesium,
leading to an unhealthy scalp.
 • In hard water they leave behind a deposit
on your hair, making it dull and difficult to
comb. This results in hair breakage.
• Soaps are harsh on your hair because they
strip the hair of its natural oil, making it
dry, coarse and rough to touch. Whats
more, you’ll find that your hair gets easily
tangled and looks dull and lifeless.

Shampoos Vs Soaps

Shampoos are better cleaning agents

because...
• They are made from detergents which cut
through grease more easily.
• They lather and spread more easily than
soaps. This also makes them easier and
convenient to use.
• Unlike soap, shampoo is pH balanced and
cleans hair gently, without leaving behind
residue.
• Shampoo lifts off excessive oil, sebum,
pollutants, sweat, dust and dandruff.

Good quality shampoos like Sunsilk Naturals

contain special nutrients like henna, amla,
curd, milk etc extracts which protects your hair
which helps the hair preserve its natural
moisture and goodness. This reduces friction in
your hair when it is combed and makes it soft
and manageable.

How Do Conditioners Work?

1.Regular Conditioners

Conditioning your hair is of utmost importance

because a good conditioner coats your hair
shaft, protecting it from wear and tear. It also
makes your hair smooth and shiny and
prevents hair breakage.
A good shampoo like Sunsilk has a high quality
conditioner balanced with natural extracts for
different types of hair.

2.Intensive conditioners

• These have been formulated to provide

specialized conditioning for weak,
brittle, very dry or damaged hair which
may be a result of chemical treatment
such as perming.
• If your hair is in this state, you should
be using intensive conditioners as a
 weekly treatment for the extra care
you need.
• They will help you achieve your hair’s
perfect state – soft, shiny and healthier
looking.
• They contain additional ingredients like
humectants which lock in moisture.
This gets rid of the dryness in your hair.

Do I Really Need A Conditioner?

Yes! Here's why...

• Your hair gets damaged everyday through

routine activities such as towel drying,
aggressive brushing, incorrect combing and
styling.
• Besides this everyday exposure to sun,
wind and environmental pollution can also
damage your hair, making it look dull, dry
and listless.
• You need to protect your hair, which is
dead and is not capable of repairing itself.
That is why you need to use a conditioner
—to protect your hair.
How Do I Protect My Hair While
Swimming?

If you swim regularly, use your fingers to comb

a little conditioner through your dry hair before
you get into the pool. This will help to keep it in
good condition, even whilst swimming and will
also make it easier to put your swimming cap
on if you wear one.

Does My Hair Need Intensive

Conditioning?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, in the sun

and the wind, then your hair needs intensive
conditioning. For instance, if you visit the
beach during the day, comb some intensive
conditioner through dry hair, and if it is long,
tie it back in a loose knot or bun. This will help
protect your hair and leave it beautifully
conditioned for the evening, once you have
shampooed. Remember prevention is better
than cure!
If your hair is damaged, permed or coloured, it
will need intensive conditioning.
HOW To Use Conditioner

When To Use
• After shampooing, rinse your hair
thoroughly and then apply the conditioner.
• Take care not to rub the conditioner into
the scalp as it may feel greasy.
• The quantity and kind of conditioner will
depend on the state of your hair - whether
it is dry, oily or normal.
• If your hair is very tangled, you need more
conditioner. If it is less tangled, you need
less conditioner.

How To Apply

• To begin with, pour out an adequate

amount of conditioner onto your palms and
rub them together.
 • Then gently work the conditioner into your
hair, always in the same direction i.e. from
front to back.
• If you have basically dry hair with an oily
scalp, apply the conditioner to the ends
only.

A quick and easy way to apply conditioner:

• Squeeze the conditioner into the palm of

your hand and rub your palms together.
• Using the whole flat of your hand, massage
the conditioner into your hair, working from
the scalp downwards.
How Much To Use

Be liberal. The hair should feel heavy. However,

you don’t want to see white blobs of product
sitting on your hair. Don’t over apply it at the
roots because you are very unlikely to need
much of it here.

How To Apply Intensive Conditioner

Here’s a quick and easy way to apply intensive

conditioner:
 • Squeeze the conditioner into the palm
of your hand and rub your palms
together.
• Using the whole flat of your hand,
massage the conditioner into your hair
working from the scalp downwards.

