Before the boom of manufactured beauty products, was your mother or grandmother standing barefoot in the kitchen, whipping up the best all-purpose products that promoted healthy skin, hair and hygiene. These age-old recipes were made up of natural plants, oils and fruits that would strengthen your hair, heal blemishes, and act as a natural deodorant.
If you want to save some cash and create your own hair and shin products, check out these 5 kitchen recipes that’ll make your body glow.
Multi-Purpose Deep Conditioner
What you’ll need:
A ripe avocado, Olive oil, coconut oil or castor oil
We spend lots of money on deep conditioners to help aide and maintain our hair. By the time you buy the shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and styling gel, you’ve spent close to $100. With the help of a ripe avocado and a few tablespoons of olive oil (coconut & castor oil work as well), you can create your own deep conditioner that will promote growth, restore hair moisture and alleviate frizz. Once a week, apply the mixture to your hair and place a plastic bag over your head for 30 minutes. Thoroughly wash the conditioner out of your hair, apply your leave-in conditioner and style as usual. After your first wash, you’ll begin to notice a healthier shine. As you continue to use it, your hair will grow longer, stronger and less frizzy.
Leave-in Conditioner
Water, Witch hazel, Vegetable glycerin, Olive oil (or your oil of preference), Spray bottle, Essential oil, Aloe Vera gel
Continue to cut costs by making your own leave-in conditioner. A good leave-in will hydrate and nourish your hair between washes. In a bowl, add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of witch hazel, 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin (purchase online or at a natural food store), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a quarter size of aloe vera gel and a dash of essential oil for fragrance. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and pour into a spray bottle. Spritz the leave-in after you’ve deep conditioned your hair or between washes.
Face Mask
Aloe vera gel, Turmeric, Honey, Milk
Women of color are evidence that black does not crack. Just look at Cicely Tyson. At the tender age of 93, the legendary actress and model looks younger than ever. Then there’s Angela Bassett. After 60 years on this earth, she looks no older than 40. What about Gabrielle Union-Wade? She gives some of these younger folks a run for their money. The list of women of color that are aging backwards in long and endless. Just because great skin is in our DNA, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the necessary steps to maintain our healthy, youthful glow. Make a healthy face mask by combining the same amount of aloe vera gel, turmeric, honey and milk to make a paste. Apply it to your face and rinse after 20 minutes.
Skin Moisturizer
Argan or Jojoba Oil (these are the best but you can use your favorite), Tamanu Oil, your favorite essential oil, a small jar
After you wash your face with your at-home mask, you’ll need to moisturize it to maintain the new glow. Create an oil-based moisturizer that will seep into your skin, and keep it looking fresh. In a small jar, pour 2/3 of the argan or jojoba oil. Fill the rest of the bottle up with the Tamanu oil. Add 6 or 7 drops of your essential oil. If you’re using peppermint oil, use 3 or 4 drops. Close the jar and shake as needed.
Deodorant
Baking Soda, Organic Arrowroot Powder or Corn Starch, Organic Coconut Oil, Essential Oils
There are tons of toxins found in deodorant. Consistent usage can result in irritation to your stomach, intestines, and it is rumored to cause cancer. Make your own all-natural deodorant by mixing a half cup of baking soda with a half cup of arrowroot powder. Add 5 tablespoons of coconut oil and your essential oils for a sweet smell. Pour your concoction into a clean, air-tight jar.
There you have it! Cooking these products at home will guarantee your hair and skin remain toxin-free. What do you think? Have you made home remedies? Which one is your favorite?