The Benefits of Mayonnaise Hair Masks and How to Use Them

There are so many ways to achieve healthy, shiny, strong hair that it's a beauty lottery of which method to choose. Pair that with seemingly unlimited ingredients and you'll never be short of a hair solution when trying to remedy dry, damaged strands. But sometimes, simple is best. And going back to the basics can even mean a trip to your pantry.

Mayonnaise has loads of purported benefits to add moisture into hair. And, it's chock full of vitamins and fatty acids, which can contribute to hair's shine and strength. We reached out to two dermatologists and a trichologist about the benefits of mayonnaise in a hair mask, the potential side effects, and how to use the beauty treatment to hydrate your strands.

The Benefits of a Mayonnaise Hair Mask

While there’s limited scientific evidence backing the purported benefits of the product as a hair mask, it's full of good-for-you ingredients.

• Boost hydration: Mayonnaise hair masks are used primarily to boost hydration and reduce
  frizz. "Mayonnaise contains oils, which simulate the body’s natural sebum. Sebum coats hair shafts to make them soft and pliant, and also traps in moisture," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.
• Promote hair growth: Egg yolks are loaded with amino acids, which can help promote hair growth.
• Nourish hair: Vitamins A, E, D, biotin, folate, and fatty acids—all of which are found in egg yolks— may also be nourishing to the hair.
• Balance scalp pH: Mayonnaise also contains vinegar, which can assist in balancing the scalp's pH levels.

Side Effects of a Mayonnaise Hair Mask

If you are prone to breakouts, have oily hair, or oily skin, then mayonnaise masks can do more harm than good. "Mayonnaise is an oil-based product, so if using it with other oil-based products, be conscious of the fact that too much oil on the scalp could make the skin prone to breakouts," he says.

Since most mayonnaise is made with egg, you should not use it if you have an egg allergy. There are however, some mayonnaise products that are egg-free, so be sure to check the ingredient list of the product you are using for potential allergens.

How to Use a Mayonnaise Hair Mask

1. Make sure your hair is wet.
2. Scoop out the same amount of mayo as the amount of shampoo you normally use. In terms of application, think of it as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.
3. Massage into your scalp, bringing it down to your ends the way you would work in your conditioner. (Those prone to scalp breakouts should exercise caution, however, applying the product to hair only). "Avoid touching the conditioner to the scalp if possible—it is best to just lightly smooth the conditioner over strands," says board-certified dermatologist Shala Fardin.
4. Once fully coated, grab your shower cap and turn up the heat (literally), allowing the product to set while the steam infiltrates your strands.
5. After about 10 to 15 minutes, wash it out — then rinse again. "The scalp is far more sensitive than one might think, and even a small amount of conditioner residue could cause unwanted irritation — and ultimately block follicles and pores," Fardin says.

How Often Should You Use a Mayonnaise Hair Mask?

Once a month? Once a week? How often should we actually be using mayonnaise as a treatment for our strands? Certified trichologist Michelle Blaisure of Bosley Professional Strength says, that once a week is a good timeframe. "That tends to be the ideal frequency to apply masques and other nourishing treatment product, which, if applied too frequently, can weigh the hair down," she says.

Boil it down to your hair type. Start small if you're unsure. Thicker or highly textured strands tend to take to moisturizing treatments better. Similar to using a conditioner, you'll quickly learn how much mayo is too much. If you do run into that problem, try using a clarifying shampoo or ACV rinse to remove any excess.

And don't wait until your hair is totally fried either. Take the initiative and watch out for signs and symptoms of dry hair before it's too late. If your hair is becoming abnormally frizzy, you're noticing breakage, or if you just got your hair colored last week, it's time to stay ahead of the curve. Bosley adds, "dry hair can be difficult to style. Color can fade much faster and hair can look lifeless and dull without the shine of healthy, moisturized hair."

If you don't want to try real mayo, opt for Tony Moly Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Mask ($16), which is made specifically for hair (not sandwiches).

Do Mayonnaise Hair Masks Work on All Hair Types?

According to Camp, mayonnaise can be used on all hair types, but it is more beneficial for some than others. "Mayonnaise is most helpful on hair types that are more prone to dryness and frizz, such as wavy or curly hair," says Camp. "Those with oily or fine hair may find that a mayonnaise mask makes their hair too greasy or weighed down."

The Final Takeaway

While they can be beneficial for those with frizzy or curly hair, mayonnaise-like products can also cause breakouts. "Some products that are good for hair can cause facial, truncal, and scalp breakouts," Fardin notes. It's a good idea to check your ingredients' list before considering a hair mask or other beauty treatment.