Well-being Q&A: Dry, frizzy hair

I am 17 years old. I can't wear my hair loose as it's very dry and frizzy. But I don't want to have a straightening treatment. Please recommend some remedies and where these products are available.
S.K. Dubai 

Malnutrition, heat and little humidity will make your hair more dry, brittle and damaged than if you are living in a more humid place.

Washing your hair with harsh shampoos too often also removes moisture. Heat from blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons will also contribute to dryness.

Dry hair is also a sign that your diet may be lacking in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, walnuts and flax seeds.

Ensure hair-healthy eating habits that include protein (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines); calcium (milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables); selenium (mushrooms, cabbage, onions, whole grains, garlic); zinc (seafood, brewer's yeast, whole grains, eggs); magnesium (vegetables, legumes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, milk); biotin (liver, egg yolk, soy products, oats, nuts, carrots, sprouts).

Try some of these tips for healthier hair:

• Beat an egg yolk until it's frothy. Add a teaspoon of castor oil then beat again and add a cup of water. Massage into the scalp and throughout your hair. Rinse well.
• Mix 1 tbsp amla* (Indian gooseberry) powder in two litres of water and boil. After it has cooled you can wash your hair with the liquid, which will give your hair a lustre.
• Don't shampoo your hair often. Instead, rinse your hair and apply conditioner every day or every other day.
• Hair conditioners that contain wheat, rice or corn proteins will repair damaged cuticles, improve porosity, elasticity and the general health and appearance of your hair.
• Rinse your hair with cold water as hot water can increase frizziness and dryness.
• Do a steam-towel wrap once every two weeks if your hair's cuticles appear dry and damaged. Steaming your hair opens up the pores and lets your hair absorb any oils you apply after the wrap.
• Apply kunthala kanthi thailam* on the scalp before rinsing your hair.

*Available at shops selling herbal products