Itchy scalp, begone!

I have a very itchy scalp due to dandruff. My hair fall is severe. Can you suggest a remedy for these issues that don't involve onion juice, lemon or aloe vera, as I'm allergic to these ingredients?
- Sameeha
The next best alternative to aloe vera gel would be to mix 1 cup coconut oil with 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds and a handful of curry leaves. Boil together till the seeds turn dark in colour and the oil emits a gentle fragrance. Set aside to cool and store in a glass bottle. Thrice a week, massage your scalp gently with this mix. Use enough oil, as required for your hair. Leave on for an hour or two before shampooing off; you may even leave it on overnight if you wish. Drink 10-12 glasses of water every day and follow a healthy protein-rich diet.

I am 13 years old and read your column every week. The skin on my hands has been peeling off and bleeds at times. My palms are really itchy, and I find it quite annoying. Finally, a friend is looking for advice on how to grow nails quickly. Please suggest some remedies.
- Yan
An application of sandalwood powder mixed with yoghurt and a few drops of glycerine every day will help. Apply this pack on your hands and, when it dries, rinse off with cold, running tap water. Avoid using soap too often on your palms. It would also help to gently massage the hands with a lotion made of 2 tablespoons coconut oil mixed with ½ a teaspoon of glycerine and a pinch of camphor to aid the healing process. Apply and leave on overnight. Do this often for best results. Massaging warm oil (olive, almond or vitamin E) on the cuticles, while gently pushing them, and leaving it on overnight will help them grow.
 
I have pigmentation on my forehead and your remedy of potato juice with honey is working quite well, but it still looks like black patches on both sides of my forehead. Please advise.
- Name withheld
Grind almonds and make a paste with it by mixing it with rose water. Apply this to your forehead, and scrub off when dry. Follow this with the potato honey mask and rinse after 30 minutes. You will find the skin lightening over time.
 
I am 40 years old. I used to have very thick, soft and wavy hair. But, in June, I did a hair protein treatment and applied colour for the first time. Ever since, I've been experiencing rapid hair fall and my hair is becoming thinner by the day. Kindly suggest an effective remedy.
- Daksha
Hair colour often contains chemicals that cause harm to the scalp and causes hair fall. Switch to natural hair colour and nourish your scalp with the following massage: take 2 cups coconut oil, 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds, ½ cup grated green pumpkin and 1 tablespoon castor oil. Boil these together till the pumpkin turns dark and crisp. Filter and use as much oil as required to cover your scalp. Always warm the oil before massage, and do this treatment twice a week for best results.  
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)