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Bryan Sander/Demand Media

Damaged hair requires extra care to rebuild strength, stop breakage and regain much-needed moisture. Homemade hair protein treatments can often yield optimum results at a fraction of the cost of professional treatments. In addition to saving money, homemade hair protein treatments are simple to use and are typically made of natural, healthy ingredients. An excellent natural homemade protein treatment can be made using mayonnaise, eggs and castor oil. The eggs, oil and protein in this homemade treatment make it a simple, yet highly effective, hair treatment.

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Bryan Sander/Demand Media

In a clean glass container, crack one egg and beat it until well-mixed. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and one tablespoon of castor oil to the egg. Blend the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and uniform.

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Bryan Sander/Demand Media

Apply the mixture to your hair from root to tip. Use a wide-tooth comb to work the mayonnaise evenly into your hair. Cover all the strands completely.

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Bryan Sander/Demand Media

Cover your hair with a plastic cap and allow the treatment to sit for at least 15 minutes. Sitting under a dryer or wrapping a warm towel over the plastic cap will enhance the effects of the treatment.

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Bryan Sander/Demand Media

Shampoo the hair gently but thoroughly. Remove all the mayonnaise and residue. Shampoo a second time if necessary if your hair is thick or coarse. Rinse your hair and condition or style as usual.

Tip

Choose mayonnaise from a natural foods store as most often these brands use whole eggs and expeller-pressed olive or canola oils, whole, healthier fatty oils that will yield shiny, well-moisturized hair.

Warning

Do not substitute sandwich spread for real mayonnaise when used as a hair protein treatment, as these products often contain added ingredients and may not contain the ingredients necessary for effective treatment.