Hair that has been exposed to heat styling and frequent hair coloring may start to feel less like hair and more like straw. By infusing your hair with moisture, your hair will be shinier, more manageable and less susceptible to breakage. To prevent your hair from becoming more damaged, put down the blow dryer and avoid coloring hair with products that contain ammonia or peroxide.
Mayonnaise Mask
Steven Docherty, senior art director at New York City’s Vidal Sassoon Salon, recommends applying mayonnaise to transform damaged hair. Mayonnaise is high in fat and oil, which coats and strengthens the hair follicle. Purchase mayonnaise at the grocery store, then apply it liberally to the entire head, starting with the roots. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap or place a shower cap on your head, and leave the mayonnaise on for up to an hour. Rinse the mayonnaise off in the shower and style as usual.
Avocado Mask
Avocado is a high-fat fruit that makes an effective moisturizing mask because it contains vitamins and proteins, says Helen Ambrosen, product creator at Lush Cosmetics, in an article in “Cosmopolitan.” Ambrosen suggests mashing up one avocado, 3 tbsp. olive oil, an egg and a banana, then stirring it until it is smooth and creamy. Apply about one-fourth of the mixture to your hair, then smooth it through with your fingers to distribute it. Leave the mixture in your hair for 10 minutes, then rinse it out in the shower. Use the remaining mixture for additional treatments.
Yogurt Hair Mask
Yogurt will help combat frizz, says Kori Ellis in an article on the “She Knows” website. Whisk one egg white in a bowl until it is well-mixed and frothy, then add 1/4 cup plain organic yogurt and 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Wet hair until it is damp, then apply the mixture to the hair. Run your fingers through the hair to help distribute the mixture, then apply a shower cap. Wait 30 minutes until the mixture has completely penetrated the hair, then rinse out and wash with shampoo. Rinse with cold water, then style as usual.
