When it comes to keeping up with the growth and health of your hair, finding the right ingredients to support your goals is key. From retaining length to preventing breakage, sometimes the cost of maintenance can be an investment within itself. But there’s nothing wrong with getting a little crafty with our hair care concoctions, especially when you have the right ingredients to whip up a miracle hair mask of your own.
Hair masks have always been a go-to solution for repairing damaged hair strands, deep conditioning our hair, or simply being a mode of relaxation within our self-care ritual. While many brands offer hefty-priced jars of creams and treatments that can restore and strengthen our hair, DIY masks can be a cost-efficient alternative that offers the same conditioning, soothing, and corrective benefits as many store-bought products.
10 DIY Hair Masks for Hair Growth and Scalp Care
If you’re ready to start whipping up your own DIY hair care cocktails, we’ve got the best mixtures and combinations to try out.
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DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask To Promote Hair Growth
Aloe vera is known for its numerous benefits for hair, including promoting hair growth, reducing dandruff, and adding shine and moisture. It contains enzymes that can help stimulate hair follicles while adding moisture and hydration to your hair, making it soft and manageable. Aloe vera's antibacterial and antifungal properties can help alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp and contains vitamins and amino acids that can repair damaged hair and reduce breakage.
In order to make an aloe vera hair mask at home, take aloe vera gel and combine it with two tablespoons of olive oil or castor oil and an egg. Mix it until smooth. Once smooth, apply the paste mixture to your scalp for 20-25 minutes.
Coconut Oil And Cinnamon Hair Mask
A coconut oil and cinnamon hair mask may sound like the start of your favorite baked good, but the mixture can help promote hair health by providing nourishment and stimulating the scalp. With coconut oil fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, paired with cinnamon’s stimulating properties that promote blood circulation to the scalp and hair growth, this all-natural conditioner will leave your hair soft and smooth.
In order to make it, combine warmed coconut oil with a tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix until it becomes a thick paste. Apply it to your scalp and leave the mixture there for at least 20 minutes.
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DIY Deep Conditioning Moringa and Fenugreek Hair Growth Mask
Both fenugreek seeds and moringa have been the center of many recent hair growth trends, and for good reason. Together, this mask can be a natural remedy to improve growth and scalp health by reducing issues like itchiness and dryness. Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that may stimulate hair follicles, while moringa is rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair growth. Whip them together with a yogurt-based mask, and over time, your hair will be giving inches.
Brands like kCurlsys offer a deep conditioning smoothie featuring those nourishing ingredients as a part of their product line. If you want to make your own at home, YouTuber CRYSTAL MADUKA provided an in-depth tutorial on how to make your own moringa and fenugreek hair growth mask. You can find that tutorial here.
Deep Conditioning Rice and Avocado Hair Mask For Low Porosity Hair
When it comes to this hair mask, you can shop your refrigerator for all the ingredients you’ll need. A rice and avocado hair mask is a nourishing and moisturizing treatment that can help improve hair health and manageability due to avocado’s rich, healthy fats and vitamins that moisturize and condition the hair, leaving it soft and silky. Rice comes into play since it contains amino acids that can help strengthen the hair, reducing breakage.
To learn how to make this, YouTuber Chrissy Got The Coils has the perfect rice and avocado hair mask recipe that you can DIY here.
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DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Recipe
We may not love the smell of apple cider vinegar, but we absolutely adore what it can do to make our hair flourish. An ACV mask can help balance the pH of your scalp and remove product buildup and excess oil, all while promoting healthier, shinier hair.
The apple cider vinegar hair mask recipe calls for 1 ½ tablespoons of ACV, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and two tablespoons of honey. Mix the ACV with the olive oil and honey and gently apply it to your hair for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and your hair will thank you.
Avocado And Banana DIY Hair Mask Recipe
If your hair is in need of some hydration and moisture, this DIY hair mask may be for you. Made up of avocado for its healthy fats and vitamins, along with bananas, which contain natural oils and vitamins, this duo will provide intense moisture to dry and damaged hair, leaving it soft and supple.
