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Got milk?
Asking this question outside the realm of drinking it might seem strange, but after watching Fergie's newest music video, "M.I.L.F. $," it's the number-one question on my mind.
In the video for the song, which Fergie says stands for "Moms I'd Like to Follow," she and her hot mom squad are seen dousing themselves in milk. While I loved the catchy beat and the subliminal messaging of mom power, I couldn't help but wonder if pouring milk all over myself would be beneficial to my hair and skin. In my never-ending quest for a snatched waistline, I stopped consuming dairy products, but if there is any way that bathing in the stuff is going to make my hair and skin look good, sign me up!
Thankfully, Hair Food hairstylist Rebekah Forecast confirmed that milk does indeed do your hair and body good.
"Milk has been used for hundreds of years to infuse the skin and hair with proteins and vitamins," she says. "The calcium and proteins along with the vitamins it contains are very beneficial in our diets, but also as a hair treatment, seeing as milk-based products work to restore natural shine and luster to the hair while strengthening its structure."
In fact, Remington hairstylist Richard Marin says that the idea of women rinsing their hair with milk is something he has seen over the years because it imparts shine to the hair.
And if that isn't enough, cosmetic chemist Ginger King also adds that milk works like any other alpha hydroxy acid products to help exfoliate and remove debris and make hair softer.
Hairstylist Danny Jelaca says that milk can also add weight to the hair, which is the secret to keratin and smoothing treatments.
"Whole milk can be used as a straightener, and you can add some honey, strawberries and banana for a nice smell and extra nourishment," he says. "You can either saturate the hair with the concoction or use a spray bottle. Continually comb your hair or keep pulling it; the idea is to pull any curl for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, then condition. Let air-dry for a surprisingly straight look."
If you simply can't fathom the idea of using whole milk on your hair, Marin suggests using a leave-in treatment, like Milk, which is infused with a blend of 16 essential oils, to get the same shine.
However, one of the main reasons that I wouldn't mind bathing (swimming?) in milk is because it also works well as a natural skin softener.
"Pure milk is extremely soothing and hydrating for the skin, so milk baths, cold milk soaks or using topical beauty products with milk as the main ingredient is a great way to soothe and moisturize any dry, irritated areas of the body," says dermatologist Amy Brodsky.
King adds that milk can slough off dead skin cells thanks to the lactic acid it contains. However, she advises those with sensitive skin to take caution as the lactic acid may sting.
"Low-sugar yogurt contains probiotics, which aid in keeping your skin free of breakouts, so eating low-sugar yogurts or using them in your skin-care routine—for example a yogurt-and-honey face mask—can help keep acne at bay," says Brodsky.
Brodsky suggests using products like Josie Maran Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment or The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Chamomile Cleansing Milk. Other great finds include Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream or L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take a milk bath.
