Homemade Beauty Recipes

Colored Lip Gloss

2011-10-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered what to do with that lipstick that's too dark?

1 teaspoon lipstick
1 teaspoon petroleum jelly

Melt the lipstick and petroleum jelly in a small pan or a small bowl in a microwave. Stir it and pour into a small jar.

Liquid Underarm Deodorant

2011-10-04T07:59:00.003-07:00

1 teaspoon powdered alum (tawas)
a few drops of your favorite perfume
1 cup water

Mix all the ingredients together and put in a spray bottle.

Make-Your-Own Massage Oil

2011-10-04T07:59:00.001-07:00

½ cup oil of your choice (olive, sunflower, coconut, mineral)
½ teaspoon essential oil (yes, a little goes a long way)

Mix together and store in a nice bottle.

Foot Smoothing Salt Scrub

2011-10-04T07:58:00.001-07:00

2 tablespoons fine salt
2 tablespoons castor oil (available in drugstores)
1 tablespoon baby oil

Mix the ingredients and massage onto your feet, paying close attention to the heels and other rough spots. Rinse off.

Why it works: Salt is effective in removing dead skin from the feet. The castor oil (from the seeds of the castor bean) conditions the skin and helps it to retain its moisture, and is also an excellent oil for the nails.

Sugar Foot Scrub

2011-10-04T07:57:00.001-07:00

1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons baby oil (or oil of your choice)
few drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients and massage the mixture on your feet and toes till they feel nice and soft. Focus on your heels and balls of feet, especially if they are very dry. Rinse off.

Variation 1: You can substitute brown sugar for plain sugar

Variation 2: You can substitute any rich lotion or moisturizer for the oil

Why it works: The natural glycolic acids present in sugar help to remove rough skin in the feet while oil moisturizes the skin.

Foot Soaks

2011-10-04T07:56:00.001-07:00

1 bowl of warm water (or small basin)

Additives (choose one):
juice of one lemon or two calamansi

Add the desired ingredients to the warm bowl of water. Settle yourself comfortably in your favorite chair. Soak your feet in the warm water with the additives and relax for as long as you desire. Rinse off.

Why it works: The natural citric acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) found in the lemons work to soften dry and rough feet.

1 to 2 tablespoons rock salt (for sweaty or itchy feet) or up to ½ cup of rock salt (if you have an ingrown nail or infection)

Why it works: Salt is astringent as has natural antiseptic qualities. Use lotion after this foot soak as it can be drying (unless you have a fungal infection, the lotion will lessen the salt's work)

¼ cup baking soda

Why it works: Baking soda neutralizes the pH balance of your feet and is very effective against foot odor.

Avocado and Yogurt Hand Treatment

2011-10-04T07:55:00.003-07:00

½ of an avocado fruit, mashed
juice of ½ lemon
½ cup plain yogurt
petroleum jelly
white cotton gloves

Mix together the avocado, lemon juice, and yogurt. Slather mixture on hands and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off then apply petroleum jelly or a super rich hand cream. Wear white cotton gloves (available where they sell wedding items) for one hour or overnight. Rinse and soap off with a moisturizing bar.

Why it works: The citric acid in the lemons and the lactic acid in the yogurt help to make age spots fade. The natural oils in the avocado are rich in vitamins A, B, and E and are known to accelerate healing. The petroleum jelly will help to moisturize the hands making them soft and smooth.

Moisturizing Paraffin Treatment

2011-10-04T07:55:00.001-07:00

4 cups grated paraffin (you may get paraffin from any candlemaking supply store or substitute white candle wax)
¼ cup baby oil (or substitute olive for a more luxurious treatment)
plastic wrap
hand cream/moisturizer

Melt the oil and the was together in a saucepan large enough to dip your hands or feet in (or transfer to a larger container after melting, such as a cake baking pan). Massage in a rich moisturizer on your hands or feet. Cool the wax mixture till comfortably warm. You may want to dip a stick in and let a drop fall on your skin to test if temperature is comfortable. Dip your hands and feet in the mixture. Wrap each hand or foot with a plastic wrap and let it set for 20 minutes. Remove the wrap and peel off the wax. You may choose to recycle the leftover wax for your next treatments.

