Stop the Mane Drain
Don’t stress about losing your tresses; get savvy and check out our expert tips on the best methods to minimise one of the biggest lifestyle banes – hair fall!

Does it break your heart to see bunches of your beautiful hair fall out every single time you wash your hair or comb it?
You are not alone. In fact, many women complain about the same thing. Some blame the water, some the harsh weather conditions, and some confess that they’ve not been particularly careful with maintaining their mane. Here, we tell you what exactly is going on, and what you can do to end this agony once and for all.

Why you are losing hair…
We wish we could pinpoint that one cause and nip it in the bud, but there is a lot that can contribute to this condition.
• Environmental factors: The usual suspects – pollution, harsh sun, and constant exposure to air-conditioning – dry out the hair, making it brittle and causing it to fall out easily.
• Stress: Many experts believe that stress is one of the major contributing factors to hair loss.
• Water: The water that is available is sometimes treated with a huge number of chemicals so when this water penetrates the scalp, chemicals start building up there. Sometimes it even contains a especially high content of calcium, which deposits in the hair follicle, blocking it, and also stops new hair from growing out.
• Poor nutrition: Since many women here in Pakistan cover their head, they don’t receive any vitamin D, which is very essential. Moreover, people go on diets without thinking about what it does to the skin and hair. Not having balanced meals leads to brittle hair, and ultimately breakage. Poor iron, keratin and zinc levels in the body are also some of the main causes of hair loss.
• Styling: It is hardly a surprise that your blow dryer and other hair tools that use heat are not exactly BFF candidates for your hair. Over time, they leave your hair dry and brittle, causing it to fall. Plus, the number of products you pile on, in an effort to make your tresses look good, also cause build up… and when not cleaned out on a regular basis, leaves your scalp dirty, leading to hair fall. In the same way, excessive styling and colouring, not only damages hair, but all the chemicals build up and block pores, not allowing new hair to grow.
• Other factors: Hormonal changes, natural ageing, pregnancy, weight loss, certain kinds of medication, thyroid disorders, anaemia and inherited hair loss are some other factors that can causeyour hair to fall.

Styling and treating your hair with chemicals too often not only damages the hair, but the chemical build-up blocks hair follicles and doesn’t let hair grow

What you can do to fix this…
You first need to figure out which factor exactly is causing your hair to fall out before taking action. It is normal to lose about 80-100 hair a day, but how much is normal varies from person to person, and it’s easy to know when you’re losing too much hair.
Start out by fixing what you eat. Eat a balanced diet, which has enough carbohydrate and protein. When snacking, pick a complex carb, like fruits, or crackers. Try to maximise your iron and zinc levels, by eating foods that contain light levels of these minerals and also ensure you drink lots of water.
Dr Francesca Frusco, a New York based dermatologist and scalp care specialist suggests increasing intake of essential fatty acids that are found in oily fish and avocadoes, that help not only the scalp, but the general condition of the skin as well. She also suggests popping zinc supplements as they help prevent dandruff, which can also cause the hair to fall.
Experts also advise a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, eating dark green vegetables for their folic acid content and getting daily fix of vitamin D either through sun exposure or supplements, and taking a combination of iron and lysine supplements.
Making a few changes in your hair care routine is also necessary. First of all, get a good haircut, and chop them down to a comfortable level, because the longer your hair is, the more it is prone to breakage. The kind of products you use, of course, also make a huge difference. Looking out for hair products rich in caviar – will help nourish and revitalise the hair, as well as seal the moisture in. Usingproducts that are sulfate and paraben-free is also highly recommended.
How you wash your hair, is another surprising thing you could be doing wrong. Give the scalp a boost by alternating the use of hot and cold water while washing hair to increase the circulation and prevent dead cells from forming on the scalp. Similarly, washing your mane every day is a big no-no. Put a little shampoo in your hair, wash it gently, and rinse. Don’t scrub your scalp! Also, when you apply a moisturising mask, don’t just restrict it to your hair, but also nourish the roots by applying it on your scalp.
Take care of your hair by keeping it chemical-free as much as possible. Avoid using too many products on it, and colouring your hair as far as possible. If you absolutely must style, use a heat styling protector, and before stepping out in the sun, spray on a little hair sunscreen.
Make a few lifestyle changes so you stress less. Opt for meditation and yoga to calm your mind and body, which will help not only the condition of your hair to improve, but also help you lead a calmer life.

