Your Way To Healthy Hair

You may want to ask; What does your stomach have to do with your hair? Well, almost everything. The guy who said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder should have included the stomach of the subject!
You are what you eat; it is as simple as that. There are types of food that will give your hair a major boost, unbelievably, and here is a list:
Generally, your hair needs three things: Proteins, vitamins and Minerals. Human hair, being made of amino acids, need protein for its growth.
Zinc and Iron are crucial for hair growth. Vitamins promote growth through enhanced blood circulation. Vitamins B-complex, E and C are all-essential
Water! Unless you do not consider water as food. Apart from being the universal solvent in your system that carries all nutrients to the required parts of the body, water is also a detoxifier and a moisturizer. Drink plenty of water for your hair to grow thick, shiny, and healthy.
Healthy hair growth needs lots of Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin B. Red meat, especially cooked beef, has plenty of this.
You must like fish. Your hair needs Essential Fatty Acids to grow healthy. Fish has lots of it. Fresh fish, dried fish, fried fish, any fish is good enough, but salmon is the best.
In case you are a vegetarian, then have plenty of almonds in your diet. Besides reducing cholesterol, almonds contain lots of nutrients needed for hair growth, like minerals and vitamins.
Fresh fruits, especially of the citrus family are highly critical. Oranges, tangerines, and lemons have lots of Vitamin C, which works together with iron to form collagen, a vital component of human hair.
Milk is another rich source of nutrients not just for the whole body but for the growing hair as well. Milk is a complete meal, containing minerals (especially Zinc & Iron), proteins, and vitamins. In this regard, cow’s milk is the best.
Your boy in general needs plenty of Vitamin B6 and Zinc. Chicken-peas can be a great source, apart from enriching your body with high quality plant proteins. Soybeans are also in this class. These two food types should particularly interest vegetarians and vegans.
Another source of Iron is the oats. The good thing is that eating oats gives your body Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium as well. You can add whole wheat to the mix to obtain Silica, which though not a required mineral in itself, but enhances absorption of the others.

                                                                            CATALYST

Home Remedies To Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is an embarrassing problem. One that often gets aggravated as winter sets in. We’ll tell you how you can get rid of it and have beautiful locks!

What is dandruff?
Dandruff is shedding of the skin on the scalp, that leads to white flakes on the head, neck and shoulders.
Our skin cells continuously renew themselves. The new skin cells push the old ones to the surface and out of the scalp. In the case of a person with dandruff, the rate of renewal is faster – which means more dead skin is shed, making dandruff more noticeable. Some people with dandruff might also suffer from irritation, itch and redness on the scalp.
Excessive flaking could also be a sign of underlying conditions like psoriasis. Dandruff can also occur when the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.
Signs and symptoms of dandruff:
The biggest sign will have to be white flakes on the scalp and hair. If the person is wearing dark-coloured clothing – flakes will be noticeable when they fall on the shoulders.
An itchy scalp
Sore scalp
Greasy flakes
If you have dandruff pay attention to these tips:
There are many over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos that contain varied ingredients to combat dandruff effectively. It’s best to pick one with any of the following ingredients: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acids, tea-tree oil, green tea.

 Shampoo your hair every day to prevent dead skin build-up on your scalp.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, and use a mild shampoo on the other days of the week.
When you wash your hair, apply shampoo, lather well, rinse and repeat again. Make sure you rub your scalp gently to dislodge any dead skin on your scalp. Also, if you are using an anti-dandruff shampoo add another step i.e.: apply shampoo, lather well, wait for 2 minutes and then rinse. This allows the shampoo time to work.
In case you use a conditioner, make sure you only apply it on your hair and not the scalp. Also ensure you wash it off thoroughly, as any residue will only worsen your dandruff.
Brush/comb your hair regularly. This will help routinely dislodge any dead skin on your scalp.
Some home remedies for dandruff:
Make a mixture of 6 tsp. of water and 2 tsp. of vinegar and apply on scalp with cotton. Leave it on overnight and rinse. Do this once a week for about a month.
Make a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds and curd. Apply on scalp and leave for half an hour and wash.
Mix a tsp. of lime juice and 2 tsp. of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash after an hour.  

Salt
The abrasiveness of ordinary table salt works great for scrubbing out dandruff before you shampoo. Grab a saltshaker and shake some salt onto your dry scalp. Then work it through your hair, giving your scalp a massage. You’ll find you’ve worked out the dry, flaky skin and are ready for a shampoo

Mouthwash
To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo; then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. You can follow with your regular conditioner.

