Unlocking The Secrets Of A Luxurious Hair Spa Experience At Home With Natural Remedies

A hair spa is a great way to relax and unwind while also giving your hair some much-needed love and care. It's an effective way to condition, nourish, and reverse hair damage caused by styling tools, pollution, and hair colouring. The treatment includes oiling, massaging, steaming, applying a hair mask, shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing the hair.

The key products used in a hair spa are hair oil, hair mask, shampoo, conditioner, and serum. Oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, and sesame oil are great options as they help nourish the hair and improve blood circulation. The hair is then steamed, usually with a warm towel, to allow the oil to penetrate the scalp. This is followed by a shampoo and conditioner to wash out the oil.

The next step is to apply a hair mask, which acts as an intense conditioner that moisturises the hair. A variety of natural ingredients can be used for the hair mask, including honey, curd, eggs, banana, avocado, and green tea. The mask is left on for 15-30 minutes and then rinsed out.

The final step is to apply conditioner again and rinse, allowing the hair to dry naturally. This process can be repeated once a month to ensure healthy, soft, and shiny hair.

Massage your scalp

Using Your Fingertips

A traditional scalp massage involves the use of your fingertips only. Use the fingertips of both hands to apply light to medium pressure to your scalp, moving in small circles. Work your way across your scalp to cover all areas. Try to massage your scalp for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day.

While Washing Your Hair

If you’re pressed for time, you can massage your scalp while washing your hair. Using your fingertips, gently massage your shampoo or conditioner into your hair for 5 minutes. Then rinse your hair as usual.

With Essential Oils

You can also use essential oils with your scalp massage. Animal studies have shown that both lavender and peppermint oils may help promote hair growth. Mix 1 to 2 drops of lavender or peppermint oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil, like jojoba or melted coconut oil. Apply directly to your scalp and then use your fingertips or a scalp massager to gently work the oils into your scalp.

With a Tool

As with body massages, there are also special tools you can buy for a scalp massage. Scalp massaging tools come in the form of brushes or light handheld rubber massagers. You can work these all over your scalp in the same way that you’d use your fingers.

During a Hair Spa

When doing a hair spa at home, warm a generous drop of hair treatment oil in your hands. Divide your hair into sections. Massage your hair and scalp for around 15 minutes. Almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and sesame oil are all good options.

Benefits of Scalp Massage

• Encourages hair growth
• Promotes relaxation
• Alleviates headaches

Steam your hair

Steaming your hair is an important step in a hair spa treatment. It helps the hair absorb the oils and masks applied to it. It is also a great way to improve scalp health and increase blood flow to the scalp, which in turn helps your hair grow faster and thicker.

There are two ways to steam your hair at home:

Method 1: Using a Thermal Steamer

• Detangle your hair and apply a hair mask, conditioner, or oil. Avoid products that contain mineral oils or silicones.
• Cover your entire hair length, concentrating on the roots and ends.
• Tie your hair in a ponytail or a bun.
• Turn on the steamer and set it to a low heat setting.
• Place the steaming cap over your head, making sure all your hair is inside the cap.
• Steam your hair for 10-20 minutes.
• After removing the cap, massage your scalp with your fingertips.

Method 2: DIY Hot Towel Steaming

• Detangle your hair and apply a hair mask.
• Dip a towel in hot water and wring out the excess water. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Tie your hair in a bun.
• Place the hot towel around your head, covering your hair length.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Massage your scalp for 5 minutes.
• Wash your hair with water and continue with your usual shampooing and conditioning routine.

Steaming your hair is generally recommended once a week or twice a month, depending on your hair type. However, if you have curly or kinky hair, you may steam once every week.

Wash your hair

After you've massaged your scalp with oil, the next step is to wash your hair. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Rinse the Oil Out

Use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo to wash the oil out of your hair. You can also add conditioner if your hair is very dry, but the hair mask in the next step will be nourishing enough on its own.

Step 2: Apply a Hair Mask

You can use a store-bought hair mask or make your own at home. If you're making your own, try one of these recipes:

• Bananas and olive oil
• Honey and yogurt
• Pumpkin puree and honey
• Honey, olive oil, and avocado or egg yolks
• Avocado, argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks
• Eggs

Apply the mask to your hair, starting from the roots. If you have long or thick hair, you may need to double the recipe. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the mask evenly through your hair. This step can get messy, so you may want to drape a towel or hair dyeing cape around your shoulders.

Step 3: Cover Your Hair

Cover your hair with a shower cap to trap the heat from your scalp and make the mask more effective. If you have very long hair, put it up in a loose bun first and secure it with a clip.

Step 4: Wait

How long you wait will depend on the type of mask you're using, so be sure to follow the instructions closely. Don't leave the mask on for longer than recommended, as this may cause hair breakage.

Step 5: Rinse the Mask Out

Wash the mask out using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse the conditioner out. If the mask recipe has different cleansing instructions, follow those instead. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before washing it out to help soften your hair further.

Step 6: Dry Your Hair

Let your hair air dry and skip the hair dryer, as hair dryers can damage hair.

Apply a conditioner

After shampooing your hair, it's time to apply a conditioner. You can use a shop-bought conditioner or make your own at home. If your hair is dry, a homemade conditioner made with kitchen ingredients like honey, curd, eggs, banana, avocado, or even green tea will deeply nourish your hair.

If you're using a shop-bought conditioner, it's best to opt for a mild, sulfate-free conditioner. After applying the conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes before washing it out.

If your hair is very dry, you can also use a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. This will help to smooth out your hair and protect it from damage caused by pollution.

If you're short on time, you can skip the conditioning step and proceed directly to applying a hair mask.

Apply a hair mask

Applying a hair mask is one of the final steps in your hair spa treatment. You can use a shop-bought hair mask or make your own at home. If you're making your own, try one of these recipes:

• Mix a banana with a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Mix two tablespoons of plain yoghurt with a tablespoon of honey.
• Mash a peeled and pitted avocado with one of the following: argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks for moisture; rosemary essential oil for a dry scalp; apple cider vinegar for removing build-up.
• Whisk half a cup of egg whites, egg yolks, or whole eggs. Depending on your hair type, you may want to add other ingredients, such as mayonnaise for fine or brittle hair.

Once you've prepared your mask, apply it to your hair, starting at the roots. If your hair is long, you may want to divide it into sections first. Use a wide-toothed comb to help distribute the mask evenly. Drape a towel or hair dyeing cape around your shoulders to protect your clothing.

Cover your hair with a shower cap. If your hair is very long, tie it into a loose bun first. The shower cap will keep you clean and help trap heat from your scalp, making the mask more effective. Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of mask and the instructions.

Finally, rinse the mask out with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse again. Some masks are used instead of conditioner, so check the instructions. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing for extra softness.

Frequently asked questions