Nourish hair naturally, DIY-style : A recipe for elevating your hair routine with DIY delights

If you are tired of shelling out a fortune on expensive hair care products that do not always deliver the results you are looking for, it is time to consider the benefits of DIY hair care. The routine would not only allow one to take control of one’s hair routine but, can also be a relaxing and therapeutic activity. So, why not give DIY haircare a try and discover the secret to healthier and radiant locks?

“Hair masks and the ingredients differ according to hair types like dry, frizzy, or oily,” says Dr. Shoba Sudeep,  consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist from Bengaluru. She suggests cleansing one’s hair with a mild shampoo a day prior to using DIY hair masks.

“DIYs can help the hair and scalp to some extent, however, if there are scalp problems like excessive dandruff, one should consult a dermatologist,” says Dr. Rashmi Aderao, consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.

Dr. Sudeep and Dr. Aderao list some easy DIY hair masks that are safe and packed with benefits.   

 

Honey-avocado mask

Benefits: Helps with dry and damaged hair.

Method:

• Mix a teaspoon of coconut oil, honey, an egg, and avocado
• Apply it from the ends of the hair to the roots
• Let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes and then rinse off

Caution: Safe for all hair types.

Cinnamon coconut mask

Benefits: Helps with an itchy scalp.

Method:

• Mix one teaspoon of coconut oil and one teaspoon of cinnamon
• Apply all over the scalp and up to hair tips and cover with a shower cap
• Let it sit for about 45 minutes
• Rinse with a mild sulfate-free shampoo

Caution: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties which help with seborrhoea.

Banana yogurt mask

Benefits: Contains potassium, carbohydrate, and vitamins that help lock in moisture and eliminate frizz.

Method:

• Mash and mix one big ripe banana with two teaspoons of plain yogurt and one teaspoon of honey
• Mix all ingredients in a blender to make a smooth paste
• Apply on wet hair from top to bottom
• Leave the mask on for about 45 minutes and rinse

Caution: People with fine hair should avoid it.

Hibiscus mask

Benefits: This mask prevents premature hair greying and promotes hair growth.

Method:

• Take a handful of hibiscus flowers and leaves
• Add two teaspoons of organic curd and two teaspoons of aloe vera gel
• Grind it into a fine paste and apply from roots to ends
• Cover the scalp well, wait for at least an hour, and wash off

Caution: Safe for all age groups and hair types.

Exfoliating scrub

Benefits: Effectively removes dirt and grease from the scalp. It also clears out product build-up and seborrhoea.

Method:

• Mix olive oil and brown sugar and scrub over the scalp for 10 minutes
• Leave on for an hour and rinse off with a mild shampoo

Caution: People with a sensitive scalp, fine hair, and alopecia should avoid this mask. It should be used once in two months.

Egg-white mask

Benefits: The protein and folic acid in eggs help smoothen damaged or frizzy hair.

Method:

• Mix one-two egg white with one tablespoon of coconut oil
• Apply and leave it on for 20 minutes
• Wash it off with a shampoo

Caution: This hair mask can be used across all age groups.

Some caution advised by Dr. Sudeep and Dr. Aderao while using DIY masks are:

• Always do a patch test before using any new DIY mask.
• Use a hair mask that has ingredients suitable for the hair and scalp.
• People with telogen effluvium (acute hair loss), scalp psoriasis, sensitive scalp, and scalp folliculitis should best avoid DIY hair masks.
• Use a DIY hair mask only once a week.
• Wash the hair thoroughly after using the mask.
• Do not use DIY hair masks with hair oil if you have dandruff.
• Use shampoo on the scalp and not on the strands of your hair after using a DIY hair mask or while washing hair.

Source: https://www.happiesthealth.com/articles/general/nourish-hair-naturally-diy-style