Many people believed you could only rejuvenate your hair with products purchased from the shop. You might think your hair can be brought back to life by visiting a hair expert, but that’s not always the case, as that could cost a fortune! But don’t worry, this is where Mayonnaise comes to the rescue. The spread widely used in sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes is an effective hair care treatment ingredient. Incorporating Mayonnaise into your hair treatments may sound bizarre to many people since most of us are only familiar with its culinary uses. However, everyone from beauty experts to bloggers swear by mayo to make their hair shiny, frizz-free, and smooth. So get ready to find all the answers to your hair care treatments in your kitchen; keep reading as we take you through the most effective ways to use mayo for a voluminous and shiny mane.
What is Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise, often known as mayo, is a thick cold sauce or dressing frequently used in sandwiches, hamburgers, prepared salads, and other dishes (1). Mayonnaise is a semisolid oil-in-water emulsion that combines oil, vinegar, egg yolk, and spices such as mustard. Furthermore, Mayonnaise is usually made with 70–80 percent oil, and egg yolk is a vital component that contributes to its consistency (2). Usually served as a flavor enhancer in many restaurants, this sauce could make a grumpy kid love a boring cucumber sandwich.
One tablespoon(13.8g) of mayonnaise is said to contain a whopping 94 calories (3). Consider incorporating mayo into your diet if you are on the lookout to gain weight.
Benefits of Mayonnaise for Hair
It is a typical complaint among women to have bad hair days. It is revealed that lack of nourishment and strength in your hair roots is the prime cause of tangled and untamable tresses. While using hair masks and conditioners can help smoothen and repair the hair successfully, always use natural conditioning ingredients such as Mayonnaise instead of chemically treated products for maximum benefit. Let’s explore why you should include this magical condiment in your haircare routine.
1. Reduce head lice
This one is straightforward yet valuable. If you’ve ever had lice, you understand how tough it can be to eliminate them. However, a study conducted among elementary school kids revealed that mayo helped reduce head lice (4). It is believed that due to its consistency, it makes the lice suffocate and thereby destroys them.
2. Bye-bye dandruff
One of the critical components of Mayonnaise is vinegar, which reduces dandruff by regulating the scalp’s PH levels and oil production (5). Excessive oil production, in addition to dryness, is a major cause of dandruff.
3. Promotes hair growth
Another key ingredient present in mayo is egg yolk. Peptides found in egg yolk promote hair growth in human dermal papilla cells (6); hence, mayo is excellent in promoting hair growth.
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4. Hydrates & smoothens hair follicles
Mayonnaise can make your hair less frizzy and deeply moisturize hair follicles. This is because the egg yolk present in mayo is high in proteins and fatty acids, which are essential for hair development and conditioning (7). On the other hand, the hair is thoroughly moisturized by olive and canola oils present in mayo.
5. Protects color-treated hair
Mayonnaise is one of the finest culinary ingredients for keeping color-treated hair healthy and glossy. The egg proteins and oils containing mayo assist in nourishing the scalp and retaining your hair color for much longer.
Mayonnaise is suitable for all types of hair and can be used regularly without any fear. For seasonal hair damage and roughness also, this makes for an amazing solution at hand. Forget about spending a fortune at the beauty salon and bank on mayonnaise to restore your hair’s health and growth in a positive way. It is not only pocket-friendly but also works wonders without any side effects.
How to Use Mayonnaise as a Hair Treatment
Is your hair dull and lifeless? Add this magical ingredient to cut your haircare costs in half. Here are our most favorite yet effective DIY mayo hair treatments.
1. As a Deep Conditioner
Yes! You read it right; Mayo can be an alternative to your conditioner.
Ingredients:
Depending on your hair length, ½ – 1 cup of full-fat regular Mayonnaise.
Method:
- Dampen your hair with some lukewarm water. Make sure you do not soak or wash your hair thoroughly with water.
- Apply the mayo onto each strand of hair as well as to the scalp.
- Massage in a circular motion.
- Wrap a plastic bag or shower cap on your head to hold the heat for some time.
- Leave it for 15-20mins
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo.
- Nourishing Hair Masks
2. Protein Shake Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Mayonnaise.
- 1 Egg.
Method:
- Whisk in the egg in a bowl.
