Hair Affaire: Hair Mask 101

Collage by Aylea Skye/ Original Images by Unknown Sources

Hair is either one's ally or adversary (mine is unquestionably the latter). Whether it be due to summer humidity or winter frigidity, whether it be dull and limp, or frizzy and unruly, hair can be habitually disobliging. Nevertheless, they say a hair mask a week keeps the tresses en fleek. Homemade hair masks are the cheapest and often most effective ways to cure your hair woes, below are simple homemade hair mask recipes, comprising of ingredients found in most kitchens, unambiguously mixed together in a bowl. These recipes challenge the most prevailing hair concerns. 

Thick, Frizzy, Dry, Curly Hair:

Thick curly hair is oftentimes distinctly unruly; frizz succeeds curls and thick strands devour moisture. However, the mane can be tamed. A restorative, moisturising protein mask is the antidote to this hair type; oil is a friend to curly, frizzy hair as it is often more porous and so struggles to retain water, and so this hair type is more prone to breakage, making protein is a bosom buddy. 

Ingredients:

Two tablespoons of coconut oil

Two raw free range eggs

One tablespoon of olive oil

*For extra shine, curl definition and reduced porosity add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

 *For extra moisture add one tablespoon of castor oil. 

Fine, Limp, Dull Hair:

Fine hair is often viewed as one of the most manageable hair types, however, thick bouncy hair is often desired. Root boosting products and salt sprays are some of the most in-demand hair products. Unlike thick curly hair, fine hair tends to be disadvantaged by oil, retaining moisture effortlessly. Nonetheless, oil should not be feared; there is a tendency to over wash fine hair, making it dull and drying out the scalp paradoxically causing the scalp to overcompensate and produce too much oil.  A mask that hydrates, fortifies and adds shine is the antidote for this hair problem. 

Ingredients:

One ripe avocadoOne tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

One teaspoon of lemon juice

One teaspoon of jojoba oil

*Rinse hair with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar: 3 cups of water for extra shine. 

Split Ends And Breakage:

Everyone of every hair type can become victim to split ends and breakage, particularly if you have a penchant for heat styling. A hair mask is an obligation if you are prone to breakage and split ends. Both of the above mask will soothe and prevent this hair concern, however, the mask below provides some much needed TLC that can only be supplied by good oil and honey. 

Ingredients:

One tablespoon of honey

One tablespoon of coconut oil

One tablespoon of almond oil

One tablespoon of castor oil

Two tablespoons of cider vinegar

One raw free range egg

*Add a teaspoon of rosemary oil to support hair growth. 

With all of these masks and all this in life persistence is key; the longer you wear the hair mask and more often you apply them equate to the results. Try and do these hair mask weekly, and if possible leave them in the hair for at least 15mins for hair a flourishing hair affaire.