DIY natural skin care and hair recipes from around the world

Have you ever travelled to another country and wondered how everyone manages to have such good skin? Or how they get their hair to grow so long? Or why their complexion glows without even a scrap of make-up?

RELATED: The best hair oils to use

It’s true some people are just genetically blessed, but there’s also some beauty secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation all around the globe.

And now that Queen Bey has confirmed that girls do in fact run the world, I don’t see why we can’t all unite and share the secrets:

Japan – Sake

Want soft, silky smooth skin? Try adding some sake to your bath like the Japanese. It is high in kojic acid and enzymes that help to reduce hyper-pigmentation and soften the skin.

beautyheaven loves OGX Youth Enhancing + Sake Essence Shampoo and OGX Youth Enhancing + Sake Essence Conditioner.

Italy – Yoghurt & olive oil

Italian women keep their hair shiny by using a nourishing conditioner made from a combination of yoghurt and olive oil.

Ghana – Black soap

While ‘black soap’ doesn’t sound like it would make you very clean, the Ghanian soap is actually legendary for its gentle cleansing properties and skin-softening abilities. It’s made with plantain skins, which is rich in vitamins A and E, and moisturising shea butter. The result is a cleanser that removes dirt and oil but doesn’t strip skin of any natural moisture.

beautyheaven loves L’Occitane Aromachologie Rebalancing Black Soap and SheaMoisture African Black Soap.

India – Neem

Can’t get your hair to grow longer than your shoulders? Indian women indulge in a weekly head massage with neem and coconut oil for long, strong hair and a healthy scalp.

Morocco – Argan oil

Not exactly surprising one here! Of course, we’ve already cottoned on to the amazing benefits of Argan oil. The antioxidant-packed miracle liquid is great for both hair and skin.

beautyheaven loves Pump Haircare Argan Oil and Hask Repairing Deep Conditioner – Argan Oil.

The Amazon – Passion flower oil

Passion flower oil, also known as maracuja, has been used in the Amazon for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, but it’s also high in fatty acids and vitamin C.

New Zealand – Manuka Honey

Honey has been used in many recipes (skin, hair and food) for years, but it’s the Manuka honey from New Zealand that is especially known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It can even be used to protect wounds.

beautyheaven loves Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitiser and Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask.

Chile – Red grapes

We know red grapes are high in anti-oxidants, but did you know that Chilean women use them as a way to achieve more luminous skin? They create a paste by mashing up a handful of the fruit and adding two tablespoons of white flour. It helps reduce signs of fatigue and leaves skin glowing.

Spain – Cranberry Juice

Spanish women bring out natural, subtle highlights in their hair by rinsing it with cranberry juice. This works really well on brunette hair, but for blondes, lemon juice is better (unless you want to end up with pink hair).

Which of the above would you most like to try? What’s your best-kept beauty secret?

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