You've got to try this DIY avocado hair mask!

I've heard a lot about deep conditioning for your hair lately, and especially the benefit of using an avocado mask regularly. I was so intrigued that I bought an avocado specifically for it, but I've also been busy. It fully ripened a week or so ago, and has been sitting on my refrigerator shelf, waiting, ever since. Last night, I finally had both the time and energy to try something new - and I am SO glad I did! This was easy and beneficial, and something everybody can and should try!

Why bother with deep conditioning? Because hair goes through a lot of stress, especially in the warmer months. Sun, swimming, heat, styling - all can cause damage over time that expresses itself in frizzy, hard-to-manage hair. Deep conditioning treats the outer layers of the hair and gives it a healthier appearance. Deep conditioning alone will not repair all hair damage - for that you must not only address what you put on your hair, but also what you put in your body in terms of water and nutrients - but it is a part of a good hair care routine.

There are many deep conditioners on the market, but it is also easy to make your own with all natural ingredients. Avocado is a common base because of its natural oils as well as hair-healthy vitamins A, D, and E. There are many different recipes online that add ingredients such as olive oil, various essential oils, banana, lemon juice, honey, etc. The combination I used was avocado, honey, and olive oil.

Here is what I did, step by step.

1. Make the avocado mask.

• Slice and pit the avocado. Scrape out the inside and mash it until it is smooth
• Add 2 T olive oil and 2 T honey (kitchen hint - measure the olive oil first and then the honey will pour out of the tablespoon easily)
• Mix it all thoroughly until it is smooth.

2. Dampen your hair and apply the mask from the top of your head to the tips of your hair. Just glop it on. When your hair is covered, clip it up on top of your head to keep it from dripping. Cover it with a shower cap (or improvise with a Walmart bag like I did). I have waist-length hair, and I had half of it leftover, but my hair is also very fine.

Yes, I still keep a few plastic claws around for occasions like this one!

3. Set a timer and wait 20-30 minutes.

4. Rinse it out thoroughly and wash your hair like normal.

My results - amazing! My hair has not been this soft and smooth for a long time. Because mine tends to be more oily, I never really think about it needing moisturizing, but this showed me how even my fine and oily tresses need some special treatment now and again. I even feel like I could wear it down without it getting tangled as easily (which is one reason why I almost always wear it up). I was pleased that it rinsed out completely without leaving an oily residue behind. I was also pleased that even though it felt super smooth, it was not any harder to style the next morning. And I love that this really is ALL NATURAL and easily made from ingredients in my kitchen.

I wondered if my smooth hair would slip out of my Flexis more, but they are still holding tight! You can see more Lilla Rose clips like this one by clicking the picture above.

Have you tried a natural hair mask? What has your experience been? Share below!!