5 Weird Beauty Hacks That Actually Work

If you're anything like me, you're hesitant when it comes to buying new beauty products because 1) they're usually outrageously expensive and 2) you're scared they might not work. So why spend all of that money when you can browse through your cabinets and make your own products at home? Here are a few things that have worked for me, and hopefully they'll work for you too!

1. Coconut oil for hair

I'm sure you've heard by now that coconut oil has so many amazing benefits! My favorite use for coconut oil is putting it in my hair. I have extremely bad dandruff, and doing coconut oil treatments really helps! Not only does it get rid of dandruff, but it also makes my hair shiny and smooth. Some people suggest to leave it in your hair overnight, but I usually melt about a teaspoon in the microwave for 20 seconds, massage it into my scalp and leave it in for a half hour. But remember, it is an oil which means that if you use too much, it will stick to your hair which makes it impossible to get out! Also, if you have bad dandruff like me, doing this once won't cure you for life. I usually do this a couple times a week.

2. Baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening

This combination might sound weird, but it actually works! Who needs to spend $30 on Crest White Strips? To do this, mix equal parts baking soda, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide (I'd say about a teaspoon) together until it forms a paste. Brush your teeth with the paste, then rinse your mouth with water. Do this two or three times a week for a nice pearly white smile!

3. Honey and apple cider vinegar for hair lightening

In a bowl, mix four parts honey with one part apple cider vinegar. If it's still pretty sticky, adding some water should help. Pour the mixture over your head, and let it sit for 30–60 minutes depending on how light you want your hair. As you can imagine, this gets pretty messy, so I suggest maybe doing this in your shower. Wash the mixture out of your hair with warm water, then shampoo and condition as usual. I have very dark brown hair, and I did this every other day for a week and noticed some reddish tints coming in. If you have dark hair like me and really want this to work, this is something that you're going to have to do for a while.

4. Toothpaste for zits

For this hack, it's best to use white toothpaste. Apply a pea sized amount onto the needed area, and leave it on overnight. By doing this two or three times it should reduce the size and redness of the pimple.

5. Brown sugar scrub and coconut oil body scrub

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When I was younger, I went to a summer camp where once a week we would have "spa day." This was my favorite thing to do there because it made my skin so smooth! To make the scrub, mix together 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of coconut oil then rub it all over! It will make your skin super soft and make you smell yummy.