Hair masks are a type of hair treatment full of strengthening and hydrating ingredients. They tend to be thicker than the average conditioner, allowing the ingredients to deeply moisturize and repair damaged hair. There are a variety of hair masks, each produced to target specific problems. When you’re deciding which hair mask to choose, definitely consider your hair’s biggest issues – like frizziness, damage or oiliness. If you’re in between salon visits and have some extra ingredients lying around in the kitchen, you can make your own DIY hair mask from the comfort of your home! Check out these all-natural recipes we’ve collected for you:

COCONUT OIL MASK

This one-ingredient hair mask is perfect if you need some anti-frizz and extra-moisture help. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, leaving it soft and hydrated. Heat up about a ¼ cup of coconut oil (not too hot! Just warm enough) and massage into your scalp and through your hair. For best results, leave it in for at least 45 minutes before your normal shampoo/condition routine. You can also leave this treatment overnight (make sure you sleep with a shower cap or towel on) and wash it out in the morning!

EGG WHITES & HONEY MASK

Egg whites are packed with protein and is rich in multivitamins and minerals that work together to strengthen and rejuvenate hair. The benefits are endless; not only does it fight dandruff, but it also remove excessive oiliness, and gives your hair extra volume. Honey is also a natural strengthener and has antibacterial properties, making it the perfect ingredient to pair with egg whites. Word of caution, refrain from using too much honey, as it can lead to excess stickiness. Also, do not use hot water when washing out egg-white from your hair, as it’s possible to accidentally cook the eggs and leave nasty cooked bits in your hair.

Mix 1 egg white and 1 tbs of honey, and mix thoroughly. Apply to your scalp and hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing and washing it out.

BROWN SUGAR AND OLIVE OIL

Brown sugar is used a lot in a variety of face masks as a natural exfoliant. Much like our faces, our scalps needs regular exfoliation to remove excess dirty or dry-skin buildup. The brown sugar is paired with virgin olive oil, which locks in moisture and prevents breakage and frizziness. These two ingredients are perfect if you’re prone to dandruff and dry hair

Simply mix 3 tbs of brown sugar to 2 tbs of virgin olive oil and scrub generously in your scalp and hair. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes before your normal shower routine.

The winter season can be a magical time with cold weather, dry air,, hot chocolate, and many holiday parties. But, it also means dry, cold weather that can have a negative impact on your hair (ugh!). Having a routine specific to the winter months can give your hair that extra boost that it needs. Don’t know where to start? We’ve developed some tips for you to keep in mind on your winter hair journey!

AVOID WASHING HAIR TOO MUCH

While you should already be avoiding daily washing, we recommend keeping this to a minimum during the cold months. Washing hair in excess can strip natural oils from your hair and leave it brittle and dry. During the winter, your hair is already affected by the lack of moisture in the air and especially need those natural oils to replenish itself. Invest in a moisturizing conditioner to encourage moisture and strength.

OIL YOUR HAIR

Essential oils are marvelous for your hair, roots and scalp! Each oil has unique healing properties that promote healthy and strong hair. You can use these oils separately or mix them together to create a DIY serum. We suggest incorporating this into your nightly routine: massage the oils into your hair and use a silk cover to keep all the moisture intact and avoid harmful friction. We recommend Argan Oil. There’s a reason why so many hair products contain it. It’s full of nutrients and vitamins that increase your hair elasticity and prevent frizz and breakage.

AVOID BLEACHED HAIR

Winter is the wrong time for bleaching your blonde. While bleach/color-treated hair is already difficult to maintain, the cold, dry weather in combination with hair-dye chemicals makes it even harder. We recommend going darker this winter to avoid any extreme breakage and drying. Trust us, your hair will thank you.

SKIP THE HEAT

Straightening, curling, and blow-drying your hair can cause unnecessary heat-damage to your locks especially in the winter months. While we recommend keeping these to a minimum, if you absolutely need to blow dry your hair, change your settings to use cold air instead of hot. If you’re curling or straightening your hair, apply a layer of heat-protectant spray to defend against heat damage.This will also give you the chance to experiment with hairstyles that naturally protect your hair like braids, ponytails and buns.

INVEST IN MOISTURIZING PRODUCTS

Whether it’s a leave-in conditioner, a hair treatment or deep hair mask, we suggest you invest in products for your specific hair needs this winter. We recommend MILK’s Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment. This conditioner has an oil-cream formula that works to turn frizzy, dry hair softer and silkier, and is suitable for all hair types. It’s packed with essential oils and proteins that guarantee stronger, hydrated hair.

The team at Shag Salon is always happy to answer any of your hair product and styling questions.

Hair frizz is inevitable and definitely doesn’t discriminate between hair types – especially when you live in a hot and humid climate like Austin, Texas.  Frizziness can happen for a variety of reasons: it could be because your hair is experiencing breakage, it’s being over-washed, or from forces out of your control (humidity, ugh!). But there are some products out there that can control the frizz and hydrate your hair so you can feel confident 24/7. Our favorite product is the Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment by MILK. We generally love all of MILK’s products, as they promote healthy skin and hair without any harsh chemicals — -and this product is no exception. This leave-in treatment is specifically filled with nourishing ingredients from coconuts, almonds and olives that restores healthy hair. We love that the formula is lightweight, so you can definitely leave it on and continue with your day without feeling weighed-down or oily.

