Banana Mask for Hair Growth
For those of you in a “grow-out” phase with your hairstyle, you’re going to want to give this Banana Mask a try. It takes only four simple ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tsp of olive oil
• 4 drops of lavender oil (optional, for fragrance)

When you’re ready, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and apply to wet hair. The mask should sit on your hair for about 10-15 minutes. One critical thing to remember with this one is DO NOT rinse with warm/hot water unless you want cooked eggs in your hair. The banana will moisturize, the egg gives your hair protein, and the oil helps fight the frizz. I can’t wait to give this one a try, and since I love lavender oil, this one’s at the top of my list.

Coconut Oil Mask for Shiny Hair
If super shiny, lustrous locks are what you’re after, then this DIY hair mask is the one for you. It uses just three ingredients you most likely have in your cupboard right now:

• 2 tbsp of coconut oil
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar

The coconut oil is a natural detangler and promotes hair growth. It works best on dry hair as it can make your hair feel oily if you use too much or are naturally prone to oily hair. No need to wet your hair for this one. Just melt the coconut oil and honey together in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the vinegar and stir, making sure it cools down so it’s warm to the touch. Then, apply to your hair with a brush and let it sit for about 20 minutes. To remove, rinse with shampoo and warm water.

Aloe Vera Dry Scalp Care Mask
Some of you may be like me and suffer from time to time with a dry, flaky scalp. I find this even more true on day two (2) after I’ve washed my hair. If this sounds like you, then you can use this DIY recipe from to fight those dry, itchy spots. The recipe includes:

• 100 ml of aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp of turmeric
• 4 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 7 drops of tea tree oil

Did you know aloe vera is a natural antifungal agent? It sure is. It can help relieve your itchy scalp that leads to dandruff. The turmeric helps give your hair strength and can stimulate blood circulation in your scalp, helping your hair follicles stay healthy. Finally, the rosemary and tea tree oils provide regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for a dry scalp.

The “Grease Release” Oat Mask
After a long week of self-isolation, nothing feels better than some self-pampering with this DIY, all-natural oat mask for your hair. Simply combine:

• 1/8 cup of milk
• 1 tsp of almond oil
• 1/4 cup of oats

Put the ingredients together in a blender or food processor and mix until they form a paste. Put the paste on your scalp and hair for 15 minutes for a mask that helps your hair release its natural oily build-up. Rinse and wash for a fresh, clean feeling.

Avocado Nourishing Hair Mask
Avocados are one of my all-time favorite foods to eat, and, now, I have another reason to love them. This super simple DIY hair mask uses this superfood for a whole new purpose. Use these ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1 cup of yogurt
• 2 tbsp of olive oil

You’ll want to mash the avocado in a small bowl until there are no lumps, then add the yogurt and oil to the mix to form the mask. Smooth the mixture on your hair and scalp and leave in place for 30 minutes to get the full benefit of this rich mask. When done, you can wash with shampoo and rinse to remove all remnants of the mask. Your hair will love it.

Mayonnaise Wonder Treatment for Dry Hair
I’m all about simplicity, and it doesn’t get any simpler than this one-ingredient wonder of a hair mask treatment that includes:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise, drugstore or homemade

All you have to do is apply the one (1) cup (or less if you have short hair) of mayo of your choice to your dampened hair starting at your scalp and working all the way to the ends. Leave the mask on your hair for 20 minutes then wash thoroughly for glossy, healthy-looking hair. Applying this DIY hair mask once a week can make a world of difference to dry, damaged hair. If you want a deeper treatment, you can apply the mayo to your dry hair, wrap with a warm towel and relax for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Yogurt Mask for Color-Treated Hair
This luxurious and silky smooth mask is the perfect way to give your color-treated or chemically damaged hair a pick-me-up. According to hair gurus, you’ll need:

• 4 tbsp of plain curd or yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp of olive oil

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Apply the mask to your hair, starting at your scalp and massaging to your ends for about five (5) minutes. If you have long hair, pile it up into a bun and put it under a shower cap, letting the mask soak for about an hour. Then, rinse and shampoo. After just one treatment, your hair should feel soft and supple.

