About Homemade Clarifying Hair Masks

When your hair feels unclean, unhealthy or dry, applying a homemade clarifying mask can help remove oil, dirt and debris, provide needed moisture, and give the hair a healthier, more vibrant appearance. It's not difficult to make a hair mask, and it is usually inexpensive.

Benefits

• Clarifying hair masks are inexpensive, and most can be made using ingredients you typically have in your kitchen. There is no right or wrong formula, and making a hair mask is pretty foolproof.

  A hair mask can also be used as a deep conditioner to add moisture to hair. They help remove excess oil, dirt and build-up from the hair and scalp, leaving it feeling fresher and healthier.

  For those with colored, relaxed or processed hair, a clarifying mask won't harm the hair like some commercially made products can.

  Since these clarifying hair masks are homemade using natural ingredients, they are ideal for those with a sensitive scalp and skin and those who don't care for the chemicals, fragrances and detergents used in commercial hair products.

Thyme Mask

• In a pot, mix 2 cups of water and 8 tbsp. of dried thyme. Boil this mixture for 12 minutes, and then let it cool for at least 30 minutes; do not use the mixture until it has cooled down to room temperature. Strain the mixture, ensuring that all pieces of thyme have been filtered out. After shampooing your hair, pour the thyme solution directly onto your hair and scalp, covering it evenly. Don't rinse or shampoo after pouring on the solution. The mixture will work on the hair and scalp to clarify; this mask can be used weekly or bi-weekly.

Avocado Mask

• This mask is great for moisturizing the hair, and is very easy and inexpensive to make.
  Combine one pureed avocado with 1/3 cup of honey; apply the mixture evenly to your hair. Pile hair on top of your head and put on a plastic cap; let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes. After at least 15 minutes have elapsed, thoroughly rinse the avocado-honey mixture out of your hair and then shampoo.

Honey-Olive Oil Mask

• Combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of olive oil and one raw egg. Apply this mixture evenly throughout your hair, and then pile hair on top of your head. Apply a plastic cap and wait 25 minutes. After the time has elapsed, thoroughly rinse the solution from your hair and scalp and shampoo.

How Often to Use Masks

• How often to use a clarifying hair mask depends on the type, texture and condition of your hair. If your hair is very fragile, a mask can be used once every other week or once a month. If it is strong, but tends to get very oily and dirty, a clarifying hair mask can be used once a week. Normal hair that tends to be dry can benefit from a weekly mask that makes use of moisturizing ingredients such as olive oil, pureed avocado or coconut oil.