LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS ARE HERE! 
By: Anna Terrill
If you’re like me, you probably spend a lot of time on Pinterest the day after Thanksgiving trying to figure out what to do with all the leftovers crowding your refrigerator. What I’ve learned from my extensive Pinterest research is that those leftovers can be used for more than just building a tasty turkey sandwich; you can actually work them into your holiday redhead beauty regimen, and rejuvenate your body from head to toe!
1. Cranberries:
Along with its numerous health benefits, cranberry juice is also known to enhance naturally red hair. So, if you’re looking for a quick pop of color without using harsh chemicals on your hair, give this popular Thanksgiving treat a try. And the best part–it leaves your hair smelling great.
Step 1: Wash and condition your hair like you normally would.
Step 2: Rinse your hair with the cranberry juice.
Step 3: Use your fingers to blend and comb throughout.
Step 4: Let it set for about half an hour. (If you have a very sensitive scalp, it may become irritated. In that case, wash it out sooner.)
Step 5: Rinse the juice out using warm water and apply leave-in conditioner, if you want to set the color longer.
RELATED: Natural D.I.Y Highlights for Redheads
2. Carrots:
Maybe rather than the vibrant red rinse cranberries provide, you’d like more of a subtle golden tint. In that case, you’ll want to use your leftover carrots.
Step 1: Puree carrots
Step 2: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for an acidic penetrator. (Cranberries have their own acidity, but carrots do not)
Step 3: Follow the same steps you did with the cranberry rinse.
3. Sweet Potatoes:
One of my favorite dishes on the table at Thanksgiving is sweet potato casserole. I owe this to my dad who makes this coconuty, brown-sugary, sweet potatoey piece of heaven every year. Although dieticians may advise to avoid this complex carbohydrate, you can eat those sweet potatoes with a little less guilt this year, knowing that they are high in beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in the body and is essential for cell-rejuvenation and hair growth. For a simple hair conditioning recipe:
Step 1: Combine ½ of a large mashed sweet potato, ¼ cup of yogurt, and 3 tablespoons of honey
Step 2: Apply to damp hair
Step 3: Wait about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
4. Mashed Potatoes:
Potatoes have been known to help reduce acne, wrinkles, puffy eyes, and the appearance of dark circles. You can create a face mask with your leftover mashed potatoes, and see for yourself!
Step 1: Spread mashed potatoes over your damp, clean face.
Step 2: Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes
Step 3: Rinse clean with warm water.
Step 4: You may want to apply a moisturizer afterward, especially if you are prone to dry skin.
5. Pumpkin Pie:
If you’re not already familiar with the health benefits of pumpkin, you should definitely look into it–pumpkin contains over 100 vitamins and minerals that are good for your hair and skin. Here is a simple recipe for a pumpkin body scrub that should leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth.
Step 1: Combine 1 part pumpkin pie filling, 1 part olive oil, and 2 parts sugar.
Step 2: Apply mixture to your skin in a circular motion.
Step 3: Rinse off in the shower with warm water.
RELATED: Why Redheads Should Use Pumpkin Seed Oil
6. Butternut Squash:
The Vitamin E in butternut squash is useful for protecting and healing skin. Use your leftover squash to create a soothing mixture for your cracked heels. Here’s what you’ll need:
Step 1: Blend one large mashed butternut squash, 2 cups of vegetable oil, and 3 cups of milk into a smooth paste.
Step 2: Transfer into a bowl large enough for both of your feet.
Step 3: Let your feet soak for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse feet with warm water.
As for the turkey… well, I guess it’ll have to be turned into a sandwich after all. But, give the rest of these beauty tricks a try, and let us know what you think.
Rock it like a Redhead!
Photo Credit: Luciana Pampalone
