Let’s face it - our hair goes through a lot. From styling with hot tools, using different hair products, to constant dyeing and tight updos, your hair has been there and done that. If you’re like us, you’ve probably tried out multiple hair masks in search for the perfect solution to undo some of the damage, from DIY masks to store-bought conditioners… admittedly some over-priced ones, too. Thankfully, we’ve got the scoop on the best ways to combat hair damage as well as tips to revive your strands back to a healthy luster.
At Secret of Medusa, we take pride in being proactive when it comes to protecting our natural hair - one of the most precious things we have. After all, without healthy hair to start with, even the most gorgeous, high-quality extensions can slip and pull on brittle strands. Before we jump into some amazing hair masks you can accomplish at home, let’s break down the root of what’s causing hair damage so we can prevent some of the problems to begin with.
Put the heat tools down!
Many of us struggling with damaged hair put our locks through a lot of strain from applying constant heat styling, causing more harm in an attempt to mask the damage at its natural state, putting your hair in a constant vicious cycle. A great start to combat the damage is to opt for air drying your hair after showering instead of blow drying, or at least keeping blow dries to a minimum. When styling your hair with hot tools is mandatory, make sure your hair is completely dry, as using hot tools on wet hair can create super-hot steam that damages the hair, causing the infamous “fried” look of over processed strands. Unless your hair is extremely coarse, avoid using the highest heat setting on any hair tool and always use proper heat protectant/hair oils before and after styling to help reduce heat damage.
Wash your hair less often
If you’ve been washing your hair on a daily basis, girl, it’s time to reconsider! If needed, you can extend the days between washes by applying a good dry shampoo. Dry shampoo will help absorb excess oil buildup on your scalp to keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant, while adding a little volume to it as well. Be sure to use good quality shampoos and conditioners, such as our Secret Shampoo and Secret Conditioner, neither of which contains alcohols, parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, all of which can strip away natural oils and cause dry, frizzy hair. Companies use such ingredients because they’re a cheaper way to cleanse the hair of dirt and oil, but they do little to promote healthy hair in the long term. You can also use your favorite leave-in conditioner on damp hair overnight to help replenish moisture back into your hair.
Related: How Do I Wash My Hair with Extensions?
Use the proper tools
Just like with the hair products you use, choosing the right styling tools will also make a big difference in the health of your hair. Many of us are guilty of brushing our hair while it’s still wet, but did you know that your hair is at its weakest state and most likely to break and tear at this time? We actually recommend brushing your hair while it’s dry before you shower to remove most of the tangles or wait until your hair is at least halfway dried before detangling with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the bottom and working your way upwards. It is important to treat your hair with care and be as gentle as possible to avoid pulling, snapping, and splitting your strands. It can get tedious, and you may get the urge to just brush your hair roughly to get through the tangles quickly, but try to remind yourself how precious your hair is and how important it is to take care of it. Trust us when we say it will show.
Now that we’ve broken down the basics of how to prevent the root of the problem, it’s time to dive into effective masks and treatments. Keep reading to find out 4 of our favorite and super easy hair masks for common issues you may be having. What’s even better is that most of the ingredients required can be found in your own kitchen!
Best DIY Hair Masks to Repair Damaged Hair
DIY Hair Mask for Oily Hair
Though you may not experience the fragility and brittleness of dry hair, oily hair certainly has its own issues - it can look limp and greasy, and can exacerbate skin conditions, contributing to itchiness, dandruff and ultimately breakage. A hair mask that can rebalance the natural oils in your scalp without causing greasiness will be ideal in this situation. The perfect combination to combat excess oil production will be a mask made of egg whites and lemon juice. The egg whites contain a healthy amount of vitamins A, D, and E, proteins, and fatty acids that help keep your hair fresh and conditioned. The lemon juice will provide a good amount of vitamin C to help absorb the excess oils and grease, while cleansing your hair as well.
Ingredients:
1 egg white
½ lemon
Instructions:
Separate the egg white from the yolk in a separate bowl, and squeeze in the juice from a fresh half lemon. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency and apply to damp hair, starting from roots working towards the bottom. Wrap your hair in a shower cap or towel and let sit for 30-45 minutes before rinsing and washing as normal with shampoo and conditioner.
DIY Hair Mask for Dry Hair
Are you bleaching or coloring your hair often? If so, we’ve got the perfect deep conditioning mask for you. Your hair cuticles (the outermost layer of your hair) are responsible for protecting your strands and retaining moisture, and are easily damaged from the chemicals in hair dye. If your hair has been feeling and looking dry and brittle after excessive coloring and chemicals, it’s a good idea to rejuvenate your locks with avocado, honey, and coconut oil. Avocado not only tastes great, it is super beneficial for your hair as well! The fats and oils found in avocados help restores hydration and promotes stronger hair. The honey will also be an important factor in promoting strong and silky smooth hair from root to tip. The coconut oil will bring back hydration and protect your strands from breakage. These three ingredients make the perfect trio for combating dry hair.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp honey
½ avocado
Instructions:
In a bowl, stir all ingredients together and apply mixture to damp hair starting from top to bottom. Wrap your hair with a shower cap or towel and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with regular shampoo and conditioner.
DIY Hair Mask for Hair Growth
Have you been having trouble growing your hair past a certain length? Try this DIY hair mask out. This mask should not only help you achieve the length you’ve been yearning for, but also help deep-cleanse your scalp as well as get rid of dandruff (if you’ve been struggling with a flaky scalp). Try mixing and applying coconut oil and cinnamon onto your scalp to fix this.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the ingredients. Part your hair into sections and apply the mixture in your scalp, massaging it in to stimulate your hair follicles. Wrap your hair in a shower cap and towel, let sit for about 30 minutes, rinse, and wash as normal with shampoo and conditioner.
Related: 7 Foods for Strong and Healthy Hair
If you have been battling with dry, oily, or damaged hair, we’ve found the light at the end of the tunnel for you! Just follow one of the easy and organic DIY hair repair masks discussed above to get you on your way back to strong, beautiful, and healthy hair. You don’t always have to splurge on expensive hair products to get the results you want. Sometimes, the ingredients are waiting right in your kitchen. Best of luck! Don’t forget to check out our Secret of Medusa website for all of your premium hair extensions and accessory needs!
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