Hey Maicurlies,

Today I want to share a DIY Hair Mask (Masque) with you. I actually started using this as a alternative to a Clay Mask (Masque) since I can’t seem to get the Clay here locally so I will probably buy some at some point to try experiment with and write about.

But for now this is my baby! 

DIY Ayurvedic Hair Mask (Amla Shikakai Rose)

 I LOVE using this mix on my hair for several reasons:

• Its strengthening property
• Conditioning ability
• The sheen provided by the mask
• Light cleansing property
• Detoxifying ability (due to its cleansing property) 
• Darkening ability (I like my hair in a brown/red tone thanks to henna and amla) 
• Curl popping power (my curls come back to life after this mask)

Now what is in this wonder mask I hear you asking right? Well the recipe is simple and as always is built around ingredients I use regularly on my hair. You should be able to find most of these in your grocery store (perhaps the “ethnic” section), your local Indian store or if all else fails you can find them all Online. Butters-n-Bars is a good place to check, as is Sheabutter Cottage and if you find a good reliable source Amazon is another alternative. I am able to find all the ingredients used locally.

(NOTE: I was not paid, compensated or requested to mention any company names these are just suggestions of places where you can purchase some of the ingredients. I bought my products locally and paid for them with my own money). 

Ingredients:

• 3.5 oz Amla powder (I use the Hesh Brand) 
• 0.5 oz Shikakai (I use the Hesh Brand)
• 0.2 oz Amla Infused Coconut Oil (can be replaced with regular coconut oil or any other carrier oil)
• 0.1 oz Glycerine (Optional)
• 2.5 oz Rose Water
• 5.5 oz Plain Water (I use bottled Water) 

Additional Ingredients/Replacements

• Honey/Agave Nectar – In place of the Glycerine
• Essential Oils (EO’s) – you can use any Essential Oil you like. I am currently always in the mood of Rose water so I am not adding any EO’s to mine. 
• Cassia – in place of the Amla you can replace it with Cassia which will not darken your hair. It has conditioning properties just like Amla as well as strengthening abilities. 
• Other Ayurvedic Herbs – you can actually replace the Shikakai with any other herb such as Aritha, Brahmi, Neem just to mention a few. 

Mixing Instructions:

I first combine the Ayurvedic Herbs together in a bowl and mix. Stir it carefully because they powders are really light and will fly around everywhere. Next I add the Oil, Glycerine and Rose water and stir again. The final step is adding the water. I like to add the water a little at a time and mix. You might want to add more/less water depending on how thick/thin you want the mask, I like mine to be a little thicker than pancake batter. 

Application

1. I first dampen my hair with a spray bottle, I like my hair to be damp but not sopping wet. 2. I apply the mask liberally all over my hair starting at the ends and make my way to my roots. (Do not comb or manipulate your hair once it is applied because otherwise you are asking for breakage!) 3. I wrap my hair around my head and cover with a shower cap and usually some material too to keep my head warm and leave it on for 30 – 60 minutes. 4. I rinse out the mask and *co-wash my hair. 

* For some the Amla might be a little acidic and therefore can leave your hair feeling a little rough and therefore a simple co-wash might not sufficient. If that is the case do a moisturising Deep Condition afterwards. 

Application process

1. I first spritz my hair with water

2. Liberally apply the mask

3. I wrap my hair down and then will cover with cling-film and then material

4. I rinse out the mask, co-wash and then style (I really don’t like my hair wet…so mousey!)

4. I rinse out the mask, co-wash and then style (I really don’t like my hair wet…so mousey!)

5. After my hair airdries I get them popping curls! (Wash and Go)

5. After my hair airdries I get them popping curls! (Wash and Go)

Storage

I make a lot of this mask and use it all up because I like to coat my hair with it and my hair is a little long. You might need more/less depending on your hair length/density however if you have any leftovers you can cover and store it in the freezer just make sure to put a date on it to remember when it was made.

I would love to hear what you think if you try this mask/masque. I would also love to hear about your Clay Hair Masks so I can have a recipe list to follow when I try it 😀 

Thanks

Maicurls