To make it, mix half of an avocado, half of a ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and an egg to create a thick mixture. If needed, add some water to the paste. Apply the paste-like mixture to your hair and leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes, preferably with heat.
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Egg Yolk Nourishing Hair Mask Recipe
We know, we know. The thought of putting egg yolks into your hair may give you the ick, but if you knew some of the benefits, you might reconsider. An egg yolk hair mask is a natural and cost-effective way to improve the health and appearance of your hair. They are rich in proteins, particularly keratin, which is the primary structural component of hair and can help restore hair strands and reduce breakage.
According to Byrdie, a simple way to make a DIY egg yolk hair mask is by mixing two egg yolks and a tablespoon of mayonnaise together. Apply the mix to your hair and allow it to sit on your hair and scalp for 20 minutes.
DIY Castor Oil Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
For textured hair, in particular, castor oil is going to be your hair’s best friend. With castor oil’s ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to promote hair growth, added to your scalp, it’ll help stimulate dormant hair follicles, leading to thicker and longer hair over time.
Probably one of the simpler hair masks featured on this list; in order to make this one, just apply castor oil to the scalp and hair directly, from roots to ends. Leave the oil in your hair as a mask for two hours with heat before washing it out.
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DIY Olive Oil And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
For a deep conditioning and nourishing hair mask, we recommend one with olive oil and coconut oil. Coconut oil has become a bit controversial in the natural hair space, but as a mask, it still holds its weight. These oils contain essential nutrients that can strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and split ends. Coconut oil has also been shown to reduce protein loss from hair, helping to maintain its structural integrity. So, if you want a more healthy scalp, this could be worth a try.
In order to make this DIY hair mask, combine one cup of warmed coconut oil and a 1/2 cup of olive oil. After mixing it together, apply the mixture to your hair as a mask. Leave it there for 45 minutes, or even overnight, if you want to wear it as an overnight deep conditioning hair mask.
Yogurt Hair Mask
One thing our hair loves is moisture, so trust us when we say that if your hair has been in need of it, a yogurt hair mask could be the answer you're looking for. Yogurt is rich in lactic acid, which helps moisturize and hydrate your hair, making it ideal for dry or damaged hair. It also contains protein, which helps repair and restore damaged hair. On the other side, yogurt is packed with natural probiotics that can serve as the perfect scalp treatment for reducing flakiness and dandruff.
Make your own yogurt hair mask at home by following YouTuber Yasser K's five-minute tutorial for making a yogurt hair mask here.
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In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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This shift is a significant change for couples. Let’s face it: no one wants to be in a sexless marriage or relationship. But how can couples effectively confront the impact of fading physical intimacy on the overall health of their enduring partnership?
"I have found that many factors influence one's desire to dive, and it is often not a majority of just one thing. Most people assume that if they don't desire [sex], they are no longer physically attracted, but in my experience, that has little to do with it most of the time," explained Brittanni Young, LMFT, CST.
"Some of the heavy contributors that I see most often include excessive goal orientation towards orgasm, people not prioritizing their own sexuality, and the landfill of ‘should’s’ that develop from toxic sexual scripts created long ago in upbringing," she added.
Furthermore, these issues are not exclusive to any particular orientation, but it does manifest differently.
Young is a licensed marriage and family therapist, sexologist, and board-certified sex therapist who practices in Georgia and Florida. She has worked in the sexology field for over a decade. Young helps couples and individuals looking to get through challenges of all facets facing sexuality and intimacy, such as desire mismatch, over-compulsion, and dysfunctions. She recently launched a deck of intimacy connection cards called "Show Me Your Cards." Young is working on another product that helps teach children to consent and negotiate appropriate touch. She sat down with xoNecole to discuss what causes the decline in the bedroom, the myth of 'lesbian bed death,' and recommendations on overcoming "bed death."
The Decline In Intimacy
Intimacy often dwindles within relationships, a phenomenon triggered by various factors such as stress, the insidious monotony of routine, and the toxicity of unresolved conflicts, to name a few. While couples manage daily life, exchanging intimate desires and concerns may take a backseat. Sadly, this gradually erodes the closeness once shared in the relationship.
