We are aware chemical-laden products can damage our hair, yet we go and buy them. Home remedies are generally safe, but not all of us have the time and patience to prepare them. What if we say that you just need a few minutes to make your hair soft and healthy naturally? Yes, you can make a DIY hair mask with just one ingredient too! So, give your hair some extra love and care with easy-to-prepare homemade hair masks.

To get some help on quick and easy DIY hair masks, Health Shots reached out Dr Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson, Blossom Kochhar group of companies.

What is a hair mask?

After washing your hair with a shampoo, you must be using a conditioner. A hair mask is like a super-powered conditioner. Dr Kochhar says it is a unique hair treatment that helps to deeply nourish, hydrate and strengthen the hair strands. Ingredients such as proteins and vitamins that are more nourishing than the regular conditioners are generally used in hair masks. She explains that it is typically a thicker and creamier product than a regular conditioner, and is intended to be left on the hair for a longer period. It is usually between 15 and 30 minutes.

Hair masks that require only one ingredient

Women with dry, damaged or chemically-treated hair should include DIY hair masks in their beauty routine as they can help to repair the hair from within. They can also make tresses softer, smoother and easier to manage. Here are some easy ones that can be beneficial for your hair:

1. Coconut oil

To use coconut oil as a hair mask, you need to warm up the oil and apply it to your hair. Focus on the ends of your hair and avoid the roots. Leave it on for 30 minutes to one hour and then rinse it off. The expert says that regular use of coconut oil hair masks can help to reduce frizziness, increase shine, and promote healthy hair growth.

2. Aloe vera gel

Get your hands on freshly extracted aloe vera gel and apply a good quantity of it to the hair. Your focus should be on your scalp and ends. Let it stay on for half an hour before rinsing it off with water. You can use it once a week to make your hair smoother, shinier, and stronger.

3. Banana

Mash a ripe banana. It has moisturizing properties. Apply it to your damp hair, working it in from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water and rinse off with shampoo.

4. Avocado

Take a ripe avocado, mash it and apply it to damp hair while focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before using lukewarm water to rinse it off. The natural oils in avocados can penetrate the hair shaft and help to moisturise and nourish the hair, says Dr Kochhar.

5. Egg

For an egg hair mask, whisk one or two eggs in a bowl and then apply the mixture to damp hair. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. This protein treatment can help to repair and nourish damaged hair.

6. Honey

To create a honey hair mask, mix equal parts honey and warm water in a bowl and apply it to damp hair. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

7. Yogurt

Yogurt is best to make a nourishing hair mask, says the expert. That’s because the lactic acid in yogurt can help to exfoliate the scalp. The proteins in yogurt can also help to strengthen hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. Take a half cup of plain yogurt with a tablespoon of olive oil then apply the mixture to damp hair. Let your hair absorb its goodness, so leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

8. Olive oil

Just warm up a few tablespoons of olive oil, which can help to moisturize and nourish hair, and apply it to damp hair. Leave the oil on your hair for 60 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

Natural hair masks can be beneficial for many, but for some of these masks can be a problem. Those who have a sensitive scalp and are allergic to the ingredients. So, it’s better to consult a a trichologist first. Those with scalp conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should also check with their doctor before using any hair mask. Also, those who have very fine or oily hair may find that certain hair masks can leave their hair feeling weighed down or greasy. That’s why a patch test and consulting a trichologist will help.