Did you know your own kitchen cabinets may hold the key to healthier hair? Dozens of everyday ingredients can make hair strong, lustrous, sleek, and smooth, and if you create a hair mask yourself, you can control exactly what goes into it (read: no harmful toxins or chemicals). Here are five hair masks you can whip up all on your own.
Avocado Honey
Why it’s great:
Containing a wealth of nutrients, avocadoes provide Vitamin E and protein for healthy softness and strength, and honey provides natural antibacterial qualities for clean tresses.
Directions:
Use the flesh from one avocado and mash in a tablespoon of honey. Smooth the concoction over your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
Egg & Olive Oil
Why it’s great:
If your hair needs a moisture boost, this mixture can infuse the hydration it’s lacking. Olive oil will help repair dry, brittle hair, and eggs will moisturize while removing unwanted oils.
Directions:
Crack two eggs into a bowl, add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and mix together. Then apply to your hair and rinse and shampoo after 20 minutes.
Coconut Oil & Honey
Why it’s great:
If your hair has become coarse or dull from products and heating tools, rich, velvety coconut oil and honey can work together to restore a soft, supple texture.
Directions:
Mix one tablespoon of coconut oil and one tablespoon of honey (more if your hair is long, thick, or extra damaged), then warm on your stovetop. Apply the blend to your hair when wet, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
Lemon Juice & Olive Oil
Why it’s great:
If you have an itchy, flaky scalp, lemon juice can act as a natural exfoliant to fight dandruff. The olive oil will work to moisturize the scalp as the flakes are removed.
Directions:
Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of olive oil with two tablespoons of water and massage the mixture onto your scalp when damp. Rinse and shampoo after 20 minutes.
Baking Soda & Water
Why it’s great:
If your hair has major product buildup causing it to look dull or full of static, baking soda can cut through acid to break down the buildup.
Directions:
Mix a third of a cup of baking soda with one tablespoon of water and mix together to create a paste. Then massage the paste onto your hair, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse.
