Ali Valanski’s Daily Makeover
Baking soda has been a kitchen staple for generations, but it also has a big place in the beauty industry. Inexpensive products are great for tons of homemade beauty and hairdos. Here’s how you can use it:
Prevents sweat stains and body odor
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a moist paste and apply it on your hands for a natural deodorant.
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Highlight your hair
Every now and then, hair needs to be freed from product build-up. Add some baking soda to your shampoo and use as usual. This will give your products freshness so they can work the way they should again.
Whiten your teeth
“To make a teeth whitening solution, combine one tablespoon of baking soda and five drops of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Add a few drops of water if necessary,” says Dr. Jessica Emery, owner of Sugar. Chicago Dental Loft Renovation. Apply the solution evenly with a toothbrush and leave for five minutes. Then wash with regular toothpaste and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat this procedure once a week for best results. “If you’re not happy with the results, leave the mixture on for 10 minutes at a time,” says Emery. “But don’t do it again, because you’ll apply it unevenly and your teeth might become sensitive.”
Restore your nails
Are you getting too many gel manicures? Do your cuticles look like they’ve survived a war? Make a paste of baking soda and warm water and apply it on the cuts to soften the skin. If you have enough, you can treat the other hands.