• Wrap your head in a towel (if you’ve

got long hair, tie it back in a loose knot
first).
• This works by keeping the head warm
and helps to prevent moisture loss
from the hair.

When you’re ready to wash intensive

conditioner out, remove the towel, comb
through the hair again with a wide-toothed
comb and rinse thoroughly.

What Brushing Does For Your Hair…

Yes, the simple practice of brushing your hair
can do lots for your tresses:
 • Brushing stimulates blood circulation. This
guarantees that each root gets plenty of
oxygen which leads to better hair growth.
• Brushing also removes the loose scales
accumulated on the scalp and distributes
the sebum evenly through the hair, giving
it the shine of good health!

Brush Basics

• Wooden brushes with natural bristles are

easier on the hair and also provide a gentle
massage for the scalp and a smooth finish
for the hair shaft.
• For medium to fine hair, soft plastic
brushes are best. Choose one with knobs at
the bristle ends they’re gentler on the
scalp.
• Rubber base brushes with dense, durable
bristles are great for all hair types. The
rubber base flexes so there is less pulling
at the roots.
• For styling, round brushes are best but can
snag hair. Try the largest size appropriate
for your particular style.

The Best Brush…

The best kind of brush is one with rounded

bristles and of course, natural bristles are the
best. However, to prevent hair damage, take
care to select a brush with soft, widely spaced
bristles. If your hair is thick, use a thick bristle
brush and if your hair is soft, use a soft bristle
brush. A rubber cushioned brush is also good
because it will not pull your hair. Instead, it will
help prevent both hair breakage and hair loss.
The 100 Strokes A Day Theory—Myth
Or…?

It’s not just about how many times, but about

HOW you brush your hair. Excessive and rough
brushing can strip away your hair’s cuticle –
even cause it to break. It can also make oily
hair oilier and dry hair more brittle. If you have
longer hair, don’t comb straight from the root
to the tip – because if you have any tangles
this would force them one on top of the other.
Instead, comb the bottom third of your hair and
when this is tangle free comb from root to tip.
This method applies whether the hair is wet,
dry or during conditioner application.

Brush Maintenance
A dirty brush will make your hair even dirtier
and may also result in scalp infections. So you
need to make an effort to keep them spotlessly
clean. Dirt and hair can be loosened from the
brush by running a comb through its bristles.
Then swirl it warm, soapy water and rinse it
thoroughly under running water. Avoid lending
your brush to others. You could be exchanging
scalp infection along with the brush!

Thumb Rules For Combing Your Hair

• Always comb your hair gently because

vigorous or excessive combing can lead to
over-stimulation of the sebaceous glands
and even result in hair breakage.

• Combing not only removes surface dirt and

tangles, but also distributes the natural oils
(sebum) from the roots of your hair to its
tips.

The Ideal comb

It should be a wide-toothed comb.

The individual tooth should be rounded.
There should be no sharp edges.
A hard rubber comb is better than a plastic
one.
NEVER use a metal comb.

On Combing Wet Hair…

It is good to comb your hair…GENTLY! If you let
it dry without running a comb through this will
lead to the most monstrous tangles and snarls.
This allows your hair to dry out smooth and
straight.

Untying Those Knots?

If you have longer hair, don’t comb straight
from the root to the tip – because if you have
any tangles this would force them one on top
of the other. Instead, comb the bottom third of
your hair and when this is tangle-free comb
from root to tip. This method applies
irrespective of whether the hair is wet, dry or
during conditioner application.

DIET
Your Hair Is Made Up Of protein. An inadequate
supply of protein will definitely result in hair
loss due to anaemia or vitamin & mineral
deficiency. On the other hand, the right care
and a healthy diet will give rise to soft, shiny
and lustrous hair. Of course, its natural texture
and the rate at which it grows cannot be
changed by what you eat. But you can
definitely improve the way it looks and feels by
adopting a nutritious, well balanced diet.

