I have studied herbalism for many years and enjoy using the knowledge that I have gained to create both simple and complex herbal remedies, delicious teas, tisanes and brews, and to make natural skin and hair care products. I get to share a lot of this knowledge in my weekly column on hellogiggles.com as The 21st Century Herbalist. Once a week I like to repost the column here, just in case you missed it!
Original publish date: July 05, 2012
DIY Hair Care Month begins! Years ago I was told the slathering mayonnaise on your hair will make it soft and shiny. I had to try it and it worked. Of course, I couldn’t just leave it at that. I had to improve it! I had to make my own. I’ve lost track of how many versions I’ve created but below you’ll find my favorite Herbal Mayonnaise Hair Mask recipe. For those of you that would like to keep it simple, I’ve also included the “Super-Basic” and “Basic” Mayonnaise Hair Mask recipe. All three recipes follow the same “Use” instructions below.
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Super-Basic Mayonnaise Hair Mask
– 1 c. of all-natural, full-fat mayonnaise
Basic Mayonnaise Hair Mask*
– 1 large (or 2 small) egg yolk(s) at room temperature
– 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
– 5-6 tbsp. base oil of your choice (select one or a combination): olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed or coconut oil
Follow mixing instructions below.
*This recipe is based on the best benefit for your hair; it is not the tastiest mayonnaise for eating…though you could.
Herbal Mayonnaise Hair Mask
- 1 large (or 2 small) egg yolk(s) at room temperature – softens your hair
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar – adds shine, restores pH balance, removes residue and product build-up
- 1 tbsp. powdered** rosemary – encourages hair growth
- 1 tbsp. powdered** sage – encourages hair growth
- 1 tbsp. powdered** burdock root – softens your hair
- 1 tbsp. powdered** nettle – adds shine, encourages hair growth and moisturizes the scalp (good for dandruff)
- 1 egg white – adds shine
Optional:
- For light hair: 3 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
- For dark hair: 3 tbsp. walnut hull concentrate***
- For red hair: 3 tbsp. alkanet root concentrate***
…read more (you’ll be redirected to my column on hellogiggles.com)
I’ll give it a try! White vinegar is supposed to lock in color… 🙂
Oh, I’ve never heard that…cool!
I found it by googling since I was concerned about keeping my hair color….
What DID we do before the internet?? We were practically cave people! 😉
I know. Really. We had to go to the library!
I have this terrifying vision of Cameron Diaz whenever I put the words “Mayonaise” and “hair” together! 😉 It’s a bit like slathering olive oil on your skin…it works but the process leaves a lot to be desired lol :). That didn’t stop me from stashing this wonderful creation away for future reference though. Cheers for another fantastic post Katie…off to watch “There’s Something about Mary”… 😉
Haha, now that’ll be stuck in my head too! 🙂
😉
Aha! I tried mayo once in high school and it didn’t really work out. I also tried washing my hair with beer. But it turns out, I was doing it all wrong. I’ll be trying your way instead! 🙂
I’ve heard about washing with beer, too but I’ve never tried it…one of these days I’ll get around to it!