Haircare is self-care: 4 easy DIY recipes for hair masks


Because haircare is self care.

Photo: Oksanakiian/Getty images

Just like skincare, haircare is something personal. It’s not a one-regimen-fits-all approach. 

In some cases, an extensive treatment is needed to solve hair problems. One of the easiest ways to do this is with hair masks.

Hair masks are made up of concentrated ingredients that boost hair health. It is a deep conditioning treatment where you leave your hair coated with a hair-nourishing mixture for 20 minutes or more.

There are many benefits you can get from using a hair mask. It can instantly nourish your hair, boost moisture, reduce breakage, and make hair shinier and softer.

Many brands are now offering organic and vegan hair masks. While you can have them delivered to your doorstep, it can be fun to make your own. You can customize it based on your hair needs and, since it is green, you help keep environmental damages to a minimum.

According to experts, it is best to use these hair masks on dry hair as water repels oil. Rinse them off with shampoo and conditioner.

DAMAGE AND FRIZZ

Banana is a good ingredient to add to your hair masks. It reduces frizz and makes hair softer and shinier with its silica component. It also has some antimicrobial properties that eliminate dandruff and dryness.

Mix a ripe banana with two tablespoons of olive oil until there are no more lumps. Apply to hair from the roots up. You can also use a comb to lather the mask evenly. Put a shower cap on, leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse.

DANDRUFF AND DRYNESS

Avocado is a good source of folic acid, iron, and magnesium, which help hair become resistant to breakage. Aloe vera nourishes the hair, and soothes the scalp with its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins.

Combine one avocado with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Mash the avocado until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply to hair and scalp and leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

THINNING HAIR

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Some cases of thinning hair, however, may be linked to lifestyle choices and genetics. Luckily, eggs are full of protein, biotin, and folate, which are essential in boosting hair growth.

Just mix two eggs with two tablespoons of coconut oil and honey. Coat hair from roots to tips. Leave it on for 20 minutes or longer, and wash off with cold water.

ITCHY SCALP

Apart from its culinary use, apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for hair use due to its antimicrobial properties. It balances the scalp's pH levels and controls the spread of bacteria and fungi that may lead to hair and scalp problems.

To turn it into a hair mask, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage on the scalp before applying it to the strands. Leave for 30 minutes before shampooing.