Do-It-Yourself Conditioning Treatments for Hair
Natural and Household Items Combine to Restore Hair's Natural Beauty
Feb 15, 2009
Hair is exposed to harmful elements daily: pollution, sunshine, wind, and styling treatments cause split ends, coarse texture, and dull color. But why make a trip to an expensive salon when deep conditioning at home can revitalize soft texture and shine? Create your own home beauty spa with this advice.
Hair Treatment Ingredients: Check the Kitchen!
Many items in every refrigerator hold great benefits for healthy hair. Get creative: try various combinations of ingredients to find the right treatment for your individual hair type. And then reap the benefits!
Deep Conditioning Masks for Hair
For moisture and manageability, try: mashed avocado, mashed banana, mayonnaise, egg, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut tanning oil, coconut cream, cocoa butter, or honey. One of these ingredients (or a mixture thereof) should be massaged into damp, unwashed hair from roots to ends. Cover with a plastic shower cap and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse carefully with cool water, making sure to completely remove the treatment. Next, wash with a gentle shampoo. The conditioning effects will be felt immediately.
Tip: Any kitchen oil can be heated (using a plastic baggie and warm water) and applied as a hot oil treatment!
Cleansing and Brightening Rinses for Hair
To cut residue from shampoos and restore shine, try a natural rinse: apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, a mixture of baking soda and water, beer (stale is okay!), and coffee (for brunettes) are all helpful for enhancing color.
Tip: Lemon juice should be used only occasionally, as it can over-dry hair.
Recipes for Homemade Hair Masks
Note: Adjust these recipes depending on thickness and length of hair. More hair requires more conditioning treatment, and less hair requires much less. Also, prepare to get messy! These treatments can get a little bit sloppy. The bathtub is always a safe location for beauty treatments and the steam in the bathroom can increase the benefit of the masks...and you can relax in a bubble bath too!
DIY Deep Conditioning Avocado Hair Mask
- 1 medium sized avocado, mashed with a fork
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
DIY Shine Enhancing Banana Honey Hair Mask
- 1 medium sized banana, mashed with a fork
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg, beaten
- 4 tablespoons natural, unflavored yogurt
Experiment! Creativity is the Key to a Home Beauty Spa
Invent new and frugal beauty combinations! Try playing with fresh herbs and essential oils to adjust the sensations and aromas (but always avoid ingredients that you may be allergic to or that are poisonous!). Prepare your home with candles and cushions for a resort atmosphere. Enhance your bubble bath with bath salts. And most important, relax!
And while you're at it, why not try a do-it-yourself pedicure or a homemade facial?
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