So. I got laid off, gave myself a haircut and am only allowed to leave the house to get food at the grocery store. Story of everyone’s life right now. But looking at the bright side I thought, what better time to tap into that frugal mindset and practice some self care while I’m at it? Partly out of boredom, partly out of curiosity and partly because I want to keep my newly trimmed hair healthy without dipping too far into my savings; here are 3 hair mask recipes that I made out of food. They all have different benefits for your hair. Make one of these or experiment with your own. All of these ingredients are really nourishing and are sure to leave your hair looking, feeling and smelling great. And they can all be found while on your weekly grocery run.

*Pro Tip from a friend: When rinsing out oil based hair masks it may be preferable to apply shampoo directly to hair before getting wet to better penetrate the mask and wash out cleaner. However, if you’re left a bit oily, just consider it a little residual conditioning.

**Note: it would be a good idea to double these recipes for long hair.

Fix That Shit

Things you’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1/2 a ripe Avocado

Instructions:

Step 1 – Mash Avocado and combine with Coconut Oil and Honey

Step 2 – Mix well and apply from top to bottom

Step 3 – Let sit 15-20 min

Step 5 – Rinse well and wash hair with shampoo and conditioner

The Shining

Things you’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Instructions:

Step 1 – Combine all ingredients. I ended up using my fingers for this because the oil and vinegar didn’t blend well with a spoon.

Step 2 – Apply to Hair root to tip

Step 3 – Let sit for min 20 min

Step 3 – Rinse with shampoo and conditioner

The Frizz

Things you’ll need:

• 1/2 ripe Banana
• 1 Tbsp plain Yogurt
• 1/2 Tbsp Honey

Instructions:

Step 1 – Blend ingredients until smooth. Get the banana lumps out as best as you can.

Step 2 – Apply to damp hair from top to bottom

Step 3 – Cover and let sit for 30-45 min

Step 4 – Rinse well with shampoo and conditioner (especially if it’s a bit lumpy or you’ll get banana chunks in your hair like I did)

I was helping my mom clean out the basement and we came across these cute little jars. Originally purchased from Avon containing cream sachets they were now empty and begging for a purpose. DIY to the rescue! What better to fill an old perfume container than more perfume? This solid perfume is a great gift. It doesn’t last as long as a traditional store bought perfume but it’s all natural and can be reapplied throughout the day. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make and you can experiment with your favourite essential oils to make your own personal scent.

What you need:

• 2 tbsp beeswax (grated or pellets)
• 2 tbsp carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, etc. (I used sweet almond)
• About 60 drops of essential oil or blend of your choice (I used ylang ylang, sweet orange and lavender)
• repurposed (or new) containers to put the finished product.

*when using essential oils do your research! Some oils may cause irritation to the skin or are photosensitive. Better safe than sorry.

Instructions:

Step 1 – combine beeswax and oil in a double boiler and melt.

Step 2 – Once melted remove from heat and let cool slightly before mixing in your oils.

Step 3 –  Carefully pour into your containers and allow to solidify for a few minutes before capping.

Whether you’re out of time, on vacation, or just don’t feel like it, this dry shampoo is perfect on days when you just can’t wash your hair. This all natural dry shampoo recipe is a fantastic substitute for store bought concoctions. Arrowroot starch acts to soak up grease and cocoa powder is a great additive for people with dark hair, like myself. Not to mention the added bonus of smelling like chocolate!

 

What you need:

• 2 tbsp arrowroot starch (can use corn starch or baby powder instead)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional: for dark hair only)

Instructions:

Step 1 – combine arrowroot starch and cocoa powder (if using).

Step 2 – transfer to airtight container for storage.

Step 3 –  Apply with make up brush or comb. Enjoy!

It’s almost December and I live in Toronto, Canada. That means that my skin is hating its life right now and it’s only just the beginning of a long, long winter. Up until now I’ve been getting by with occasional moisturizing using my homemade body butter but I find it too greasy for consistent everyday use. Enter this recipe. This quick and easy lotion is light and non-greasy. If you use it after a shower it soaks right into your skin and the best part is there are only 3 ingredients!

What you need:

• 3/4 cup liquid oil (I used sweet almond oil but you can use one or a combination of several oils such as avocado, jojoba, olive, argan, coconut etc.)
• 3 tbsp grated beeswax
• 3/4 cup luke warm water, herbal tea or rose water (I used water)
• 5-10 drops essential oil (optional: I didn’t use any)
• food processor

Instructions:

Step 1 – Combine oil and beeswax in a double boiler until melted.

Step 2 – With water in food processor, turn on high.

Step 3 –  Pour oil mixture into food processor VERY slowly. The goal is to emulsify the liquids. Once you’ve poured all of the oil into the water you should be left with a creamy lotion.

Step 4 – Transfer lotion into a glass jar or other container with lid. Can store at room temperature for about 3 weeks.

Winter is coming and so are chapped lips. This simple lip balm is perfect for those cold, dry months ahead and uses all natural ingredients. It’s easy to adjust the recipe for smaller or larger batches as the ratio of ingredients is 1:1:1. Make a little for yourself or a lot to give to friends and family. Enjoy!

What you need:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp shea butter
• 2 tbsp beeswax (grated or pastilles)
• 30 drops essential oil (optional: I used peppermint)
• containers to put finished balm

Instructions:

Step 1 – Combine coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler.

Step 2 – Once melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oil.

Step 3 –  Pour mixture into containers.

Step 4 – Let cool completely before capping (about 2 hours).