Style it right
Okay, so your hair is thinning, and you hate that it looks so limp, but you needn’t worry – there is a solution for that too! You can make your hair look fuller by taking a small drop of regular conditioner and spreading it lightly in your hair, running your fingers through it.
Pin or tie your hair up in a loose bun, and after a few minutes, you can just untie it for voluminous ‘done and undone’ look. You can also accessorise with bright scarves, to take the attention away from the hair.
If you are planning on getting a haircut, opt for blunt, choppy cuts to give your hair a fuller look. You can style it differently on different occasions, like opting for a side parting for a more feminine look.
Now that we’ve got you all the solutions and inside information, there is no reason for innocent strands to die a gruesome death anymore. And please, don’t stress about losing hair… it will only make it worse!

How to look younger with make-up
With the right tricks, turning back the clock can be as simple as opening your make-up bag

Moisturise
Before you even think of applying make-up – as in while your skin is still damp from cleansing – slather on a good quality moisturiser.

Choose liquid concealer
As you age, you have more to conceal, but concealer can draw attention to lines. You should go for a product that hides redness and circles without getting cakey, and that means you want a liquid cover-up in a click pen. Anything that comes in a pan has a wax base and will look waxy on the skin. A click-pen formula covers just as well and doesn't seep into lines.

Buy a foundation that matches your skin tone
Pick a hue that warms up your beautiful skin tone because the warmer your skin looks, the younger itlooks. This goes for all skin types.

Use a sponge
You may be tempted to cover up every imperfection with foundation. Well... don't! A damp sponge is your new best friend. Quickly wet your sponge under the faucet, squeeze out the water, and put a dab of foundation on the back of your hand. Pick up the foundation you need with the tip and apply it in dabbing motions on your face. Between the sponge absorbing some of the foundation and the water thinning the rest, you will get the optimal sheer coverage. You may need to blend it with your fingers, but the point is that it won't look cakey or opaque.

Skip tinted face powder
Covering your skin in powder is a really bad idea. So, its better to just skip it. If you feel naked without powder, use translucent, light-diffusing powder, nothing tinted, to set your base and apply it in sunlight so you know what it actually looks like.

Keep piling on the moisture
Nothing makes you look older than heavy powder formulas. Make-up artists recommend stocking your bag with creams, gels, liquids, and products that generally don't require the use of a brush. The more hydrated your skin, the younger it looks.

Show off your bone structure
After years of smiling into a mirror to isolate the apples of your cheeks, you can now give it a rest. Women lose fat in their face as they age. Take advantage of that! Rub your blush in along the highestpoints of your cheekbones – it makes your bone structure stand out.

Choose a light brow pencil
When you're filling in your brows, use a pencil that's a shade lighter than your natural colouring and hold it at a 45-degree angle, as opposed to perpendicular to the skin. The strokes will be softer, and the brows will look more natural. This is a good thing because it makes your full, thick and lush brows look totally real!

Curl your lashes
Unearth your eyelash curler. If you're over 35, you need to be curling your lashes. Eyelashes flatten as you age, and you need to keep everything going upward, against gravity. Even if you skip mascara, curling your lashes makes your eyes look bigger and brighter.

Apply eye-shadow base
Patting the tiniest dab of eye-shadow base or primer on the lids before your shadow will keep it in place. This is especially important if your lids have even the slightest wrinkles. Fine lines can exacerbate creasing, and creasing exacerbates the appearance of lines. 