Diet Must-Haves
Here are some great to keep in mind no matter
what type of hair you have. You can’t go wrong
with these thumb rules:
• Since hair is made up of 97% protein and
3% water, it’s essential to have plenty of
both.
• Foods with zinc, magnesium, potassium,
protein and vitamins (especially vitamin B
complex) are good for the hair.
• If you are a non-vegetarian, try and get
your protein from low fat fish and chicken.
• Vegetarians should eat plenty of pulses like
dals and sprouts. If you are not getting all
the other nutrients you need in your
normal diet, then you should take
supplements.
• Drink plenty of water!
• Leafy vegetables, fruits and curd are a
must.
• Cut down of food that is high in sugar, fat
and processed chemicals.
If You Have Dandruff…
What to eat: Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish &
vitamin A rich foods. What to avoid: Dairy
products, spicy food, piping hot food & animal
fat.
You could also try the all new Sunsilk Naturals
Anti-Dandruff shampoo enriched with lemon
and curd extracts.

Dry Hair Is The Bane Of Your Existence?

Quick Bytes:
• Dry hair is the result of low secretion of
natural oils.
• Factors that trigger dry hair are over
exposure to sun and wind, excessive blow-
drying, inadequate intake of vitamin B.
• To deal with this hair condition, increase
your intake of low cholesterol,
polyunsaturated oils such as margarine,
sunflower oil, fruits and foods rich in
Vitamin B.
• A supplement of Vitamin E capsules will
also help.

What to eat: Foods rich in vitamin B, raw

vegetables, pulses, whole-wheat bread, brown
rice, liver, bananas, nuts and oily fish. What to
avoid: Salt and fatty cheeses.

Ideal Shampoo:
To avoid further dryness, use a good shampoo
like the new Sunsilk Naturals Silky Strength
(enhanced with henna and lotus flower
extracts) plus conditioner.
The shampoo will clean your hair gently,
without stripping it of its natural oils and the
conditioner will actually improve the condition
of your hair, making it soft, supple and
manageable.

Oily HairEeeeeeks!

Quick Bytes:

• Oily hair is the result of over secretion of

the sebaceous glands.
• To combat this, it is essential to avoid fried
and greasy foods.
• Your diet should include lots of green leafy
vegetables, salads, fresh fruits and
yoghurt. In addition to this, make sure you
handle your hair as little as possible and
keep your scalp absolutely clean.
• As long as you dont scrub or over-massage
your hair, you can even wash it twice a day.
What to eat: Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked
and grilled dishes. What to avoid: Fried and
greasy foods, milk products and red meat.

Ideal Shampoo:

Use a shampoo plus conditioner specially

suited to oily hair, like Sunsilk Naturals
Blackshine Shampoo with natural ingredients
like amla and sunflower.It has citrus extracts to
clean your hair of excess oil, while the
conditioner will make your hair light, refreshed
and fragrant.

On the FenceI Have Mixed Condition Hair!

Quick Bytes:
• The possible cause of this type of hair is
dandruff .
• You should try to abstain from caffeine
drinks (coffee, tea, colas) and cigarettes.
What to eat: Plenty of vegetables, fresh fruits,
low fat protein (white meat fish or chicken),
raw vegetables, salads, fresh fruit and curd.
Drink plenty of water. What to avoid: Butter,
cheese, deep fried foods, animal fats, fried
foods, eggs, nuts, excess carbohydrates and
alcohol.

Your Hair Is Soooooo Dull!

Quick Bytes:
• Dull hair could be the result of ill health
and strong medication . It could also be
due to overuse of styling products.
Smoking can also cause your hair to
become dull.
What to eat: Foods rich in minerals - green
vegetables, nuts, lentils, wholegrain cereals,
shrimps, oily fish and milk. What to avoid: Salty
foods and snacks.
 Hair oils

The use of hair oils has been a part of the hair

care regime since ancient times. However,
there are many common perceptions about the
so-called benefits of hair oil. Well, it’s time to
separate myth from reality…

Does Hair Oil Really Make My Hair Thicker,

Longer and Blacker?
No! This is not true because no external
application can significantly affect the growth
of your hair.

Do Hair Oils Make Hair More Manageable?

Yes! Hair oils reduce the friction between each

strand of hair, thereby reducing tangles and
making it easier to comb. However, hair oils
are sticky by nature. Use light, non greasy oils
or even better, hair lotions for manageability
without grease.

