Gelatin Hair Mask for Shinier, Stronger Hair

When I read that you can create a mask for hair out of those cheap gelatin packs you can pick up at a grocery store, I thought the magazine was mistaken. First of all, I had no idea that gelatin was a protein, and I had no idea it could be beneficial for your hair. Turns out it's a protein because it comes from animals (Which explains why vegetarians refuse to eat Jello, which contains gelatin!) and it's also used in many cosmetics, including hair care products.

Since I've found out about gelatin hair masks, I've tried many recipes and have researched gelatin in hair products. One of the great things about gelatin is that it really bonds to the hair, potentially strengthening it, and making it very glossy. What I love about the recipes below is that they're all-natural, and you know exactly what you're putting on your hair.

I've included two of my favorite gelatin hair mask recipes below. Both are tried-and-true, and both work very, very well. These gelatin hair mask recipes will make your hair glossy and strong. Keep reading for more info on gelatin in hair products and how to make a DIY mask yourself!

Gelatin Pack Hair Mask

This is a super simple gelatin hair mask. If you have super long or very thick hair, you can double this recipe.

Ingredients

• Half a packet of powdered gelatin (buy in supermarkets for $1 or so for four) or 2 tbsp powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp milk or water
• 2 tbsp hair conditioner (skip this if you have oily hair)

Recipe

Warm up the milk in the microwave or use hot water. Whisk in gelatin. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Whisk in the conditioner. The mixture should be like a thick gel.

How to Use 

Comb gel through wet hair from roots to ends (no need to shampoo hair, you'll be doing that at the end). Add more milk or water if the paste is too thick.

Wrap hair in plastic and then a towel (some women prefer to just wrap hair in a towel). Let hair dry for 30-40 minutes.

Rinse hair out in the shower and follow with a shampoo.

Organic Gelatin Hair Mask

This mask is organic and fabulous. I like it because it contains grass-fed beef gelatin —that I buy from Amazon, apple cider vinegar (Which is great for removing product build-up), and honey, which is super moisturizing.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
• 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp organic honey
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tsp mashed avocado (only if you have dry hair)

Recipe

Warm up the water in the microwave until steaming, but not boiling. Add the honey and apple cider vinegar and then slowly whisk in the gelatin and avocado.

How to Use 

Apply the mixture to shampooed hair, combing through to ensure even coverage. Put hair up in a shower cap or wrap in plastic, and then a warm towel (because not everyone has shower caps). Let the mask sit on hair for 15-30 minutes.

Rinse and follow up with hair conditioner.