www.womanthismonth.com 57 October 2015 shape, feel and look of your hair. Add to this the various external environmental factors and the odds often seem stacked against us in the hair care department. Hence it’s necessary to get the basics right. CLEANSING: Regular shampooing is essential for both your hair and scalp as it gets rid of dirt, oil and sweat. Choose a shampoo depending upon your hair type – dry, oily, normal or coloured and the frequency of washing should not be more than two to three times a week. Avoid using too much product or shampooing too often as it may affect the capillary fibre in your hair over time. Always wash with warm water; hot water can not only dry out hair, it can irritate the scalp; and a healthy scalp equals healthy hair. CONDITIONING: This is important as it restores moisture to your hair follicles, making them smooth and manageable. It usually should follow a wash; however, you can also opt for weekly or fortnightly deep-conditioning treatments with a hair mask. There are natural conditioners that can be used for this, such as yogurt, honey, coconut oil, shea butter, bananas or apple cider vinegar. BRUSHING AND DRYING: Before turning on your hair dryer, use a towel to dry your hair as much as possible. Keep your blow dryer moving as keeping it in one spot for more than a few seconds can damage the strands. Hair that's too dry can actually receive natural oils if bushed properly. Avoid using a brush on wet hair as it can increase breakage; use a comb instead to remove snarls. For longer hair, begin brushing near the end of the hair and work your way back to your scalp. STYLING: This is truly the most fun and interesting part. From short, long, shoulderlength and pixie cuts to even partly or completely shaved, playing with colours and styling your hair in hundreds of ways, you are only limited by your own imagination. Surely you’ll remember the time spent with your girlfriends experimenting with different hair styles! Adding to the fun is the plethora of hair adornment available for all ages, tastes and budgets. When it comes to hair colour there is no such thing as simple black and white. Getting the perfect hue for your tresses can become a life-long pursuit, involving endless trial and error. Adverts tell you about over-the-counter solutions, usually with the help of an A-list actress flicking through her lustrous locks, convincing you that it’s all so effortlessly easy. But don’t we all know the reality? If you do want those superstar strands, your best bet is seeking professional help. Lucky for us, Dessange Paris in Adliya has the whole spectrum covered when it comes to hair care and style. I got a chance to go for a cut and colour at the elegant salon, placing my hair in the able hands of salon manager Badia Dhrari. She examined my locks and suggested I go for Balayage. A huge trend and Dessange signature, it is the go-to style for modern, chic hair. It creates depth and dimension leaving you with a sun-kissed finish. She handed me over to Nisha, who studied my scalp and then applied a soothing solution to my head before massaging it. Post a quick wash, Badia gave me a stylish hair cut after which she began the colouring process. In about 30 minutes, Nisha washed my hair and after a blow-dry I saw a new me in the mirror. I absolutely love the new life and shine in my hair and the gradient that comes alive in sunlight. What: Balayage Where: Dessange Paris Favourite Feature: Definitely the personalised service by Dessange was the highlight of the day. However, the massage chairs at the hair-wash station certainly deserve a special mention.
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