Why you should try a hair spa this summer

Treatments using exotic oils and pastes can be a boon for thinning, heated tresses this time of the year

It's certainly hot and while you're watching your diet and eating right, also ensure you take care of your hair, which faces damage due to the heat. A hair spa can take care of that. Importantly, it seeks to normalise oil secretions due to sweating. Of course, one can go in for a hair spa for tired- out hair during any season, but with the hair losing its moisture and sheen during the summer, the treatment is especially a boon. Agrees beauty expert, Nisha Jhaveri. "Sun damage does have an adverse effect on the hair, leaving it dehydrated. But as people are constantly highlighting and streaking their hair, it makes the hair very brittle. So, I'd advise a hair spa at least once a week at any time," she says.

What is the treatment about?
If you're going in for a hair spa, the therapist would first take a look at what kind of hair you have, its quality, etc. You are then offered suitable remedies and packs. Some spas also have a protein treatment for hair. Says Jhaveri, "The idea is to rejuvenate and protect the hair. A serum is mixed with the conditioner onto the hair. I recommend using argan oil, which is very beneficial and can penetrate the hair shaft and restore moisture. After oiling and shampoo, a deep-conditioning mask or pack made with natural ingredients is applied to the hair and massaged well.

5 steps to a home hair spa
A hair spa is not just about pampering the hair with a massage. It also provides nutrients to the hair, with a variety of packs. The four essentials are: Oil massage, shampoo, mask and conditioner.

1. Massage your scalp: This is the first step to start a hair treatment at home. Warn some coconut oil or olive oil. Massage your head with this. This increases blood circulation and boosts hair growth.

2. Steam the hair: Dip a towel in warm water and squeeze the excess water out. Wrap the towel around the hair. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the scalp. Do this for about 5-six minutes.

3. Wash your hair: Now, wash the hair with a mild shampoo. Use only cold water as hot water is harmful to the hair roots.

4. Apply conditioner: Post the shampooing, use a conditioner. You can also use the water of tea leaves to which a few drops of lime juice has been added. Or try a paste of grated beetroot to which hibiscus powder has been added. The hibiscus flower powder is a great base and is rich in iron and other vitamins. Rinse it off after half an hour with just warm water and no shampoo.

5. Lastly, a hair mask: The last step is crucial as it seals in the nourishment. Try making this mask at home. In a bowl, mix two eggs, honey and some coconut oil. You can add a ripe banana to this — banana is a softener. You can also use olive oil instead of coconut oil. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo.

Try these hair masks
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Avocado mask
Make a mix of 1 avocado, 1 egg and a little lemon juice. Apply this concoction to wet hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse and wash.

Banana-almond mask
Mash up a banana and add a few drops of almond oil to this. Mix well and massage this on the hair. Allow it to remain for about 20 minutes, then rinse and wash hair. Gives softness to the hair.

Honey de-frizzing mask
Take half a cup of honey and yogurt. Add half a teaspoon of almond oil to it. Mix and add to the hair. Wash off.

Pumpkin booster
Blend a cup of cooked and diced pumpkin, half a tablespoon of coconut or almond oil, a teaspoon of yogurt and one teaspoon of honey. Apply on the hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off. As pumpkin is a source of vitamin A and potassium, it calms the scalp and promotes hair growth.