Who doesn’t love shiny hair? Many products out there promise healthy hair and scalp, shiny hair, and what is not. But, did you know the humble ingredient in every home, yogurt, is one of the best hair foods?
Rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins like phosphorus, potassium, iron, vitamins A and B, and calcium, yogurt strengthens and nourishes hair. It also promotes hair growth and leaves you with shiny hair when used as a mask.
Let’s learn the benefits of yogurt for hair care and how to use it, shall we?
Why Yogurt is Beneficial for Hair
In some countries, yogurt is used regularly as part of their diet for its nourishment. But did you know it’s also an excellent food for hair and skin care?
There are different types of yogurt today, but here we’re discussing the unflavored and unsweetened plain yogurt, also called curd. Rich in protein, yogurt nourishes and strengthens hair.
And helps hair grow out longer. The fat content in yogurt helps moisturize hair without weighing it down. A dairy product, yogurt has lactic acid that cleanses the scalp gently and clears away dead skin cells, helping hair follicles grow.
A yogurt hair mask strengthens and nourishes hair, making it softer and shinier. It prevents split ends and hair damage.
It keeps hair hydrated, prevents dandruff, stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, and restores damaged hair. The calcium in yogurt adds volume and density, while minerals like phosphorus and iodine strengthen hair follicles and make your hair shiny.
Yogurt can be applied directly to one’s hair and scalp or combined with other ingredients for preparing diy yogurt hair masks.
Different Types of Yogurt and Their Hair Care Benefits
There are different types of yogurts these days. The most common types include plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, and flavored yogurt.
You can use plain or Greek yogurt, depending on availability and preference. However, stay away from flavored yogurts for your yogurt hair mask.
The main difference between Greek and regular yogurt is that Greek yogurt is thicker thanks to the less water content. For this reason, the nutrient-to-volume ratio is higher than regular yogurt.
However, regular yogurt is lovely if you don’t get Greek yogurt.
DIY Yogurt Hair Mask Recipes
Yogurt can be applied as is to your roots and locks for soft and shiny hair, a clear scalp, and healthy hair. Alternatively, it can be combined with other ingredients to prepare yogurt hair masks.
DIY Yogurt & Fenugreek Hair Mask
This is a nutrient-rich mask that also promotes hair growth. This is a straightforward recipe.
Ingredients
Yogurt – 1/3 Cup
Fenugreek Seeds Powder – 1 Tbsp.
Olive Oil – 2 Tbsps.
Honey – 1 Tsp.
Instructions
Add the yogurt to a mixing bowl.
Add in the fenugreek seeds powder and mix to combine.
Now, add the olive oil and honey.
Mix well until combined.
Let the mask sit for about 2 hours before use.
Usage
Apply the hair mask to your hair and scalp.
Cover your head with a shower cap.
Wait for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
You can also shampoo and condition your hair.
Notes
You can skip the honey if you’re worried about stripping off hair color or warm up and use it.
You can replace the olive oil with coconut oil if you prefer.
You can use other moisturizing oils instead of olive oil, like Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
You can add more or less yogurt according to your hair length.
Lighten the mask with a few spoons of water if the mask is too thick.
DIY Yogurt & Lemon Mask
Another simple mask that uses few ingredients is a conditioning mask. It keeps dandruff at bay and leaves you with shiny hair.
Ingredients
Yogurt – 1/3 Cup
Lemon – 1/4
Honey – 1 Tbsp.
Olive Oil – 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, add the yogurt.
Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add in honey and olive oil.
Whisk to combine.
Usage
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
Let it sit for a good 30 minutes.
Cover your head with a shower cap.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
You can use a mild shampoo and condition if you prefer.
Air dry and style as usual.
Notes
You can also add a spoon of Aloe Vera Gel for hydration and nourishment.
You can add an egg to strengthen your hair.
You can add essential oils to this recipe for added benefits and aroma.
This hair mask also combats oily hair and scalp.
DIY Yogurt & Strawberry Mask
This is a nourishing mask that also promotes hair growth.
Ingredients
Yogurt – 1/3 Cup
Egg – 1
Strawberries – 4
Honey – 1 Tbsp.
Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
Add the strawberries and coconut oil to your blender.
Blend to a fine paste and add in the egg.
Run for a few seconds and transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
Add in the honey and mix to combine.
Usage
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
Let it sit for a good 30 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
You can use a mild shampoo and conditioner if you prefer.
Notes
You can use coconut or other carrier oils according to your preference, including olive, sweet almond, argan, avocado, etc.
You can add aloe vera to your yogurt mask recipes to boost hydration.
DIY Yogurt Mask for Itchy Scalp
Is your scalp itchy? Try this easy and nourishing yogurt mask to combat it.
Ingredients
Yogurt – 1/3 Cup
Aloe Vera Gel – 3 Tbsps.
Tea Tree Essential Oil – a few drops
Coconut Oil – 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl – yogurt, tea tree essential oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel.
Whisk to combine.
Usage
Apply the mask to your scalp and the rest on your hair.
Massage gently and cover your head with a shower cap.
Let it sit for a good 30 minutes before washing off.
Notes
You can also finish with an apple cider vinegar rinse to combat itching.
Coconut oil works best for an itchy scalp, though you can use other carrier oils.
How to Apply Yogurt Hair Masks Effectively
Yogurt hair masks are best applied to dry hair.
Divide your hair into smaller sections for easy application and clip each section.
Use a hair coloring brush to apply the yogurt hair mask evenly to all sections, covering from root to tip.
Massage your scalp gently, ensuring you don’t miss out on any areas of the scalp.
Cover your head with a shower cap till the required duration.
Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Air dry and style as usual.
Precautions and Considerations
- Yogurt is not listed as a common allergen and can be used safely by most. However, since it contains protein and unknown factors, it is best to do a patch test to check for allergies.
- Never use any ingredients you’re allergic or sensitive to.
- General yogurt hair mask sitting time is 30 minutes unless specified otherwise in the recipes.
- You can use yogurt hair masks once a week unless specified otherwise.
Conclusion
To summarize, yogurt nourishes and strengthens your locks, cleanses your scalp, combats frizz and dandruff, and leaves you with soft and shiny hair. It can also promote hair growth and curb split ends and hair damage.
So try yogurt hair masks for strong, healthy, and shiny hair. Don’t have time for DIY recipes?
We have your back with a range of premium vegan hair cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. Check out their online store to learn more about their products.
Feel free to experiment with the recipes and customize them according to your preferences and requirements. DIY isn’t fun without the experimentation and trying out different stuff.
So, let out your creative side and enjoy the journey. Feel free to write to us with any questions, feedback, or requests. We love hearing from you.
FAQs
Should I apply a hair mask to dry or wet hair?
These hair masks are best applied to dry hair.
How often can I use a hair mask?
Unless otherwise stated, use these hair mask recipes once a week.
Can you substitute yogurt with vegan options?
Yes, you can use equivalents or near substitutes. There’s coconut milk yogurt, which is also a great hair food. The results might vary based on the substitutes chosen and their properties.
Can I shampoo after applying a yogurt mask?
Yes, you can shampoo and condition your hair if you prefer. Yogurt is a mild cleanser; rinsing off is sufficient, though washing off is not wrong.
What other ingredients can be added to a hair mask?
You can add avocado for dry or damaged hair, bananas for shine and nourishment, aloe vera for hydration and nourishment, etc.
