Give your hair the TLC it needs with these all-natural, homemade recipes
We all deal with various hair issues—from dryness to frizziness and thinning—which can be caused by all sorts of factors, such as the changing of seasons, using too many hot tools, our diet and even pollutants from the outdoors.
Luckily, we don't have to resort to expensive hair treatments from stores because the answer to nourishing hair can be found right at home. This means you're not only reducing the amount of harmful chemicals going through your locks, but you're also cutting down on single-use plastics and other waste by being eco-conscious.
Here are seven ways to achieve healthy hair with ingredients that can be found in your pantry…
1. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil Mask
Photo by Irene Kredenets on UnsplashIn a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil (1 tablespoon is recommended for extra fine hair), and 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil. Use your hands to massage the mask into the scalp and throughout the hair. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing out or apply it before bed as an overnight treatment.
Benefits: Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, rich in fatty acids and contains vitamin E which works to moisturize and deeply condition the hair. Tea tree oil also has a number of benefits, such as being anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and it can reduce dandruff around the scalp. This combination is great for all hair types, but remember that it will get quite greasy.
*Note: Make sure the coconut oil is not cold, but room temperature or slightly warm for best results. Tea tree oil can also be substituted with peppermint oil.
2. Avocado, Olive Oil and Honey Mask
Photo by Stepan Babanin on UnsplashUsing a fork, mash up half an avocado in a bowl. Add in half a cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well together. Apply the mask starting at the ends of your hair and working your way up. Leave on for about 20 minutes before washing.
Benefits: Avocado works wonders on hair, just like it does on skin. This superfood contains lots of goodness—like omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin C and E, plus more—which will protect your locks from heat, pollutants and even help manage split ends. Olive oil and honey both help to add shine and restore the natural softness of your hair.
*Note: If it feels too messy, put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a light towel.
3. Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Mask
Photo by Anastasia Zhenina on UnsplashMix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the mask to your hair from top to bottom, focusing on massaging throughout the scalp. Leave on for roughly 20 minutes before washing.
Benefits: Brown sugar works perfectly as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells from the scalp, as well as combat any itchiness or flakiness. Olive oil helps to lock in moisture and condition your hair. This mask is especially great for the wintertime when our scalps are more prone to drying out.
4. Apply Cider Vinegar and Honey Mask
Photo by Alexander Mils on UnsplashIn a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon water. Stir well. After shampooing hair, apply the mask throughout the hair and leave on for roughly 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
Benefits: Apple cider vinegar is rich in vitamin C, which helps to detoxify hair and fight dandruff, as well as cleanse the scalp of bacteria thanks to a number of probiotics. Honey is a natural ingredient that will help add shine and lustre if your hair has been looking and feeling dull. This is a fantastic DIY mask if you’re in need of detoxifying your scalp.
*Note: Adding water to this recipe is extremely crucial as vinegar is acidic.
5. Banana, Yogurt and Honey Mask
Photo by Anastasia Eremina on UnsplashCombine 1 sliced banana, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey together. Use a blender or mix thoroughly by hand. Apply the mask to damp hair from top to bottom. Leave on for roughly 40 minutes before washing hair with shampoo and conditioner.
Benefits: Bananas are another superfood with tons of goodness inside, like potassium, carbohydrates and vitamins. Yogurt contains lactic acid that will help treat damaged hair. This delicious mask will get rid of frizz in no time, plus leave your hair feeling extra conditioned and glossy.
6. Egg White and Lemon Mask
Photo by Alicja Gancarz on UnsplashIn a bowl, separate egg white from the yolk to use for the mask. Squeeze in half a fresh lemon into the bowl. Mix well until you have a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture to damp hair. Put on a shower cap to activate ingredients. Leave on for roughly 40 minutes before washing.
Benefits: Although you may never think of combining these two ingredients together for your hair, this mask is winner when it comes to combating grease and residue in your scalp. Eggs are very rich in proteins and fatty acids which help to stimulate natural shine, and the acidity of lemon helps to remove excess oil.
*Note: Raw eggs may contain a bacteria called Salmonella that can cause foodborne illness, so use caution and wash skin with soap after handling.
7. Mayonnaise and Coconut Oil Mask
Photo by Evan Reimer on UnsplashIn a bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil together. Mix well. Add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help dilute the ingredients. Apply throughout the hair and scalp. Leave on for roughly 30 minutes before washing.
Benefits: It doesn’t exactly sound appealing, but mayonnaise has been used for decades to achieve nourished and strong hair. Coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and olive oil is a natural conditioner. If your hair is prone to dryness, then this DIY mask will give you fabulous results when used consistently.