You're Beautiful!

Stepping outside the bathroom with wet hair on a day when US East Coast was battling severe heat wave, I walked towards the bedroom window and soaked some fresh air. The tiny drops of water falling from my hair were keeping me cool and the confidence of having healthy hair was keeping me content. I put some iced tea in my glass and a thought crossed my mind, I took few wet strands in my hand and asked them, ‘Are you happy now?

Three years back when I was living in my hometown Ambala, I had gorgeous hair; but after my marriage, things changed...or should I say I stopped caring about them? A newlywed who was busy adjusting to the new city and new life, forgot even her hair was coping with some adjustment. With no care and devotion from my side, they started losing shine and bounce. I blamed it on Bangalore and its monsoon. I started oiling my hair more often, thinking it would end my woes, but I failed to pay attention to the actual problem.


Oiling should be done in moderation in monsoon; don’t leave oil on your hair for a long time. Apply oil, leave it for 2 to 3 hours and wash; it will condition your hair and they won’t be dry. With proper oiling method, my hair was manageable but it didn’t gain the earlier texture. I accepted the status quo, believing age was playing its role. And before I could have deliberated more, I moved to Noida. I should take a pause here!

Think of hard water and Noida comes to my mind. Drinking that water is out of question, using it for daily chores equals depreciating your property and bathing with it is awful. It was the most dreaded autumn of my life...my hair became omnipresent; under the couch, on the cushions and wherever I went I left few strands behind. My husband started teasing me, ‘You leave your DNA wherever you go!’ I would smile at my own misery. One day while combing my hair I noticed my skin was unaffected by the water; my hands were smooth as silk. I was using the same water. ‘What’s wrong with my hair?’ I moaned. I gazed at the glass counter where I proudly displayed my face wash, lotions and creams and realised where I was wrong! I knew my skin...I talked to it, felt it, and pampered it; daily, weekly, monthly. I didn’t do that with my hair, I was indifferent towards them.

I, then realised, that with constant change in location, I needed a product that answered to all my problems. I had to choose a shampoo that suits my hair, like I choose a lotion that suits my skin type. I worked over, asked myself some questions and picked Dove Hair Fall Rescue Range.

 Five Questions You Must Answer Before Choosing The Right Shampoo  
 1 What kind of hair you have?
 a) Normal
 b) Dry
 c) Oily
 d) Colored
 2 What is your primary hair problem?
 a) Hair Fall
 b) Dandruff
 c) Split ends
 d) Rough and Frizzy Hair
 3 How often you wash your hair?
 a) Daily
 b) Once a week
 c) Twice or Thrice a week
 4 What type of weather affects your hair the most?
 a) Summer
 b) Winter
 c) Monsoon
 5 Are you allergic to any chemical/drug?
 a) Yes
 b) No
www.sarusinghal.com

I felt the difference after the first wash itself. I coupled my Dove products with other treatments; applied yogurt once a week, oiled them before wash and went for some extra pampering in the spa. It ended my losing streak and my locks were back on the old shiner self. They seemed happy and healthy. I was overjoyed. The transition from good to bad to ugly and then back to good and beautiful was a learning experience. Flaunting my beautiful tresses, I moved to another country this time.

When I came to Boston, I brought my personal care supplies that lasted a month. Boston has a perfect weather and water, and with no hair fall I was no longer required to use the Dove Hair Fall Rescue Range. Sticking to the same brand, I shifted gears to a different range – Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. And I didn’t stop indulging in oiling and pampering my hair, I understood even my hair needed extra care. My stay in Boston was the best - perfect weather, water and hair. But sadly my perfect hair stint lasted only six months...

Hackensack, NJ shattered my perfect hair image within a couple of weeks. Water quality in Hackensack has been ranked 40 out of 100, though the US average is 55 (statistics as per US Environmental Protection Agency); as a result my hair became frizzy, brittle and started falling. I shifted to Dove Intensive Repair Range and as expected it worked again. I also learnt that I was not very particular about my comb - I worked on that flaw as well; choosing the right comb and knowing how and when to use it is very crucial in maintaining your hair - after all it’s the most important hair tool.

