It’s true. I won’t touch cream cheese, white sauces, butter sauces, coconut milk-based curries, or anything that is creamy in texture.

Perhaps for that reason, or perhaps based on being wishy-washy about my condiments, I am not a fan of mayo.

Except…in my hair.

When I was just out of diapers – my mom, probably my original beauty-product-inspiration – taught me that the best hair mask was available right in the fridge. My mom, too, you see, is not a fan of mayo – and in fact, ONLY purchased it because…it was…a hair product.

Sxc.hu

Yes, you read right. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it’s super cheap. Just take a plastic cup full of mayo (You want the good, high-fat kind for this), smother it over your hair, and cover with a plastic bag. Then, sit down and read a magazine for a half hour or so.

When you rinse your hair out, you’ll notice that it’s softer and shinier – and you had a high-fat smelly condiment to thank! Note, you may want to shampoo twice – the last thing you want to do is have gorgeous, shiny hair, but smell like tuna salad.

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A Touch of Mayo

This often means – and requires – restorative masks, and the most recent one on my radar is WEN Re-Moist Hydrating Mask.

This is marketed to be an intensive hydrating treatment to moisturize stressed hair, and to use, you are supposed to appply it all over your hair (after shampooing) and let sit for a half hour. However, you cannot possibly leave it on too long – the longer you do, the better it works.

I tried it, and it did not weigh my hair down – nor did it have that waxy build up I live in fear of. It comes in some great scents, and if used correctly, can leave hair like silk. I even tried it as an overnight deep conditioner – to fab results! My advice? Use this (or any good hydrating hair mask) weekly for a good hair pick-me-up.

Image: QVC

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WEN by Chaz Dean Re-Moist Hydrating Mask

While papyrus is known as the original form of paper (and a trendy paper store in NYC), it actually was used in ancient Egypt for hair and scalp care!

Apparently, I am not the only one who is down with this classical knowledge – Klorane has just come out with an anti-frizz hair care line created with papyrus milk. The papyrus plant is still grown in Spain, and its fatty acids really do help protect against heat and humidity – go know! Included will be a shampoo, hair mask, and leave-in conditioner.

The line will launch in May 2009, and be available at Beauty.com and stores like Bloomingdales – I have samples en route, so I will keep you posted on how it works as soon as I try it out!

Image: Klorane

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Would You Rub Paper on Your Head?

I would like to think it’s about time to took a moment to indulge in a rather stereotypical sin…chocolate. Only there’s no need to worry about fitting into your new pencil skirt for work the next day with this special treat. I’m talking cocoa treatments made especially for your skin.

If you haven’t tried it, the idea of applying such a decadent digestible to your skin may seem a touch strange; even contrary to the old wife’s tales about chocolate being the primary culprit for teenage acne.

Chocolate Spa Facial Mask

Raw Chocolate Face Pack

Tval Hair Mask

Here are three ways you can add a little chocolate back into your daily routine for some simple pleasure without ruining your diet:

Melis Chocolate Face Mask. Cocoa mixed with coconut milk, honey and Moroccan clay, this is a soothing combination of antioxidents and purifying properties. I almost gasped when I read that it also happened to be “fragrance free”…but then they added the part about naturally smelling all chocolate-y.

Raw Chocolate Face Pack. It’s fascinating that another chocolate skin care product is also infused with clay. Raw Gaia’s Chocoalte Face Pack is powered by red clay, organic turmeric and organic amla fruit powder.While you’re eliminating toxins, you will be salivating a little at how much your face smells like a chocolate truffle.

Tval Skincare Hair Mask. Now that your skin is all decadent and treated to chocolate, it’s time to turn to your hair. Mixed with citrus (a natural astringent), this hair mask will tame the frizzies and hydrate your lovely locks…as long as you can resist nibbling on a few strands while it is working it’s magic.

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Chocolate Skin Care Treatments

Here are a couple recipe ideas from David Parker, Cosmetic Chef and Co-founder of The Body Deli.

Organic Green Goddess Facial Masque

• 1 cup Organic Yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Organic Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Local Honey
• 1/2 Ripe Avocado
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• Pinch of ground Coriander

Directions: Put yogurt, mayonnaise, honey and avocado in a food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Place into a bowl and add lemon juice and coriander, mix my hand until well incorporated. For best results buy whole coriander seeds and finely grind in a coffee grinder. It is worth the effort the aroma is out of this world! Apply masque to face, neck and decollate. Keep on for at least 15 minutes wash with warm water and follow up with moisturizer of choice.

Superfood Hair Pack

• 1/2 Cup Raw Tahini
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid Aminos
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Bee Pollen
• 1 Teaspoon Crystal Manna-Blue Green Algae
• 1/2 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Truffle Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Raw Hazelnut Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Sulphur
• 2 Egg Yolks

Directions: Combine all ingredients in your glass or ceramic bowl. Mix all ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste like consistency. You have just made the very best treatment for your hair that money can buy.

Photo credit: istockphoto

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Homemade Beauty Treatments