Honeyed Coffee Scalp and Hair Mask
This DIY hair mask is a gem! The three (3) ingredients you’ll need are:

• 1 tbsp of coffee powder
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of olive oil

Mix all three of the above ingredients to form a rich paste that you apply to your scalp and leave in place for an hour. Then rinse and shampoo for silky, smooth hair and an energized scalp. But remember, coffee can be used as a semi-permanent hair dye for brown-colored hair, so try this one in a small area first to make sure it has the results you are seeking.

I hope you find one of the above DIY hair mask recipes to your liking. By taking a little time to pamper yourself, you’ll feel and look great whether you’re in self-isolation or preparing for when we can all be together again. In the meantime, stay safe and find joy in the little things, my friends.

​This helpful information is from The Right Hairstyles

​Some people fill up on trashy reality TV show, others indulge in a pint of ice cream. The guilty pleasure going around at Mane Addicts HQ, on the other hand? Picking split ends. Either through twirling or pulling, any chance to separate the dry, drab-looking dead ends gets us giddy. Our old habits would’ve died hard, but we’re sensible, and decided to seek help from an expert. Ahead, the reason why you shouldn’t pick split ends, according to Lee Rittiner, executive stylist at Alen-M Salon in Los Angeles, who keeps a fresh cut on some of our favorite Instababes, including Sazan Hendrix and Rocky Barnes.

What exactly are split ends? How are they formed? 
A split end is just what it sounds like. The end of a hair strand that’s damaged, resulting in the strand separating into two or more fragments. Split ends are the result of damage to your hair, either from heat, combing, washing, coloring or even wearing a ponytail. When you damage your hair, the outer layer (the cuticle) starts to peel away, leaving hair frizzy looking and more prone to breakage and splitting.

So, how bad is it to pick split ends?
You can damage your hair further. I describe it to clients like a thread on a knitted sweater—once you pull the thread it will keep unraveling and ruin the garment. Pulling a split end works the same way…so hands off!

Will picking your split ends create more split ends?
The damage to your hair will come when you tear away at the split ends. Pulling them apart actually makes the problem much worse. Instead of having small splits, you could end up with long lengths of hair that have been thinned as a result of pulling the split end apart. This thinned out hair shaft is more apt to tangle. It may also break off entirely, leaving you with shorter hair that is more prone to even more split ends. Any type of “break” to the hair is not “clean” or blunt like it would be from a scissor cut. Some people acquire hair so damaged that a single hair shaft has multiple splits on it.

Do you slow hair growth when you pick split ends?
Yes, because it will continue breaking which will not allow the hair to grow longer.

What styling products would make your split ends worse?
Anything with a high alcohol content will amplify dryness since split ends are looking for hydration.

You can find the full article at Mane Addicts

Given that we are housebound amid a global crisis, you may think that a short back and sides would be the last thing on anyone’s mind. But you would be wrong. Physical distancing has not stopped people around the world, from Phillip Schofield to Malala Yousafzai, reaching for the scissors – with varying degrees of success.

Since the temptation to give yourself, or your loved ones and housemates, a quick cut appears matched only by the desire to bake banana bread, here are a few points to consider.

Should you cut your own hair?
Hairdressers advise regular appointments to keep your hair in good condition and your cuts looking fresh, so it is little wonder that so many of us are keen to keep this up. But most stylists have one word of advice: don’t.

“I feel sorry for all the stylists who, after this, will be dealing with a lot of DIY disasters,” says Keri Daniel, the owner of Danique Hairdressing in Leicester. “If you really have to, then it’s worth investing in the right tools – even a professional would struggle to get a good result using the kitchen scissors. You can get cheap hairdressing scissors and cutting combs online – even razors – and they’ll give you a better finish.”

