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Coconut oil + castor oil = natural hair thickener

I am 25, and have been using the same brand of coconut oil for the past 15-20 years. So, if I start mixing castor oil into this coconut oil, will it have a bad effect on my hair? I am really scared of changing my hair oil or mixing it with another oil - so please advise!
- Name withheld
Castor oil is extremely nourishing; your hair will become thicker naturally when you add it to coconut oil, and apply the mix to your hair. The combination of both oils has a lot of benefits, so go for it!

I am a 14-year-old girl with a lot of acne spots on my face. Can you please suggest a natural home remedy for this problem?
- Delancy
Take some strawberry purée, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and some oats powder; make a creamy paste, and apply on skin. When dry, rinse with cold water. Do this every day.
 
I have a six-year-old daughter who has a lot of hair on her body. Please suggest a home remedy to take care of this problem. We are vegetarians, so kindly keep that in mind when suggesting ingredients or remedies.
- Arti
I understand being vegetarian means you would not like anything egg-based. Take 1 tablespoon powdered oats, 1 teaspoon powdered rice powder and 1 teaspoon honey; add enough milk to make a sticky, light paste. Apply it on your baby's body. Allow to dry completely. Then, apply one more layer of this mask, and gently, in circular movements, scrub against her body hair growth. When you rinse her body, you will find her skin to be smooth and soft. Do this every day for maximum benefits, and remember to be gentle!
 
I am 18 years old. My hands and face have become very tanned because of exposure to the sun. I also have blackheads on my nose. Please suggest remedies for my problems.
- Name withheld
If your skin is prone to tan easily, then it is important to apply sun protection 20 minutes before you step out in the sun. You need to do this every time you go out. Papaya purée mixed with a few drops of lemon juice will lighten the tan, if applied daily. You can opt to remove blackheads professionally once a month; alternatively, as an everyday ritual, a facial scrub of tomato juice and oats powder can help shrink pores, smoothen skin and clear blackheads.

I have a dark patch on my lips; it's been there for five years and I really want to get rid of it. Can you help me?
- Name withheld
Take coconut oil and add a few drops of lemon juice; keep this mixture refrigerated. Twice every day, apply this mix on your lips; you can also leave it on overnight. This will help lighten the skin.
 
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)