Wear brown eyeliner
You have been using black eyeliner since college, you wear it every day, and you could apply it withyour eyes closed (and probably do). It's time to end that relationship. Deep brown has the impact of black, but looks less jarring. It gives you all the intensity, but in a more sophisticated, subtle way. Draw the pencil along the upper lashes only, and lift the lines at the outer corners with a cotton swab. You can also flick the liner up at the outer corners with the cotton swab to create the tiniest wings. It's an easy way of opening up the eyes.

Don't shy away from shimmer
A bit of soft shimmer is flattering as you get older because it brings light to the face. The skin starts losing its inherent radiance when a woman hits her 30s. You can opt for a creamy neutral shadow, like champagne, pewter, or rose gold. Dab it on the inner corners of the eyes to wake up the face.
Choose a lengthening mascara
Lashes get thinner as you age, so conventional wisdom says you need a thickening mascara to bulk them up, but common wisdom is wrong. Your lashes can't support the extra weight. Heavy formulas flatten the lashes. Instead, use a lengthening mascara, like Lancôme High Definition Mascara, whichtends to be lighter on the lashes, and look for mascaras with thin wands so you can easily coat each lash.

Switch to nude lips
It's a sad fact that as we age, our lips get smaller, especially the upper lip. The best approach is to stick to shades that enhance your natural lip tone, rather than bringing attention to the area. Look for somethingbetween your natural lip colour and a berry shade. That will just boost your natural tone. And go for a stain instead of a creamy lipstick to prevent the colour from bleeding. Then top it off with a clear gloss or balm to keep lips looking full and hydrated.

Try highlighter
If that shiny-old-lady look creeps you out, you're not alone. But there is a way to use highlighter to your advantage. Dab a very sheer formula just on the cheekbones, not on the brow bones, the apples of the cheeks, or the lips. It prevents the flat-face look. It adds a very subtle, youthful, and pretty dimension to your features.

Natural remedies to treat dandruff


If you hate using chemical laden hair products and want to make the best of nature's goodness to combat yourdandruff problem, then try these home remedies that are sure to give excellent results.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective remedies for dandruff. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply it onto your scalp and avoid contact with your eyes. Massage into your scalp and leave on for at least 15 minutes before washing out. Do this one or two times a week for 3 months.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties that can help to get rid of dandruff. Because it is an essential oil, it should be mixed with a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 60ml carrier oil. Shake it and then pour 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a bowl. Massage the oil onto your scalp using your fingertips for about 3 minutes. Leave the oil on your scalp for an hour before rinsing.

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great home remedy for dandruff. Simply massage the gel on to your scalp and leave itwhile you sleep. The next day thoroughly wash your hair.

Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seed is another effective natural remedy for dandruff. Soak about two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a bowl of water and keep it overnight. The next morning, grind the seeds into a paste. Apply this paste over your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse your hair with shikakai or ritha. This treatment should be done at least twice a week for two weeks.

Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular natural remedy for dandruff. Since baking soda is an alkaline, it may bring the pH balance of the scalp to a healthy equilibrium. First rinse your scalp with water, and then gently rub a handful of baking soda onto your scalp. Rinse the baking soda thoroughly. Repeat this every time you wash your hair, but only use baking soda, and no shampoo. At first, this treatment may dry your hair but in a few weeks your scalp will start producing its natural oils. It will make your hair soft and free from dandruff. However, avoid using baking soda in your food. It’s not good for health. If affects the digestion and ferments the food.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also effective in treating dandruff. Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with five tablespoon of coconut oil. Massage this mixture all over your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash with a shampoo. Lemon clears all the existing flakes on your scalp while the coconut oil heals the scalp tissue.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great clarifying and moisturising agent, making it one of the best natural remedies for keeping dandruff from forming in the first place. Massage a lukewarm olive oil over your scalp and wrap with a warm towel. Leave it on for few minutes and then rinse your hair with shampoo.

Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil also helps in treating dandruff. It can be used in your shampoo or massaged directly onto your scalp without adding any shampoo. Pour three to four drops of rosemary oil onto your palms and rub the oil on your scalp with your fingers. Leave the oil on for few hours before rinsing thoroughly. You can also apply mixture of rosemary oil and coconut oil to your scalp to treat dandruff.

