5 great DIY hair masks that will help balance greasy, oily hair
When all else fails, go natural with your haircare routine by using ingredients from your own pantry. Read on for some quick and easy hair mask recipes you can try this weekend
As the humidity levels start inching upwards with the onset of summer, it may seem like no amount of rigorous shampooing can make your scalp feel squeaky clean again. If you’re unable to run a hand through your hair without coming back with layer of grease, it is time to turn towards the kitchen to get to the root of the problem (pun unintended). On lazy weekends at home, save yourself a trip to the store and harness the benefits of these all-natural ingredients instead, which have been currying favour among the heavyweights of the haircare aisle. Cue that Spotify playlist and allow these at-home hair masks to do the hard work for you as you lie back and enjoy your day off.
The best DIY hair masks for oily, greasy strands
Apple cider vinegar + lavender oil
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This nutrient-rich elixir goes to work directly on the root cause of oily hair by balancing the pH levels of your scalp, and regulating the production of excess oil. This also works for hair prone to dandruff or those with an overly dry scalp. While most experts recommend opting for an apple cider vinegar rinse after your daily shampoo routine, you can harness its benefits further by mixing one tablespoon of the amber liquid with an equal amount of water and a few drops of lavender essential oil to soothe the scalp. Rub thoroughly over the scalp, and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off for soft, shiny hair that is lustrous but never greasy.
Baking soda + tea tree oil
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This humble ingredient can come through in a crisis as a DIY dry shampoo that can fix second-day ickiness instantly. Known for sloughing through build-up on the scalp and soaking up excess sebum, you can maximise its benefits by adding a few drops of tea tree oil, the anti-bacterial heavyweight, to one tablespoon of baking soda. Massage onto your scalp and let it rest for half an hour before washing it off with a sulphate-free shampoo.
Lemon juice soak
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When life gives you lemons, you make a DIY mask for the shiniest hair of your life. The astringent properties of this citrus fruit puts a pause on excessive oil production, and also revives bounce in limp hair. It is best to let this pint-sized miracle worker do the job at its own pace without any external additions—simply squeeze the juice of one or two lemons, as per your hair’s length, and dilute it with water. Drench your hair and scalp thoroughly with this mixture for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out with cold water.
Green tea rinse
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Regardless of your morning breakfast preferences, it is time you invited the wonders of green tea into your haircare routine. The toning properties of this pantry staple work on cleansing the scalp of the unwanted debris weighing your hair down which can lead to hair breakage and hair loss. Prepare one cup of green tea the usual way, and once it has cooled down, strain the leaves out. Use the liquid as a final rinse on your tresses after shampooing, and wash off after five minutes for a squeaky clean scalp and lustrous locks.
Multani mitti + lemon + honey
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Growing up in an Indian household means that you’ve probably learned the skincare virtues of multani mitti at the cradle, but this potent clay also promises a host of benefits of your tresses as well. To restore the health of your scalp and slough away toxins, scoop out three to four tablespoons of Fuller’s earth and mix it with a few drops of lemon juice and honey. Mix well until you form a paste, leave in for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Also read:
6 DIY face masks you can try at home if you have acne-prone skin
5 DIY hair masks you can whip up at home to fight dry hair issues
DIY herbal hair oil blends that will help you fix every kind of hair issue
