Looking forward to longer and thicker hair? Try using hair masks. Hair masks are used to condition the hair and promote better hair texture and shine. Using hair masks will provide hydration and nourishment to the hair follicles and promote overall hair health. Therefore, this treatment is especially beneficial to those with dry, damaged or frizzy hair.
When are hair masks to be used?
Hair masks are ideally used after your hair is washed with shampoo, but before it has been conditioned using a conditioner. Shampooing helps open up the hair cuticles and allows the moisture from the mask to be absorbed by the hair and helps rebuild the hair bonds. Once the mask is absorbed, the hair conditioner will help seal in the effects of the mask and promote better and shinier hair cuticles.
But some people like to use the hair mask before their head bath and then rinse off, shampoo and condition. This method too can be used.
Here are some DIY hair mask recipes you can make at home:
1. Protein hair mask:
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein, both of which are essential for hair growth. The mask is excellent to clear dandruff and also strengthens hair. Yogurt or coconut milk promotes hair growth and acts as a natural hair conditioner, which can make the hair soft, smooth and shiny.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp fenugreek/methi powder
- 2 tbsp coconut milk or yogurt
Method:
In a mixing bowl add in the fenugreek powder and coconut milk and mix into a fine and smooth paste. You can add in little extra coconut milk if you feel that your paste is too thick and you aren’t able to get the fine and smooth consistency. Then let it sit for an hour. After an hour, mix it well again (the paste would have slightly thickened). It is then ready to use.
2. Egg mask:
Egg yolks contain biotin that can keep your hair hydrated and promote hair elasticity. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, plays an important role in protecting the health of the hair. It can also help in the reduction of hair loss, prevention of split ends. Eggs also contain lecithin and protein, that can strengthen, nourish and heal the hair strands.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or castor oil
- 2 drops of any essential oil of your choice
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Method:
Into a mixing bowl, add in one egg and beat it up until it becomes completely liquid. Then, add in the coconut oil, essential oil and honey and mix well until it is well combined.
3. Honey and Aloe vera mask:
Honey helps moisturize the scalp and seals moisture, because it has an oil-like consistency. This property of honey can help reduce dandruff and make your hair look less oily and more vibrant. Aloe vera helps promote hair growth by unclogging the hair follicles and stimulating sufficient blood circulation on the scalp. It can also reduce dandruff.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel
Method:
Into a mixing bowl, add in the honey and aloe vera and mix well until it is well combined. It is then ready to be used.
4. Rice hair mask:
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 fermented rice water
(Refer note below) - 1 tbsp hair oil or yogurt
Method:
Into a mixer grinder, add in the cooked rice, any hair oil of your choice, if you don’t like hair oils then add yogurt or honey and fermented rice water and grind into a fine paste. Then it is ready to be used. Note: To make fermented rice water – READ MORE – 5 best ways to make fermented rice water
How to apply these masks:
Step 1: Start off with detangling your hair and make it free from knots.
Step 2: For application – pour the mixture into a liquid applicator bottle (for the thinner and more liquid hair masks) and apply.
You can use a cotton pad, applicator brush or your fingertips for application (for the thicker hair masks).
Step 3: Partition your hair and evenly apply this onto your scalp and on your hair using downward strokes.
Step 4: Massage it in gently using your fingertips and tie your hair into a loose bun or preferably tie your hair into a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes to one hour.
Step 5: Rinse your hair using a mild shampoo and conditioner and let your hair dry naturally.
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.