Coloured Hair Care

I got my hair streaked a few years ago, and am planning to do it again soon. I noticed that my hair got really dry after colouring it and looked ghastly the last time I did it. I have heard that colouring your hair can cause greying of hair. Is this true? Can you give me the recipe for a natural conditioner, especially for coloured hair?

• Name withheld

Streaking the hair is done using bleaching agents; this destroys the natural hair colour and dries the hair since it basically strips the hair's natural oils. If you still wish to streak your hair, then a rich, nourishing treatment is a must. Avocado is great, as its oils help to richly condition damaged hair. Apply an avocado hair mask an hour before every shampoo. Streaking hair does not make it turn grey, but it sure does bleach it.

I am a 30-year-old woman and have a lot of blackheads on my nose. What is the best natural way to remove them?

• Krishna

A baking soda mask is an excellent way to scrub off blackheads. Make a thin mask by mixing baking soda and water; apply this onto dry skin. Once the mask dries, gently scrub off to clear the blackheads.

What are the best herbal face packs to use for blotchy skin? Is neem any good? Is there a home remedy you would recommend?

• Alia

Neem is an excellent antibacterial treatment if skin is prone to acne or pimples. For blotchy skin, however, a natural home remedy would be a papaya pulp mask. Applied daily, it will cleanse thoroughly and lift dull, dead skin.

Every year, when the weather gets cold, my skin takes a beating. This is all the more apparent on my face, as the skin at the corner of my lips and nose get extremely dry. Please help.

• Geetanjali

Coconut milk is very nourishing for dry skin. Mix almond powder with coconut milk into a thick paste and apply this mask to your face and body; scrub off when dry. Do this every day for best results. Both almond and coconut are very nourishing and will sort out your dry skin problem in no time.

I love using lip balm, but have noticed lately that my lips get drier after the balm wears off and have turned a darker colour than before. Is there any all-natural lip balm I can use instead?

• Iqra

Avoid using lip balm at night. Instead, apply a rich, cold, creamy milk on the lips and leave overnight. This treatment will exfoliate the skin on the lips, getting rid of dry skin while also moisturising and lightening it at the same time. Do this every day for best results. Also, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, to keep hydration levels up.