10 Effective Homemade Protein-Rich Hair Packs

Your hair is made up of keratin and chains of amino acids, or in simpler terms — protein! The constant use of harsh chemicals and frequent contact with heat and pollution can break down the protein in your hair and leave it feeling dry, brittle, and damaged. The only way to restore your hair’s health when this happens is to give it what it’s lost. While there are many different kinds of protein treatments available in salons, it’s a lot simpler and cheaper to use homemade protein hair packs. These packs help fill in the damaged keratin spots in your hair, making it stronger and healthier without the use of chemicals. But before you start treating your hair with protein, you first need to determine if that’s what it really needs. If your hair is dry, feels hard, and damaged, your hair is likely dehydrated and needs conditioning. If, on the other hand, you’ve noticed that your hair is stretching, feels mushy, and is breaking while you wash it, it is probably in dire need of protein. Egg, yogurt, mayonnaise, avocado, and coconut milk are some rich sources of proteins and here’s how you can use them to create some amazing protein-filled hair packs. Homemade Protein Hair Packs Egg-Yogurt Hair Pack Prep Time 5 minutes You Will Need 1 egg 2 tablespoons yogurt Method Beat the egg and yogurt together in a bowl until you get a smooth paste. (If your hair is extremely dry, only use the yolk of the egg. If it is oily, use the egg white. If you have normal or combination hair, use the whole egg.) Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it in for 30 minutes. Rinse out the hair pack with cool water. Shampoo and condition. You can use this hair pack up to twice a week.   Precautions You can add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil, such as lavender, to the hair pack to avoid the “egg smell.” Benefits Eggs are power-packed with proteins and leave your hair feeling smooth and shiny. The yogurt effectively cleans your scalp and hair. After using this pack, your hair will be left feeling soft and silky. Egg Yolk-Honey Hair Pack Prep Time 5 minutes You Will Need 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon almond oil Method Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth consistency. Apply the pack to your hair and leave it in for 15-20 minutes. Rinse out the pack with cool water. Shampoo and condition. You can use this pack up to twice a week. Precautions Do not use this hair pack if you have oily hair. Do not leave the pack in for more than 20 minutes as honey has bleaching properties that can lighten your hair color if left in too long. Benefits This is one of the best hair packs to use if your hair lacks moisture as well as protein. The egg gives your hair the protein it needs while the almond oil and honey condition your hair and seal in moisture. It is also an excellent way to give yourself some natural highlights thanks to the bleaching properties that honey possesses. Avocado-Coconut Milk Hair Pack Prep Time 5 minutes You Will Need 1 ripe avocado 2 tablespoons coconut milk 1 teaspoon olive oil Method Mash the avocado until there are no lumps and to it add the coconut milk and olive oil. Mix until you get a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it in for 30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo and condition. Precautions Do not use this pack if you have oily hair as the avocado can weigh your hair down. Benefits Coconut milk is a rich source of protein while avocados contain vitamins A, B, and E, all of which are vital for hair health. This pack also boosts the production of collagen which promotes hair growth. The olive oil present in the hair pack conditions your hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky. Coconut Milk Hair Treatment Prep Time 5 minutes You Will Need 3 tablespoons coconut milk Method Heat the coconut milk on a low flame for about a minute until it is warm. Massage the warm coconut milk into your scalp and apply it to your hair. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the coconut milk in overnight. Shampoo and condition the next day. You can repeat this twice a week. Precautions Do not overheat the coconut milk. Benefits Coconut milk is packed with saturated fatty acids and vitamins B, C and E. It conditions your hair while filling in the damaged protein spots. This is also considered as the best protein treatment for hair as it effectively tackles dandruff while promoting healthy hair growth. Banana-Avocado Hair Pack Prep Time 5 minutes You Will Need 1 ripe banana 1 ripe avocado 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil 1 teaspoon rose oil Method Mash the avocado and banana until they are no lumps. To this, add the oils and mix well. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour. Rinse the pack out with cool water. Shampoo and condition. Apply this pack once a week. Twice for hair that is extremely dry. Precautions Do not use this pack if your hair is oily. Benefits Bananas a