Can you think of any better way to pamper your tresses than by indulging in a little hair-masking sesh? From giving them an instant bounce to repairing, dry, damaged and undernourished strands, a hair mask is a one-stop solution to all your woes.
Your hair suffers a lot every single day. Constant exposure to dirt, pollution, the sun and sweat takes its toll on your hair. Add to this, your daily dose of stress and in some cases, medical conditions such as PCOS/PCOD, and you have a definite recipe for disaster. From hair fall and thinning to dull, dry and lacklustre strands, your hair’s health is majorly compromised. Apart from having a hair care routine with products that are well-researched and are known to show results for your hair type, you should definitely add a hair mask or two to your regular hair care routine. These babies deliver quick results in very little time. Additionally, if used regularly, they improve the overall health and feel of your precious locks.
Did you know?
If you are of the opinion that good quality hair masks are really expensive, then let us stop you right there. You can totally whisk up your very own hair mask at home using just a few ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. We assure you, if you make these hair masks at home regularly and apply them before washing your strands at least once a week, you will see a marked improvement in the health of your hair. Find below some amazing recipes for hair masks that you can make at home…
- Honey + eggs + apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil + shea butter + olive oil
- Honey + aloe vera gel + lemon juice
Honey + eggs + apple cider vinegar
Step 01: In a small mixing bowl, mix together a teaspoon of honey, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one egg.
Step 02: Apply this mask all over your hair and scalp and cover your head with a shower cap.
Step 03: After about 30 to 40 minutes, rinse off the mask using cold water and a mild shampoo. Ensure that you use only cold water to wash your hair.
Step 04: You can add a little bit of your favourite essential oil to the last rinse if you think your hair still smells of the raw egg.
Ingredient benefits: This homemade hair mask is really amazing for anyone with dry, brittle or parched strands. The honey in this hair mask helps to deeply moisturise, hydrate and condition frizzy hair as well as prevent breakage. The benefit of including eggs in your hair mask is that it has incredible hair growth properties. Apart from that, it helps to eliminate dandruff, improves hair elasticity and tremendously reduces hair fall. Apple cider vinegar is your one-stop shop to improve shine and the overall texture of your strands.
Coconut oil + shea butter + olive oil
Step 01: Take all the three ingredients in a pan and microwave for about 30 seconds or until all the ingredients have melted. Allow the mixture to completely cool down before you move on to the next step.
Step 02: Apply this oil mixture all over your hair and scalp, concentrating more on the roots. If you have an oily scalp or really fine hair, then avoid applying too much at the roots as this will make your hair look flat.
Step 03: Leave it on for about an hour before washing it off with a shampoo and conditioner.
Ingredient benefits: After looking at the ingredients, we are sure you already know that this DIY hair mask is brimming with moisturising properties. Apart from this, all the three ingredients work amazingly well to add strength and shine, and leave your hair feeling super smooth and soft.
Honey + aloe vera gel + lemon juice
Step 01: Take a mixing bowl and combine all three ingredients to form a really smooth paste.
Step 02: Apply this all over your hair, but ensure that you focus mainly on your scalp.
Step 03: Keep this mask on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water, some shampoo and conditioner.
Ingredient benefits: If you are someone who has an oily scalp, then this natural homemade hair mask might prove to be the solution that you have been looking for. This is because it works really well to curb excess oil production without drying out your hair. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of honey help clean your scalp and inhibit bacterial infection, if any. Lastly, the astringent properties of lemon help restrict excess sebum production without stripping your hair of its natural oils, thus preventing dryness. How cool is that!
Frequently asked questions about hair masks at home:
Q. Do DIY hair masks really work?
A. Yes, they do, but the kind of ingredients you use play a very important role in determining if a particular hair mask will be effective or not. The whole point of a hair mask is to infuse your hair with lots of moisture. Hence, when making a hair mask at home, ensure that you use at least one moisturising ingredient such as honey, aloe vera gel or olive oil to ensure that you get the best results.
Q. What are the best ingredients to add to a hair mask to heal damaged hair?
A. Honey and milk are among the top ingredients when it comes to reducing hair damage. They are amazing hair conditioners and help repair dry, brittle and damaged strands.
Q. Is mayonnaise a good hair mask ingredient?
A. If you are suffering from dry, brittle and frizzy strands, then there is no better ingredient to include in your good homemade hair mask. The fatty acids in mayonnaise coat hair strands with a protective layer of moisture and help seal in hydration, while protecting your hair from external factors.
Image courtesy: Instagram
Written by Urvi Dalal on May 04, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!