Winter Is Coming: Moisturizing Hair Mask to Fend off the Dry, Cold Season
Winter is almost here, and you may already be scouring pharmacy shelves for your go-to winter hair care products. I tend to load up on an effective conditioner and weekly hair masks, just to keep the dry, wispy split ends in check. Over the years, however, I realized it doesn’t take much to achieve healthy winter hair that is able to fend off harsh environmental stressors, and that I could actually make my own products! The following winter hair mask will keep your hair smooth, silky and moisturized.
This hair mask recipe calls for only a few ingredients: avocado, honey, olive oil and essential oils (optional). The resulting cream will infuse your hair and scalp with nutrients and tons of healthy fats to build upon the structure of your hair and help you put your best head forward.
The avocado is a nutrient and phytochemical-dense food with high levels of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B-6, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, choline, lutein, phytosterols and MUFA-rich oil. In one study, when rats ingested avocado oils, they showed a significant increase in soluble collagen content in their skin. In a mask, avocados bring a load of nutrition and healthy fats to your scalp, which is literally the root of healthy hair and should not be forgotten.
Aside from its sweet aroma and taste, honey is packed with antimicrobial properties that have served many dermatological applications. Topically, honey has emollient, humectant, soothing and conditioning effects. It hydrates, balances the scalp’s pH and prevents pathogen infections. Balancing the pH of your scalp is necessary to ensure that hair grows strong and smooth. Be sure to purchase a honey that is raw, meaning it is its most potent version of itself. If you don’t see “raw” on the label, forget about it.
Olive oil is prized for its balanced fatty acid composition and high nutritional value. Be sure to use an extra-virgin olive oil that is cold-pressed. This means that is retains its nutritional integrity. When ingested, olive oil plays a structural role in the skin, retina, nervous system, lipoproteins and biological membranes. Topically, it moisturizes and strengthens hair!
Winter Hair Mask
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-5 drops essential oil (optional)
Directions
Mash all ingredients with the edge of a fork or blend in a food processor. Once smooth, apply to wet hair. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse and then shampoo as usual.
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Photo Credit: martinak15