"Typically, the first thing I do when working with a couple on desire challenges is rule out medical causes by referring them to their primary care physician or other provider they are working with," Young shared. "There are times when unmanaged or mismanaged conditions factor into low desire levels. Also, many medications can wreak havoc on keeping desire levels up, such as antidepressants, SSRIs, anti-anxiety, and blood pressure medications, to name a few."
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"Next, I look at the state of the relationship. If there is dissatisfaction in the relationship, then it definitely affects how close and intimate one wants to be to another. There are also plenty of individual factors one can bring into the equation, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, feelings of shame or guilt around one's own sexuality, and external life stressors that can get in the way. I find that life stressors can be a big one for folks, as once you get in the habit of not prioritizing sex, it tends to stick," she added.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent "bed death." It can involve prioritizing your wants and open communication about sexual needs.
"What tends to be effective for all couples is taking an inventory of how satisfied they are with their sexual behaviors and engagement. Being truthful in this vein can be the start of unlocking inhibitions that can keep you from seeking out and being genuinely vulnerable in intimate spaces," Young explained. "Next, I suggest opening up lines of communication around these truths. When people assume that nothing can be done, hope is lost."
The Myth Of 'Lesbian Bed Death'
The notion of "lesbian bed death" perpetuates a simplistic and inaccurate stereotype about the sexual dynamics within lesbian relationships. Contrary to the myth, the experience of a decline in intimacy is not universal among lesbian couples. The diverse spectrum of relationships among women challenges this oversimplified narrative, emphasizing that the complexities of sexual dynamics extend beyond stereotypical assumptions.
"The notion of 'lesbian bed death' is based on a research study done by Pepper Schwartz in 1983 that found that lesbian couplings fell behind in sexual frequency compared to heterosexual and gay male couplings," Young revealed.
"Several other studies [after] have replicated these findings but give very little information about sexual satisfaction. Despite there being more research needed overall in the sexuality field, more recent research did find that when it comes to the length of sexual encounters, lesbian couples had the longest duration of encounters. To that end, sexual quality over quantity is a better marker of satisfaction, and that is what I pay most attention to in my work. With that said, dissatisfaction can happen in all couplings over time," the sexologist continued.
Factors influencing reduced intimacy among lesbian couples may include communication challenges, societal pressures, and individual variations in libido. Menstruation can also play a role, with some couples navigating discomfort or hormonal changes during this period.
"There are certainly some nuances that come into play with lesbian couples that differ from heterosexual or other-oriented couples. As I stated earlier, physiological factors can factor into the rise and fall of libido. The hormone fluctuations that come from menstruation and menopause can impact desire levels, and it is double present in lesbian couples. Another nuance is the lack of a sexual script from society on lesbian sexual behavior. There are patriarchal roots to sexual research, which have created our societal norms that tend to leave out anyone who isn't heterosexual," Young stated.
Overcoming The Challenges
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While 'bed death' challenges couples, solutions are within reach. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes, couples can rekindle the flame of intimacy and ensure a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
"In the words of Esther Perel, another sexual professional in the field, 'love enjoys knowing everything about you; desire needs mystery.' I recommend keeping it in the front of your mind, prioritizing, and keeping it interesting. Be open to learning more about your own sexuality every day, as well as your partner. You are always growing; what worked for you 20 years ago may not be the same today. Stay curious with one another and be open to exploring new ways to pleasure. You deserve it," Young said.
For instance, Young advised that couples should "keep sexual encounters light and playful." And not be afraid to introduce new elements, such as toys.
"Touch often in ways that are consensual and feel safe! I made 'Show Me Your Cards' to serve this purpose specifically. Just because you do not feel in the mood to go all the way does not mean you aren't in the mood to hold hands, exchange body massages, or dance together. Connecting often in any physical form, as long as it feels pleasurable, still counts as 'being in the mood,'" she said.
Overcoming the hurdles of "bed death" and debunking myths surrounding 'lesbian bed death' offers a unique perspective for couples grappling with the difficulties of sustaining a connection. Learning the proper ways to work through a sexless relationship can help foster a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
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