Aloe vera can help straighten your hair

I'm a 14-year-old girl. I had straight hair when I was little but after years of braiding, my hair has become a bit wavy. Is there any natural way to make it straight again?
- Name withheld
The best treatment to improve hair and make it look straight is to wear jumbo rollers for an hour every day; it will take off the curly hair look and give a straight, full bodied look instead. If you wish, you can even add a few drops of water to aloe vera gel. Massage to the hair and comb through it straight. Do not use a hair dryer. When hair dries, it will fall straight.

My underarms, knees and elbows are dark. I also have dark circles under my eyes. I apply lemon juice mixed with baking soda for a few hours regularly, but to no avail. Is there a simple way to get rid of it? Also, is it okay to blow-dry my hair twice a week after a wash. Unfortunately, that's the only time my hair looks sleek.
- Bhakti
Rub a slice of papaya under the eyes, on your underarms, knees and elbows. This will gently exfoliate the dead grey skin and brighten skin. I'd recommend blow-drying only on special occasions; doing so regularly will rip the hair of its natural oils.

I read WKND especially for the Beauty Basics page, because it is very helpful for readers like me. I have a new problem: I've been having acne on my chest and back. It's very embarrassing and I can't wear nice tops due to this problem. Please help.
- Name withheld
You need to drink a minimum of 10-12 glasses of water daily to calm and cleanse your body. Add a pinch of turmeric to 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel mixed with 9 drops tea tree oil. Apply a thin layer of this every day and leave overnight; rinse off next morning. Done every day, you will be able to clear your acne and lighten marks.

I got a nose piercing a few months ago and have now developed a bump around the area. I have been using sea salt water solution to clean the piercing, but I don't see any difference. Is there any way to get rid of this bump or is removing the piercing the only way?
- Name withheld
Mix soda bicarbonate with water; apply a thin paste to the bump. Leave on for an hour daily to suppress and cleanse the bump. You can also dot the bump with tea tree oil and leave on overnight to shrink it further.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics