A healthy haircare routine has emerged as an important aspect in today’s world of self-care and self-love. A proper and healthy haircare routine has become equally important as a healthy skincare routine for maintaining an overall personality. Today’s generation is fully aware of the importance of maintaining healthy and shiny hair. Hence, including various hair treatments and haircare products offering deep nourishment, hydration, renewal, etc is a must to enhance personality and confidence.
This comprehensive guide will look at how we can maintain healthy and shiny hair in the long run. We will also delve into the importance of each step included in maintaining healthy and happy hair. Along with hair oiling, shampooing, and conditioning, hair masks also play a pivotal role in the journey of haircare, the intensive, superfood to the hair that nourishes the hair. Let's look at what hair masks are and how they target specific hair concerns.
Understanding Hair Masks
Hair masks are powerful hair conditioning treatments that repair and strengthen the hair. These work similarly to face masks and contain a blend of nutrients and proteins that are rich in moisturizers and essential hair nutrients. These are commonly used on dry, damaged, and frizzy hair to improve the texture and boost scalp health.
Hair masks can be easily prepared at home if you are not a fan of store-oriented formulations. Choosing the righteous ingredients for preparing a hair mask that can work well on your hair is essential.
Hair Masks Benefits
Hair masks are power-packed with essential ingredients formulated to tackle the needs of your hair. When used after shampooing and towel drying your hair, the nutrients and proteins penetrate deep inside the scalp boosting moisture content, restoring the health of hair. The primary benefits of using hair masks include:
- Nourishment: Deeply conditions the scalp by providing essential nutrients
- Hydration: Infuse moisture into the hair roots and reduce dryness
- Repairing and strengthening: Strengthens hair strands from the inside out, promoting strength and elasticity.
- Frizz control: The oils in the hair mask overlay the hair shaft to prevent frizz, split ends and damage.
- Improved scalp health: Locks in moisture and hydrates the scalp and hair, improving their health.
- Improved hair texture: The oils in the hair masks contain fatty acids that penetrate the scalp resulting in soft and silky hair.
- Less product damage: By revitalising the scalp, the vitamins and nutrients reduce damage caused by hair styling tools.
With regular usage of the hair masks, overall hair health and texture can significantly improve.
Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
Damaged hair requires special care to restore its health and vitality. The best hair masks for damaged hair typically contain oils to repair the damage and strengthen the hair. You can add the following oils into your hair masks to improve its benefits:
- Almond oil: has anti-inflammatory qualities that moisturize the hair and scalp minimizing flakiness, dandruff, and dryness.
- Argan oil: Rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, promotes hair growth.
- Avocado oil: Moisturises the hair and adds shine.
- Coconut oil: Strengthens the hair with its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lavender oil: Has soothing properties that treat dry skin.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture to hair
The ingredients of hair masks are easily available and are often found in the kitchen. Here are a few foods that you can use to make hair masks:
- Banana: Natural silica is found in bananas and the application of mashed bananas to the hair restores collagen.
- Coconut milk: Rich in OTC and lauric acid, coconut milk is known to strengthen the hair, promoting hair growth.
- Curd and yoghurt: Enhanced with proteins, curd relieves dryness of the scalp and hair, improving the texture of hair.
- Honey: Honey is a common ingredient in hair masks as it hydrates hair and minimises frizz and breakage.
- Aloe vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, Aloe vera cures dryness and irritation.
Natural Hair Masks for Hair Growth
When it comes to natural hair masks, egg yolk, and oils are common components. These masks provide the necessary nutrients to boost the function of hair follicles, promoting healthy growth, and reducing hair loss. Simple hair care masks can even be made at home to treat hair issues that are specific to your hair. A few popular ones are listed below.
-
Repairing hair mask: A hair repairing mask strengthens the hair strands and reduces the signs of hair damage like split ends and breakage. The ingredients for a hair repair mask include coconut and honey. Both coconut and honey are two great ingredients that moisturize the hair.
Ingredients needed:- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Mix both the ingredients in a bowl and heat slightly until melted. Apply on hair from top to bottom and let it sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. -
Hair growth mask: A hair growth mask not only promotes hair growth but minimizes hair loss and rehydrates the hair as well. Cinnamon and coconut oil are the two ingredients in a hair growth mask. While coconut nourishes the hair, cinnamon treats dandruff and hair loss with its anti-microbial properties.
Ingredients needed:- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Mix the two ingredients in a bowl. Part the hair and apply the mixture to the scalp evenly. Massage with fingertips and cover your hair with a towel or shower cap. Leave the mask on the hair for 30-45 minutes and rinse. -
Hair mask for oily hair: Egg and lemon hair mask is an excellent choice for oily hair. Apart from proteins and fatty acids, eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, and E too. Lemon has anti-fungal properties and contains limonene that adds bounce and shine to oily and greasy hair.
Ingredients needed:- 1 egg
- Half lemon
Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. Squeeze half the lemon into the egg white and mix the ingredients well till it acquires a smooth consistency. Apply on damp hair from top to bottom and cover the hair with a shower cap. Let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes and rinse off. -
Hair mask for dry hair: Made from brown sugar and olive oil, this hair mask is a great exfoliant and removes dead skin cells and dirt accumulated on the scalp. The olive oil in the hair mask conditions the hair and reduces dryness and flakiness on the scalp, repairing it.
Ingredients needed:- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix the sugar and oil in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes. -
Hair mask for frizzy hair: Bananas, containing oils, potassium, and carbohydrates are an excellent ingredient to nourish your hair. A mask made from banana and yoghurt eliminates frizz effectively and restores the hair’s health.
Ingredients needed:- 1 sliced banana
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Blend all the ingredients and apply on damp hair from top to bottom. Cover the hair with a shower cap, wait for 30-45 minutes and rinse off. -
Hair mask for damaged hair: Hair masks made of coconut, avocado, and honey are great choices for damaged hair. Rich in healthy fat and vitamins, avocados moisturize the hair and protect it against damage. Eggs, honey and coconut oil can be added to the hair mask to provide proteins and moisture to the hair and scalp.
Ingredients needed:- 1 avocado
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil
Mash the avocado in a bowl and add eggs, honey and coconut oil to it. Mix well and apply on hair and scalp. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse off. -
Hair mask for shiny hair: Adding strawberry to the coconut oil and honey to the hair mask will improve the hair texture. Strawberries contain vitamin C boost collagen and eliminate excess oil from the hair, making it glossy.
Ingredients needed:- 6-8 fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to make brown avocado+egg+honey+coconut oil hair mask:
Mix all the ingredients and apply on damp hair from top to bottom. Wait for - minutes and rinse off with water. -
Protein hair mask: Protein hair masks are crucial for strengthening weak and brittle hair. Even though all the above masks provide protein to the hair and scalp, coconut milk is another option to replenish the hair.
How to make protein mask:
For this, all you need is a single ingredient, coconut milk. Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut milk in a bowl until it's warm. Apply evenly on the scalp and hair and massage for 3-5 minutes. Let the nutrients penetrate deep inside the roots of the hair and cover it with a towel. For better benefits, you can leave the mask overnight and rinse it the next morning. -
Overnight Hair Masks:For an extra boost of hydration and repair, overnight hair masks can be incredibly effective. Overnight hair masks restore moisture to the hair, add gloss and reduce hair damage. Hair masks that are infused with proteins must not be left on the hair overnight or not for more than 20 minutes as it may make the hair too heavy and make it prone to breakage.
Ingredients needed:- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl. Pour aloe vera gel into the slightly warm oil and mix until it turns into a smooth paste. Apply it on damp hair and leave it overnight. Rinse off with water the next morning. -
Hair Masks for Split Ends: Split ends can make your hair look unhealthy and unkempt. Castor oil and egg hair mask is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants that repair the damaged hair effectively by conditioning it deeply.
Ingredients needed:- 1 tablespoons castor oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg
Mix the oils and egg together to form a paste and apply it to the hair. Cover with a towel or shower cap for 20-30 minutes and rinse off.
Note: Do not put warm or hot water on the hair after applying the egg. -
Homemade Hair Masks for Dandruff: A relieving hair mask for dandruff is a hibiscus and fenugreek hair mask. This specific mask reduces excess oil content on the scalp and hair, provides hydration and maintains pH balance. Additionally, promoting hair growth, this hair mask is a rich source of iron and protein with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
Ingredients needed:- 3-4 hibiscus leaves
- A few fenugreek seeds
- ½ cup yoghourt
Blend all the ingredients together and mix it well in a bowl until it becomes a thin paste. Apply the hair mask on the scalp and hair, from root to end. Let it rest for 30 minutes and wash it off. -
Best Hair Masks for Curly Hair: Curly hair often needs extra moisture and definition. Hence, a hair mask containing rice water and avocado is much needed. While inositol in rice water repairs the hair, vitamin b in avocado moisturises hair and scalp.
