Dealing with a tan

Make a mask using tomato purée mixed with cornflour. Apply this thick paste onto your face everyday and rinse after 30 minutes. Always remember to wear sun protection before you step out of your house!

I’m 16, and used to have really thick hair. Since last December, I’ve been having severe hair fall. Can you suggest a remedy for this? Please note I cannot use anything with egg in it as I am allergic. - Name withheld

Your hair fall can be treated using a simple two-step process. First, cleanse your scalp thoroughly using yoghurt, with a few drops of lemon juice in it. Leave this mixture on your hair for about 30 minutes and then rinse using a mild shampoo. After your hair is dry, apply the following mixture into your hair and leave overnight — 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, 12 drops tea tree oil and 6 drops rosemary oil. Make sure that you wash your hair the next day using a mild shampoo.

I’m 52 years old and I have tiny, hard boils under my eyes (which some call cholesterol boils). I have gotten them tested, and even got then quarterised, but they are still quite visible and look rather ugly. Moreover, I have pigmentation, and there are brown patches on the side of my face, along my cheeks. I am worried that this will soon spread. I colour my hair roots every week, so that my grey hair is not seen. Please help me with my problems, as I have a wedding coming up in two months. - Name withheld

Thank you so much for the detailed email. For the boils under your eyes, mix one drop of tea tree oil with 1 drop of castor oil and dot them over your boils everyday; leave overnight. Use a papaya mask on your face — this is great for removing pigmentation. As for retaining your hair colour, after you’re done shampooing your hair, add cinnamon powder to the water you use for the final rinse — it will also keep your hair in good condition. 

I am 12 years old and my nails do not have any particular shape; in fact, they are all of varying sizes. I also have a habit of biting them. Moreover, my hair is very dry. I have tried using different shampoos as well as oils, but they do not seem to suit me. Can you recommend a suitable shampoo or oil?  - Andrea

You need to add some extra fat into your diet (the good kind). Some extra virgin oil added to your salads about 2-3 times a day will work well. For your nails, make a mixture using olive oil with a drop of lemon juice, and apply this on your nails daily. Your nails will get strong and healthy in no time. For your hair, massage some extra virgin olive oil onto your scalp 20 minutes before you shampoo it — you’re sure to notice a difference!

I’m a 16-year-old and ever since I started taking swimming classes over the past six months, my legs have become extremely tanned. I have tried different kinds of body scrubs, but to no avail. Please suggest a suitable remedy to get rid of this tan as soon as possible! Simran

The best way to get rid of a tan is to apply a mixture of 2 tbsp yoghurt, oats and rice powder onto your legs. The skin will lighten soon enough!