Why it works: The heated wax allows the lotion to penetrate deeper and allows you to have a longer lasting moisturizing therapy.

Milk and Honey Body Mask

2011-10-04T07:54:00.001-07:00

½ cup cream
½ cup honey

Mix the cream and honey in a saucepan and gently warm it. When it is just cool enough for you to put on your skin (but still warm), apply to your entire body and leave on for about 10 minutes. Shower with warm water.

Why it works: The honey contains many vital vitamins and minerals. It helps to soften the skin and has been used for centuries for its healing properties. The cream helps add natural alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic) and softens and renews the skin.

*You can also double or triple the amount of any facial mask and use it as a body mask.

Firming Body Mask

2011-10-04T07:53:00.002-07:00

1 cup yogurt
1 egg
3 vitamin E capsules (note: if pimple-prone, leave this out)

Mix all the ingredients (prick and squeeze the contents of the capsules into the mixture). Apply the mixture to your body. Leave on for 10-15 minutes then rinse off.

Why it works: The concentrated lactic acids in yogurt aids in renewing the skin; egg whites have excellent tightening effects on skin; and the egg yolk softens lines and wrinkles. The vitamin E helps slow down the aging process.

Softening Cream Body Mask

2011-10-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Pour one cup of heavy cream in a bowl. Use a whisk and whip until fluffy. Slather the cream on your entire body. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off. This mask will leave your skin super soft and smooth.

Why it works: List yogurt and milk, heavy cream contains lactic acids which help exfoliate dead skin cells, with the added benefit of the milk fats in the cream to moisturize the body.

Milk and Sugar Oatmeal Body Scrub

2011-10-04T07:52:00.001-07:00

Note: When scrubbing, use firm vertical strokes or a circular motion starting with your neck and working down.

¼ cup powdered milk
¼ cup oatmeal
¼ cup sugar
1 vitamin E capsule (note: if you are pimple-prone, leave this out)

Mix all ingredients together and prick the vitamin E capsule and squeeze contents into the mixture. Add enough warm water to make a paste. Get into the shower and scrub your entire body with the mixture. Rinse off.

Why it works: The powdered milk contains natural lactic acids to exfoliate your skin (think Cleopatra) as well a the glycolic acids found in sugar. The oatmeal contains natural colloids that soothe the skin and also heps in the exfoliation. Vitamin E helps the body tissues to grow and remain healthy.

*You can also double or triple the amount of any facial scrub and use it as a body scrub.

Salt Glow Body Polisher

2011-10-04T07:51:00.002-07:00

Note: When scrubbing, use firm vertical strokes or a circular motion starting with your neck and working down.

2 cups fine salt (not iodized salt)
1 cup olive oil (or sunflower, soya, canola)

Blend the salt and oil together. Wet your body in the shower and gently scrub your entire body for about a minute in each area, focusing on your knees and elbows. Note: Do not use this scrub if you have extremely sensitive skin, or irritated areas.

Why it works: Salt is a natural astringent and antiseptic and is used in removing dead skin. Because it can be drying, it is better mixed with emollient oils that can moisturize the body.

Note: Do not use salt with iodine (iodized salt) as iodine can cause acne like eruptions and contact dermatitis. Instead, pound rock-salt with a mortar and pestle to make it fine.

Oatmeal and Yogurt Body Polisher

2011-10-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Note: When scrubbing, use firm vertical strokes or a circular motion starting with your neck and working down.

2 cups plain yogurt
¼ cup oatmeal
1 tablespoon honey

Mix all the ingredients. Dampen the skin in the shower and gently massage the mixture all over the body. Rinse off.

Why it works: The yogurt helps in removing dead skin through the naturally occurring lactic acids (an alpha-hydroxy acid) and the oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant and absorbs excess oil.

Lemon and Sugar Body Scrub

2011-10-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Note: When scrubbing, use firm vertical strokes or a circular motion starting with your neck and working down.

