At-Home Hair Spa: A Step-By-Step Guide To Cream Application

How to Apply Hair Spa Cream at Home

A hair spa is a great way to pamper yourself and your hair. It is a deep conditioning treatment that helps to strengthen hair follicles, nourish the roots, and promote hair growth. The treatment includes oiling, massaging, steaming, applying a hair mask, shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing the hair.

Benefits of a Hair Spa

- Deep conditioning

- Increases hair volume

- Eliminates dandruff

- Prevents scalp ageing

- Balances oil secretion

- Removes impurities

Steps to Apply Hair Spa Cream at Home:

1. Massage your scalp and hair with oil (olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.)

2. Steam your hair with a steamer or a warm towel

3. Shampoo your hair to wash out the oil

4. Apply a hair spa cream or a homemade hair mask (honey, curd, eggs, banana, avocado, etc.)

5. Leave the hair mask on for 15-30 minutes

6. Wash the mask off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo

7. Condition your hair

Choose a hair oil and massage it into your scalp and hair

Choosing a hair oil and massaging it into your scalp and hair

The first step in your hair spa treatment is to choose a hair oil to massage into your scalp and hair. This will nourish your hair and stimulate blood flow to the scalp. You can choose any hair oil you like, but olive oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil are great options as they are good for hair and easily available. Castor oil is another excellent choice, as it is thick and heavy and really seeps into the cuticle layer of your hair.

Warm up 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a small dish. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove, but be careful not to let it get too hot. It should be warm and comfortable to the touch.

Now it's time to massage the oil into your scalp and hair. Use your fingertips to apply light to medium pressure to your scalp, moving in small circles. Start at the roots and work the oil through your hair to the ends. This will help improve circulation in your scalp and relax you, reducing stress, which can also cause hair issues such as hair fall.

Variations

If you want to add essential oils to your hair oil, try peppermint, rosemary, lavender, chamomile, or tea tree oil. These oils can help stimulate hair growth, moisturize dry scalps, minimize greasiness, and soothe itchiness.

You can also use a scalp massaging tool, such as a brush or a light handheld rubber massager, instead of your fingertips.

Steam your hair with a steamer or a warm, damp towel

Steaming your hair is a great way to moisturise it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam your hair with a steamer or a warm, damp towel:

Using a steamer:

• Start with clean, washed hair. It is best to wash your hair before steaming as the process works best on clean hair.
• Apply your favourite hair oil or a generous amount of conditioner to your hair. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. Make sure to coat your hair evenly, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
• Use a hair steamer and follow the manufacturer's instructions to steam your hair. Typically, you would sit under the steamer for about 15-30 minutes.
• After steaming, rinse your hair with cold water to seal the hair cuticles and lock in the moisture. Avoid using hot water as it can dry out your hair.

Using a warm, damp towel:

• Wash your hair and apply a generous amount of conditioner or hair oil. You can use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly.
• Soak a clean towel in warm water and wring it out to remove excess water. Make sure the towel is damp and not dripping wet, as hot water droplets can burn your skin.
• Wrap the damp towel around your head, covering all your hair. You can secure it with a clip if needed.
• Leave the towel on for about 5-15 minutes. The heat will help open up the hair follicles and allow the oil or conditioner to penetrate your hair and scalp.
• Remove the towel and rinse your hair with lukewarm or cold water. Avoid using hot water as it can strip your hair of its natural oils.

Note: It is recommended to steam your hair no more than once a week, as steaming too frequently can weaken your hair.

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo

Washing Your Hair with a Mild Shampoo

After applying a hair mask, it is important to wash it out with a mild shampoo. Mild shampoos are shampoos that contain gentler and generally weaker cleansing agents (detergents and surfactants) compared to other shampoos. They are a great choice for hair that needs to be washed every day, is damaged, dry, brittle, or is experiencing hair loss.

Mild shampoos are also beneficial for coloured or chemically-treated hair as they do not contain harsh cleansing agents that strip colour or further damage hair. They are also ideal for babies, as they are formulated to be tear-free and gentle on delicate skin and scalps.

When selecting a mild shampoo, look for one that is sulphate-free and contains conditioning agents such as silicones, proteins, and oils. Examples of mild shampoos include:

• Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo with Pure Coconut Oil
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
• L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo
• OGX Hydrate and Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

To wash your hair with a mild shampoo, follow these steps:

• Wet your hair with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp.
• Gently massage the shampoo into your hair, working it through to the ends.
• Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• If desired, follow with a conditioner suitable for your hair type.
• Rinse out the conditioner with lukewarm water.

It is important to note that mild shampoos may not be effective for removing excess oil from oily hair. In this case, it is recommended to use a stronger shampoo at least once a week, and a mild shampoo on other days. Additionally, avoid using a hair dryer as the heat can damage your hair. Instead, let your hair air dry.

Apply a deep-conditioning hair mask

Applying a deep-conditioning hair mask is a great way to restore moisture and body to your hair. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply a deep-conditioning hair mask at home:

Step 1: Choose the Right Product

Select a deep conditioning treatment that suits your hair type. If you have kinky, textured hair, opt for products specifically designed for kinky hair. For fine hair, choose products described as "light" or "weightless". Curly-haired individuals should look for products that control frizz.

Step 2: Wash Your Hair

Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping its natural oils. Avoid shampoos containing sulphates, which can cause dryness and breakage.

Step 3: Apply the Mask

Squeeze a generous amount of the deep conditioner into your hands and rub them together. Starting from the middle of your hair shaft, apply the product towards the tips of your hair. Then, spread any remaining conditioner from the roots to the tips, focusing on the driest areas. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly, especially if you have thick hair.

Step 4: Let the Mask Set In

Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap to keep the conditioner in place (optional). Let the deep conditioner sit in your hair for at least 10 minutes, or as directed by the product instructions. Most masks should be left on for 30 minutes or less.

Step 5: Apply Heat (Optional)

Some deep conditioning treatments suggest using a hairdryer on a low setting to heat up the product, allowing it to absorb more easily. Be careful not to melt the plastic cap if you are using one.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Remove the shower cap and rinse your hair with cool water, which will help tighten the hair shaft and add shine. After rinsing, gently towel-dry your hair and let it air dry. Your hair is now ready for styling!

It is recommended to wait a few days before shampooing your hair again to prolong the effects of the deep conditioning treatment.

Rinse your hair and pat dry

Rinsing and drying your hair are the final steps of a hair spa treatment. It is important to do this properly to ensure that the treatment has the desired effect.

After you have let the hair mask sit for the recommended time, you should wash it out using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse the conditioner out. If your hair mask recipe has different cleansing instructions, follow those instead.

Let your hair air dry and skip the hairdryer. Hairdryers can damage hair. Instead, pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt, which are gentler on your hair and won't strip out all the moisture. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel or vigorously coiling it up in a towel hat.

Frequently asked questions