Neem Leaves
Neem leaves have good antiseptic properties which make it an effective remedy for dandruff. Soak two handfuls of neem leaves in a cup of hot water and leave it overnight. In the next morning, use this water to wash your hair. Alternatively, you can grind neem leaves and mix with a little water. Apply the paste all over your scalp. This will help you get rid of dandruff.

Almond Oil
Almond oil is very useful for treating dandruff as well. Gently massage this oil on your scalp and then cover your head with a warm towel. Leave it for about 15 minutes and make sure it does not become a cold towel. Then wash your head with a mild shampoo. Continue this for a few weeks and you will see an improvement in your condition.

10 New Ways To Younger-Looking Skin
Some unusual tips to make your skin look youthful

A day at the mall is incomplete without a saleswoman pitching a new anti-ageing cream that “dramatically reduces wrinkles” or has “rare ingredients”. But that can’t be all there is to keeping wrinkles at bay. While there’s a lot riding on that jar of cream you choose to grow old with, there’s much more to the skin and the rate at which it ages. Many things are within your control to help you prevent your skin from sagging, avoid the appearance of fine lines and the cruel onset of wrinkles. Here, we have put together a list of 10 things, from simple habits to elaborate rituals, which help you save face and keep your youthful visage.

1. Keep the hands off
We express our feelings through our bodies. When we are worried, our hand automatically reaches our forehead, when shocked or surprised, it covers our mouth; when we are bored, we cup our face with our hands. We keep touching our facial skin through the course of the day and this actually hampers the health of the skin, even if you wash your hands countless times a day. The possible reason is bacterial infection, which may cause breakouts. When the skin is frequently touched, we also have a tendency to scratch it and squeeze the eruptions if any. It is never recommended to touch the skin frequently. For the same reason, always wash the hands thoroughly before washing your face.

2. Lesser the glare, lesser the scare
Direct sunlight is not the only form of light that ages our skin. Light bulbs at home, sunlight streaming through the windows and even the glare from televisions and computer screens accelerate ageing. Recent studies reveal that non-LCD and LED screens emit UV rays. Choose a day cream with a basic SPF of 15even if you don’t plan to step out. At night, dim the lights when they are not required. Not only will it decrease photo-ageing, it will also be good for your sleep cycle.

3. Get a head start
Prevention is better than cure. The skin starts losing its elasticity and collagen levels from age 25, though you may not see pronounced effects until a decade later. Don’t wait to spot the wrinkles first and then think of what to do about it. Starting an anti-ageing skincare regimen from age 25 will help you look 25 for a long time. This is all the more important if you have dry skin as the wrinkles and fine lines set in faster for this skin type. Formulations with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, C and E are your best bet.

4. Set the trap
Moisturising alone won’t work. But doing it well will. For hydrating the skin optimally, what is more important than the moisturiser you use is how well your skin holds on to it and prevents it fromevaporating into the atmosphere. Always apply it within minutes of taking a bath (or on damp skin) to trap the water for a longer time.

5. Take care of the extras
Apart from your age, there are other subtle giveaways of age like crinkled eyes, dry ears, wrinkled skin on the neck, and hands ravaged by fine lines. Pay close attention to these. Use as much of your skincare products on your neck as you do on your face. The skin around the eyes is the most delicate on your body, so spend a few more seconds massaging the creams in this area and protect them with sunglasses when outdoors. Lightly moisturise the skin on your ears, too. Hands also need special attention as they don’t have oil glands of their own and need external moisture to remain supple.

6. Kick the butt
The most effective way of looking older quicker is to put a cigarette between your lips. Smoking is a definite contributor to ageing skin. It narrows the tiny blood vessels in the skin’s outermost layers, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and vital nutrients. Smoking also damagescollagen and elastin, the fibres that give the skin its strength and elasticity.

