Our expert answers questions related to common beauty problems.
I am 27 years old and have normal, shoulder-length hair. I read an article that suggested that washing your hair everyday strips it of essential oils and the hair loses lustre. However, my stylist said that if I don’t shampoo my hair every day, it will get grimy and the scalp can’t breathe. What is the right routine?
— Tulika, Byapanahalli
The frequency of the hair wash varies from person to person and is dependent on the length, thickness, scalp condition, volume and texture of your hair. If you have a very oily scalp that tends to look greasy the same day or by the day after washing the hair, then it is advisable to wash your hair daily. If the scalp is normal to slightly dry, then washing on alternate days or twice a week is advisable. The most important thing is to ensure that your scalp stays clean because an oily scalp attracts dust and grime and can lead to dandruff and other scalp infections.
If you are using a good range of shampoos and conditioners, do not worry about hair lustre. For a daily wash, use a mild shampoo and good conditioner to nourish hair length. Use a good serum or leave in conditioner after the wash. These products restore the moisture, thus making the hair soft and shiny.
How frequently must I get a haircut? Is it true that if I cut your hair very short, it will never grow long?
— Sakina, Rhenius Street
The frequency of a haircut should be at least once in 10-12 weeks. Even if you want to grow your hair long, this frequency should be maintained. Hair grows roughly at a half an inch every month and obviously over three months, it would have grown about two inches. Hence, a trim of less than half an inch once in three months will help allow the hair to grow and maintain the shape of the haircut. A cut does not determine the extent of hair growth. It will not accelerate or reduce the speed at which hair will growth.
Both my husband and I have just begun working and I do not know how to use makeup for everyday use. How much makeup is normal for daily wear? Also, could you please tell me how to use a powder blush-on?
— Piyashree, Cox Town
The use of a little makeup is essential and helps improve a woman’s presentation and appearance. Having said that, it is important to know where to draw the line and not look artificial or overly done up. Depending on your job and lifestyle, you can choose to build up or play down on a specific look. As a general guideline, a superficial coat of foundation with a little compact is the first step. This helps give the complexion an even tone and leaves the face looking fresh and radiant. Use a soft eye shadow — tones like peach, soft pink, soft rust and bronze —in the daytime. Eyeliners can be used in hues of dark brown and grey to give shape and emphasis to the eyes. A soft kohl or kajal can be applied to give the eyes a bright and big look. You can use a masacara to finish the look. A soft blush in neutral peach and soft pink tones would work well. If you have a slightly round and full face, work the powder blush right below your cheekbones. If you have a small face, work the blush on the apples of your cheeks. Finally, finish the look with a soft dab of lipstick. Using a lip gloss with natural hues is also advisable. It gives the lips a shine and makes the face glow.
— Beauty expert Manjul Gupta runs the Bodycraft chain of salons in Bangalore
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