What about fringes?
Being poked in the eye by your own fringe is no fun. Many fringe-wearers will have already experimented with DIY trims, but, if you are new to this, the advice is to cut upwards, not across, using just the tips of the scissors. Daniel goes further: “I’d suggest using a wide-tooth comb, pulling the hair down to the eyebrows and then lifting it slightly [before cutting]. Any lifting of the fringe will give it a slight graduation and make it look softer. This way, even if you do make a mistake, it’s unlikely to look horrific.”

Should you just shave it all off?
With hairdressers and barbers closed, some people – Riz Ahmed and David Beckham among them – have opted to simply lop off the lot. It is quite the lockdown look, but it is not as simple as you might hope.

“You need to make sure that the guard you put on the clipper is secured properly – otherwise you can go from a grade four to a grade zero by accident, and there’s no fading that out,” says the salon owner and celebrity stylist Jamie Stevens. “You may think you can just do grade three all over, but the parietal bridge and the occipital bone [towards the back of the head] protrude slightly, and a few days later it will start to have a weird shape because these areas should be slightly tapered.”

Should you do it yourself or hand the scissors to someone you live with?
“Think about what’s best for your household, because you have to live with these people,” warns Daniel. Like most professionals, hairdressers have a knack of making their job look easier than it is.

“If you cut your own hair, you’ll need one mirror in front and one behind you,” says Stevens. “I’ve seen people using their phones, but it gets a bit tricky because you need to hold that, the comb, the scissors and the clippers. Get help if you can.”

How do you cut kids’ hair?
“The biggest challenge when cutting children’s hair is that they don’t like to sit still,” says Kelly V, the owner of Pixal-Rose Hair Design, a vegan salon in Swindon, who suggests keeping them occupied with a tablet or a book. For short hair, a simple cut with clippers is advised. For long hair, “brush the hair down, have the head tilted forward and cut the very, very ends off”, she says. “Don’t attempt anything too drastic.”

What about your roots?
This can be the biggest giveaway that you are overdue a trip to the salon, but there are better solutions than home-dyeing.

“A zigzag parting can help disguise that regrowth line and, depending on the colour of your hair, mascara can be a great way to cover up greys,” says Stevens. “Or just have a bit of fun – we put a luminous green feather in one parting. It looked like Billie Eilish’s green roots.”

Kelly V says the biggest problem with DIY dyeing is when those with blond hair switch to brunette to avoid root regrowth. “The trend is to go for ashy, cool, brunette colours, but this will simply leave your blond hair khaki,” she says. Instead, “you’ll need to select a dye that contains a lot of red tones [to get the colour you want]. Also, always do the patch test.”
​
Daniel suggests visiting your salon’s website to find out which products they used and investing in those. “You may be able to buy them through the salon, which can be a great way to support them while they are closed,” she adds. “Dyes that you might buy in the supermarket are not professional products, and it can make it a lot harder when it comes to colouring in the future.”

How should you care for afro hair?
“An inch of growth in afro hair doesn’t make as much difference,” says Stevens, whose salon specialises in afro hair. “It’s easier to disguise that it’s overdue a cut. Relaxed hair will have curly roots, but I would never recommend using a home relaxant – you will get snappage. You could go through it with straightening irons, but it would be very time-consuming. I would suggest just wearing your hair up.”

What if you run out of shampoo and conditioner and can’t get to the shops?
Join the “no-poo” movement and break free from the shackles of commercial haircare! Well, it is one option – and the lockdown offers a chance to wait out the initial greasy period in relative privacy. Otherwise, shower gel can substitute for shampoo if you are desperate, according to Stevens, while mayonnaise, avocado or coconut oil can replace conditioner. “If you look at what branded products use in their ingredients, you can get an idea of the kitchen cupboard alternatives,” says Daniel. Of course, you are probably washing your hair far more than you need to anyway.

How often do you need to bother washing your hair when no one can see?
“Realistically, you don’t need to wash your hair more than once a week, unless you are doing a sport or have a job in a kitchen,” says Daniel. For those of us who like to wash our hair daily, this may seem like a big ask. But she assures me it is possible. “On the third day, you could spritz it with some water and blow-dry again to give it a bit of lift. Stay away from the straighteners if you can. On the fourth day, you can start to wear your hair up. Dry shampoo and texture sprays can also give unwashed hair a little bit more life. You’re with your family and loved ones, staying home – it’s the best chance to give your hair a rest.”
​
What about body hair – is it time to grow it out?

