Our kitchens offer some of the best natural skin and hair care alternatives. If you’re on a budget or you just prefer brewing up your own formulas, look no further than your kitchen. Why spend $25 on a hair mask when you can create one from the comfort of your home at a fraction of the cost? Here are 7 effective kitchen ingredients that heal dry, damaged hair. They’re great for experimenting, so don’t worry about following these recipes to a T. Feel free to mix and match as much or little of each ingredient until you find a formula that works for you.
Coconut Oil
Viva Labs Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, $10.95
Coconut oil is renowned for many reasons. You can use it all over your body (even in your mouth for “oil pulling”) for moisturizing, cooking, cleansing, and more. One of the best uses for coconut oil is for a deep moisturizing hair mask. Warm up a 1/2 cup of coconut oil and apply evenly through hair. Comb through and wrap hair in saran wrap. Allow to penetrate for 20 minutes (or you can keep it in overnight if you hair super parched). Shampoo, condition, and enjoy your shiny new locks!
Olive Oil
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $7
Olive oil has long been used as a natural skin and haircare aid. Most hot oil treatments you buy at the store will contain some form of olive oil. So why go spend money when you can do it right at home? Use the same method as coconut oil. Heat up 1/2 cup of olive oil (add coconut oil for even more moisture) and apply evenly throughout hair. Allow to penetrate for 20 minutes or keep on overnight for deep moisturizing. Shampoo and condition.
Avocado
Avocados are not only super moisturizing but they actually help with hair growth. They’re high in vitamins B and E as well as essential good fats, which help smooth and heal the hair cuticle. Peel and mash up one medium sized avocado until it’s a creamy texture. Apply alone or with any of the other ingredients on this list for a super-charged hair mask. You can leave on for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
Mayonnaise
Yes, we know mayo is gross to a lot of people, but even if you hate to eat it, you can use it to heal your locks. Mix 1/2 cup of mayo with a teaspoon of vanilla extract (to cut the mayo smell) and apply to hair. Mayo is made with eggs and oil so it’s high in Vitamin E and essential fats that help repair damaged strands. If you want to boost this recipe, add another egg or any of the ingredients on this list. Apply and leave on for at least 20 minutes.
Eggs
Eggs are high in Vitamin E and protein. Hair is 70% composed of a protein called keratin. The egg protein strengthens hair by filling in weak parts of each strand, making hair healthier, thicker and less frizzy. Beat 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil and apply to hair. Eggs on their own are not particularly moisturizing so we recommend using them along with one of the more moisturizing ingredients on this list.
Banana
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin C, and B6 which help soften and strengthen hair. They’re also naturally moisturizing and smell delicious. Mash up 1 banana and add 1/2 cup of olive or coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Apply for 20 minutes or leave on overnight.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant so it draws moisture to the hair. It also strengthens cuticles and adds shine. Add it to any of the ingredients on this list for an awesome, super moisturizing hair mask.
photo credit: diply.com