½ cup to 2/3 cup granulated sugar
juice of one lemon

Mix the sugar and lemon to form a paste. While showering, gently rub your entire body with the paste for about a minute in each area. You can even use the lemon rind to gently rub your knees and elbows. Rinse off.

Why it works: Sugar contains glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) which helps remove old skin cells and healthy cells are restored. Lemon also contains citric acid which aids in the restoration of the skin.

Milk Bath Salts

2011-10-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

1 cup powdered milk
1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
a few drops favorite perfume

Combine all the ingredients and store in a pretty container. Put a few scoops of the mixture in a running bath, soak and relax.

Why it works: The baking soda draws impurities and oil from your skin and the milk softens and exfoliates your skin through its lactic acid. The cornstarch will naturally soothe the skin and with cinnamon, the scent will help to enlighten your mood.

Citrus Milk Bath

2011-10-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

2-3 sliced oranges
2-3 sliced lemons
1 cup powdered milk

Fill the tub and add the powdered milk. Let the orange and lemon slices float on the tub as you soak.

Why it works: The milk bath (lactic acid) works to soften the skin, and the citric acid in lemons and oranges also help remove dead skin cells. Also, the scent and sight of floating lemons and oranges help revive and relax your senses.

Milk and Rose Petal Bath

2011-10-04T07:46:00.002-07:00

½ cup powdered milk
¼ cup salt
rose petals

As you fill the tub with warm water, add powdered milk, salt, and lastly, the flowers of your choice. Soak yourself in the tub and enjoy.

Why it works: The lactic acid in milk and minerals in the salt both work to soften the skin. The rose petals have astringent properties to help the skin, not to mention, smell great and look so relaxing in a bath.

Basic Body Soak

2011-10-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

¾ to 1 cup of:
powdered milk, or
baking soda, or
epsom salt (found in health food stores) – great for inflamations or sore body parts
optional: add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the bath

Why it works:
Powdered Milk – will soften the skin through the natural lactic acids found in it (think Cleopatra) and will aid in the exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Baking soda – will draw out the impurities will help balance the pH of your skin.

Epsom salt – is a pure mineral that benefits the skin and can detoxify it from the effects of nicotine and carbon monoxide.

Carrot Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:41:00.002-07:00

½ of a medium carrot, peeled
2 tablespoons honey

Boil the carrots, then mash. Mix the honey and apply to the skin. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Why it works: Carrots contain natural carrot oils and beta-carotene that repairs and revives sun-damaged and aging skin.

Honey and Oat Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

2 tablespoons oatmeal cooked with 1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons honey

Combine ingredients and apply to the face and neck. Leave on for 20-25 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Why it works: Oatmeal contains colloid that soothes the skin, as well as absorbs the extra oil in the face. Honey helps in moisturizing the face.

Plain Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:40:00.001-07:00

Apply raw honey to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off.

Why it works: Honey contains many vital vitamins and minerals. Because of its very high potassium content, it is almost impossible for bacteria to survive in it. Honey draws moisture from the environment and is one of the best known humectants.

Brewer's Yeast Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:39:00.003-07:00

5 tablets brewer's yeast (available in drugstores)
enough water to make a paste

Powder tablets and add enough water to make a paste. Apply to the face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off.

Variation: Add the powdered brewer's yeast to enough yogurt to make a paste. Allow to dry on skin.

Why it works: Brewer's yeast contains most of the major B vitamins and a host of other amino acids and minerals. It helps the skin to regenerate and has been known as a “wonder supplement.”

Yogurt Mud

2011-10-04T07:39:00.001-07:00

3 tablespoons yogurt
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Mix the ingredients together and apply to the face. Let it dry on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Why it works: The lactic acid in yogurt helps renew the skin while the healing properties of cornstarch soothes tired skin.

Strawberries and Cream Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

¼ cup strawberries
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Mix strawberries and cream in a blender. Spread thickly on the face and leave on fr 10 minutes. Rinse off.

