Review: Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil

Our Indian roots tell us that coconut oil is best for hair. And yes, we respect our grandma’s opinion on this, but in this age of consumerism we are spoilt for choice when it comes to hair oils, so what makes one coconut oil different from the other?

That’s what I set to find out when I tried Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil. My hair hadn’t been at its best recently. It was weak so I encountered some hair fall, dry as the desert giving me a frizz which I dislike, and there was an itchiness that wouldn’t go away (dandruff ?!). To be honest, I hadn’t really paid attention to my hair in the past few months, other than the regular shampoo-condition schedule. It was time to get on to a good hair routine, starting with Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil.

Vatika-Enriched-Coconut-Hair-Oil

In just a couple of massages with the coco++ oil, I noticed a difference. My scalp was definitely less itchy and my hair felt thicker and stronger! I noticed lesser hair fall as well. But the most remarkable difference was pointed out by the hubby, who said that my hair looks better than it did a few weeks ago. Then he tried the oil as well, and said it made his hair softer, thicker and shinier.

Besides deep conditioning the scalp and nourishing hair, coconut oil is known to promote hair growth. But Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil goes a few steps further for more comprehensive hair nourishment. It helps deal with hair damage and related issues like hair breakage, hair graying and extreme dryness. The additional ingredients of hibiscus, amla and henna join hands with the coconut to battle dandruff, and other problems like split ends, frizz and hair fall. No wonder this special concoction is not just coconut oil, but coco++.

Dabur Vatika long hair

How I use the oil:

Step 1: I prefer “less oily” hair massages so I usually pour some oil on to a piece of cotton, then apply on my scalp and then massage gently till I’m done with the entire scalp.

Step 2: Chill for an hour. I usually read a book, decide my outfit, and pamper myself with a face pack. 😉

Step 4: An hour later, I step into the shower and wash my hair with my favourite shampoo.

Step 5: Condition and rinse.

Step 6: I let my hair dry naturally.

Step 7: Barely half an hour later—voila! My hair looks so much better.

Read more about Dabur Vatika Enriched Hair Oil.

Note: Chic Promotion

 

No more excuses: Bye bye hair damage!

We Indian women love long and strong hair but ever wondered why most women today don’t have the gorgeous tresses our grandmothers had?

Hair fall, of course.

We all notice the beginnings of hair fall without really registering it. Then it hits us: you’ve barely touched your hair and it breaks, or when you comb you shed hair like a furry dog. And you still keep growing your hair, but that causes more hair fall, because your hair is weak and damaged.

Our terrible eating habits (fries, icecreams, cakes!), all that work stress, the heat and pollution in our cities and harmful chemical-laden hair products are all hand-in-glove to damage our hair and cause hair fall.

DAMAGED-HAIR-image

So you grow and grow your hair till you finally realize your hair ends are mere wisps of straw and it’s making you miserable. So what do you do? Cut it off!

Drastic step, yes. But sadly, that’s the truth. A lot of women end up chopping off their locks because of hair damage. Truth be told, long hair looks lovely only when you’ve got healthy hair and no hair damage or hair fall. Frayed ends and split ends look plain ugly and who wants to see innumerable hairs on their comb every day, right?

But all this can change. We can have long, strong and healthy hair with minimal damage. Of course, we can’t change our eating habits overnight, move to unpolluted Himachal valleys or stop shampooing our hair for fear of chemicals damaging our hair.

The solution is simple: Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil.

Vatika-Enriched-Coconut-Hair-Oil

Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil has the right mix of natural ingredients to banish all those hair damage problems. It’s not just coconut oil. It’s also got hibiscus, amla and henna to repair hair damage. So no more hair fall, no more split ends, no more straw-like hair. And no more excuses to cut off your hair. Just long, strong and gorgeous hair.

Long black hair

Read more about Dabur Vatika Enriched Hair Oil.

