Benefits of Bananas for Health and Hair

It is no secret that bananas are the oldest and most well known cultivated fruits. Numerous benefits can be reaped from each and every part of this fruit. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bananas help the body retain essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which in turn replenishes body tissues. It can help tackle intestinal abnormalities, diarrhoea and ulcers, Apart from that, being an antiseptic, it can be used on cuts, wounds and burns. Not only does it have medicinal properties, but it also is widely used as a beauty product, especially for making face and hair masks.

Nutritional components of Bananas

A single banana contains about 15-20% potassium. It is nutrient-rich and loaded with vitamins. They are a good source of Vitamin A, C, D and B6. Apart from that, it has a very high water content which helps retain moisture in our hair preventing it from dryness.

Benefits from Potassium: Potassium nourishes body muscles keeping them healthy and in check. Due to the presence of potassium bananas are a great source of energy for athletes. Some studies show that potassium also promotes hair growth as well.

Vitamins: Vitamin B6 enhances body immunity by promoting the health of organs. Vitamin D helps absorb nutrients such as calcium maintaining the body’s skeletal system. Vitamins help nourish body cells, tissues and promote healing. The presence of Biotin in bananas which is another type of Vitamin B is essential for a healthy and dandruff free scalp. 

Bananas are high in calorie content i.e 100-150 calories/banana. It is also a good source of energy as it contains around 30-50g of carbs. A banana shake before any workout not only energises the body but also provides the strength needed for a good workout.

Benefits of Banana for Hair

As mentioned before the benefits of bananas are not limited to health treatments but extends to beauty treatments as well. It not only aids and replenishes skin tissue but also maintains healthy hair.

Good and healthy hair is characterised by its volume, texture, strength, scalp, shine and etc.

• Due to its richness in minerals such as potassium and calcium, it aids in softening the hair making it shinier and appealing to the eyes.
• Helps control dandruff by retaining moisture in the scalp, keeping the scalp healthy and reducing hair breakage.
• Makes hair more manageable.
• Promotes hair growth.
•  The presence of Vitamin B6 prevents split ends
• Presence of various vitamins aids with increasing hair volume 
• Repairs damages caused by pollution, heat and dirt, by preventing further damage to hair.
• Banana hair masks are beneficial especially for people with dry hair.
• Promotes hair recovery.
• Improves the texture of hair giving it both strength and smoothness.

20 Homemade Banana Hair Masks

Generally, hair masks are quite expensive when bought in the market or from a spa. Homemade masks are way more effective, convenient and cheap. These hair masks provide natural moisture, strength and shine to hair. They are perfect for dryness left after perming and blow-dry. It rejuvenates and replenishes hair follicles.

Below is a list of 20 homemade banana hair masks. All these are just variations of the other and equally effective.

Simple Banana Hair Mask

 

1. First Step: Mash 2 medium-sized bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 4-5 tablespoons of milk, and olive oil to the mixture. You may also add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
3. Step 3: Mix these well so no lumps remain.
4. Step 4: Apply all over the hair carefully, especially in the scalp region. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash and condition your hair properly afterwards.

Banana and Lemon Juice Hair Mask

 

1. First Step: Mash 2 medium-sized bananas.
2. Second Step: Squeeze 1lemon. Lemons are perfect for dandruff treatment. 
3. Step 3: Mix these well so no lumps remain, you may also add yoghurt to the mixture to amplify effects.
4. Step 4: Apply all over the hair carefully, especially in the scalp region. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash and condition your hair properly afterwards.

Banana and Honey Hair Mask

1. First Step: Chop up 2 medium-sized bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 2 tablespoons of honey. 
3. Third Step: Mix well so that no lumps remain.
4. Fourth Step: Apply all over the hair carefully, the more damage to the hair the longer you should keep the hair mask. Afterwards, rinse, shampoo and condition your hair properly for good results. 

Banana and Egg Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1 whole egg and mix well so that the lumps do not remain.
3. Third Step: Add one tablespoon of olive oil you may also add almond oil or coconut oil if you don’t have olive oil. 
4. Fourth Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards as the mask is slightly sticky. If necessary rinse your hair twice for better effects.

Banana and Avocado Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mashup 1-2 bananas.
2. Second Step: Chop up 1 avocado and blend the two mixtures properly so that no lumps remain. Avocado is one of the healthiest fruits. The mixture of avocado and bananas is just what your hair needs. The oils and vitamins present in avocados are able to penetrate cuticles and moisturize hair. 
3. Third Step: If available add 2 tablespoons of yoghurt so as to make the mask thicker and richer. Although it is not necessary.
4. Fourth Step: Apply over your hair, scalp and tips carefully. Afterwards shampoo and condition your hair so that there are no leftover residues.

Banana and Carrot Hair Mask

1. First Step: Cut 1 carrot and let it boil so that it becomes soft.
2. Second Step: Chop 1 ripe banana and add the boiled carrots and blend properly so that no lumps remain You may also add olive oil or yoghurt to the mixture.
3. Third Step:  Apply all over your hair especially your scalp and tips of your hair. Carrots are very healthy and nutritious vegetables. It restores the natural elasticity of the hair making it stronger. It cures the frizziness and dryness of the hair and scalp. 
4. Fourth Step: Shampoo and condition well afterwards.

Banana and Almond Hair Mask 

1. First Step: Take 10-15 almonds and soak in water overnight. Afterwhich make a smooth paste out of the almonds. You can also add 1 tablespoon of almond oil to the mixture.
2. Second Step: Mash up one banana.
3. Third Step: Mix the bananas and the almond paste well so that no lumps remain.
4. Fourth Step: Apply the mask all over your hair properly. Afterwards, shampoo, rinse and condition your hair so as no residues of the mask remain.

