Why Homemade Products Are the Future of Haircare

As Cardi B goes off on yet another rant via Spaces on X, we can’t forget the day she shared the secret concoction for her rapid hair growth with fans on the social media app. The mix consists of avocado, argan oil, mayonnaise, castor oil, olive oil, two eggs, honey, and a banana. Some may say this is a lot, but users have reported that the mask works wonders for their hair—contributing to growth, thickness, and, in some cases, even restoring their curl pattern.

With inflation at an all-time high, many women are struggling to maintain self-care and personal upkeep, with some stating they’ve tried cutting back on certain products, like deodorants, to save money. However, while saving money may sound good in theory, there can be consequences to switching items on a whim. For instance, one user reported experiencing breakouts under her armpits after switching to a different deodorant, ultimately leading her to return to her usual product.

Related articles: How to Get Celebrity Hair at Home
Related articles: Types of Financial Planning 

As women, we know how to be resourceful when the time calls for it. While store-bought products with extended shelf lives are convenient, they can sometimes underperform due to the parabens and chemicals required for preservation. Similarly, Beyoncé’s Cecred line has received high praise, but the cost seems to deter some customers as the price of everyday goods continues to rise. Does Beyoncé’s Cecred actually work? According to customer reviews and social media users, the answer seems to be yes. But are there cost-saving alternatives? The answer is also yes—enter Cardi B’s hair mask.

The Reconstructing Treatment Mask ($43) from Cecred is a 10 fl. oz. product designed for hair in need of damage repair from coloring, chemical treatments, or heat styling. The mask has won several accolades, including the 2024 Women’s Health Beauty Award and the 2024 Glamour Beauty & Wellness Awards. But how does the cost of this product compare to Cardi’s mask? Let’s break it down.

• Regular Avocado (4ct.) - $3.99

• Argan Oil – $2.49

• Mayonnaise (30oz jar) – $6.79

• Castor Oil – $9.99

• Olive Oil (32oz) – $21.49

• 2 Eggs (18ct) – $6.89

• Honey (12oz) – $2.99

• Banana (7ct) – $2.18

Total: $56.81 for over 100 fl. oz. of product.

Related articles: How To Make Friends In Your 30s And Single
Related articles: Money Imbalance In Relationships

If we do the math, that’s just $0.56 per ounce compared to $4.30 per ounce for Beyoncé’s Cecred. Not only that, but you need to factor in how often you’d be spending this money. A 10 oz. jar of Cecred may last about two washes, whereas the homemade option can last several months. Over the course of a year, you’d also save a significant amount of money.

Many celebrities are branching into the haircare and skincare industries as independent entrepreneurs, rather than simply licensing their likeness, as was common in the past. One of the main reasons for this shift, as previously mentioned, is the immense success of Kylie Cosmetics, which inspired others to replicate her model. Many celebrities now hope to strike gold by either merging their brand with a larger conglomerate or selling it off entirely for one large, hefty payout.

Switching to homemade products is not only cost-effective but also versatile. These natural ingredients genuinely work and serve multiple purposes. You can use them to prepare meals while also nourishing your hair and body from the inside out.

Related articles: How to Prove Financial Abuse
Related articles: Why Are Celebrities Launching Beauty Brands? A Look at Serena Williams' Wyn Beauty and Its Struggles 

• Avocado : Helps lock in moisture and keeps your hair hydrated.

• Argan oil is excellent for protecting your hair from everyday damage. If you frequently use heat styling tools, it can serve as a protective layer beneath your heat protectant.

• Mayonnaise is often overlooked as a fantastic option for stimulating hair growth. It can help increase your hair’s strength, making it a great remedy for thinning locks. If you notice your hair losing density, consider adding mayonnaise to your treatment routine.

• Castor oil is a Caribbean haircare staple. It’s particularly effective at increasing blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth. I also apply a thin layer of castor oil to my eyebrows before bed—it works wonders for regrowing hairs lost from over-waxing or threading.

• Olive oil is ideal for those who often get blowouts or silk presses, especially during the winter months. It helps soothe the scalp after manipulation. Its key ingredients include vitamins E and K, as well as squalene, a moisturizing nutrient that keeps your hair hydrated and healthy. For many of us with type 4 textured hair, retaining moisture is critical for maintaining length. Breakage often happens when our scalp is dry or our hair has been in protective styles for too long. Be sure to choose styles that allow your scalp to breathe, and use this mask as needed.

• Eggs are a great addition to your haircare routine, especially the yolk, which strengthens hair strands and improves elasticity. While egg whites are perfect for eating, save the yolk by storing it in a container, giving it a good whisk, and refrigerating it until wash day.

• Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for haircare. It also boosts shine and soothes the scalp. However, as Cardi mentioned in her video, use honey sparingly—it can be tough to rinse out.

• Bananas enhance the shine of your hair and are rich in vitamins like A and biotin. Additionally, incorporating calcium into your diet can complement these products and further strengthen your hair.

Related articles: Difference Between Curly and Coily Hair
Related articles: Does Wearing a Wig Prevent Hair Growth? 

Use this mask before washing your hair. After blending all the ingredients, apply the mixture to your hair, working it through the strands from root to tip. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let the mask sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing. As someone with low-porosity hair, I prefer sitting under a dryer for 10 minutes and letting it rest for another 20 minutes without heat. However, do what works best for you. If you try this homemade hack, let us know how it works for you!

by Kyla Cruz