Spa Day At Home: Your Diy Guide To Relaxation

A DIY spa day is a great way to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own home. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, drawing a bath, or applying a face mask.

To create a spa-like atmosphere, clear clutter, light some scented candles or start an essential oil diffuser, and put on your favourite playlist. You can also set up a relaxation room, separate from your bathroom, with refreshments, a soft robe, and slippers.

For your treatments, you can try a hair mask, facial steam, face mask, body scrub, or foot spa. You can also give yourself a manicure and pedicure, or do a full-body exfoliation.

Don't forget to prepare some refreshing drinks, like infused water or herbal tea, and some snacks to enjoy during your spa day.

Create a spa-like atmosphere at home

Creating a spa-like atmosphere at home is an important part of the DIY spa experience. Here are some tips to help you set the mood:

Clean and Prepare Your Space

Start by tidying your space to ensure you won't be distracted by work or clutter. If you have a spacious bedroom, you may want to use it as a relaxation room to prepare your mind and body before your treatments. Set up the room with refreshments and snacks, lay out your softest robe and slippers, and add an eye mask for the full experience.

Aromatherapy

Use scented candles or an essential oil diffuser to fill your space with therapeutic scents. Lavender, Roman chamomile, and cedarwood are recommended for stress relief and emotional balance. Lavender heals and reduces stress, Roman chamomile can calm an anxious mind, and grounding cedarwood promotes a sense of connectedness and belonging. For energy, try peppermint or wild orange, which can awaken and refresh the mind.

Music

The right music can set your mind at ease and help drown out any unwanted noise. Look for spa playlists on Spotify or other streaming apps. Alternatively, try the sound of ocean waves or nature sounds.

Lighting

Dim the lights or string up fairy lights to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

Drinks

Prepare a refreshing drink, such as infused water with seasonal fruit and fresh herbs, or green tea. You could also add a touch of elegance with a glass of sparkling wine or sparkling grape juice.

Aromatherapy ideas

Aromatherapy is a great way to enhance your at-home spa experience. Here are some ideas to incorporate aromatherapy into your DIY spa day:

Choose the Right Essential Oils: Different essential oils offer various benefits. For instance, lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties, while eucalyptus provides an invigorating and refreshing scent. Tea tree oil is excellent for acne-prone skin, and rose is suitable for sensitive skin.

Aromatherapy Shower: If you prefer showers over baths, you can still enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Hang a fresh sprig of eucalyptus in your shower or scatter a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on the shower wall, away from the water spray. End your shower with a burst of cold water to boost your circulation and release endorphins.

Steam Treatment: Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, tea tree oil, or rosewater. Drape a towel over your head and hold your head over the bowl to enjoy the steam. This helps open your pores and decongest your skin.

Aromatherapy Bath: Add essential oils, bath salts, or bath bombs to your bathwater for a sensory experience. Avoid using thick substances like oils if you have a hot tub, as they can damage the filters. Instead, opt for products specifically designed for use in hot tubs, such as aromatherapy crystals, liquids, salts, or capsules.

Facial Treatments: Essential oils can be incorporated into your facial routine. Add a few drops of essential oil to your facial cleanser, massage oil, masque, or toner. For acne-prone skin, tea tree oil is a good choice, while rose is suitable for sensitive skin. Always perform a patch test before using essential oils directly on your skin.

Massage: Aromatherapy can also be used during massages. Choose essential oils that address specific concerns like muscle aches, joint pain, or arthritis. Popular choices include black pepper, cypress, ginger, and marjoram. Combine these oils with carrier oils like almond, avocado, or jojoba oil for a soothing and relaxing massage experience.

Remember to discuss the use of essential oils with any guests you invite to your at-home spa day, as some individuals may have sensitivities or health concerns that contraindicate their use. Enjoy your DIY spa day and relax!

Make a DIY hair mask

A DIY hair mask is a great way to give your hair some extra TLC. Here are some recipes for different hair types that you can try at home:

Coconut Oil and Honey Hair Mask (Repairing)

Coconut oil is a magical ingredient for your hair as it keeps it moist and soft and prevents hair breakage. Honey is a natural humectant, which helps retain moisture in your hair.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Transfer the mixture into a pot and heat it up until melted.
• Apply it to your hair from top to bottom and cover with a shower cap.
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

Coconut Oil and Cinnamon Hair Mask (Hair Growth)

Cinnamon stimulates circulation in the scalp and improves blood flow to the hair follicles, leading to hair growth. Coconut oil hydrates and moisturises the hair.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
• Part your hair down the centre and start applying the mixture to your scalp.
• Use your fingertips to massage it into your scalp.
• Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap or towel.
• Let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes, then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Egg and Lemon Hair Mask (Oily Hair)

Eggs are rich in vitamins and proteins, which help retain the shine in your hair. Lemon has the capability to absorb excess oil in the scalp.

• Use only the egg white from 1 egg and squeeze half a lemon into a mixing bowl.
• Mix the egg white and lemon juice until smooth.
• Apply to damp hair from top to bottom.
• Tie hair up and cover with a shower cap.
• Let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes, then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Hair Mask (Dry Hair)

Brown sugar is a great exfoliant for the hair, helping to get rid of dead skin cells and residue buildup on the scalp. Extra virgin olive oil is a natural conditioner that locks in moisture and prevents dryness of the scalp.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Apply the mixture to your hair from top to bottom.
• Let the mask sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

Banana, Yogurt and Honey Hair Mask (Frizzy Hair)

Bananas are great for hair conditioning as they are full of natural oils, potassium, carbohydrates and vitamins, which help lock in moisture. Yogurt contains high levels of lactic acid, which helps treat dull and damaged hair.

