Say no to greasy hair

My hair is so greasy all the time, no matter how much I shampoo it - I hate it. Please help me!
- Soumya
Make a mask of gram flour or corn flour and apply it onto the scalp; leave to dry and rinse with room temperature water. You can also try massaging aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of limejuice into your scalp; rinse after an hour. Avoid hot water when rinsing your hair, as this activates natural oils, leading to oily hair. Never massage conditioner into your scalp, as this makes the hair greasy. Dusting corn flour powder into the scalp, when dry, can reduce the grease in your scalp too.
 
I am a 27-year-old, soon to be married in July this year. I wanted to know about your best homemade remedies that can keep the skin healthy, glowing and free from acne and blackheads. I've got dark circles under my eyes and puffiness too. Can you please suggest any good remedies that can give speedy results? Also, do you have any effective remedies for cracked heels?
- Name withheld
A mask of cinnamon and honey, applied five days a week, plus another made by mixing oats powder with tomato purée, applied twice a week, are what you need. The latter will help exfoliate and brighten your skin, while cinnamon and honey will activate circulation and clear the pimples quickly. Potato slices placed on the eyes for some time will lighten the area and reduce puffiness. Apply castor oil on your heels and wrap them up in cotton socks to keep the oil in place - an effective remedy to heal your heels.
My palms are very dry and rough. Do you have a natural exfoliating treatment to make them soft and smooth again?
- Mrinal
Mix almond powder and oats powder together in equal proportions. Add yoghurt and massage the palms with this mixture. Allow to dry, then scrub off the mask. Rinse first with warm water, then with cold water. Do this everyday for best results.
I've read that rinsing hair with apple cider vinegar does wonders for it. Is this a myth or will it yield results if I try it?
- Name withheld
Apple cider vinegar is excellent for rinsing hair after shampooing, as it helps to balance the ph level and also conditions the hair. The vinegar also gives body and sheen to the hair. You can do this after every shampoo.
Can stress be the cause of pimples? I've been having so many on my face of late (I've never had them before) and the only thing I can think of is how stressed I've been the last few months. Please give me a good remedy to make the pimples disappear without leaving spots!
- Michael
Pimples are the result of a combination of reasons such as hormonal imbalance, poor diet, stress and improper skin and hair care. I truly believe in the goodness of aloe vera - it oxygenates and cleanses the skin, and helps calm the body too. Ingesting a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel is a good way to clear your stomach. Apply a rich mask of aloe vera gel mixed with oats and rice powder to your skin everyday. Rinse with cold water, once dry, and watch your pimples go away.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)