How to get voluminous hair

We all love our hair, irrespective of our age or gender. Our hair plays a very vital role in shaping our personality and style also how others perceive us. It is an essential factor in determining our level of self-confidence. Especially for women, hair is seen as a reflection of our identity. Most women equate a bad hair day with a bad day.  

COMMON PROBLEMS OF WOMEN HAIR

There exists a deeply personal relationship between hair and self-esteem which is evident throughout history, religion and philosophy. Since our hair enhances our looks as well as self-confidence, everyone wants to keep them in the best condition possible. However, we all face some common problems when it comes to having the perfect hair. Dandruff, hair fall, split ends and damaged hair are some of the common hair problems we face in daily life. Here are some common hair problems faced by women in daily life:

1) Hair Loss

Although it is more commonly discussed as a problem faced by men, hair loss or thinning is equally prevalent among women. In female pattern baldness thinning occurs throughout the top of the scalp leaving the front hair intact. Female hair loss has many causes namely stress, changing hormones, pregnancy, medication and even menopause. Also, excess heat and chemicals due to the usage of hair styling products can also contribute to hair loss. 

Solution: Hair loss/ thinning can be fixed by using hair products that add nutrition to hair and gently clean, repair and add volume to hair. Rollers are perfect tools that add curls and volume to hair.

2) Gray Hair

Change in hair colour is inevitable in the long run, however, premature hair greying is a problem. Most people want to get rid of grey hairs because they are brittle and a bit unruly than the other strands. Although no exact causes of grey hair are evident, mental stress, lack of copper, iron and some vitamins can lead to early greying of hairs.

Solution: Relaxation, proper hydration, healthy diet containing vitamins and minerals such as copper, iron in diet are some remedies to cover grey hair.

3) Dry Hair

Dry and brittle hair is caused due to lack of essential oils and moisture which is necessary for healthy-looking hair. This can happen due to exposure to sun, wind, and dry air, over usage of heating appliances and washing it too often, say once or twice a day. 

Solution: A gentle shampoo of acidic pH 5-6 with a quality deep, leave conditioner works well in restoring the oils. Regular massaging of hair with olive oil is also helpful.

 4) Dull Hair

While shiny and glossy hair makes one young and lively, lifeless looking and limp hair make you appear older than your age.  Causes of dull-looking hair include activities that roughen the hair cuticles— chemical or heat-styling damage, and environmental soils.

Solution: Conditioners and moisturizing shampoos are effective remedies. Coldwater should be used for effective treatment.

5) Spit Ends

Split ends usually occur when the protective outermost layer of hair (the cuticle) peels back and gets damaged. There can be various reasons for this such as over-brushing hair, lack of a good conditioner, excessive perming and too much heat.

Solution: Treatment of hair with a deep conditioner, avoiding harmful chemical treatments and getting a professional trim every 8-12 weeks can lead to healthy hair.

6) Dandruff

These are scaly particles that stick to the roots of the hair and make the hair flaky. These can be caused by an infection, poor digestion, eczema, sensitivity to hair care products or insufficient cleaning and the most common cause is due to dry skin.

Solution: It can be fixed by using anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners. One should consult a beauty professional for the best products recommendations 

7) Oily/Greasy Hair

Oily hair results due to excessive secretion of natural oil called sebum by the sebaceous glands that are present in our scalp, resulting in excessive amounts of oil.

Solution: Try a shampoo that is specially formulated to control sebum and prevent the secretion of excess oils.

8) Frizzy Hair

When the hair’s moisture level falls below normal levels, the hair becomes frizzy. It can also be hereditary.

Solution: Using a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for frizzy hair can help. Silicone-based products with the moisturizer dimethicone can help ward off frizz and smooth down the cuticle. A professional could specifically suggest a product.  

Although hair issues are something that varies from person to person, however, all these damages can be dealt with effectively if one follows the remedies provided. 

20 Home remedies to get voluminous hair

Having healthy voluminous hair is tough work and requires consistency and proper care. While there can be several causes of having thin hair like pollution, stress, nutritional deficiencies, improper hair care products, etc., there are many natural remedies to get voluminous hair naturally without wasting money on expensive treatments and products.

Here, some useful home remedies are noted to get thicker hair naturally:

Onion Juice

Onion juice is among the oldest and most effective home remedies for hair growth. The rich sulphur content in onion juice enhances the production of collagen in tissues and helps in the regrowth of hair. 

1. Peel and chop the onions and squeeze out their juices.
2. Apply the juice to your scalp and leave for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
4. Repeat this once a week to get the best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid present in white vinegar which is also present in apple cider vinegar gently cleans the scalp gently, maintaining the pH balance of the hair and also accelerating hair growth.

1. Hairs should be washed thoroughly with Shampoo.
2. In one litre of water, 75 ml of apple cider vinegar should be mixed.
3. After washing your hair, use a cup of this solution as the final rinse.

