Overnight hair masks can be very beneficial to all kinds of hair especially for those with dry, damaged and frizzy hair, as it can help infuse the hair shafts with moisture, reduce hair breakage and frizziness and help add shine to the hair.
Are overnight masks safe to use?
Well, not all ingredients can be left on the hair overnight as they can further damage the hair. Ingredients like eggs, apple cider vinegar etc aren’t safe to be left on overnight as they can strip the hair off the hair protein.
How often to use any overnight mask?
For people with dry hair, use an overnight mask once a week, while people with oily hair can use an overnight mask once in two weeks.
Here are some DIY overnight masks suitable for different hair types:
1. Rosemary gel hair growth mask:
Rosemary boost scalp circulation resulting in faster hair growth and also helps to regrow thinning hair. Flaxseeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients that are required for hair growth.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 tbsp rosemary leaves
- 1 cup of water
Method: In a saucepan add in flaxseeds and rosemary leaves along with the water and let it simmer on low until the water turns into a gel like consistency. Strain the seeds and use a small amount of this gel to massage on your scalp and hair before going to bed. Rinse it off in the morning.
2. Rice mask to increase hair shine and condition the hair:
Rice and rice water can help strengthen hair and protect the hair against future damage. Rice contains an ingredient called ‘inositol’ that can penetrate into damaged hair and promote hair repair.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cooked rice
- 2 tbsp argan oil or coconut oil
Method: READ MORE – Overnight rice mask for hair growth and amazing shine
3. Aloe vera mask stop hair fall:
Aloe vera can penetrate into the hair follicles and can condition and improve dry and damaged hair. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties that can help nourish damaged hair. Vitamin E acts as a protective layer for the hair follicle and can help restore hair shine, while also reducing hair damage and hair breakage.
Ingredients:
- 4 tsp of any hair oil
- 4 tsp fresh aloe vera gel
- Essential oil – few drops ( optional)
Method:
Into a bowl, add in any hair oil of your choice, few drops of essential oil like rosemary or peppermint essential oil and fresh aloe vera gel. Mix this well and let the mixture be smooth and fine, without any lumps. You can add it to a blender to make it into a smooth serum. It is then ready to be used.
How to use these masks:
Step 1: Start off with detangling your hair and make it free from knots.
Step 2: For application – You can use a cotton pad, applicator brush or your fingertips for application.
Step 3: Partition your hair and evenly apply this onto your scalp and on your hair using downward strokes.
Step 4: Tie your hair into a loose bun and then put your hair up into a shower cap and leave it on overnight (so put on the mask before you go to sleep). It is advisable to put a towel or cloth over your pillow to avoid it from staining or else you can also use an old pillow cover.
Step 5: The next morning, rinse your hair using a mild shampoo and conditioner and let your hair dry naturally. READ MORE – Aloe shampoo bar to stop hair fall
Please Note: For those who use these masks after you have already washed your hair with a shampoo, then just rinse off the mask properly with plain water (you do not require to shampoo your hair again) and then use a mild conditioner after.