Prevent hairloss with scalp massage

Our beauty expert offers home remedies

My hair is falling at a very alarming rate these days, especially after shampooing. I use a herbal shampoo, so that can't be the problem. Please tell me how to stop hair fall and boost hair growth. I'm getting desperate as people around me are always commenting on how they can see my scalp.
- Meenu
Hair fall can sometimes be due to an illness or a nutrition deficiency. It can also occur due to using permanent hair colours; sometimes, conditioner rubbed into scalp is not good for hair. Improve your diet: drink adequate water and add any form of exercise to activate circulation. Massage scalp with warm extra virgin olive oil to which a few drops of lemon juice and a dash of black pepper have been added. Leave overnight or just for an hour before shampoo. Do this twice a week. This will help improve your hair.
I am 12 years old, and I have long hair with split ends. My hair becomes tangled when I leave it open. Please suggest some remedies.
- Name withheld
Oiling hair twice a week is the best treatment for split ends and to detangle hair. One hour before shampoo, massage hair with warm almond or coconut oil. Run through with a wide comb. Shampoo hair. You'll immediately feel the benefits.
I have been reading your beauty tips for quite some time and find them useful. My underarms are quite dark after waxing/shaving. Also, after a bath, my hair stands out in all directions, and looks really frightful. Can you please suggest some home remedies for me?
- Name withheld
Dark underarms require a mask to lighten them. Make a paste of coconut milk and oats powder, and apply on underarms; when semi-dry, scrub gently. Do this as often as you wish to lighten and smoothen the underarms. As for your other problem: hair that stands out needs to be smoothened with aloe vera gel. Apply a few drops of aloe vera gel all over your wet hair, and comb through. This treatment adds moisture. It is an excellent repair treatment.
I have blackheads that return very quickly after I have cleansed my skin thoroughly. Do you have a remedy that can make them go away?
- Anisha
Steam face after adding 2 drops of lemongrass oil to the water. Follow with a mask of baking soda and oats powder. When dry, scrub off. The blackheads will loosen. Avoid oily creams; instead, just apply an astringent to shrink pores. Avoid hot baths. Splash cold water several times a day to shrink the pores.
I have a lot of pigmentation on my back and thighs. What can I do to get rid of them and have clear skin?
- Janaki
Pigmentation can be lightened if you eat fresh fruits and green vegetables, and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Apply a thin layer of a mask made of almond powder mixed with water or coconut milk, and scrub gently on areas that need lightening. Do this every day for quick results. 
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics