Honey for hair
Many of us regularly use honey for its flavour, however, it is also widely known that honey has many incredible healing properties. But did you know that there are many ways to use honey for hair? As it turns out, honey is a natural humectant. What does that mean? It means that honey can draw water molecules from the air and pull them into the hair follicles and scalp. The result is super shiny, healthy hair that is resistant to breakage [1].
Table of contents:
1. Why honey is good for hair
Honey is good for our hair because through its consistency and properties it can beneficially affect many aspects related to our hair:
- Moisturises dry hair and the scalp,
- Reduces hair breakage,
- Restores shine,
- Improves the condition of natural hair,
- Reduces hair frizz,
- Softens hair
When applied to the hair and scalp, honey is able to provide regenerative properties to the scalp. Overall, it provides plenty of moisture to the hair and scalp. It acts as an emollient and conditions the hair and scalp. Once the hair and scalp are moisturised by the honey, it also locks in moisture as it has humectant properties[2].
2. Honey for hair growth
How does honey affect hair growth? You may have heard that honey is used to aid wound healing and prevent infection. Research shows that honey has an incredible ability to promote cell growth, particularly the growth of skin epithelial cells. These cells form the hair follicles and hair ducts of the scalp, which are essential for healthy hair growth. Honey can even awaken or strengthen dormant hair follicles, further stimulating new hair growth. Honey also contains nutrients that strengthen the hair structure, which can reduce breakage and help hair grow longer[3].
Can honey used on hair lighten it? Of course it can! Honey is a fantastic natural lightening agent that, when used correctly, can lighten hair by several shades. How does honey lighten hair? Honey contains alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead cells from the skin and hair tissue, thereby gently lightening them. If you want to lighten your hair but do not want to use chemical treatments or bleaches, you can apply a honey hair mask. Results will vary depending on hair strand structure, hair texture, porosity, and other factors. Naturally, people with blonde hair will achieve the best results than those with darker hair, however, for such individuals honey for hair will also not hurt as it will help to moisturise them. Simply apply honey to the hair strands and leave for a few hours or overnight, then wash your hair with shampoo as usual and you're done[4].
4. Honey and olive oil hair mask
A hair mask with honey and olive oil is the best combination for caring for dull, dry and damaged hair. It will help maintain scalp hydration, and the hair will be nourished from root to tip. To make the mask, we recommend acacia honey, as it has a liquid consistency which will make it easier to mix the ingredients and has a beautiful scent which will make the process of nourishing our hair even more pleasant.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup acacia honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix the honey (preferably with a liquid consistency) and the olive oil
- Apply the mixture evenly over all the hair, using circular motions
- Leave on for about 30 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water, then wash your hair with a mild shampoo
- Repeat at least twice a week to achieve the desired results.
Note: After applying the mask, put on a plastic cap to prevent dripping[5].
Bibliography/ Sources:
- gisou.com/blogs/blog/honey-for-hair
- byrdie.com/honey-for-hair-5181652
- gisou.com/blogs/blog/honey-for-hair-growth
- haireveryday.com/lighten-hair-with-honey
- www.daburhoney.com/benefits-of-honey/honey-for-hair/honey-hair-mask
