If you’ve ever struggled with dry or damaged hair, you’ve probably exhausted every option there is. However, there might be one thing left that you haven’t tried yet. Hair masks are a great way to boost the condition of your strands and prevent things like frizz and breakage. Let’s talk about using hair masks and how you can make your own at home.
What Is A Hair Mask?
A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment for your hair that contains concentrated ingredients. It is usually more intense than traditional conditioners and can be left on your hair for a longer amount of time. The time you leave them on can range from twenty minutes to a couple of hours.
There are a lot of hair masks on the market, but you can also make your own using simple ingredients found in the kitchen. Foods like egg, honey, and banana make great DIY hair masks for those looking to save money or who just want to have a fun, silly girls’ night in.
Why Use A Hair Mask?
A lot of people can benefit from a hair mask for a number of reasons. People who have exposed their hair to sun, heat styling, and highlighting have particularly vulnerable strands. All of these things weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. You can also use a hair mask if your hair has been exposed to air pollution, wind, cold air, or water that contains a lot of chemicals.
Benefits Of A Hair Mask
Hair masks help treat almost every type of damage out there by bringing moisture back into your hair. It’s able to penetrate deep within the layers of your hair for extra hydration. Some other benefits include less frizz, healthier scalp, stronger hair, and softer, shinier hair.
When deciding on a hair mask, it’s important to think about your hair’s specific needs. Some masks contain a lot of protein in them to strengthen hair, but if your hair doesn’t need protein, it could make your hair worse.
If you have dry or damaged hair, look for an intense moisturizing hair mask that’s keratin-based.
If you have thin or flat hair, find a mask that contains protein for your locks.
If you have curly hair, look for a mask with argan oil or coconut oil for natural moisture without the extra weight to define your curls.
How To Apply A Hair Mask
A lot of hair masks work best when your hair is clean and slightly damp. If you are using a mask made with mostly oils, you may want to apply it to dry hair. Before you start, put on an old shirt that you won’t mind getting a little messy.
Next, separate your hair into smaller sections to make it easier to apply the mask. You can use your fingers or a paintbrush to put the mask on your hair. Depending on the hair mask, you’ll want to start in different areas of your head. For example, if you are applying to mask to help with dandruff, you’ll want to start at your scalp.
After the mask is evenly spread onto your hair, comb through it with a wide-tooth comb. Then, wrap your hair with a shower cap to prevent the mask from dripping onto the floor. Wait about 20-30 minutes (or however long the mask recommends) and rinse it out with cool water. You can do this once or twice a week to help with frizz and fly-aways.
Can You Use A Hair Mask On Colored Hair?
As long as you choose a hair mask that is designed to be safe for colored hair. When you are buying a hair mask, make sure that you look on the label to see if it says color-safe or is made specifically for colored hair. These types of masks can make your color last longer and increase the vibrance and shine of your hair.
DIY Ingredients For Hair Mask
Creating your own hair mask is super easy with these ingredients. Most of them you’ll already have in your pantry, so you won’t even have to go to the store!
- Eggs have biotin, vitamin E and A, and folate. This helps promote healthy hair growth, and the protein in the egg whites will help your hair feel stronger.
- Bananas contain silica that helps to reduce frizz. They also help make your hair shinier and contain antimicrobial properties.
- Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins E, C, and B-12 to nourish your strands.
- Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps hydrate hair and prevents frizz. It also helps clear away dead skin cells that build up on your scalp.
- Avocados have iron, magnesium, and folic acid, which help seal your hair cuticle. This helps prevent breakage from occurring.
- Green tea is full of antioxidants, vitamin B, and amino acids. It goes great with shea butter to help replenish the moisture in your hair strands.
- Olive oil contains squalene which is produced naturally in your body and helps moisturize your skin and hair.
- Honey helps hair retain moisture and stimulates the growth of skin cells to promote stronger hair follicles.
- Coconut oil can penetrate deep within your hair’s shaft and reduce dryness.
- Argan oil helps soften and protect hair. It contains fatty acids and minerals that help with your hair’s luster and shine no matter what type of hair you have.
Recipes For Hair Types
You can experiment with these ingredients and try different recipes on your hair, depending on what results you desire. Here are a few ideas for specific concerns.
For frizzy hair: Mix together a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of coconut oil in a saucepan. Stir until they are totally combined and let it cool. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for about forty minutes.
For thinning hair: Use two egg whites and two tablespoons of coconut oil and combine them with a whisk. Apply to your hair starting at your roots and leave it on for twenty minutes. Don’t use hot water to rinse this mask off, or else you could accidentally cook the egg.
For dry hair: Combine an avocado, two tablespoons of aloe vera, and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply this to your hair and let it sit for thirty minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Other Haircare Products For Healthy Hair
Proper hair care doesn’t just come from hair masks. You have to maintain a daily routine that keeps your hair looking fresh and clean. VoCe makes products that are organic and vegan-friendly for the best results for your hair.
Leave-in conditioner is an excellent way to give your hair extra moisture without needing to rinse it out. Leave-in also helps with smoothing frizz and keeping your hair looking shiny. Our Miracle Leave-In Conditioner is lightweight and easy to use. It contains wheat protein that adds texture and richness to your hair.
Using a heat protectant is essential for preventing damage to your hair. Heat styling tools can strip your hair of its oils and color while creating avenues for breakage within your locks. Applying a heat spray like our Thermal Heat Mask protects you from all forms of heat up to 450 degrees. It can be used on damp or dry hair, and it contains argan oil and essential fatty acids for your hair health.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your hair moisturized while you clean it, try our Hydrate Wash Moisture Shampoo. It contains white tea antioxidants, which enhance color protection, and vanilla cactus to help soothe your scalp. This wash also has certified organic extracts to increase shine and is 100% vegan and sulfate-free.
Are you a blonde looking for a way to reduce brassiness in your hair? Our Blond Shampoo contains just the right amount of violet pigment to wash away unwanted yellow tones. It’s ideal for white and silver-toned blonde hair because of its purple color. With the sweet smell of lavender and jasmine, you’ll look forward to using this shampoo every time.
The Takeaway
Hair masks are a product that nearly everyone can benefit from every once in a while. Our hair is exposed to a lot of daily stress that wears it down long term. Pampering your hair with extra hydration and nutrients can help improve your hair’s health and leave you feeling refreshed.
Sources:
How to Use a Hair Mask: A Step-by-Step Guide and DIY Recipes | Healthline
5 Toxic Ingredients in Shampoos and Conditioners You Should Avoid | EcoWatch
7 DIY Hair Masks - Recipes for At-Home Hair Masks | Good Housekeeping
