Haircare tips

Damaged hair can be dry and brittle and tends to break off easily, or acquires split ends. Actually, damaged hair is weak and can eventually lead to hair loss. The most common causes of hair damage are repeated use of chemical hair styling lotions, or coloring, dyeing, bleaching, and direct heat applications. The chemical lotions disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp too and leave it prone to problems. Damaged hair means that it is time to detox. First of all, discontinue the procedures that lead to damage.

Damaged hair is in a fragile condition, so treat it gently. Avoid brushes and use a wide-toothed comb with smooth edges. To heal damaged hair, have detox treatments to help nurse the hair back to good health. First of all, have the hair trimmed to remove split ends. Then start with warm oil therapy. Mix one part castor oil with two parts coconut oil, or use Shalocks herbal hair oil. Heat and apply on the hair. Remember to apply on the ends too. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Avoid vigorous massage and rubbing when you apply oil. Keep the oil on overnight and wash hair the next day, using a mild herbal shampoo.  Avoid very hot water. After shampoo, wrap a towel around the head and allow it to absorb excess water. The best way to disentangle the hair or comb wet hair is to use a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working upwards. Avoid hair dryers and styling rods for some time and allow the hair to dry naturally.

After shampoo, condition the hair with Rosemary Thyme Hair Conditioner or Wild Thyme Hair Conditioning Lotion. If there is dandruff, use Sharinse Plus Anti-dandruff Herbal Hair Rinse. For oily and limp hair, apply a hair pack once a week. We can recommend Shacare, or Hair packs from our Flower Botanic Range, namely Carnation-Hibiscus Hair Conditioning Powder or Poppy-Jasmine Hair Conditioning Powder. These packs cleanse, condition and rejuvenate the hair. They also repair hair damage and restore health to the hair.

Hair conditioners, rinses and serums help to soften the hair and add shine. They also coat the hair and help to protect it. Among these are Diamond Hair Serum and Platinum Scalp Rejuvenation Serum, which remove toxins and purify the hair and scalp. As a home remedy, you may use Apple Cider Vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar to a mug of water and use as a last rinse after shampoo. Both hot and cold infusions can be made from hibiscus flowers and leaves.

Have herb and spice teas to detox. Internal good health revives the hair. Add spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper to tea. Ginger boiled in water can also be had as ginger tea. Chamomile tea, which removes toxins and induces relaxation, is available as tea-bags.

If you have a detox program from time to time, you can restore the health and beauty of the hair. Also, the hair is like a delicate fabric, so learn to treat it that way.