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Whether it’s flakes or a case of frizzies, there’s a way or a product on the market shelf that can fix it. Ruchira Bose has root-to-end solutions to all your tress distress situations!

What A Flake!
Afraid to wear a black blouse? You're not alone -- sooner or later almost everyone experiences at least a little flaking, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have dandruff. There are several things that can cause flaking that isn't dandruff. Build-up is one. Heavy conditioners and many styling products are made to stick to your hair and can prevent the natural shedding of skin. Use a clarifying shampoo to rid yourself of build-up, and be sure to rinse very thoroughly every time you wash and condition. Keep very oily or greasy products away from your scalp.

Dry scalp is another cause and often occurs in winters. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and give yourself a scalp massage to loosen flakes. Resist the temptation to over-condition, which can cause build-up, but give yourself an occasional deep-conditioning treatment, if necessary.

If none of these describes you, you might have ‘real’ dandruff. Current theories about what causes dandruff centre around hyper-active sebaceous glands, bacteria and yeast. Regardless, there are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients – anti-microbials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole. If your hair is coloured, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulphur. Anti dandruff shampoos can be pretty drying, so use them only as often as you need to; the rest of the time, use a shampoo suited to your hair type.

Products you can use:
Johnson & Johnson’s Balancing Three in One Shampoo & Detangler removes build-up.
Charles Worthington Results No Flake Shampoo (Rs 350), with a tate-of-the-art formula, works on itchy scalps and thoroughly cleanses flakes from hair.
Pantene Pro V Anti Dandruff Shampoo removes and prevents dandruff from occurring again.
Head & Shoulders, an all-time favourite, now comes in different formulae for different hair solutions, e.g. Smooth & Silky, Extra Fullness and Refresh.
Himalaya Dandruff Shampoo combines the goodness of herbal ingredients to rid you of flakes.
Schwarzkopf Dandruff Control Fluid with highly effective Octopirox® can be a final treatment for heavy dandruff.

Split Up
Half of the cure for split ends is prevention. Don't brush your hair too much, and be sure to use brushes and combs with smooth, wide-set teeth; avoid nylon bristles. And no matter what, don't brush wet hair! If you have knots, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle from the ends up, one section at a time. Elastic bands -- even the covered ones -- can cause breakage. If you put your hair in a ponytail, use a scrunchie.

Of course, a trim will rid you of split ends instantly. In the meantime, a split-end treatment, a leave-in conditioner with light hold or a pommade applied to the ends can temporarily seal the splits.

Products you can use:
Pro Vitamin H Vitamin Split Ends Mender Serum (Rs 250) instantly mends, repairs and moisturises split ends, restructures and thickens split ends. Increases hair strength, elasticity and ability to retain moisture and nutrients.
TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender Leave-in Conditioner (Rs 775) seals, smoothens and protects your hair.
Keune Hair Beauty Split Ends Serum (Rs 600) restores your hair and fixes split ends with hi-tech capsules.

Breakage and Damage ...and more