Here’s why everyone is going bananas for banana infused hair products

By Danielle Kirk

Banana is having a real moment on the haircare scene. Its many health benefits also work wonders for hair and the industry has taken notice and now the aisles are lined with banana rich shampoos and banana-infused hair masks. Sadly, to keep them shelf stable, these products are packed with chemicals and may not even contain real banana! The benefits of banana are real though, so why not skip the plastic and added nasties and go straight to the source by creating your own DIY banana hair mask? 

Benefits of banana for hair

Bananas aren’t just a healthy snack full of potassium and vitamins! The oils and vitamins can nourish from the outside too, softening hair to help it protect its natural elasticity. Other benefits include increased hair shine, manageability, and reduced split ends. Bananas also care for the scalp and reduce dandruff thanks to its moisturising power. 

Common additions to banana hair masks such as honey and coconut oil pack their own nutritional punches. Honey for example naturally preserves moisture, giving it the power to revive dull hair. While coconut oil is chock full of fatty acids that can enter the hair shaft and give it long-lasting nourishment from deep within. 

DIY banana hair mask

Creating a banana hair mask at home is so easy! You only need a few basic ingredients, and voila, you have an all natural, zero-waste hair treatment. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana (if you have short hair a small one is fine, but long hair will need a large banana or a second small one)
• 1 - 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (liquid form) or olive oil 
• Optional: a teaspoon of raw honey

Method:

1. Mash the banana well and mix with the oil and honey if using. The consistency should be thick enough not to drip but wet enough to spread throughout your hair. 
2. Work through your strands with fingers, or use a wide paddle hairbrush (just be sure to wash it thoroughly afterwards!).
3. Clip up hair and cover with a towel or shower cap. Leave for 30 minutes. 
4. Simply wash out with cool water and do a quick shampoo with your shampoo bar to get rid of any excess banana.