Getting hair coloured just because you're either bored of your plain black tresses or because you want to cover up the greys, has become common. But as you look for vibrant hair colours, don't forget to shower your hair with more love and care. If you are not careful, you might have to deal with side effects such as hair dryness, dullness and damage. Along with deep conditioning treatments, go for homemade hair masks to make sure your coloured hair doesn't fade. To ensure your dyed tresses stay in the pink of health, go for these DIY hair masks for coloured hair.

What are the benefits of hair masks for coloured hair?

Hair masks are intensive conditioning treatments designed to deeply nourish and repair hair, especially damaged locks, says veteran beauty expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. Unlike regular conditioners, hair masks are typically more concentrated, delivering a rich blend of moisture, strength, and targeted care to address specific hair issues. They can be crafted from natural ingredients or synthetically formulated, depending on individual hair needs and preferences.

Hair mask are beneficial for coloured hair. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

As for coloured hair, it often requires extra attention due to its susceptibility to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. Hair masks offer significant benefits for coloured hair:

• Coloured hair is often dry, and hair masks infuse it with vital hydration, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.
• Hair masks can help to seal the hair cuticle, locking in colour and preventing it from fading prematurely.
• Hair masks can repair damage from chemical treatments and heat styling, making hair stronger and less prone to breakage.
• Regular use of hair masks can bring back the natural shine and silky texture that colouring might diminish.
• By delivering deep conditioning, hair masks help to reduce frizz, leaving hair smoother and more manageable.

DIY hair masks for coloured hair

To make effective hair masks, you might need to add hair oil. Hair oils may play a key role in protecting hair from damage, and olive oil is one of them, according to an analysis published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2015.

You also need to protect your hair from the strong and harmful ultraviolet rays that can make your vibrant coloured hair look dull. Make sure to add green tea to your hair mask to shield from these harmful rays. Green tea extract can be used as an effective treatment for hair protection from UV rays, as per a 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Here are homemade hair masks specifically meant to cater to the needs of coloured hair:

1. Coconut oil and honey mask

• Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Apply to damp hair, leave on for 30 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

Apply it once a week, suggests Dr Kochhar.

2. Avocado and olive oil mask

• Take one ripe avocado, mash it and mix it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add 3 drops of patchouli oil.
• Focus on the ends of your hair while applying the avocado and olive oil mask.
• Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

Apply this hair mask every two weeks.

3. Banana and yogurt mask

• Blend one ripe banana with 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
• Add 2 drops of rosemary oil
• Apply the homemade mask to your mane, leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

Apply it once a week to combat hair frizz.

4. Aloe vera and lemon juice mask

• Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
• Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for 15 minutes then wash it off

Apply it every two weeks, says the expert.

5. Strawberry, milk powder and coconut milk mask

• Blend 5 to 6 strawberries with 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and 1 teaspoon of milk powder.
• Apply this DIY hair mask, leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse.

Apply once a week for shine and moisture, says the expert.

6. Honey and olive oil mask

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add 2 drops of rosemary essential oil.
• Apply the honey and olive oil mask to damp hair, leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse.

Apply it once a week to prevent hair damage.

7. Green tea and coconut oil mask

• Brew a cup of green tea, but instead of drinking it, let it cool.
• Mix the tea with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Add 2 drops of rosemary oil to the tea and coconut oil.
• Apply it to your coloured hair, leave it on for 30 minutes then rinse.

Use this hair mask every two weeks.

Coconut oil should be part of your hair mask. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

8. Oatmeal and almond oil mask

• Mix 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of almond oil.
• Add 3 drops of lavender oil.
• Apply this homemade hair mask to your tresses, leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

Use this hair mask once a week, says the expert.

9. Rosemary and olive oil mask

• Mix 1 tablespoon of rosemary oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for half an hour then rinse.

Apply every two weeks to nourish your hair.

What are the side effects of homemade hair masks for coloured hair?

DIY hair masks can be beneficial, but some ingredients can have side effects -

• Coconut oil might lead to build up in fine hair, resulting in a greasy look.
• Lemon juice can lighten hair and cause dryness if used in excess.
• Honey can be sticky and challenging to rinse out, especially in thicker hair.
• Essential oils like rosemary oil might cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people.

DIY hair masks can protect coloured hair, but before using natural ingredients, perform a patch test and check how your hair responds to them.

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