Although people typically use mayonnaise as a condiment, some research suggests that it may have beneficial properties for hair and skin care due to its ingredients.
Mayonnaise consists of oil, vinegar, egg yolks, and various spices. Due to its moisturizing properties, mayonnaise has a number of applications for hair care. For example, some people may use mayonnaise to soften dry cuticles or to condition their hair.
This article explains what a mayonnaise hair mask is and the various benefits that mayonnaise can have for a person’s hair. It also explains how to make a mayonnaise hair mask at home and discusses other natural ingredients that could be beneficial for hair and scalp health.
Some natural beauty experts promote mayonnaise hair masks as an alternative hair treatment that can potentially leave one’s hair shiny, soft, and smooth.
For dry, damaged, or brittle hair
Mayonnaise contains vegetable oil. According to an article in the International Journal of Phytocosmetics and Natural Ingredients, when a person applies it directly to the scalp as a shampoo or conditioner, vegetable oil increases hair softness, hydration, and strength.
Mayonnaise also contains protein, which can help restore moisture to brittle or dry hair.
For thinning hair or hair loss
People who are experiencing hair loss or who have thinning hair may find that using a mayonnaise hair mask is a safe alternative for promoting hair growth.
According to an article in the
For dandruff or an itchy scalp
People who have dandruff may consider using a mayonnaise hair mask to relieve the flakes and itching.
The National Eczema Association defines dandruff as a chronic form of eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) that occurs due to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. It can appear on the upper back, nose, and scalp.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the best way to alleviate dandruff is to use a shampoo that contains zinc and selenium sulfide.
Although it depends on the brand, most mayonnaise products
For lice treatment
Some people claim that a mayonnaise hair mask can help treat head lice, but there is
Although the mayonnaise might make the lice temporarily inactive, it will not kill them.
At home, a person can combine one or more ingredients to make a mayonnaise hair mask. A basic mayonnaise hair mask requires only one ingredient: 1 cup of mayonnaise.
A person can buy mayonnaise from a grocery store or online. A person who has an allergy to egg yolks can purchase eggless mayonnaise or make their own mayonnaise at home.
However, in order for a product to be true mayonnaise, it must contain 65% vegetable oil and have one or more egg yolk-containing ingredients.
A person should use enough mayonnaise to cover their entire scalp.
Application
To apply a mayonnaise hair mask:
- Apply the product to damp hair, starting from the scalp and massaging it out to the ends.
- Comb the mixture through the hair to ensure that the hair and scalp are evenly covered.
- Cover the hair with a shower cap or plastic bag to trap heat.
- Wait 20 minutes.
- Rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly and shampoo as normal. A person may wish to use sulfate-free shampoo if they have any.
Although a common allergen in mayonnaise is egg, it is possible for a person to have an allergy to one or more of the other ingredients.
People who experience burning or itching during the application should remove the product from their hair immediately.
According to one
For example, a person can add the following ingredients to a hair mask for added benefits:
| coconut | rocket cress | lemon |
| olive | castor | almond |
| aloe vera | apple cider vinegar | banana |
According to the survey, yogurt, eggs, and honey can also help treat dry and damaged hair if a person applies them to their scalp. A person may wish to try adding these ingredients to their mayonnaise hair mask for added benefits.
Although healthcare professionals do not recommend a mayonnaise hair mask for lice treatment, some evidence supports the use of mayonnaise for general hair care. This is especially true for people with dry or damaged hair.
A person who wants to try a mayonnaise hair mask can make their own at home by following the steps outlined above.