Stuck at home and can't visit the salon for a wash and set? Missed your monthly facial at the spa? Nails need a mani/pedi but it's too risky to venture out? Coronavirus interrupted our personal grooming routines. But you can still treat yourself to some DIY home beauty care.
Skin
Cleanser
Organic Olive oil works great as a deep cleanser. Oil??? Yes! It may seem counterintuitive but oil dissolves oil. Here's how it works: Olive oil, when used to massage your skin, will dissolve the debris that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your skin pores. It works well with all skin types.
             
Oil Cleansing Method:
  • Rinse Face- Rinse your face with cool or lukewarm water.
  • Massage with Olive Oil. Gently massage olive oil in a circular motion over your face for one-two minutes.
  • Wipe Off. Gently wipe off your face and eyes with a clean washcloth.
Toner
Use lemon as an affordable and easy-to-make toner which works wonders for oily skin! It's been tried and proven- lemon will help tighten large pores, fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce excess oil on skin.
Lemon Toner Method
  • Use the ratio of 1:2 of freshly squeezed lemon juice to pure water to make lemon water toner.
  • Store your home-made toner in a clear empty spray bottle or spritzer. Freshen up your face with an amazing lemon water toner with a few spritzes.
Moisturizer
Keeping your skin moisturized is an important step in preventing coronavirus, since germs can get into cracked, dry skin. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that give it antibacterial properties. It also helps your skin by boosting collagen production. Coconut oil maintains moisture levels  and can act as a barrier against harsh elements. Apply liberally on your skin but go slow on your face; it'll make you look shiny.
Scrub
Exfoliate your skin and get rid of problematic dead skin cells with this easy homemade scrub using lemon, granulated sugar and olive oil.
Method
  • Whisk together olive oil, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl, until combined.  Stir in sugar until fully combined.
  • Gently rub into facial skin in circular motions, for about one minute.  Rinse off skin with warm water.
Hair 
Locs looking a little matted? They need a deep cleanse using this apple cider vinegar recipe.
2 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Method
  • Combine the water and ACV into a bowl or cup.
  • Slowly pour over hair, scrubbing scalp and hair to remove buildup. To smooth the cuticles and restore PH balance, you can also use this rinse as your final step after washing, conditioning and detangling.
Need to keep those tresses moisturized and conditioned? Do you have split ends? Use a honey and olive oil conditioner using ¼ cup of honey and olive oil
Method
  • Mix honey with olive oil. Heat in a microwave oven to melt.
  • Use your fingers to apply a small amount of the mixture on damp hair working it through to the ends. Then cover your head with a plastic cap for 15-30 minutes. Gently rinse the mixture out.
Nails
We're doing heavy cleaning now that we're stuck at home. Protect your nails by wearing cleaning gloves.
Filing:
File your nails slowly and gently in one direction. This is to prevent weakening that results in breakage.  Filing in the same direction will help you achieve a smooth tip and make it easier for you to shape the tip in your preferred style.
Nail Polish 
Now that we can't get regular mani/pedis at the nail parlour, here's what you can do to make your nail Polish last longer:
Method
  • Cleanse your nails with regular vinegar.
  • Soak them in water, then, apply a base coat.
  • Put two layers of nail paint and a top coat on, and let them air dry.

Here are some Kenyan Beauty influencers you can follow for some home grooming inspo:

Joanna Kinuthia 
Nancy Mwai 
Sheila Ndinda
View this post on Instagram

There's nothing a fresh manicure can't fix. Matte blue nail polish for a change @luxenailsparlour

A post shared by Ndinda (@sheilandinda) on

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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