Variation: Replace the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

Why it works: Strawberries are perfect for troubled skin because they are rich in salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many acne creams. The heavy cream has lactic acid as well as rich oils to moisturize the skin. Cornstarch helps soothe the skin and is believed to possess healing properties.

Note: Strawberries are known allergens so avoid this recipe if you are allergic to strawberries. If unsure, test a small amount on the inside of your wrist area.

Pineapple and Coconut Milk Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:37:00.001-07:00

¼ cup fresh pineapple
1 tablespoon coconut milk

Place ingredients in a blender and run until smooth. Spread evenly over the skin and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Why it works: Pineapples contain natural enzyme called bromelain, which helps remove dead skin cells. The coconut milk aids in moisturizing the skin.

Collagen Peel-off Mask

2011-10-04T07:36:00.001-07:00

1 packet unflavored gelatin
½ cup fresh fruit juice or tea

Heat together the ingredients to dissolve the gelatin. Let it cool until it is almost set then apply to the face. Let it dry completely then peel off.

Why it works: Gelatin is a protein from animal collagen. It is beneficial to the skin because of this collagen and the high protein content.

Tapioca and Orange Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:35:00.002-07:00

1 tablespoon small tapioca (sago)
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup fresh orange juice

Put ingredients in a small saucepan and let it thicken over low fire. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Spread the mixture over the face and neck and let it dry for 20 minutes then rinse.

Why it works: Tapioca starch tightens the surface of the skin to clarify it. The orange juice contains natural acids beneficial to the skin and the honey moisturizes the skin by acting as a humectant.

Oatmeal-Tomato Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

(for blemished skin)
1 ripe tomato
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon instant oatmeal

Put ingredients in a blender and mix. Apply to skin. If mixture is too thin, apply more oatmeal. Leave mask on for 10 minutes then rinse off.

Why it works: Lycopene, the enzyme in tomatoes, is a strong antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. It is excellent for cleaning and rejuvenating the skin.

Olive Oil and Lemon Face Mask

2011-10-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix the ingredients together and apply to freshly washed face. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Why it works: Olive oil is high in Vitamin E and antioxidants, and it helps soften and condition the skin. Lemon juice helps remove old skin and the egg yolk provides natural anti-oxidants to soften lines and wrinkles.

Grape and Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:33:00.002-07:00

¼ cup seedless green grapes
1 tablespoon honey

Crush the green grapes very well and add honey. Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off.

Variation: Add egg yolk instead of honey.

Why it works: Grape extracts can effectively remove old skin cells and accelerate the renewal of new skin cells to prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Add honey or egg yolk for extra moisturizing benefits.

Citrus Yogurt Exfoliating Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

2 tablespoons yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon calamansi juice

Mix ingredients together and leave on the face for 10 minutes. Rinse off with soda or plain water.

Why it works: Two types of alpha-hydroxy acids help exfoliate the skin through this mask. First is the lactic acid found in yogurt, which is easily absorbed by the skin. Second is the citrid acid found in lemon and calamansi juice, which also helps remove old skin cells.

Papaya Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:32:00.001-07:00

½ of a small, ripe papaya
½ teaspoon calamansi juice
1 teaspoon honey

Scrape off the seeds and scoop the flesh of the papaya. Mix with the calamansi and honey and blend in a blender or mash well with a fork. Apply to cleansed face. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse well.

Why it works: Papayas contain an enzyme called papain which helps gently remove dead cells and can produce a mild peeling effect. It is also a mild whitener. The juice from the calamansi contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids (citric acid) which aid in renewing the skin while the honey keeps the moisture in.

Cucumber Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:31:00.003-07:00

(for oily skin)
½ cucumber (slice lengthwise and scrape off the seeds)
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Blend ingredients together in a blender and refrigerate till desired coolness. Apply to the face, leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Why it works: Cucumber is a valuable source of potassium, sodium, magnesium and other minerals. When applied over the face, it has been found to be an effective beauty aid. Egg whites on the other hand have an excellent tightening effect on large pores and leaves the skin smooth and refreshed. The lemon juice will provide natural citric acid which helps to exfoliate the skin.

