We all have those times when our skin is not looking so great and our hair is uncooperative. Sometimes we can find quick fixes, such as dry shampoo. But if you are looking for more natural, homemade remedies that bring instant results, and much more noticeable differences over time, you are in the right place. Just keep reading!
1. Hair Masks
Hair fall is crazy these past few days? Dry, brittle ends make you question using the blow-dryer again? Don’t worry. Try these remedies to help your hair fight dryness and fallout. Using these masks once a week or biweekly will bring you noticeable results and healthy, strong hair (and your silky, smooth hair!).
Note: I would not recommend doing these masks on a day which is scheduled for an event, just in case! Always leave time for another separate shampoo.
Oils Galore
The first hair mask recipe consists of various oils. When you massage oils into your scalp, your roots and ends are moisturized and nourished, enabling them to strengthen and grow healthier. For this remedy, you are not required to use all the oils – using a mixture of two or even using just one is sufficient. However, using all the oils provide various fixes for different problem areas.
Oils you will need:
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Coconut Oil
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Mustard Oil
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Almond Oil
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Castor Oil
Properties:
Each of these oils has its own special properties. Mustard oil ensures your hair to stay strong, reducing the amount of breakage. Coconut oil is used for softness, bringing all your hair strands back into one, without split ends. Almond oil has lots of vitamins in it, which helps to replenish the root and hair strands. Castor oil is highly recommended if you are dealing with hair loss – it is proven to regrow hair. If that is your case, try using castor oil mixed with almond oil only. Using this mixture once every other day will result in regrowth of hair loss. You are even able to use castor oil on your eyelashes and eyebrows for optimal growth!
How to use:
Use this mask once a week or biweekly to notice the optimal results. Yes, it might be a little bit smelly, but trust me, it is worth it! Massage the oils into your scalp and apply them onto the rest of your hair, focusing on the ends. Tie your hair into a braid or bun and leave in hair for about 30-45 minutes. Wash off with a good shampoo twice or three times, making sure to leave the shampoo in for a few extra minutes before washing out the first time. Avoid using any conditioners. Try doing this mask once a week or biweekly to notice optimal hair growth and healthy results!
Soft and Healthy Hair, Please
Your hair can become very dry and brittle in the winter times due to the dry, cold air. If your hair is screaming for replenishment, try this mask. My grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to use eggs on their hair all the time – and it worked because they all have great hair even today!
You will need:
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2 egg yolks
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1 or 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
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A few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar
Properties:
Eggs are extremely rich in proteins and vitamins, keeping your hair healthy and making it less prone to break. Olive oil has nutrients that help to reduce hair loss and thickens the hair strands. Apple cider vinegar is used to return your scalp to its ideal acidity, which is great for optimal hair growth.
How to use:
Start by dampening your hair slightly. Then, massage this mask into your scalp and apply the rest of the mixture onto your hair. Clip your hair up and cover with either a shower cap or a soft towel (do not worry – this will wash right out!). Leave the mixture in your hair for about 30-45 minutes. Now, when you go to wash it out, the egg will have hardened. Make sure your water is not set to a very hot temperature – warm water is best. Gently massage your hair and soften the hair mask. When you feel that the mask is completely soft, try to rinse out as much as possible with water alone. Then, shampoo your hair twice or three times, leaving the shampoo in your hair a few extra minutes the second time around. You may use a conditioner on your ends.
2. Face Mask
Now that you have your hair mask on, it is time for the face! There are many DIY recipes for the skin. This is the one I always find myself going back to because it contains all the good ingredients and I notice instant results! If you have spots, active acne, acne scarring, irritated skin, or dull skin, try this mask.
What you will need:
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1 and ½ of teaspoons of plain yogurt
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1 teaspoon of honey
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A pinch of turmeric
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A pinch of chickpea flour
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Few drops of lemon
Properties:
Yogurt has a great cooling effect on your skin, and it is great for those ladies with sensitive skin. It helps bring your skin to a relaxed state and reduces and irritations and redness. Honey is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substance, making it a precious healer. These properties of honey are effective in reducing active acne and acne scarring, also sucking any impurities out of your skin. Turmeric has been a golden ingredient for years and years. Our ancestors used turmeric as a healing and medicinal agent. Turmeric has compounds which tackle inflammation, colour pigmentation, and acne. Chickpea flour not only slightly thickens the face mask, but it also works to tackle any problem areas, such as acne and colour pigmentation. It has compounds which work to brighten and tighten your skin. Lemons are antibacterial and are rich in Vitamin C, fighting acne and brightening and tightening your skin.
How to use:
Starting with yogurt, mix all the ingredients into a small bowl. Make sure that you add only a PINCH of turmeric. Turmeric is actually able to stain your skin. Your final mixture should have a very light-yellow colour and have a custard consistency. Apply the mask using your fingers or a brush. Leave the mask on until it dries, for 15-20 minutes. Rinse mask with lukewarm water, also slightly massaging the mask into your skin. Pat skin dry with a clean towel (or a paper towel). Follow with a good moisturizer and sunscreen. Note: If it happens that your skin becomes a bit yellowish after washing off the face mask, do not panic! Simply wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Happy Pampering!