How to get an even skin tone

Our beauty expert Rima Soni offers some home remedies

I'm a 14-year-old girl. My skin seems to be very unevenly toned, as there are dark patches and tans on some parts of my body. Please suggest remedies to lighten and even out my skin tone.
- Name withheld
Tomato works excellently to lighten skin. Grate some tomato and mix with honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on skin. After 30 minutes, rinse with room temperature water. Do this every day. Your skin will lighten and look lovely. Avoid being out in the sun between 11am and 3pm; wear sun protection if you need to go out.
I have always had some grey hair but, recently, it has increased a lot. My friends always point it out and it's very embarrassing and noticeable. I need an easy solution with everyday materials to fix this problem fast.
- Maria
I understand your problem. Coffee gives beautiful coverage to grey hair. Simply mix aloe vera with coffee powder and apply to your hair (make sure it's well-covered). Rinse after two hours. Do this three times a week for an amazing difference. Curry leaves are very nourishing and help prevent grey hair: you can take a handful of curry leaves and make a smooth paste by mixing it with yoghurt or buttermilk or aloe vera gel. Massage into scalp, leave on for an hour, then rinse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo. Do this thrice a week for at least three months to see amazing results. A healthy nourishing diet will help with your condition. Add curry leaves to your foods to help further.
My curly hair is very bushy and frizzy. Can you recommend a natural conditioner to tone down the frizz? Also, I have been having bouts of dandruff that causes itchiness and hair fall. Please suggest a remedy with quick results.
- Name withheld
Fenugreek is antibacterial and extremely moisturising; it can help condition the hair and arrest hair fall. Soak 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds in half a cup of water overnight. The next day, make a paste; add some yoghurt and massage into the scalp and the rest of the hair. Rinse after an hour. Shampoo lightly and avoid conditioner. Add the fenugreek water (from the overnight soak) to a spray bottle and give a final spray to your hair; comb through and allow to dry. Do this three times a week. Your hair will get healthy, clearing dandruff and itchiness.
My teeth are turning yellow and people have begun pointing it out when I talk. Could you please help me with a home remedy?
- Maitri
Yellow teeth can be embarrassing. Sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth. It will help whiten your teeth. Eating a fresh apple every day will also improve dental health, making teeth strong, gums healthy and getting rid of any foul odours.
I have been well pleased with how you find easy and affordable remedies for readers' queries. I'd love for you to find some remedies for me too. I have very thin hair and heavy hair fall. I also have dark lips and my nails have very slow growth. I would be grateful for any recommendations you can offer.
- Name withheld
Thank you for your confidence in my work. Thin hair and hair fall can be treated by massaging onion juice into the scalp, which should then be followed by massaging coconut milk into the entire hair. Leave on for two hours, then shampoo off. Do this twice a week for best results. Apply a thin film of coconut cream on dark lips and scrub off after 10 minutes; do this every day for quick results. Dip fingers in warm olive oil and push cuticles after a few minutes. Again, do this every day for speedy results. 
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics