How to get smooth cuticles

My nails are really ugly. I wish for them to be smoother and the skin around the cuticle to stop peeling.
- Meghna
Gelatin is a protein that helps make nails strong and healthy. Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and add ½ teaspoon gelatin; let it soften in the oil, then add a few drops of lemon juice. Massage this mix on the nails and cuticles; leave overnight for best results. Do this every day for a week, then switch to every alternate day. Drink fresh green juice and fruits, and eat nuts like almonds and walnuts. Have at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Together, all these measures will help get your nails looking healthy and your cuticles soft and smooth.
I'm 43 years old and my hair is greying. I keep seeing people who dye their hair end up with weird orange hair, so I'm really worried about applying store-bought dye. Is there a natural way to do this that will not leave me with strange-coloured hair?
- Amrita
Coffee is excellent to colour grey hair. Mix aloe vera gel and coffee powder together to make a paste. Apply this to the scalp. Leave on for 2 hours and rinse off; there will be no need to shampoo your hair as aloe vera cleanses the scalp and coffee is a colourant. Do this three times a week. The treatment will also give your hair full body and make it soft and smooth, while covering the greys.
I am a 28-year-old girl. How can I get my hair to grow longer and thicker? It's so thin now, but it used to be nice and thick when I was a child.
- Name withheld
Make a rich hair treatment by mixing 1 tablespoon onion juice with 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon castor oil. Massage this well into the scalp and leave on overnight, if possible - or at least for two hours three times a week. Your hair will get thicker and healthier. A balanced diet of green vegetables, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, nuts and plenty of water will do you wonders.
Please give me a natural, homemade manicure and pedicure that I can do for myself. Something simple would be great.
- Jinu
Beautiful hands and feet are not difficult to attain. Once a week, dip your hands and feet in warm shampoo water; add a few drops of lemon juice to cleanse the nails too. Dry your hands and feet. Trim the nails and apply a scrub of yoghurt and almond powder to the feet, heels and hands. Scrub well, then rinse with warm water, and massage with warm olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice. This oil is very nourishing for cuticles and nails. Finally, dip a cotton ball in warm water and clean the oil off your hands and feet. Do this once a week to see the difference.
Can you suggest a good toner that I can make at home, please? I do not wish to spend on expensive products.
- RS
Cucumber makes for an excellent toner. Grate cucumber and squeeze the juice into 1 cup of rose water; add a few slices of lemon too and refrigerate. Pat the toner to your face a couple of times a day to keep skin fresh, toned and bright. You can apply your moisturiser and sun protection over this toner when you are out and about.
(Got a beauty-related query? Write to Rima Soni at wknd@khaleejtimes.com)

• Beauty Basics