Would You Apply Pee to Your Face if It Cured Acne? See Other Weirdo Beauty Tips Our Readers Have Heard
As women we are bombarded with wacky beauty tips -- legendary heroes of beauty trials and tribulations that are passed down from our great aunts or whispered between ladies during lunch. Most are random, wacky-sounding DIY tricks that supposedly solve all your biggest beauty problems from acne to puffy eyes to frizz.
But if you are like me, you constantly wonder: Just because my mother wholeheartedly believes that hemorrhoid cream is the perfect solution for saggy eyes, and has been using it for years, does that mean it really works?
Which is why I asked readers on our Facebook page to share the weirdest beauty tips they have ever heard. That way, I could take them to beauty experts to find out if they actually work or are total wives tales. Here is what the experts said about some of them:
Dry hair
Weird Tip: I heard mayo is a good deep conditioner for your hair. Does it really work? -- MaryAnn via Facebook
Expert answer: "With all the good products out there, why would one ever want to put mayonnaise in her hair? I mean the smell alone is enough to do damage. Because of the fat and oils in mayonnaise, yes it does condition damaged hair follicles by coating [them] with oil, but I just cannot encourage this wacky treatment. Instead, try a deep conditioning mask that is specifically formulated for hair," says celebrity hairstylist and hair expert Rene Fris. Click here to see the highest rated conditioners.
Dry skin
Weird Tip: [Apply] diaper rash cream to [help] heal cracked elbows and feet. -- Tori via Facebook
Expert answer: "True," says dermatologist Doctor Neil Sadick. As diaper rash cream "has moisturizers and anti-inflammatory ingredients," it will help hydrate and repair the skin, he says.
Hair static
Weird Tip: Using a fresh dryer sheet on your hair will smooth out flyaways. -- Pynk Nymphette
Expert answer: "Dryer sheets are a great way to tame [hair] static cling on the go. It's only a temporary fix though, so if it's a particularly dry winter day, stash a few in your purse," says Fris.
Sunburn relief
Weird Tip: To cure a sunburn, take a warm bath in VERY strong black tea -- the tannins take away the sting and swelling. -- Adonna via Facebook
Expert answer: This actually works, says Dr. Sadick, and it will definitely help alleviate any burning sensation. Tannic acid in the tea draws the burn out of the skin and helps it heal.
To not get a burn in the first place, make sure to lather up with these highest rated sunscreens.
Hair color
Weird Tip: Lemon juice really does work to naturally lighten your hair. -- Linda via Facebook
Expert answer: It absolutely does, says Fris. "Applying lemon juice to your hair before going out in the sun is a sure way to lighten your hair. The acid reacting with the sun's UV rays accelerates the highlighting process," he continues.
Acne remedy
Weird Tip: Urine works as an astringent on your face to clear up acne. -- Patrice via Facebook
Expert answer: This is so "false," says Dr. Sadick. Urine "does not have any antibacterial agents or anti-inflammatory agents," he advises. So the only place your pee belongs is in the toilet.
Hair growth
Weird Tip: Using hot pepper sauce on your roots will help hair grow. -- Seana via Facbook
Expert answer: This is a popular rumor, says Fris. "Cayenne pepper has been used in at-home remedies for centuries. They say that it helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, through oral ingestion or by applying at the root. If you are going to try this treatment, you need to apply the [pepper sauce] all over the scalp," he advises. But "the jury is still out on this one -- I have yet to come across anyone who has seen results from this treatment," he says. While Eugene Toye, stylist at the Rita Hazan Salon, says "hot pepper sauce is great for food, NOTHING ELSE!"
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