Formulate argan hair mask cubes

To close this week’s solid bar/zero waste theme, I chose one more haircare product: a solid hair mask.

I think this formulation is very exciting. It is packed with butters and oils along with the cationic emulsifier we use in conditioning products.

This time I chose BTMS25, for two reasons. Firstly, it is widely available and while it is not organic (partially synthetic) it does give very nice results. Secondly, it has a lower melting point than Varisoft EQ65 for example, and this is important in this formula.

Because it is a mask, meaning you leave it on the hair for 20-30 minutes, I chose nourishing oils such as macadamia and nourishing butters such as shea nilotica. This mask is best suited for dry/ damaged hair and I recommend using it weekly or fortnightly.

I used silicone ice moulds for these cubes. They are perfect shape and size for single applications, although for my shoulder length hair, I used 2 cubes ( just because:). You can also try chocolate moulds, there are some super fun shapes out there.

I hope you like it and if you make it, remember to tag FH on social media.

SOURCING

This is where I purchased my ingredients:

BTMS 25 INCI: Behentrimonium methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol

HOW TO USE

Use on wet, cleansed hair.

Place a cube in a bowl and add 2-4 tbsp of hot water. Stir with a spoon or mini whisk and allow it to dissolve till you have a cream consistency. Make sure the cream mask is completely cold before applying on the hair. Don’t be alarmed if it first looks too runny, it will thicken as it cools.

Apply the mask liberally and allow it to work for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off. It has a high lipid content therefore if you feel it leaves the hair too greasy, wash it with a gentle shampoo. ( I didn’t need to do that, but I have coloured, dry hair).

Always discard the diluted cubes if not used immediately.

THE FORMULA