Ultimate DIY Hair Mask Guide: Italian Mom's Best Hair Mask

 Old School DIY Hair Mask

As a hairstylist, I have worked with so many hair products, and masks, but nothing compares to what my mother used on my hair growing up!  I swear this mask allowed me to have the hair I have today which I have not been the kindest. The mask recipes have been used for many generations, it is super simple and you probably have the ingredients at home already. Amounts will vary based on your hair length & density. Prep is easy, but I suggest mixing the day you use it. You can use the mask once per week! 

After years of bleach on my natural hair, I remember my mother's old-school recipe which infuses hair with moisture into damaged hair, is loaded with fatty acids, promotes scalp health, and offers the optimal hydration to dry hair.

Repair Mask Recipe All Hair Types; Key Ingredients for the Best Hair Mask

1) Egg yolk (2 to 4 yolks based on hair length & density)

2) 8 to 10 Teaspoons of plain yogurt. (vary on hair length & density)

3) 4 to 8 crushed non-coated aspirin (vary on hair length & density)

4). 1 Tablespoon of honey for a pleasant fragrance and best results for hydration.

Mix, whisk, or use a blender to combine. Apply on freshly washed hair, and damp hair, from roots to ends. Comb through to spread the mask and then either put hair up or apply a shower cap. Leave in hair for at least one hour. Then wash, and condition.

How to Adopt The Repair Hair Mask into Your Hair Care Routine

Depending on your hair condition, I would suggest using this mask every 2 to 4 weeks, and monthly for fine hair. You can interchange the yogurt with avocado oil, coconut oil or olive oil to create a deeper conditioner for curly hair with frizz.

The Secret Weapon is the Egg, but what about the Odor?

The egg yolk in this DIY hair mask from an Italian mom is indeed a game-changer. Its nourishing properties work wonders on all hair types. But addressing the potential odor? Fear not. A few drops of essential oil like lavender or peppermint added to the mask can help mask any unwanted smell, leaving your hair refreshed and revitalized. So go ahead, and give this age-old recipe a try for luscious locks that speak volumes about your hair care dedication.

if necessary ~ the egg odor will fade away throughout the day or you can spray a bit of scented dry shampoo if the smell is bothersome.

Key Takeaway

Do not use protein products, such as keratin, in conjunction with this mask because too much protein can have the reverse effect on your hair.

Why This DIY Hair Mask Works

Eggs are loaded with protein which assists in hair growth as well as protecting each strand of hair Your hair will be super shiny, far more resilient, and pliable. Yogurt will tame the hair and also contain protein for strength as well as anti-bacterial elements for the scalp. When massaged into the scalp the lactic acid & zinc in yogurt help to stimulate the hair follicle by increasing blood flow which will result in hair growth. Yogurt also helps to produce extreme shine and anti-frizzing. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which aids in removing dead cells from the hair follicle while unclogging the pores of the scalp. Aspirin will also aid in cleansing the cuticle of your hair and allow for the protein in the eggs & yogurt to penetrate the hair follicle.  

Why Use Crushed Aspirin?

All of these ingredients combined make for the perfect mask for scalp & hair health. Healthy scalp = healthy hair. Keep in mind, the salicylic acid in the aspirin may cause your hair to lighten - if you are concerned about this you can omit the aspirin from the recipe.  

If you want your hair to lighten a bit, you can mix a few aspirin into your shampoo as well or increase the honey which is a natural hair lightener. This recipe has been known to improve overall hair health with the combination of B vitamins, and vitamin E, and will give you smooth hair!

Conclusion

I use this effective & inexpensive mask on many of my salon clients, particularly those who have sensitivity to off-the-shelf products. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear your feedback. I suggest using once a week, after a month or so you will see great results. We can rely on Mother Nature to keep our hair in optimal condition and get rid of frizzy hair!

Can this recipe help with dandruff?

Yes, this hair mask recipe can help with dandruff as well. The combination of yogurt, aspirin, and other ingredients can effectively cleanse the scalp, unclog pores, and promote overall scalp health. Regular use can reduce dandruff and improve the condition of your hair. Give it a try and see the difference it makes for your scalp health!

Does the DIY hair mask repair split ends?

While this DIY hair mask can help improve overall hair health and promote scalp health, it is important to note that once split ends occur, the only way to get rid of them completely is by trimming the affected hair. This mask can help prevent further damage and promote healthy hair growth, but for repairing split ends, a regular trim is necessary. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to split ends!

Does this mask add collagen?

This hair mask recipe does not directly add collagen to your hair. However, the combination of ingredients like honey, yogurt, and aspirin can help improve hair health by nourishing and strengthening the strands. Collagen is naturally produced in the body and plays a vital role in maintaining hair strength and elasticity. While this mask may not directly add collagen, it can support overall hair health, which is essential for optimal collagen production in the body.

What is an apple cider vinegar rinse?

An apple cider vinegar rinse is a popular method used to clarify and balance the pH of the scalp and hair. It helps remove product build-up, excess oil, and dirt, leaving your hair clean and shiny. By using this rinse before applying the hair mask, you can ensure that your scalp is prepped and ready to receive the nourishing benefits of the mask for optimal results.

1 comment

• Just tried it today, used plain Greek yogurt. Left on for an hour. Love it!
• Noelle on September 11, 2023