Do Hair Oils Add A Shine And Lustre To

Hair?
Yes! Hair does shine when it’s coated with hair
oil. The oil coats each hair shaft, providing a
smooth surface which reflects light. Hence the
shine and the luster, but this is not the shine of
cleanliness, or of healthy hair! It is also
believed that an oil massage soothes the
nerves, has a cooling effect on the brain and is
good for the eyes - resulting in a feeling of
relaxation. In reality, this sensation is the result
of the stimulating massage that accompanies
the application of oil in the scalp, not the oil
itself. Beacon

Is Hair Oil Bad For Hair In Any Way?

Yes! The oil on your hair attracts dirt and dust.
If you wash your hair three or four times a
week with a good shampoo plus conditioner
like Sunsilk, you don’t need oils for
manageability or shine. Sunsilk will keep hair
silky, fresh and fragrant and make you look
attractive. So, switch over to Sunsilk and get
rid of the sticky, greasy and unattractive look
of oiled hair. However, if you don’t wash your
hair often, you would need lubrication for hair
manageability and combing. For this, use light,
non-greasy products.

Nothing is more relaxing than a head massage.

Coincidently a nice, gentle head massage is
also very therapeutic for your hair. This is
because a good massage will stimulate the
sebaceous glands and get the blood flowing to
the scalp to nourish the papilla. Here are some
tips on how to massage right when you are
doing it yourself:
Massaging Dos

• Start at the hairline and gently knead the

front of your scalp.
• Let the scalp move under the pressure of
your fingertips, but don’t move the fingers
themselves.
• Always massage from front to back - from
the forehead and the sides, over the crown
of the head to the base of your neck, since
it is the route the blood naturally takes to
reach the heart.
• Let your fingers fan out to the sides of your
head, to massage as much of your scalp as
possible.
• After a few minutes, go on to massage the
next section of your scalp till it feels tingly
and looser than before.
• Remember, a tight scalp is caused by
tension and stress and a proper massage
will relax it.

Massaging Don’ts
 • Don’t ever use your nails or the whole hand
to massage your hair; use only the finger
tips.
• Do not massage your scalp in case there is
any inflammation or if the skin is broken.

How important is it to find a good salon?

Very, very important!

In this day and age your hairstyle definitely
contributes immensely to your image. If it looks
good, YOU will look good and you will feel more
confident too. Thus, finding a good hairdresser
is really important, because when you walk out
of the salon, lo and behold, the results will be
on display for the world to see. It’s vital that
you feel confident about your choice of salon.

Get Your Haircut and Your Money’s Worth!

Don’t walk into the first salon you see just

because it’s a stone’s throw away from you
house. You might look like a walking disaster
after you’re done! No, first do a survey before
choosing a salon. Ask your friends where they
get their hair cut. If you see someone whose
hairstyle you like, approach them and enquire
where they got the job done. Once you have
got some options in hand, shortlist according to
both budget and convenience factors.
At The Hairdresser’s

• When booking your appointment, ask how

much time you’ve been allotted. You should
also ask how much it will cost and what the
price does and does not include.

• Discuss the style you want with the stylist

right at the beginning, especially before a
shampoo. It is much harder to visualize
lengths and styles when your hair is wet.
And you don’t want any misunderstanding
about what the result should be.

• If an exact length is important to you, say

so, making sure you are referring to `dry
length’. Hair which reaches the jawline
when wet will shrink when dry by up to a
couple of inches.
 • Avoid using hairdressing speak like
`layering’, `bobbed’ and `highlights’. You
could easily end up talking at cross-
purposes with your hairdresser meaning
one thing and you another, so use plain
English.

• Take photographs or brochures of styles

you like. It really helps a stylist to
understand the exact effect you are trying
to achieve.

• A good hairdresser will also give guidance

on the shape of your face and the styles
that are likely to be most flattering to it.

• Last but not the least don’t forget to

enquire about the maintenance of your
new hairstyle. There’s not much point in
committing yourself to a cut you simply
don’t have the time or patience to keep up!

Discover Your Face Cut!

1. Oval -You can carry off most styles. Wild

curls and big, tousled hair will set off the
shape of your face, as will layered styles
that add volume. Avoid flat-to-the-head
 styles or cuts without width at the sides -–
they will accentuate narrowness.

2. Oblong -A long, narrow face needs a style

that gives it fullness at the sides. Ask your
hair stylist to cut soft, feathery layers
around your cheekbones. This style will
make your face seem wider.

