The Best Hair Mask For Hair Growth
While hair thickness is largely based on genetics, a healthy diet and gentle hair care practices can help promote growth. We turned to the kitchen for these nourishing masks with ingredients like tingly cinnamon (to encourage blood flow to scalp follicles) and egg yolks, which are rich in lecithin and fatty acids.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant with green, triangular leaves that are used as a natural moisturizer for dry hair and skin. This plant contains a polysaccharide gel called acemannan which has strong moisturizing properties that help to strengthen and hydrate your scalp and hair. In addition, aloe vera contains vitamins and minerals that can encourage healthy hair growth, such as vitamin A, which helps to strengthen the hair follicles, as well as vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects the strands from free radical damage.
Hair masks that contain aloe vera can also provide a soothing effect on the scalp. This is especially important for those with a dry scalp, as itchy and flaky scalp conditions can lead to clogged follicles that prevent healthy hair growth. Many of these hair masks also contain other ingredients that promote healthy scalp and hair, such as jojoba oil, Jamaican black castor oil, biotin, and other natural extracts.
If you have very dry hair, look for a hair mask that is specially formulated to tackle the condition. This can help you to get the most out of your treatment. For example, best hair mask for hair growth the Infinigrowth Hair Mask is a paraben and sulfate-free formula that provides deep hydration to your strands. This mask is infused with a blend of plant extracts, including lotus flower extract known for its soothing properties, orchid flower extract, and bamboo extract, to deliver a boost of moisture.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that can help soften your hair and keep it hydrated, but it’s also full of nutrients that support healthy scalp and hair. Try a coconut oil mask twice a week or more for the best results. It’s important to note that the raw, unrefined version of coconut oil is best for boosting hydration and nourishing your strands. “Coconut oil that has been extracted and refined is more likely to contain unhealthy trans fats, which can clog pores and weigh down your hair,” says Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris.
Another way to use coconut oil is to combine it with other ingredients that can help promote hair growth and strengthen your locks, like honey and cinnamon. The addition of these other ingredients helps to improve elasticity and reduce frizz, while also stimulating your hair’s follicles to grow more quickly.
This particular hair mask is especially good for brittle or dry hair because it has a hydrating blend of lotus flower extract, orchid flower extract and bamboo extract. It’s also infused with keratin, biotin and collagen, which are known to strengthen your hair, reducing breakage, and preventing the formation of split ends.
This mask is perfect for promoting hair growth because it boosts blood flow to the follicles and helps repair damage caused by over-processing. It’s also full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that hydrate the strands and help to strengthen and tame the frizz.
3. Egg Yolk
Egg yolk is rich in protein, vitamin A, biotin, folic acid and other nutrients that promote healthy hair. It can be used alone or with other natural ingredients to make a hair mask that is effective in treating your specific hair issues.
When making an egg hair treatment, it is important to use pasteurised eggs, which Sulfate-free conditioner are heated to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of contamination. It is also recommended to choose organic, free-range eggs when possible.
To use an egg hair treatment, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and apply it to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends, which are driest. Cover the hair with a shower cap and allow the mixture to sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. To help prevent greasy hair, follow this mask with a light conditioner.
Another great way to incorporate an egg hair treatment is by mixing it with other natural ingredients, such as coconut oil or shea butter. These ingredients are also beneficial to your hair and scalp, as they penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen it from within while preventing protein loss. They can also help to improve the condition of damaged hair. Other great additions to an egg hair treatment include apple cider vinegar and herbal infusions.
4. Honey
As the sweet, sticky emollient, honey has been long used in hair masks for its nourishing and softening effects. It also offers antiseptic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that may help soothe dandruff and itchy scalp. It also helps moisturize the strands, making them smooth and shiny. Its antimicrobial properties can aid in preventing scalp infections and stimulating the hair follicles.
Aside from preventing dandruff and itchy scalp, honey can be helpful in reducing dryness, which is an important factor in stunted hair growth. It is a good ingredient to use in a hair mask for all hair types and textures, but especially if you have dry or damaged strands.
For wavy hair, fellow curly haired editor Annelies Dominguez swears by this bright green mask from Hair Gain, which stimulates each strand to promote growth. The clever formula is designed with wavy texture in mind and avoids the heaviness of oily products, instead opting to rebalance your natural oils with nutrient- and mineral-rich deep sea water.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, Vegamour recommends this ultra hydrating, anti-aging serum that contains a blend of Karmatin (a vegan silk bonder dubbed as a keratin alternative), milk thistle, marula and moringa seed oils. It not only hydrates the hair but strengthens over time, leaving your mane looking as if you just stepped out of the salon after each treatment.