Raise your hand if you have ever done anything damaging to your hair? I am definitely guilty of putting my curls through a lot. I have had it all–coloring, bleach, heat tools, brushing… As a result, I have a special DIY routine to to battle the breakage, dryness and excessive split ends that damage can bring.
I use these recipes as soon as I start to see my hair getting frustrated. I can easily spot my hair edging near the point of no return. Usually I am able to reverse the situation quickly.
If your hair is feeling less defined, lost its bounce or shine, these simple recipes using what you already have at home. No need to buy fancy hair products! In this mask I combine the benefits of avocado, honey, olive oil and egg yolk:
- The Avocado contains emollients that soften and prevent dryness, vitamins B5 and B6 to nourish the hair follicle and improve elasticity and shine, proteins and amino acids to strengthen the shaft and fill in the gaps, making the hair stronger.
- Honey is a wonderful ingredient to use on your hair because it contains vitamins and acts as a humectant (attracts moisture to the hair like glycerin”>, and has also antibacterial properties, making it perfect to soothe an irritated, dry scalp.
- Olive oil is one of my favorite oils because it can actually penetrate deep in the hair shaft, making it a great oil to restore hair elasticity. When your hair loses elasticity, your curls drop and the hair breaks. Nobody wants that. Olive oil is also packed with vitamins and emollients to nourish the hair structure and the skin.
- Egg Yolk (If you are vegan, feel free to skip this ingredient”> is rich in proteins, perfect to strengthen the hair, but also vitamins to prevent hair loss, super nutrient fatty acid to restore softness and shine and protect and maintain the vibrancy of your hair color.
Note: These measurements are for medium-length, medium density hair. For thicker, longer hair, increase the amount to your liking.
The Ultimate Mask
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 egg yolk
Mix everything together until smooth, apply on the hair for 30 minutes, keeping the head warm then wash out with cold (important!”> water. If you feel your hair being greasy after this treatment, wash them with a sulfate free shampoo or a cleansing conditioner.
The Oil Elasticizer Pre-Poo
Yes, even washing the hair can be damaging. Wet hair loses proteins and water allows the hair to stretch. To prevent the damage caused by excessive washing, I pre-poo: I coat my hair with coconut oil and olive oil, two great penetrating oils that prevent the loss of elasticity. I leave this mixture in my hair for about 15 minutes before washing and conditioning my hair as usual.
The Strengthening Gel
Flaxseed gel is an old time favorite of mine. I have been using it for 7 years, every time I need to give my hair some TLC but I don’t want to compromise my styling. The homemade flaxseed gel gives a light to medium hold (depending on how thick you want it”> and with my added boosters, it is an amazing DIY treatment-styler all in one.
- 4 tablespoons flaxseeds
- water to cover the flaxseeds
- 1 teaspoon coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
I prepare my flaxseed gel as usual, boiling the seeds with the coconut flour and then I separate the gel with a sifter. I usually let it sit for 20 minutes until cold, then I add the olive oil.
- The coconut flour provides the proteins and the olive oil has emollient benefits to keep the hair shiny and elastic. I store it in the fridge in little containers of one dose, so I can use it whenever I want.
Pass these damage-erasing mixologies to all of your curly best friends!