Note: Chic Promotion

Long hair in summer: Why and how you can do it

I’ve always been an advocate of short hair for women, especially in the summer, given the heat and humidity. For busy working women, managing long hair can be a stressful task in addition to their daily chores, long work hours and commute. But a couple years ago I started growing out my hair, and long hair has been a good experience!

After all, only with long hair was I able to experiment with wonderful hair styles, like braids (a hot beauty trend), chic buns and updos, besides waves and curls. I’m happy to say these cool styles got me a lot of flattering compliments. 😀

Long dark hair is gorgeous and very Indian- it instantly gives a woman an “exotic” appeal and looks stunning on Indian women. Take a look at my pictures in long and short hair and decide:

Short hair

Long hair

Medium hair

Of course, managing long hair wasn’t easy, especially when it looked dull. Long hair is supposed to look good, no? It’s supposed to be shiny and healthy, but it isn’t always so. Besides the shampoo, I had to spend a bunch of money on a good conditioner.

But then, summer’s not a very good time for hair. My hair looked quite dull, and the frizz made me look like a scruffy dog. So like almost every summer, I contemplated chopping off my hair to solve all these problems.

But when I discovered Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil, I realized that long hair isn’t much of a problem anymore!

DAbut Vatika hair oil review

Since I’ve begun using it, my hair feels and looks great. It’s got a lovely sheen, and it’s smooth and silky. I can’t remember the last time my hair felt like that. My hair now radiates “healthy”!

And because it looks so good, I don’t think I’m chopping off my hair. 🙂 Why don’t you try Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil and give your hair a much-needed boost this summer?

Dabur Vatika hair oil review

[Chic Promotion]

Are cricket players more fashion-conscious?

In the past century, fashion has evolved tremendously—from corsets to crop tops, and coat tails to tshirts. With hundreds of fashion brands vying for attention, people across the world have become more trendy and fashionable. Not surprisingly, two of the most glamourous fields in the world- fashion and sports- have collided and sports persons have turned into fashion icons. This global trend began with football player David Beckham early in the 21st century.

Just like fashion, cricket has evolved as well since the 1800s, and from being role models, cricketers have become style icons as well. Unfortunately, this seems to have come at a cost. The cost of True Style.

Imran Khan cricketer

Days of cricket past: When style went beyond fashion

Your personal style is a means of expression of your personality and is an all-encompassing concept, going beyond what you wear. Style reflects in your clothing and hair, the way you speak to someone, hold your fork, or write a letter. This traditional sense of true style was something the gentlemanly cricket players of the previous century possessed and practised. You couldn’t be dressed to the Ts and use abusive language like a drunken slob at the local pub.

For instance, the dignified Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was known as much for his quiet charm as for his understated luxe clothing. The dashing Imran Khan made women swoon with his smart shirts and suits, thick wavy hair and his elegant conversation.

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi

Cricket players have also sought different means to express their individuality and personality. With his carefully groomed side burns à la Elvis Presley, India’s “Brylcreem boy” Farokh Engineer was a vivacious, talkative man and continues to be one. While Sir Viv Richards with his swagger, doffed cap and murderous smile, epitomized Caribbean cool much before a certain Mr. Gayle.

Days of cricket present: Cricket and fashion in the 21st century

Some of the younger Indian and international cricketers are eager to try new trends or even forge their own trend. So Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh carry off grungy jeans with elan, while Kevin Pietersen’s super confidence puts him equally at ease in a printed tee and chinos, as well as in a tailored suit. His versatile style is the envy of a lot of young men.

Virat Kohli tee and jeans

Off duty, most cricketers like to play safe with their fashion and opt for well-known international fashion brands (a number of them often go shopping on their overseas tours). Of course, there is more focus on personal grooming, along with hot trends, high street and premium fashion. Famous cricketers have been spotted in brands like Ed Hardy (Harbhajan Singh), French Connection (Shikhar Dhawan), Lacoste (Michael Clarke) and H&M (Virat Kohli). At formal events several cricketers sport designer suits from luxury brands.

