Mask for the scalp at home

Nettle, chamomile, kefir and eggs are the favorite components of masks for hair and scalp. You can add fruits, honey … But is it worth experimenting if ready-made solutions are waiting for you in cosmetics stores? Compare homemade products with factory ones.

The importance of masks for the scalp

The appearance and health of hair depends not only on genetics and natural data, but also on the “soil” on which they grow. If it is excessively dry, it lacks nutrients, if it is “clogged” and not sufficiently hydrated, then the seedlings will be appropriate. The scalp is the very soil that needs to be looked after. And the mask is one of the most effective means for these purposes.

Unlike hair masks, scalp masks are quite rare and specific products.

Cosmetic brands offer to take care of the condition of the scalp with the help of special shampoos, sometimes lotions and elixirs, and in the “mask” category they often create products addressed to the hair. However, this does not mean that under no circumstances should they be applied to the skin of the scalp.

Hair health depends on the condition of the scalp.

“Because the hair is an appendage of the skin, it can be argued that their barrier structures are very similar. The hair cuticle, like the stratum corneum of the epidermis, consists of keratin cells held together by a lipid substance – intercellular cement.

This structure prevents the evaporation of water from the rod. Therefore, masks that restore the hair cuticle can also be applied to the scalp, they have a beneficial effect on the stratum corneum of the epidermis, ”says Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy medical expert.

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Rules for the use of masks at home

Scalp masks are used differently than hair masks.

Scalp preparation

With rare exceptions, scalp masks are applied dry. Prewash is not required. It is useful to do a head massage before the mask to activate blood circulation.

It is useful to do a massage before the mask.

Rules for applying masks

  • During application, separate the hair into strands with partings – this will help distribute the mask more evenly.

  • Apply the mask with massage movements, as if rubbing the composition into the skin.

  • “Pack” your head in a shower cap and wrap it in a towel to create a greenhouse effect.

Post-procedure care

The mask is washed off with water. Then the head should be washed with shampoo.

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Which scalp mask to choose: homemade or purchased

Comparison of scalp masks

Homemade

Purchased
Efficiency

Not proven or verified.

Products created by professionals specifically for the scalp are proven to be effective and, most importantly, safe.

composition

The set of ingredients is quite monotonous and does not differ too much from what is used to make homemade face masks.

Formulated with both familiar and exotic ingredients in precise dosages, formulas are always balanced.

Convenience

They always lose to purchased masks in terms of ease of application, as well as rinsing.

The manufacturer does everything to make the mask comfortable and pleasant to use.

Expert Opinion

“No one checked Grandma’s recipes for safety and contraindications. They sometimes lead trichologists to despair: for example, according to folk wisdom, mustard is indicated for oily scalp. But due to the irritating local action, it can significantly increase the production of sebum.

In addition, homemade masks for the scalp often lead not only to allergies, but to full-fledged scalp burns, ”says Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy expert.

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Which is more effective: homemade recipes vs professional remedies

Let’s try to understand the issue with specific examples.

A scalp mask requires a strict selection of ingredients.

Moisturizing scalp mask

Recipe

  • Banana xnum;

  • 2 tsp olive oil;

  • 2 tsp lime or lemon juice;

  • 2 tsp honey

Mix all the ingredients in a blender, apply a mask, soak it on the skin for 10 minutes.

Editorial opinion. In theory, the skin should become soft and well hydrated, which is facilitated by banana, olive oil, and honey, which also has antibacterial activity, and sour juice is designed to get rid of peeling. However, washing it all off is difficult and unpleasant. And why, when there is a similar ready-made version? The mask below is designed for hair, but it will also benefit the scalp.

Hair mask “Fructis, Superfood Banana. Extra nutrition”, nourishing, for very dry hair, Garnier

The mask with banana and oils perfectly cares for hair, smells delicious. It can be used as a leave-in treatment.

Nourishing mask for hair and scalp

Recipe

  • 1 avocado;

  • 1-3 tsp olive oil;

  • 1 Art. l water.

Puree the avocado pulp and water in a blender. Add water if the consistency is too thick. Add olive oil. Apply to damp hair and scalp, put on a plastic cap for 20 minutes.

Editorial opinion. Everyone knows how avocados and oils have a beneficial effect on the skin. However, for thin hair, the composition may be too oily and, as a result, weigh down the roots. Why not try an alternative nutrient?

Nourishing concentrate for hair and scalp Magic Elixir, Kiehl’s

Concentrate with rosemary and avocado oils, aloe and safflower extracts effectively nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens the scalp, creating favorable conditions for hair.

Peeling mask

Exfoliating masks use products that contain acids.

Recipe

  • 2 tbsp. l. yogurt or kefir;

  • 1 tbsp. l lemon juice.

Mix the ingredients and apply the composition for 30 minutes.

Editorial opinion. This homemade mask exfoliates the skin through the action of acids. And here is how professional cosmetics manufacturers solve this problem.

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalp Dercos, Vichy

The formula contains piroctone olamine, which targets dandruff-causing fungus, and salicylic acid for exfoliation. Without dyes. Free of parabens and sulfates. Although this is a shampoo, its use is similar to using a mask: before washing off the product, you must wait 2 minutes.

Mask for sensitive scalp

Recipe

  • ½ tea cup of honey;

  • ¼ tea cup of olive oil.

Mix the ingredients and heat the resulting mixture slightly to make the consistency more fluid. Apply for 20 minutes.

Editorial opinion. The mask has a moisturizing and nourishing effect, does not contain aggressive acids, abrasives and should not cause a negative reaction. Of course, if there is no allergy to honey.

Soothing mask

Recipe

  • ½ cup aloe vera gel;

  • 2 Art. l. coconut oil.

Mix the ingredients, apply on the scalp and leave overnight.

Editorial opinion. The scalp will be nourished and hydrated at the same time. True, you can calm her down in a more reliable and faster way right at the time of cleansing.

Sulfate-free soothing shampoo-care for normal and oily hair Dercos, Vichy

The scalp, tired of the constant exposure to hair dryers, combs, chemical dyes, will be pleased, as this shampoo will perfectly cleanse it without the participation of sulfates. It contains a special molecule sensirin and panthenol. According to the method of application, the shampoo is similar to a mask: before washing it off, you need to wait a minute.

Healing rinse

A decoction of flowers is used as a rinse.

Recipe

  • 2 tbsp. l. dry flowers of chamomile;

  • 2 tbsp. l. dried calendula flowers;

  • 2 a glass of water.

Mix and hold for 30 minutes in a water bath, then strain the mixture and let the broth cool. Dilute with boiled water and rinse your head.

Editorial opinion. Herbs that have anti-inflammatory effects can theoretically help soothe the skin. But if you have a need for a healing product, it is better to consult a doctor!
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Safety measures

  • Do not use hot spices and warming natural ingredients in masks to avoid unwanted reactions.

  • Do not apply such products to the scalp if there are scratches and inflammations.

  • If you suspect a serious trichological problem, do not experiment – go to the doctor.

  • Don’t make masks out of expired food.

“When creating homemade masks for the scalp, perishable ingredients are often used: kefir or eggs. At the same time, housewives sometimes use a slightly spoiled product, believing that if you can no longer drink kefir, then you can spread it on your hair. At the same time, no one thinks that the bacteria that actively multiply in such a mask are unlikely to be liked by the microflora of the scalp. And it’s not a fact that our own microflora will win the battle with expired kefir,” warns Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy.
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