This was submitted by reader Elizabeth L. of Florida. She says:
You should try a warmed Olive Oil hair treatment :) I'm making it a regular thing, it made my hair awesomely soft and repaired it nicely. 

Just take a reasonable amount of Olive Oil* and warm it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds.. Then lean over a sink and apply it to dry hair focusing on the ends. If your hair is wet, it will just bead up and not soak in as well

Avoid the roots as much as possible, because even with good shampooing you risk making the roots look oily, since they're almost always the least damaged and require the least amount of restoration.. 

Put your hair in a bun and leave on for 1 to 2 hours, then shampoo and condition as you normally would. 

Do NOT Apply In the Shower
I just really have to stress not to apply the oil in the shower, or to let the oil drip into the tub or on the floor because it will make it dangerously slippery.. So when you apply, apply it over a sink.

*My hair is thick and to my shoulder blades.. It took me almost 1/4th a cup of olive oil to saturate my hair. 


**Update**
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tblspn honey
1 tblspn vinegar (white or apple cider)

Heat in microwave safe bowl for 30-60 seconds. Pour over the mid-lower lengths of the hair and brush through. Avoid the roots as this will make the hair look oily. Put hair up in a bun and wrap in plastic wrap or shower cap. If possible wrap your head with a towel. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes, but can be left on the hair for as long as you'd like to leave it. Before shampooing use your blow dryer to heat the hair for a few minutes. Shampoo, condition, and style as usual.

This is a perfect post bleaching/highlighting moisture and repair treatment. The vinegar restores your hair to a neutral pH, the honey is a natural humectant that helps seal the protein and moisture form the olive oil into the hair. The olive oil helps reduce the appearance of split ends and protect it from heat damage. Heating the oil before application, covering the hair while the treatment sets, as well as using the blow dryer on the hair all aids in opening the hair shaft to accept the moisture from the oil and honey and allows the vinegar to neutralize any oxidizing agents that may still be on the hair from color treating it. Repeat once a month, or after every color treatment to keep hair healthy and strong.
 

 This was submitted by our reader Alexandra B. She says:
I started using a face mask several years ago that my European ex-boyfriend's mother told me about. 

Ingredients:
2 spoonfuls of sour cream
1 tsp salt (give or take, depending on how much you can handle)

Slather it on, leave it for 10ish minutes, and rinse off! It's a good exfoliator. The salt helps to dry up any blemishes you have (especially if you're a picker) and the sour cream moisturizers. I'm not going to lie, if you have sensitive skin it'll burn. But think of it as soaking your face in the ocean for a bit :P 


Thanks Alex for submitting your recipe!

Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, tea tree and others can be added for scent as well as further blemish fighting properties. Baking soda can be substituted for the salt for those with sensitive skin.
 
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If you suffer from black heads or want to help prevent them, or just like peeling face masks then this is the one for you. The lemon is great at cutting through the oils and dirt that cause black heads as well as kills the bacteria that cause breakouts. The egg white helps tighten and brighten your skin. The tightening qualities can also help clear up old break outs. 

Egg White Face Peel
1 egg white
1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

Whip egg white and lemon together. Mixture should be thin. 
Start with a clean face, this will help the mixture stick better. Apply on whole face, avoiding eye area. Allow to set for 20-30 minutes. Begin peeling from forehead down. Peel off as much as you can, and remove the rest with a wash cloth and warm water. After you have completely removed the mask be sure to wash your face with your favorite cleanser and follow up with a good moisturizer.

Gelatin Face Peel
1 Tbsp. of Knox unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 Tbsp. milk

Microwave for 10 seconds and apply to face. Let it dry for 30 minutes (will dry very stiff). Peel it off. Rinse face with cool water. Pat dry.

Now, you may not want to admit it, but I am sure some of you are guilty of trying these next two suggestions already. Elmer's glue and regular old scotch tape. You can use either one to spot treat but I would recommend the glue for larger areas. I also think the glue is more effective than the tape... either way, start with a clean face, and be sure to wash and moisturize afterward. 


Tape
This one may sound funny, but it really does work. Get a good quality clear tape. I Sotch Tape is ok but I would go with the shiny kind over the matte finish, the adhesive seems to stick to the skin better. 

Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry your face before applying the tape to any blackhead problem areas. The dirt and oils on our unwashed skin will prevent the tape from sticking to the blackheads. Press the tape firmly and allow it to sit for a few seconds, pressing a few times to ensure full contact with the skin. Then pull it off quickly.

This method is particularly fun for those of you who may be interested in seeing what kind of gunk came out of your pores. 

**Note**
I definitely recommend the geltain face peel over the egg white. You get more consistent and peelable results. The egg whites can be difficult to get it to peel. I usually have to just scrub it off which defeats the blackhead removing qualities but it still gives you a nice tightening effect.

 
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Ingredients:
1 avocado
1 teaspoon of apple vinegar
1 egg white
3 teaspoons of olive oil

Whip egg white til it forms soft peaks and set aside. Peel, pit, and mash the avocado. Add oil and vinegar to avocado and mix until smooth. Fold in egg white till its fully incorporated.


Using your fingertips only, massage mixture onto your face in small circles. Allow to set on the face for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Pat face dry.

For sensitive skin:
1 avocado
2-3 drops almond oil

Peel, pit and mash the avocado, adding oil till the mixture is smooth. Massage on face and allow to set for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Pat face dry.

Either recipe can be turned into an exfoliating mask by adding a tablespoon or two of sugar or oatmeal. If you add oatmeal be sure to run this through the blender. Lemon can be added in place of the apple vinegar.

Alternative recipes:
1 avocado
2 tblspn plain yogurt
1 tblspn honey

Peel, pit, and mash avocado. Add yogurt and honey. Blend till smooth. Massage onto face and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Pat dry.