Unlocking The Secrets Of A Salon-Worthy Hair Spa Experience At Home

Hair spa treatments are a great way to relax and pamper yourself at home. They can help rejuvenate your hair, making it softer, smoother, and shinier. The best hair spa treatment for you will depend on your hair type and specific concerns. Here are some options to consider:

- Olive oil or coconut oil massage: Warm up 1-2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp and hair. Wrap a warm, damp towel around your head for 5 minutes, then wash the oil out.

- Banana and olive oil mask: Blend a banana with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the mask into your hair and scalp, then leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse with shampoo.

- Honey and yogurt mask: Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, then wait for 15-20 minutes before washing it out.

- Pumpkin-based mask: Mix 1 cup of plain pumpkin puree with 1-2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with shampoo.

- Honey-based mask for dry, damaged hair: Mix 1/2 cup of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of avocado or egg yolks. Apply the mask to your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

- Avocado mask: Blend half an avocado with 2 tablespoons of argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks for moisture, 10 drops of rosemary essential oil for a dry scalp, or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for removing buildup. Apply the mask to your hair and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

- Egg mask: Whisk 1/2 cup of egg whites, egg yolks, or whole eggs. Apply to your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it out with cool water.

When choosing a hair spa treatment, look for natural ingredients that suit your hair type and concerns. For example, if you have dry hair, opt for hydrating and nourishing ingredients like olive oil, honey, or avocado. If you have oily hair, choose lighter formulations to avoid heaviness and buildup. You can also buy ready-made hair spa creams that are suitable for different hair types and concerns, such as the NutriGlow Hair Spa Cream for dandruff or the INDUS VALLEY Deep Nourishing Hair Ultima Spa Cream for all hair types.

Choose a hair oil for your massage

The oil you choose for your hair spa will depend on your hair needs. Here are some of the best oils for a scalp massage:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the most commonly used hair oil, especially in South Asia. It has a pleasant aroma and is ideal for those with dry and damaged hair. It provides lubrication to hair shafts and adds lustre to hair. Coconut oil can also help reduce hair loss. It has a high affinity for hair protein, allowing it to easily penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. It is also a good choice for most hair types as it is light and can act as a deep conditioner.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is slightly thicker than coconut oil but lighter than sesame oil. It is a good choice for those with pitta hair type, according to Ayurveda. Almond oil is more intense than coconut oil and can penetrate deep into the hair shaft, promoting better hair growth. It contains vitamins B, K, and E, with vitamin E being known to reduce oxidative stress. Almond oil is also ideal for relieving tension and aches.

Mustard Oil

Mustard oil may be useful if you are looking to stimulate circulation and treat several hair issues. It is particularly beneficial during the winter season as it generates heat. However, it has an unpleasant aroma, which may be off-putting to some.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is ideal for those with thin and dry hair prone to split ends. It nourishes the scalp, moisturises the hair, and helps with aches and pains. It is rich in vitamin B1, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Sesame oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help prevent dandruff.

Other beneficial oils for hair massages include argan oil, moringa oil, bhringraj oil, and amla oil.

Prepare a hair mask

There are many different hair masks that can be made at home, depending on your hair type and the issues you want to address. Here are some recipes for hair masks that can be made with common household ingredients:

Coconut Oil and Olive Oil Mask:

• Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
• Add half a cup of honey to moisturize your hair further (optional).
• Coat your hair with the mixture and comb through with a wide-toothed comb, focusing on the ends.
• Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
• Rinse the mask out in the shower and condition as normal.

Avocado, Egg Yolk, and Honey Mask:

• Mix half an avocado and an egg yolk together.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of honey and coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil for shine (optional).
• For kinky curls, stir in half a cup of mayonnaise.
• Apply the mask and let it sit under a shower cap for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water, then shampoo and condition.

Lemon Juice and Egg White Mask:

• Combine the juice of half a lemon with 1 egg white in a bowl.
• Smooth the mixture over damp hair, coating everything from the roots to the scalp.
• Leave the mask in for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
• Wash your hair with shampoo and consider conditioning as usual.

