The Truth About Home Remedies for Curls
MYTH BUSTING: Home-Made Hair Treatments
From avocado masks to yogurt rinses, DIY hair care has exploded in popularity. We love being industrious and whilst some kitchen ingredients can benefit curls, others can do more harm than good. Let’s bust the biggest myths around home-made hair treatments so you can choose wisely.
Myth 1: Egg masks repair damaged hair
Busted: Our hair is made up of keratin - a protein. Eggs contain protein, so in theory they should be a great source, but the reality is that the molecules are too large to penetrate the hair shaft. At best, they coat the outside temporarily. At worst, hot water can cook the egg in your hair - yep, scrambled hair isn’t cute nor does it smell great!
If protein is what you're curls are after, its best to use a professional treatment with hydrolyzed proteins that are small enough in molecular size to penetrate the hair - our Curl Control Serum is one such example,
Myth 2: Mayonnaise is the ultimate deep conditioner
Busted: Mayo is mostly oil and eggs, so it can coat the hair and add shine. That's good right? Shine is good but it doesn’t truly hydrate or repair damage and see the point above regarding eggs where the beneficial protein simply can't penetrate the hair shaft. It can also leave a smell that’s hard to shift and no-one wants to smell of a part made sandwich.
A salon-quality deep conditioner such as our Deep Restoring Conditioner will give better, longer-lasting results.
Myth 3: Lemon juice will make curls shinier and healthier
Busted: Lemon juice is acidic and can temporarily boost shine by smoothing the cuticle, but it’s also drying and can weaken hair over time. It may also lighten your hair colour (natural or dyed), even if attempting to get the sun kissed look, use with extreme caution, if at all.
Myth 4: Coconut oil works for everyone
Busted: Coconut oil can be fantastic for nourishment and moisture for curls but some people use it in its pure form as a sealant, so be careful. It can also cause protein sensitivity or make hair feel stiff. It’s not a one size fits all miracle, we should know by now that these really don't exist. It's also important to understand how the coconut oil has been processed and it's purity, always do a patch test before applying or better still look for professional products with coconut as an ingredient where the right level will be included and in the right molecular structure for optimum results.
Myth 5: Aloe vera gel straight from the plant is better than bottled
Busted: Fresh aloe is soothing and hydrating so in some respects yes, but it’s unstable and spoils quickly without preservatives. Bottled versions designed for haircare are usually more consistent, safe, and pH-balanced for regular use but for this stability require the addition of preservatives. If your aloe is super fresh, then it can do wonders, but be mindful about how it might deteriorate in the conditions your storing it.
So what’s worth doing at home?
- Hydrating masks: Banana (blended super smooth) + honey + conditioner can boost moisture.
- Oil pre-poos: A light oil like argan or jojoba applied before washing can reduce dryness.
- Gentle rinses: Diluted apple cider vinegar can help remove buildup and restore shine — just don’t overdo it and be conscious of the smell.
Some kitchen ingredients can give your curls a quick boost, but they are often temporary and can’t replace the targeted, science-backed professional formulas that are recommended. You'll also need to be mindful of the quality you're getting your home ingredients - think how long it's been in the supply chain and how much temperature change and condition variation its already been through. Oh and of course then there's the smell. So have fun, but don't make it your only solution.