3. Heart-shaped- Lucky you! You can have

your pick of literally any style – long or
short, layered or blunt, straight or curly.
Change your style with every fashion whim
if you want to! If your face is wider at the
forehead and narrower at the chin, you
should select a style that de-emphasizes
your forehead. For instance, softly angled
layers that can be brushed aside. Cutting
hair to chin length and layering it
throughout also gives it more body.

4. Round If you have a face that’s too full, go

in for a style that gives it height. Part your
hair on one side and then draw it back from
the sides. If your hair is long, tie it high on
the head. Short hair should be closely
cropped at the sides, with more volume on
the crown. A layered cut or soft, feathered
style will tend to suit you. Try to avoid any
 width in the hair around the sides of your
face – this will accentuate the roundness.

5. Square Longer length, grown-out gamine

crops look great on square faces, as do
layered bobs with wisps around the face to
soften the angles. Long layers add body
which flatters your face. Avoid really close
crops or severe, slicked-back styles. A hair
style with a high side parting and hair that
covers one side of your forehead is ideal
for you. The cut should focus attention just
above or below your cheekbones. Try to
keep your hair away from the chin, so that
it doesn’t look wider than it is.

What’s The Ideal Hair Length?

There is no such thing as an ideal length of
hair. It depends on your preference and what
best suits your face. Long lustrous hair has its
own beauty, while a nice, short cut has its own
charm.
What is more important, however, is its texture
and overall health. Whatever be the length of
your hair or its style, if your hair is not properly
cared for, it will look dull and unattractive.
Which means that you must set a daily hair
care routine for yourself. Wash your hair
regularly with a good shampoo plus conditioner
- like Sunsilk. It not only keeps your scalp
clean, but also improves your hair texture,
making it lively and manageable at the same
time.

Ponytail Tips!
For a tighter hold on a ponytail, try a bungee
band elastic with hooks on each end. Grab the
hair with one hook, wrap the elastic band
around the hair tightly and clasp the first hook
with the second hook. A Tight ponytail may
damage your hair. A tight elastic band can
cause breakage and damage to both the hair
and scalp.
5 Clever-Girl Tips To Sensational Strands!

Here, Cosmo's insider tricks to getting a

gorgeous mane…TIP: For really voluminous
hair, towel dry hair, then spritz your roots with
a volumising product. Lift sections up and aim
underneath them. Then blowdry your hair
upside down-you want the air to go against the
way your roots grow.TIP: A weird-but effective-
way to degook hair buildup: dishwashing liquid.
It leaves hair super-clean, just don't do it more
than twice a year--it's very drying. TIP: To get
an alluring and dramatic style, try parting your
hair so that it lines up with the arch in your
eyebrow. TIP: Gone to the same hair stylist for
years? Get a second opinion on your style from
someone who can see you with fresh eyes. You
can

always take her ideas back to your old guy. TIP:

Hot date to go to and no time to wash your
hair? Rescue an unwashed mane and make it
look good by mopping up excess oil around the
roots with some baby powder. Or spritz a little
perfume on the ends of your locks to banish
nasty whiffs.

To Get Those Luscious Curls…

If you’re planning on curling your tresses for an
evening out, you could use rollers, those
sausage-like rolls of plastic come in varied
sizes. Wrap your hair around them while it is
still wet and dry it with a hair dryer, or allow it
to dry naturally. However, unlike a perm, its
effect is temporary. If your rollers have caps on
the end, make sure they’re not pressing on the
hair or leaving dents that are hard to get out.
On Roller Size…
The straighter you want your hair, the larger
the rollers you should use and the fewer the
sections to roll. The curlier you want your hair,
the smaller the rollers and the more sections
you should roll.

To Keep Those Luscious Curls!

Don’t want to part with your curls the night
after? Try this trick. After washing, pat it dry
with a towel and use a wide toothed comb
through the hair. Then apply gel spray and
allow your hair to dry naturally. This holds it in
tight curls, and gives the hair bounce and
movement.
When applying style mousse or gel, work from
the top of your ears up to the crown, and then
run your hands from underneath your hair at
the back, working right through to the front.
This way, you ensure even coverage and end
up with minimal mousse or gel near your face –
the area that needs it least.
Remember that different styles require
different tools – a change of hairstyle may well
require a different type of hairbrush, so ask
your hairdresser for advice.

