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Add shine to your hair

Beauty with Rima Soni

Saffron + water = added hair shine
I recently bought a lot of fresh rosemary and saffron on impulse and am wondering how to use them. Are either of them good for beauty remedies?
- Alita
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that can help disinfect skin and hair, stimulate circulation and improve dull-looking skin. It can also clear dandruff and acne, and protect skin from sun damage. Make a paste with a handful of rosemary leaves, add rose water to make a smooth paste and mix with 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel. You may apply this to your face to activate, tone and cleanse skin. Add yoghurt and honey to the rosemary paste, and apply it to your hair to soften it and improve its growth.
Saffron is a rich anti-bacterial ingredient that can heal skin from acne and brighten it too. Though expensive, it is valuable in the world of beauty. Add saffron strands to cold full cream milk and honey. Add almond powder and mix well. Apply this creamy mask to your face and neck; when dry, remove the mask with warm water and follow with cold water. For added sheen to your hair, you can even add saffron strands to the water used for your final rinse.
I am a 15-year-old girl. Ever since the start of winters, the skin on the back of my hand has begun to look really dark and dull; it's also really hard. Is there any way to lighten it and make it supple? I wish to lighten the darkness of my knuckles and finger joints too. Lastly, I have dark spots on my face left by pimples. Please suggest a way to reduce them.
- Yasmeen
Dark, dry hands and knuckles can be treated by applying a smooth mask made by mixing 1 teaspoon almond powder with 1 teaspoon sesame powder and full cream milk. You can apply this on the face as well. When dry, scrub off and rinse with warm water, followed by a cold-water rinse. Do this every day for results.

My heels are cracked and starting to look bad. I am only 30 years old, but anyone looking at my feet would think I'm 60. Please tell me what to do.
- Dhanya
Prepare a mask with 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel, 6 drops lavender oil, ½ tsp glycerine and a few drops of lemon juice. First, fill a basin with warm water; add 1 tablespoon Epsom salt. Dip your feet in the basin. When the water cools, dry your feet with a towel and follow with a massage of the above lotion. Wear cotton socks to ensure the mask does not get rubbed away. Leave on overnight. Do this every day and, in a few weeks, you will see excellent results.
 
I have thin hair growing on my chest. It's too embarrassing as I am a woman. Please tell me if there is a natural and permanent remedy to remove it.
- Name withheld
Mix lentil powder with rice powder and water; apply thickly on your chest and allow to dry. Then, gently scrub off. Do this every alternate day and you will see the hair fall off.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)