Current off-duty styles

Off the field, the gentlemen (and fashion icons) of today’s cricketing world have opted for a range of looks and styles, such as:

  • Classic– Neutrals like white and black with straight cut jeans (favoured by Kumar Sangakkara, Alastair Cooke)

Kumar Sangakkara

  • Grungy – Distressed jeans, acid washed denim, printed graphic tees (loved by Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers)
  • Sporty– Polo shirts with badges, casual shirts with chinos and jeans (such as Brendon McCullum, Graeme Smith)

Graeme Smith polo tee

  • Versatile– Wear a range of looks (like Kevin Pietersen, Brett Lee)

Kevin Pietersen

On-field fashion

The current crop of cricketers also set out to express their individuality on the field as well. Despite being in uniform, their distinctive features stand out:

  • Tattoos: Brendon McCullum, Kevin Pietersen, Dale Steyn

Brendon-McCullum

  • Hair: Lasith Malinga’s coloured locks, Brett Lee’s spikes, MS Dhoni’s ever-changing hair styles

Lasith Malinga hair

  • Sunglasses: Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh

Chris Gayle

  • Facial hair: Shikhar Dhawan’s curled moustache and stubble, Mitchell Johnson’s handlebar moustache, Ravindra Jadeja’s royalty-inspired moustache

Mitchell Johnson

Style, fashion and “uniforms”

In the first decade of this century, the idea of style has given way to “fashion statements”, and thus style has become equated only with what you wear. Men and women have become clones when it comes to sartorial choices (solid or graphic tees, skinny jeans, chinos and sneakers). These off-the-field “uniforms” may make you feel part of the peer group, but they don’t express your personality or style.

This limited definition of style has unfortunately percolated to current cricket players as well. While some of them may make a strong fashion statement, their unique style is lacking and invisible. Let me explain: I have never met Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, nor do I recall watching or reading any interview with that legendary cricketer. Yet, one look at his off-duty picture and I am convinced that if I were to meet him, he would be a true gentleman- courteous, respectful, benevolent and, of course, charming. That is the magnetic power of True Style.

True, we shouldn’t judge a wearer by his or her clothes, but what about style as a holistic concept? Somewhere in the past few decades, individual, meaningful True Style has almost disappeared.

Bodyline (sorry, bottomline): Style vs Fashion

Yep, cricket players these days are smart, suave and well-groomed. Some of them endorse fashion brands, appear on fashion magazine covers and sell beauty products, while others are trying their hand at fashion themselves (Virat Kohli’s fashion line WROGN and Zaheer Khan for Sher Singh).

Shikhar Dhawan GQ India

With the overwhelming number of clothing and accessory options for cricket players today, the bright young lot these days is more fashion-conscious than ever. Despite this, the timeless appeal of the erstwhile cricket players is universal, eternal and magical. Young people across the world may want to copy the current players’ clothes, but how many can truly emulate the charm of Pataudi, the playfulness of King Viv, or the elegance of Imran Khan? Now THAT is True Style.

This blog post is an entry for the Blogger Dream Team activity run by Blogmint. (Check out #BloggerDreamTeam on Twitter.)

LFW WF 2013 Slideshow: Best of accessories

LFW WF 2013 Slideshow: Best of accessories

I’ve declared Accessories Week this week at Speaking Chic! Here’s kicking off the series with my favourite accessories at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/ Festive 2013. Scroll down for more on the accessories featured in the slide show.

Loved the shoes at…

Shantanu Goenka: Wonderfully embellished and to match the outfits!

Shantanu Goenka shoes

Sneha Arora: No-nonsense manly shoes are required for war, even if it’s only on the ramp.

Sneha Arora at LFW WF 2013

Aditi Holani: The cut-out shoes went well with the distressed look.

