Why Use a DIY Hair Mask?
Shampoo and conditioner may not be enough to counteract everything we put our hair through. Even those who regularly consume nutrient-dense foods like collagen and bone broth might notice their hair needs some extra love. A natural shampoo and conditioner keeps hair clean and moisturized, but a protein-rich hair mask adds strength and shine.
While you can buy a hair mask, the kitchen is full of ingredients with properties that nourish and strengthen hair. Why not just mix a little up when needed? Bonus: You’ll know exactly what’s in your (100% natural) DIY hair mask!
How a Hair Mask Works
Before I delve into what’s in this hair mask to strengthen hair, it helps to know why I’m recommending these ingredients. The hair follicle and root are composed primarily of collagen. This is why consuming collagen-rich foods and a high quality collagen powder helps so much with hair growth and health. The hair itself is 91% protein, so coating it in protein gives it what it needs to rebuild.
HEMP OIL
Hemp oil is beneficial mostly because it is so rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which are excellent at protecting hair strands from damage and moisturizing your scalp. The more lipid moisture you give to your hair strands, the stronger they will remain against the effects of internal and external environmental stressors, heat styling, and chemical products, which in turn gives your hair the breathing room and nutrition it needs to grow.
EGGS
Eggs are rich in Vitamins A, D, and E, proteins and fatty acids, which help retain the luster and shine in your hair. As your hair is mostly made of protein, this extra boost to the hair leaves it feeling healthy and restored. On top of being delicious when cooked to an omelette – it’s also a great natural conditioner!
LEMONS
Lemon is best for those with an oily scalp, as lemon juice has the capabilities of absorbing excess oil and grease in the scalp. Lemon is high in Vitamin C, which leads to strong hair, and its acidic nature will help clean your hair from any deposited products and dust. Lemon also contains a compound called Limonene, which adds bounce and shine to dull, lifeless hair. Lemon juice is also great for fighting Dandruff, as it has anti-fungal properties. Who knew there were all these benefits of lemon!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon hemp oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
1. Crack an egg, and be sure to only use the egg white.
2. Squeeze one half of a lemon into a mixing bowl.
3. Mix the egg white, hemp oil, and lemon juice together until you have a smooth consistency.
4. Apply to damp hair from top to bottom.
5. Tie hair up and cover with a shower cap
6. Let this mask sit for 30-45 minutes and rinse with shampoo and conditioner.
Of course, the best way to get rid of oily hair is through preventative measures.
If you’d like to kick this hair mask up a notch, here’s a recipe for a hair mask that will not only help with your oil issues, but also soften and restore that natural shine.
ANOTHER VARIATION…ADD IN SOME COCONUT MILK
Surprise! Coconut milk is a natural hair repairing remedy. It’s no surprise, since coconut milk is made from the healthy, white flesh of coconuts. Are you suffering from hair loss? If so, coconut milk is loaded with vitamins like Niacin and Folate, which stimulates circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. Do you have dry hair? Coconut milk also contains Vitamin E and healthy fats, which nourish dry hair, moisture hair root to tip, and acts as a natural hair de-tangler.
INGREDIENTS:
– 1 egg
– 1 cup of coconut milk
– 1 squeeze of lemon
– 1 tablespoon hemp oil
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Follow the same directions as above.
