Aside from how to poach an egg, and the severity of a tissue ending up in the washing machine, mum’s taught us a whole bunch of stuff. Beauty advice included. Perhaps you’ve been bleaching your locks with lemon juice since the tender age of 12, or rubbing Vaseline into your lashes every night. Whatever advice has stuck, you’re probably (like us) curious to know which of mum’s ‘tips’ are actually true. We’ve done the digging, and it’s time to debunk some mum myths (with the help of industry experts). Hair, nails, brows – all the stuff you’ve been wondering for years – answered in one beauty bible.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Tip #1 Condition your split ends overnight by applying almond oil and wrapping in cling filmWhat the expert says:
Conditioning keeps hair feeling its best, and prevents damage (like split ends). Natural oils – like almond – will maintain healthy condition. Run a small amount through the lengths of damp hair for a moisture boost. Treatment masks work well too; try one out once, or twice, a week.
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2 Tip #2 Soak your feet in lemon juice to freshen up your natural nails and remove nail polish stains
What the expert says:
Lemon's great for whitening nails and removing polish stains. As with the majority of Vitamin C and alpha – Hydroxy Acid can also help to brighten nails fibres and crack all the leftover substances on the nails surface. Add baking soda into the mix to work on firm stains, or coconut oil for extra nourishing.
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3 Tip #3 A hot flannel is your best friend – use it to steam your face and to buff off your cleanser. It's like a mini facial
What the expert says:
A hot flannel will create Erythema (redness), while improving blood circulation in the skin. The heat will also help to 'open' pores, which is ideal for pre-cleansing.
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4 Tip #4 Don't over-pluck your brows, get them shaped and follow with tweezers
What the expert says:
Check in with your brow pro every 4-6 weeks to keep your brows looking perfect. This will encourage the hairs to grow more slowly. Castor oil is also great for growing-out, as is rosemary oil (a trick that's rarely talked about). The two mixed together will work wonders.
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5 Tip #5 Always wear SPF on your face (even in winter)
What the expert says:
100% – it's a fact backed up by dermatologists worldwide. Even when the sun's not out, there are UVA, UVB and infrared rays still targeting your skin (speeding up the ageing process and increasing the risk of skin cancer). Use a minimum of SPF 30; anything lower isn't effective. Make sure it's Broad Spectrum and ideally contains Zinc Oxide, which reflects the sun's rays.
Asthetik London
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6 Tip #6 Treat your hairdresser like a dentist, visit regularly. Think of it like maintenance
What the expert says:
Agreed. Regular trims are essential to keeping hair healthy and allowing it to grow. Without removing split ends, hair can become weak and snap.
Muse of London
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7 Tip #7 Shampoo your roots and condition the ends – not both
What the expert says:
Mum's right. Our roots are oily and need to be shampoo'd (unless your hair is dirty from sports or from work – like being in a dusty environment). When washing, massage the shampoo into the root and the lather will work its way down. We'd recommend using conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends – smoothing and sealing open cuticles. Hair at the roots shouldn't need conditioning as the oil you have just helped wash away with the shampoo should be enough to keep it healthy.
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8 Tip #8 To avoid frizzy hair after washing, pat dry with a cotton t-shirt instead of rubbing with a bath towel
What the expert says:
Definitely pat dry. Your hair is most 'vulnerable' and prone to breakage when wet, so rubbing with a towel can cause breakage. Instead, pat with a cotton t-shirt, or microfibre towel. This will absorb water, reduce frizz, and be more gentle on your hair.
Muse of London
FAQs
How often should you get your eyebrows professionally shaped?
You should visit a brow professional every 4-6 weeks to keep your eyebrows perfectly shaped. Regular appointments encourage slower hair growth and help maintain the desired look. Using castor oil and rosemary oil together can also help when growing out your brows.
Why is it important to always use SPF on your face?
Wearing SPF 30 or higher daily protects your skin from UVA, UVB and infrared rays, which are present even when the sun isn’t out. SPF helps slow the ageing process and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Always choose a Broad Spectrum SPF that ideally contains Zinc Oxide for maximum protection.
How should you shampoo and condition your hair for best results?
Shampoo your roots and condition the mid-lengths and ends for healthy hair. The roots are naturally more oily and benefit from shampoo, while the ends need moisture from conditioner. Avoid putting conditioner at the roots, as the shampooed oils are enough to keep them healthy.
What’s the best way to dry your hair to reduce frizz?
Pat your hair dry with a cotton t-shirt or microfibre towel right after washing. Rubbing with a regular towel can cause breakage, especially when hair is wet and vulnerable. Patting gently absorbs water while minimising frizz and damage.
Can soaking your feet in lemon juice help remove nail polish stains?
Yes, soaking your feet in lemon juice can whiten nails and remove polish stains. The Vitamin C and alpha-Hydroxy Acid in lemon help brighten nail fibres and break down leftover substances. For stubborn stains, you can also add baking soda or use coconut oil for extra nourishment.