Hair Problems

Why does my hair appear dry in winter?

The sebaceous glands in the scalp which produce oil to lubricate the hair are less active in cold weather.

They also slow down with age. Stimulate your scalp by brushing to get them working. Regularly condition your hair after washing.

My hair is sprinkled with grey which I’d love to cover, but the thought of endless touch-ups has put me off. Can you suggest something?

Why not a semi-permanent color? It won’t leave sharp lines where the color is growing out because it will mingle with the new hair growth.

It only takes about 30 minutes to do and can be shampooed in. Whatever the color of your hair, it will help enrich it.

My hair is extremely thin. Can anything be done to make it thicker?

If hair and scalp (are healthy, the culprit is your genes, alas, and improvement can only be minimal. Here are some things you might try — each has helped a bit for some people:

Vitamin E (combined, of course, with a good general diet — low sugar, high protein); headstands and yoga shoulder stands (inverted postures stimulate thyroid gland as well as circulation); scalp massage; mineral supplements, especially zinc. Other, more external, aids: bleaching (yes, it does thicken hair), body-building protein shampoos and conditioners.

Don’t be afraid to wash hair often, even every day — super-clean hair looks and feels thicker — but avoid excessive setting, teasing and brushing.