- Add 1 cup of mayo and keep mixing until a smooth consistency is reached.
- Apply it evenly throughout your scalp and hair while gently massaging in circular motions.
- Wrap a plastic bag or shower cap on your head to hold the heat for some time.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo.
3. Sweet & Sour Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Mayonnaise.
- Three tablespoons of Honey.
- One tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Method:
- Blend the mayo, Honey, and apple cider vinegar until you reach a smooth consistency.
- Apply it evenly throughout your scalp and hair while gently massaging in circular motions.
- Wrap a plastic bag or shower cap on your head to hold the heat for some time.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo.
Also, Read – 7 Ultra-Moisturizing Mayonnaise Facial Masks to Look Beautiful Inside Out
4. Tropical Blend Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Mayonnaise.
- Two tablespoons of Coconut oil.
- One tablespoon of Olive oil
Method:
- Combine the mayo with two tablespoons of coconut and one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Mix until a smooth consistency is reached.
- Apply it evenly throughout your scalp and hair while gently massaging in circular motions.
- Wrap a plastic bag or shower cap on your head to hold the heat for some time.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Always use full-fat regular Mayonnaise since low-fat or fat-free Mayonnaise includes additives that might damage your hair instead of restoring its gloss.
- Always patch-test each recipe before slathering it all over your hair and scalp to avoid allergies. Then, apply a small amount of the formula on your arm and leave it on for a few minutes. You’re good to go if your skin doesn’t react badly.
- Make sure not to commit to these hair treatments daily, as that can result in a greasy scalp, and we certainly don’t want that. Instead, to avoid greasiness, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and rinse it off.
- If you are bothered by the smell of the treatment, use a leave-in conditioner or a serum on your hair. This will leave your hair fragrant all day long.
Summary
The struggle to maintain your hair can seem like an enormous challenge, but with the perfect hair regimen, you can restore your hair’s former beauty in no time. Get ready to make Mayonnaise your next favorite haircare product. Mayonnaise is known for its benefits of softening and moisturizing hair follicles. It has many benefits ranging from simply moisturizing your hair to promoting overall hair growth and many more. Due to its availability, affordability, and efficacy, it will soon become your favorite go-to deep conditioner. So, instead of your next chemical-based hair treatment, pick up this exquisite culinary condiment!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we apply Mayonnaise to the scalp?
Certainly! Applying Mayonnaise to the scalp can benefit both the scalp and hair health. Mayonnaise contains ingredients like egg yolk, oils, and vinegar, which are rich in nutrients. These components can nourish the scalp, promote a healthy environment for hair growth, and contribute to overall hair vitality. When applying Mayonnaise, it’s recommended to spread it evenly from the scalp to the ends of the hair to ensure thorough coverage and maximum benefits.
How often should I put Mayonnaise in my hair?
The frequency of Mayonnaise in your hair depends on your hair type and specific needs. For individuals with dehydrated hair, using Mayonnaise 1-2 times per week can be highly beneficial. If your hair requires intensive hydration, applying it twice a week might be ideal. On the other hand, if your hair is generally healthy and you’re using Mayonnaise for maintenance, once a week can be sufficient. Adjust the frequency based on your hair’s response and required hydration level.
Does mayo soften hair?
Yes, Mayonnaise has excellent properties for softening hair. The key ingredients in Mayonnaise, such as egg yolk, oils, and vinegar, work together to provide hydration and nourishment to the hair follicles. The egg yolk contains proteins that can strengthen the hair, while the oils (usually present in Mayonnaise) add moisture and shine. Additionally, vinegar helps to balance the hair’s pH levels. As a result, the combination of these ingredients makes Mayonnaise an effective natural treatment for softening and revitalizing hair. Regular use can lead to smoother, more manageable, and softer hair strands.
References
- “Mayonnaise” – en.wikipedia.org
- “Challenges and approaches for the production of a healthy and functional mayonnaise sauce” -ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Mayonnaise, regular” – fdc.nal.usda.gov
- “Comparative Study of Efficacy of Using Mayonnaise and Hair Shampoo in the Control of Head Lice among Elementary School Students” – pubs.sciepub.com
- “Traditional vs. Conventional Methods for the Management of Dandruff” – semanticscholar.org
- “Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production” – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov