Get non-greasy hair naturally

My hair always gets greasy within two days of washing it; it turns oily even when I don't apply anything to it. Please help.
- Name withheld
First off, avoid hot showers, as this activates oil glands and opens pores, making the scalp oily. Add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to half a teaspoon of lemon juice; massage into scalp and rinse after 15 minutes. You may follow with a herbal shampoo, but avoid conditioner. If you have dry hair, apply conditioner only on the dry ends of the hair. Never use hot water to rinse, only room temperature water.

Is it safe to break open all the vitamin E capsules I have and store the oil in a bottle? How long can I keep the oil for, if so? I want to use the oil for old scars but don't need an entire capsule each time, since the scar is quite small. The capsules are expensive too, so I was wondering if it's okay to break them all and store in a bottle in order to use a little at a time without wasting the rest.
- Madeeha
Vitamin E capsules can be burst but must be stored in an airtight container, as exposure to air reduces the effect of the oil and makes it stale. The reason the oil is in capsules is to keep the product potent. Even if you burst a capsule and are not sure about using all of it, it is advisable to return the remaining oil to an airtight container. Having said that, I would personally advise breaking a capsule whenever you need it and avoid opening them all at once.
I am a 13-year-old with a whitehead on my nose. Please advise.
- Name withheld
Take half a teaspoon of oats and add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda; mix well with water and apply on clean skin on the nose. When the mask dries, use damp fingers to gently scrub the whiteheads and rinse with cold water. Do this three times a week, then gradually reduce to twice a week. Whiteheads will clear and skin will become smooth and soft.

I've been having acne and scarring on my face for the last seven months. I've tried every mask plus visited a dermatologist who prescribed a cream and moisturiser with no effect. Can you please suggest a remedy for these problems?
- Name withheld
Make a purée out of a ripe tomato, add a little honey and some rice powder. Mix well and apply the mask to the acne-prone area. In fact, this mask can be applied to the entire face. When dry, gently scrub the mask from the skin. Do this every day and both acne and scarring will disappear. More importantly, ensure you follow a healthy diet and drink 10-12 glasses of water regularly; avoid sodas and junk food.

I am a 10-year-old girl. I have tried many home remedies for the dark patches around my lips and mouth. Can you please suggest a remedy? It is so embarrassing when people stare at me.
- Deepti
Thanks for writing in. I wish you'd mentioned what home remedies you've tried so I can prescribe something different. However, try massaging coconut cream on the mouth every day. Leaving it overnight would be even more effective. You could also start having carrot juice every day to give your body some rich nutrients and help cleanse your skin.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics