A strand of hair has three layers--a central core, the cortex and the cuticle, which encases the inner layers in overlapping scales. When your hair is healthy, the cuticle lays flat and smooth, allowing each hair to reflect the light. In damaged hair, the scales of the cuticle are open and rough. leaving your hair dull and prone to breakage. Bananas, a common ingredient in Indian hair recipes, are rich in potassium, which softens and conditions the hair cuticle, according to Roshni Dayal, author of "Beauty Secrets from India." Lentil meal, almonds and yogurt all contain proteins and oils that thicken and strengthen the hair shaft. Combined, they create a nourishing hair mask for dry, damaged hair.
Step 1
Mash the banana, or puree it in a blender until it is smooth.
Step 2
Stir almond oil into the mashed banana.
Step 3
Add the yogurt and lentil flour--also known as gram flour--to the banana mixture. Whirl in a blender or whip it by hand until it is well blended.
Step 4
Apply the banana-yogurt mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working it through the strands. Gently massage your scalp for two to three minutes.
Step 5
Pile your hair on top of your head. Cover it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Wait 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 6
Remove the plastic wrap. Rinse the banana mixture out of your hair with lukewarm, running water. Shampoo as usual. Repeat once a week to keep hair soft, shiny and manageable.
Tips and Warnings
- Substitute a ripe avocado for the banana. If you don't have a banana or avocado, mix the yogurt and lentil flour and apply it to split ends. Substitute a jar of pureed baby bananas for the banana to make the recipe even easier.
Things You'll Need
- 1 overripe banana, medium
- Blender
- 1 tbsp. almond oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup lentil flour
References
- "Herbal Beauty for Healthy Living"; Margaret Roberts; 2002
- "Natural Beauty Secrets from India"; Roshni Dayal; 2009
- "Total Skin"; David Leffell. M.D.; 2000
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