Jacqueline Fernandez owes her glossy hair to this surprising natural ingredient

When it comes to skincare and haircare, Jacqueline Fernandez makes sure to raid her pantry for the best results. She famously favours honey as a natural lip balm, and adds yoghurt to the mixture to make a nourishing face mask, even using beer as a rinse for shiny hair. But her favourite haircare recipe uses an ingredient you wouldn't think to use: eggs. “An egg white mask for the hair,” is her go-to haircare secret. "My hair is my most important asset. It is partly genetic but I do take care of it and am proud that it is in excellent condition," she shared back in 2011. Now that she likes blow-dried styles and big '90s hair, taking care of her strands is more important than ever. 

The yolk and whites have completely different properties, so eggs work for all skin and hair types. Egg whites contain collagen and proteins which can tone and tighten the skin. They also have astringent properties and can be used to clean out clogged pores on the face and scalp as well. On the other hand, the yolk is chock full of Vitamins A, B and C as well as zinc, so it is a nourishing add-on to your routine. 

It can be messy, so doing it in the shower or over the sink is best, as the resulting mask can be runny (with a strong smell too). Want to get the same brightening and strengthening benefits that Fernandez finds in eggs? Scroll on to get some ideas.

5 ways you can use eggs in your DIY skin- and hair-nourishing recipes

1. A mattifying skin paste

If you greasy skin is leading to acne, you want to mattify skin as much as possible. The protein in egg whites can absorb excess oil, taking all the slick off the surface is important. Whisk egg whites with oatmeal, and apply the thick paste on the skin—taking care to not go too close to the eyes, and then wash off after 10 minutes with warm water. Oatmeal is a natural absorbent, so it soaks up all the bacteria and oil on the skin as well. 

2. A hair-fall fighting mask

Egg yolks are rich in strength-boosting sulphur, as well as lecithin, which is a fat that works as a natural moisturiser for dry hair. Mix egg yolks with avocado, which is rich in monounsaturated fats, when applied to the hair, can moisturise, nourish and strengthen the strands. Apply an even layer from roots to ends, and then tuck your strands under a shower cap. Once done, it is imperative to rinse off with cool water, as adding warm water to eggs can cause clumps. 

3. A clarifying hair mask

In addition to having high levels of protein, egg whites also have enzymes that can break up surface build-up on the scalp. This is particularly helpful if your hair has been subjected to more pollution, smoke or product off late. Mix egg whites with lemon for best results, as the acidic fruit improves the astringent properties of the mixture. 

4. An acne-fighting ointment

Honey is a natural humectant that hydrates the skin without adding excess oil to it. It is also antibacterial, so it can fight p acnes bacteria while improving the ability of the skin cells to heal. Whisk oil-reducing egg whites with honey, and apply an even layer on the face and neck, focusing on the T-zone, where acne is more common. Wash off for visibly tightened pores, with active acne looking less raw and angry.

5. A brightening and tightening face mask

Egg white is rich in the protein albumin, which works to rebuild skin cells, improve skin’s elasticity, and impart a natural glow. Mix egg white with smashed cucumbers and blend. The latter can tighten loose skin, while refreshing tired skin to give it a brightening boost too.

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