Beauty recipes

NATURAL HAIR OILS FOR DREADS AND NATURAL STYLES:

It's usually hard to find the right hair oil for ethnic and multi-ethnic women. Many products claim to be "everything" but really offer "nothing".

When looking for good hair oil, opt for the natural hair oils. Whatever you do stay away from petroleum, waxy oils or petrolatum. What these man-made products do is cause build-up on the hair and scalp. These products don't allow the hair and scalp to breathe which can be detrimental to proper hair growth.

To keep your curls healthy, try the following natural essential oil moisturizers:

· Patchouli Oil - Adds moisture and sheen to dreads.

· Sage Oil - Stimulates growth and is said to kill bacteria.

· Rosemary Oil - Adds sheen to hair, stimulates growth is said to be good at fighting dandruff.

· Sweet Almond Oil - Great for fighting a dry, itchy scalp. Contains vitamins E and F. Also good for itchy scalp.

· Primrose Oil - Conditions and moisturizes hair.

· Jojoba Oil - Great for adding moisture to a dry scalp. Jojoba oil smoothes and conditions hair.

· Avocado Oil - Contains vitamins A, D, and E.

· Birch Oil - Great anti-dandruff scalp soother.

· Calendula Oil - Light astringent. Is said to soothe the scalp and eczema problems.

· Olive or Extra Olive Oil - An excellent leave-in conditioner.

· Emu Oil - Natural & non-toxic, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores)...fights dandruff.

These essential oils are great at adding moisture and sheen to locks and other natural styles.

LEMON OLIVE HOME PEDICURE

· 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

· Juice from a fresh-cut lemon - and the empty rinds.

· Soak feet in warm water, olive oil and lemon juice (with rinds) for 15 minutes.

Then clean, trim nails and get rid of any jagged edges.

NAIL WHITENING

To whiten nails that have yellowed from wearing polish for extended periods, use this recipe from the pros.

· Mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2% teaspoons of baking soda.

· Apply the paste to your nails (as well as under the tips) using a cotton swab, then let penetrate for about 3 minutes before washing with warm water.

Once hands are washed and dried, apply hand cream to maintain moisture.

AT HOME CONDITIONERS

Want to have your own at home natural spa experience? Why not make your own conditioner!

1) Try squishing avocado into a paste and spreading it over the hair. This is great at adding protein and oil for shine and manageability.

2) Egg yolk mixed with two teaspoons of castor oil and one teaspoon of rum moisturizes dry hair.