There’s a point in life where you find yourself looking in the mirror at your hair. It’s these times where one contemplates what you would look like with longer, stronger hair. We all have different hair types and different problem areas. This causes you to open up your favorite search engine and search the world of beauty for that perfect solution to reach your goal. This search can be overwhelming; so compiled here are just a few options to find that perfect hair mask that works for you.
Hair Masks for Natural Hair
Natural hair can be difficult to find a product for as it needs a lot of moisture and special care. A few options for hair masks for natural hair are avocado masks, deep conditioners, mayonnaise hair masks, protein mix hair masks, banana with egg masks,
Avocado Masks
Avocado masks are fairly simple to make at home and provide some glamorous benefits for hair. Some benefits of avocado masks include but are not limited to moisturizing, promotion of hair growth, dandruff prevention, and revitalizing damaged hair. The healthy effects come from the vitamins ( A, D, E, and B6), amino acids, magnesium, folic acid, and copper/iron that avocados naturally have. Also, the oils in avocados can actually penetrate the hair follicle and provide actual moisture to the hair. Below are two examples of avocado masks for both dry hair and the promotion of hair growth.
Avocado Oil Mask For Dry Hair
Ingredients:
• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 tbsp. raw honey
• 1 large whole egg
• The essential oil of choice (optional) (rosemary oil stimulates hair growth)
Directions:
• Whisk egg like you are scrambling eggs.
• In another bowl, mash avocado, and mix in essential oil and honey.
• Massage into hair and cover with a shower cap. Let the process for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water.
• Shampoo, condition, and style per usual.
Avocado Mask for Hair Growth
Ingredients:
• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 egg yolk
Directions:
• Separate egg yolk into a bowl. Whisk yolk until frothy.
- In another bowl, finely crush an overripe avocado. Add in egg yolk and mix well.
• Apply the mask to wet hair, beginning with the scalp and working to the ends. Gently massage the mixture into the scalp for five minutes.
• Rinse hair thoroughly with cold or lukewarm water.
• Shampoo, condition, and style per usual.
Deep Conditioner Hair Mask (DIY)
With natural hair, a lot of times things we love to do (like heat styling) can leave hair very dry and begging for moisture. This is where a deep conditioning hair mask can be of use. Included below is a simple recipe for a hair mask that will leave your hair feeling moisturized. This mask is totally safe for natural hair so it can be used weekly.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup of olive oil or coconut oil (warmed)
Directions:
• Section off your hair.
• Apply the oil section by section; letting it soak into the hair.
• Cover hair with either a hot towel or shower cap.
• Leave on for at least thirty minutes.
• Wash hair thoroughly with moisturizing shampoo but do not strip all the oil from the hair.
Mayonnaise Hair Mask
Mayonnaise masks are great because mayonnaise has oil and eggs which provide moisture and protein for the hair. Here’s how to do this at home.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Directions:
- Section off hair
- Apply mayonnaise to each section.
- Cover hair with a shower cap.
- Let sit on the hair for fifteen to thirty minutes.
- Rinse, shampoo, and style per usual.
Protein Hair Mask (DIY )
Human hair is composed of protein. Therefore, when our hair is in need of repair it can be from a lack of protein. While you can add protein to your diet for long-term results, a more immediate way to receive benefits from protein is through a protein-rich hair mask. Below is a recipe to achieve this mask at home. This mask includes gelatin which has keratin to strengthen the bonds of the hair.
Gelatin Protein Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp powdered gelatin
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
Directions:
- Combine gelatin and water in a small saucepan. Whisk the entire time to avoid lumping.
- Heat mixture over medium heat until it steams. (Usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes)
- Remove mixture from heat and add vinegar and honey. Mix well.
- Apply the mask to wet hair while the mask is still warm. Work from roots to ends.
- Cover with a shower cap.
- Let stand for ten to thirty minutes.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water and follow up with conditioner.
- Let hair air dry for best results.
Banana and Egg Hair Mask
Banana and egg hair masks are a great way to naturally add moisture to natural hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 over-ripe bananas
- One egg
- Blender
- Bowl
Directions:
- Place bananas and egg in a blender
- Blend until mixture is smooth
- Pour into bowl
- Section off hair and apply from roots to ends.
- Cover hair with a shower cap.
- Let stand for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Rinse hair and style per usual.
