Benefits Of Mayonnaise For Hair

You may have tried a slew of high-end products and treatments that either left your hair oily and heavy or produced limited results. The truth is, there is one natural ingredient that can do wonders for your hair! Did you know that there are multiple benefits of mayonnaise for hair?

For generations, people have used mayonnaise to nourish their hair. This is because it is high in protein and vitamins and can treat a variety of hair issues. Mayonnaise is frequently credited with treating hair issues such as dandruff and hair loss. It is also said to give with healthy, shiny, and bouncy hair.

But how does it help your hair? Is mayonnaise good for your hair? We can help you with these doubts. In this article, we will look at how mayonnaise can help your hair. Keep reading to learn more about how mayonnaise provides hair nourishment !

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Benefits Of Mayonnaise For Hair

Mayonnaise contains vinegar, egg yolk, and vegetable oil.

Vinegar may help reduce dandruff as its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help maintain the pH level of the scalp (1). Egg yolk contains peptides that can stimulate hair growth in human dermal papilla cells (3). Egg yolk is also filled with proteins and fatty acids that are needed for hair growth and conditioning (4).

Vegetable oils could be a good alternative to improve hair health and prevent hair damage (5). A study conducted among children with head lice showed that mayonnaise helped reduce head lice (6).

Although there is no research, anecdotal evidence suggests that mayonnaise can be used for curl defining and hair straightening. It also suggests that mayonnaise can be used to protect colored hair as a deep conditioning treatment. It has also been said to reduce dandruff and help tame frizzy hair.

Did You Know?

It is commonly believed that a French chef invented mayonnaise in 1756. However, the Spanish claim that it is their native sauce called salsa mahonesa, which the French stole during the battle at Port Mahon.

How To Use Mayonnaise As A Hair Treatment

You Will Need

1 cup mayonnaise

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Dampen your hair.
2. Apply mayonnaise to your hair, starting from your scalp to the ends.
3. Give yourself a good hair massage. Make sure you massage outwards from roots.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash your hair thoroughly.
5. Use a gentle moisturizing shampoo that cleanses your hair well without drying it out.

How Often?

Once a week.

Alternatively, you can use mayonnaise as a hair mask without rinsing your hair first by following the steps below:

1. Coat your hair and scalp evenly with mayonnaise.
2. Pull your hair into a bun at the back of your head.
3. Dampen a towel with hot water and use it to wrap your hair and scalp.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

A blogger shares her hair care routine and wash day process, focusing on a protein treatment that includes coconut oil, olive oil, and hair mayonnaise to strengthen and nourish her hair. She emphasized the positive effects of using mayonnaise for protein treatment. Taking note of the results, she writes, “Despite falling asleep before moisturizing and sealing my hair, it was a successful washday. My hair feels stronger and is bouncy, soft, and manageable (i).”

Listed below are a few ways you can use mayonnaise in hair masks.

Mayonnaise Hair Masks

1. Mayonnaise And Egg Hair Mask

Eggs are power-packed with proteins that help nourish your hair and improve its shine. Eggs contain biotin, which helps improve the hair’s elasticity and minimizes breakage and damage (7).

You Will Need

• 2 whole eggs
• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Whisk the mayonnaise and eggs in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 20 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
4. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

2. Mayonnaise And Honey Hair Mask

Honey is a popular humectant that helps seal moisture into your hair shafts (8). Honey also has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties (9). It may help improve hair and scalp health.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 30-45 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
4. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

3-4 times a month.

3. Mayonnaise And Olive Oil Hair Mask

Olive oil helps moisturize hair by partially penetrating through the hair shaft (10). This oil is good for conditioning the hair. So, mixing an olive oil hair mask with mayonnaise may help improve the softness of your hair.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth, oily mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 30 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
4. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

4. Mayonnaise And Avocado Hair Mask

Avocados may help boost hair strength and protect hair from damage. This DIY protein-rich hair mask is also used to rejuvenate dry hair.

You Will Need

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 ripe avocado

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl until it is completely free of lumps.
2. Add in the mayo and mix until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
4. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 20 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
5. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

3-4 times a month.