Betnovate Skin Cream
My favorite to get rid of flakky danruff that i constantly suffer from is Betnovate skin cream which you can get from a chemist. Apply on the scalp and leave it over night , in the morning your hair with your regular shampoo.

If your dandruff is persistent even after a few weeks of such treatments – it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.

                                                       CATALYST

Festive Hairstyles You Must Try

Yay so the much-awaited festivities have begun! This Onam season, instead of wearing your hair the usual boring way, leave it open or half up half down. If you want more, try these easy-to-do, yet  styles by Catalyst Salon and Spa, that will help you channel the inner diva in you!

 

Onam is one of biggest festivals celebrated in our country, especially in Kerala ofcourse. This festival celebrates the home coming of Mahabali who was considered as the Vamun Avatar or Lord Vishnu’s Avatar. This celebration is held in the month of Chingam which is between August-September and continues for 10 days. It is usually celebrated by various festivities like large banquet lunches, Onam pookalam (flower rangoli)or attapoo as well as boat races and many other activities.

How to Style Festive Hairstyles with Ease
Festive hairstyles don't have to be elaborate but they do have to last through the party. The hairstyle must survive the special event and everything that may happen getting there and getting home. Here are a few tips to give your special hairdo staying power:
Store up on extra-hold styling mousse, blow-drying spray and anti-frizz lotion before you even start styling your festive hairdo.
Check out your festive hairdo before you dazzle with it at a special event. Vigorously move around your hair to find out whether the hairstyle is fit for dancing and having fun. At home, you can still secure a few escaped unruly strands of hair.

After styling, spray some extra gloss hairspray over your festive hairdo to provide appealing lustre and safe hold.
Inclement weather may take its toll on your well organised festive hairstyle. Keep a pocket-sized version of your favourite hairspray, I prefer Ellnett ready for instant repair styling.
We want to help you find the hairstyle to make you stand out in the crowd. Simply break with old habits and try an entirely new hairstyle. Have you ever tried out the sleek look? Maybe you like to turn your straight hair into wild curls. Braids, updos and semi-updos with and without accessories can add glamour, sophistication or fun to your style.

                                                                       catalyst

2013 Hair Trends and Styles - The Most Anticipated Hair Trends

As beauty enthusiasts in the salon industry, we thought we’d provide you with our predictions on upcoming 2013 hair trends and styles. Enjoy, and stay tuned – we update these hair trends regularly!

 Braids with a twist!

We predict an increased demand for beautiful braids- whether it’s simple or intricate, for a wedding or a walk in the park, braids will continue to be a well sought after hairstyle in 2013. Don’t think that every braid has to be perfect; in fact, we think that the idea of the ‘messy braid’ is here to stay!

The Sleek Fishtail

A braid like this is the perfect way to stay—and look—cool. Keep it sleek and polished to go seamlessly from poolside to nighttime party.

How to do it:
Blow-dry hair using fingers until it's three-quarters of the way dry, then work in mousse from root to end. Try L'oreal professionnel volume mousse,Rs 550/. Use a paddle brush to finish blow-drying and smoothing strands. Make a deep side part and swoop the rest of your hair over to the opposite side, slightly behind your ear. "If you're doing it yourself, you may want to secure into a low pony to hold in place, then undo at the end". To start the fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections. Work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Next do the reverse: take a thin piece of hair from the left section and join it with the right. Continue until you have about 1 inch left at the end. Secure with an elastic—preferably one that's the same color as your hair—and smooth on an anti-frizz product, like the Sublime shine serum. It helps to control flyaways and also contains SPF.

Heat Waves

long, loose waves are equal parts sexy and casual—a perfect mix for summer.
How to do it:
Wash hair and let air-dry or try this look on a day-old blowout. Divide hair into a few large sections and use your biggest curling iron on each. "The key is to make sure you get waves, not curls,". "Otherwise it can look old-fashioned." To do this, hold the iron vertically and wrap sections down the barrel—starting at mid-shaft and working your way down to the bottom. Do not clamp hair in. Using a liss control cream, work your fingers through to separate strands. The more you touch the hair, the less curly it becomes, . It makes the look more laid back.

WATERFALL BRAID !

There are various methods of performing a hair braid. In fact, each of which is given a specific name, which serves as an overall description to the braided hair. One such type of hair braid is known as the waterfall brai...d. If you are gong to get a new fresh elegant hair style, why not consider this beautiful waterfall braid?

These Waterfall Braids are easy to do and just takes a few
minutes to look gorgeous. Happy Braiding!!!