Removal of body hair – particularly pubic hair – is often best left to the professionals. While shaving your own legs may be straightforward, waxing your bikini line is another matter. So, is it time to go au naturel? “We’ve had lots of inquiries from clients who are midway through laser hair removal courses asking what they should do,” says Dr Chloë Butler, the founder of the Chloë Edit clinic in Worcestershire. “We advise not attempting DIY waxing, as it can be quite tricky unless you have the right equipment and patience.” While trimming or shaving pubic hair may seem straightforward, Butler believes some people would be better off leaving well alone. You may even discover you prefer your new look.

“Make the right choice based on the type of skin and hair you have, not on whatever style is ‘trending’,” says Butler. “If you have a thicker hair follicle, you may be more prone to ingrown hairs or a shaving rash. If you’ve got oily skin, you may get blocked pores and irritation. Dry skin tends to be thinner and more likely to tear.” Ouch.

Is now a good time to experiment with hairstyles?
Rather than shaving your head, Stevens suggests men try growing their hair long or cultivating a beard. If you are tempted by a complete restyle, he suggests ordering a wig online: “Walk around the house and see how you feel. What kind of reaction do you get when you’re FaceTiming friends and family?”

Daniel believes that, aside from the buzzcut, other hair trends are likely to emerge after the lockdown. “It’s exciting from a hairdressing point of view. People who wanted to grow out their grey hair, or go from being very blond to a more natural colour, have an opportunity to do that.”

“Ultimately, chill out,” says Stevens. “Embrace your new hair and, if you’re really that bothered, put a hat or a scarf on.”

Shave it or Save it brought to you from The Guardian

Every day is a good hair day when you can turn limp, greasy strands into a clean coif in seconds. But there are some catches. Here’s what you need to know.
 
1) Dry shampoo is not new
 
Dry shampoo is having a moment—one beauty editor famously wrote that by week’s end, her hair is 90 percent dry shampoo—but it’s actually been around in some form or another for centuries. (There’s some evidence that people in Asia were using clay in their hair thousands of years ago.) Even the dry shampoo we know today got its start sometime in the 1940s, when it was primarily known as Minipoo. These days there are over 50 varieties of dry shampoo on store shelves, and many do more than just salvage a blowout or disguise a missed shower. For example, if you’re looking for cool-girl body and texture, there’s Kérastase Couture Styling Powder Bluff. For fine strands, there’s Alterna’s Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo, a lightweight spray that won’t weigh hair down even on the fourth day after your blowout. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Natural Tint has a formula made for brown hair to ease the process of blending out any residual white powder. If you’re looking to get out the grime rather than just mask it, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day has little molecular sponges that soak up oil, sweat, and odor, so you can whisk them away when you brush.
 
2) Dry shampoo is not actually shampoo
 
Despite its name, dry shampoo is not a hair cleanser. Unlike regular shampoo, which is formulated with water and cleansing agents that rinse away oils and impurities, dry shampoos are mostly made up of alcohol, starch, or clay (spray versions) or clay, talc, and starch without the alcohol (powder versions), according to Hien Nguyen, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of Function of Beauty, a start-up that offers customized shampoos and conditioners. With either type of dry shampoo, the porous ingredients work by soaking up excess oil, which is what breathes new life into yesterday’s blowout or your sweaty strands after hitting the gym. (For super-sweaty post-workout hair, we like Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Dry Shampoo—it has micro powder enriched with natural rice starch to absorb oils while adding a mist of its most addictive scent. Check out the things your hair is desperately trying to tell you.
 
