Feel Good Friday: My Favorite Deep Conditioner

photo credit: Atalanta Black Star

Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but we here on the East Coast are just finally getting a taste of warm weather. After such a brutal winter, the sunshine is a most welcome change. These first few days have done wonders for my spirits and help to banish my winter blues. My mind isn’t the only thing eager to shake off the doldrums of winter; my hair is practically begging for some moisture after the harsh, dry winter months. So, this weekend, I will treat myself to my favorite deep conditioner, which helps to restore moisture, shine and elasticity to my hair. And, of course, I’m sharing it with you! This deep treatment is chock full of natural ingredients that are awesome for your hair and can be found right in your own kitchen.
 
The ingredients:

1 small jar banana baby food or whole banana

1/2 Avocado

2tbsp Mayonnaise or 1 egg

2tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2tsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or full fat Coconut Milk

2tbsp Raw Honey

The method:

1. Blend all ingredients well with a mini food processor or blender; you don’t want banana and avocado chunks in your hair! (Also, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also taste it after this step. It’s actually not that bad!)

2. When well blended, apply generously to detangled hair, smooshing (that’s a technical term) it in to make sure it penetrates the hair.

3. Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave on for 30 minutes.
Note: if your hair is on the fine side, leave it on about half the time.

4. Rinse well with lukewarm water, and if desired, follow with an ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse for extra shine.

5. Enjoy your soft, shiny hair!

The science:

Mayo: The vinegar in mayonnaise helps restore the healthy pH balance to your otherwise damaged hair. Also, the protein from the eggs makes your hair look fuller and gives it an excellent shine.

Banana: Abundant with amino acids (more protein!) and antioxidants that provide nutrients to your hair.

EVOO: Nourishes, conditions and improves the strength and elasticity or hair. EVOO also contains antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin A and helps to heal dry flaky scalp, also known as dandruff.

Coconut Oil/Milk: Penetrates the hair shaft to seal in moisture, and its fatty acids help soften the hair.

Avocado: Oils in the avocado help to moisturize and soften dry and brittle hair, and the vitamin E helps to restore a natural shine to your hair.

Honey: Honey is a humectant, which means that it helps attract and retain moisture to your hair. Who  doesn’t want that?

Try this deep conditioner this weekend when you have the chance to indulge in some me time and let us know what you think. Also, if you have a favorite homemade deep conditioner that you use, feel free to share! We’re always on the hunt for new hair tips!