Ingredients needed:- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of water
- ½ avocado
Soak the rice in water for a minimum of 30 minutes. Remove rice grains from the water and add mashed avocado into the rice water. Apply it evenly on the scalp an allow it to sit for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with water. -
Hair Masks for Colored Hair: Coloured hair and treatment requires special care to maintain its texture and health. Hair masks for coloured hair contain ingredients that protect and nourish the hair while preserving melanin or the colour . Banana and milk hair masks are a quick pick for your coloured hair as they contain proteins, fat and calcium that nourish and strengthen the hair.
Ingredients needed:- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon of full-cream milk
Mash the banana in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of full cream milk to it. Apply the mixture well on the scalp and the length of hair. Wait for 20-30 minutes and wash it off.
Ayurvedic Hair Masks
These traditional masks are excellent for nourishing the hair and scalp, reducing dandruff, and preventing hair loss. If you love pampering your hair, check out the age-old hair masks below.
-
Henna+Amla hair mask:The henna-amla hair mask is known for its role in stimulating hair growth and soothing properties. This hair mask eliminates debris, stops hair loss, and treats conditions like dandruff. Fenugreek powder, lemon and egg whites are excellent supplements for maintaining the health of your hair.
Ingredients needed:- 1 cup Amla powder
- 3 tablespoons Henna powder
- 2 tablespoons Fenugreek powder
- 1 Egg white
- 1 Lemon
Make a paste of amla, henna, and fenugreek in a little water. Add lemon juice and one egg white to the mixture. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp and leave for 45 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo. -
Bhringraj and Neem Hair Mask: Bhringraj and neem hair masks not only combat premature graying but also treat hair loss. The anti-bacterial agents in neem protect hair and scalp as well.
Ingredients needed:- Bhiringraj leaves
- Neem leaves
- Water
Blend neem and Bhringaraj leaves together to form a thick paste. Part the hair and apply the paste evenly on the hair. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes for healthy hair. You can also use Bhringaraj oil as an alternative. -
Green Tea and Peppermint Hair Mask: Green tea is a remedy to soothe the scalp and hair. Combined with peppermint oil, the green tea hair mask possesses anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that cure dry, damaged scalps. The hair mask mixed with apple cider vinegar regulates the pH level on the scalp and keeps it healthy.
Ingredients needed:- 1 cup brewed and cooled green tea
- 2 drops of peppermint oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Add 2 drops of peppermint oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the brewed green tea solution. Mix the ingredients well and apply them to the scalp. Wait for some time and rinse it with water. This will regulate the blood flow and soothe the scalp.
A few points need to be noted before the application of a hair mask. These are listed below.
- Cleanse: To ensure that components on the scalp are well absorbed and working, wash your hair before applying a hair mask.
- Application: Apply hair masks evenly and completely covering both the scalp and hair, from root to tip.
- Shampooing: Use a mild shampoo after applying the hair mask to wash it off if necessary to retain the effects on hair and scalp.
- Rinsing: Do not use hot or warm water on the hair after applying the hair mask. Use lukewarm water if needed, followed by a conditioner.
- Drying: Towel dry or air dry your hair after a hair mask.
Dermatologists-Approved Hair Mask
FCL offers a dermatologist-approved hair revival system that significantly reduces breakage and split ends, leading to visibly healthier and stronger hair.
Our Strengthening Hair Mask isn't just a promise - it is formulated with extensive research in hair care. Our formulation combines a perfect selection of antioxidants, proteins, and 98% natural ingredients, that are validated for their efficacy and can rejuvenate weakened hair fibers, rebuild damaged structures, and repair, and strengthen hair from within to enhance overall hair health.
Conclusion: A hair mask is one of the most efficient paths to achieve healthy and glossy hair. Whether you are dealing with dryness, damage, frizz, or dandruff, there's always a hair mask that you can easily prepare at home. By incorporating hair masks into your everyday hair care routine, you will easily notice the changes brought by them. A consistent use of hair masks, at least once a week, is proven to increase moisture content, lessen frizz and breakage, and improve the strength and texture of hair. If your hair concern continues, do visit a dermatologist for better guidance.