Comb - The Right Hair Tool
 Use your own comb. Don't share it with anyone.
 Choose the right comb for your hair.
 Never use close teeth comb on wet hair.
 Use comb that don't have sharp ends, like we do it with our toothbrush. 
 Keep your comb clean. Soak it in vinegar and lemon to get rid of dirt.
www.sarusinghal.com

My confidence in Dove has increased over the years...whenever I have had hair problems; Dove has always been to my rescue. And for me, who shifts base every few months, it’s a blessing. I need not wander store to store looking for my hair care products; from Indian Kiryana stores to Amazon, Dove is available everywhere. Without doubt, your eating habits, lifestyle and personal care defines your hair but which hair product you use to clean it is also very important. It’s all about making the right start. I switched to Dove and that was the end of my hair problems!

I was still lost in my thoughts when my husband moved his fingers between my hair and said, ‘You’re beautiful!’ As a poet and a wife, I can say that a thousand words woven to recite your beauty fall short in front of an honest compliment from your spouse after three years of marriage.

I smiled.

I was happy and beautiful, like my hair.

That was My Beautiful Hair Story; start writing yours at dove hair-aware app.

*This post is for 'Dove - My beautiful hair story' contest on Indiblogger.

Comments

  1. Hairishly intriguing! :) Is there a hair recipe for men too?

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    Replies
    1. Of course there is, even men have to take care of their hair. Glad that you find it interesting.:)

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  2. Truly beautiful...good luck dear!!

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  3. Hair Dare! Moving to different cities leaves us with so many challenges to face - one major is hair and water! Good luck with the contest Saru!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, moving comes with many problems and managing hair becomes more of a challenge. Thanks for your wishes!

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  4. may you win the contest and beautiful,shining hair is a bonus :-)

    great luck!!

    anu

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    Replies
    1. Beautiful hair is a lot of hard work for me. Thanks for your wishes Anu:)

      Delete
  5. Wishing your story gets rewarded just the way you treated your hair, Saru:) A very enjoyable read of hopping places and each affecting the hair due water and other environmental conditions!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your wishes Sir. Glad that you enjoyed reading the post.

      Delete
  6. "a thousand words woven to recite your beauty fall short in front of an honest compliment from your spouse after three years of marriage." - This is simply awesome, and I'm still smiling at it :):)

    That was pretty much a hairy tale Saru! Glad your hair is now through it, healthy and beautiful :) I really loved the way you formatted the post. Winning entry it is :):) I'm sure you'll win once again!

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    Replies
    1. Harsha when you will be standing at this stage in your life, you will know the depth of this sentence. Poor married gals. LOL...:)

      Honestly I feel I wrote what I went through and sadly I am not good at weaving mesmerizing tales. I wish I could learn that down the lane. Thanks for your wishes dear:)

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  7. Reading ur article made me realise that the cause of fall of my used to be long, bouncy, beautiful hair is my negligence towards it..thanks for reminding that it too needs care..nice post and wish u good luck..

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    Replies
    1. I agree with family and busy life women become negligent towards themselves but we should find some time to pamper ourselves. Pay more attention to your hair and honestly even now they are looking good in the profile picture.

      Thanks for your wishes.

      Delete
  8. A MasterPiece indeed.... Vey nice article... All the best for the contest

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  9. Wonderful narrative, I loved how you have woven the images with your story and the facts. Trust a poet and a writer of your caliber to do it with such grace and beauty. :)

    I am keeping my fingers crossed for you, All the very best :-)

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    Replies
    1. Arti, sometimes an honest appreciation is the biggest reward a writer can get. Your comment just made my day. Thanks a lot for a motivating comment and for your wishes.

