9 Popular Homemade Hair Solutions That Are Ripped Off

The desire to resort to natural products for body care is a trend that is currently very much in vogue. And with regard to hair, the story is no different. The Internet is full of recipes for supposedly miraculous masks based on eggs, oils, kefir and even kerosene, promising radiant, shiny and healthy strands. Of course, it is impossible to categorically deny the effectiveness of some of them. But it is worth remembering that, applying even the most harmless natural solutions, consequences that are far from foreseeable may arise.

O awesome.club analyzed recipe formulas for hair masks that are successful on the Internet, and warns of the most common mistakes that occur when people decide to use them. And don’t forget: before trying any new homemade mixture on your hair, it’s best to always consult an expert or your hairdresser.

What promises:

Deep hair restoration, shine, nutrition and reduced hair loss.

What you need to remember:

Many experts highlight a number of negative aspects arising from the use of beer-based masks:

Alcohol dries out the hair and destroys the scalp’s natural protective layer. To solve this problem, what is generally indicated is the use of beer to lighten the hair (without prolonged exposure) or a thermal treatment (heating and cooling). Applying this mask, you can feel a strong smell of beer, which can remain even after removing the substance (especially if you do it without using shampoo, as some recommendations say). Sometimes, the smell disappears on dry hair, but reappears when the strands are wet (when exposed to rain, for example). Often, the suggestion is to leave the beer open before use, so that the residues settle, but according to the comments, this does not always help. In short: even if you haven’t been drinking, you may be seen by people as someone who drinks too much. Trust me, you’ll make better use of beer by toasting with your friends. And, of course, enjoying the drink in moderation.

What promises:

Root strengthening, improved hair growth, healthy shine and thicker hair.

Currently, there are studies demonstrating the effectiveness of onion juice (as well as garlic juice) in the treatment of alopecia areata. Supposed reasons: a potent antibacterial and fungicidal effect, thanks to the sulfur and antioxidants present in onions, as well as an anti-inflammatory action.

What you need to remember:

Onion juice is very harsh on the skin and can cause irritation on the scalp if you have a local lesion. As banal as it may sound: a strong and persistent smell of onions. When applying this type of mask, it is often necessary to turn to Google to find different ways to get rid of the odor. The more pieces of onion there are (for example, when using onions passed through a blender instead of the juice), the stronger and more persistent the smell will be. For the mask, onion juice (in a blender), without pulp, is much better suited. The onion smell builds up; with each new mask it becomes more difficult to get rid of it. And before doing this treatment, it is best to take a mask course. The fluid consistency of the mask, in addition to the famous tear-inducing effect, can bring additional problems.

What promises:

It helps with split ends, guarantees a dose of vitamins D and E and promotes protein therapy, which leaves the hair softer and shinier.

What you need to remember:

The main mistake that many people make when applying egg-based masks is the use of egg whites. In this case, removing the mask is possible only with cold water. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend a lot of time getting the egg white out with a comb. She will simply cook. It has been proven that egg proteins are too big to penetrate the hair. Therefore, protein therapy with their help has no effect at all. The smell of hair after applying an egg mask is quite specific (many people associate it with the smell of dogs), and getting rid of it can be very difficult.

What promises:

Lighter hair, elimination of leftover dye, more softness, less oiliness and a cheap alternative to shampoo.

What you need to remember:

Washing your hair only with baking soda (giving up shampoo completely) represents a great risk. The pH level of the 5% baking soda solution is approximately 8.1 (very alkaline), but some recipes even suggest using even more saturated solutions. On the other hand, the acidity of the scalp is, on average, much lower: pH 5.5 (and the hair itself has an approximate pH of 3.67). The ability of baking soda to wash hair without using additional ingredients is less in doubt: compare the appearance of hair looking under a microscope after shampooing and after using baking soda. A study by specialists from the University of Vienna (Austria) proved that the use of alkaline soap on the scalp increases oil production and damages the protective layer. Thus, the long-term application of the product is sure that problems will arise, both on the scalp and on the locks.

What promises: m

Solve hair and scalp dryness problems. More shine and softness.

What you need to remember:

It was proved through practice: the use of oils can worsen the condition of the strands. First of all, dry hair needs hydration, but this is impossible when the surface is covered with an oily film. The same thing happens with nutrients: oil clogs the hair scales, and only disguises the problem instead of solving it. With the usual use of oil masks, the scalp becomes fatter, but the strands themselves are drier — that’s why many hairdressers do not recommend applying oil to the entire length of the strands. Using oils, you must remember that they eliminate dyes, so it is contraindicated to abuse them after painting the strands, if you want to keep the color very bright.

What they promise:

Vivid, saturated and persistent color; improvement in hair structure, more shine and strength in growth.

What you need to remember:

Persistent natural dyes like henna and anthocyanin have several shortcomings that are often overlooked.

These natural dyes penetrate the hair structure, and end up being difficult to remove. The red or dark tone of the henna can be preserved after applying a dye in darker shades. ‘Eliminating’ these colors, unlike chemical paint, becomes almost impossible: few hairdressers promise to ‘eliminate henna’. And it is especially difficult, after its application, to obtain a cool blonde tone or pastel tones. The same happens with the so-called colorless henna: after treating the hair with this product, the result of the dyeing will most likely be different than expected.

It is virtually impossible to accurately predict the result when applying a chemical dye after using henna. Natural dyes ‘open’ the hair scales, and this leaves the hair looking thicker, but this effect is temporary and, afterwards, the quality of the hair ends up dropping. Henna dries out the scalp and hair. Therefore, when using them, it is recommended to pay attention to moisturizing masks. In order to obtain a vivid color with natural dyes, it is necessary to carry out a prior discoloration. For example, if you are going to dye brown hair, without bleaching it, using anthocyanin, then in the best case you will get a light shade. In the worst case scenario, it will have a ‘dirty’ color.

What promises:

An exfoliating effect on the scalp, stimulating hair growth.

What you need to remember:

Experts point out the healthy properties of bleaching your hair with salt water and salt-based exfoliants, but they also remind you that you need to take precautions:

The salt mask can cause skin burns. Salt should not be used on dry hair: this can negatively affect it and provoke even greater hair loss. When applying salt, you need to moisturize your scalp intensely and with special care, even if you have oily scalp. Recommendations on the frequency of application: no more than once a week. After 10 procedures, it is good to take a break for several months.

What they promise:

We found a huge number of recipes for masks based on vinegar, lemon juice and dairy products. It is considered that the strands, after applying the juice, become smoother, softer, healthier and more pleasant to the touch.

What you need to remember:

The scalp’s normal pH is around 5.5, so most hair care products are made with this acid value. Acids, with a pH from three (for example, lemon juice and vinegar) to 4.4 (yogurt and kefir), according to experts, can irritate the skin (especially after prolonged use). Any acid (including healthy lifestyle fan favorites: yogurt and kefir) dries out your hair. Therefore, applying this type of mask to damaged or fine hair increases the chances of the strands becoming hard and full of knots. Kefir and lemon juice are included in lists of popular home remedies for ‘eliminating’ the tincture. Take into account if you want to strengthen your newly dyed hair. The smell of kefir mask is very specific and persistent. In contact with the sun, lemon and other acids cause skin burns; before using them, be sure to rinse your hair well before leaving home or the salon.

What promises:

The origins of using kerosene for hair are associated with many ancient legends. It was believed that the product killed lice (this method of combating these parasites was very popular), and that it prevented hair loss, leaving the strands thicker and brighter.

What you need to remember:

Kerosene is a product composed of hydrocarbons — the same family as gasoline. It has an oily, viscous structure and a strong sticky smell. Completely getting rid of it is impossible, neither with shampoos nor essential oils (since hair, due to its porous structure, absorbs odors a lot). Kerosene is highly toxic when ingested (even by inhaling the fumes). For example, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States highlights, among the most common reactions, irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, the appearance of dermatitis,…