DIY Hair Hacks - Do They Work?
We’ve all been tempted to try DIY hair hacks at one point or another, just to use that last drop of olive oil in the cupboard, but do they actually work? If you’re thinking about trying a DIY hair mask, read on!Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most popular at-home hair masks and it’s not hard to see why. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it’s why the Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest, but what does that mean for your hair? Many hair products use oil as a moisturising ingredient to strengthen and soften hair, sometimes even combining oils to deeply hydrate. However, using pure olive oil can have both positive and negative results. Olive oil is a thick liquid that coats the hair to reduce breakage for shiny, smooth results. But the thickness also means the oil can clog your skin around the hairline and make your hair look greasy. If you have straight, thin hair it’s best to avoid heavy oils that can weigh down the hair and over condition the scalp.Honey
Another cooking staple, honey is a popular DIY hair choice due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In one scientific review, honey was said to promote skin cell growth, making it a great option for hair growth and scalp repair. It’s also a humectant that can moisturise and smooth, but you should be careful when applying honey as a hair mask. Honey can lighten hair and even spot bleach your strands. It’s also extremely sticky and thick, so unless you add other ingredients, you might have trouble washing the honey completely from your hair making you over wash and dry out your strands.Coconut Oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil seems like a no-brainer when it comes to DIY haircare thanks to its essential fatty acids and vitamin E. A favourite ingredient in the health industry, coconut oil is claimed to control blood sugar, increase good cholesterol and reduce stress, but what about the hair benefits? While coconut oil won’t make your hair grow faster or thicker, it will nourish the scalp to help promote growth in the long run. It can also protect your ends from splitting by smoothing the cuticle and protecting the hair from water and heat. But as a thick oil, it can lead to irritation from the oil clogging the pores in your scalp. If you do use coconut oil, avoid the scalp and use small amounts, especially if you have thick, curly hair.Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise may sound like a strange choice for a hair mask, but it contains nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 from the egg yolks and oil. It also contains vinegar which is said to balance the scalp’s pH levels and restore hair health. However, while vinegar can remove build-up and detox the strands, it’s also acidic and can dry out the hair leading to breakage. Although mayonnaise has oil that can counter the dryness, it’s likely to leave a greasy residue leading to over washing and drying the hair further. If you want nourished hair, it’s best to trust the professionals when it comes to haircare. What do you think of DIY haircare? For more hair tips and tricks, find our other blogs here.Are you ready for a winter refresh?
