Is your hair parched and yearning for moisture to revive it? Then a hair mask will do you good. Today we're exploring the benefits of hair masks and their all-natural ingredients.
How to use a hair mask
The hair mask recipe below works well for all hair types, from thin and straight to thicker and more curly. To get the best results, use after shampooing your hair.
Depending on your location and hair's porosity, you might have to make some adjustments to this recipe.
REMEMBER TO TEST
NOTE: Before using this mask throughout your hair, do a skin test first and watch for any adverse reactions. If your skin is sensitive to any of the oils listed, swap them for any others of your choice.
Ingredient benefits for your hair
AVOCADO OIL
This oil is one of the best at penetrating the hair shaft and helping your hair retain moisture. Your hair becomes softer and stronger over time.
Avocado oil is rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids that condition your strands. Also, the potent antioxidants contained in this oil revitalize hair suffering from UV ray damage, and heat damage from styling tools.
COCONUT OIL
This oil contains lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. It also has amino acids, vitamin A, E, K, and D. It's a moisture sealant, revives shine, and conditions the hair.
CASTOR OIL
Castor oil contains high levels of ricinoleic amino acid that is full of Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. It reduces frizz, locks in moisture, and gives the hair follicles a smoother appearance (shiny hair). This oil can help retain hair length by reducing breakage and help decrease the occurrence of dandruff.
HORSETAIL
This antioxidant has silica that contributes to collagen formation, thus helping to strengthen damaged hair.
Also, horsetail contains various minerals, manganese, potassium, flavonoids, etc. that complement each other in improving your hair's health.
NETTLE
Nettle is high in proteins, vitamins B, A, C, D, K, and amino acids. It strengthens hair and restores shine. All these improve the hair's appearance.
OLIVE OIL
It contains vitamins A and E and omega-6. It's excellent at sealing in moisture, improving the appearance of keratin-rich hair and restoring shine. It also promotes scalp health and alleviates the appearance of dandruff.
ROSEMARY
This anti-inflammatory herb assists with boosting circulation, thus providing hair follicles with a steady blood supply needed for hair growth. Rosemary-infused oil moisturizes the scalp, thus relieving dry scalp and dandruff.
PEPPERMINT OIL
May help to combat dandruff and dry scalp, balance scalp oil, and moisturize the scalp and hair. The oil also contains omega-3, several minerals, and vitamins A and C.
SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is high in oleic and stearic acids, and vitamins A and E. It seals in the hair's moisture and protects against excessive heat.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
It's rich in fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B6, and E, & protein. May work as an anti-breakage and moisture-retaining oil and restores shine. It readily absorbs into the hair shaft and works as a sealant for moisture.
DIY hair mask
Infusion time: 2 Weeks
Mask Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
DIY INVIGORATING HERBAL HAIR MASK RECIPE
We begin by infusing herbs in an oil and then using the oil to create a hair mask.
TOOLS
A large bowl
Hand mixer
Measuring Spoon
8 oz container or applicator bottle
16 oz mason jar
Strainer or cheesecloth
Measuring Cup
INGREDIENTS
Castor Oil
Avocado Oil
Sweet almond oil
Olive oil
½ cup dried horsetail
½ cup dried nettle
½ cup rosemary (dried or fresh)
½ tsp Peppermint essential oil
¼ cup Coconut Oil
1 cup Shea Butter (you may increase up to 2 cups depending on your moisture needs)
INSTRUCTIONS
To infuse: Mix the nettle, horsetail, and rosemary in the mason jar. Pour equal parts of the sweet almond, avocado, castor, and olive oil over the herbs, filling the mason jar to the top.
Cover the mason jar with a lid and place it on a shelf, away from direct sunlight or heat. Allow it to infuse for two weeks, and ensure you shake it daily.
After two weeks, strain the oil through a strainer or cheesecloth.
Use this infused oil to make the hair mask.
To create the mask: Ensure the coconut oil and shea butter are at room temperature or slightly warmer, but not liquified. Break the shea butter into small pieces and put these into the bowl, together with the coconut oil. Use a mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth.
Add the infused oil and peppermint essential oil and blend until you achieve a frothy consistency.
Put your mixture into a container or applicator bottle and allow it to settle. If your hair is thicker, you can add more shea butter. The mixture should be whipped, with the firmness of cake frosting.
HOW TO APPLY
- Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, section your freshly-washed hair into 4 or 5 sections. Detangle your hair thoroughly before applying the mask.
- Apply the mask on wet hair section by section. We recommend starting with a nickel-sized amount and increasing as needed. Smooth it into your hair from your scalp to the tips of the strands. Ensure each section remains separate and detangled.
- Allow the mask to sit on your hair for 15 to 35 mins (depending on hair type and dryness level). If you desire deep moisturizing, wear a shower cap, then wrap a towel on your head.
- This recipe is excellent as an overnight hair mask. Replace the towel with either a t-shirt or a hair scarf.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly from your hair, starting with warm water, then finishing with cold. Completing your rinse with cold water lays the hair cuticle flat, locking in moisture.
- Allow your hair to dry and style as desired.
Alternate recipe for thin or oily hair
If you find the above mask to be too heavy for daily use for your hair type, you can try this modified recipe:
INGREDIENTS
Sweet almond oil
Avocado Oil
Olive oil
½ cup dried horsetail
½ cup dried nettle
½ cup rosemary (dried or fresh)
⅓ cup Coconut Oil
½ tsp Peppermint essential oil
This recipe works well as an overnight oil treatment.
NOTE: It may not be adequately moisturizing for thicker hair. However, it can be used with other moisturizers and leave-in conditioners for the best results.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
