Best ingredients for DIY hair masks

Thinning hair can be discouraging, and unfortunately, it can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender. Luckily, several natural remedies are proven to help stimulate hair growth and thicken the hair's appearance. One of the best things you can do to support long, luscious hair is to incorporate a nourishing mask regularly into your haircare routine.

What causes hair loss?

On average, most people lose between 50 - 100 hair strands per day and up to 250 strands on days we wash our hair. However, almost 50% of men and women will experience hair loss by the age of 50. There are dozens of reasons why women, in particular, lose their hair at higher-than-average rates. Stress, pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, diet, genetics, medications, excessive hair styling, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal imbalances are all possible reasons for excessive hair loss.

When it comes to hair loss, damaged hair may also be the culprit. When hair follicles and strands become damaged, they become very fragile and are more susceptible to breakage. When hair starts to break off, it causes frizz, tangles, and unhealthy-looking hair, eventually leading to thinning and bald spots.

It can be very tough to pinpoint the exact cause of hair loss, so if you find that home remedies are not working, you should seek your dermatologist's medical advice to treat your condition better.

What are the best DIY hair mask ingredients to combat hair loss?

Not everyone has the time to regularly visit a hair salon or dermatologist to receive specialized treatments for hair loss. Fortunately, there are various DIY options. An effective and smart way to fight back against hair fall is to try homemade hair masks. These masks can effectively fight against hair damage, reduce hair loss, nourish the scalp, and revive dull strands. Here are some of the best ingredients to incorporate into your next DIY mask.

Eggs for hair growth and shine

Packed with B vitamins, amino acids, and protein, eggs are great for improving and maintaining your hair's health. They work well as an addition to masks for all hair types, and studies have shown that when incorporated into a hair treatment, eggs can help stimulate hair growth, improve shine, and reduce hair fall. When using eggs in your hair mask, be sure to include egg yolk - it's loaded with vitamins and essential minerals!

Castor oil for regrowth and strength

When applied topically, castor oil has a slew of fantastic benefits for the hair and skin. It has been shown to reduce hair damage, split ends, and dandruff and promote hair growth. It can be used alone as a scalp massaging oil or mixed with other ingredients as a restorative mask. Castor oil is also great at locking in scalp and hair strand moisture.

Coconut oil for repair and moisture

Coconut oil can easily penetrate the hair shaft and help reduce protein loss. Its natural fatty acids can help repair hair damaged from heat styling, excessive sun exposure, or bleaching and help reduce hair loss. Since it does such a great job penetrating your hair, it can also help protect the hair from dryness.

Vitamin E for scalp health and hair loss reduction

Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress that can lead to hair loss and aging. It also contains tocopherol, a fat-soluble compound shown to provoke hair growth. This, in combination with its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, encourage a healthy scalp that can prevent hair loss.

Yogurt for moisture and reduced breakage

Not only is yogurt good for your physical health, but it may also be used topically as an innovative hair treatment. Yogurt can help preserve hair endings and reduce hair damage and hair loss, thanks to its high calcium and protein content. Yogurt has also been shown to keep hair in the anagen phase (growth phase) for longer, giving hair a shiny, fuller appearance.

How can I maximize the benefits of DIY hair masks?

• Always apply your mask to clean, shampooed hair. By washing away any buildup, you're allowing the hair and scalp to absorb nutrients better.
  
• Section your damp hair before applying your mask to ensure you thoroughly saturate from roots to ends. Once it has been applied, comb through with a wide-toothed comb, pull your hair into a bun, and cover with a shower cap or scarf.
  
• For maximum penetration, wrap your hair in a hot (but not scalding) towel to help create a warm environment for your hair to absorb all of the mask's wonderful nutrients fully.
  
• Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner when your time is up, and rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water. Never rub your hair dry with a towel; instead, scrunch out excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt, and allow your hair to air-dry.

References

• Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
• Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production
• Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for the treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
• The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

Find the most effective hair growth products for you by taking the free hair assessment.