Anna Mitsios, founder of vegan skincare brand Edible Beauty, shares her favourite hair masque recipes to try at home
Up to 50 percent of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime. The health of our hair is so important, and I have seen so many women develop anxiety or a lack of self-esteem due to hair loss. Here, I share some tried and tested DIY masques to address dry hair, hair loss, and dandruff so you can achieve the beautiful, lustrous hair you deserve.
Hair masque for thinning hair and hair loss
Rosemary oil is a beautiful essential oil designed to boost circulation to the scalp, promoting nutrient flow to prevent hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. Lavender essential oil is calming and soothing to the scalp and vitamin E is a very effective oil when it comes to hair (and skin) repair and strengthening. Use this masque 2–3 times per week or before every hair wash for the best results.
INGREDIENTS
(see tip)
- 1 tbsp argan oil (or olive oil)
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
METHOD
- Blend all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Massage the mixture into the scalp and cover with a hot towel or shower cap to activate. Leave on for approximately 30–90 minutes. Wash hair as usual.
TIP: If you suffer from PCOS, adding 2 drops of peppermint oil and geranium oil may also help. Also, if you don’t have time to leave the mask on, just use it while in the shower directly on the scalp as this will still be beneficial.
Hair masque for dull and lacklustre hair
Pink clay and avocado are often used on the face, but are equally effective when used on the hair. This DIY masque can be used on both hair and skin. The pink clay works to purify and strengthen, while avocado nourishes and hydrates, and apple cider controls excess oil production. The result is a purifying treatment that addresses excess oil while also revitalising lacklustre skin and hair.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small avocado
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pink clay (or oatmeal)
- 1 tbsp coconut syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt
METHOD
- Blend all ingredients, except the coconut yoghurt, together in a small bowl. Add the coconut yoghurt and mix until you reach the desired consistency.
- Apply on damp hair, starting at the scalp and working your way down to the tips of hair. Leave on for 20–30 minutes then wash hair as normal.
Hair masque for dry hair
Avocado is a wonder ingredient when it comes to hair. It contains minerals which can help to seal cuticle cells and promote shiny, lustrous hair that doesn’t break. Banana is rich in silica which is also important for smooth and shiny locks.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 avocado
- ½ banana
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
METHOD
- Blend all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Apply onto scalp and through the hair. Put on a shower cap and leave for 30–60 minutes. Wash as normal.
Hair masque for dandruff
Both aloe vera and apple cider vinegar have a calming and nourishing effect on the scalp to alleviate dandruff.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp dairy-free yoghurt (optional)
METHOD
- Blend the aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar together in a small bowl. Add the yoghurt, if using, and mix well.
- Massage onto damp scalp and through hair. Leave on for 30 minutes then wash as normal. Store any excess mask in a glass jar for use within the next 5 days.