3) With dry shampoo, you can have too much of a good thing
 
Dry shampoo is a godsend between real washings or as a touch-up after your workout, but it’s not meant to replace a good old-fashioned shampoo and conditioner. And spraying it on every day will actually make your hair worse, because it will lead to a build-up of product that can dull your color and irritate your scalp, according to Butterfly Studio Salon stylist Danielle Allyson. (Check out the other hair mistakes top stylists commonly see.) Like your face, your scalp needs regular cleansing and exfoliating to get rid of bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and stay healthy. Allyson’s recommendation: Use dry shampoo no more than three times a week to give your hair some time to breathe between uses, and follow it up with a clarifying shampoo the next time you wash your hair. Try Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo, an apple and pear-scented, silicone-free cleanser for removing product build-up.

4) Dry shampoo needs time to set

When you first use dry shampoo, you might be surprised to see a powdery white residue on your hair. But don’t panic—it’s completely normal. Just wait two minutes for your hair to absorb the dry shampoo, then work it through with a comb, a brush, or your fingers, and the white-powder look will vanish. If you’re worried about it, try a formula that’s expressly designed to disappear: Style Edit’s Invisible Dry Shampoo, with a blend of oil-absorbers and neutralizers that cleans hair without dulling its natural shine. (Related: Check out these hair myths we need to stop believing.)

5) Dry shampoo does not play well with others

“I see a lot of people apply dry shampoo and then add oil for shine, and that is a big no-no,” Allyson says. A good-quality dry shampoo will add shine to your hair, so using hair oil after dry shampoo defeats the purpose of using dry shampoo in the first place. If glossy, salon-worthy locks are your ultimate goal, go for a spray dry shampoo over a powder version. Two of Allyson’s favorites are Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo and Shu Uemera Color Luster Dry Cleaner. Both are safe for color-treated hair and, unlike other dry shampoos, contain translucent micro-fine powders that absorb oil without leaving behind any residue. (Eat these hair-healthy foods—or rub them on your head—for a gorgeous mane.)

6) Dry shampoo needs a light touch

You don’t actually want to blast your roots at close range. Instead, spray individual sections of hair, making sure to hold the canister 8 to 10 inches away from your scalp, according to Allyson. Any closer will leave your hair looking dull and wet-looking, and overly saturated with product, making it harder to comb through. If you’re using a powder version? Tap it sparingly only onto the roots of your hair. Our favorite powder formula is Mineral Fusion Dry Shampoo, a tinted mineral powder that uses Kaolin clay to lift oil from hair.

7) Dry shampoo is not one-size-fits-all

It might take some trial and error to find the right dry shampoo formula for your hair color or texture. Allyson says she’s noticed that most blondes prefer powder dry shampoo because it brightens their locks. Brunettes, on the other hand, might find that powder versions leave a dingy, gray-looking layer of residue, preferring sprays. For women with natural hair, Nguyen recommends the environmentally-friendly Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo. It includes rahua oil, which seeps deep into your hair’s cortex to bond and repair it while smoothing the cuticle for shiny, healthy, soft hair. Ultimately, everyone’s haircare needs are different, so ask your stylist to recommend the best products for your hair. Don’t miss the secrets your hairstylist won’t tell you.

8) Dry shampoo is not for everyone

Most healthy heads of hair can take dry shampoo. The exceptions are people who are prone to severely dry skin, because excess dry shampoo can throw your skin out of balance and dry out your scalp, according to Nguyen, and people with thinning hair, since it can inflame and clog your hair follicles, disrupting your scalp’s natural and growing shedding cycles. Check out these natural masks, treatments, and tricks for your shiniest, healthiest hair ever.

9) Dry shampoo doesn’t last forever

Most hair products last between two and three years once opened, but if you notice that your dry shampoo smells funny or seems off in any way, it’s probably best to toss it. Allyson recommends updating your products every few years anyway. “Your hair type and needs change constantly, so toss old products you haven’t used and always keep your product stash up to date,” she says. Make sure you know about these other non-food items that can also have an expiration date.
 
This article was published in Reader's Digest

What are the benefits of deep conditioning?

