BY LAUREN SEPHTON
Hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, and warm nights by the fireplace – that’s what pleasantly comes to mind when we first think of winter. And even though we’d rather the static, frizzy hair and dry hands stayed home this year, they always seem to make their presence known when the crisp breeze strolls in around late autumn. But this year is different, as it’s time to finally give shiny hair and glowing skin a permanent home all year long.
Natural Hair Masks
- Strawberry Protein: Whisk together one egg yolk, 1 cup pureed strawberries, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Massage the natural hair treatment into your scalp and work it all the way down to the end of your hair strands. Wrap your hair in a plastic shower cap, or become creative with a plastic bag, to leave on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Remember to have patience when rinsing, as fruit tends to be super sticky.
- The Honeybee’s Avocado: In a blender, add 1 ripe avocado that is peeled and pitted, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2-3 drops lavender essential oil, and 2 tablespoons honey until very smooth. Focusing on the ends of your hair strands, work the hair mask onto damp hair. Cover with a shower cap and relax, maybe even sip on some tea for 15-30 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.
- Peppermint & Coconut Samoa: A powerhouse for anti-inflammatory properties and hydration, whisk together 2 tablespoons jojoba oil, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, and 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil. Rub from your scalp to hair ends, then allow the mask to hydrate your hair for 25-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water and wash, as usual.
Tips on Keeping Your Hair Shiny
- Steam Therapy. Yes, this is your excuse to take a nice, long, warm shower. The airborne water particles (aka steam) is one of the easiest ways to hydrate your hair during winter.
- A Balanced Diet. Just like your body, your hair needs vitamins and proper nutrients to stay healthy. Iron, Vitamin C, Omega-3, and Vitamin E are among the essentials. Did you know that your hair is actually made out of protein? Therefore, dietary protein is a necessity for growing shiny, strong hair. Just as important, always remember to stay hydrated with water.
- Trim Often, Heat Little. With the winter dryness, your hair is more prone to breakage, so try to cut off any split ends as you see them creep their way in. Similarly, try to stay away from any heating products, like blow dryers or curling irons, as they remove moisture from your hair.
Natural Skin Moisturizers
- Sugar Scrub: Mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, and 2-3 drops essential oil of your preference. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the exfoliant in the shower after washing your face to remove any dead skin cells, then rinse for silky smooth skin.
- Lavender Coconut: Melt 1/2 cup coconut oil, then whisk in 1 teaspoon liquid Vitamin E and 12 drops lavender essential oil. Whip it with a fork or whisk for 30 seconds, then let it sit until the coconut oil solidifies. Store in a glass mason jar with an air-tight lid, using 1/2 – 1 teaspoon to moisturize your face, as needed.
- Rejuvenating Apple: Slice 2 apples, removing any seeds. Toss them into a blender with one teaspoon olive oil. Blend on high until a smooth, then transfer the paste to a pot to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add in 4-5 tablespoons of rose water. Use as a hydrating face mask, leaving it on for at least 10 minutes prior to rinsing and washing, as usual. Store remaining product in the fridge for 3-4 days.
No more hibernating until warmer days. This year you’ll be walking out of winter with shiny hair and glowing skin!
