For generations, black women have gathered in salons with our children, sisters, and mothers, looking for ways to care for our unique hair needs. These salons, a blend of tradition and modern styling innovations have become spaces where we share tips and secrets to nurture and revitalize our hair. As we alternate between professional salon treatments and our own homemade solutions, we continue to empower ourselves and redefine the beauty of our kinky hair with creative and effective DIY mask methods and natural ingredients.
As beauty standards move away from Eurocentric ideals, the industry is also embracing eco-friendly and sustainable practices. By enriching our DIY masks with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, we not only boost the health and strength of our hair but also care for our environment. These homemade masks allow us to maintain our hair’s vitality without sacrificing our health or our planet’s well-being.
Why DIY masks?
DIY hair masks are effective because they allow us to personalise the ingredients based on our hair goals and preferences. This personalisation is critical to addressing individual needs, whether combating dryness, repairing damage, or enhancing shine. By selecting ingredients known for their nourishing properties, such as coconut oil for moisturising, honey for its humectant qualities, or avocado for its richness in vitamins and minerals, we can tailor the mask to cater to our hair’s unique needs. DIY hair masks achieve their effectiveness through the thoughtful selection and combination of natural ingredients, personalised to address our specific hair concerns and preferences. This hands-on approach allows us to take control of our hair care routine and ensures that our hair receives the individualised attention it deserves for optimal health and vitality. Crafting our hair treatments empowers us to control what goes into the mask, ensuring that it’s free from harsh chemicals or ingredients that may not agree with our hair.
The nourishing power of everyday ingredients
Ingredients like avocado, olive oil, and eggs are readily available in most kitchens and are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that promote hair growth and nourishment.
Coconut Oil:
- Moisturising and nourishing properties
- It contains fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft
- Hydrates and strengthens strands from within
Avocado:
- Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B6
- Contains amino acids and minerals
- Excellent for nourishing and moisturising hair
- It helps repair damage, smooth frizz, and promote hair growth
Olive Oil:
- It is not just for cooking; it is also great for hair nourishment and conditioning
- It contains antioxidants and vitamin E
- It helps repair damage and add shine to dull hair
Egg:
- Rich in protein and nutrients
- Strengthens hair strands and promotes overall hair health as proteins are the building blocks of hair
- Incorporating eggs into hair masks helps repair and fortify damaged or weakened strands.
Unlike store-bought products with standardised formulas, DIY hair masks allow customisation based on individual needs and preferences.
Hair issues faced by black women
For black women, hair is a symbol of identity and beauty. However, our hair often faces unique challenges due to its diverse textures and structures; from coils to kinks to curls, each strand tells a story of resilience and beauty. Renowned natural hair experts like Felicia Leatherwood and Whitney White, known as Naptural85, have been instrumental in guiding black women on their natural hair journey. Felicia Leatherwood, celebrity hairstylist and advocate for healthy black hair care, emphasises the importance of embracing one’s natural texture, stating, “Your hair is your crown; wear it proudly.” Similarly, Whitney White, with her popular YouTube channel Naptural85, encourages women to nurture their hair with love and patience, affirming, “Your hair is a journey, not a destination.”
Despite our deep connection to our hair, it’s not immune to damage, split ends, scalp issues, or the anguish of hair loss. Finding practical solutions can feel like an uphill battle, whether environmental factors, chemical treatments, or genetics cause the problem.
Scalp Issues
Scalp issues, such as Dandruff, characterised by a flaky and itchy scalp, are often caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on the scalp’s natural oils, leading to irritation and flaking. On the other hand, dryness can result from various factors, including environmental conditions, harsh hair products, or inadequate hydration. Now, I watched my sister for years deal with dandruff, a persistent and frustrating scalp issue that left her feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Seeing her struggle with the constant itching and flaking made me realise how distressing scalp issues can be. It wasn’t until she decided to take matters into her own hands that she found relief. Fed up with endless cycles of shampoos, conditioners, and creams, she boldly chose to cut her hair and transition into natural hair care, embracing holistic care along the way.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil is rich in moisturising properties that help hydrate and nourish the scalp, reducing dryness and flakiness. Its emollient nature allows it to penetrate deep into the skin, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. Additionally, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties that can help combat fungal infections, such as those that contribute to dandruff.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat dandruff-causing fungi and bacteria while soothing scalp irritation. Its potent antimicrobial action targets the fungi responsible for dandruff, such as Malassezia, helping to reduce flakiness and prevent its recurrence. Additionally, tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm scalp irritation and redness, relieving the discomfort associated with dandruff.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera is known for its hydrating and soothing properties, making it an excellent remedy for scalp dryness and irritation. Its high water content helps hydrate the scalp, replenishing moisture and restoring its natural balance. Additionally, aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Its soothing properties help calm inflammation and alleviate itching, relieving scalp discomfort.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add two tablespoons of coconut oil, one tablespoon of tea tree oil, and one tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Mix and stir the ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Section your hair and apply the mixture directly to the scalp, focusing on areas affected by dandruff or dryness.
- Gently massage the mask into the scalp using circular motions to ensure even distribution.
- Leave the mask in for 20-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate the scalp and provide nourishment.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly with lukewarm water, followed by your regular shampooing and conditioning routine.
Use weekly for healthier, flake-free scalp and hair.
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Damaged hair
Damaged hair is a prevalent issue among black women, often stemming from a variety of factors. Hair damage can take various forms, each with its own set of challenges for black women. Heat damage from frequent use of styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers weakens the hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. While achieving desired results, chemical treatments like relaxers and hair colourants compromise the hair’s integrity with harsh chemicals, resulting in dryness, brittleness, and even hair loss.
Environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution further exacerbate damage, weakening the hair’s outer layer, disrupting its natural balance, and leaving it susceptible to dryness, dullness, and breakage. Mechanical damage from everyday activities like brushing and styling can cause the hair shaft to become rough and raised, leading to breakage and split ends. Tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids also contribute to mechanical damage, stressing the hair follicles and potentially causing traction alopecia. Understanding these forms of damage is crucial for developing effective hair care routines tailored to address specific concerns and promote overall hair health.
Ingredients
- Avocado: Avocado, rich in essential fatty acids, offers a potent solution to combatting hair damage. Its ability to penetrate the hair shaft deeply moisturises and smooths the cuticle, restoring elasticity and strength to damaged strands. This deep penetration ensures the hair is hydrated from within, addressing dryness and brittleness caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stressors. Incorporating avocado into hair care routines provides a natural and effective way to address damage and promote optimal hair health.
- Olive oil: Olive oil, renowned for its moisturising properties, is a powerful ally in repairing and protecting damaged hair. Its ability to seal moisture into the hair shaft creates a protective barrier that prevents further damage and restores elasticity to brittle strands. By locking in moisture, olive oil helps to nourish and strengthen the hair from within, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting overall hair health. Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that help repair and rejuvenate the hair, making it smoother, softer, and more resilient.
- Egg yolk: Egg yolk, packed with proteins, offers a natural remedy for repairing and strengthening damaged hair. The proteins present in egg yolk work to fortify the hair shaft, repairing damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stressors. By infusing the hair with essential amino acids, egg yolk helps to rebuild the hair’s structure, restoring strength and resilience to weakened strands. Additionally, the rich protein content in egg yolk nourishes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the risk of breakage.
Instructions
- Mash half a ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil and one egg yolk to the mashed avocado.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined, forming a creamy paste.
- Apply the mask to clean damp hair, focusing on the ends and damaged areas.
- Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair shaft.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly with lukewarm water, followed by shampoo and conditioner.
Use this mask once weekly for the best results in repairing and revitalising damaged hair.
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Hair loss/thinning
Hair loss and hair thinning can be distressing issues, particularly for black women. Hair loss often involves excessive shedding or noticeable thinning, while hair thinning refers to a reduction in hair density, resulting in less volume and coverage. Hair loss and thinning can be deeply distressing for black women. I understand the emotional turmoil of experiencing these issues. At 13, I eagerly anticipated relaxing my naturally kinky hair for a smoother look. However, improper washing left a chemical residue, irreversibly damaging my once-healthy hair. Tearfully, I watched as my long locks were cut short to conceal the damage. Attempts to hide it with tightly braided extensions only worsened the situation, triggering further loss. This cycle haunted me for years, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing hair loss and thinning. You can read more about my hair journey and how I achieved the desired results here.
Ingredients
- Soy protein powder: Soy protein powder is a potent ally in combating hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth. Soy protein bursts with essential amino acids and vitamins, nourishing the hair follicles from within, fortifying them against damage and stimulating new hair growth. By providing the building blocks necessary for strong and resilient hair, soy protein strengthens the hair shaft and reduces the risk of breakage and shedding. Soy protein in hair care routines offers a natural and effective solution for addressing hair loss and promoting thicker, fuller hair.
- Honey: As a natural humectant, honey draws moisture from the environment and locks it into the hair and scalp, helping to combat dryness and dehydration. Honey’s antioxidant properties also protect the hair and scalp from environmental damage, promoting overall hair health. Its antibacterial properties also help to soothe and cleanse the scalp, reducing the risk of infections and irritation.
- Coconut oil offers many benefits for nourishing and strengthening the hair. Its rich composition of fatty acids and vitamins penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, delivering intense hydration and moisture to dry and damaged strands. By preventing protein loss, coconut oil helps maintain the hair’s structural integrity, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends. Additionally, the conditioning properties of coconut oil leave the hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable while imparting a healthy shine.
- Egg: High in proteins and biotin, eggs help repair damaged hair, strengthen hair follicles, and promote healthy growth.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine (2 tbsp)soy protein powder, (1 tbsp) honey, (1 tbsp) coconut oil, and 1 egg until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends.
- Massage the mask into your scalp using gentle circular motions to ensure even distribution and stimulate blood flow.
- Once applied, cover your hair with a shower cap or cling film, then secure it with a towel to trap heat and enhance penetration. Alternatively, use a mobile hair-steaming gadget to achieve similar benefits. This innovative device generates gentle heat to open the hair follicles, allowing deep conditioning oils like coconut oil to penetrate more effectively for maximum hydration and nourishment.
- Leave the mask on for 30-60 minutes to allow the nutrients to nourish the hair deeply.
Use this mask once a week to maintain healthy, strong, and vibrant hair for best results.
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Tips for maximising DIY hair masks at home
Now that we’re set with our homemade hair masks, packed with nutritious ingredients and easy instructions, maximise the effects of your DIY masks with these tips.
Use heat: Cover your hair with a shower cap, plastic wrap or warm towel to enhance the mask’s penetration and absorption. The heat opens the hair follicles, allowing the nutrients to penetrate more deeply.
Extend treatment time: While most DIY hair masks recommend leaving them on for 20-30 minutes, consider extending the treatment time for deeper conditioning and nourishment. Some masks can be left on overnight for intensive repair and results.
Consistency is key: Use DIY hair masks consistently as part of your hair care routine for optimal results. Incorporate them weekly or bi-weekly to maintain healthy, strong, and beautiful hair.
Using simple ingredients in your home and kitchen, you can address various hair concerns while reclaiming control over your haircare routine. With these tips, you can make the most of your DIY hair mask experience, ensuring healthy, vibrant hair that reflects your unique beauty inside and out. So, get creative, pamper yourself, and enjoy the journey to beautiful, luscious hair!