Egg Mask

Regular protein treatment is essential to enjoy thicker and stronger hair. Egg contains a rich amount of protein, sulphur, and other vitamins which promote hair growth

1. One or two eggs should be taken depending on hair length and beaten properly.
2. Apply the paste on wet hair and let it stay for 30 minutes.
3. Then rinse off lukewarm water and shampoo.
4. Apply this once a week to get desired results.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds not only promote hair growth but also protect the natural colour of the hair. 

1.  Two teaspoons consisting of coconut oil and one teaspoon of fenugreek paste should be mixed.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and let it stay for 30 minutes.
3. Wash off with cool water.
4. Apply this hair mask once in 15 days for best results.

Potato Juice

Potatoes are rich in vitamins A, B and C which are essential for strong and voluminous hair.

1. Extract the juice of a potato by blending the potato slices and apply the juice to your scalp for 15 minutes.
2. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
3. Potato juice can be applied every time you shampoo your hair.

Green Tea

Green tea contains a high proportion of anti-oxidants which prevents hair loss and boost hair growth. Green tea can be consumed with water or directly applied to hair.

1. Over your scalp apply warm green tea.
2. Leave it over for around an hour.
3. Rinse it off with cold water.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for hair growth. Aloe Vera moisturizes the scalp and also balances the pH level of the scalp.

1. Apply pure Aloe Vera gel on the scalp and massage for 10-15 minutes.
2. Let it stay for a few hours and wash the hair with lukewarm water.
3. Repeat this remedy twice a week to get excellent results.

Henna Pack

Henna is an effective natural conditioner and adds shine to hair while making it smooth and soft. It also strengthens the roots promoting hair growth.

1. Mix two tablespoons of henna powder with half a cup of yoghurt and keep it for two hours. 
2. Let the mixture stay on your hair for at least an hour.
3. Wash off using a mild shampoo and cold water.
4. You can apply this henna pack once a month.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in proteins and also contains iron and other essential nutrients which accelerate hair growth and minimize breakage.

1. Extract coconut milk and apply it to your scalp.
2. Rinse it with water the next day.

Biotin

Biotin is water-soluble B-vitamin that is found in green leafy vegetables. Its deficiency can cause hair thinning. Vitamin B renews hair follicles, making hair fuller and healthier.

1. It can be directly applied to the hair or can also be taken as a supplement. To apply directly, crush some biotin tablets and mix them with any good hair oil.
2. Massage it over and leave it overnight on your scalp.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil gives your hair the much-needed conditioning and nourishment and accelerates hair growth. Other benefits may include a reduction in dandruff, hair breakage. 

1. Gently massage coconut oil over your scalp.
2. Keep it for the night and then wash your hair in the morning.
3. Coconut oil can be applied before every wash.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds contain essential nutrients which promote hair growth and add shine to your hair. 

1. Soak cumin in olive oil for the night.
2. The next morning apply the paste.
3. With a mild shampoo wash it after 15 minutes.
4. You can use the above paste once a month.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Amla contains a plethora of antioxidants and vitamin C. It promotes healthy hair growth and also improves hair pigmentation.

1. Mix 2 teaspoons amla powder or juice and lime juice.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp properly and let it dry.
3. Rinse your hair well with lukewarm water.
4. To maintain strong and shiny hair you can also apply this pack once a month.

Banana And Honey

A face pack made with banana and honey can also work as a natural conditioner and moisturizes the hair.

1. Mash one banana and add one tablespoon of honey to it.
2. Apply the mask on the hair and wash your hair after 45 minutes

Vitamin E Oil  

Vitamin E is also considered an essential nutrient for promoting hair growth. Its antioxidant properties help in increasing oxygen in the body and blood circulation in the scalp.

1. Massage your scalp with vitamin E oil.
2. Leave it on for the night and wash it off the next day with a mild shampoo.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseeds are rich in essential fatty acids that help add shine and lustre to dry, damaged, and brittle 

1. Flaxseed and coconut oil should be mixed and the mixture shall be applied to the scalp and hair.
2. Keep it on for the night and then wash it off the next morning.
3. Apply the oil twice a week for the best results.

 Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil, also known as beauty oil is widely used for curing alopecia and hair loss.

1. Prepare an oil mixture by adding one teaspoon lavender oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, and jojoba oil.
2. Apply this to the scalp and wrap your hair around with a shower cap.
3. Leave it on for about an hour. 
4. Wash and rinse it thoroughly thereafter.
5. Apply twice a week for the best results.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is called ‘liquid pure gold’ because of its excellent impact on thinning hair. Moisturizing hair follicles improves hair quality and also enhances hair growth. It also stimulates the scalp to secrete more oil to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

1. To use the Argan oil for hair purposes, rub a small amount of the oil in your palm and then apply to your hair from ends to roots and leave it overnight.
2. Wash it off the next morning with a mild shampoo.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil moisturizes and hydrates your scalp and stimulates hair growth by improving the blood circulation in the scalp and moisturizing the hair follicles. It also repairs dry and damaged hair.

1. Mix one teaspoon jojoba oil with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil (or olive oil) in a mixing bowl and then gently apply it to your scalp and hair.
2. Keep it on for the night and then wash it off the next morning.
3. For soft and shiny hair apply the oil twice a week. 

