For the most part, over the counter treatments such as Nix, or others that have permethrin 1% work pretty well. Firstly hair should be washed, and toweled dry. Then the medicated application should be done and left to sit for about 10 minutes. After that, rinse it out and don’t re-shampoo. This is because an anti-lice residue gets left behind that will discourage re-infestation.

It is best to repeat the treatment after a week or so, in order that any freshly hatched or juvenile lice are not allowed to reproduce. If required a third application at the end of the second week should be carried out.

Lice treatments contain some level of toxicity so they must be used according to instructions only. If however over the counter treatments do not work, a medical opinion should be sought.

• A clean scalp is the best antidote to dandruff so make sure you shampoo regularly
• Brandy is a natural antibacterial agent, because of its alcohol content. Use a little diluted brandy (1:4 dilution in water is a good idea) and apply to the roots of the hair. Keep for 15 to 30 minutes and wash off
• Now this one is a great natural conditioner for hair but it could help with dandruff as well – take a cup of yoghurt (unflavored), add an egg, beat well. Apply to the scalp for 30 minutes and then wash off
• Olive oil mixed with lime juice, a natural astringent, also helps control dandruff. If possible apply and leave on overnight
• A concoction of beetroot juice (2 tbsp), one egg, and a smidgen of lime, should be applied at the root levels and then washed off after an hour

• The effects of this drug are temporary and last so long as the treatment is continued. The effects are seen to taper off within 30 to 60 days of having discontinued medication
• The formulation could dry out the skull resulting in irritation, rashes, dandruff and itching
• Some may be susceptible to having hair loss actually triggered by the medication so rather ironically this hair loss aid may actually end up causing hair loss and exacerbating the situation
• Oral Minoxidil is associated with swelling of the face and limbs, lightheadedness and more serious effects on the heart such as lesions, rapid or irregular heart beat and other problems
• It is toxic to cats

Genetics and hormones probably pay a more definitive role in hair loss. So when attempting to deal with hair loss it is important to understand the causal factors behind it before getting appropriate treatment.

For men and even women, thinning hair is often the result of the hormone androgen or DHT (dihydrotestosterone) – when the body produces too much androgen, there is a possible hair fall problem that can result.

Thyroid is another factor that can be responsible for hair loss – hair thinning or hair fall is a common problem with those who have a thyroid imbalance.

Color: The color that you use for your hair ought not to be too dramatic and too much of a contrast to your natural skin tone. Too much of a contrast can look incongruous and unattractive.

Moisture: For healthy hair, the right kind of nourishment is always required. Whether it is a hot oil massage or a deep conditioning hair masque that your hair requires, do it regularly to keep your hair looking good.

Eat Right for your Hair: If you are what you eat, so is the case with your hair. Eating a balanced nutritious diet can work really well for hair, making it stronger, shinier and healthier from within and less prone to breaking.

Keep Treatments to a Minimum: Straightening, curling, blow-drying and other chemicals should be kept to the minimum.

Shampoo and Comb Right: Make sure you shampoo the right way and don’t comb hair when wet. Also be gentle and patient with knots.

If your favorite hair color has just announced that it is going ammonia free, this may be good for your hair as well as the environment. Producing products that are “Paraben Free” means that harmful additives and preservative were avoided when making it. “Sulphate Free” would mean that the foaming agent that many of us (erroneously) associate with the process of actual cleaning of the hair, has been avoided. Some items give artificial fragrances, silicones and petrochemicals the miss, and therefore offer a gentler product.

By all means consider if a particular product is suitable for your hair type and your requirements before buying it, but also consider the fact that some products are better for the environment than others; so perhaps it is a good idea to choose them over others?

• Deep condition once a week, particularly if you are out in the sun quite a bit
• Wet hair before you get into the chlorinated swimming pool water. This way not as much chlorine gets soaked up by the hair.
• Mix baking soda to your conditioner for body and health
• Essential oils, herbs and vegetable oils in the products you use for your hair is a good idea; this can help stimulate the follicle for better hair growth and fight common hair problems
• Look for hair care products with built in SPF for sun protection
• Protect your hair by using a hat, a parasol or by staying in the shade. Make sure your head gear is not too tight however.

Keep these in mind for a happy and damage free summer for your hair.

Hair relaxant have been blamed for a number of different problems such as breakage of hair, thinning, irritation of the scalp, hair loss and hair damage.  Hair relaxers may be even more problematic when used in conjunction with other hair treatments such as extensions, braids or weaves, which are typically preferred by those of African descent or those with very curly hair.

So when using hair relaxers, use good quality hair relaxers and make sure you follow instructions of use properly. After treatment care is also important; even if you have the procedure performed professionally. 

• Use products that double as treatments, advise experts. Use a leave in conditioner or a hair mask (also called masqes) regularly.
• A diet rich in soy and nuts is excellent for the hair. Though it may take several months, you will notice your hair looking shinier and more lustrous.
• Dry your hair upside down. This offers something called root-lift so that your hair appears fuller and there appears to be more volume in hair that may otherwise appear lank or limp.
•  Make sure that your hairstyle is appropriate for the kind of hair. Just because you always had a particular hair style does not mean you cannot change it. What looked good on you as a 20 year old will obviously not work as well now if you are 40.

Massage:  Massaging the scalp is known to stimulate blood circulation and therefore improve the rate at which regeneration of hair follicles takes place.

Oil: Massage of the hair with warm oil, it is a good conditioner for hair and can be good for combating dryness that lead to hair breakage and consequent loss of hair. Olive or coconut oils are good for the hair.

Hibiscus leaves: This is a popular home remedy for hair loss: take some leaves of the hibiscus plant and grind to a paste with some water. Leave for about 20 minutes and then wash off.

Pay attention to your diet: make sure that you eat plenty of fruit and veggies so that your hair gets all the nutrients that it needs. Drink plenty of water as well.