Dry, damaged or even dull hair will benefit from broccoli's ability to make it shinier and silkier Photo: AFP
A staple on our plates, some unexpected foods can also be real allies for the skin or hair.
Such is the case with mustard, broccoli and onion, which in just a few months have become the stars of natural beauty routines, giving rise to some unusual cosmetics with unsuspected powers.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, kitchen and bathroom seem to have become one and the same.
Certain foods previously found at the back of the pantry have made their way into our beauty kits, in diverse forms, from oils and creams to shampoos, serums and facial cleansers.
And while lemon, honey, olive oil and sugar have long featured in our bathrooms, it's more surprising to see broccoli, mustard and onion making an appearance. And yet, they can be beneficial for the skin and for the hair.
Broccoli nourishes
Broccoli isn't everyone's favourite in the kitchen, yet it's packed with health benefits. What's interesting though, are the vegetable's countless cosmetic virtues, which are still relatively little-known.
Dry, sensitive skin and scalps can particularly benefit, since broccoli oil has moisturising and nourishing properties.
Dry, damaged or even dull hair will benefit from broccoli's ability to make it shinier and silkier. What's more, this vegetable naturally tames frizz and makes detangling easier after shampooing and/or conditioning.
Read more: Acne, wrinkles, dark circles: How turmeric can help with many skincare problems
Mustard for strong, healthy hair
It tickles your nose, adds a kick to dishes, and helps... to promote hair regrowth.
The haircare benefits of mustard are little known, even though the condiment stimulates hair growth and makes it stronger and more resistant.
While mustard hair masks – in seed or powder form – have long been recommended, today there are vegetable oils and even shampoos that do the job perfectly, allowing you to enjoy the same properties without the inconvenience.
But mustard seeds are also good for the skin. Not only do they bring radiance to skin – ideal for a last-minute pick-me-up – but they're also great allies for mature skin, thanks to their firming properties and action on blood circulation.
Read more: Ask The Expert: Want to give your skin a beauty boost? Do it with face masks
Onion for problem skin
This kitchen staple works wonders in cosmetics and is gradually taking over bathroom cabinets.
Mainly offered in oil form, onion – and red onion in particular – is attracting growing interest from the cosmetics industry. Creams, masks and serums formulated from its extracts could soon become part of your beauty routine.
If red onions are the most coveted by the beauty industry, it's because they appear to be the variety richest in sulfur compounds, beneficial – once again – for hair, notably promoting regrowth.
But these veggies are also perfect allies for problem skin, thanks to their purifying properties, which help fight acne and reduce scarring. – AFP Relaxnews
