When life gives you lemons

from Oracle June 2021

Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer

One topic of conversation has dominated the salon in the past few weeks; holidays. Okay, I know it is a classic hairdresser conversation starter - ‘Going anywhere nice…?’ – but after the Government further eased restrictions in May, everyone’s mind it seems has focused on when and where they’re going to escape to.

The prospect of a sunnier, hotter change of scene is understandable, especially if you’ve not been away for a long while. In fact, the memory of a trip abroad reminded me of some advice I was given for acclimatising to the heat, drink a litre of water with slices of lemon in it when you first wake up. The water hydrates you and the citrus gives you a hit of Vitamin C and energy to fire up your system. But did you know that your skin and hair love lemons, too? In fact, they have a wide range of beauty benefits. Help to clear blocked pores Because they have strong antibacterial properties, you can make a clarifying moisturiser by mixing a few drops of coconut water and lemon juice. The coconut hydrates your skin, while the lemon clears and brightens it. Also, the citric acid is a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), so rubbing a slice of lemon on your face, typically the ‘T-zone’, can help to clear blocked pores.

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

The citrus can make your skin sensitive

If you're prone to a greasy complexion, adding a couple of lemon and tea tree essential oil to 175 ml of water creates a natural toner which can be used with cotton pads as a cleansing wipe. If you wipe this over your freshly-washed face you’ll be stopping oil in its tracks.

Of course, if you do follow these ideas – especially in sunnier climes – always wear SPF, because the citrus can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Finally, as a hairdresser, I’m bound to remind you that applying lemon juice direct to your hair is a great way to create sun-kissed DIY highlights. Apply it before you expose your hair to sunlight – and for an on-trend contrasting effect, focus the lemon juice just toward the ends of your hair. Just make sure you have enough lemons left for your gin ‘n’ tonic. Cin cin!

Providing expert hair care to Essex for 30 years. Isn’t it time you made your head grateful? 01702 340965 32 l Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BU

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