KARACHI, Nov 12: Hair is an important part of your body as well as personality, and lack of care would surely spoil them. It is not necessary to use costly cosmetics, shampoos, etc, but a little extra care and some home-made measures could greatly help you keeping your hair health and shiny. Ask bald persons or those with falling hair and they would tell you to treat you hair as if it was the finest silk.

Hair is a remarkably tough material. It can stand up to considerable abuse, but over time this can wreak havoc with its natural properties. In particular, its porosity can be badly affected, so that it breaks easily and cannot be styled satisfactorily. The hair when in good condition is shiny and easily manageable -- it just looks good.

Beauticians and hair experts suggest that to keep hair shiny and healthy one should:

1. Brush your hair regularly before going to bed each night.

2. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use very little but enough to cover hair completely with lather. Use the tips of your fingers to gently cleanse your scalp --no need to scrub. Dirt, oil, and debris will float away as the lather passes over your hair. Use a conditioner or oil to keep them manageable.

3. Avoid brushing wet hair. This will cause the hair to stretch and finally break. Finger-dry, or use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to gently remove the knots.

4. Avoid blow-drying your hair. The process of blow-drying is harsh on hair as it robs it of moisture.

5. Avoid dyes. Use henna instead as a conditioner and colouring agent.

6. Take a calcium supplement or drink two glasses of milk a day.

7. If you have to use dryer, always hold it away from your hair. Direct air from the hair dryer down hair shaft and not directly into the roots and keep it moving.

8. After a perm, never brush your hair. Instead comb them gently.

9. Trim your hair once in seven weeks to avoid split ends.

10. Avoid pulling back your hair tightly. Never use a rubber band on your hair as it can pull and damage hair considerably. Never sleep in a tight braid or ponytail. This practice may cause hair breakage and loss over time.

11. Never go out in the sun without having your head covered.

12. Stimulate circulation by massaging your head with oil to which some vitamin E has been added. This will make hair soft and silky. Never wash your hair with very hot or very cold water.

13. Learn to relax. Hair loss can happen because of stress. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin B, C and E. Add iron and minerals in the natural form in your diet. If your hair is oily, cut down on fried food and fat. Drink plenty of water.

14. Braid your hair while still damp and allow the hair to dry while braided. This will add beautiful waves to the hair.—PPI