5. Mayonnaise And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Coconut oil is a penetrative hair oil that moisturizes the hair from within the shafts (11). The mask helps tackle dryness and make hair lustrous.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth, oily mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 30 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
4. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

6. Mayonnaise And Banana Hair Mask

Bananas contain silica that may protect hair from damage, which, in the long run, may prevent hair fall. Thus, this is a great hair mask to treat hair loss problems. The best thing is that it makes the hair lustrous (12).

You Will Need

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl until it is completely free of lumps.
2. Add the mayo and olive oil. Mix until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
4. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 45 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
5. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week

7. Mayonnaise And Strawberry Hair Mask

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C (13). They help reduce oxidative stress that causes hair fall. When combined with mayonnaise, it becomes an effective dry hair treatment.

You Will Need

• 8 strawberries
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Blend the strawberries until you get a smooth paste.
2. Add the mayo and mix until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
4. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 20 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
5. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

8. Mayonnaise And Lemon Hair Mask

Lemon is known to reduce hair loss (10). It also helps prevent dandruff and head lice.

You Will Need

• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the hair mask in for 20 minutes. You can boost the efficiency of the mask by wrapping your hair in a hot towel.
4. Wash the mask out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Quick Tip

Homemade mayonnaise will only last a week in the fridge. So make sure to use it all up before then.

While mayonnaise offers numerous hair benefits, it is also important to discuss its potential drawbacks. Scroll down to the next section.

Side Effects Of Mayonnaise On Hair

Anecdotal evidence suggest that mayonnaise may cause the potential side effects:

• May Give Off An Unpleasant Odor

Mayonnaise has a distinct odor that can linger in your hair even after washing. This can be bothersome if you are especially sensitive to smells.

• May Clog Pores

Applying mayonnaise to your scalp can potentially clog hair follicles or lead to acne if not rinsed out properly.

• May Lead To Protein Overload

Mayonnaise contains proteins that can help strengthen your hair. However, frequent or overuse may result in protein overload, making your hair dry and brittle.

• May Result In Heavy And Greasy Hair

Mayonnaise is thick and contains oils. Its frequent usage may make your hair feel heavy and look greasy.

Note: Before diving headfirst into applying mayo to your head, it is always a good idea to perform a patch test. This step is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. A quick test on a small area can save you from unwanted irritation or an adverse reaction.

Infographic: Top 4 Mayonnaise Hair Masks

Mayonnaise can promote healthier hair when paired with other organic substances. The protein found in mayonnaise can improve hair texture, treat dry or brittle hair by providing hydration to it, it can encourage hair growth in people who are balding or have thinning hair, and it can also stop scalp flaking and itching. If you’re interested in learning how to use mayonnaise as a hair mask, check out the infographic below.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hair mayonnaise a deep conditioner?

Hair mayonnaise is a deep conditioning treatment that nourishes and moisturizes your hair. You can try this product if you have dry hair or a dry scalp as it may improve the manageability of your hair.

How long should I leave mayonnaise on my hair?

How long you leave mayonnaise on your hair depends on the product. Hair mayonnaise products come with a time limit and instructions that you should follow. On the other hand, homemade mayonnaise hair masks can be left on your hair for 10 minutes to an hour. You can start by washing your hair to clean it. You can then apply the mayonnaise treatment or mask. Leave it on for the instructed time, and wash off with warm water and shampoo.

Does mayonnaise help frizzy hair?

As mentioned above, mayonnaise can be paired with lemon juice to tame frizz. Mayonnaise contains eggs that moisturize hair and reduce dryness and the resultant frizz.

Does mayonnaise take the color out of hair?

No, mayonnaise, on its own, cannot take out or lighten hair color.

Illustration: Benefits Of Mayonnaise For Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Hari Hara SudhanMD

Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan is a dermatologist in Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu. He has 14 years of experience in this field. He is a regular contributor to newspapers and has also authored a book. He is a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) and specializes in Dermabrasion, Scar Treatment, Dental Fillings, Anti Aging Treatment, and Sun Spots, Age Spots, And Other Pigmented Lesions.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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