Whether you relax, keratin or wear your hair natural, your scalp can get dry from time to time.
As soon as there is sunshine, or if I exercise a lot, my scalp gets dry and flaky. I put this down to the salt in the sweat. Salty sweat can clog hair follicles and make the scalp itch!! It's tempting to pull out that long comb with the pointed end and start scratching....If you know you know... but this can do more harm than good and encourage hair loss.
When I want to intensely moisturise my scalp, I make this fresh scalp mask. It has no preservatives or added chemicals in it. The great thing about this mask is that the banana whips up to create a light and creamy mixture, like a very luxurious conditioner. It does not drip. You can apply it, wrap or tie your hair, and get on with your business. You can wash it out whenever you please! I usually leave it in for about an hour.
I've given this recipe in simple measurements, so you can make as much or little as you need. Pictured is the quantity of mask using one small banana and the other ingredients as listed out in the recipe.
The secret to this recipe is fresh bananas. Bananas contain fatty acids and potassium which soften the skin on the scalp as well as the hair. This scalp conditioner also contains aloe vera which is full of moisture and vitamins. I grow aloe vera all over my home and use its leaves in many different ways. No matter what climate you live in, it's so easy to grow! One plant can easily be turned into 10!
If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy single aloe leaves from the market. Sometimes they can be found health food stores, or the fresh produce sections of the supermarket. If you do buy single aloe vera leaves, stand them in a jar of water to preserve their freshness and extend their life.
The inside of the aloe vera leaf is soft and gel like. For this recipe it's important to blend the mixture well well so that the gel pieces break up. Breaking up the gel pieces makes the mixture easier to rinse out and reduces the chance of small pieces sticking to the hair.
If you don't have a blender it's not a big deal, you could mash the inside of the leaf to break up the gel pieces and whip it with the other oils using a fork or a whisk.
In addition to coconut oil, I add honey to this hair mask. If you have fine hair, you could use half the coconut oil, use a lighter oil like apricot instead or leave out the oil entirely.
Whenever possible I try and use unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is usually white in colour and semi solid at room temperature, as opposed to a yellow coloured oil.
I use this mask whenever I get that flake or itch! I hope you enjoy trying it!
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Ingredients:
Method
Step 1.
Cut open the aloe vera leaf and extract the gel like pulp inside.
Step 2.
Peel the banana.
Step 3.
Add the banana, aloe vera pulp, coconut oil (or your chosen oil) and honey to a blender and mix for at least one minute. The mixture will turn thick, smooth and creamy yellow . If you do not have a blender, use a fork to mash the pulp and a whisk to blend all of the ingredients together until very smooth.
Step 4.
Transfer to a clean jar.
Step 5.
When you are ready to use it apply generously to the scalp. Discard any unused mixture.
Step 6.
Leave for at least 60 minutes.
Step 7.
Rinse out and apply your usual hair products.
I always rinse this hair mask out with water only, though you could shampoo it out. Occasionally I will apply a leave in hair conditioner. If you want the recipe for this as well let me know!
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.