Aditi Holani shoes at LFW WF 2013

Noteworthy bags at…

Square Loop by Kanika Sachdeva: Neutral boxy leather bags are just right for work.

Karieshma Sarna: Her embellished clutches are winners all the way through.

And jewellery…

House of Chic: Spikes, skulls and dark metal…. it’s all goth!

Valliyan: Nitya Arora has been on the fashion week circuit for a while now… and we know why she’ll always be popular.

A word on hair accessories

I’ve always believed hair accessories are the most under-rated accessories… so the maang tikkas at Shyamal & Bhumika, bird clips at Shantanu Goenka, and butterflies at Pria Kataria Puri have made their place in my personal lookbook. 🙂

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Deepika Padukone can wear almost anything and look pretty in it. In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani her character Naina wears a whole variety of clothes and looks great in all of them. Unfortunately,  Deepika’s looks in the movie are as stereotyped and predictable as the storyline, sometimes inappropriate and sometimes just bizarre. I’m not too impressed with costume designer Manish Malhotra’s styling for this movie.

Either way, if you want to adopt Deepika Padukone’s looks, here’s a simple one-step guide to the three key looks she dons in the movie.

Geeky student

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone

The plain Jane Deepika wears squarish geeky glasses that indicate her studiousness, with simple printed dresses covered up with a light jacket or cardigan. Her straight hair is pulled back into a ponytail or held back with a hair band. BTW, on cold nights, while camping in the Himachal outdoors, Deepika looks surprisingly cozy in knee length dresses!

One step look: Dark rimmed glasses.

Transformation time

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Balam Pichkari

Deepika Padukone’s transformation from geeky girl to sexy lass was completed in the most predictable way– by getting drunk, swapping the spectacles for contact lenses, and ditching the comfortable outfits for tiny shorts and prancing around during Holi (when most Indian women want to stay indoors).

One step look: Hot shot pants

Head-turning hottie
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Ranbir Kapoor

Once the transformation was complete, we didn’t get to see much of Deepika until a grand wedding in Udaipur. At the wedding, Deepika is pretty much the centre of attention with tiny blouses and low waist lehengas. With her low neck kurtas that are barely concealed by a dupatta, Naina is ultra feminine and desi sexy.

One step look: Midriff-baring lehenga or tight kurta.

Which Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani look do you want to try?

Chic Workshops: Personal beauty discoveries with Divo and Dermalogica

Chic Workshops: Personal beauty discoveries with Divo and Dermalogica

Couple weeks ago I attended a fun bloggers’ meet hosted by Divo (of hair accessories fame) and Dermalogica (the “white” skin care brand). At their workshops on skin care and hair, I learnt some new things. (Thanks to Akshata Honawar and Avni Amlani).

image

Some things seemed common sense, some were a bit surprising.  Here’s what I discovered:

Mom was right about not stepping out with wet hair, and not just because it gives you a cold. When hair is wet, the cuticle is open and cortex is exposed. The sunlight can then de-colour your hair, making it turn a couple shades lighter.

Brands now selling “hair oil” are mostly selling serums packaged as oil. That’s because oil would be used a bit differently and wouldn’t wash off that easily.

BTW, oil is not so good for hair, but the massage is.

Henna changes the texture of your hair, making it rough and frizzy. Use ammonia-free hair colour instead.

Even those with dry skin can get acne. I’m not the only exception!

Everyone thinks they have a round face and sensitive skin. But not all of us do.

Exfoliation is the most ignored part of our skin care routine.  But regular, gentle exfoliation is a must. I need to stop being lazy now!

Lastly, I also discovered a Dermalogica product called Pre Cleanse. I thought it was another of those beauty company gimmicks, but I’ve tried the product a few times now and it’s awesome. It’s like a face serum that becomes a cleanser once you add water. It cleanses skin beautifully without drying it. Loving it! 🙂

Bollywood Fashion: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’s Kareena Kapoor dresses quirky, Imran Khan goes formal

Bollywood Fashion: Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu’s Kareena Kapoor dresses quirky, Imran Khan goes formal

I watched Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu over the weekend, and found it a refreshing movie in more ways than one. The movie was fun, and the actors’ wardrobes were stylish, which is what you’d expect from a Dharma Productions film.

