Sometimes as the pressures of everyday life mount, we need a quick getaway from it all. Under The Dryer is here to give you tips you can employ to bring the spa to you. We have gathered tips for hair, skin and nail care that can have you riding in the lap of luxury at your own home. While it is always best to see licensed professionals for your beauty needs, these tips are a great way to keep yourself fresh and intact in between visits.

BATHS – Opt out of a quick shower during your down time as the healing properties a soak in a warm bath can provide are immeasurable.

1. Lavender, lemongrass, spearmint and vanilla are just some of the scents notorious for their calming effects on the mind, body and soul. Get the oils or scented candles. DIY projects for creating the soothing scents that have become synonymous with spas are simple yet effective.

Here’s how: Light your favourite scented candle (in a safe place away from hanging fabric or flammable items). Another option is to use a diffuser. Fill it with the appropriate amount of essential oil for an aromatheraphy treat.

2. Bath Bombs – Bath bombs are compact balls of dry ingredients that, when submerged in water, effervesce to release oils, bubbles, scents and colour. This tip gives you a soak filled with moisturising and tension-releasing properties.

Here’s how: Choose/make your bath bomb to suit your needs and just drop and go. In five minutes you will have your own relaxing soak at your disposal.

3. Salt soaks – Unlike the kitchen salt you may be used to, Epsom salt is a great addition to a warm bath for its ability to soothe stiff or sore joints and relax muscles.

Here’s how: Add 2 cups to a standard-sized tub with running water to help dissolve the crystals, then soak your troubles away.

HAIR – If you do not have time to dedicate to full salon service for your hair, quick at-home fixes can be your best friend. DIY conditioning treatments are a very necessary way to not only ensure your hair looks good, but that it stays healthy and feels good too. While hair differs based on texture, length, porosity and chemical sensitivity, some popular DIY do’s for haircare include everyday household items like apple cider vinegar (ACV), unsweetened teas, olive oil and even eggs. These treatments should be done weekly or as needed based on your personal haircare needs.

No at-home beauty regimen would be complete without ACV, the holy grail of holistic health. Not only does it work wonders for our bodies when taken orally and applied topically, but it’s a great additive to your haircare regimen for its restorative properties.

Here’s how:

1. Make a hair rinse by mixing equal parts ACV with water. Pour or spritz the mixture onto hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing for softer hair with sheen.

2. For a hair mask, combine 1 teaspoon ACV with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites, then rub the mixture into your hair. Let the conditioner sit under a plastic bag/cap for at least half-an-hour to allow the mask to penetrate the hair shafts.

3. Herbal tea not only acts as a moisturiser for skin but the nutritional value it holds for hair is untold. Brew it as you would a regular cup of tea. For every 2 cups of water, use at least 3 tablespoons of herbs. Add the herb to boiling water and allow it to steep. When it cools, strain the herbs from the water. While pouring the tea over your hair, massage it into your scalp. Rinse it out or use it as a leave-in conditioner. The caffeine and vitamins/nutrients in tea can be good for hair growth as well as overall hair and scalp health and can also reduce shedding. The teas most often used for hair rinses are black tea (reduces shedding and strengthens and thickens hair) and green tea (reduces shedding and stimulates hair growth).

SKIN – Despite being our largest organ, the skin can often be neglected when it comes to self-care with many choosing to focus their attention on just the face. However, there are several ways to keep you glowing from head to toe.

1. To slough away dead skin cells, scrubs are not just beneficial for the face. These can be bought anywhere beauty products are sold or DIY’d for a custom fit to your needs.

How to: Mix coffee granules, brown sugar and coconut oil for a skin-smoothing, anti-aging body scrub.

2. After exfoliating, it is wise to keep your skin moisturised. Body butters and lotions can either be bought or made. Popular ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil (which acts as a moisture-locking barrier) and light oils such as almond, jojoba and olive.

Here’s how: Any one of these ingredients can be used independently to create soft, supple skin but whip a butter or oil with a few drops of essential oils to create a scented, multi-use body moisturiser.

NAILS – While you’re keeping your skin moisturised, take care to remember your finger and toe nails. Terriann Duff of Terri’s Touch Nail Bar was on-site to gift us with some of her favourite tips for getting your nails in order in-between appointments.

Here’s how:

1. Ensure that your nails and cuticles are clean and evenly trimmed. But be gentle! Do not use tools that are too harsh or use too much pressure on the nail bed.

2. Cuticle oil is my best friend, using this on a daily basis can really help for a longer lasting paint job! It keeps your cuticles healthy and looking good between appointments. It’s formulated with ingredients that penetrate deep into the nail and beyond layers of polish. You can repurpose any essential oil to keep your nails moisturised and strong and prevent painful cracking of cuticles.

Remember that to create the ultimate spa experience, these tips can be mixed and matched or added to another as you see fit. So grab a glass of wine or a cup of tea and HAPPY RELAXING!