Our hair, much like our skin, is exposed to many external factors that affect it. From pollution to extreme temperatures to cosmetic products that contain chemicals, our scalp and hair get the short end of the stick and suffer dryness and lackluster.
To fight against this, the ideal solution is to consider homemade hair mask recipes using natural ingredients. We will look at various types of hair treatments aimed at catering to damaged hair, frizzy and curly hair, as well as natural hair and those with an itchy scalp. So if you've recently wondered how to make a homemade hair mask, read on and prepare to be WOWed.
Why use homemade hair mask recipes
The purpose of hair masks or hair treatments of any kind is to protect, hydrate, and regenerate our hair that due to exposure to pollution and extreme temperature experiences damage and dryness. You could also need a nourishing hair mask because of years of dying your hair or bleaching it, or perhaps because of long-term use of hair dryers and straighteners.
Whatever the reason, the use and abuse of our hair leave visible marks such as dryness, split ends, lack of shine, and natural elasticity. Hair specialists all over the world recommend using a hair mask at least once a week. The correct way to apply hair treatment is after you have washed and rinsed your hair, with consideration to the time you let the mask set. Typically, natural hair conditioner or homemade hair masks need to be applied for at least 30 minutes for best results, and they need to be rinsed off well.
However, not all hair products available on the market will fit your particular needs which is why talking to a specialist or consulting relevant literature could be a way of staying on track. This way you could find the best product to tick all the boxes in terms of shine, volume, and care. Nevertheless, these cosmetics, which on top of their elevated price, are often made with chemical compounds and few (to none) natural ingredients.
Nowadays, there are more and more people who are adhering to the "natural" movement, and not only in terms of nutrition but also beauty. Therefore, homemade hair mask recipes have become increasingly popular especially since they give the consumer complete control over the origin and quality of the ingredients used.
For damaged hair
Similarly to how you care for your skin and choose the appropriate type of lotion, you will select the type of hair treatment to use depending on your type of hair. Our locks can get severely damaged after years of coloring, bleaching, perms, use of the hairdryer, and hair straighteners.
Damaged hair reacts best to naturally fatty ingredients that lock in moisture and help provide shine and a protective barrier against the sun and low temperatures. Use these household items to make this homemade hair mask:
- ripe banana
- ripe avocado
- coconut oil
Mix well into a bowl or blend so that you have no chunks left. Make sure to apply from the roots down to your ends, focusing on the ends as they tend to be more damaged. Leave in for 10-15 minutes and then rinse out.
Avoid using shampoo at this stage as you may strip your hair of the healthy fats from the hair mask. For best results, apply the hair treatment after two or three weeks and combine with a DIY leave in conditioner.
For oily hair
If you have greasy hair, or it tends to get oily quickly, it would be best to use another type of hair mask. You can try ingredients such as:
- yogurt
- natural essence
- musk rose, to boost the protective layer
Mix them well in a bowl, and adjust the quantities depending on the length of your hair. Apply a small amount of the mixture to your roots; you don't need much considering your scalp builds up sebum fast and make sure to cover the entire length of your hair with it. Leave it in for 10-15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly and shampoo if you feel like you need to. As you start using DIY hair masks, you will observe how certain ingredients have different effects on your hair, and you might want to alter the recipes to reach a perfect formula for your hair.
For curly hair
If you want to take your curls from pretty good to amazing, incorporating hair masks into your routine is the way to get there. Have a look below at one of the best hair masks that you can use for curls, to restore shine and elasticity, and make them perk up! You will only need four ingredients to make this rich conditioning mask:
- 1 egg
- 2 tbs. mayonnaise
- 1 tbs. honey
- 1 tbs. olive oil
At first glance, it may appear crazy to use condiments in hair masks, but the reason it works so well is that mayo has an oil base which makes hair shine. The egg restores protein and the honey and olive oil supply the hair with much-needed moisture.
For frizzy hair
Let's face it: Our hair can be our biggest enemy during the hot months of summer as well as during cold winters. Many hair treatments on the market promise to take care of flyaways but very few manage to get the job done correctly. If you keep asking yourself how to get rid of frizzy hair, you could give this home remedy a go. You will need the following:
1 sliced banana
2 tbsp. plain yogurt
1 tbsp. honey
Double the recipe for long hair. Mix the ingredients in a blender or mash the banana and whisk ingredients together until well-blended. Apply the mask evenly throughout damp hair and if you have long hair, tie it up before you cover it with a towel or shower cap. Let the mask sit for 30 minutes and then wash out with shampoo and conditioner. For best results, apply the mask once weekly.
Itchy scalp
If you're struggling with cold weather, dandruff and itch have a look at this homemade hair mask recipe that is bound to give you some relief. Lemon juice and olive oil will nourish your tresses and leave your scalp refreshed. “The acidity in lemon juice helps rid your scalp of any loose, dry flakes of skin, while the olive oil moisturizes the[newly exposed]skin on your head,” natural beauty expert Janice Cox told Woman’s Day. For this DIY hair mask, you will need:
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- 2 tbs. lemon juice
- 2 tbs. honey
Mix the ingredients well and apply to your hair, massage into your scalp, and let it set for about 20 minutes. Shampoo as normal. Use every other week for ideal results.
For natural hair
Ladies who want to take their natural locks from drab to fab need not look any further. Try one of the best hair mask recipes from the hair whizzes at BuzzFeed and enjoy the boost of moisture. You will need:
½ avocado
¼ cup of mayonaisse
2 tbs. avocado oil
1 tbs. honey
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and apply from the roots to the tips. Cover with a shower cap and let it set for 30 minutes before washing off. Rinse and wash with conditioner.