DIY HOME FIXES

Here are some easy ways to combat hair and beauty woes with kaolin:

1. Cleansing: Gently wet your face with warm water. Take a pinch of kaolin clay and massage it on your skin, letting it stand for a minute. Wash face with warm water and continue with your daily moisturising and toning routine.

2. War on acne: Kaolin clay works wonders by absorbing oils and treating white heads. Make a mask with the clay and water and apply to the face. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

3. Heal your skin: Use 2 tsps of clay with 2 tsps of aloevera pulp or gel. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and apply on the face. This mask works for acne-prone and oily skin.

4. Mane matters: It can be used as a dry shampoo. Use a powder brush to dust a small amount of kaolin clay on your scalp. To make most of it, apply before the hair gets greasy. But apply only once between hair washes as using too much clay could lead to hair clumps.

5. Instant freshness: Take 2 tsps of kaolin clay, 2-3 tsps of low-fat yoghurt and 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply the pack on face, let it dry for 20 minutes and wipe off with a warm, wet washcloth. Apply astringent or moisturiser afterwards.

6. Skin soother: For sensitive skin, mix 3 tbsps of kaolin with 2 tbsps each of crushed lavender and chamomile flowers, ¼ cup oatmeal paste and some honey or herbal water. Apply on face for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow up with moisturiser.

7. Softer locks: Mix1to2 tbsps kaolin with water and a few drops of argan oil. Massage scalp with the paste and rinse off thoroughly.