Mayonnaise is made from eggs, oil and vinegar, all of which are recommended for use on hair. Eggs and oil fortify and moisturize dry hair, while vinegar is often used to give hair more body and bounce. If your hair is dull, lackluster and limp, try a homemade mayonnaise hair treatment once a week to get your hair looking shiny, soft and bouncy again. David Daines, owner of David Daines Salon in New York City, notes that mayonnaise is an ideal conditioner for dry, damaged hair and recommends a weekly homemade mask for the best results.
Step 1 Mayonnaise Hair Treatment
Scoop out 1 cup of mayonnaise for shoulder-length hair. (If you have longer hair, you'll need more mayonnaise.) Place it in a bowl. For added benefit to your hair, add an egg, a few drops of walnut oil or a whole mashed avocado. Walnuts and avocado are both rich in omega 3-fatty acids, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, and omega 3-fatty acids can give you smooth, shiny hair.
Step 2 Mayonnaise Hair Treatment
Apply the mayonnaise or your mayonnaise mixture directly to dry hair. You can use your hands to initially apply the mayo, but use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the treatment all through your hair, from roots to tips. When finished, put on a shower cap or wrap your head in plastic wrap to seal in the moisture.
Step 3 Mayonnaise Hair Treatment
Wrap your head in a towel. Go sit in the sun to keep your head warm and allow your hair to better absorb the moisture from the mayonnaise treatment. If it's cold out, try the warmest room in your house or sit in the bathroom with the door closed and the shower turned on hot. Allow the mayonnaise to stay on your hair for at least 20 minutes, although Daines recommends an hourlong treatment.
Step 4 Mayonnaise Hair Treatment
Rinse the mayonnaise out with cool water and a mild shampoo. Look for shampoo that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent that can actually strip hair of moisture. Instead, use organic shampoo or a brand of shampoo that is especially formulated for dry or damaged hair, suggests Michael Ramsey, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine.
Step 5 Mayonnaise Hair Treatment
Deep condition your hair regularly. Apply the mayonnaise treatment at least once a week as part of your healthy hair care routine. You should see a noticeable improvement after just one treatment. Mayonnaise is an inexpensive alternative to more expensive weekly conditioning treatments.
Things You'll Need
Mayonnaise
Egg (optional)
Walnut oil (optional)
Avacado (optional)
Wide-tooth comb
Shower cap or plastic wrap
Towel
Organic shampoo
