A study conducted in the US found that the prevalence of alopecia areata rose, rising from 0.012% to 0.019%. The occurrence of this hair loss type per 1 lakh people increased 87.39% in 2017 to 92.90% in 2019. Incidence and prevalence of alopecia areata were higher in the Northeast than in other regions, among adults as opposed to children and adolescents, and among females as compared to males. The only issue is that not everyone can go to the hair salon and receive one of these treatments. Taking time out of your hectic schedule and spending a pretty penny to get your hair treated can be difficult. That is why we have listed some DIY hair masks below that may help prevent hair loss and keep your locks healthy. Scroll down to check them out!
Effective Hair Masks For Hair Loss Treatment
1. Egg Mask For Hair
Eggs are packed with protein and B vitamins (1). These nutrients are good for maintaining the health of your hair. They work well with all hair types and provide scalp nourishing elements. A study showed that egg yolk could stimulate hair growth in dermal papilla cells (2). This is one of the most effective homemade hair masks for hair growth and thickness. Cate, a blogger, shares her experience of using egg and olive oil in hair masks to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth on her blog. About the use of olive oil, she writes, “I must admit I’ve only ever used it with cooking but I figured if it does half a good job of making my food delicious then it must be good for my hair too!”, while regarding use of egg, she notes, “I prefer to just to use the yolk as that’s where the majority of the goodness is concentrated plus it’s not as messy and while you’re waiting for your hair mask to work its magic, you can cook yourself up a nice egg white omelet to eat so nothing goes to waste.” (i).
How To Make An Egg Mask For Your Hair
Ingredients
1 egg 1 cup of milk 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Procedure Alternatively, you can also use just eggs by following these steps: Benefits Of Egg Hair Mask
Rich in proteins and amino acids that nourish the hair May add shine May reduce hair fall May encourage hair growth
2. Banana Hair Mask
Bananas are rich in potassium, antioxidants, natural oils, and vitamins, which make them an ideal treatment for hair loss (3). They are found all year round and make for an amazing hair mask for hair loss. Treat your hair to a banana hair mask by following one of these recipes.
How To Make A Banana Mask For Hair Loss At Home
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 tablespoon of honey
Procedure Here is another hair mask recipe that incorporates bananas and almond oil. Benefits Of Banana Hair Mask
May make your hair shine May make your hair soft May reduce dandruff May reduce damage May moisturize your hair
3. Yogurt Hair Mask
A study showed that yogurt could help preserve hair ends and may reduce hair damage and the risk of baldness (4). The same study showed that yogurt enhances hair color and acts as a hair conditioner. Another study showed that yogurt keeps hair in the anagen phase for longer and gives it a shiny coat (5).
How To Make A Yogurt Hair Mask
Ingredients
1 cup yogurt 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon of honey
Procedure Benefits Of Yogurt Hair Mask
May moisturize hair May nourish hair May increase strength and reduce breakage
4. Avocado Hair Mask
Avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, niacin, iron, and vitamin C, all of which are needed for hair growth and healthy hair (6), (7). Apply the avocado mask once or twice a week to improve the texture and sheen of your hair.
How To Make An Avocado Hair Mask At Home
Ingredients
1 small ripe avocado 1/2 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of almond oil
Procedure Benefits Of Avocado Hair Mask
May reduce splits and breakage May moisturize hair May reduce frizz
5. Strawberry Hair Mask
Strawberries contain antioxidants, which reduce the free radicals that cause hair loss (8). They also are good sources of vitamin C, the deficiency of which can cause hair loss (9).
How To Make A Strawberry Hair Mask For Hair Growth
Ingredients
3-4 fresh strawberries 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 tablespoon of honey-almond
Procedure Benefits Of Strawberry Hair Mask
May battle oiliness May unclog pores May strengthen hair May reduce hair fall
6. Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Curry leaves are a popular remedy to stimulate hair growth (9). They also help retain the natural hair color and prevent premature graying of hair (10). The penetrative properties of coconut oil and its fatty acid content reduce protein loss from hair (11). This is a great hair mask for growth as well as it can help tackle thinning hair. Use it twice a week for best results.
How To Make A Curry Leaves Hair Mask Using Coconut Oil
Ingredients
10-12 fresh curry leaves 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Procedure Benefits Of Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
May reduce hair fall May reduce hair thinning May moisturize hair May nourish hair
7. Castor Oil Hair Mask
Castor oil is rich in proteins. A study showed that castor could help reduce split ends, hair damage, and dandruff (4). Anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil also helps in hair thickening, although there is not much research to prove it.
How To Make A Castor Oil Hair Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of castor oil 2 tablespoons of brandy 1 egg
Procedure Benefits Of Castor Oil Hair Mask
May reduce frizz May encourage hair regrowth May prevent graying
8. Rosemary Hair Mask
If you are looking for the best hair pack for hair growth, here it is. All you need is rosemary, one of the most popular herbs for hair loss. Rosemary extract promoted hair growth in mice studies (12). It has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and promote hair health.
How To Make A Rosemary Hair Mask
Ingredients
2-3 tablespoons of well-chopped rosemary 1 cup of water
Procedure Benefits Of Rosemary Hair Mask
May encourage hair regrowth May strengthen the follicles May fight off free radicals
9. Green Tea Hair Mask
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and contains EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that can stimulate hair growth (13).
How To Make AGreen Tea Hair Mask For Hair Loss
Ingredients
1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons of green tea
Procedure Benefits Of Green Tea Hair Mask
Proteins may nourish the hair and scalp May reduce hair loss Antioxidants may fight off free radicals
10. Vitamin E Capsules Hair Pack
Vitamin E oil is also rich in antioxidants, which helps in anti-aging and reduces oxidative stressi Cell damage caused by an imbalance between reactive species of oxygen and antioxidants in the body. that causes hair loss (7). Vitamin E contains tocopherol, which was shown to induce hair growth (14). It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that encourage healthy scalp health and reduce hair fall. This vitamin-rich mask can be used thrice a week.
How To Make Vitamin E Capsules Hair Mask
Ingredients
2 vitamin E capsules 1 tablespoon of almond oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 teaspoon of castor oil A few drops of lavender essential oil
Procedure Benefits Of Vitamin E Hair Pack
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may keep the scalp healthy Antioxidants may battle free radicals May strengthen roots May reduce hair fall
11. Cinnamon Mask
If you are looking for a natural hair lightener, this cinnamon hair mask is an amazing choice. A recent study done on mice showed that cinnamon oil could increase hair length and diameter as effectively as minoxidili A class of synthetic drugs used in the treatment of hypertension as well as hair products that nurture fresh growth. (15). However, more studies are needed on humans to establish its effectiveness. You may see a difference in your hair color after using this mask 4-5 times.
How To Make A Cinnamon Hair Mask At Home
Ingredients
Honey Cinnamon Hair balsam
Procedure Benefits Of Cinnamon Hair Mask
May improve blood circulation Antifungal and antibacterial properties may keep the hair and scalp healthy and free from infection.
12. Lemon, Cream, And Wheat Germ Oil Hair Mask
Lemon is perfect for cleansing your follicles and hair and getting rid of dirt and product build-up. Sour cream works like yogurt, as a hair conditioner. Wheat germ has a high content of linoleic acidi A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps lower cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity. and is hence used as an ingredient in shampoos (16). It can help restore dry, damaged hair and improve strength and shine (17).
How To Make A Lemon Hair Mask At Home
Ingredients
2 lemons 1/4 cup of sour cream 1/4 cup of wheat germ oil
Procedure Benefits Of Lemon, Cream And Wheat Germ Oil Hair Mask
May unclog pores May remove product and dirt build-up May strengthen roots
13. Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Aloe vera is a great natural choice for hair care. It helps soothe irritated scalps and keeps hair hydrated. It reduces inflammation and contains vitamins C, E, B-12, folic acid, and choline that nourish and strengthen the hair (18).
How To Make Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Procedure Benefits Of Aloe Vera Hair Mask
May reduce frizz May hydrate and soften the hair May improve hair strength and shine May prevent dandruff
Hair Masks For Different Hair Types
14. Hair Mask For Dry Hair
Research shows that honey can reduce severe dandruff and chronic seborrheic dermatitisi A common skin condition characterized by itchiness, inflammation, excessive dandruff and scaly patches, mainly on the scalp. (19). Almonds can help prevent split ends and reduce hair damage and hair loss (4). This mask can help reduce dandruff and scalp acne.
How To Make A Hair Mask For Dry Hair
Ingredients
4 tablespoons of honey 1 teaspoon of almond paste (4 skinned almonds blended with 1/2 tablespoon rosewater) 2 tablespoons of cream
Procedure Note: You can substitute the cream with yogurt, although the results will slightly vary. Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Dry Hair
May moisturize hair May soothe the scalp May encourage healthy hair growth
15. Hair Mask For Normal Hair
This is possibly one of the easiest masks to make, and it lasts for up to a week if stored in the refrigerator. The lemon juice helps cleanse the scalp. The almond oil and honey moisturize the scalp and may reduce dandruff. This mask aims to replenish the lost nutrition and health of the hair. It may also restore its softness and luster.