                                                               catalyst

HOME REMEDIES FOR ANTI - AGING SKIN CARE

If you dread the crinkles and creases that come with aging -- don't! Stress only makes wrinkles worse. But how can you remedy the ones you've got?
Women want to stay looking their best as they age, so many are constantly looking for anti-aging skin care products and treatments. There are plenty of natural skin care remedies that everyone can follow to slow down the aging process. Here are some of the best anti aging skin care remedies that you can try out at home to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful. Natural skin care remedies help you wipe out the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and loose sagging skin on face and neck.

Homemade Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
e Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel Beauty Recipe
Homemade anti aging aloe vera & cucumber facial peel beauty recipe tightens skin, smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines while nourishing skin with moisture.

Anti Aging Aloe Vera Cucumber Peel
1 small cucumber (peeled and seeded)
2 ounces of chamomile tea (steeped and strained)
2 ounces of green tea (steeped and strained)
1 ounce of aloe vera gel
1 small packet gelatin

Puree cucumber until it resembles a paste, then strain through a sieve or cheesecloth and reserve the juice.
In a saucepan, combine green tea, chamomile tea, and gelatin. Heat and stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove from heat and transfer to glass bowl and add cucumber paste and aloe vera gel. Refrigerate until mixture starts to thicken, about 25 minutes. Apply mask to face and neck and let dry for about 20 minutes. When dry, peel mask from forehead to chin. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
 Cucumber is an astringent that tightens the skin and smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.
 Chamomile and green tea work wonders with alleviating puffiness, and the aloe vera gel nourishes the skin with moisture.

Home Remedies for Anti Aging Skin Care – Best Anti Wrinkle Treatments
Try a combination of any of the following anti wrinkle remedies and tips to maintain smooth, younger, and healthier skin:

1. Vitamin C is one of the best skin care products for anti aging and anti wrinkle skin care. Vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin, helps protect the skin against sun and free radical damages, and improves the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles. Vitamin C is commonly found in natural skin tightening treatments.

2. Honey is one of the best skin care products in many anti aging skin care products. This homemade skin care ingredient helps to retain moisture to keep your skin well hydrated. Application of honey on to the face will help you get rid of acne and also provides moisturizing anti-aging benefits. Try to do this natural skin care remedy regularly for best results.

3. Add avocado to your skin care routine to get a younger looking skin naturally. The anti oxidants in this natural skin care fruit reduce free radicals in the human body. Simply apply either the mash or slices of avocado on your face and you will get that rejuvenated look.

4. Egg whites are best for natural anti aging skin care. Apply egg white mask to the lines under your eyes to get rid of under eye wrinkles and restore skin elasticity. This homemade skin care remedy is best for natural skin tightening and you will get younger looking skin.

5. Almond oil is one of the best skin care ingredients in skin care products and a good all-around beauty product. Almond oil help to improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. Many of the best wrinkle creams contain almond oil as a key ingredient for reducing wrinkles and sagging skin.

6. Potatoes have exceptional anti-aging properties for natural skincare. For removing blemish marks and dark pigments on the facial skin, you can rub raw potato slices over the area. This anti aging skin care home remedy is also best for treating the fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Place two slices of potato on your eyes for ten minutes, to get rid of crow’s feet and under eye wrinkles.

7. Coconut oil is the best natural skin care product for anti wrinkle treatment as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and tighten sagging skin. Massage your face with coconut oil before going to bed for reducing skin wrinkles, for natural skin tightening and getting a facelift naturally.

Anti-wrinkle facial treatments are an investment in beauty for life. Home remedies for anti aging skin care will help to keep you look fresh and youthful with no sign of aging.

                                               catalyst

RAINDROPS ON ME ........ MONSOON HAIR CARE TIPS

EMBRACING THE SHOWERS....

The rain gods be praised --------- monsoon's here! You love the rains ; don't make your hair hate them.
Cloudy skies spell a cheer in the air. For me, they take me down the memory lane ----- Duckback raincoats, rain - kissed walks back from school, hot samosa's and hot Chai by the window and much more. The joy was at times short -lived when the monsoon wreaks havaoc on my hair. Do you feel the same way?
Catalyst Salon and Spa is here to help you with effective monsoon haircare tips.
AVE THE SCALP!
SAVE THE SCALP
The monsoons are notorious for causing scalp issues such as dandruff, dry scalp or increased senstivity. A solution that puts a check mark is opting for regular hairspa's ( L'oreal) to keep the scalp free of infections . The easiest way to protect your scalp is using the right kind of shampoo to cleanse the scalp and please do not tie damp hair.