      Delete
  10. "Vhairy" nicely written! :P Btw I was thinking if you could help me out with an early "whitening" of my hair due to similar hard water woes in Dehradun...at 23 its pretty strange to have white hair in between the black ones! Any therapy, product or treatment that would work for sure?

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    Replies
    1. LOL, for the first word of the comment. Nik I would recommend you to go to a Dermatologist. My husband has the same problem and in his case it is hereditary. Hope you find a solution. :)

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  11. i can already see a winner here..:-))
    All the best for the contest Saru !!

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    Replies
    1. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for your wishes and same to you.:)

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  12. Neatly and arrestingly expressed!

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  13. I use the dove damage repair, and it always works wonders for me. Although i am not very fond of the conditioner though. Amd yes ofcourse oiling and eqq masks are a must for my hair.

    Very upfront and perosnal post this is Saru. And very detailed. You have mentioned how the change in water and weather changes the health of the hair, which is such a big factor. we cannot keep using the same shampoo, just like we cant wear the same clothes for all seasons!

    All the very bext for your contest!

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    Replies
    1. Which part of egg you apply? I tried it twice when I was in school but it made my hair thick. And you are right weather and water impact your hair a lot. I am a perfect example of it. Thanks a lot for your wishes Jenny. BTW, I was wondering what happened to the London series?

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  14. wonderfully written! all the best :)

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  15. It's a great post. I never thought so much abt my hairs.. Now I will also start caring for my hairs.. N will try out dove. Hope it will work for me.. :-)

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    Replies
    1. You should, in fact check what hair type you have and follow a proper hair care routine. Hair add a lot to your personality. Also try Dove, it works for me every time.:)

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  16. Aha, nicely narrated! Wish you luck!

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  17. Ahh! Some history there. From Ambala to Bangalore. From Boston to NJ. Your hair does look very beautiful, Saru. Wish you all the best for the contest. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the compliment and your wishes Akshay:)

      Delete
  18. All the best for the contest , I m sure you will win it ..

    I dont have any hair now so easy peasy for me..


    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. Good for you but managing hair is quite a task. Thanks a lot for your wishes Bikram.:)

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  19. Nicely written Di.. Deserve to win.. :)

    I feel I am lucky to be free from any kinda hair problems.. I am regular user of Garnier Shampoo and conditioner. Just once for a change I has tried Dove but suffered from severe dandruff problem after that. :( I guess Dove is not suitable for my hair :)

    Loved reading the post of yours.. Every minute details written so nicely:) Good one:)

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    Replies
    1. Sonia, can you believe, it is the opposite for me. Once I brought Garnier Shampoo but used it for pedicure instead.

      Thank you so much for your wishes :)

      Delete
  20. hair fall and thinning are such common problems. good article


    www.styledestino.blogspot.com

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  21. hehehheee., verry nice.. :D "dove" even i use it, and was soo glad to find it here in germany also.. :)

    all the best for the contest..

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    Replies
    1. This is what I love about it, I even mentioned it in the article, from Indian Kariyana stores to amazon, it is available everywhere. :)

      Thanks for the wishes Dipthi!

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  22. Well researched blog, Saru. All the best for the contest!!

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  23. Beautifully written. Nice story telling. These competitions are more fruitful than advertisements for dove. Whoever came out with this idea of competition for dove, should get a double promotion. :)

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    Replies
    1. I agree and the best thing is everyone associated with it is on the winning side. Thanks for reading Sir.:)

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  24. Good story at that. Wishing you all the best.

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  25. great piece of narration and information, saru. this contest has really brought forth some great entries. it was nice to know about your hair journey. all the best.

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    Replies
    1. I agree Subhorup, I read few posts and they were of high quality. Thanks a lot for your wishes. :)

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  26. i am too worried about my hairs...they were so black and shiny but now due to moving to college and in dust,, they became very weak and dull...

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    Replies
    1. You should take care of them Ruchi. They add a lot to your personality.

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  27. Well written Saru,All the best for the contest :)

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  28. Good luck with the contest, Saru. Wish you could have posted some pictures of your hair...before n after.