• Combine 1 sliced banana, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. You can use a blender or mash the banana and mix the ingredients until well blended.
• Apply the mask to damp hair from top to bottom.
• Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap.
• Leave the mask on for about 30-45 minutes, then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Coconut Oil, Avocado and Honey Hair Mask (Damaged Hair)

Avocados are a natural, healthy fat, offering 20 different vitamins and minerals, which add shine, moisturise, and provide essential vitamins and proteins to your hair.

• Mash 1 avocado and put it in a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix well.
• Apply to your hair from the ends to the roots.
• Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

Coconut Oil, Strawberry and Honey Hair Mask (Shiny Hair)

Strawberries are full of Vitamin C, which helps your body create collagen, an important part of the hair's structure.

• Blend 6-8 fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey to form a puree.
• Apply evenly to damp hair.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

There you have it! You can easily create your own hair masks at home with natural ingredients to nourish and protect your hair.

Try an at-home facial steam

Step 1: Cleanse and Exfoliate

Before steaming your face, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Wash your face with a detoxifying, pore-clearing cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, and other impurities.

Step 2: Prep the Steam

Bring a small pot or bowl of water to a boil. You'll only need a few cups of water. When the water is thoroughly heated, carefully transfer it to a ceramic bowl and allow it to cool down a bit. Tap water works fine, but distilled or spring water is also an option.

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

To enhance your at-home spa experience, add essential oils to your water. Essential oils can deliver a relaxing aroma and make your steam facial even more enjoyable. Three to five drops of an essential oil are more than enough.

To feel invigorated, try citrus-scented essential oils. To relax, opt for lavender or chamomile. For an uplifting experience, try rose essential oil. And for the ultimate spa vibe, go for eucalyptus oil.

Step 4: Steam Your Face

Stand about a foot away from the bowl and drape a sheet or towel over your head and shoulders to create a steam tent. For five to ten minutes, inhale and exhale slowly as you let the warm steam hit your face. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation, and remove the towel if you feel uncomfortable at any point.

Step 5: Apply a Mask

After steaming, you can further clarify your skin with a clay face mask or cleanser to clear out any lingering impurities.

Step 6: Tone Your Skin

Use a gentle toner and apply it to your face with a cotton pad. If you have dry skin, try a milky hydrating toner with snow mushroom and hyaluronic acid.

Step 7: Ice Cube Facial

Follow the warmth of the steam with an ice cube facial to cool off.

Step 8: Moisturize

Finish with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. For normal to dry skin, opt for something nourishing yet lightweight. If you have oily skin, try a matte moisturiser to lock in hydration while keeping excess shine at bay.

Notes:

• At-home steam facials should not be a daily occurrence. Talk to a dermatologist about the right frequency for your skin.
• Always steam before your facial, not after, to ensure your skin soaks up all the benefits of the products you'll be using.
• Drink plenty of water before your steam facial and avoid alcohol to stay hydrated.
• Be careful not to steam for longer than five to ten minutes.

Make a homemade face mask, scrub or mist

Face Masks

Face masks are a great way to give your skin a boost of hydration and nourishment. They can help to improve the texture and tone of your skin, minimise pores, and zap blemishes. Here are some recipes for homemade face masks that target different skin concerns:

For Dry Skin

• 2 tsp aloe vera juice
• 1 tsp natural raw honey
• A splash of natural spring water
• (Optional) A few drops of lavender essential oil

For Hyperpigmentation

• 1 tbsp of fresh turmeric or 1 tbsp turmeric powder (juiced or pressed)
• 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
• Water to make a paste
• 1 tbsp of honey or 1/2 a beaten avocado if you've used juiced turmeric

For Calming and Soothing Skin

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 drops of lavender oil

For Hydrating and Nourishing

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A handful of oats or oat bran
• (Optional) Mashed avocado or 3 tablespoons of milk

For Improving Uneven Skin Texture and Tone

• 1 tablespoon of natural, plain yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder

For an Otherworldly Glow

• 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
• A squeeze of Aloe Vera gel

For Fighting Acne and Blemishes

• 1 tablespoon of manuka honey
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dead Sea salt

For Minimising Enlarged Pores

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A little squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 egg white

For Combatting Oily Skin

• 1/4 cucumber, blended
• 1/2 avocado

For Protecting Against Pollution

• A handful of ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon of matcha powder

Face Scrubs

Face scrubs are a great way to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. This helps to improve the texture and tone of your skin, unclog pores, and boost circulation. Here are some recipes for homemade face scrubs:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon ground almonds or ground oatmeal, and 1 teaspoon water.
• Mix salt scrub infused with skin-loving lavender and a little coconut oil.

Face Mists

Face mists are a versatile product that can provide hydration, lock in moisture, and refresh the skin. Here is a recipe for a homemade face mist:

• 3 Tbsp distilled water
• 2 Tbsp witch hazel
• 2 Tbsp rose water
• 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin
• (Optional) 1 drop tea tree essential oil (for acne-prone skin), 1 drop lavender essential oil (for sensitive skin), 1 tsp aloe vera gel (to reduce redness), or 1-3 drops liquid highlighter (for added shimmer)

Frequently asked questions