3 Simple DIY Hair Masks for a Healthy Scalp
From time to time, everyone gets a dry or
slightly flaky scalp, with even such inevitable factors as weather
change being a common cause of scalp discomfort. So, yes, having a dry
scalp or dandruff once in a while is normal, but it doesn’t mean you
have to suffer in silence and wait for it to go away. We personally
swear by these 3 simple, at-home hair masks that will nourish your scalp
and relieve the itching and flaking brought about by a dry or flaky
scalp.
Disclaimer: if your symptoms are ongoing
and you’re experiencing severe itching and discomfort, it’s best to see a
trichologist, who will be able to diagnose your specific scalp
condition, as there are numerous causes of an itchy scalp which require
different treatments.
1. Castor and Tea Tree Oil Mask
This simple, two-ingredient mask is antibacterial and deeply
moisturizing for the scalp. Apart from relieving a dry and itchy scalp,
it’s also a good one to use for hair growth. The tea tree essential oil
in this mask is a potent antimicrobial and antifungal agent, so much so
it’s often added into dandruff treatments and shampoos. Castor oil, in
turn, will nourish and moisturize your scalp, promoting hair growth and
long-term hair health.
As with any of these masks, you can repeat this hair mask as often as
you’d like and even use it as a preventative or complementary treatment.
Preparation:
To prepare this mask, you will need to combine 2 tablespoons of castor
oil and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil in a small bowl. You can warm
the oil mix up a little bit to make the application process easier and
help it penetrate the scalp better.
Application:
This hair mask, as any oil-based hair mask, really, should be applied on
dry hair.
Step 1. If you have long hair, divide your hair into sections and apply
the mask onto your scalp using only a dye brush or just your hands.
Step 2. Once you’ve coated your entire scalp with the mask, you can
gently massage your scalp to help the mask penetrate the scalp more
deeply.
Step 3. Wrap your hair with a warm towel and let the mask do its job for
at least 30 minutes.
Step 4. Wash your hair as per usual. The castor oil is pretty thick, so
you might need to shampoo twice to get all of the oil out of the hair.
2. Honey and Coconut Oil Mask and Scalp Scrub
I’m a skeptic when it comes to coconut oil
and I would never use it on my skin, as it can cause acne for many
people, but it’s difficult to deny that coconut oil can do wonders for
the hair, as it has an antimicrobial effect and helps to gently clean
all the gunk and buildup from your scalp.
Even using coconut oil alone on your scalp will be beneficial, but let’s
amplify this mask even further with some honey, an excellent humectant
and an antimicrobial agent, as well as some sugar that will help
exfoliate and boost the circulation of the scalp area.
Preparation:
Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove and
let it cool down just enough to be able to handle it, then add 1
tablespoon of honey and mix until blended. Finally, add in 1 tablespoon
of sugar, which will act as a scrub for your scalp.
Application:
The mixture will be a bit sticky but don’t worry, the coconut oil will
make the mask easy to apply and wash off.
Step 1. As previously, section off your dry hair if it’s longer and
apply the mask concentrating on the scalp and not the entire hair
length.
Step 2. Massage your scalp very gently for a few minutes to help the
sugar remove all the dead skin cells off your scalp and make the mask
sink in, and then cover with a damp warm towel. It’s essential to keep
this mask warm, as the coconut oil can solidify, which will make it less
effective and more difficult to remove from your hair.
Step 3. Keep the mask on for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour,
then wash your hair as usual. Shampoo twice if needed and make sure you
thoroughly remove all traces of the mask, as any residue will make your
hair look oily and dull.
3. Shea Butter, Mint and Rosemary Mask
Doesn’t this mask sound like a refreshing
drink? Well, it basically is one, but for your scalp. The peppermint oil
in this mask will provide instant cooling and relief from an itching
scalp while the rosemary oil will add that antibacterial, deep-cleansing
action any good scalp mask needs.
But the star ingredient of this mask is certainly the shea butter, one
of the most deeply moisturizing, luxuriously smelling oils on the planet
that’s frequently used in creams and hair products to soothe skin
inflammation.
Preparation:
Melt 2 tablespoons of raw shea butter and mix in 5 drops of rosemary
essential oil and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
Application: The application is identical to that of the Castor Oil and
Tea Tree mask above, but be careful not to let this mask drop-down or
get close to your eye area, as the essential oils may make your eyes
watery or irritated. Use a tissue to wipe off any excess oils from your
face and keep this mask on for an hour.