Banana Cream Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:31:00.001-07:00

(for dry skin)

½ ripe banana
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sour cream/yogurt

Mash the banana and add honey and cream or yogurt. Apply to skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Why it works: Bananas are rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium and manganese, and the natural oils will moisturize your skin. Honey will also help moisturize the skin by drawing moisture and the yogurt helps renew the skin through the lactic acids (natural alpha-hydroxy acids).

Avocado and Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:30:00.002-07:00

½ of an avocado fruit
1 tablespoon honey

Peel and slice the avocado and place in blender with the honey. Apply mask to the face by patting it on gently, layer upon layer, until it feels really sticky. Relax and leave the mask on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Why it works: Avocados contain natural oils which are easily absorbed y the skin. Avocado oil is known to accelerate healing in the skin and is considered restorative. Honey helps promote healing as well as moisturize the skin.

Variation: Instead of honey, add 4 tablespoons plain yogurt.

Why it works: Yogurt is also easily absorbed by the skin and makes a soothing cleanser, not to mention having natural lactic acids to help renew the skin.

Variation: Mix a banana with the avocado.

Why it works: Bananas are rich in oils that will keep the skin from drying out. They are also extremely rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium and manganese.

Apple and Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

1 tablespoon honey
1 peeled and cored apple

Puree the apple with honey in a blender. Smooth mixture over the face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off.

Why it works: Apples contain malic acid (another alpha-hydroxy acid) which helps remove old skin cells. The honey helps to moisturize the face.

Egg and Honey Facial Mask

2011-10-04T07:29:00.001-07:00

1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons honey

Mix the ingredients and apply to the face and neck. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off.

Why it works: Egg yolks contain lecithin and natural anti-oxidants to soften lines and wrinkles. The honey works with the egg yolk to draw moisture to the skin.

Yogurt Wrinkle Fighter

2011-10-04T07:28:00.002-07:00

2 teaspoons plain yogurt
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon lemon juice
3 capsules vitamin E

Mix yogurt, honey and lemon juice together. Prick the vitamin E capsules and squeeze into the mix. Spread the mixture on the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off.

Why it works: Yogurt has natural lactic acid (which is an alpha-hydroxy acid) and has wonderful skin softening qualities. The honey draws moisture to the skin while the lemon juice sloughs off the old skin cells and healthy cells are regenerated. Many vegetable oils contain vitamin E and it is believed to protect body fat and tissues from breakdown and slow down the aging process.

Note: If you are pimple prone, leave out the Vitamin E because it can cause pimples for those people predisposed to it.

Baking Soda Facial Scrub

2011-10-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

1 teaspoon baking soda
your favorite facial cleanser

Mix baking soda with your favorite cleanser and gently scrub your face for about a minute. Rinse off.

Why it works: The baking soda grains gently exfoliate your old skin cells while helping to balance the pH of your skin.

Oatmeal and Baking Soda Exfoliator

2011-10-04T07:27:00.001-07:00

2 tablespoons fine oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking soda
water

Combine ingredients and add enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to skin and rub in gently for about a minute. Rinse.

Why it works: Oatmeal exfoliates the skin and removes excess oils. Baking soda neutralizes the skin's pH balance, making it heal itself more effectively.

Yogurt and Oatmeal Facial Scrub

2011-10-04T07:26:00.002-07:00

3 tablespoons dry oatmeal
¼ cup yogurt

Mix the ingredients together and massage onto the face for about a minute. Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant and is traditionally used to treat rashes. Lactic acid (natural alpha-hydroxy acid) in yogurt also helps in the exfoliation of dead skin.

Almond and Honey Facial Scrub

2011-10-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

2 tablespoons of ground almonds
1 tablespoon honey

Grind almonds using a coffee grinder or crush finely using mortar and pestle. Add honey. Apply the mixture to the face and scrub in gentle circular motions for a minute or two. Rinse off.

Variation: Add 1 tablespoon mayonnaise instead of honey.

