Make A DIY Hollandaise Shampoo
Fancy trying some home-made haircare? Natural health author Jen Marsden recommends combining 1 beaten organic egg with 1tbsp each olive oil and vinegar as an occasional alternative to shop-bought shampoo. She says: Vinegar helps to rid your locks of microscopic fungi that cause dandruff and other scalp conditions. Egg is a fabulous protein that acts as a conditioning agent, and olive oil moisturises hair and scalp. Read more on the health benefits of eggs.
Colour Correcting
If you swim a lot and your hair has taken on a khaki tinge, try an application of tomato ketchup. (Gym swimming pools especially do this to your hair.) It may be messy and smelly, but it works – just leave it on for a few minutes, before rinsing out. The vitamin C in tomato will lift out and dissolve environmental and product build-up.
Have A Steam
In her book Grow Herbs, expert Jekka McVicar suggests putting 3 tbsp each dried chamomile, chervil, lavender, lemon balm, spearmint and thyme into a bowl with 1½ litres water that’s been freshly boiled and, allowed to cool slightly. Hold your face over the steam at a distance of 40cm, cover your head and shoulders with a towel and inhale for five to 10 minutes. Rinse your face with tepid water, then splash with cool water. Avoid steaming if your skin is very dry or you have lots of visible red veins.
Eye Soother
Place 5 fresh or 1 tsp dried fennel leaves in a ceramic bowl. Pour 200ml freshly boiled water. Cover and infuse for 10 minutes, then strain through an unbleached filter paper and leave to cool. Dip cotton wool pads in the infusion and relax with them on your eyes for 10 minutes. Fennel is known to reduce inflammation and brighten eyes. Read more on how to prevent puffy eyes.
