Perfect DIY Hair Mask: Nourish Dry, Damaged Hair Naturally

Updated Oct 11, 2024 | 04:30 PM IST

SummaryRestore dry, damaged hair naturally with DIY hair masks that nourish, hydrate, and promote growth. These easy-to-make solutions strengthen hair, add shine, and enhance overall hair health, leaving it soft and vibrant.
Applying hair mask

Applying hair mask

We love experimenting with our hair, but that comes with its fair share of hair damage and brittleness. Does that mean we just let our hair be their normal self? Actually no, to enhance your looks and bring out your personality it is important to keep changing your hair but it is also important to take goo care of your hair.

And for those who think hair care can cost a bomb, then follow the below mentioned DIY recipes and you can thank us forever.

Rice Water and Fenugreek Hair Mask

  • Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in rice water overnight.
  • Blend the soaked seeds with rice water to form a paste.
  • Apply it to your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 45 minutes before washing.
Why this pack: Fenugreek, rich in protein and nicotinic acid, combined with the amino acids in rice water, creates a powerful hair mask. Use this mask bi-weekly to nourish your scalp, strengthen your hair roots, and promote healthy hair growth.

Avocado & Olive Oil Hair Mask

  • Scoop out the pulp from the avocado and mash it. Now add olive oil to the pulp and mix properly.
  • Apply the mixture to your scalp and strands. Leave it on for about an hour before washing your hair.
  • Use this mask once a week.
Why this pack: This nourishing mask can fix split ends and make your hair look healthy too. Avocados have minerals that nourish and soften the hair. While olive oil will add extra shine to your dull hair.

Banana and Olive Oil Hair Mask

  • Use one ripe banana and one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Blend or mash the banana until it reaches a lump-free puree. Add the olive oil and continue blending.
  • While in the shower, apply the mask throughout the hair and scalp with fingers. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
Why this pack: Banana hydrates and moisturizes dull, damaged, dry hair, as it's rich in vitamins and minerals (such as potassium) that can strengthen the hair and balance the pH of the scalp," explains Friese. "Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which can make the hair look shinier and sleeker. It may also moisturize the hair and heal damage that can cause breakage and split ends.

Lemon and Yogurt Hair Mask

  • Take 1 bowl of yogurt and add 3-4 drops of lemon juice to it.
  • Mix it thoroughly and apply it evenly onto your hair.
  • Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off and remember to use a conditioner after.
Why this pack: The astringent properties can effectively cleanse your scalp and get rid of dandruff. It also helps to unclog hair follicles and boost hair growth. Yogurt is known for vitamins and fatty acids which help moisturise your hair.

Shea Butter Homemade Hair Mask

  • Melt shea butter and add some coconut oil to it. You can also add argan oil instead of coconut oil.
  • Apply it to your scalp and strands. Give it one to two hours to work its magic. After a few hours, wash and condition as usual.
  • Use it twice a week.
Why this pack: Shea butter mask is a great way to nourish and hydrate your strands. The nutrients present in this hair pack for dry hair moisturise your strands inside out.

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Mood Swings, Anxiety & Brain Fog During Menopause? Expert Recommends Looking Beyond Hot Flashes

Updated Jul 19, 2026 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryPerimenopause and menopause cause a number of symptoms beyond hot flashes. Doctors advise not ignoring mental health signs like anxiety, mood swings and brain fog due to hormonal changes.
Mood Swings, Anxiety & Brain Fog During Menopause? Expert Recommends Looking Beyond Hot Flashes

Credit: AI

People think of menopause as just hot flashes and irregular periods, but menopause is more than that.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring a host of emotional and cognitive shifts for many women, including mood swings, anxiety, easily irritated, trouble sleeping, or having what some refer to as “brain fog.”

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause that can last anywhere from two to eight years. This is when hormonal changes take place, especially a drop in estrogen.

These hormonal changes also impact neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that are essential for mood, memory, sleep and emotional wellness.

Consequently, a woman can suffer from forgetfulness, lack of concentration, mental tiredness, low energy levels, dry skin, loss of libido and less productivity.

Brain Fog During Menopause

Also read: Shamita Shetty’s Endometriosis Diagnosis Sparks Concerns About Risks Of Delayed Detection

Brain fog can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience during menopause, particularly if a woman is juggling her career, family, ageing parents and personal obligations.

Many women suffer from anxiety symptoms, even if they have no mental health background. Hormonal changes, poor sleep and stress can exacerbate these symptoms.

But not all symptoms are due to the menopause or "normal ageing". Thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, depression and other medical problems can have similar symptoms.

Therefore, if symptoms start to impact life, work, relationships or emotional wellbeing, it is important to seek medical advice and have a proper health check-up.

How To Manage It?

Management is often comprehensive, and may involve lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management and healthy sleep patterns.

In a few instances, you may additionally be suggested to take Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT). As more research is done and preparations of lower doses and greater safety, earlier misconceptions about hormone therapy are gradually decreasing.

Medically, women can make a difference in their quality of lives and manage menopause with greater physical, mental and emotional wellness with early recognition and timely intervention.

By Dr. Nidhi Sharma Chauhan, Gynaecologist, Saifee Hospital

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Besides Sunscreen, What Everyday Habits Can Help Reduce Sun Exposure And Skin Damage?

Updated Jul 18, 2026 | 11:00 PM IST

SummarySunscreen is essential, but healthy skin also depends on daily habits like moisturizing, staying hydrated, eating antioxidant-rich foods, protecting yourself with hats and clothing, maintaining gut health, and supporting skin repair.
Besides Sunscreen, What Everyday Habits Can Help Reduce Sun Exposure And Skin Damage?

