Repair and Rejuvenate Your Hair with a Banana Hair Mask

Editor’s Note: Cate O’Malley of Sweetnicks joins us today with a hair trick for shiny locks. Now, where are my old bananas?

Back in August, in a show of solidarity and motherly support, when my 9-year-old son decided to get his first summer mohawk, I chopped nine inches off the length of my hair. The good news is that it was enough that it was donated to Locks of Love. The bad news is that I’ve missed it every day since. So when I stumble upon a homegrown remedy to take care of my hair (and even make it grow faster, as this mask is rumored to do), I’m all for it. Even if it means getting a little bit messy.

The banana hair mask could not be simpler to do. Have a overly ripe banana languishing on your kitchen counter? Perfect. Mash it up in a small bowl as best as you can. And then mash it some more. You don’t want big banana chunks in your hair. Ick. Apply the now-banana puree to your hair (I used two bananas for my medium length hair) and pile your hair on top of your head, using a ponytail holder to hold it in place in a high bun. Tie a plastic bag over your hair to cover the goopy mess (a plastic shower cap works great too. Let it the banana mask sit in your hair for 30 minutes, and then rinse out. Shampoo and condition hair.

Since I tried it the other night for the first time, I can share a few extra caveats. When you’re rinsing the mask out, use extra conditioner, because it makes the banana slide out easier. I’m not going to lie, I was picking banana pieces out of my hair for a good 30 minutes. Do that over the sink, to keep the mess at a minimum. I also combed through my hair once I was done to make sure I got every last speck. Then dry your hair, and shake it over the sink to get rid of any last pieces you may have missed.

Does it work? And would I do it again? I’d have to say yes and yes. Although there is a mess factor, my hair is super-soft and ultra shiny. More so than usual. And if you don’t take my word for it, how about Dr. Oz?

Do you have a go-to homemade hair remedy that you love? Do tell.

Cate O’Malley, a mother of two, is a freelance writer and photographer. Read more from her at Sweetnicks.com.