Hair Experiment: Egg, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil Hair Mask

I am not one for new year resolutions. However, this is my 3rd year being natural and now that I have moved (again) I figured it was time to really take care of my hair.

While I have gotten better over the years, I will admit that taking care of my hair has not really been the top of my priority list.....well not consistently anyways.

So before I left Kentucky, I started really looking at more natural hair blogs, Instagram accounts, Facebook pages, etc.  I then decided that maybe I should try some more homemade hair care.  Which brought me to trying my first homemade hair mask.

 My hair before I applied the mask

Bring on the egg, coconut oil, and olive oil!

Now I have used coconut oil and olive oil in my hair before but when I came across the egg recipe, I figured why not try something new.  Plus, looking over the other homemade hair mask this one suited me best for the time.  Because A.) I didn't want to go to the grocery store B.) My eggs were about to expire anyways C.) Didn't have to sit under the dryer which is something you can't do with egg in your hair (fried egg hair, anyone?).  The recipe was originally just for coconut oil and egg, but I decided to just add the olive oil as well.

                                                 

Before

 

                                                 

Before

If you are not familiar with the idea of using food items in your hair, you may wonder why would someone put egg in their hair.  That would be a very good question.

According to eHow.com:

Raw eggs contain a significant concentration of essential proteins and nutrients. Because of the high protein content, eggs can be used to strengthen hair follicles. Likewise, the nutrients work much like conditioners to add volume, shine and texture.

Raw eggs contain a significant concentration of essential proteins and nutrients. Because of the high protein content, eggs can be used to strengthen hair follicles. Likewise, the nutrients work much like conditioners to add volume, shine and texture.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_4569202_benefits-using-eggs-hair.html

Raw eggs contain a significant concentration of essential proteins and nutrients. Because of the high protein content, eggs can be used to strengthen hair follicles. Likewise, the nutrients work much like conditioners to add volume, shine and texture.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_4569202_benefits-using-eggs-hair.html

                                           

I used 2 eggs, though the original recipe called for only one.  Use what you think is need for your hair length and texture

Continuing on with the ingredient benefits ....

Coconut: 

Coconut oil is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes. Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/about_5244451_benefits-coconut-oil-hair_.html

Coconut oil is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes. Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil is truly a powerhouse when it comes to hair, skin and beauty applications. Its rich, moisturizing properties make it ideal for use on your hair. While you may immediately think of olive oil for cooking, keeping a bottle of olive oil handy in your bathroom can help your hair look healthier, stronger and shinier. Whether you use it as your regular conditioner, a hot oil treatment or as a hair finishing product, your mane is bound to reap the many benefits of olive oil.

                                              

                                              

Heated olive oil and coconut oli with the 2 eggs

                                               

The coconut oil before it was heated with the olive oil

                                               

Me and my fabulous Walmart bag because I was out of shower caps

I ended up trying this hair experiment twice. The first time (which is when the pictures were taken), I couldn't figure out how to apply it.  So I just took the bowl, bent my head over the sink and poured the mixture over my head.  It was not the smartest application.

After washing my hair, I didn't notice much of a difference in my hair.  Now it may have been because more of the mask ended up in my sink than in my hair.  Below is the after result of my hair with no other products in my hair.

My hair didn't seem to be any different after the mask (at least no different than if I did a regular wash and condition), so I decided to try it again.  The second time I left the mixture on for about 30 to 40 minutes as opposed to the 20 minutes I did the first round.  I also used 3 eggs instead of the 2.

When I applied the mixture, I used a hair color application brush like the ones from my hair coloring experiments.  I felt I got a better application of the hair mask and thought there was a slight improvement to my hair but nothing extensive.  Despite my results it does not discourage me from trying this mask or any other homemade masks again. 

Once I have settled into my new house, I will try this experiment again.  Next time I will use a fresher and different coconut oil (the one I had wasn't expired but it certainly wasn't new) and make sure the mask is mixed better.  I think the coconut oil didn't break down well enough for the mask.

Before I wrap this up, I will suggest if you are to try this mask that you make sure you wash out the mask thoroughly.  The egg has a tendency to want to stay in your hair. 

Now that I have tried my first homemade mask, I look forward to sharing more of my homemade haircare attempts:-)