Yes you read that correctly... Application 101: Start at the end of your hair and work the product up the hair.
Environmental elements can take a toll on your hair. Whether you live in a densely populated city, an open air community by the beach, high altitude mountain community, or even the North Pole, your hair is effected by the great outdoors. Harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Deep Conditioning Hair Masks for Natural Hair:
Nourish and Strengthen Your Locks
Natural hair can be beautiful and versatile, but it also requires extra care to keep it healthy and strong. Your hair is made up of keratin, layered upon layer. This layering is called a cuticle. When hair has a dry appearance it is because the cuticle is open making it prone to dryness and breakage. Something needs to nourish the cuticle to close it. That is what gives hair has that shiny, soft, and flowy appearance. In this blog, we will explore how conditioners and conditioning treatments can help to protect your hair and provide some tips on how to use them effectively, so that you can keep your locks looking healthy and strong.
Why Use a Deep Conditioning Hair Mask?
Deep conditioning hair masks can help to replenish lost moisture and strengthen the hair, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting healthy growth. They can also help to improve hair texture, making it more manageable and easier to style. Apply a deep conditioner to the hair root to tip and let it sit on the hair for a short while. Then wash it out and style as normal. Both amika and MorroccalOil have great hair masks for multiple hair types.
Available Deep Conditioning Hair Masks:
amika soulfood nourishing mask
This deep conditioning hair mask from amika is specifically designed for natural hair, and contains Jojoba oil, which is known for its strengthening and growth-promoting properties. It also contains sea buckthorn (Argousier in French), which is full of A and B vitamins, slowing down the aging process, and help to nourish and repair damaged hair.
MorrocanOil Masks -
Intensive Hydrating Mask
Treat yourself to a quick, reviving five-minute hair mask. Moroccanoil® Intense Hydrating Mask is a high-performance, rich and creamy deep conditioner formulated for medium to thick, dry hair. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and nourishing ingredients, it hydrates and conditions while dramatically improving hair's texture, elasticity, shine and manageability.
Restorative Hair Mask
For damaged hair in need of repair, Moroccanoil® Restorative Hair Mask is a 5–7-minute treatment for use on hair damaged by chemical treatments or heat styling. Its high-performance formula contains argan oil, shea butter, and vegetable proteins that help fortify hair, increase elasticity, and promote a healthier look and feel.
Use once a week and less frequently as hair improves.
Weightless Hydrating Mask
Revive lifeless, dry hair with this moisturizing, five-minute hair mask. Moroccanoil® Weightless Hydrating Mask is a rich and creamy, yet lightweight, deep-conditioning treatment that's rich in argan oil and nourishing ingredients. This high-performance formula hydrates and conditions fine hair while dramatically improving its texture, elasticity, shine and manageability.
DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Masks
Banana and Honey Hair Mask:
Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to nourish and strengthen your hair. Honey is a natural humectant that can help to moisturize and soften your hair. Mash a ripe banana and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo.
Avocado and Olive Oil Hair Mask:
Avocado is a natural ingredient that is rich in healthy fats and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for deep conditioning natural hair. Olive oil is also rich in healthy fats, and can help to moisturize and strengthen your hair. Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo.
Yogurt and Egg Hair Mask
Yogurt is a natural ingredient that is rich in protein and can help to strengthen and nourish your hair. Eggs are also rich in protein and can help to promote healthy hair growth. Mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with 1 egg and apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo.
What about using Leave-In Conditioners?
Leave-in conditioners are a type of hair product that can be applied to your hair after washing and conditioning, and left in without rinsing. They are designed to provide ongoing nourishment and protection to your hair, helping to keep it healthy and strong. Here are some of the benefits of using leave-in conditioners:
Moisturize and hydrate hair: Leave-in conditioners can help to keep your hair moisturized and hydrated, which is especially important in dry and windy weather conditions.
Protect hair from the sun: Some leave-in conditioners contain UV filters that can help to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun.
Prevent breakage: Leave-in conditioners can help to prevent breakage by strengthening your hair and making it more resilient to damage.
Reduce frizz: Leave-in conditioners can help to reduce frizz and improve the overall texture of your hair.
Tips for Using Leave-In Conditioners
Apply to damp hair: Leave-in conditioners work best when applied to damp hair, as this helps to seal in moisture and provide ongoing nourishment.
Start with a small amount: It's important not to overdo it with leave-in conditioners, as this can leave your hair feeling heavy and greasy. Start with a small amount and build up as needed.
Focus on the ends: Concentrate the leave-in conditioner on the ends of your hair, as this is where it is most prone to damage and breakage.
Choose the right product: Look for leave-in conditioners that are specifically designed for your hair type and the weather conditions you will be facing. For example, if you have curly hair, look for a leave-in conditioner that is designed to enhance and define your curls.
So as you can see, deep conditioning hair masks are an essential part of any natural hair care routine. Whether you choose to make your own hair mask at home or purchase one from your salon, regular use of a deep conditioning hair mask can help to nourish and strengthen your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy. So why not give your natural hair the love and care it deserves by incorporating some extra conditioning into your hair care routine today!