The fabulous hairstyles presented in the media are of impossibly thick, glossy hair with multicolored highlights and tones that are very difficult for us to achieve naturally. Most magazine pictures are photographically enhanced and the hair pictured often contains extensions. The actress Jenifer Aniston is recently reported to have spent £40,000 to achieve her astonishing sleek style for a recent London film premier. Nevertheless women throughout history have been able to achieve beautiful strong, shiny hair using nature’s own products and natural hair care. Throughout the Middle East long, thick, shiny hair is generally seen as a sign of beauty, so how do we keep our hair looking full of health in 2010?

Let’s first look at the many factors that can damage hair, especially in a hot climate.

The Gulf climate is harsh and you need to take extra special care of your hair and skin to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. To find out more about climate and hair loss visit www.desalinatedwater.info.

Keeping up with hair fashions can also damage your hair

If we want hair as portrayed by the media the standard is impossibly high. Fashion often dictates that we pour chemicals onto our hair to color it or relax it or to coat it with silicones and polymers to give it artificial cosmetically enhanced high shine. We need heated straightening tongs to iron hair or curling tongs to give it bounce and volume. All this can take its toll on the condition and elasticity of hair and make it dry brittle and prone to breakage. Many cosmetic hair products promise condition and high shine but do not really treat the hair; they simple contain silicone to make the hair appear glossy whilst not really helping you to get your hair back into good condition, which is what women really want.

What can you do to improve your hair? The first is the most difficult step towards healthy hair because you must cut off every inch that is very damaged and split. Your hair will look better shorter and in good condition and will soon grow back stronger.

• Avoid hair abuse, such as tugging and stretching when wet.

• Always give your hair a good brush before you shampoo in order to remove tangles.

• Avoid over-drying and over-use of hot appliances Let hair dry naturally as often as possible and try to wash your hair less often.

• Use a weekly oil massage treatment and scalp massage such as Permea Plus Hair Repair Massage Oil to stimulate the scalp circulation with fingertip massage. This product is fragrance free and contains six natural oils for bounce and shine. This is the best way to strengthen the hair and encourage new growth.

• If hair is weak, avoid chemical processes that change the basic structure of the hair. Decide to be happy with the hair that you have and keep it healthy.

• When swimming or sunbathing protect your hair with Permea Plus Hair Repair Massage Oil. And wash chlorine and seawater from the hair with Permea Plus Anti-Sal Shampoo.

• Protect your hair from the drying and bleaching effects of the sun.

• Think of your hair as a plant and feed it healthy natural ingredients. You need to put the moisture back into the hair with conditioners, hair oils and moisturizing treatments

• Drink lots of water to keep your hair roots hydrated.

• Avoid starving yourself to lose weight. If your body isn’t getting enough nutrition, neither is your hair and hair is the last to receive nutrients so it will fall. Be sure to get sufficient protein and then take a comprehensive multivitamin such as Permea Plus to make sure both your body and your hair get the daily nutrition they need.

• Hair coloring involves the use of chemicals. Avoid hair colors that contain ammonia; ammonia is very damaging especially if it is left for too long on the hair.

• Rinse your hair in cold water for the last and final rinse as this encourages the cuticles to close and your hair will have more shine and have fewer tangles.

• Brush your hair to ensure all knots have been removed before shampooing and brush your hair at night to distribute your own natural hair oil while you sleep.

• If your hair is exceptional dry leave the Permea Plus conditioner on the hair and cover with a shower cap and apply heat from the hairdryer to force the moisturizing conditioner and nutrients into the hair for extra conditioning.

Permea Plus products are available at most pharmacies in the Gulf, and can be purchased on line at http://www.ardenhealth.co.uk/kiosk_s.asp

Ask Alva

I would like to take up a dance class but I am very shy. Should I just dance at home? — Lizzie

Just go and join the class as you will meet new friends and you will learn more through having a teacher. If you want to join a class just do it! — Alva