DIY Avocado hair mask – Food waste mini-series

In the first part of this food waste mini-series, I’ll be looking at a way to use overripe avocados that will make both your head and heart happy.

Avocado’s are popular among vegans and vegetarians, and it’s easy to see why – they are full of vitamins and minerals and are hailed by many as a super-food. They also taste amazing in guacamole. Sadly though, they can be pretty temperamental. There’s a small window between the fruit being under-ripe and overripe, and since they’re also quite pricey, there’s nothing more disappointing than opening up your avocado to see you’ve missed the window entirely. Chucking an avocado in the compost bin feels like an act of veggie heresy to me so I’ve been desperately searching for alternative things to do with it. And now I may have found a good solution for what to do when your avocado is past it’s prime…

Avocados aren’t just good for your gut, they’re great for your hair too. If you suffer from split ends like me, then some overripe avocado might just be what you need. They are very moisturising as they’re full of natural oils and healthy fats that nourish your dry hair. All the good stuff they contain, such as vitamin E and complex B vitamins, are brilliant for healing your hair to make it nice and smooth and shiny. And luckily this hair mask is super easy to make.

All that you need can be found right in the kitchen. I simply use two ingredients: an overripe avocado and coconut oil. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add some almond oil too. If you don’t have any coconut oil, or you want to experiment with different kinds of avocado masks, then Healthline have some great suggestions: https://www.healthline.com/health/avocado-hair-mask#benefits

Otherwise, this is what you do:

Step 1. Prepare your avocado. This is super easy, as now that you have cut into it and discovered it’s all brown and mushy (oh no!) you just need to scoop it out into a bowl and mash it up with a fork so it’s ready to be put to good use (yay!).

Step 2. Microwave 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. You probably only need to microwave it for about 30 seconds, and then you can add it to the avocado bowl. Stir it up and you’re good to go. (Or you can add extra ingredients like a spoonful of almond oil or some honey).

Step 3. Storing it. If you’re not going to use it straight away, then cover up your bowl with a beeswax wrap or some tinfoil (remember to comment below if you want a tutorial on making a beeswax wrap!) and then you can store it in the fridge for a day or so.

Step 4. Now it’s time to use it! You put it on your hair starting on the tips and working your way up. It might feel kind of weird and cold and lumpy but I actually quite like the smell of it and you get used to it the more times you try it. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes and then shower it out. Wash your hair with a shampoo bar and conditioner like normal, and you’re good to go!*

Now you can enjoy all the benefits of your avocado-treated hair with a happy heart knowing you didn’t let this special fruit go to waste.

(Extra tip, wash and store the pip in the freezer… In a later post I will explain why.) I hope you enjoyed this first edition of the food waste mini-series. Remember to subscribe with your email to get updates on when I post the next ones!

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*(Remember, if you are allergic to any of these ingredients then do not apply it to your hair. If you apply it and it feels sore or itchy then wash it out immediately and maybe call your doctor.)