Get better hair with curry leaves and aloe vera

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I love reading your column every week. I am a 17-year-old boy. Recently, I noticed a few strands of white hair. Also, my hair looks very dull, dry and feels rough. Furthermore, the heels of my feet are very dry and cracked up. It would be wonderful if you could suggest remedies, along with a daily facial natural cleanser suitable for oily skin.
- David
Many thanks for being a reader. Curry leaves are excellent for darkening grey hair. It is a super hair treatment if done thrice a week. Just dampen with a little water, make into a paste and massage into hair. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off and shampoo, followed by an aloe vera gel massage and rinse. Your hair will have both body and sheen; it will also get soft. For tough, dry heels, first, dip your feet in warm water and add a little Epsom dry salt. Then rub your feet with glycerine and lemon juice; wear a pair of cotton socks to keep the application in place and leave on overnight. Do this every day. Honey is a great natural cleanser or you could simply use aloe vera gel.

I am a teen with a couple of beauty issues. I have white patches on some parts of my face and a very dark neck. Please recommend a good solution for the above.
- Name withheld
It's absolutely important to consult a dermatologist to check what those patches are. If fungal, apple cider vinegar or a fenugreek paste may help. For your second query, simply massage your neck with papaya purée; leave on for 20 minutes and rinse. Do this every day for effective results.

I'm 32 years old with very dry and overly sensitive skin and discoloration on my face. Hair fall and dandruff have also been problems for me. Can you please suggest some effective home remedies?
- Lourdes
Apply a mask of coconut milk mixed with cornflour to your face; leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water. Do this every day for your skin to lighten and glow. Rub yogurt into your scalp and leave on for 20 minutes, before shampooing. Do this thrice a week to cleanse your scalp and clear dandruff. Dandruff causes hair fall, so it's important to correct that first. Mix 2 tablespoons warm coconut oil with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon castor oil. Massage the mix into your scalp and leave on overnight or for two hours at least before you shampoo. Do this at least twice a week for improved hair.

I'm having a problem with severe dandruff. How can I get rid of it for good?
- Mohammed
The best quick-acting dandruff remedy is to add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and scrub your scalp well with it. Rinse thoroughly. Brush your hair twice daily and don't forget to rinse your brush so dandruff collected on the brush does not get transferred back to your scalp. Drink enough water as it helps to control dandruff too.