Strawberry and Mayo Mask:

• Mash 8 fresh strawberries and add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of coconut oil and honey for shine (optional).
• Apply the mask to wet hair and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and washing it out.

Coconut Oil and Cinnamon Hair Mask:

• Combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
• Part your hair down the center and apply the mask to your scalp, massaging it in with your fingertips.
• Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap or towel.
• Let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes, then rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Egg and Lemon Hair Mask:

• Crack an egg and separate the egg white from the yolk.
• Squeeze half a lemon into a mixing bowl and combine with the egg white.
• Apply to damp hair from top to bottom.
• Tie hair up and cover with a shower cap.
• Let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes, then rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Hair Mask:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Apply to your hair from top to bottom.
• Let the mask sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes.

Banana, Yogurt, and Honey Hair Mask:

• Combine 1 sliced banana, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Apply the mask to damp hair from top to bottom.
• Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap.
• Leave the mask on your hair for about 30-45 minutes.
• Rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Coconut Oil, Avocado, and Honey Hair Mask:

• Mash 1 avocado and put it in a mixing bowl.
• Add 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix well.
• Apply to your hair from the ends to the roots.
• Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes.

Coconut Oil, Strawberry, and Honey Hair Mask:

• Blend 6-8 fresh strawberries with 1 tablespoon each of coconut oil and honey to form a puree.
• Apply evenly to damp hair.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

Apply the mask

Now that you've washed your hair, it's time to apply the hair mask. You can use a store-bought mask or make your own. If you're making your own, try one of these recipes:

• Bananas and olive oil: In a blender, mix together a banana with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the mask into your hair and scalp, then leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Honey and yoghurt: Mix together 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, then wait 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pumpkin: Mix together 1 cup of plain pumpkin puree and 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Honey, olive oil and avocado or egg yolks: Pour 1/2 cup of honey into a small dish. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado or egg yolks. Apply the mask to your hair, wait 20 minutes, then rinse it out with warm water.
• Avocado: Place half a peeled and pitted avocado into a blender. Add one of the following: 2 tablespoons of argan oil, sour cream, or egg yolks for moisture; 10 drops of rosemary essential oil for a dry scalp; or 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for removing build-up. Blend the mask until it is smooth. Apply the mask to your hair and leave it in for 15 minutes.
• Eggs: Pour 1/2 cup of egg whites, egg yolks, or whole eggs into a cup. Whisk the eggs until the colour is consistent, then apply to your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it out with cool water.

Once you've chosen or made your mask, apply it to your hair, starting from the roots. If you need to, divide your hair into sections first. Use a wide-toothed comb to help distribute the mask through your hair. This step can get messy, so drape a towel or hair dyeing cape around your shoulders.

Cover your hair with a shower cap. If your hair is long, pull it up into a loose bun first, then secure it with a clip. The shower cap will keep you clean and help trap heat from your scalp, making the mask more effective.

Wait 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of mask you're using. Don't leave the mask on for longer than the package directions say.

Finally, rinse the mask off. 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.

Wash the mask out

After you've applied your hair mask and let it sit for the recommended time, it's time to wash it out. Use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo to rinse the mask out of your hair. Follow up with conditioner, then rinse the conditioner out. If your hair mask recipe includes different cleansing instructions, be sure to follow those instead.

If you're using a store-bought hair mask, be sure to read the instructions carefully as the cleansing method may vary depending on the product. Some hair masks are used instead of conditioner, so you can skip the conditioning step if that's the case.

After rinsing out the mask, it's important to pat your hair dry with a towel and let it air dry. Avoid using a hair dryer as it can damage your hair.

Dry your hair

After you've washed your hair, it's best to let it air-dry. Hair dryers can be damaging, so it's best to avoid using them.

If you're doing a hair spa treatment, you should also avoid using a hairdryer after you've washed out the mask. Instead, pat your hair dry.

Frequently asked questions