As the dry winter leaves its last traces and spring beckons, our scalps begin to acclimatise to the extra heat and the sun's ruthless rays. Excessive sebum is produced as a lubricant to battle against the increased humidity, hence making our hair appear oilier than usual. For those of us caught in this slippery position, chase away the grease with these useful tips:
GET AN INSTANT FIX
Time isn't always on our side, and on days you are looking for an immediate fix for that hot date or a last-minute prom night solution, these might do the trick. Use sparingly and wisely:
1) Dab talcum powder – which helps absorb oil – to your hair at the front scalp and roots, fluff with fingers, then slowly brush it all off with a dry towel. Black hair requires extra attention, making sure that no white powder is left as an obvious residue. Be careful not to keep repeating the process or it will create a cakey effect.
2) Smear or spritz tiny dollops of beer on your hair. The alcohol in the beer helps to dry hair and also keep it shiny.
DO THE DAILY REGIME
Maintenance is the key to making sure that greasy hair stays fresh and clean all day long. Follow these golden rules for hair vitality without that extra gloss:
1) Lemon juice treat: Mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice and warm water together, then apply to your hair following a shampoo.
2) Unconditional attention:
• Chuck away the regular shampoo conditioner and replace it with a leave-in conditioner instead. The latter is made up of lighter ingredients and provides for less chemical buildup in the hair.
• If you are still bent on your favourite shampoo conditioner, make sure to apply it only to the roots of your hair, preventing it from touching your scalp.
3) Coming in handy: Rough combing and brushing cause abrasive effects on the scalp and encourage sebum to battle it. Use your fingers instead to tousle or set hair properly.
INVEST IN LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
For strong, healthy hair, keep the faith and make sure to stick to this checklist:
1) Know… your ingredients before buying any hair care products. First, make sure they are oil-free or non-comedogenic. Non-comedogenic products have been tested on the oily skins of human volunteers or inside rabbit ears, and are less likely to cause blackheads or whiteheads. When buying shampoo, look out for ingredients such as Nettle leaves, Sage, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Rosemary, or Henna. They help alleviate oil.
2) Eat… green leafy veggies and fruits and avoid oily foods. (But you already knew that.)
3) Indulge… in a head massage with herbal oil remedies, which helps maintain the pH level of the scalp.
