Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

DIY Healthy Nail Tips

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Toluene and formaldehyde, used widely in commercial cosmetic polishes, can cause throat irritation, rashes, headache, nausea & asthma. If you are like me and partial to a bit of polish on your nails there are a few good natural alternatives.

Try buffing your nails with beeswax, cocoa butter or a tiny amount of vegetable oil and soft cloth. Naturally buffed, nicely shaped nails look luxuriously pampered. Buffing is good for your nails, as it stimulates circulation in the nail bed which helps the nails to grow stronger. When buffing be sure to buff them in an up-and-down motion, this stimulates blood flow and creates a glorious sheen.

Here is a natural alternative to a DIY french polish obviously it wont look these      but it will still look natural, wont cost the earth and is chemical free.

YOU WILL NEED…………

Henna powder

Hairdryer

Nail Buffer

White Pencil

HOW TO……….

Mix some henna powder with water to make a paste, apply a 1mm layer to clean dry nails.

Dry with hairdryer ( careful not to get to close or hot you may burn your self ) The warmth will intensify the colour.

Rinse off dry the nail then proceed to buff them to a high polish. Your nails should resemble pretty pink seashells.

Run a white pencil under the tips to accent them and create the effect of a french polish.

Henna is  a must have for DIY at home  hair & nail conditioning treatments. It will prevent both from splitting and give them a glorious shine.

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Comments

  1. Hello- I am a licensed manicurist of 13 years and these are all very good tips to follow, but don’t forget to gently push the cuticle back after the shower when they have absorbed some water. Overgrown cuticle tissue can slow the growth of healthy nails.

Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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