These do-it-yourself masks will leave your locks looking luscious
By Katrina Caruso
If your hair needs some extra love but you don’t want to spring for an expensive salon treatment, at-home hair masks are a budget-friendly alternative that can give you immediate results and do a lot for your hair’s shine and softness, as well as for the health of your scalp. The two masks below can be made using all-natural ingredients that you probably already have at home (or can easily grab on your next trip to the grocery store).
Rejuvenating Hair Mask for Scalp Health and Hair Growth
Ingredients
1 tbsp (15 mL) castor oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) coconut oil
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 egg
2 drops tea tree oil (optional)
Directions
1. Mix all ingredients well, in a bowl.
2. Apply to scalp first, parting your hair and applying the mask to the part. Move through the rest of your scalp this way, and then apply the mask to the hair strands.
3. Apply plastic wrap to your hair (or a shower cap).
4. Let mask sit between 30 and 40 minutes.
5. Rinse and wash your hair as usual.
Why this works
With many nutrients including vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, and proteins, castor oil stimulates hair growth and can help combat thinning and split ends, and nourish a dry scalp, helping to prevent dandruff and itching. Coconut oil is very hydrating and moisturizing, and it has antimicrobial properties to cleanse the scalp. Cinnamon is also antimicrobial and stimulates circulation, and can help with hair loss and dandruff. Eggs are high in protein and can add softness and shine. If you have a lot of trouble with dandruff, add some tea tree oil.
Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Colour-Treated or Damaged Hair
Ingredients
1 avocado, mashed
1 egg
1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
1–2 tbsp (15–30 mL) coconut oil
Directions
1. Add eggs, honey, and oil to the mashed avocado and mix well.
2. Apply to scalp first, parting your hair and applying the mask to the part. Move through the rest of your scalp this way, and then apply the mask to the hair strands.
3. Apply plastic wrap to your hair (or a shower cap).
4. Let mask sit between 15–30 minutes.
5. Rinse and wash your hair as usual.
Why this works
Avocados contain more than 20 different vitamins including potassium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin E, so this mask does wonders for growth and shine, adds moisture, and helps to protect your hair against the harsh heat-treatments and chemicals from hair dye. Coconut oil is very hydrating (it can penetrate deeply into your hair) and adding moisture to your hair, which will help to prevent breakage. Honey is great for the scalp and can strengthen damaged ends. Eggs are high in protein and other vitamins that can leave your hair super shiny and healthy looking.
Photo: iStock/svehlik.
