Maintain your Hair and your Wallet

A DIY guide haircare at home

Hair maintenance can often prove to be extremely expensive. While we spend money on various products, which promise all kinds of miracles, the answers to our hair breakage troubles might be simpler than ever imagined.

The best haircare products, aimed at revitalising black hair, most likely contain elements of protein and oils. Why not save yourself some money and make your own hair reviving mixture with a few easy steps?

Some of the best products for our hair can be easily found in local markets or even in our backyard. Avocado is rich in fatty acids which is very moisturising for your hair, we know our natural mane can use all the oil it can get. Paired with raw eggs it is a great source of protein for your hair. The yolk is rich in fats and proteins, which is extremely moisturising.

The whites contain bacteria-eating enzymes that cleanse hair and scalp from unwanted oils. For normal hair use whole egg to condition, use just the egg yolks to moisturise dry and weak hair and to treat oily hair, use just the egg whites. Make sure you make enough to cover all your hair and scalp. Always rinse the egg mask out with cool water to avoid ‘cooking’ the egg in your strands, then shampoo. Recommended use is once a month if needed. Remember it is all about adding and retaining moisture.

All you need are:

• 1 bowl
• Shower cap
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil,
• 1/2 a ripe avocado.

Instructions

• Mash avocado and mix in egg and olive oil
• Part your hair in four sections
• Massage each section carefully
• Cover head with a shower cap for 20 minutes
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water

According to various online platforms dedicated to African hair such as blackhair.com and essence.com, it is recommended that our hair should not be shampooed too often. They stress the importance of avoiding shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulphate. This ingredient is responsible for giving shampoo a lot of lather, but which results in stripping natural oils out of hair. As African textured hair thrives when deeply moisturised, it is also recommended using a deep moisturising conditioner or a co-wash conditioner to rinse your hair after the mask. Or you can proceed to shampoo and condition as usual, if you prefer.