Sun protection for healthy hair

I've noticed that my hair has been thinning out of late. I can't help but wonder if it is because of the damage from being out in the sun. Are there any natural treatments to protect hair from the sun and also to give it volume?
- Jan
Mix two tablespoons of onion juice with a tablespoon of honey. Massage it into the scalp and hair. Rinse after two hours. Do this three times a week to give hair volume and protection. If you are going out in the summer sun, wear a scarf or carry an umbrella - they will help protect your hair.

I'm a 27-year-old woman and I have a really large, dark birthmark on my back. I tried laser treatment but did not complete it and that seems to have stimulated the growth of hair in the region. Is there anything that can be done to lighten the mark and get rid of the hair?
- Reshma
Waxing is the next best treatment after laser to get rid of unwanted hair. Apply potato juice as a pack on the mark and leave on overnight to lighten the mark. Don't stop doing the treatment till the mark lightens visibly.

I have noticed an alarming number of silver hairs on my head of late, but I'm not even 30! What I can do to stop my hair turning grey this way?
- Vani
Unfortunately, you cannot arrest greying - but you can keep nourishing your hair with rich oils like coconut, almond, olive or sesame. Some believe that yoga can help arrest grey hair; also, there are certain herbs that may darken the hair. Because all my treatments are simple and natural, I use black tea to tone the hair. To lighten grey hair, just keep spraying black tea onto it daily.

The skin around my nose is really dry. Do you have a natural remedy that I could use for this problem?
- Reem
Take a teaspoon of oats powder and mix it with some warm milk. Apply this paste on your face and around your nose. When dry, scrub off with damp fingers. Do this three times a week. Your skin will be exfoliated and become really smooth.

My hands and feet are very rough and dry, which make me sad, as I would like soft, smooth skin. What can I do?
- Name withheld
Make a smooth mask with almond powder, cane sugar and yoghurt. Apply on dry hands and scrub off after 30 minutes. Do this every day and your hands will be smooth and beautiful.

(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)