Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
Home remedies by Sheetal Rawal
Who doesn’t want to have a full head of shiny, glossy hair? For many of us, hair is our most prized possession. We care for it and treasure it more than anything. However, even though you may be using high-quality products on your hair, you may not actually be giving it what it needs to stay healthy, voluminous, thick, and strong.
Your hair is made up of amino acids and a protein called keratin. Over time, these natural compounds can degrade because of factors such as pollution, harsh chemicals, and heat. When keratin breaks down, your hair looks frazzled, damaged, and brittle, and nobody wants that! The best way to restore your hair’s health is by using homemade protein hair masks that can restore your damaged keratin.
While you could use hair care products from your local pharmacy, they have harsh chemicals that can actually worsen your dehydrated or lackluster hair. Instead, it is better to use natural ingredients that will nourish the keratin in your hair safely and effectively. Use one of these homemade protein-rich hair masks to breathe life into your lifeless tresses.
1. Avocado & Coconut Milk Hair Mask for Hair Growth
Avocado is a good source of protein and coconut milk is rich in vitamins A, B & E. All of these components are necessary for healthy hair. The protein in avocado helps nourish your hair follicles and the vitamins in coconut milk can restore damaged and dry hair. As a result, this mask can enhance collagen production and encourage natural hair growth. Adding olive oil to this hair mask will help condition your hair and make it softer and thicker.
Ingredients
½ cup of mashed avocado
2 tbsp. of coconut milk
½ tsp. of olive oil
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Massage the mixture into your scalp.
Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 2 to 3 hours.
Wash the mixture off with warm water and a shampoo with no harsh chemicals. Follow with your conditioner.
Use once every 2 weeks.
Information
Massaging your scalp improves the blood circulation in that area, which can cause healthy hair growth.
"I was having lots of issues with my hair. Lots of itchiness, lots of dandruff...I heard about Apasra...I ordered oil and a shampoo. I feel the difference now. [All of my] itchiness is gone. Hair fall is almost gone...I still do have some dandruff, but I feel it is improving a lot. I definitely recommend all the hair products."
2. Banana & Avocado Protein Hair Mask for Damaged Hair
Bananas can deeply condition your hair because they contain essential proteins and vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and B6; these nutrients nourish your hair follicles and
your scalp. As mentioned above, avocado is a source of protein, which helps restore the keratin in your hair follicles. Plus, both bananas and avocados are a great source of antioxidants, which are necessary to neutralize the damage free radicals can do to your hair.
Ingredients
½ cup of mashed ripe banana
½ cup of mashed ripe avocado
2 tbsp. of coconut oil
Method
Mix ingredients together.
Massage the mixture into your scalp.
Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 2 to 3 hours.
Wash it off with warm water and a shampoo with no harsh chemicals. Follow with your conditioner.
Use once every 2 weeks.
Information
Coconut oil is best if it is organic and cold-pressed.
3. Amla & Oat Flour Mask to Reduce Hair Fall
Amla (or Indian gooseberry) is a good conditioner for your hair. Amla contains nutrients such as Vitamin C, which can promote healthy hair growth and less hair breakage. Amla also has natural cleansing properties; it removes the dirt and grime from your scalp without stripping it off its essential oils. Meanwhile, oat flour can moisturize your scalp - which is beneficial for getting rid of dandruff - and it is believed to thicken hair.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. of amla powder
3 tbsp. of oat flour
Almond oil, as needed
Method
Mix oat flour and amla powder in a pot. Add enough almond oil until it barely covers the mixture.
Simmer the mixture for 3 hours at an extremely low heat.
Strain the mixture and then use the leftover oil on your hair.
Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 2 to 3 hours.
Wash the mixture off with warm water and a shampoo with no harsh chemicals. Follow with your conditioner.
Use once every 2 weeks.
In this video, you will learn the top reasons that may be causing your hair issues as well as a hair oil that you can make right at home. Enjoy and please subscribe to my YouTube channel!
4. Protein-Rich Fenugreek & Coconut Water Hair Mask
Fenugreek can help you achieve thick and glossy hair because it contains two special compounds, nicotinic acid and lecithin. Nicotinic acid - also known as niacin or Vitamin B3 - promotes healthy hair growth while lecithin nourishes your hair follicles. At the same time, niacin and folate present in coconut milk stimulate the blood circulation in your scalp, thereby promoting hair growth. It is also rich in vitamin E that deeply conditions your hair and fights free radical damage.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds
Coconut water, as needed
Sesame oil, as needed
Method
Place fenugreek in a bowl. Add enough coconut water to the bowl until all the seeds are completely covered.
Soak the fenugreek overnight.
In the morning, grind the seeds unt