Kareena-Imran Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

I was happy to note that Manish Malhotra (Kareena Kapoor’s designer for the movie) managed to bring an element of fun, quirkiness and style to Kareena’s wardrobe. Here’s a breakdown of Kareena’s look.

What Kareena is wearing:

Kareena plays a hair stylist Riana in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Now if you go to the salon I go to, you’d know that most young stylists have their unique way of dressing showing their creative side. Riana is just like that. She wears a range of colours, dresses casually, and looks like a chic mess. 🙂

Kareena in blue Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

In Las Vegas, Riana’s staple wear is layered tops with a jacket and short skirt with dark tights (it’s winter). In Mumbai she wears jeans and tees with light cotton shrugs.

Key trends:

Striped tees: Simple striped V-neck tshirts are a huge trend globally (you see them more in Europe and US than in India). With these tees, Kareena gets an instant international look.Kareena striped tshirt- Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Jackets: It’s December in Vegas, so Kareena wears all kinds of outerwear- waistcoat, leather and fleece-lined jackets.

Kareena in waistcoat- Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Tight mini skirts and shorts: Kareena has curves now, but that doesn’t stop her from wearing denim and lightly-embroidered minis with black tights. Good news for us normal-sized girls.

Kareena printed scarf ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Layering with colour mixing and lace: Manish Malhotra has very layered Kareena’s costumes by mixing colours. The looks are really colour-coordinated or matchy-matchy. Also, the ace designer has innerwear-as-outerwear a more relatable spin by giving Kareena camisoles and slips with lace on the neckline, then adding tshirts to layer. Loved that!

Accessories:

Jewellery: Kareena wears two rings on her right hand (one is a pearl) and a watch on her left. Her dangling earrings mostly comprise little charms like dull gold leaves.

Oversized bright bags: Yellow, fuchsia, blue… yum!

Manly shoes: No stilettos or sexy heeled booties for Riana, because she wears rugged men’s shoes! I loved the scene in which Kareena tottered around in Imran Khan’s shoes and complained they were too big. 😀

Scarves and stoles: Patterned and bright!

Kareena pink stole Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Hair and makeup:

Kareena’s hair is wild and astray, which she keeps in check with clips and pins. The red highlights suit her skin tone and style, while her lined eyes and light glossy lips keep her “real”. 🙂

Special Mention:

In the song Auntyji, Kareena Kapoor wears a gorgeous royal blue wrap dress that is feminine, classy and doesn’t reveal much (she’s out with her family after all). You can’t help liking that one!

Kareena wrap dress Ek Main AUr Ekk TU

Imran Khan’s look:

Styled by Shiraz Siddique, Imran Khan is all grown up in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Dubbed appropriately as a “tightass” by Riana, Rahul is formal and stiff. His colours are mostly black and grey and he wears only slim fit shirts, trousers and cardigans. That’s right, no jeans or tshirts for Imran Khan.

Imran Khan grey shirt Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

The only hint of colour was the green V-neck cardigan Imran wears while hanging out with Kareena in Vegas.

Imran green cardigan Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

But if there’s one thing I could steal from his wardrobe, it would be the light blue shirt with white collar he wore in Mumbai. Paired with khakis, that was as casual or semi-formal as Imran’s character could get.

Imran blue shirt Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Chic surprise of the movie: Statement neckpieces

Whoever thought Ratna Pathak Shah could be so convincing as a South Mumbai socialite? This talented woman plays Imran Khan’s mother with a chic hair do, lots of attitude and is always dressed to the T. Most importantly, she can’t do without her Louis Vuitton luggage, and has a penchant for oversized neckpieces, which she carries off with a high-brow pout and smirk.

