Hair masks are deep conditioning serums used to treat your hair for problems like dryness, dandruff, damage and slow growth. They are made with natural ingredients like oils, butters and plant extracts. Unfortunately, commercial ready-made hair masks often contain preservatives and other synthetic elements that are not good for your skin. The good news is you can make your own natural hair mask at home using all-natural ingredients. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients based on the needs of your hair. In the article, we will provide some benefits of hair masks along with 3 DIY hair mask recipes for beautiful and healthy hair.

Benefits of Hair Masks

Different hair masks have different purposes. Ingredients are the secret to a hair mask's success, as each contains ingredients chosen for different hair types or solving specific hair issues. When you put nutritious plant and food ingredients in your hair, the therapeutic benefits are amazing. By using hair masks, you can:

• Repair hair damage from coloring or sun
• Fight dandruff
• Hydrate hair and locks in moisture for a soft feel
• Boost hair growth
• Improve luster and shine
• Enhance texture and make hair easier to style

How Do You Wear a Hair Mask?

Oil-based hair masks should be applied to dry hair until the oil is spread evenly into the hair. Given that water and oil do not mix, wet hair will not absorb the oil as readily. Other hair masks, such as egg-based or honey-based masks, work best when applied to damp towel-dried hair.

To wear a hair mask, start by protecting your clothes with a towel or by wearing an old T-shirt. If you have long, thick hair, use clips to divide it into a few sections so you can apply the mask more thoroughly going one at a time. Comb the hair mask mixture through your locks using your fingers. Start at the scalp and move toward your ends, applying the mask evenly throughout your strands. After using your hands to apply the mask, you can use a wide-tooth comb to help distribute it evenly for optimal assimilation. 

Once the mask is applied, cover up your hair using a shower cap, then use a towel to wrap up your head so that the mask does not drip. It can also add heat to help the mask assimilate. The length of time you wear the mask can depend on the ingredients, but most are used for about 30 minutes before being rinsed out. 

Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse out the hair mask. Avoid hot water, which can expel moisture from your hair and scalp. Once the mask is completely rinsed out, towel dry your hair off, and your treatment is complete.

Natural Hair Mask Ingredients

Here are three recipes suitable for all hair types that tackle different hair issues. Each ingredient is all-natural and nutrient rich. 

2-Ingredient Hair Mask for Dryness

For this mask, which works for all hair types, combine 2 tablespoons of full fat plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. This luscious mix hydrates and promotes shine, smoothness and softness. The protein in yogurt strengthens your hair, and the lactic acid boosts cell turnover--the rate at which cells repair. 

As a humectant, honey improves your hair's ability to retain its moisture. Raw honey is also beneficial for your scalp if it's dry or prone to dandruff. It not only hydrates your scalp but also reduces inflammation and soothes irritation. 

Coconut Oil Mask for Damage and Frizz

The ingredients you will need:

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 ripe banana

1 ripe avocado

Combine these ingredients in a blender and apply immediately to dry hair. You can use a fork to mash the ingredients in a bowl, but you may want to use a strainer to help you avoid lumps.

Coconut oil fights frizz and nourishes hair with essential fats. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help cleanse your scalp while balancing its production of sebum, or natural oil.

Bananas boost your hair's natural luster and shine with their vitamin content and other natural properties. Avocados have nourishing omega-3 fats and are rich in B vitamins, which help promote hair growth and strength. Keep this mask in for 30 minutes before rinsing well. 

Rosemary Hair Growth Mask

For this hair mask recipe, you will need:

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons coconut oil or jojoba oil

5 drops organic rosemary essential oil

Combine these ingredients and work them into your hair starting at the scalp. 

This hair mask promotes hair growth by tackling issues at the scalp and stimulating blood flow at the follicles. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and pH-balancing effects. As a result, it can help clear build-up in your follicles preventing hair from growing from them. Rosemary essential oil has protective antioxidants and is known to promote hair growth by increasing the flow of blood at the hair follicles. With more blood flow, follicles can get the nutrients they need for growing new hair strands.

Homemade Hair Mask Tips

Fresh is best, so make and use homemade hair masks right away. Do not create them in large batches and store them. How often should you use them? It depends on your hair's condition. If you are repairing damaged hair, use a hair mask at least once every week. For regular maintenance, wear a hair mask treatment once every other week.

 Which hair mask tips you intend to try? Share your thoughts with the H20 Beauty World family. We are always interested in hearing about interesting hair ideas. Don’t forget to check out our other healthy hair Blog: How to Identify the Porosity of Your Hair for Proper Care (The Journey to Beautiful Hair)