Why it works: The natural oils in almonds is very rich in protein and is an emollient. Ground almonds help slough away dead skin while the honey promotes healing. Mayonnaise will help restore the skin's natural acid level because of the vinegar in it. It also has moisturizing properties because of the oils and eggs in its ingredients.

Facial Steam

2011-10-04T07:25:00.001-07:00

Steam relaxes your senses and is always the beginning to a great facial... What you'll need:

a table or any flat surface
a large bowl
a large bath towel
4 cups of boiling water
additives*

*Choose according to your mood. Here are some suggestions:
Sliced lemons – the scent of lemons is emotionally uplifting, so add these if you've had a particularly stressful day.
Essential oil of lavender – one or two drops of these in the water should calm your nerves and help you relax.
Slices of orange and cinnamon sticks – the scent of orange and cinnamon help evoke happy thoughts and is refreshing and relaxing.
One or two bags of green tea – the polyphenols in green tea have been shown to lessen skin infammations.

Place the large bowl on the table and pour boiling water. Add your additives and place a bath towel over your head and lower your face over the bowl making sure that the face is at least 6-8 inches from the bowl to avoid scald burns. Breathe in deeply for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing the scents to calm your senses.

Champagne Hair Rinse

2011-10-04T07:24:00.002-07:00

This is said to be an old French beauty secret for making hair shiny, silky and healthy.

½ cup old champagne
½ cup hot water

Mix the champagne and hot water. Pour mixture over hair that has been shampooed, and, if desired, conditioned. Do not rinse off. Dry hair as usual.

Why it works: Champagne contains yeast extracts which help to soften the hair.

Vinegar Hair Clarifier

2011-10-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water

Shampoo hair and follow with a conditioner. Use this solution as the final rinse (don't worry, your hair will not smell of vinegar). It will leave your hair soft and shiny.

Why it works: Vinegars has high acid content. It cosmetics, vinegar is used to remove alkaline residues (most shampoos and soaps have alkaline to effectively clean the body) from both the skin and hair.

Honey Hair Shine

2011-10-04T07:23:00.001-07:00

1 teaspoon honey
4 cups water

Mix the ingredients together. Pour over freshly shampooed hair and do not rinse. Dry hair as usual.

Why it works: Honey is one of the best known humectants (it draws moisture from the environment) and works to moisturize the hair making it nice and shiny.

Tomato Juice Hair Rinse

2011-10-04T07:21:00.002-07:00

1 cup tomato juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Mix together the tomato juice and cornstarch and comb through freshly shampooed hair. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.

Why it works: The natural acids in the tomato help restore the pH balance of the hair. It also helps clean the hair effectively from free radical in the air.

Lemon Hair Conditioner Spray

2011-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

2 lemons, sliced
2 cups hot water

Place lemon slices and water in a pan and boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until half the water has evaporated (around 30 minutes probably). Remove from the heat and let cool. Put a piece of cheese cloth (katcha) in a strainer and strain the mixture. Squeeze the lemons thoroughly through the cloth to get all the juice out. Pour the strained mixture into a pump-type container. Spray on hair after shampoo. It will add body and shine to your hair. Keep the mixture for 1 to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Variation: Substitute 4 calamansi fruits for the lemons. The effect will be the same but it will not smell as good.

Why it works: The natural acids (citric) in the lemons help to remove alkaline residues from the hair making it nice and shiny.

Beer Protein Shampoo

2011-10-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

¾ cup beer
1 cup shampoo (any brand will do)

Boil the beer until only ¼ cup is left. This will make the malt in the beer more concentrated. Cool the beer and add to the shampoo. Put the mixture in any empty container and use as your regular shampoo.

Why it Works: The sugar, protein, malt, and hops in the beer helps coat the hair and repair any damage. It also works to thicken hair.

Baking Soda Hair Clarifier

2011-10-04T07:19:00.001-07:00

1 tablespoon baking soda
1 cup water

Mix water with the baking soda. Pour over hair after shampooing. Massage onto the hair and scalp for a minute then rinse off. Do this treatment weekly.