Extreme DIY Hair Masks
DIY Hair Growth Mask
Many of us long for longer locks and it can seem difficult to achieve. There are supplements, tons of online advice, and just plain old hoping. One thing that can be done at home is making hair masks to aid with hair growth. One ingredient that is quite useful for hair growth is green tea. This is because green tea stimulates hair follicles and strengthens hair. Included below is a DIY recipe for a green tea hair growth mask.
Green Tea Growth Mask
Ingredients:
- Green Tea Bags
Directions:
- Brew green tea and let cool.
- Massage into scalp and hair after showering.
- Let tea soak into the hair and scalp for ten minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Repeat two to three times weekly for a couple of months to see results.
Yogurt and Honey Hair Mask
Yogurt naturally has conditioning properties and can help make hair shinier. This is why yogurt is often used as an ingredient in hair masks. Below is a DIY recipe for a honey yogurt hair mask to help achieve maximum shine while conditioning hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
Directions:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl to create a fine paste.
- Apply to hair starting from the roots and working through the ends.
- Cover with a shower cap.
- Let stand for thirty minutes.
- Rinse well with water.
Thickening Hair Mask
Some of us have hair that is thinning out and that’s okay. There are some ways to help stimulate new hair growth and increase the thickness of the hair. However. One hair mask that can help with this common ailment is a Rosemary and Nettle Tea Mask.
Rosemary and Nettle Tea Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 Nettle Tea Bag
- 1 cup boiling water
- ¾ cup fresh rosemary
Directions:
- Boil one cup of water.
- Remove from heat and let tea and rosemary steep for one hour.
- Strain and allow to cool completely.
- Pour into a spray bottle and spritz on wet hair overnight or pour over hair and let sit for ten minutes then rinse and shampoo.
Hair Masks for Natural Hair Growth
Growth is a coveted effect when it comes to hair masks. The following masks can help achieve natural hair growth over time.
Avocado Banana Mask
Ingredients:
- Half ripe banana
- Half ripe avocado
- 3 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp honey
- One Egg
Directions:
- Mash banana and avocado in a bowl with a fork.
- In a separate bowl beat one egg until smooth.
- Mix in honey and milk with egg and blend well.
- Add egg mixture to banana mixture and mix well.
- Cover hair and scalp.
- Cover hair with a shower cap.
- Leave on for up to thirty minutes.
- Rinse and wash your hair normally.
Strawberry Mask For Shine and Moisture
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 3-4 mashed strawberries
Directions:
- Mix ingredients to form a paste.
- Apply to hair.
- Let sit for twenty minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and style per usual.
- The hair will be smoother and shinier.
Aloe Vera with Fenugreek Powder and Castor Oil
This mask leaves hair deeply conditioned and promotes faster growth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup aloe Vera gel
- 1 tsp fenugreek powder
- 1 tsp castor oil
Directions:
- Thoroughly blend ingredients in a blender until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to the hair and cover it with a shower cap.
- Leave the mask overnight.
- Rinse thoroughly in the morning.
- For hair growth use a mask once weekly.
Rice Water Hair Mask
Rice water is the starchy water left behind after cooking rice. This water contains B vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that can be good for the hair. This mask can detangle hair, have a soothing effect, and increase shine.
Rice Water Hair Mask Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 2-3 cups of water
Directions:
- Rinse rice thoroughly
- Place rice in a bowl with water
- Let soak for thirty minutes
- Strain rice water into a clean bowl
- Wash hair with shampoo
- Rinse thoroughly with tap water
- Pour rice water onto hair
- Massage rice water into hair and scalp.
- Leave on for up to twenty minutes.
- Rinse well with warm water.
Cayenne Pepper and Honey Hair Mask
Some benefits of utilizing a cayenne pepper hair mask are the reduction of hair loss, strengthening hair follicles, and speeding up hair growth.
*Warning: cayenne pepper can be an irritant to the eyes, nose, and throat so be careful using it around the eyes*
Cayenne Pepper and Honey Mask
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp liquid honey
- 1 tbsp ground red pepper
Directions:
- Mix honey and ground red pepper
- Apply the mixture to damp hair
- Cover hair with a shower cap
- Let the process for up to 40 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Hair masks can provide solutions for a diverse set of hair problems. Whether you are suffering from hair loss, want longer locks, need moisture, or want stronger hair these treatments are a good go-to. All the recipes include products that can be found in the home so they are easy to concoct. Give them a try to enjoy the benefits.