Banana and Coconut Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mash 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1 large tablespoon of pure coconut oil and mix well making sure there are no lumps of banana left.
3. Third Step: Apply all over the hair especially the scalp and tips of the hair. After that shampoo and rinse your hair properly.

Banana and Olive Oil Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mashup 1 banana.
2. Second Step: Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture.
3. Third Step: Mix well so that no lumps remain.
4. Fourth Step: Apply the mask all over your hair properly. Afterwards, shampoo, rinse and condition your hair so as no residues of the mask remain.

Banana Milkshake Hair Mask

1. First Step: Make a paste out of 2 bananas
2. Second Step: Add milk or coconut milk to the mixture. Milk is full of protein and therefore strengthens your hair. You may also add honey to the mixture. 
3. Third Step: Blend well so that no lumps remain.
4. Fourth Step: Apply the mask all over your hair properly. Afterwards, shampoo, rinse and condition your hair so as no residues of the mask remain.

Extra Tip: You may also drink the leftovers as not only is it good for your hair but it is equally tasty.

Banana and Cocoa Powder Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mashup 2 bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture. Cocoa powder is a great moisturizer and great for hair types that have a tint of brown. It is perfect for brunettes. You can also add curd and olive oil to the mixture.
3. Third Step: Blend well so that no lumps remain. 
4. Fourth Step: Apply the mask all over your hair properly. Afterwards, shampoo, rinse and condition your hair so as no residues of the mask remain.

Banana and Mayonnaise Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mashup 2 bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the mixture. In order to reduce the smell, you can use a few drops of lavender oil if available. Mayonnaise gives hair a deep conditioning effect. It nourishes the hair from deep within. The healthy and natural oils present in mayonnaise protect hair from heat, dust and other air pollutants.
3. Third Step: Blend well so that no lumps remain.
4. Fourth Step: First shampoo your hair. After rinsing all the shampoo off, you can use this mask as a conditioner. It is recommended to use lukewarm water to cleanse your hair afterwards.

Banana and Yogurt Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 2-3 tablespoons of yoghurt. You may also add lemon juice and honey to the mixture. Blend this mixture well so that there are no lumps.
3. Yogurt is one ingredient that you can use in every mask. It has a high protein content and antibacterial and antifungal properties.
4. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Papaya Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Mash up one small papaya and mix it with banana so as there are no lumps. You may also add honey and olive oil to this mixture. Papayas just like bananas are very nutrient-rich and prevent dryness of the scalp making hair dandruff free.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Amla Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Soak 1 amla overnight. Make an amla paste and mix it with the banana so as no lumps remain. Amla is loaded with vitamin C and replenishes hair follicles making them stronger.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Mustard Oil Mask

1. First Step: Mash 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1 tablespoon of mustard oil and mix well. Mustard oil is full of nutrients it is beta-carotene and vitamin-rich. Increases blood circulation in the scalp. It improves hair elasticity and makes it stronger.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Oatmeal Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 ripe bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 5 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix all these ingredients well so that no lumps remain. 
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Argan Oil Hair Mask

1. First Step:  Chop up 2 bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1 tablespoon of argan oil to the bananas and mix well avoiding any lumps. Argan oil is just the thing you need if you suffer from a dry and itchy scalp. The presence of phenols in this oil is what makes it so special and healthy for your hair.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask

1. First Step: Mash 2 bananas.
2. Second Step: Add 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey and mix everything well so that no lumps remain.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Banana, Curd and Fuller’s Earth Mask (Multani Mitti)

1. First Step: Mash 2 ripe bananas
2. Second Step: Add some Multani Mitti and 1 tablespoon of curd to the bananas. Mix well so that no lumps remain. Fuller’s Earth is a great cleanser not only for the skin but for your hair as well. It thoroughly cleanses the scalp making it stronger and better.
3. Third Step: Apply it all over the hair and leave for an average of 15-20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition your hair well afterwards.

Precaution and Side-Effects

Bananas are generally healthy to consume and use, and therefore don’t have many side effects. Although some precautions mentioned below are worth considering: 

• While making these various hair masks make sure you rinse and shampoo your hair properly as bananas have a sticky texture and should be removed carefully.
• Consumption of bananas with alcohol should be avoided especially for patients with Migraines as it can cause further complications
• Bananas may be allergic for some people, generally, those who are allergic to latex should avoid bananas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) How to get rid of banana chunks stuck in your hair?

A) While preparing your pack make sure that there are no lumps. The blend is thorough until a smooth paste is obtained.

Q2) What mask should be used if one has dry hair?

A) Bananas, in general, moisturize your hair. All masks would be beneficial. Although, for the better effect, you should use the Banana and Honey Hair Mask or the Simple Banana Hair Mask.

Q3) How to remedy a super-itchy scalp?

A) In order to treat an unbearably itchy scalp use the Banana and Lemon Hair Mask. Lemons are perfect for an itchy scalp. Make sure you apply this all over your scalp. You can also use the banana and apple cider vinegar hair mask as well.

Q4) If one has dyed hair what mask would be better to use?

A) That should not matter, you can use any mask. Avoid using the Fuller’s Earth mask as it is a rigorous cleanser. Also if you have a tint of brown in your hair, the banana and cocoa hair mask is perfect.

Q5) Should you shampoo and condition your hair before or after?

A) One can go either way. Although, it is advised to shampoo afterwards as it will take longer to remove the mask with normal water. However, the banana and mayonnaise hair mask should be used as a conditioner. Therefore if you are using that mask then you should shampoo your hair first, and then apply the mask. Use lukewarm water in order to cleanse your hair afterwards for better effects.