Top Hairstyles For Prom This Year

DIY Masks For Your Face and Hair

Sometimes finding time to get to the salon can be really difficult. I would know- even as a hair stylist I go way longer than I should in between trims (we recommend every 4-6 weeks, even if you’re trying to grow your hair out). For a lot of us, a beauty regimen is easier to uphold at home. This week is all about DIY masks, made with ingredients you can pick up on your next grocery trip - or perhaps you’ve already got them in your pantry! It's important to remember that masks are intended to be used once or twice every week, you don't want to over-do it! This first mask is great for people with all skin types. It helps to moisturize, minimize pores, treat acne, and exfoliate - plus it just feels amazing on your face.

This recipe was found on bestnaturaltips.com :

3 tbsp ground oatmeal

2 tbsp yogurt (plain) 1/2 tsp honey Combine all ingredients until they form a smooth paste. Spread over your face and leave on for up to 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm (not hot) water, and follow with a toner and moisturizer. Repeat once a week for smooth, pampered skin!

Now you're probably asking yourself- why these ingredients? Yogurt has loads of benefits for both your skin and your hair. It increases the moisture content in your skin, which helps to maintain your skin’s elasticity and make it brighter. The high amounts of zinc in yogurt help fight acne and reduce inflammation, and lactic acid helps to fade blemishes and pigmentation. When it comes to your hair, yogurt is just as helpful. Vitamins B5 and D help to nourish the hair follicles, which results in less hair fallout. A common cause of dandruff is a fungus, and since yogurt is a natural anti-fungal, it helps to remove the signs of dandruff. Honey is an effective moisturizer for both your skin and hair, and its antibacterial properties help to reduce redness and inflammation. It's also delicious in tea! I like to make a cup to sip while the masks do their work - the ultimate in a relaxing home spa treatment. If you suffer from dry, itchy skin, oatmeal is great treatment for that. Oats contain natural skin cleansers called saponins. This means that oats are good for removing dirt and oil from your pores without causing irritation. Its natural exfoliating properties leaves your skin soft and smooth while helping to reduce the size of pores. My problem area with my pores is definitely on my nose and in the "T" area. Oats help treat a dry and itchy scalp because it is a natural moisturizer. It also leaves the hair soft and shiny. This helps to remove excess oil and dirt and also combats hair loss. So what about some masks specifically for your hair? Eggs are actually a great ingredient to put in your hair because they are high in protein and fats, and when combined with yogurt, make a great moisturizing mask for your tresses. When using eggs, it’s important to remember to rinse with cool water so you don’t cook them into your hair!

Ingredients:

1 egg - full egg for normal hair, yoke only for dry hair, white only for oily hair.

6 tbsp yogurt

Double the recipe if you have long thick hair, and make sure your hair is totally saturated from roots to ends. Leave this mask in hair for 20 minutes then rinse with cool water, following with shampoo and condition as usual.

If you’re not so keen on using an egg in your hair, you can use an coconut milk and avocado mask instead: 1 ripe avocado mashed 1/2 cup canned coconut milk 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Apply this mask to freshly shampooed hair, cover with a cap and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash out with a conditioner. Avocados are rich in fatty acids which make them great for moisturizing. Coconut milk is high in proteins and fats which help to moisturize and strengthen your hair. This can aid in hair growth as well as treatment of dandruff and dermatitis. DIY beauty can be a lot of fun, so let us know how these turned out for you! Do you already have a favorite mask, for skin or hair? Join the conversation or email me with your tips at ellengobi.hair@gmail.com Thanks for reading!