Homemade Masks for Healthy Hair

Between your visits to the salon, your hair cries for nourishment. The right treatment can rescue even the most dehydrated hair strands. Here’s a DIY guide to hair masks to help you revitalise your hair at home.

Your hair is an important expression of who you are. A woman having well-groomed and lustrous hair is always known to attract men. Moreover, the texture of your hair signifies youth, health, strength and vitality. Many people, especially women, don’t feel right unless their hair looks perfect. There are days when you find yourself saying, “It’s just another bad hair day”. 

Hair structure 
“The structure of hair shaft comprises the medulla, the cortex and the cuticle,” says Dr Sonal Shah, trichologist. The medulla is the innermost core of hair and comprises soft keratin cells. The cortex is the second layer and gives your hair inherent strength and elasticity. It contains the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the colour of your hair. The outermost layer is the cuticle which acts as a protective shield.

Hair scare 
Each part of your body needs care, so does your hair. You often tend to realise this only when your mane starts suffering from split ends, dryness and loss of shine. The environment, pollutants, harmful chemicals, an imbalanced diet, stress, UV rays, lack of sleep and water are some of the major factors affecting your hair. As dust and dirt cling to your hair, it begs all the more for maintenance. Hence, hair care mainly depends on your hair type and the problem your hair is undergoing.

Why opt for masks 
“Hair mask is wellness for your hair. Just as the skin requires regular facials for rejuvenations, hair also needs similar kind of pampering and hair masks are a good way to do the same,” adds Shah.They contain nutrients and active substances to strengthen and restore hair structure, which makes them a great conditioner to add lustre and shine to hair.

What you need to know 
Hair is not just your crowning glory but a matter of self image, prestige and confidence. Hair is what you eat and drink. A balanced diet and the right intake of water helps maintain natural shine and keeps a lot of trichological problems at bay. All external applications like hair mask and conditioners work on the cuticle and can alter only the external appearance of the hair. However, they are not responsible for the inner strength of the hair.

Step by Step 
Masks should be applied often if your hair is being exposed to chlorine, seawater or excessive sun, as well as frequent colouring.

-1-
Apply the mask evenly on every strand of your hair.

-2-

 Leave it for 30 to 40 minutes depending on the ingredients of the mask. 

-3-

 Wrap your hair up in a warm towel while the mask works its wonders. It will amplify the mask’s effect and make you feel good too. 

-4-

 Do not exceed the time during which the mask should be applied. 

 -5-

 Once your hair has gotten its fill, rinse thoroughly with warm water. A good mask will take longer to rinse out than a shampoo or conditioner, so give it the time it needs. To give your hair more shine, finish off with a spray of cool water. 

 -6-

 Use a wide tooth comb to detangle wet hair. Brush them only when they are dry. 

 Avoid using a hairdryer to dry your hair after the wash as the release of heat can make them dry and coarse again.

For herbal masks 

 In case you’re planning to go natural, mix the mask ingredients thoroughly. 

 Apply the mask right after the preparation, when it is fresh. Avoid storing it for long. 

From your pantry
Oily Hair: Yoghurt suits the best for oily hair. Take 50 gms of yoghurt and apply it to washed hair. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing off with luke warm water and diluted vinegar.
Dry and Frizzy Hair: Lack of moisture, sometimes, tends to leave your hair dry and rough. 1 ripe banana, 3 scoops of mayonnaise and 1 tbsp of olive oil can do the trick. Blend it well and apply it to the
hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing with warm water and shampooing.
Hair Loss: Hair loss can be due to various reasons. However, a combination of vegetable oils and essential oils does help strengthen your hair. A liquid mix of 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and 10 to 15 drops of ylang - ylang is beneficial for the hair before it is washed.
Dandruff: Try the blend of 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 10 -15 drops of tea tree oil for great results.

If you’re buying off the rack
Every hair type has different needs and a mask might be good for one but not for another. So, choose the one that’s right for you. Don’t forget to check the expiry date of the hair pack that you’re spending your savings on.Your hairstylist knows it well when it comes to recommending a quality product. Hence, consult him/her in case you’re confused about the brand