Tame the tresses

Some home-made masks are restorative, offer nourishment, repair damaged hair and boost growth.

Hair masks are not something new. In fact, women in the ancient world used to apply a paste of herbs, tea leaves, jasmine flower petals, amla paste, coconut and olive oil to deeply condition and nourish their hair. Now we have a host of options to choose from, but the basics of good hair care have not changed for hundreds of years. One hair mask however, cannot be suitable for all types of hair. It is essential that we find a hair mask according to our hair type and need.

Here are some hair masks that can be made from simple kitchen ingredients. These masks are restorative, offer nourishment, repair damaged hair and boost growth.

Coloured hair: Deep moisturising is needed to preserve colour and maintain a healthy glow. Concentrate on the ends of the hair, which dry out most quickly.

If you do not have a mask specifically for colour-treated hair, a dry hair mask will also work well.

Coconut milk and avocado are very beneficial for coloured hair. Since its oil free, it won’t strip off the colour while you are trying to shampoo it out.

In a blender, combine a whole avocado, one cup of coconut milk, a tablespoon of honey, and lemon oil.

Fine hair: Thin or fine hair can easily be weighed down and end up looking limp which is why they need ingredients that strengthen them, give volume and shine.

Whip up one ripe banana, two table spoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon honey to get hair back on track. You may add few drops of lavender oil or rosemary oil.

Banana has just enough protein to improve elasticity while the combination of honey and oil moisturises strands and hydrates the scalp.

Dry and damaged hair: Dry and damaged hair essentially needs to be hydrated. Honey is a great ingredient .

Any of the following treatments can be applied, one with egg and the other without egg.

Egg yolk, honey, and coconut oil to restore moisture, protein, and shine. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes for ideal penetration.

Mix one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of olive oil and leave it on for about 20 minutes.

Curly hair: Curly hair has the reputation of being the most difficult hair types to manage. Masks with avocado, coconut, or argan oil can help to tame and smooth wild curls.

One egg, two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one tablespoon of honey works wonders on curly hair.

You can also add essential oils to the mixture to further nourish your locks.

Oily hair: Clay’s absorbent properties make it the best choice to keep greasy or oily hair voluminous and shiny.

½ cup French clay, two tablespoons of avocado oil, and 10 drops lavender essential oil mask will leave your hair smooth, shiny, and stronger than ever.

Say hello to beautiful hair!

(The author is founder, INATUR)