 Olive Oil

Olive oil stops the formation of the DTH hormone which cause hair loss and thus, facilitates hair growth. It also naturally conditions hair making it soft and silky. 

1. Olive oil should be included in the daily diet. It can also be used as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply the oil twice a week for best results.

PRECAUTIONS TO GET VOLUMINOUS HAIR

Hair loss and thinning have become common problems these days. Although losing up to 100 strands of hair every day is normal, anything more than that is something to be concerned about and must be taken seriously. Here we share a few precautions to be taken if you want to get voluminous hair.

• Do not comb wet hair rigorously. Wet hair tends to shed more easily and thus, should be handled with patience.
• Refrain from using straitening gels and hair styling gels as much as possible. If you have to use them, add more protein to your diet.
• Do not get multiple treatments like straightening or colouring simultaneously. Hair requires some rest after these treatments.
• If you are suffering from dandruff and flake scalp, do not put oil on your hair.
• Get haircuts every three months. If your hair does not grow much, then only trim your hair slightly.

MYTHS & FACTS RELATED TO WOMEN HAIR

Every society has certain myths prevalent which we all believe in. However, sometimes it is important to get past the myths and realize the actual facts. Here are some common myths and misconceptions regarding women hair:

The Myth: Only men are affected by hereditary hair loss

The Fact: Women also tend to suffer from hair loss. In fact, hair thinning is one of the most common problems faced by women. In female pattern baldness thinning occurs throughout the top of the scalp leaving the front hair intact. 

The Myth: Women tend to lose their hair only post-pregnancy or during menopause.

The Fact: Although a lot of women experience a general increase in shedding after they give birth and around menopause, women may start experiencing the signs of heredity hair thinning as early as their 20’s. Female hair loss has many causes namely stress, changing hormones, pregnancy, medication and even menopause. Also, excess heat and chemicals due to the usage of hair styling products can also contribute to hair loss. 

The Myth: Stress makes your hair fall out.

The Facts: Stress affects the body in many ways. However, usually, it takes severe, traumatic to cause hair loss. Although stress can accelerate greying, mild stress does not lead to hair fall.

 Tips for hair care

Getting smooth and shiny hair with great volume requires consistent care and patience. A little knowledge and hacks go a long way in making the whole process efficient. So here we share few hair care tips for obtaining and maintaining beautiful and thick hair.

• Comb wet hair with extreme care because wet strands of hair shed the most easily.
• Wash your hair twice or thrice a week but do not wash it every day or else it will strip your scalp off essential oils.
• Get your hair trimmed every three months to get rid of split ends.
• For both strength and shine rinsing the conditioner off with cold water is appropriate.
• Healthy diet for healthy voluminous hair: the first step to getting great hair is to have a great balanced diet. Include vitamins, minerals and folic acids in your diet, to get healthy, thick hair.

OTC products for voluminous hair

Although natural remedies can be great for hair care, sometimes it requires artificial products to get the desired volume and shine. Many celebrities use various OTC products to make hair shine, restore moisture and reduce frizz and generally tends to improve the look and the feel of their hair. Here is a list of inexpensive and effective over the counter products to get voluminous and good looking hair.

• John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Hair Serum: This anti-frizz serum invented by guru John Frieda is popular among celebrities due to its smoothening properties. Just take a coin size of serum and smooth through your hair for a frizz-free look. 
• Garnier Fructis Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner: This OTC product is considered a great moisturizing shampoo that hydrates hair, and also helps boost shine and decrease frizz even before it starts. However, it should not be overused. Shampoo twice a week to keep hair shiny and leave in more of its natural oils.
• Pantene Pro-V Style Volume Hair Spray: This OTC product provides the addition of life and volume back into your hairs and is also deemed as a professional for getting voluminous hair. Flip over your hair and spray over the roots with hair spray, then turn it upright and shake it out. You will instantly have refreshed and thick hair.

FAQ

Q: How often should I wash my hair?

A: It is very important to maintain a clean scalp. Ideally, you should wash your hair every second or third day. Washing your hair every day will result in stripping off of essential hair oils from your scalp.

Q: How can prevent and also treat my dry scalp and dandruff?

A: Your scalp produces oil naturally which is essential for nourishment. The ends usually get damaged because very little or no oil reaches the ends. So oiling your hair regularly will help. Also, using less shampoo and apply conditioner to the ends can help prevent dry scalp and dandruff. 

Q: How can I add moisture to my hair?

A: The best way to add moisture to your hair is to oil regularly before shampooing. Also washing your hair every day may wash off the oils secreted by your scalp. Further, use thick conditioners and leave them for at least 3-4 minutes to moisturize your hair. 

Q: How much hair loss is considered normal?

A: At any given time, ten per cent of your hair goes through a shedding process. On average losing 100-150 strands of hair is normal but if you find hair on your pillow or while showering then you need to reconsider your hair products.

Q: What products can I use to control my frizzy hair?

A: Frizzy hair occurs due to a lack of moisture in your hair. So, use a hydrating shampoo to restore the moisture of your hair. A good thick leave-in conditioner can also help in reducing frizz.