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.
COCONUT OIL
Coconuts truly seem to be the magical ingredient for your hair. Coconut Oil can be used for hair and skin, is a healthy fat for cooking, aids in digestion, supports the body’s natural hormones…the benefits of Coconut Oil are endless! Coconut Oil for hair keeps it moist and soft and prevents hair breakage because of its high moisture retaining capabilities. Since Coconut Oil is loaded with fatty acids, it penetrates the hair more deeply than regular conditioners, leading to beautiful soft, silky, shiny hair. We recommend to use Organic Coconut Oil whenever possible.
HONEY
The benefits of honey are endless! First, honey is great for retaining moisture in your hair as it is a natural humectant. This means that it sucks moisture into the hair and prevents it from escaping. This is especially great if you have dry hair and need an extra boost of moisture and hydration. Honey is also an emollient, which helps smoothen and soften your hair, and brings back any lost sheen and shine to your hair.
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.
STRAWBERRIES
This hair mask recipe is great to achieve overall hair health, and one of our particular favorites because the strawberries make it smell so delicious. Strawberries are full of Vitamin C, which helps your body create collagen, an important part of the hair’s structure. This strawberry hair mask also eliminates excess oil and grease and will give your hair a glossy shine.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon hemp oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
How it’s done:
1. Blend all ingredients to form a puree.
2. Apply evenly to damp hair.
3. Let it sit for 5-10 mins.
4. Rinse well with warm water.
BONUS INGREDIENT: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is known for having antibacterial and antifungal properties which help with flaky and itchy scalps. It also cleanses the hair without stripping natural oils and helps retain the moisture in your hair for better conditioning. So how does apple cider vinegar work for hair? Here’s a quick science lesson:
Apple cider vinegar contains loads of vitamins like B vitamins, vitamin C and potassium. Since apple cider vinegar is slightly acidic, when you dilute it with water, it works amazingly to balance the pH level of your scalp and cure any ailments. Exposing your hair to this acidic apple cider vinegar also hardens the outside of the hair, which results in hair that shines, is smooth and silky, and less prone to tangling.
