Ask shahnaz

Raveena Tandon

Beautician Shahnaz Husain offers tips and answers queries. Send your queries to askshahnaz@gmail.com

I've have just bought a new hair iron. After the first time, I discovered found some hair fall. Please suggest tips for ironing and precautions to be taken before and after ironing. — Sandhya

I don't advocate hair irons, because direct heat application damages the hair. However, ceramic irons are said to cause less damage as they distribute heat more evenly. It is important to follow the directions accompanying the irons. Some flat irons can be used on wet hair. Otherwise, you may have to blow-dry your hair first. Applying a styling gel or cream may make it easier. Part the hair into sections. Place the iron on each section and take it down from the top to the ends, taking care not to touch the scalp. It should be done quickly, so that the iron is not left on the hair strands for too long. The hair should be clean before using the iron. After-care is extremely important, with hot oil treatments, mild shampoos, creamy conditioners and hair serums.

What is the difference between a scrub and a facial? How often should we use a scrub? — Suba

A scrub is a grainy substance or product that is rubbed gently on the face and then washed off. It helps to deep cleanse the skin, removing dead skin cells and making the skin smoother and brighter. Facial is the whole procedure for skin care, which involves cleansing, toning, exfoliation, massage, mask, etc. The procedure is adjusted according to the skin type. If your skin is oily, you can use a scrub twice or thrice a week. Scrubs should not be applied on pimples, acne or rash. For normal to dry skin, use it once a week. If the skin is very dry and dehydrated with rough reddish patches, avoid scrubs.

My face is very oily. What should I do to tackle this problem? —

Ashok

After washing your face, wipe it with an astringent lotion, using cotton wool. If you mix a little rose water with the astringent lotion, you can apply it on the face several times a day. You can also make a paste of Multani mitti and rose water and apply on the face every day, avoiding the lips and the area around the eyes. Wash off when dry. Cucumber juice or tomato juice can also be applied on the face to reduce oiliness. Mix oats with egg white and apply. Wash when dry. This also reduces oiliness.

How can I identify find out my skin type? Also, my feet are tanned. Can you suggest a remedy? a tan, and make my feet Also, how can I remove tan and make my feet fairer? — Chinnu

An oily skin has open pores and is prone to blackheads, pimples and acne. A dry skin is fine textured and has a taut feeling after washing. On waking up in the morning, wipe your face with a tissue, before washing or cleansing it. If the tissue is clean, you have a normal to dry skin. If the tissue becomes stained or soiled with grease, you have a normal to oily skin. Use different tissues for different areas, wiping the forehead, nose and chin with one tissue and using another one to wipe the cheeks. This will help to know if you have a combination skin. For tanned feet, rub lemon halves on the feet, every day. Wash it off, apply sesame oil and massage it into the skin. Make a paste of gram flour (besan), curd, lemon juice and a little turmeric. Apply it on the these areas at least three times a week. Wash it off after half an hour. You can also apply a cream containing lemon and turmeric daily.