We are hair to be different! An SMD writer's curly hair gets a boost

Sure curls fetch you compliments but ask anybody blessed with them and theyrsquoll tell you that hydrating detangling and styling them is no cinch While straight hair follicles are symmetrical curls have them asymmetrical Which is essentially a way of saying that different hair textures have different needsEnter Zeme a homegrown label that customises hair wash and conditioner to requirements Prerna Bhutani uses natural ingredients to concoct the cleansers gels conditioners and serumsThe ingredients typically consist of methi seeds beneficial against hairfall dandruff bhringraj fights greying neem leaves antibacterial and antifungal properties shikakai adds natural shine amla adds volume and green tea prevents hair loss and dryness ldquoI have been a proponent of natural chemicalfree products It comes from my mother who still doesnrsquot use any chemicals on her face At 62 her skin is soft and healthyrdquo she saysAs a child Bhutanirsquos hair was washed using a concoction of reetha shikakai all freshly made by soaking them in an iron kadhai the night before ldquoAnd I remember how healthy my skin and hair were at that timerdquo She noticed a distinct difference in hair quality once she began using commercial shampoosIt reached a point where she started hating her hair and wouldnrsquot like leaving it loose ldquoFor occasions I would always straighten or blow dry it because I couldnrsquot imagine looking good with my natural hairrdquoThat a chemicalfree care routine was possible is something she learnt after a year of research on natural ingredients that go into hair wash For Zemeacute the former venture capitalist and marketer has dipped into traditional Indian hair care recipesldquoWe customise the products to suit individual hair needs and home deliver them The products are made from herbs kitchen ingredients and since we donrsquot add preservatives they need to be refrigerated just like fresh foodrdquo she saysmiddayrsquos experience with ZemeBecause noonesizefitsall we are given a questionnaire to help Bhutani understand our concerns goals and lifestyle The survey includes questions around the hair length scalp type whether the texture isthick or fine if wersquove done any chemical treatments in the past and details about the hair products we use currently I typically wash my hair three times a week because excessive sweat from workouts makes the scalp oily and hair frizzy Mumbairsquos muggy weather doesnrsquot help either flattening my curls like a road rollerWhat we ordermdashcleanser conditioner and serummdasharrive within 10 days in tightly sealed packs and tubes We are told that the cleanser works well with the natural oils of the scalp So if you oil your hair before washing it may not wash off all the added oil The cleanser has only natural cleaning agents so it doesnrsquot lather like a commercial shampoo Squeeze it in your palm and use your fingers to apply the product starting at the scalp and crown It may take some time for you to figure the ideal quantity Our hair took time to settle into the nochemical routine After the first wash it felt heavier but after subsequent trials we noticed a visible difference The hair looked shiny bouncy and less dryWhat Zeme hair cleanserWhere 9321180525Price Rs 500 onwards