Dadi Ka Kehna

In these times of pollution, pesticides, chemicals and bad eating habits, hair loss is common but treatable, says Roshani Devi

My son is just 37 and he has stark white hair. There is a family fight every time he is asked to colour his hair. My younger son is balding at 35. My grandchild is just 14 and is having the worst hairfall I’ve seen in a youngster. The pollution, water contamination, pesticides in our food and chemical-infused shampoos are all killing us. In such impossible times, I recall the good old shikakai and reetha concoction that may have kept the hair a tide rough but also kept it healthy, long and black deep into the 50s. I also understand there is very little time or patience for such remedies in young closets. So here are some doables. Try them. They might work:

• Kadi patta or curry leaves are a wonder leaf. Take equal quantities of dried kadi patta, nimbu peel, shikakai, methi dana & sabut moong. Grind it finely. Store in a cool dry place and use instead of a shampoo.
• Boil a cup of pudina leaves in 3 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain and  wash your hair after shampooing. Rinse after  2-3 minutes. This strengthens hair roots.
• A mixture of aloe vera and  triphala on the scalp and hair ends for six months is enough for a hair makeover.
• Rub a mixture of 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp water into your hair after shampooing. leave for 2-3 minutes & rinse off completely.
• Vinegar is a good conditioner. Apply and rinse after a few minutes.