Credit: AI

Everyone knows that using sunscreen is one of the most important steps for protecting the skin from harmful sun rays, but dermatologists explain that it isn't the only thing you should do to keep your skin healthy. Other daily routines are also important for minimizing sun damage and maintaining healthy skin over time.

Protecting The Skin Barrier

Skin is a protective barrier for the body but constant exposure to the sun, pollution, heat and unhealthy lifestyle habits can make this barrier vulnerable.

Once the skin barrier is damaged, the skin is more susceptible to tanning, pigmentation, dryness, sun ageing and other sun damage.

Moisturising Supports Skin Health

Using a moisturiser every day is a very simple, yet effective habit. A good moisturiser is one that doesn't contain any scents and will support the barrier function of the skin, thereby preventing unwanted water loss from the skin.

Wet and plump skin is resistant to the environment and sun's rays.

Also read: Add These 8 Foods To Your Diet For Batter Hair, Skin And Nails

Antioxidants Help Fight Sun Damage

Antioxidants are also a best practice for dermatologists. Antioxidants prevent the damage to skin cells by free radicals created by UV exposure, pollution etc.

This protection can help minimize issues like hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and premature ageing. Consuming foods that contain antioxidants (such as fruits, vegetables and nuts) can help keep skin healthy on the inside.

Stay Hydrated For Healthier Skin

Next, hydration is crucial. It's important to keep drinking enough water all day long to keep the skin supple and to allow the skin to repair itself. Moisture also contributes to skin's healing from environmental stress.

Physical Sun Protection Matters

Sun protection is also of great importance. Wearing hats or caps, using umbrellas, and wearing clothing that protects against the sun's rays can minimize direct exposure to the sun.

All these are simple actions that serve as a physical barrier and prevent sunburn and long term damage to the skin, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These simple steps provide a physical barrier and reduce the risk of sunburn and chronic skin damage, particularly in the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also read: Dermatologist Reveals What To Add And Remove From Skincare Routine For Season Change

Gut Health And Skin Connection

Another focus has been on the connection between gut health and healthy skin, as experts recognize how crucial the role of the gut is in maintaining healthy skin.

Probiotics can potentially improve the gut-skin axis and aid in the healing process and alleviate inflammation in the body. The better the gut environment, the better the skin will be able to recover and the less the exposure to the sun will age the skin.

Collagen May Support Skin Repair

Some people can use collagen supplements as an added benefit. Collagen is involved in supporting the dermis, the skin's structural component. Keeping collagen high can help promote skin repair and healing mechanisms.

Doctors say while sunscreen is important, long-term skin protection can be achieved through a variety of healthy habits, proper nutrition, hydration and physical sun protection measures, which must be followed daily.

Dr. Pravin Banodkar Senior Consultant Dermatologist Saifee Hospital

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6 Everyday Moments When Your Eyes Work Harder Than You Realize

Updated Jul 18, 2026 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryYour eyes work harder than you realize during everyday activities. Simple habits and regular eye care can help reduce strain and protect vision.
6 Everyday Moments When Your Eyes Work Harder Than You Realize

Credit: AI

We tend to think of our eyes as easy – they just "see", and we go about our day. But the fact is, your eyes are adapting a lot, focusing and straining all the time, far more than you realize. Many of these moments are utterly unremarkable, but they build up gradually into a tiredness, a dryness and a long-term strain.

We see many people who are shocked to find out how hard their eyes had been working long before any symptoms appeared. Here are six common situations that deserve a whole lot more attention – and care – from your eyes.

Staring at Your Phone First Thing in the Morning

Having a quick glance at notifications before even leaving bed requires your eyes to adjust to a small, bright screen in the dark. This quick change puts a load on the eye muscles and can make them tire before your day has really started.

Long Hours in Front of a Computer

Working, studying, and hopping from meeting to meeting: extended hours in front of the screen drastically lower your usual blink rate. Less blinking equals less lubrication, which is why so many people are dry, irritated and have blurry vision by the afternoon.

Driving at Dusk or Night

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

Night driving is one of the most challenging visual jobs humans undertake, given low light, incoming headlights and the need to constantly change focus between the road, mirrors and dashboard. Your eyes are working tirelessly to shift between bright and dim situations in fractions of a second.

Also read: El Salvador Becomes First Country In Central America To Eliminate Trachoma: WHO

Reading Fine Print

Poorly lit restaurant menus, pharmaceutical labels, or the small text on a contract all demand that you focus hard at close range, frequently in less-than-ideal illumination. As we get older, this type of near-focus strain is very common since our natural ability to focus declines.

Switching Between Multiple Screens

Glancing from your laptop to your phone to a television and back again, it makes your eyes refocus at multiple distances. It is easier, but this continual flipping is more tiring than looking at one screen for the same period of time.

Stepping Out Into Bright Sunlight Into Bright Sunlight

Your eyes work hard to adjust while you move from a dim room into harsh daylight — or vice versa. Over time, repeated exposure to glare without the correct protection (such as sunglasses) can add unneeded strain.

None of these moments feel dramatic on their own, but together, they represent a significant daily workload for your eyes. The good news is that habits such as the 20-20-20 rule, correct lighting, regular blinking and eye check-ups can go a long way in reducing this concealed tension. We believe that awareness is the beginning of healthy eyesight.

If you are suffering frequent eye strain, dryness or fuzzy vision, it may be time to schedule a full eye exam. Your eyes work harder than you realize – let’s give them the attention they deserve.

Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Ayurvedic Eyecare Expert, Dr Basu Eye Care Centre

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