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    Replies
    1. I could do that, may be next time. Thanks for your suggestion and for your wishes.:)

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  29. Aha! Nicely put on, as expected. :) All the best Saru.

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  30. Wow!! You just described every woman's woes over losing hair... Good luck with the contest!

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  31. Noida has the worst water I have ever had.

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  32. That is a classic contest post.. very special with all those inserted boxes with info. Great work. Good luck for the contest.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. And best wishes to you too:)

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  33. interesting & wonderfully written

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  34. This is a great way to find out the exact shampoo and conditioner for us! Great Post Saru!

    Here's mine!

    www.priyankazneverland.blogspot.in

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    Replies
    1. Priyanka your post was a modern day fairy tale. I loved it. Thanks for directing me there. Glad you find this post informative.:)

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  35. Good luck with the contest. This is an honest, well written entry and I hope you do really well.

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  36. Beautiful! :)
    Wish you all the best for the contest,Saru !

    Stay Smiling and Beautiful...

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  37. nice tips and all the best with the contest :)

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  38. I hope you would surely win the contest.
    You have put every color in your presentation.
    Interesting,informative and nicely advocating
    the Dove hair products.

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  39. Replies
    1. Thank you so much Sir. I always need your wishes:)

      Delete
  40. you have really written a wonderful story which paves your way to get win, it seems this post has been consulted by a dermatologist. I thought of asking a question regarding my hair problem, which indeed, i would ask. ;)
    My scalp is oily & whenever i come out in the sun my hairs get wet with the sweat so much that they become very rough. My face & scalp is very oily. I scare to come out in the son but as it's in my nature i may not resist myself, so i come out & always face the same awkward situation :( :(
    May you please help me??? :)

    All the best for your post. I'm sure you are there in the winning list :)
    Now plan to give me a treat :) love you :)

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  41. Oh sorry!....it's sun & mistakenly i had written the other one ;) which may never be possible ;)

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    Replies
    1. Gayatri, I wish I have a handy Dermatologist who would not only answer your questions but be at your beck and call forever. You are such a sweetheart. But with my limited knowledge, I would say use the products that suits you, wash hair often using mild shampoo. And yes, drink lots of water, which BTW is the solution to most of our problems.

      And if I make it to the winning list, you'll surely get a treat. :)

      XOXOXO
      Saru :)

      Delete
  42. You always write in such a simple manner, but its so captivating :) Good luck for the contest :)

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    Replies
    1. Awww...thank you for admiring my style of writing and for your best wishes.:)

      Delete
  43. Right! Thank you so much for your wishes Ashwini. I must say I trust your instincts;)

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  44. Though my expertise in relation to this article is minimal, the first thing that caught my eye was the way in which you paint simple yet complete picture of the problem and how you go about solving it. Both the way you went about solving the problem and the way in which you narrated it are praise worthy. There are valuable tips to take good care of their hair for the readers and you laid it out exquisitely.

    You clearly demonstrated that everything needs care and attention and once that is available, results blossom. I am so glad it worked out for your beautiful hair. And the way you ended the article was so sweet and touching. That was the deft touch of the poetess! And indeed a beautiful compliment from a loving husband is always such a delight. All the best for the contest! May glory be yours (once again)! :)

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    Replies
    1. Even I was not aware of so many thing about hair but as they say necessity is the mother of invention, my bad hair forced me to find solution. Last line was written by the poet in me, you are right about that.:)

      I would be glad if any of these tips are useful to readers. Thank you for your comment and wishes.

      P.S. We can only thank you for all these comments. We are not as talented as you. Sigh!

      Delete
  45. all the best for the contest Saru !

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  46. An in-depth analysis of hair management Saru :) Wishing you all the best for the contest :) God bless.

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  47. Ohh... i am a Dove person too... :) :) I tried so many others.. but finally I settled for Dove. I love the way my hair smells after I wash them with Dove! :)
    Great write up! :)

    ReplyDelete

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