Some people just seem to glow from the inside out and if you’re like me, you’d prefer to use cosmetic products that carry that glow outward.
This post is coming from my point of view as a hairstylist, and as such, you have to realize that in my industry, there are many products in use that create beautiful locks of hair, glowing skin, awesome nails and on and on. But at what price? Of course there are some “less harmful” products in the professional market, and awareness about their use is increasing, but there are more out there that some of us would rather not use. Although I can’t avoid all these products in my business, I do often recommend to my clients that they try natural products at home once in a while.
So here goes my list of most often recommended products and/or treatments:
For hair…
1. In my opinion, nothing puts some shine into the hair and feeds it better than extra virgin olive oil. This is probably my most recommended treatment at home. Just put some in clean hair, wrap your hair in warm, moist towels and relax for 10 minutes. Shampoo a couple times and your hair will be glistening. If you don’t want to get the oil on your towels, you can wrap your hair in plastic wrap first, or better yet, recycle a plastic grocery bag 
2. I’ve used extra-strong coffee to give my hair shine and just a touch of color. Just brew some REALLY strong coffee, let it cool, plug the sink and keep pouring the coffee over your clean hair. Use a cup or bowl to dip back into the coffee that went into the sink. The same thing can be done with black tea. I think it goes without saying this is for brunettes. If you’re blonde, try chamomile tea. Really!
3. Give yourself or somebody else a soothing scalp and neck massage with some pure essential oils mixed with jojoba oil. I use this at my salon as an extra treat for my clients. Try a mix of lavender and peppermint to help release a headache, or try some clary sage, marjoram and lavender for an extra relaxing massage. I’ve also used tea tree and peppermint for an invigorating massage and it helps relieve dry, itchy scalps, especially in the winter months. Most importantly, be sure to use good quality essential oils to benefit from the aromatherapeutic value inherent in the plants. Also, jojoba, although having the same consistency as oil, is not actually an oil, but a waxy substance similar to our own skin’s natural sebum, which is why I use it for scalp massages.
For face and skin…
1. If you have dry skin, avocado is excellent for moisturizing. I just mash it up and rub it on my face, relax for a few minutes and rinse. Afterward it’s incredibly soft. I don’t do this one often as my face isn’t that dry. I prefer the honey mask below.
2. Honey is also excellent for the face. Especially beneficial for acne-prone skin as honey is a natural antibiotic. Better for skin on the oily to normal side. For more oily skin, mix it with a bit of lemon juice. Let it sit for five or ten minutes and rinse.
3. Make a simple sugar scrub for your hands to remove dry, flaky skin. Just put some sugar in a small bowl, and add some lemon juice till it makes a paste. Apply to your hands and scrub. Rinse. Your hands will be soft and smooth.
4. You can also make a body scrub by using sugar and extra virgin olive oil. You can also add your favorite essential oils. Apply in the shower and rinse. I use this as a treat for my clients’ hands before a manicure.
I’ve had great results from these and I have more I’ll post later. I hope you give some of these a try.
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