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What is a Hair Mask?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Just as a facial mask can help correct imbalances in the complexion, a hair mask can work to keep the hair in top shape. Although they are a common treatment at luxury spas around the world, people don’t have to be rich to enjoy this pampering beauty ritual. There are a number of masks that people can make at home using ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available.

The process of making a hair mask is fairly simple, although individuals will probably want to save the treatment for a time when they plan to spend the entire evening at home. Some of the ingredients used in do-it-yourself masks can have a distinctive odor that may require two or three shampoos to remove completely.

Wheat germ can be a great addition to a homemade hair mask.
Wheat germ can be a great addition to a homemade hair mask.

To make a “fruit smoothie” mask that works well as a conditioner for all hair types, a person can combine 1/2 banana, 1/4 cantaloupe, 1/4 avocado, one tablespoon (14.7 ml) yogurt, and 1 tablespoon (14.7 ml) wheat germ oil in a blender. The mixture should be massaged into the scalp and allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes before shampooing.

People who have very dry hair can mix two whole eggs with 2 tablespoons (59 ml) of olive oil. They should apply the mixture throughout the hair, then cover the scalp with plastic wrap. After 10 to 15 minutes, they can remove the plastic and shampoo as usual.

Yogurt can moisturize hair.
Yogurt can moisturize hair.

Damaged hair is a very common concern for women who have their hair colored or highlighted and frequently use curling irons or blow dryers as part of their styling routine. People with damaged hair can make a hair mask by combining a very ripe banana with a few drops of almond oil. This mixture can be put on the hair for approximately 15 minutes, then rinsed with soda water, and shampooed as usual.

Naturally curly hair can become frizzy. To keep frizziness under control, a person can mix 1 tablespoon (14.7 ml) of honey with 1 quart (about 1 liter) of clean water. He or she can apply the mixture to the hair after using a normal shampoo.

Olive oil works well for dry hair.
Olive oil works well for dry hair.

Regardless of what type of hair mask a person chooses to create, he or she should remember that most masks are only intended to be used once or twice per month. They are intended to help repair the hair, not simply to maintain a style. Using a mask too often may create additional problems, such as excess oiliness.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the BeautyAnswered team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the BeautyAnswered team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon277570

The best hair mask ever is the Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan oil Hair Mask. It's brilliant for hair and it made mine really shiny, soft and strong.

I occasionally use home made ones too. Honey is the best, and mixed with egg whites or olive oil can really give your hair a deep conditioning.

anon243046

Please tell me some answers for hair mask treatments. First, what is a hair mask treatment, second, how does it work, third, what does a hair mask treat and fourth, how is it used?

anon111800

Coconut oil makes a great hair mask. Also, I would recommend freezing the banana in the morning of the day before, then taking it out of the freezer overnight to thaw, which makes it easier to mash, reducing banana chunks in hair.

SnowyWinter

@christym: Actually, no. That is why it is important to make sure that all of the honey is completely dissolved in the hot water before you apply it.

I've used the mixture several times with great results.

christym

@snowywinter: Does the honey not make your hair feel sticky?

SnowyWinter

I use a hair mask made out of honey. Honey has nutrients that are great for your hair and add shine to dull looking hair.

Mix 1 ½ tsp. natural honey with 16 ounces of warm water. It is important to make sure that the honey completely dissolves in the water. Apply the mixture to freshly washed hair. Dry all of the excess water out with a towel and then dry and style as usual.

momothree

@medicchristy: A wheat germ mask is often used if someone is looking to thicken their hair. It also helps to restore your hair’s natural shine.

Take some wheat germ and put it in a bowl with hot water. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess water out of the mixture and apply it to your air. Leave that on for about 10 minutes and then wash your hair very well to remove the wheat germ.

medicchristy

Has anyone ever heard of a homemade hair mask made out of wheat germ?

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    • Wheat germ can be a great addition to a homemade hair mask.
      Wheat germ can be a great addition to a homemade hair mask.
    • Yogurt can moisturize hair.
      Yogurt can moisturize hair.
    • Olive oil works well for dry hair.
      Olive oil works well for dry hair.
    • Honey can be used in a hair mask to help eliminate frizz.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Honey can be used in a hair mask to help eliminate frizz.
    • Cantaloupe, which can be used to make a fruity hair mask.
      By: Malyshchyts Viktar
      Cantaloupe, which can be used to make a fruity hair mask.
    • Bananas can be used to make a hair mask.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Bananas can be used to make a hair mask.
    • Avocado is included in a fruit smoothie mask.
      By: Richard Villalon
      Avocado is included in a fruit smoothie mask.
    • Hair masks can be used to repair damaged hair.
      By: thelosteyeball
      Hair masks can be used to repair damaged hair.