Alexis Wolfer is a well-known beauty and lifestyle expert and the founder of The Beauty Bean, an online magazine that promotes Real Beauty. She is also the creator of the international and viral Makeup Free Mondays movement and can be found tweeting about all things real and realistic beauty at @AlexisWolfer.

Nothing screams spa day like a shower cap, cucumber slices, and bathrobes. Give your nieces the feel of an indulgent day at the spa without the hefty price tag (or dirty looks for uncontrollable giggling!) by planning the perfect at-home spa experience for your nieces with DIY hair masks.

Get the bathrobes out (oversized ones will do; just make sure your nieces don’t trip). Cut some cucumber slices for eye compresses, and buy a couple of shower caps.

These hair masks are just messy enough to ensure some laughs while still working to tame dry or frizzy hair – and are safe for color treated hair for all you aunts out there (don’t worry, your secret is safe with us!).

Frizz Fighting Hair Mask Recipe: Make The Beauty Bean’s frizz-fighting hair mask by blending together 1 cup of pure coconut milk, 1 ripe avocado, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix at high speed in a blender until smooth. Generously apply evenly to shampooed hair. (If you or your nieces have fine hair, avoid your roots to keep your hair from looking flat). Cover with shower cap and allow it to sit on hair for at least 15 minutes (and up to 1 hour, depending on how much time you have!). Rinse and follow with conditioner. Leftovers can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Moisturizing Hair Mask Recipe: Mix 2 room-temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl. Beat ingredients together, and massage into dry hair, ensuring even application. (To reduce the mess, try painting the mixture on using a pastry brush; and stand in the shower or bathtub while applying). Cover head with a shower cap for 10 minutes before shampooing out.

Let the cucumber slices work their de-puffing (and giggle-inducing) magic while the hair masks work to condition your hair!

To really round out the spa experience, make The Beauty Bean’s watermelon DIY facial recipes, or try out some of our other masks!

And while you’re at it, whip up some healthy spa-like snacks your nieces will be sure to enjoy too like celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, mini tea sandwiches (crust removed, clearly!), and even bite-sized brownies.

For more DIY beauty recipes, order The Recipe For Radiance here.

Photo: Meawpong3405
Published: June 5, 2012