Variation: Add the 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 2 tablespoons of your shampoo. Shampoo hair with mixture and rinse.

Why it Works: Baking soda draws out oil and impurities from your hair. It also works to balance pH as it has the ability to neutralize both acids and bases.

Split Ends Treatment

2011-10-04T07:18:00.001-07:00

1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 egg yolk

Beat all ingredients together and apply to hair ends. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.

Why it Works: Coconut oil has traditionally been known to be very good for skin and hair. It provides a protective layer and locks in the hair's natural moisture. The honey will draw moisture to the hair and the egg yolk has many natural ingredients (vitamins A, D, E, BE12, folic acid, and Lecithin) which make the hair more healthy.

Yogurt Hair Mask

2011-10-04T07:17:00.002-07:00

1 egg white
5 tablespoons plain, natural yogurt

Beat the egg white until foamy. Add the yogurt. Apply to the hair in small sections and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off.

Why it Works: Yogurt is high in protein, calcium and vitamins which are all good for the hair. The egg white (albumin) is protein and will leave your hair smooth and refreshed.

Olive, Sesame and Coconut Intensive Hot Oil

2011-10-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon light sesame oil
1 whole egg
1 tablespoon coconut milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl (or blender). Apply to wet, freshly shampooed hair. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes (or overnight!). Rinse and shampoo off.

Variation: If you're short on time (or ingredients) just replace any of the oils with any single oil that you like.

Why it Works: Olive oil is a very good moisturizer and gives a non-greasy emolience and shine to hair. Sesame oil has moisturizing properties as well as being one of the natural oils being in sunscreen properties (only mink oil is said to be higher). The coconut oil and milk provides a protective layer by locking in the hair's natural moisture that preserves the hair. Coconut oil has also proven to be a good anti-inflammatory. Honey is a natural humectant (it attracts moisture) and the egg also help moisturize the hair and scalp, and helps emulsify water and oil components in the mix.

Molasses and Milk Hair Conditioner

2011-10-04T07:16:00.001-07:00

2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon condensed milk
1 tablespoon stale beer

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply to freshly washed hair. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and shampoo hair.

Why it Works: Molasses contain a whole host of B vitamins and vitamin E which soften the hair (a tablespoon is said to contain as much calcium as a glass of milk, as much iron as 10 small eggs, and more potassium than virtually any food), while the gelatin contains protein from animal collagen to strengthen the hair. The sugar and protein in the milk and beer work to thicken it.

Mayonnaise Conditioner

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½ cup mayonnaise (more or less, depending on your hair length)
few drops of shampoo
lukewarm water

Mix the mayonnaise and shampoo with just enough lukewarm water to mix it into a smooth paste. Apply to hair after a regular shampoo and leave it in for 10 minutes, then shampoo out.

Why it works: The basic ingredients of mayonnaise are oil, eggs, and vinegar. The oil and eggs are natural skin and hair moisturizers while the vinegar helps to balance the acid level in your hair.

Egg Yolk Treatment

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1 to 2 egg yolks (depending on hair length)
½ teaspoon shampoo
1 cup warm water

Mix all of the ingredients together. Wet your hair and apply mixture. Leave it on for five minutes and rinse. Variation: You can intensify this treatment by adding 1 tablespoon of any light oil (coconut, olive, sunflower, etc.)

Why it works: Egg yolks contain vitamins A, D, E, B12, folic acid and Lecithin, which are all beneficial in maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Super Avocado Hair Treatment

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1 egg
½ avocado fruit
2 tablesppons oil (may be olive, coconut, sunflower, or baby oil)

Put egg in a blender and process until frothy. Add avocado and oil and blend until smooth. Apply as you would a conditioner to clean, damp hair and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly or shampoo off. The eggs (rich in many vitamins) and the oil provide further moisturizing properties to this mix.

Why it works: Avocados contain natural oils that are easily absorbed by the skin and hair. It is a good source of vitamins A, B, and E, amino acids and sterols and mineral salts such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Moreover, the oil in avocados is known to be restorative.