With all you’ve got going on—work, family, training, friends—spending a day at the spa is probably low on your list of priorities. You just can’t seem to spare the time, much less the money, for such self-indulgence. But our busy lives and active lifestyles can take a toll—dry skin, damaged hair, tight muscles—making regular self-pampering more of a necessity than a luxury. Don’t fret, with just a few ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a relaxing, rejuvenating spa experience at home. And the best part: It takes only thirty minutes.
“At-home spa treatments are fun and cost-effective, but one of the biggest benefits is the convenience,” says Janice Cox, author of Natural Beauty at Home. “You don’t have to make an appointment, and you can create your own products whenever you need them in the privacy of your own home.”
It’s simple to turn your bathroom into a soothing, spa-like environment. Set aromatherapy candles around the edge of the tub or sink. Turn off the phone and turn on relaxing music. Follow these recipes to create hair-repair treatments, anti-stress baths, moisturizing facials or soothing foot soaks. You can find the ingredients at most natural food stores or locate suppliers on The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy’s Web site, naha.org.
Hair Therapy
Cold air, laps in a chlorine-filled pool or moisture-stripping shampoos can dry and dull your hair. To combat the damage, use rosemary, which is, “superb for putting the luster and life back into your hair,” says Cox. The fragrant herb offers other beauty perks: a strong tea made from fresh rosemary leaves can be used as a darkening hair rinse and may even help tone down grays—it takes a few applications to see results, however. To add shine, body, and moisture to your hair, try Cox’s conditioner recipe.
Rosemary Hair Repair
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 2 teaspoons rosemary tea, brewed from fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 eggs
Mix together all ingredients. Massage into damp hair and let sit for twenty minutes. Then shampoo and rinse.