7. Fortify your frame
Ever noticed how your grandparents have ‘sunken’ eyes and cheeks? Not only do we lose elastin and collagen as we age, we also lose bone. And yes, that also includes the bones on your face. According to a study by the University of Rochester’s Medical Center, our bone structure is overhauled every decade or so. With time, our cheek bones deteriorate, eye sockets become bigger and the jaw slackens, making it look like the skin is ‘hanging’ on our facial bones. While all other age-related issues can be sorted with surgical and non-surgical procedures, nothing can be done about bone loss. The only solution is to supplement your diet with ample calcium and vitamin D to uphold the bone structure.

8. Massage away
Facial skin massage with a moisturising agent enhances blood supply to the skin, making it supple and preventing premature ageing. But tread with caution, too much could worsen adult acne. Make sure to use creams labelled ‘non-comedogenic’, which doesn’t clog pores, to avoid contact allergic dermatitis. People suffering from eczema or acne should avoid facial massages. Good lubrication is the key to a good massage. Aloe Vera and cucumber gels are ideal for oily skin and don’t induce problems like acne and white heads. For dry skin, jojoba oil is a good option.

9. Defy gravity
The force of gravity acting against our bodies is the primal cause of ageing. Japanese studies reveal that the higher up we are, the greater is the force of gravity on us and in turn, our skin. Since we can’t elope to the moon (or get a home on the ground floor) to stay forever young, we can try floor exercises that have us in a horizontal position. The yoga posture called shirshasana (head stand) is ideal, but takes a lot of time to master.

10. A colourful plate
To prevent sagging of skin, one should follow a diet which is rich in antioxidants as they scavenge and eliminate the free radicals and minimise their detrimental effect on ageing. Antioxidants like beta carotenes, vitamin C and E, coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in delaying ageing. A variety of colours in your diet ensures supple skin. Binge on berries, pomegranates, grapes, salmon, oranges, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, beans, ginger, walnuts, dried apricots, green tea and flaxseeds to keep people guessing your age.

Summer Make-up 101
When it comes to summer beauty products, sunscreen is the only thing you should be laying on thick. Here are the best tips on how to lighten up but still look put-together this summer!

Go minimal
Whether you're going to the beach or just feel like embracing the carefree summer vibe, skip base entirely and stick to concealer. Covering up shadows, spots, or blemishes with just a concealer means you won't have to worry about blotting away your make-up along with shine. Dab on a slightly tacky stick concealer with your fingers – the denser formula will stay put longer than a liquid.

Try a tinted moisturiser
Not comfortable going entirely nude? Leading make-up artists suggest swapping foundation for tinted moisturisers that even out the skin tone, add radiance, and don't feel heavy in the heat. For a sheer glow, look foran illuminating formula.

Shine strategically
To keep minimal summer make-up glowing, some make-up artists suggest adding light-catching highlights. Blend a touch of liquid highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones and brow bones and down the bridge of the nose. That takes a little practice – don't go all theway to the tip of the nose, or it will look oily.

Use multitasking make-up
Easy-to-blend satin-finish lipstick is just as resilient as a cream blush. They're put to the test on your lips – from drinking to wiping your mouth – so if the lipstick stays on through all that, it's bound to tint your cheeks all day long as well.

Make your mascara last
Water-resistant mascaras are the easiest way to avoid dreaded raccoon eyes. But if you find long-wearing formulas irritating, here’sa simple trick for you, sweep a clear mascara over your regular black one on your top lashes to seal the colour, and use only clear on your bottom lashes. It's a tip for those who get irritated by waterproof mascaras.

Brighten your eyes
It's time to lighten up. Smudge deep copper eye shadow all over your lids for a summery take on smoky eyes. Or use shimmery golden pink for a softer look. This way, you'll add light to the eyes. Pick a long-wearing cream-to-powder eye shadow in a glimmering shade, like Shiseido Makeup Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Mist, to brighten and define your eyes.

Kiss heavy lipstick good-bye
Bright stains and tinted balms, offer a healthy hint of colour for summer. But if you desire that “popsicle look”, then tap on a bright, deeply pigmented lipstick with your finger, blot, then repeat until you reach your desired intensity.