DIY hair masks- 5 ingredients or less
In case you hadn't heard, hair wellness if officially a thing. It's not actually as crazy as it sounds, either: when wellness is defined as "the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal", it makes sense that hair wellness- actively maintaining good hair health- is a thing.
The worst of the winter seems to finally be behind us, and there's no better time than the present to give our hair some much-needed TLC as a thank-you for getting through the difficult season with us. The harsh winds and icy temperatures of winter can leave hair dry, brittle and dehydrated, and you can combat this with the honourable hair mask.
There are plenty of hair masks available from every respected brand out there these days- in fact, there seems to be a hair mask for every hair type, colour, tone, mood... you name it, there's a mask for it. But here's something you might not know: DIY at home-hair masks are not only just as effective (sometimes *gasp* even more effective) as their shop-bought alternatives, but also cheaper.
We get that nobody has the time to faff around brwwing bits and bobs like a witch over a cauldron- which is why you don't have to. We've found three of the most beneficial hair masks you can make at home that are just five ingredients or less. Now that's what we're talking about.
The Mask: Coconut Oil and Honey
The Benefits:
What doesn't coconut oil do to hair? Namely, it stimulates hair growth, promotes scalp health, prevents dandruff, adds shine and softness the hair, and prevents breakage and split ends. The antioxidant properties of honey prevent damage, strengthening hair follicles and maintaining hair health.
The Need-to-Knows:
We're starting simple with a basic two-ingredient hair mask for giving hair that ultimate shine. Combine 2 to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey (make sure the oil is melted to liquid form for the sake of convenience), then apply to damp hair. Leave in for 30-60 minutes and then wash out, followed by your usual shampoo and condition.
The Mask: Egg Yolk Olive Oil
The Benefits:
Eggs are a good protein source, full stop, whether you're eating them or applying them directly to an area of your body (in this case, your hair. Anywhere else might be a bit weird). The idea of letting your hair anywhere near egg yolks might not be super appealing, but it's worth it: they work as a hair superfood, adding moisture and strengthening strands. Olive oil revitalises the scalp, nourishes the hair roots and promotes the growth of hair strands.
The Need-to-Knows:
Again, this is an easy mask to put together, and you probably already have the ingredients in your cupboard. Blend 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 egg yolks in a bowl, then apply to damp hair. Leave on for 30-60 minutes, rinse off, and continue to wash and condition your hair as usual.
The Mask: Avocado and Banana
The Benefits:
Being high in vitamins B and E, avocados help to repair damage to the scalp and strengthen hair from the roots. They rejuvenate and moisturise dry hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and smooth. Bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils, and vitamins, helping to soften hair and prevent dandruff. Apple cider vinegar restores the natural pH level of the scalp, preventing moisture loss.
The Need-to-Knows:
Combine half of an avocado, half a banana, and 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a food processor and mix until a delicious, gooey-looking substance forms (add water if not liquidy enough, but be sure not to make it too runny). Massage the mask into your scalp and leave on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing and conditioning.