Dying, curling, and blow-drying your hair every once in a while won’t completely ruin it, but if you do these things too often you’ll end up with split ends and dry, brittle hair. To pamper your hair and replace some of the oil it loses every time you dry or dye it, try applying a hair mask once a month.
A hair mask doesn’t have to be expensive. You probably already have many of the nourishing ingredients that Garnier recommends for masks in your kitchen.
Check out these seven masks you can do to restore the healthy appearance of your hair:
1. Avocado. Perfect for restoring shine to damaged hair, avocado is easily combined with other ingredients to create a great homemade hair mask. For example, the DIY Natural recipe requires half an avocado and two egg yolks. Simply mix the ingredients well and apply to damp or dry hair, then apply the mask from roots to ends. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and washing hair.
2. Honey. Honey may be sticky, but it can improve the appearance of split ends. DIY Natural recommends mixing 1 teaspoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of yogurt. Apply from roots to ends to damp hair and leave for 15 to 20 minutes before shampooing as usual.
3. Coconut oil. To calm dry, frizzy hair, The Indian Spot recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of coconut milk, and an avocado. Apply it and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
4. Green tea. According to Garnier, green tea contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients. When combined with shea butter, it can help revive the look of your hair. Indian Spot combines 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea. Apply the mask to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it as usual.
5. Shea butter. Excellent for moisturizing hair, shea butter is the main ingredient in Beauty Monsta Mask. Melt a tablespoon of shea butter in a double boiler, and mix it with a tablespoon of argan oil, a teaspoon of coconut oil, a teaspoon of honey and 5-10 drops of peppermint oil. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for an hour before washing it.
6. Eggs and mayonnaise. Although eggs and mayonnaise aren’t on Garnier’s list, Livestrong.com recommends them to strengthen and hydrate damaged hair. Mix 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 eggs, and, if your hair is especially coarse, a teaspoon of vinegar or olive oil for added shine. Apply it to your hair from roots to ends, then cover it with a shower cap and a warm towel and relax for 20 minutes before shampooing.
7. Vinegar. To restore bounce to your straight hair, Reader’s Digest recommends a vinegar hair mask. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil, and 3 egg whites. Apply the mixture to your hair from roots to ends and cover for 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
Having beautiful hair doesn’t have to be expensive. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a little time to create your mask. Have fun creating your healthy hair mask, have fun on the way to work, and then enjoy your newly rejuvenated hair.