A PROTECTIVE SHEILD
How we shudder at the "F" word! Don,t get me wrong, I mean the "frizz" mass our hair turns during the rains. Serums are certainly the way to go and also choose the correct combination of anti - frizz cream ( liss control gel cream - L'oreal Professionnel)cream or Serum ( liss Ultime - L'oreal Professionnel) For a natural mask for the hair right from the kitchen try out a combination of olive oil,eggs and curd. Use this pack once a month for 30 minutes.Also use raincoats with hoodies or umbrella's to protect the hair from coming in direct contact with the high clorine levels in rain water.

BEING NIT PICKY....
Choosing your product for the season with exceptional care and in accordance with your hair type goes a long way.Not just when it comes to products related to haircare, but also picking what goes into your body ( having a healthy diet) is absolutely essential.

NAILING THE STYLE
The best way to make sure you stay on the style meter is by getting and flaunting a trendy haircut. I suggest in wearing the hair short or keeping it tied as the easiest way to manage your mane this season. If you are ready to go short , pick and choose from the wide array of bobs to mix  sophistication with fun. Long lengths still have your fancy? There's a whole platter of up- styles, be it pony tails or braids, at your disposal. You will have an interesting time playing mix and match.

THE BIG NO !
While shedding light on what should be done to protect the hair,giving you tips on the stuff that your locks will be better off without.
1. Tying or brush through wet hair.
This will only add to the damage levels.
2. Using strong shampoos:
 Only works to further dehydrate and dry out your hair.
3. Proper usage of conditioners and Masque :
Use a conditioner according to your hair type, mainly giving more importance to the length of the hair. Never use the conditioner on the scalp as it could cause dandruff.
4. Blow drying and heat treatments :
 It is not advisable to blow dry very often. These are hygroscopic in nature , which means that they make their hair absorb the moisture from the effect of the treatments.
With these handy tips now in your bag, go on, flaunt those gorgeous tresses away

So as I always say go out and dance in the rains this monsoon season and don't forget to post us your hair care tips.
                                                                catalyst

HOW TO USE TEA TREE OIL FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Tea Tree Oil - Wonder Oil for Acne treatment
Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Why do people use tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and anti fungal treatment. One study found that tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It appears to be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot.

Can you get tea tree oil naturally from foods?
There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Work Against Acne?
Often a variety of spots and scars on the face are the result of acne which has been before. Despite the fact that acne is already in the past, not passing scars on the face will constantly remind the owner of his past troubles. Therefore, a lot of people are looking for another way of treatment except various chemicals. Recently more natural products get in widespread use such as tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and bactericidal action against skin diseases.
The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Tea tree oil has become known around the world since the early 1900s. Since then it can be found in pharmacies in every corner of the planet. This oil was also added as a key ingredient into all sorts of creams and medicines that only did them better. Due to such solution, these creams began to possess antiseptic, anti fungal, antiviral, antibacterial and healing effects.
There are quite a few causes of acne. The most widespread one is hormonal imbalance, as it is considered to be the most common during adolescence. But, nevertheless, acne also appears in adults who have already passed adolescence and have no problems with hormones. The reason for this is excessive work of hypodermic sebaceous glands which during normal operation excrete a sufficient amount of sebum to moisturize skin. Consequently, skin pores become clogged. In combination with dust they form an enabling environment for bacteria.
In this case, tea tree oil is a solvent of oil and dirt. This oil clears the pores from bacteria, while its antibacterial function prevents further outbreaks.
But with positive aspects, tea tree oil also has negative ones. This oil contains toxins which are absorbed into the organism. Therefore, it is necessary to use it only on those areas of the skin where its direct influence is necessary. Concentrated oil has to be mixed with water because its use in a pure form can cause severe allergic reactions, causing more problems.
Tea tree oil is necessary to apply in such a way: first, dilute a few drops of oil with water and then put on a cotton swab and use only on the affected area. You will see the best effect when you start using this solution every day. Besides, it will protect your skin from new acne problems.
At the moment, tea tree oil is one of the most successful ways against acne. There are several ways to use this oil for best results. Some people suggest adding it to the cream which already contains an extract of aloe. They say that this combination has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to get rid of acne by destroying bacteria that contribute to their appearance.

How to get rid of Acne and scars using Tea tree oil ?
Use a very small amount of 100% pure tea tree oil on acne and scars while you shower. Or pour few drops of tea tree oil in a cotton ball. Dab it to the infected area.  Use tea tree oil every night and it  it definitely helps in getting rid of beginning zits or already developed zits overnight. Sometimes it stings a little but it really works! I recommend using it.
Another best home remedy using Tea Tree oil ,which i know to fight with some positive results is take about 20ml tea tree oil and squeeze to it about two capsules of vitamin E . Touch your scar with this oil (even active acne) and it should heal much faster.

 

catalyst