Hair masks are far from a new concept, with ancient Egyptian women using a mixture of olive oil and honey to nourish their hair centuries before it gained popularity around the world.
It took quite a while before Europe and the Western world latched onto the idea, but now there are a huge range of products and homemade recipes you can try. But it is worth asking the question, are hair masks good for your hair, and if so, why?
What is a hair mask?
A hair mask works in a similar way to face mask, but instead for your strands, helping to boost its health and condition.
Essentially, they are deep conditioning treatments that you can make at home using natural ingredients such as essential oils, honey, bananas or even egg yolk.
Of course, you can buy ready-made hair masks from retail stores, although they often contain additional chemicals that you may not want to mix into your hair and scalp.
What are the benefits of a hair mask?
The benefits of a hair mask vary depending on your hair type and the ingredients you use. However, in general, you can expect to enjoy:
- Stronger hair
- Increased moisture
- Shinier, softer hair
- Reduced hair breakage and damage
- Less frizz
- A healthier scalp
- Less environmental and product damage
What are the best ingredients for a hair mask?
If you want to really give your hair and scalp some TLC, we recommend that you focus on using natural ingredients so you can benefit from the various vitamins, minerals and nutrients they have to offer.
Hair mask ingredients you could use include:
Carrier oils
Carrier oils such as coconut oil, avocado and jojoba oil can help you manage a variety of hair conditions such as frizz, dryness, lack of moisture and much more. Depending on which one you use, they are also stacked with vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, folic acid, magnesium and essential long-chain fatty acids.
Essential oils
From tea tree oil and lemongrass oil to rosemary oil and lavender oil, there are a whole host of essential oils that work well in a hair mask. They can help with everything from aiding hair growth to boosting thickness and general health. Remember, you must dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before application to avoid skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Honey
If you have dry hair and want to gain and retain more moisture, then try honey in your mask as it is considered a humectant. Studies have also found that it can support the growth of skin cells, which could help to produce stronger hair follicles.
Eggs
Eggs yolks may seem like an unusual choice, but you may be surprised at how much they can help. They contain nutrients such as biotin and folate, as well as vitamins A and E. And the protein contained in egg whites may also be able to strengthen and toughen up weak and fragile hair.
Bananas
Bananas contain silica, which studies have found can increase blood circulation in the scalp (which could support thinning hair) whilst also strengthening hair strands. Bananas also contain antimicrobial properties which may be able to reduce dandruff and dryness in the scalp.
Get in touch
At Kartee Salon, we are truly lucky to have amazing customers who love what we do, with some even calling us the best hair salon in Tooting (some have even called us the best hair salon in London!).
If you are new to hair masks, you might have a few questions about how they work and how to apply them to your hair. Our team is always happy to help, and we can offer advice and guidance on the best natural hair masks to use based on your hair type.
You can also find regular updates on our social channels that offer free, helpful tips and insight into common hair issues: Facebook or Instagram.
You can find us on Colliers Wood Road, SW19 and we are open Monday to Friday, 10-7.30pm (9pm on Thursdays), Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Give us a call on 020 8540 4664 or email hello@kartee.salon and we’d be more than happy to arrange a free hair consultation.