Yes, regular conditioners work to soften hair, minimize frizz and smooth cuticles. But deep conditioning takes it a step further by helping to restore your strands’ natural oils. It also works to prevent split ends and breakage, improve texture and promote elasticity. If you use a deep conditioner consistently, it can lead to shinier, softer and stronger hair. All hair types can be deep conditioned but damaged, brittle and color-treated hair will benefit the most.

OK, and how exactly do I deep condition? 

Step 1: Identify your needs. Is your hair super dry? Is it lacking definition? If you’re looking to hydrate your hair, make sure the products you choose have ingredients like coconut oil, amino acids and certain silicones. If you want to bring your strands back to life, find products packed with protein. And if you’re looking for a bit of both, try alternating between hydrating and protein-filled deep conditioners.

Step 2: When choosing a product, be cognizant of your hair type. If you have fine hair, select a light formula that won’t weigh down your locks. For thicker hair, look for something that fights frizz. Make sure the ingredients target the concerns you identified.

Step 3: Once you find the right product, decide if you want to use it pre-poo (before shampooing) or clean your hair before applying the deep conditioner. Not sure? The pre-poo method helps jump-start the detangling process and works the treatment into dry hair; washing your hair first opens up the cuticles for better absorption. 

Step 4: After you’ve figured out which method to use, apply the deep conditioner from roots to tips. It’s important to focus on the ends, which are usually the driest. A wide-tooth comb is a great tool that can help you distribute the product evenly throughout your hair and get those pesky knots out quicker.

Step 5: Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and wait 20 to 40 minutes (time will vary depending on the thickness and length of your hair). To enhance the benefits of the deep conditioner, warm your hair with a blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting to open up the cuticles.

Step 6: Finally, rinse with cold water to retain moisture and close the cuticles. Then wash your hair as usual. It’s suggested to deep condition hair regularly at least once or twice a week.

Here are five deep-conditioning hair mask recipes to make at home, because what’s more fun than playing scientist in your own kitchen?

1. Honey and Olive Oil
We already love using olive oil to bring moisture back to dry, brittle hair, and adding honey is a hydrating bonus. Combine ¼ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil and whisk until smooth. (You can add more olive oil if you prefer a less sticky substance.)

After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave it for 20 to 40 minutes. 

When time’s up, rinse and finish your hair washing routine. Use this deep conditioner once or twice a week, depending on your level of dryness.

2. Egg Yolk and Coconut Oil
If your hair needs some strength training, look no further than this combo. Dry, damaged and curly hair can use this mask to reduce protein loss, increase moisture and prevent breakage. 

Combine 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and whisk until smooth. (Add more of each ingredient depending on the length and thickness of your hair.) After shampooing, applying to damp hair, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

3. Avocado and Mayo 
The antioxidant vitamins C and E in this mixture work to keep hair shiny, soft and hydrated. Combine half an avocado with ¼ cup mayo and stir until smooth. You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell of the mayo.

Massage the treatment onto dry hair and cover with a shower cap. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off and starting your wash routine. Use this deep conditioner once a week for softer hair.

4. Banana and Honey 
Banana’s potassium, vitamin C and biotin elements combined with honey (which promotes hair growth, volume and shine) make for a useful deep conditioner. Whether you want to prevent dandruff, moisturize your scalp, improve shine or all of the above, this mixture can help make hair soft, strong and thick.

Mash a ripe banana in a bowl, then stir in 1 tablespoon honey. (You may want to add more honey depending on your hair’s length, dryness or thickness.) Apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, then cover for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse out and wash hair as usual.

5. Greek Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
No one likes frizz, and this combo puts flyaways to rest. While the apple cider vinegar works to stimulate hair growth, detangle hair and make it shiny, the Greek yogurt provides the protein your hair is craving.

Combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. (You can also add an essential oil to make the mask smell nice.) Apply to damp hair, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Anything else I should know?

You can store a DIY mixture in the fridge for two or three days. Longer than that, you risk bacteria growth. And if you have a store-bought deep conditioner you love, why not enhance it with some of the ingredients mentioned above?

Whatever you decide, deep conditioning can lead to much healthier locks (and way more effective self-care days).
 
Get the full article at PureWow