DIY Spring Spa Day

Even mild winters can be harsh on your body. As the weather warms up, it’s time to reverse the havoc winter has wrought on skin and hair. As broke college students, a day at a real spa may be out of the question, but a little self-TLC is possible with affordable products.

Hair

The simplest hair treatment calls for only one ingredient—coconut oil, which can be found at any grocery store, including Target. Liquefy coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove then apply the oil to damp or dry hair. Plan to leave it in overnight, so place a towel over your pillow to avoid stains, and wash hair thoroughly the next morning. The oils will make your hair strong and shiny!

For a more complex mask to repair damaged hair, mix yogurt, honey and olive oil. A mixture of one-fourth cup of yogurt, and one tablespoon each of honey and olive oil, should be applied to damp hair. Leave it in for about 20 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time for a short episode on Netflix. Wash and rinse to reveal hair that is now healthy and soft.

Skin

Winter air dries out skin, especially on our faces. To make a hydrating skin mask for your face, all you need is half of an avocado and one teaspoon each of honey, plain yogurt and virgin olive oil. Mash the avocado into a paste and then mix in the other ingredients. Spread the mixture on your face and leave it for about 15 minutes. If you apply it at the same time as the hair mask, you can wash both off in the shower. Otherwise, just wash the mask off in the sink.

Spring also means it’s time to start shaving your legs again, but sometimes shaving reveals the dead skin on your legs. Make your own sugar scrub to get rid of the dead skin and make your legs even smoother after a shave. Just mix one cup of sugar with one cup of oil (try not to use olive oil, as it has a rather strong smell). Next, add four drops of your favorite essential oil to make it smell wonderful. Rub it on your legs, hands, or anywhere else you have dry skin.

Try these treatments all at the same time, or over the course of a few days. You’ll feel nourished, refreshed and ready to take on spring!