Banana has a reputation of being the common man’s fruit. In India, I remember, when other fruits such as apples, oranges and mangoes were out of reach of many, bananas provided the energy, sweetness and satiety.
Nutrition-Wise, Banana Is No Ordinary.
It is packed with natural sugars and nutrients to give you a quick recharge, but without the crazy side effects of candy or cola. Bananas also contain calming and relaxing nutrients like magnesium, vitamin B6 and tryptophan. So it will pull you out of the frustration of losing hair and fill you with enthusiasm to make your own natural shampoo or hair mask.
Banana also contains a good amount of fibre and pectin. If you are looking and feeling bloated, both – fibre and pectin – can help. They encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria which, in turn improves digestion and gut health. What are its side effects? Well, they are good – so more energy, slimmer figure and glowing hair and skin.
I have said more on how wonderful bananas are for our health here, but now it’s time to talk about banana hair mask – which I call banana hair smoothie as it looks like one, and you may be tempted to drink it. But save it for your hair for its hair-boosting properties.
Bananas Are Equally Wonderful When Applied On Hair
Bananas provide hair with tons of moisture. And nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium and niacin provide nourishment for your hair. Also, for your hair, it contains pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 – the famous hair vitamin for strength, shine and smoothness.
Benefits Of Banana Hair Smoothie
1. Moisturises hair and makes them soft, smooth and shiny
2. Adds volume and thickness to hair
3. Tames frizz and fly-aways
4. Reduces hair loss and encourages stronger and faster growth
But How Does Bananas Stop Hair Loss??
Well, bananas are also loaded with antioxidants in the form of carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytochemicals. These antioxidants help get rid of free-radicals that accumulate in our bodies as part of regular metabolism. If free radicals become greater than the body’s ability to get rid of them, it can cause a number of diseases, and it can also cause wrinkles, age spots and hair thinning.
What’s the solution?? Bananas. But not just bananas, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs help neutralise free radicals. Also, applying them helps.
You would not want to apply cauliflower or mango on your hair, but you can apply a banana.
Bananas are fantastic for hair growth, reducing hair loss and making hair smooth and shiny.
The banana hair mask is also endorsed by a famous actress – with thick, dense hair. I was listening to her interview where she mentioned that her favourite hair mask is not some store-bought mask, but a simple homemade Banana Hair Mask.
Okay, enough praising banana, let’s get to making and applying…
How to Make Banana Hair Mask/Smoothie
Choose a ripe banana as it’s easier to puree and easier to apply. You will also need honey for its moisturising benefits. Honey also contains scalp healing properties, so if you got flakes or dryness, honey will bring relief to it. Another ingredient for the smoothie is yogurt. Use plain, full-fat and unsweetened ones. Yogurt will add bounce and volume to your hair.
Who can use this smoothie? Everyone. Whether you have dry hair or oily hair, fine hair or coarse hair, banana smoothie will work for you. It’s a great combination of moisture, protein and nutrients.
You will need:
1 ripe Banana (use 2 if you have long hair)
1 tablespoon Honey
2 tablespoons Yogurt
1 teaspoon Coconut Oil (optional, adds texture to fine, oily hair)
Make It
Blend all the ingredients to a smooth puree paste. After blending I also like to strain with a mesh strainer so that there are no bits remaining as they may get stuck on the hair.
How to Use
You can use the smoothie on oiled or non-oiled hair. If you got fine, oily hair, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil. It helps improve the texture and thickness of hair.
Apply to your scalp and hair. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a muslin cloth or a towel. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse out.
Wash your hair with a homemade shampoo or any of your favourite shampoo. You won’t need much shampoo unless you have oiled your hair.
Let it air dry and your hair will look thick, shiny and beautiful. Repeat once a week nourish and transform your hair.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out…Let me know in the comments how this banana smoothie helped your hair.
