Milk isn’t just for drinking you know.  It’s so much more than that!

 

Many of us are often faced with dry brittle hair or dull skin that are begging to be nourished naturally in order to restore their lusciousness.  

 

This isn’t a new age dilemma! Throughout history, variations of shampoos and conditioners have been found preserved in jars, most containing natural ingredients, and in particular milk.  

 

You see, milk proteins have the advantage of being able to bind water and are absorbed completely by the skin.  They also provide more than 40% of the necessary amino acids for the skin, which contributes to the synthesis of collagen, elastin and keratin. 

 

Now, combine milk with the fatty nutrients of avocado, coconut and even olive oil, and you have a moisturizing vitamin infused blend with the rejuvenating properties that your hair and skin are screaming out for.

 

So what recipes can you put together at home that have in them milk as the principle ingredient?  

 

I want a natural hair mask to make my hair feel beautiful!

 

We will need:

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

 

½ cup coconut milk

 

1 avocado

 

Method:

 

Peel the avocado, remove the pip and mash the edible part of the fruit in a bowl using a fork or spoon.  Add a little bit of olive oil and mix again to create a thick paste. Into this, slowly pour in your coconut milk, stirring constantly, and voilà, you have a mask. 

 

In dish suitable for the microwave, heat your homemade mask in the microwave for 20 second or so.  Then apply your mask to your hair, massaging it in, wrap with a towel and leave the mask in for 30 minutes so

that your hair has the chance to absorb all the nutrients of the ingredients. Rinse thoroughly with warm or hot water. Your hair will once again look absolutely gorgeous!

 

I want a conditioner to make my hair soft and silky!

 

We will need:

 

1 egg

 

5 tbsp. yoghurt

 

Method:

 

Using a hand mixer whisk your egg until it forms a foam.  In a separate bowl, mix your yoghurt until it takes on a smooth slightly thinner creamy consistency.  To this, add your egg slowly and combine well.

 

Apply the mixture to your hair, wrap with a towel and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes, giving it the chance to really condition your hair. Rinse with lukewarm water. Your hair will be silky soft!

 

I want a facial mask to rejuvenate my dull skin!

 

We will need:

 

1 cup (fresh) milk

 

1 tsp cognac

 

1 tsp lemon juice

 

Method:

 

This is one of those deeply penetrating facials that need to be enjoyed lying down on the couch, with your legs up, completely relaxed!

 

Heat your milk, lemon juice and cognac in a saucepan, stirring gently.  Then set aside and let the mixture come to room temperature so that you can safely apply it to your face. Test the liquid with your finger to be sure!

 

Then, wet a few cotton pads into the mix and apply them to your skin, pressing down gently with your fingertips.  Leave them on for about 10 – 15 minutes. If you feel the cotton pads cool down too quickly, wet another batch and apply those to your face.  Just wait – your skin will be thanking you!