forever young naturally beauty

Argan oil is one of the best hair and scalp conditioners to leave on overnight. Smother onto dry hair and cover pillows with plenty of old towels before retiring. Or substitute olive, macadamia nut, or rosehip oil.

Nourishing scented oils impart fragrance as well as gloss and swing.

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp flaxseed oil

1 tbsp avocado oil

6 drops essential oil of sandalwood

5 drops essential oil of geranium

4 drops essential oil of jasmine
Mix the oils and massage into the scalp and hair. Wrap in a towel for one hour before shampooing.

Leave this conditioning oil on overnight for best results.

4 tbsp coconut oil

6 drops essential oil of rose

3 drops essential oil of ylang ylang
Mix oils and massage into the scalp and dry hair. Wrap in a warmed towel for 1 hour before shampooing. This also makes a powerfully scented serum to condition dry ends and tame curls. (Omit ylang ylang oil if you have an inflamed scalp or dermatitis.)

Use this as a replacement for conventional antidandruff shampoos.

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp runny honey

1 tbsp dried mint

1 tsp very finely ground black pepper

1 drop each essential oils of black pepper and peppermint
Mix together the oil and honey. Next, stir in the mint, pepper, and the essential oils. Apply to dry hair and massage deeply into the scalp for 10 minutes, feeling the skin move over the underlying bone. Rinse well with warm water to get rid of any bits before shampooing.

This age-old treat for the hair should be used with tepid water (hot water might lead to a curdled, scrambled egg effect).

1 egg yolk, beaten

3 tbsp natural yogurt

1 tsp avocado oil

4 drops essential oil of carrot seed
1. Combine the oils with the beaten egg and natural yogurt in a large bowl. Whisk until a smooth, runny paste is formed.
2. After shampooing, massage into wet hair from roots down. Rinse very well with cool, then tepid water. Finish with a blast of cold water.

Most of us notice gray hairs by the age of 40. Declining production of the pigment melanin by hair follicles as we age leads to loss of hair color, especially among people with European heritage. By the age of 75 most of us are gray. Coloring hair is a popular response, but a number of ingredients in hair dyes may irritate sensitive skin.

If your tone of gray is an attractive one bright white or dove gray, perhaps consider flaunting it. Bright white hair looks especially stunning, and turns heads in age groups that usually color.

If you choose to color your hair, go to an experienced color technician: she is more likely to achieve a natural looking finish and to be able to suggest color combinations and techniques that keep pace with youthful styling.

After menopause skin sensitivity can become more acute. Even if you have been using one brand of hair dye for years, consider a patch test: place a tiny amount of dye on a small patch of skin 48 hours before treatment try the inside of the wrist. If there is no reaction in the next 24 hours, go ahead and use the product. If you notice redness or itching, try another brand.

It doesn’t always work to return to the color you were in your youth: if skin tone fades, this can look too harsh. An all-over tone can be unforgiving for a mature complexion. Opt for shades that are close to your skin color (no more than two shades different). Ask a colorist about a mix of high and lowlights, which blend more naturally into gray, brightening or warming its effect.