My favorite natural hair mask

Rino Jasper — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:49:01 +0000

‘Dirty-dishwater blondes’ are in a tough spot—their hair is blonde, but not necessarily luminous, especially in winter, when sunlight is rarely around to lighten up one’s natural color.

Here is a recipe using natural ingredients that works without the sunshine additive (unlike lemon masks).

You’ll need the following ingredients:
One yogurt (obviously sugar-free!)
2-3 tablespoons honey (the more liquid the better)
2-3 tablespoons strong Chamomile tea or a few drops of Chamomile essential oil extract

Steep several teabags or chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water until you have a small amount of very strong tea, usually ten minutes is plenty.
Mix the yoghurt and honey with a fork until it is well blended and pour in the chamomile concoction.
Blend the ingredients and apply thoroughly to dry hair.
Cover hair with saran wrap for 45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and wash with a gentle shampoo.

This mask can only do your hair good—there are no drying ingredients—so you can apply as often as you wish. (We advise once a month during the winter). You may need to wait for the first few applications to notice a change, but for ‘dirty-dishwater’ blondes, you’ll notice your hair is lighter and more luminous.

For brunettes, this recipe also works, but substitute chamomile extract with a shot of espresso!

How to Make Your Own Hair Mask at Home

Rino Jasper — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:51:12 +0000

Choosing a hair mask at your local drugstore or beauty supply store can give you a headache in no time. For those of you who like tinkering in the kitchen, you can just as easily make your own mask at home. All it takes is a few essential oils (visit your health-food store) to concoct your own hair potions. It might be a bit tricky the first time, but once you’ve made your first batch, you’re home free!

Here are a few favorites, to be applied once a week for damaged hair, or twice a month for normal hair.

Ultra Nourishing Mask
A dream come true for dry, brittle hair.

2 teaspoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons shea butter
2.5 teaspoons geranium essential oil
2 teaspoons vetiver essential oil
In a double boiler, gently heat and mix together shea butter and avocado oil. Once blended, remove from heat and add the geranium and vetiver essential oils. Apply on your hair while the mixture is still warm and leave on for an hour. Rinse with gentle, frequent-use shampoo.

Floral Mask for Natural Dark Hair
A great way to give your natural color a floral pampering session.

5.5 tablespoons thyme flowers
4 tablespoons rosemary leaves
3 tablespoons lavender flowers
1.5g tablespoons red vine leaves
Mix and blend dried leaves and flowers. Add boiling water, just enough to make a paste-like texture. Spread on your hair and leave on for 25 minutes.

Restorative Mask
If you’ve gone overboard on perms, coloring, styling products or blow-outs, this is the mask for you.

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
4 teaspoons castorbean oil
2 tablespoons geranium essential oil
Mix oils and carefully apply to hair. Leave on for one hour, then use a gentle shampoo as usual.

Recipes adapted from Secrets de Beauté au Naturel, published by Flammarion

Beauty Ideas» How to make homemade hair products

My favorite natural hair mask

How to Make Your Own Hair Mask at Home