Years ago I was told that slathering mayonnaise on your hair will make it soft and shiny. I had to try it and it worked. Of course, I couldn’t just leave it at that. I had to improve it! I had to make my own. I’ve lost track of how many versions I’ve created but below you’ll find my favorite Herbal Mayonnaise Hair Mask recipe. For those of you who would like to keep it simple, I’ve also included the “Super-Basic” and “Basic” Mayonnaise Hair Mask recipes. All three recipes follow the same “Use” instructions below.
Super-Basic Mayonnaise Hair Mask
- 1 c. of all-natural, full-fat mayonnaise
Basic Mayonnaise Hair Mask*
- 1 large (or 2 small) egg yolk(s) at room temperature
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Oils
- 5-6 tbsp. base oil of your choice (select one or a combination): olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed or coconut oil
Follow the mixing instructions below.
*This recipe is based on the best benefit for your hair; it is not the tastiest mayonnaise for eating…though you could.
Herbal Mayonnaise Hair Mask
- 1 large (or 2 small) egg yolk(s) at room temperature – softens your hair
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar – adds shine, restores pH balance, removes residue and product build-up
- 1 tbsp. powdered** rosemary – encourages hair growth
- 1 tbsp. powdered** sage – encourages hair growth
- 1 tbsp. powdered** burdock root – softens your hair
- 1 tbsp. powdered** nettle – adds shine, encourages hair growth, and moisturizes the scalp (good for dandruff)
- 1 egg white – adds shine
Optional:
- For light hair: 3 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
- For dark hair: 3 tbsp. walnut hull concentrate***
- For red hair: 3 tbsp. alkanet root concentrate***
Oils
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil – reduces oiliness
- 2 tbsp. olive oil – softens the hair
- 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil – moisturizes
- 8 drops (or 1 large capsule) of vitamin E oil – moisturizes and adds shine
Follow the mixing instructions below.
If you can’t buy powdered herbs, use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder to powder the dried herbs. Don’t use a coffee grinder that you use for coffee, keep on specifically for herbs, otherwise your coffee will always taste like herbs. Also, do not use the herbs whole because they (especially the rosemary) will create quite a mess when rinsing. Learn from my mistake on this one!
To make the concentrate: bring 1 c. of distilled water to a low boil and add 2 tbsp. of either the walnut hull or alkanet root. Reduce heat to a simmer and allow the mixture to reduce, which should take about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and strain if powdered herbs are not used. Store in the refrigerator.
Mixing Instructions for the Basic and Herbal Mayonnaise Hair Masks
Add all of the non-oil ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Turn your blender to medium speed and slowly start to pour the oils into the non-oil ingredients. Your mix should start to emulsify and form the mayonnaise.
Use Instructions for All Mayonnaise Hair Mask Recipes
Apply your chosen mayonnaise to damp hair by starting with a small amount and working it into your scalp. Continue to massage bits of the mayonnaise into your scalp until you’ve covered your entire head. Then start to massage down the rest of your hair shaft.
If you’ve ever used hot oil treatments, then you know that heat assists in the conditioning process. To create a warm environment for your mayonnaise mask, wrap your hair around your head and cover it with a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap. Then wrap a thick, warm towel around your head. I like to warm my towel in the dryer for a few minutes first. Throw on your favorite robe, do the crow’s feet treatment below, and have a spa moment while you allow the mix to sit for 30-40 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and shampoo your hair using a gentle, sulfide-free shampoo.
Bonus Crow’s Feet/Wrinkle Treatment!
If you have any leftover egg whites, place them in the fridge to chill. Once cool, use your ring finger to apply the egg whites to the area around your eyes. Allow the whites to dry. Then gently wipe them off using a soft washcloth that has been soaked in warm water.
Give one of these mayonnaise treatments a try over the weekend and let me know how it works! If you’ve used a mayonnaise treatment before, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out.