All the dirt and pollution do no good to your hair. Even if you have dry hair, you end up washing your tresses more than it’s required. You know that using shampoo frequently will make your hair dry. But you don’t want to be stuck with dirty hair. Even women with oily hair go for daily head baths. Brands might promise to make your hair soft and shiny through their shampoos. But in the long run, the chemicals in shampoos take away moisture and life from your tresses. Go for natural hair cleansers instead of shampoo to wash your hair.

We have often heard of people talking about harmful chemicals used in shampoos. In fact, there are also ingredients in hair care products that can increase cancer risk.

Health Shots got in touch with Dr Vinay Kumar, senior consultant, dermatology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to find out which all natural hair cleansers you can opt for instead of a shampoo.

How to know when your hair is dirty?

If your hair is no longer bouncy, feels greasy or smells bad, you should know that it’s time to wash your hair. According to the expert, our hair is said to be dirty if there is excessive accumulation of one or more of the following substances:

• Dead skin cells
• Secretions from skin glands
• A fungus that resembles yeast
• Particles from the atmosphere and pollutants

Hair cleaning is all about removal of one or more of such substances.

Natural hair cleansers you can try instead of shampoo

You’d be surprised to know that there are several natural ingredients that serve the purpose of cleaning hair. Here are some of the natural hair cleansers

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is obtained from fermented apples, yeast and sugar, has many health benefits. It contains healthy germs which are good for your body. Vinegar itself has antioxidant properties. Dr Kumar says that harmful oxidants are produced in our bodies as a result of wear and tear of tissues. So, if you get your hands on a hair care product with antioxidant properties then you should use it without thinking twice. Apple cider vinegar cleans hair effortlessly. If you have a dandruff problem then this is just what you need.

Mix apple cider vinegar with double quantity of warm water and then apply on your scalp. It should be allowed to stay on the scalp for at least five minutes then rinse it off.

2. Lime juice

Limes are easily found in our kitchen. Their juice is acidic in nature, and are effective in getting rid of dandruff (natural remedies to treat dandruff during winter) as well as making hair shiny. Lime juice can also remove excess oil from your hair.

Lime juice needs to be diluted in warm water after which you can leave it on your hair for five to ten minutes. Then rinse it off.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera has been found to be rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, salicylic acid as well as amino acids. It has a soothing effect on the skin and moisturises hair. It also removes excess oil in a gentle manner, says the expert. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well, making it the perfect natural hair cleanser. Aloe vera is also known for improving hair volume.

It should be rubbed in gently and then left on hair for five minutes for its full impact.

4. Hibiscus leaves and flowers

Hibiscus plant is a rich source of mucilage, which is a sticky substance and is a cleansing agent. It help to have healthy and shiny hair.

Hibiscus leaves and flowers should be first turned into a powdered form. Then it should be mixed with a small quantity of water to form a paste. The paste should be massaged into your hair. For best results, leave it in tour hair for 10 minutes before washing.

So, switch to these natural health ingredients to avoid exposing your hair to harmful ingredients.