Hair mask for curly hair: our natural recipes

A hairdresser will be able to advise you on the nature of your hair. To give you an idea, curly hair has a naturally drier and rougher hair fibre than dry hair. It is more porous and fragile, so it breaks more easily. Curl Pattern identifies different classifications of curly hair:

• Type 2, wavy hair: including light, rather fine and loose waves (2A); more defined waves, resembling more pronounced S shapes (2B) and tighter waves, tending towards curls (2C).

• Type 3, curly hair: large, well-defined ring-like curls (3A); tighter, more defined curls, often spring-like (3B) and very tight, spiral-like curls (3C).

• Type 4, split/curly hair: tight curls with a defined "S" pattern (4A); zigzags or very tight curls with less "S" definition (4B) and frizzy texture, with little or no visible "S" pattern (4C).

Because of its dry nature, curly hair needs looking after on a daily basis. Because of the curve of the curls, it is difficult for the sebum produced by the scalp to reach the mid-lengths. As a result, frizz develops, while the ends dry out and form split ends. Thanks to the natural ingredients in these masks and their properties, you can deeply moisturise curly hair, repairing it and helping it to look good.

Natural ingredients, especially those you can find at home, are ideal for keeping curls healthy. Rich in moisturising or nourishing active ingredients, they will strengthen the hair fibre, making curls lighter and softer. What's more, their effects will prevent your hair splitting into forks and stop the ends from getting so brittle. Last but not least, some masks for curly hair can also help with styling by acting as a detangler.

To choose the right mask for your curly hair, first ask yourself what your needs are. Is your hair dehydrated or lacking in nutrition? Dehydrated hair lacks moisture, gets frizzy and fluffs up when there's humidity. It can also tangle more easily, forming knots. In this case, opt for water-rich ingredients like aloe vera. If your hair lacks nutrition, the mid-lengths will be split, brittle and dull. Opt for carrier oils or natural butter to strengthen the fibre.

What ingredients do I need to look after my curly hair?

• Carrier oils: rich in essential fatty acids, they will moisturise curly hair, reduce frizz and nourish and cleanse the scalp. Choose 'first cold-pressed virgin' oils for optimum quality.

• Coconut oil or cream: coconut helps moisturise curly hair from the inside out, reducing frizz and the risk of breakage or split ends.

• Avocado: deeply nourishes damaged hair.

• Dairy products (yoghurt, crème fraiche, milk): soothe irritated scalps and make it easy to get soft hair.

• Honey: attracts water molecules to the hair fibre, keeping it hydrated.

• Egg: cleanses the scalp, improves the elasticity of curly hair and controls excess sebum.

Hair masks for curly hair are used on all of the hair before shampooing, when hair is fine, or after if it is curly and damaged. Leave in for at least 30 minutes to reap the full benefits, or overnight whenever possible. To deeply moisturise curly hair and prevent split ends and dullness, apply a mask at least once a week.

A closer look at the Strength and Nutrition Hair Mask DIY Cosmetics Kit

Make your own homemade hair mask with organic castor oil. Take advantage of its nourishing, strengthening properties, reputed to stimulate hair growth and slow down baldness (in men and women). Enriched with provitamin B5 and grapefruit essential oil, this melt-in treatment coats damaged hair and leaves it strong, soft and shiny! Learn how to make homemade cosmetics the easy way with this complete Aroma-Zone recipe pack. This kit includes all the ingredients and equipment you need to make your own 100% natural - yet inexpensive - hair care products!

Discover the Strength and Nutrition Hair Mask DIY Cosmetics Kit

A closer look at the Hair Mask Base

A genuine treatment balm, this neutral, certified organic hair mask base, rich in jojoba, castor oil and shea butter, protects, smoothes and nourishes your hair. Its supple, light texture means it can be used as a hair mask or conditioner, to make detangling easier and make your hair shiny, supple and soft. It is also ideal as a leave-in treatment to coat, nourish and revitalise your hair from root to tip. Used neat or with the fragrances, active ingredients and/or essential oils of your choice, this base makes it easy for you to create 100% personalised hair care products, tailored to your hair's needs and your every whim!

A closer look at the Hair Mask Base

A closer look at the Natural Dream Hair Set

This box contains everything you need to easily create 6 natural, effective products at home to strengthen and enhance your hair. Ricin, Coconut, Marshmallow, Shea Butter, Grapefruit, Pineapple and Rice are combined with Shikakaï, Mustard, Brahmi and Amla for nourishing and fortifying masks, a serum to stimulate hair growth and a duo of solid shampoos and conditioners for strong, soft, shiny hair!

Discover the Natural Dream Hair Gift Set

A closer look at the Hair Protection Active Ingredient

Extracted from Abyssinian oil, this 100% natural oily active ingredient effectively protects your hair from external damage such as the sun, sea water and heat. Rich in conditioning phytosterols, it supports the hair fibre and restores softness and shine to damaged hair. This hair protection active ingredient is also ideal for coloured hair, helping to preserve its colour intensity. Its oily texture makes it easy to incorporate into your hair oils, oil masks or protective hair masks. For healthy, radiant, protected hair, all year round!

Discover the Hair Protection active ingredient

A closer look at the 3.5% Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate Serum

This 100% natural hyaluronic acid serum is one of the most concentrated on the market: 3.5% compared with 0.1 to 1% hyaluronic acid in conventional cosmetics. Recognised for smoothing, moisturising and plumping the skin, its fresh, naturally gelled texture penetrates instantly without leaving bits on your skin or pulling. Its effectiveness as an anti-ageing serum has been tested and proven to fill wrinkles, moisturise and improve skin elasticity. Our hyaluronic acid serum also works wonders on dry, damaged hair, softening and restructuring it. This anti-ageing face moisturising serum can be used on its own or with other active ingredients to personalise it. Its new formula contains no alcohol. Available in recyclable and economical eco-refill packs, for easy refilling of bottles and reduced waste. Find out about the different possible additions and their dosages in this fact sheet.

Discover 3.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate

A closer look at the Keratin'protect active ingredient

Made from brown seaweed extract, this beautifying, heat-protecting active ingredient gives hair shine and softness, protecting it from dehydration and damage caused by straighteners and hairdryers. It coats and restores strength, shine and softness to rough, damaged hair.

Discover Keratin'protect active ingredient

A closer look at Plant Ceramides active ingredient

Derived from sunflower oil, phytoceramides are a lipid-replenishing and protective active ingredient for the skin and hair. In homemade hair care products, ceramides are highly effective at smoothing, protecting and strengthening the hair fibre. They are particularly well known for conditioning coloured hair, helping to keep it radiant. Incorporated into your skin care recipes, they protect skin from dehydration and restore its hydrolipidic film.

Discover the plant phytoceramides active ingredient

Lauréna is a journalist specialising in lifestyle, wellness, and psychology. Between writing articles, she travels around the world, discovering what it has to teach us.