This treatment is also packed with essential oils that individually take on different tasks to moisturize and strengthen each individual strand. These oils include : Rose, Bourbon Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Lavandin, Bay Laurel, Sage, Spearmint, Fennel, Black Pepper, Ginger, Bergamot, Jasmine, Vetiver, Clove, Rosemary

Surprised to see ingredients that are normally found in the kitchen? Turns out black pepper is rich with vitamins and antioxidants that encourage hair growth and blood flow. It even fights dandruff, leaving your hair moisturized and flake-free. In addition, Ginger also contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium and fatty acids that prevents hair loss and gives your hair a shiny glow. These oils work together to create the perfect anti-frizz serum while leaving your hair smelling amazing!

This treatment also includes:

• Pracaxi Seed Oil – found in the seeds of South American trees, this oil contains healing properties that deeply nourishes the hair and encourages hair growth.
• Sweet Almond Protein– almond oil is filled with protein, omega, magnesium and biotin that promotes stronger and more manageable hair
• Olive- Ancient greeks were obsessed with Olives and Olive oil – and for good reason! Olives have several benefits, including moisturizing properties that combat dandruff and dry hair
• Amino Acids– Different amino acids can strengthen your individual hair structure and play an essential role in increasing the overall health of your hair and roots

For use, we recommend you include in your regular routine. For best results, you should apply anywhere from 2 to 4 pumps evenly throughout damp or dry hair. Because of its gentle ingredients, this treatment is safe to use daily or on color-treated hair.

Everybody seems to have a different hair wash routine, so how do you know which method is the right one? Although it can simply come down to preference, there are some common hair practices that can actually damage your hair instead of properly repairing it. We’ve collected some tricks and tips from our experts so you can avoid bad hair practices and develop a great routine for you and your hair!

FIGURE OUT YOUR HAIR TEXTURE

First and foremost, everyone has different hair textures which require different needs and wash routines.

For example, thinner hair usually gets oilier much faster than thicker hair and should be cleaned more frequently. On the other hand, if you have thicker locks, you should avoid over-washing your hair, as it can lead to breakage and can dry out your scalp. Figuring out what type of hair you have is also essential to figuring out what kind of products you should invest in. Contrary to popular belief, shampoo isn’t one-size-fits-all! If your hair is naturally dry and prone to dandruff, consider shampoos that are purifying and contain essential oils to effectively hydrate your scalp. On the other hand, if your hair tends to be oily, avoid these shampoos as they can cause your hair to look greasy and lose volume.

AVOID DAILY WASHING

We witness this all the time – clients who wash their hair daily in efforts to maintain its health and cleanliness. But washing your hair daily can do the opposite! Your hair naturally produces oils, or sebum, that hydrate your hair and keep it healthy and soft. When you wash every day, it strips these oils and can cause dry and brittle hair. If you have a hair type that needs to be washed more frequently, we encourage you to do so every other day or every few days. Instead, rinse your hair without any product in between washes or purchase a shower cap to avoid wet hair when you shower.

USE A WET BRUSH TO BRUSH WET HAIR

If you have thick, curly hair it can be almost intuitive to brush it when it’s conditioned and wet. But if you don’t have the right tools, brushing wet hair can harshly pull individual strands and cause major damage. This is because when wet hair is brushed, the keratin proteins inside individual strands are stretched and can’t provide the same amount of strength and support it usually does when it’s dry. Because of this, we suggest you avoid brushing all together until your hair is properly dried. However, if you absolutely need to brush, we recommend using a wet brush to detangle your locks. Wet brushes have bristles that are more flexible than normal brushes and are spaced out to avoid tearing your hair. They’re compact and glide smoothly through your hair to separate any knots.

AVOID HOT WATER

After a long day, it can be tempting to indulge in a hot and steamy shower. But if your water it too hot, it can strip those natural oils and dry out your scalp. The key is washing your hair in lukewarm water; at this temperature, the water can effectively clean your hair and roots without causing any breakage or frizziness. We also suggest investing in a shower filter as well! Sometimes, shower water can contain chemicals like chlorine which, overtime, can negatively alter your hair and skin. By installing a filter, you can count on maintaining your hair health!

USE PAIRED SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS

There’s a reason why companies create shampoos and conditioners in pairs; their formulas are optimized so they can work harmoniously to give you the healthy hair you deserve. When you mix and match shampoos/conditioners, it can counteract the job they were meant to do. As mentioned before, invest in shampoos/conditioners that work with your hair type – you shouldn’t be using ultra-hydrating shampoo and conditioner if your hair is prone to oiliness. Also, remember this trick: concentrate shampoo at the roots, concentrate conditioner at the ends. Shampoo isn’t necessarily cleaning your hair, it’s cleaning your scalp! By focusing on the scalp it removes any dirt and excess oils without dehydrating your locks. On the other end, conditioning the ends ensures hydrated locks without over-greasing your scalp.

Still have questions on hair routines? Talk to us – we are experts on anything hair so we are happy to recommend the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair.