If you’re like the millions of people searching for ways to make your hair look shinier, grow faster, and feel healthier, then you’ve probably heard of the benefits of eggs for your hair.
We’re not talking about eating cooked eggs, though that’s healthy too. We’re talking about putting raw egg white or egg yolk on your hair.
Just the mention of thick, shiny-looking hair is enough to brighten up your mood in anticipation of all those good hair days coming ahead. So, keep reading to learn more about using eggs for healthier hair.
Is Putting Raw Eggs Good for Hair?
Applying raw eggs directly to your hair can be great! Egg whites help strengthen strands, and the yolk adds moisture for softness and shine.
To double the benefits, you can combine eggs with other natural ingredients like essential oils, aloe vera, and even lemon juice. Together, they can target specific problems and work wonders on all hair types.
A raw egg has two parts- the white part and the yolk. Both can be great, but they work in different ways.
The egg white is full of protein, which can help strengthen and repair damaged hair by filling in gaps and preventing split ends. It also contains biotin to help stimulate healthy hair growth.
The egg yolk is rich in hydrating oils and vitamins that nourish your hair. The oils moisturize your hair to make it super shiny and soft. The vitamins and minerals strengthen your strands to reduce frizz and flyaways.
So for damaged or brittle hair, using the whole raw egg can give you the benefits of both the protein-packed whites and the moisturizing yolks.
But you can also use one part or the other depending on what your hair needs most. Either way, raw egg is a simple, natural way for hair care.
Benefits of Applying Egg on Hair
We’ve all experienced hair problems at one point or another in our lives. The most common factors causing these problems are usually a poor diet, and oxidative stress brought on by pollution and anxiety.
Another problem is over-styling and applying chemical products that strip hair of its natural oils, protein, and moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and frizzy.
Eggs are rich in nutrients, such as biotin, folate, and vitamins A and E. These work to strengthen hair strands and keep them healthy and thick.
Apart from vitamins, eggs contain high levels of protein at an average of 3.6 g to 6.5 g per egg.
Since your hair is made up of 80% proteins and amino acids, applying a raw egg mask can restore some of the protein lost through styling and chemical treatments.
As a result, your hair becomes stronger and not as susceptible to damage caused by heat and chemicals.
The yolk, in particular, is loaded with healthy fats including lecithin. When applied to the hair shaft, these fats help restore lost moisture and shine. They also help tackle brittleness, breakage, and frizzy hair.
However, it’s not just hair strands that benefit from eggs; your scalp can also get a nice, healthy boost.
Applying egg yolk directly to the scalp and massaging it into the roots helps provide hair follicles with essential minerals and vitamins.
By nourishing the scalp, you help retain its natural pH balance. This helps prevent your scalp from becoming dry and flaky, which is a common cause of dandruff.
Plus, it encourages new hair follicles to come out strong, thick, and healthy. They also become much less prone to shedding or breakage. With fewer hair loss, your mane will appear healthier and thicker.
How to Apply Eggs for Different Hair Types and Concerns
Before we show you our best-ever DIY egg hair mask recipes, you should note that you can apply these masks to either wet or dry hair.
However, we got better results when we applied them to damp hair because it allows for an easier application with fewer tugs and pulls.
Another thing that can help reduce the stickiness of the egg and make the application process easier is to mix the egg with an additional ingredient.
Some great options include essential oils, aloe vera juice, lemon juice, or unflavored mayonnaise.
Now it’s time to take a look at those amazing recipes. They’ll help treat dry, frazzled-looking hair and restore its natural bounce and shine.
For Hair Growth
Mix one egg yolk with one tablespoon of unflavored mayonnaise in a bowl. Apply the mixture from your roots to the tips, then cover with a shower cap.
After about 20 minutes, rinse with cold water. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.
For Healthy, Shiny Hair
To nourish hair and boost shine, mix one egg yolk and one tablespoon of olive or almond oil. You can also add half a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of coconut oil, or a half banana to improve softness.
Apply the mixture to your hair using gloves. Massage it into your scalp, then work your way to the hair tips.
Leave the treatment in your hair for 20-30 minutes and cover it with a shower cap before rinsing it out with cold water. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.
For Soft, Silky Hair
Whisk together one egg yolk, one tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and half a teaspoon of lemon juice.
The yolk and aloe vera help stimulate hair growth and promote softness, while the lemon juice helps treat and prevent dandruff.
Adding lemon juice also helps reduce the scent of ‘egg’ in the mask.
Apply the mixture to your hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then shampoo and condition as usual.
To Boost Volume
Combine one egg, one cup of yogurt, and one tablespoon of honey in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture appears foamy and creamy.
Apply the treatment to your hair, starting from the roots all the way to the ends. After 30–45 minutes, shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
This hair treatment will make your hair look sleek and shiny. It’s also great for sealing those split ends, giving the tips of your hair a nice healthy bounce.
For Oily Hair
Stir together one egg white and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or coconut milk, half a tablespoon of honey. Apply to your hair for 30–45 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
This mask is perfect for those who have oily hair because the whites help reduce greasiness, leaving it oil-free and soft to the touch. Egg whites also add more volume to hair strands and help minimize breakage.
Another version of this mask is to replace the honey with vinegar, which acts as a strong cleansing agent.
At the same time, it’s mild enough to not strip hair of its natural oils, which leaves hair looking smooth and shiny, and feeling silky soft.
Potential Risks of Applying Eggs on Hair
Using raw eggs or egg yolk as a mask on your hair is fairly low-risk. Still, there are a couple of side effects worth considering.
Egg Allergies
If you suffer from an egg allergy. Even when applied as a topical hair mask, the proteins in the raw eggs can cause allergy symptoms, including hives, nasal congestion, or skin rashes.
The first thing you have to do is determine whether your allergy is caused by the proteins in the egg whites or yolk.
Once you know that, you can avoid the part that triggers your allergies and use only the part you’re not allergic to.
For example, if you’re allergic to the yolk proteins, apply only egg whites to your hair, and vice versa.
Greasiness
It can be difficult to thoroughly rinse off hair masks made of raw egg whites or yolk. They’re sticky, gooey, and smelly.
Although, failing to give your hair a thorough wash afterward can make your hair look and smell greasy. It can also lead to dirt buildup, which can make your locks appear dull and faded.
Therefore, you must take the time to thoroughly rinse the mask off your hair before applying shampoo. Always use cold water to loosen
Then, after you lather, give your hair several good rinses to ensure there’s no egg or shampoo build-up.
Summary
Different parts of the egg, like the yolk and white, offer various benefits, from moisturizing to strengthening.
Eggs can be mixed with other natural ingredients for added benefits. However, excessive use can make your hair greasy and smelly. Individuals with egg allergies should proceed with caution.
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