Taking care of the hair is taken for granted by most people as haircare is seldom discussed – especially by men. Women in the olden times used a variety of techniques to take care of their hair but these practices are long lasting in the modern day.
Most women in the modern generation rely on shampoos and conditioners and seldom know the importance of hair oils and hair masks that were used by the grandmothers to take care of their hair. Not only is it great for the hair, but it is also great for the scalp, helps reduce the body’s overall heat, and balances the doshas in the body according to Ayurveda.
Thankfully, there are many herbal and vegan brands that are coming up these days that promote the bygone practice of using hair oils and hair masks that help in deep nourishment and penetration of nutrients into the hair and scalp.
What is a Hair Mask?
A hair mask, in the olden times was a mix of herbs and some basic kitchen based items that lend nutrition and hair care for all kinds of conditions such as Dry hair, Oily Hair, Curly hair, damaged hair, etc. Most women used to prepare hair masks by themselves by combining a few home based ingredients and then using them on the hair for various requirements – such as aloe vera juice, curd, eggs, amla paste, neem leaves, bhringraj leaves etc.
With the improvement in scientific techniques and the advancement in modern marketing, hair masks are now available in the form of ready made pastes and powders that can be applied directly on the scalp and hair and washed off. These work similar to actual homemade hair masks and condition and treat the hair to give the user incredible and noticeable benefits within a few days.
Benefits of Hair Masks
Hair masks have lots of hair benefits and not only for the hair but also for the scalp. Below are some of the most important benefits of them all –
- Provides Deep Nourishment
One of the best advantages why most men and women use hair masks is for the deep nourishment that a hair mask provides. It helps in providing a deep and restorative effect on the hair and scalp and can reverse many weeks of damage with just one application. Unlike hair oils, shampoo and conditioner, hair masks are very concentrated and need to be used only once in a while but have a great impact on the hair even with just one single use.
- Conditions Hair
Another benefit of hair masks is that it deeply conditions the hair. Despite using conditioners regularly, most people with dry and dull hair find no good use with conditioners but with a hair mask, one can deeply condition the hair.
- Made for Individual Hair Type
The masks are made individually and customized for each hair type and address specific concerns such as hair fall control, dandruff, dry hair, damaged hair, etc.
- Cools the Body
Hair masks are proven to help lower the body temperature – since most hair masks come with essential oils and other nutritive ingredients, many of these masks when applied on hair and rested for a good amount of time, tend to bring the body heat down.
This is extremely beneficial for those who have dry and damaged hair as the heat balancing formula helps in conditioning the hair and makes it softer and easier to manage.