Beauty trends can seem a little kooky sometimes. While some of us are cracking eggs on our heads for hair growth, others are massaging in mayo for moisture or applying avocado oil to strengthen weak strands…
But what actually works?
Maybe you’re in need of some serious hydration, or you’re looking to add sheen to lackluster locks. Truth is, there’s no magical, one-size-fits-all potion. But there is a formula for DIY hair masks that you can easily follow once you figure out what your mane is craving.
So, if the raw egg or glob of oil didn’t do the trick for you (or just straight-up sounds unappealing), here’s how we break down DIY hair masks so you can customize your own at home:
- Choose a base: The base, which acts as a binding agent, is made of something creamy, like yogurt, avocado or banana (the riper the fruits, the better).
- Humectant: This ingredient attracts water, like aloe vera or seaweed, to provide moisture.
- Oil: To repair damage, add an oil, such as olive, jojoba or almond. Avoid ingredients that can solidify, like coconut oil and beeswax, which can be really, really hard to rinse out.
Here’s an example of one combination that uses three ingredients that work together to moisturize and hydrate to get you started.
Nourishing DIY Hair Mask
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. aloe vera gel (homegrown or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In blender, combine all ingredients until smooth paste forms.
2. Apply evenly to hair. Keep it on for 20-30 minutes.
3. Rinse, then gently shampoo as normal.
Use this hair mask once a week for optimal benefits. Make it a “me-time” experience by running a bubble bath, reading a book or whatever it is that fills your cup and makes you feel relaxed!
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