Environmental conditions, chemical treatments or your natural hair type can leave your hair feeling dry, dull and brittle. While you can purchase expensive conditioning treatments or visit the salon, you may already have a rich moisturizing and strengthening hair treatment in your refrigerator. Mayonnaise is a hair-care classic and can leave your hair soft, silky and looking its best.
Function
Mayonnaise contains eggs, oil and vinegar. Used on the hair, the fats in mayonnaise condition your locks, adding moisture. The eggs provide protein to smooth the hair cuticle, while the vinegar reduces the possibility of buildup. Fats and protein are the basic components of most purchased hair treatments. Choose a full-fat mayonnaise when you opt to use mayo as a hair mask.
Use
Start with dry, combed hair or slightly damp hair. Plan to use 1/2 cup to one cup of mayonnaise, depending upon the length of your hair. Work the mayonnaise through from the ends toward the roots. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap, then leave the mayonnaise hair treatment in place for at least 15 minutes or as much as several hours. Wash as you normally would, being sure to remove all traces of mayonnaise, recommends Skinverse.com.
Types
Mayonnaise may be used on any hair type, but it will be especially beneficial if you have dry, damaged or frizzy hair. Depending upon your hair's needs, you can add avocado or olive oil to the mayonnaise for additional nourishing fats or an additional egg for more protein. Dry hair typically does best with moisturizing fats, while severely damaged hair may benefit from protein. Protein treatments can be drying, so choosing one with plenty of moisture can help to counteract this effect, according to PlanetGreen.com.
Benefits
Deep conditioning treatments, like mayonnaise, smooth the hair shaft. This allows light to reflect, leaving your hair with more shine. Hair may also be more manageable, softer to the touch and less prone to frizz after a deep hair treatment. Experiment with the recipe that works best for your hair, leaving it soft, but free of any additional residue or weight from deep hair treatments.
Warning
If your hair is prone to buildup, you may find that a final rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar adds shine and maintains body, recommends HairStyle.com. Whether you opt for mayonnaise or another oil based hair treatment, you should always rinse and wash your hair over the sink rather than in the shower, according to CosmeticsDiary.com. Oily residue in the shower could result in a slip or fall.
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