More Hair Styling Techniques

In this day and age, you no longer have to live
with the kind of hair you were born with. Here
are some popular techniques that get you
instant curls, waves, crimps...or whatever else
you want!
Perming This process creates waves, curls or
bounce by altering the molecular structure of
your hair. A solution is applied to the hair after
which it is put in rollers. The hair is then dried
in a hair dryer for about 30 minutes. And there
- you have a new look. Perming can be the
magic touches to complete your style, but
remember that any chemicals applied to your
hair will mean that you need to treat the hair
differently eg., a conditioner that was too
heavy for natural hair might well be perfect for
your newly treated hair. Permed hair needs
intensive conditioning as compared to others.

Hair Dryers These help you style your hair

and give it an attractive look of fullness. What’s
more, you can style your hair in different ways.
However, using a dryer too frequently could
dry out your scalp and hair. And if used
inexpertly, it could even burn your hair.

Hair Spray Hair sprays are freely available in

aerosol cans, and you can use them after
styling to help hold the set. But you should
know exactly how much spray to use. Too
much, results in a stiff, tacky look and too little
fails to hold the set.

Mousse & Gel

Gel and mousse are very popular styling
products which can have a very dramatic effect
on your hair, provided you use them correctly.
For instance, when you used gel, you can get
the `wet’ look and it is ideal for slicked back
hair styles. Mousse, like hair spray, helps you
style your hair without taking away its natural
softness and shine. It is available in aerosol
cans. After normal shampooing and
conditioning, foam some of it from the can into
your palm, spread it evenly through your hair,
then let your hair dry naturally and style with a
blow dryer, rollers, or simply with a wide-
toothed comb or brush. Voila! Watch that
transition…

How To Use Mousse/Gel…

• Apply Mousse or Gel to the palm of your

hand.
• Touch the fingertips of your other hand to
the mousse or gel to lightly distribute
product along your fingertips.
• Tip your head over and run your fingertips
through to your roots.
• Repeat all over your head for all over
fullness.
• When your fingertips run out of product,
redistribute product from the palm of your
other hand.
• Adjust the amount of mousse or gel you
use for your particular hair style. Do not
apply mousse or gel to the length of your
hair. Over applying product will weigh your
hair down.
 • Mousse expands when it is dispensed.
When a specific style calls for a
recommended amount of mousse, the
recommendation refers to the mousse after
it has expanded.

How Much Mousse?

How much mousse to use depends on hair type
and style? For any style requiring either hold or
height, use lots of mousse to make hair easier
to mould into shape. It depends on your hair
type and the style you want.

Should Mousse Be Applied To The Roots?

Yes! Mousse at the roots helps give lift to styles
that require height. Too much mousse at the
ends will weigh hair down.

Styling Tips For Dry, Coarse & Fine Hair!

1.For Dry, Coarse Hair…
• Mousse can be used on the tips of your
hair before hot curling for better
control.
• Working in an air-conditioned office?
Then a quick spritz of hair spray will
keep your hair in place all day, while
perking up flagging hair no end.
• To find your parting, comb your hair
directly backwards away from your
forehead.
 • Then place the palm of your hand on
the crown of your head and push the
hair forward gently.
• The hair will rise up and then fall in its
natural parting position.
• Tousle-dry your hair with a hairdryer to
about 80% dry and then apply your
styling product. This will ensure you
minimize wear and tear on the hair,
and offers you ease of care.
• If your hair needs lots of styling then
apply mousse or gel spray before you
rough dry and then add a smaller
amount of styling product again once it
is 80% dry to achieve the final shape
and definition you are looking for.

2.For Fine Hair…

• Go lightly when you apply styling products,
adding a little at a time, instead of
overdoing it with one large application.

My Natural Hair Colour

Hair has a very specific structure, being both
transparent and coloured by melanin pigments.
Only two colours of melanin are known at this
time: black and red. They are produced at the
root of the hair and distributed along its length.
Different proportions of melanin make up the
wide variety of hair colours, auburn, blonde,
brown, brunette and black.

