Shahnaz Hussain
The working woman needs to pay even more attention to skin and hair care. Actually, the hair attracts dirt and pollutants from the environment just as much as the skin.
These settle on the scalp. Even if you do not wash the hair daily, you should try not to neglect it. The frequency of shampoo depends on the hair type and the weather. For normal to dry hair, shampoo and condition the hair at least twice a week. For oily hair, wash the hair three to four times a week, or even daily, when the weather is hot and humid.
Once a week, oil your hair at night, using warm coconut oil. Apply this on the scalp. Using your finger tips, stimulate the scalp by actually moving it. Avoid vigorous massage of the scalp and hair. Next morning, wash the hair with a mild herbal shampoo. Rinse well with water. Add the juice of one lemon to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse.
Once a week apply henna to condition the hair and maintain its health and beauty. To the henna powder, add four teaspoons each lemon juice and coffee, two eggs and enough yogurt to mix into a thick paste. Apply on the hair and wash off after an hour. If the hair is dry, add two teaspoons oil to the henna paste.
It is a good idea to use a scarf or a chunni to cover the head while you are out of doors, or travelling to work. This helps to protect the hair from dust and sun-exposure.
If you like to tie your hair back or put it up for work, avoid using rubber bands. These can cause a great deal of hair damage. Ribbons, hair clips and scrunchies are better.
Include fresh fruits, sprouted grains, lentils (dals) and curd in your daily diet, to keep the hair strong and healthy. The hair can suffer if you are under stress. Both hair loss and dandruff can be stress-related. Do some deep breathing exercises daily. Take some exercise, or a brisk walk, after consulting your doctor. Whenever possible, try to consciously relax yourself. These measures help in reducing stress.
Hairstyles
Long hair, with curls and ringlets in the lower half, is in fashion. But, avoid keeping your hair loose at work. One tends to keep fussing with the hair. Long hair can be put up in a roll, or pinned up. Or tie a pony tail, whether low or high, with ribbons or clip. Pony tails are in fashion. You can even curl the ends of the hair with curlers and then tie them in a pony tail, or pin up with a clip. Simple hair accessories can be used to put the hair up.
Braids (plaits) may also look nice for work, although it may take time. In fact, braids are also in fashion, including side braids, i.e. with the braid on one side. Braids can be done on long and medium length hair. Divide your hair into three, four or five parts and intertwine like a rope. Tie the end with ribbon or elastic band. Braids look neat on young working women.
The more natural look, with a look of ease is the current trend. Keep the hair away from the face. If you have short hair, wear it softly and naturally layered. Even in hair colour, natural colours like browns are the trend. You can have subtle colours with natural highlights.
The bob is back in fashion for short hair. You can also go for the slightly tousled look if you wish to be in. Not, harsh or obviously structured, but rather a careless and casual look.
If you have shoulder length hair and wish to leave it open, condition it after shampoo, so that it is soft, smooth and manageable.
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