How To Make A Hair Mask For Normal Hair
Ingredients
1 egg 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of almond oil 1 tablespoon of honey 4 tablespoons of flat beer
Procedure Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Normal Hair
May make hair silky and voluminous May add shine May nourish hair May improve the health of the scalp
16. Hair Mask For Oily Hair
A lot of people are afraid to use a hair mask for oily hair because they fear that it might become oilier. The idea behind a mask for oily hair is to find one that controls and reduces the secretion of oil and yet does not take away nutrition from your hair. This hair mask is specially made for oily hair.
How To Make A Hair Mask For Oily Hair
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of water 1 large pinch of fruit salt The paste of 2 amlas 1 egg white
Procedure Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Oily Hair
May remove grease May add volume to the hair May unclog pores and reduce hair fall Here are some tips you can follow to reap the maximum benefits of these hair masks.
Simple Tips To Help You Maximize The Benefits Of Hair Masks
Always apply the mask on shampooed hair. Just like you would apply a face pack to cleansed skin, apply the hair mask to cleansed hair. Clean hair is better equipped to absorb nutrients.
Make sure you separate your hair into sections and apply the mask from the roots to the tips. Once done, pull your hair into a bun and cover it with a shower cap. The shower cap will create a warm atmosphere, which allows for maximum penetration by the nutrients.
Tying your hair up in a bun ensures that the mask doesn’t drip.
Before you wash your hair, cover it with a hot towel for at least 5-7 minutes as this will create a warm environment, allowing your hair to absorb more nutrients. Repeat this process if needed.
After this, wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water. Unless otherwise specified, use plain water to rinse your hair off the mask and then press it with a towel to remove excess water.
Let your hair air-dry. Do hair masks actually work? Madison Dufor, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Yes! Hydrating hair masks work for everyone. My favorites are homemade because you know for sure that there are no harmful or damaging chemicals being put on your hair. Keratin and protein-rich masks are a little less universally satisfying or successful because replacing protein in damaged hair can, in some cases, make it worse.” She adds, “Hair masks that guarantee damage repairs, such as no more split ends or bleach damage, do not work. Once the cuticle, the outside of the hair shaft, is damaged, there is nothing you can do to repair it except cut it off. However, you can use a mask to prevent further damage.” Is it better to put a hair mask on dry hair? “No, clean, freshly shampooed, damp hair is the best for hair masks and deep conditioning. The hair will soak up the mask, and it will penetrate the hair deeper if the hair is damp, not soaking wet, but just a little damp,” says Madison. Do you use a hair mask before or after shampooing? According to Madison, “Use a hair mask after shampooing. The shampoo is designed to throw off the hair and skin’s natural pH just enough to break down the dirt, oil, and products on the hair and scalp to strip them off, but conditioner is supposed to bring the pH back to its natural level of 4.5-5.5 so that the scalp doesn’t have to work twice as hard to restore the pH on its own.” How often should you use a hair mask? You can ideally use a hair mask once or twice a week. However, while those with dry or damaged hair can apply it thrice a week, those with an oily scalp can apply it twice a week. Can you leave a hair mask on too long? No, leaving hair masks on for too long may not allow the hair to breathe. Some hair masks contain protein, which, if left on for long periods, may cause hair breakage. Hence, rinse the hair mask off once it has dried. Can hair masks damage hair? Hair masks nourish and help in hair repair if included in the hair care regimen. But a few hair masks contain clay or high protein, which, if left on for long, may damage the hair. Apply hair masks only as required. Does a hair mask replace the conditioner? Although hair masks condition the hair, they may not be as effective as a hair conditioner. While replacing the conditioner with a hair mask once in a while is fine, doing it too often may lead to product buildup. Hence, try not to replace your conditioner with a hair mask. Can you sleep with a hair mask? Yes, you can sleep with a hair mask on if you have dry or damaged hair. It will hydrate your hair and reduce frizz. However, those with oily hair may leave it on for 20 minutes to ensure their tresses don’t turn too oily. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or a towel and sleep at night to allow better absorption of the mask. Can you put a hair mask on dirty hair? No, do not apply a hair mask to dirty hair as the grease keeps the mask from penetrating the scalp and working its magic. Apply a hair mask to clean, slightly damp hair for better absorption.
Illustration: Effective Hair Masks To Treat Hair Loss
Find out about the top 5 hair masks that can help with hair fall, dandruff, hair growth, and gray and frizzy hair. Get ready to give your hair much-needed care with these amazing recipes!
