Benefits and recipes of chocolate hair mask for hair

How can a chocolate hair mask be useful? As cosmetologists say, masks based on cocoa powder – and it is from this that all so-called chocolate masks are most often prepared – make hair stronger, smoother, silkier and even start growing faster.

Benefits of chocolate for hair

Experts have not yet determined what the greatest benefit of chocolate for hair is. Some believe that the main factor is the presence of a significant amount of zinc in cocoa powder (which becomes much less during the chocolate manufacturing process). This chemical element is extremely important for the body as a whole and, especially, for the skin and hair. However, in addition to zinc, cocoa powder contains useful compounds of potassium and sodium, phosphorus and magnesium, copper and iron. And the vitamins include many B vitamins and vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties.

The alkaloid theobromine, which gives cocoa and chocolate their specific bitterness, is similar in action to caffeine: it activates blood circulation and intracellular metabolism. Given the very small amount of caffeine in cocoa beans, some believe that it is caffeine that plays the main role. This opinion is not supported by biochemical studies.

But in terms of antioxidants – flavones and flavonoids, catechins and procyanidins – cocoa can be considered one of their most accessible sources.

Also, in procedures for the care of dry and damaged hair, cosmetologists use cocoa butter, which melts easily at body temperature and has a light chocolate smell. The butter is obtained from cocoa beans, and it contains a rich combination of fatty acids, among which unsaturated ones are of particular importance - arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic. They belong to omega-3 and omega-6 essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and even received the "title" of vitamin F. But it's not just about them.

The combination of saturated fatty acids - stearic, oleic, palmitic - make cocoa butter one of the most effective means for intensive moisturizing of the scalp and overdried hair, because they penetrate the hair cuticle better and nourish it from the inside. There is also an opinion that cocoa butter stimulates hair follicles.

As a result - as evidenced by reviews of the chocolate hair mask - the hair becomes more resistant to falling out when combing, its tensile strength increases, its volume and shine increase.

Chocolate Hair Mask Recipes

Some people wonder why many chocolate hair mask recipes contain cocoa powder and cocoa butter instead of chocolate? That's a valid question.

Firstly, the manufacturer often puts cocoa butter in chocolate instead of its substitutes, such as Cebao, Confao, Illexao or Wilchoc, which are made from coconut and palm oil. Secondly, it is no secret that in the production of chocolate – in order to increase its hardness, shine and shelf life – harder fats – “improvers” (CBI) – are used.

Hair mask with chocolate and oil

For fine, dry hair, try a nourishing mask made from two tablespoons of cocoa powder, a raw egg yolk, and two teaspoons of vegetable oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil).

Mix cocoa with warm butter and add yolk, bring to a uniform consistency and lubricate the hair and scalp. As usual, cover the head with a PE film or cap, and warm it up on top for about half an hour.

A noticeable positive result is promised if this procedure is carried out once a week for a month.

Strengthening hair mask with chocolate

Regardless of the cause of hair loss, a mask with chocolate (cocoa powder + cocoa butter), yolk and cognac will help strengthen hair roots and reduce the intensity of this process.

Cocoa powder (tablespoon) is diluted in hot water (approximately 50 ml), half a teaspoon of cocoa butter, a raw yolk and a dessert spoon of cognac are added. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and while still warm, it is distributed over the scalp - with light rubbing. For further steps - see the previous recipe.

Hot Chocolate Hair Mask

This mask is designed for dry and normal hair with split ends, with scalp prone to dryness and itching.

Cocoa powder (1-2 tablespoons) is poured with the same amount of boiling water and placed in a water bath, after which the remaining components are added: olive oil (tablespoon) and cocoa butter (5 g). The mixture should cool slightly. Apply to the scalp, as well as to the roots and ends of the hair - with mandatory wrapping for 40-45 minutes.

Concept mask with chocolate and mint

SPA mask Concept with chocolate and mint is produced in the Russian Federation according to the development of Wella Professional. On the packaging of this product, the consumer can read that the nourishing mask Chocolate & Mint can help with brittle hair, give it more strength and shine, promote hair growth and improve skin condition.

The mask contains water purified from harmful impurities, cocoa butter, vitamin C, mint oil (menthol oil), shea butter and vitamin E. And the procedure time after applying the composition to damp hair is from 3 to 10 minutes.

And the annotation indicates the excipients:

• Behentrimonium chloride is an antistatic and conditioning agent.
• Silicone quaternium - silicone.
• Phenyl trimethcone - phenyl trimethicone is a derivative of silicon, that is, silicone,
• used as an antifoaming agent, ensures heat resistance of the product.
• Isopropyl palmitate - isopropyl palmitate (a product of coconut oil) is a chemical additive in many products designed to improve the moisture content of hair and skin.
• Cyclomethicone is a synthetic silicone oil that regulates the viscosity of the mask composition. Cyclomethicone is also an antistatic agent and a solvent for essential oils.
• Ceteareth-23 is an emulsifier made from cetearyl alcohol.
• Benzyl benzoate - phenylmethyl ester of benzoic acid, an antiseptic, is a remedy against parasites (scabies mites and lice), can cause skin irritation.