Grey Hair
Latest research shows that when hair turns
grey, the biochemical components that used to
produce colour are still present but are no
longer active. The production and transfer of
coloured melanin are halted, obstructed by
changes in the body’s complex balancing act
which remain to be discovered.
I Want To Colour My Hair…
The most interesting thing about hair colour is
that it changes constantly with the play of light
and shade. Because each head of hair is
different, with its unique nuances and
reflections, you can possess a colour of your
very own, one as personal as your signature!
Like your eyes, your hair is a singular
combination of light, texture, colour and
movement.
Here are some facts that you should keep in
mind while getting your hair coloured.
Permanent Colour: This type of colour that
does not wash out and lasts until the roots put
out new hair. Permanent colour can make hair
lighter or darker, add highlights and completely
cover grey hair. Make sure you get a good
hairdresser while going for this type, or if
you’re planning to do it yourself, good luck!
Semi-permanent Colour: Long-lasting
translucent colouring or `staining’ products
yield shades close to the hair’s natural colour,
or slightly darker, and can also add highlights.
They cover up to 50% of grey hair but do not
lighten the hair.
Temporary Colour: This is colour that washes
out gradually after several shampoos. It adds
natural-looking colour or highlights and can
make hair slightly darker, and deals with the
first grey hair by covering up to 30%.
Flash Colour: This offers an extra touch of
colour to your natural shade, adds highlights or
brightens grey hair. It washes out the next time
you shampoo. It’s ideal for a night out.

How Will The Hair Colour Affect My Hair?

Bleaching, tinting, dyeing and perming are all

bad for hair, especially if you have dry hair. But
if you want to get any of these done to achieve
a certain look and to keep pace with fashion
trends, go to a professional hairdresser. And
insist on using the best products. Even after
you get a perm or a tint, use a good shampoo,
condition your hair regularly and comb it gently
with a wide-toothed comb. You should never
tint your hair more than once in 4-6 months.
This is because your hair is rather delicate, and
continuous exposure to chemicals can ruin its
texture.
Just go for it!

Off to a party after a grueling routine at work?

Have exactly 30 minutes to get your party
ensemble together? Bet you’ll blow-dry your
hair in 20 seconds!
A lot of women just like you are ill-informed
about the rules for drying their hair and if they
are running late for a party or business
appointment, they are prone to drying in a
tearing hurry. Nothing can be more harmful for
your tresses! Learn the rules of hair drying
before blasting your hair drying gadgets.
How To Naturally Dry Your Hair…

This is the best method to dry your hair. Of

course sometimes you can’t escape using a
hairdryer. But as far as possible, do allow your
tresses to dry on their own.

• Once you are out of the shower, take a nice

thick towel and gently pat your hair dry
from front to back. (Do not rub it vigorously
with a towel. This can damage your hair.)

• Wrap the towel around your head and let it

soak up excess water.

• After some time, unwrap the towel and,

while your hair is still damp, comb it gently
with a wide-toothed comb; this will allow
your hair to dry out soft and smooth.

• Avoid using a hair dryer because excessive

blow drying can make your hair frizzy, dull
and dry, often resulting in split ends and
broken hair. It is best to let your hair dry
 out naturally. After combing your hair, just
leave it alone and it will dry out nicely
within an hour or so.

The Right Way To Use A Blow-Dryer…

• After washing your hair, pat or squeeze it

dry with a towel – don’t towel dry it or rub
it vigorously as hair is most fragile when
wet, and any friction will also encourage
tangling.
• If you have longer hair and like it wrapped
in a towel, turban style, for a few minutes
after washing, comb your hair whilst your
hair is still very wet. This will de-tangle
your hair before you wrap it up and will
minimize any painful knots when the towel
comes off.
• Before using the hairdryer, always pat or
squeeze hair dry first. Not only will it take
you an age to dry dripping wet hair, it is
also bad news for your personal safety.
• Always blow-dry hair with the flow of air
pointing downwards. This will boost the
 hair’s shine, because you are encouraging
all the cuticles to lay flat.
• Make sure that the hairdryer is constantly
moving – leaving it on one spot can over-
dry hair and make it dull and brittle.
• Don’t hold the nozzle too close to the hair
as this could result in overdrying.
Generally, 10 to 15 cm away is a sensible
distance.
• For extra volume or lift, blow dry hair in the
opposite direction. For example, tip your
head upside down (or side to side) for all
over volume.