My favourite neckpiece is the one she wears at the formal dinner she hosts, large baubles and all. (Sorry, couldn’t find the picture). But here she is on the way to the opera.

Ratna Pathak Shah in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

What did you think of the costumes in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu?

RIP Dev Anand, thanks for the fashion!

RIP Dev Anand, thanks for the fashion!

Dev Anand—the actor, the director and the producer? Yes to all! But Dev Anand as the style icon? I certainly think so.

DevA style

For Dev Anand impressed not only with his versatility, but also his style statement. He was not too flamboyant or sophisticated, but his style was casual and insouciant, yet charming. Over the decades, his style remained more or less the same, but with a gentlemanly touch that was right for his age. I’d call his style old-school elegant (in the context of the 21st century).

Dev Anand’s fashion trademarks:

Scarf/ cravat/ muffler: A simple scarf worked in a number of ways for Dev Anand—from a formal cravat to a casually draped muffler.

Dev A hat1

Hats: Dev Anand wore all types of hats in his movies—like berets, flat caps, and fedoras.

DevA hat3

Hairstyles: Dev Anand’s hairstyles changed with his movies. His styles ranged from the “roll” to longish front bangs to the flat hair.

DevA hair1

Pray a tribute to Dev Anand—wear a scarf today. I’m wearing one!

All pictures courtesy: Dev Anand’s official website

Bollywood Fashion: Sonam Kapoor dons a range of looks in Mausam

Even if you haven’t watched Mausam, we bet you’ve seen Sonam Kapoor’s gorgeous red gown and her salwar kameezes in the movie’s promos, designed by Kolkata-based Anamika Khanna.

Sonam Kapoor in Mausam- red gown

Sonam Kapoor in Mausam

Being a romance film, Sonam’s colour palette is soft yet vivid (the red gown and black are the strongest colours), her silhouette feminine, and her outfits easily gel in with the rural Punjab setting. Also commendable is the job done by Lovleen Bains creating authentic costumes  for the Punjabi village folk.

Here’s a look at Sonam’s various looks in Mausam:

In the first season (set in winter of 1992), Sonam’s Aayat wears plain salwar kameezes with Kashmiri-embroidered shawls with (she plays a Kashmiri). She wears her hair straight or ties it up cutely when she heads to high school.

Sonam Kapoor in Mausam-- Kashmiri shawl

Over in Scotland seven years later, Sonam’s got a quirky vibe with long curly hair always decorated with a flower, even in ballet class. Her clothes are super-girly as she wears long skirts and dresses, layering them with light cover-ups. Her makeup is mostly nude; her flaming red gown and lips a stark contrast to Sonam’s looks of the season. Sonam carries off the “red”ness with elegance and poise, looking absolutely gorgeous and graceful. (It was my “Woah!” moment in the movie). We also loved the white dress Sonam wore on a trip to the countryside.

Sonam Kapoor in white dress

Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in Mausam

Then the storyline takes a serious turn, and the mood is sombre, melancholic and  doleful. Sonam loses her lover, her love of colour and “happy” clothes. Her colours are now black, blue and grey, and she covers her head with a shawl (not sure why).

Sonam Kapoor in Mausam

In the final season, Sonam is based in Gujarat and it was a pleasant surprise to see her in saris—bandhini and a printed one (we think it’s made from organic fabric).

Our favourite outfit in Mausam is the green sari Sonam wears when Shahid is coming over to dinner. The sari’s blouse has a crochet/ lace border and the fine thread embroidery done by hand is wonderfully Indian, contemporary and dressy, without being OTT.

Verdict:
While the movie is not much home to write about, some fashion lovers may be tempted to watch the movie for Anamika Khanna’s creations. Given the limitations of the character and the plot, the designer has done a good job, and a handful of the outfits are inspirational. However, if you really want to see Sonam’s best clothes, we suggest you watch Aisha again.