FORMULATE A NOURISHING BATANA HAIR MASK
Table of Contents
ABOUT THE BATANA HAIR MASK
Hair masks are a fantastic way to give your hair the extra care and nourishment it deserves. Unlike regular conditioners, hair masks are designed to deliver intensive hydration, repair, and protection, making them a must-have in any hair care routine. Whether your hair is damaged, dry, or simply in need of a boost, a good hair mask can make all the difference.
This particular formula has BTMS 25 as a base. It is a cationic surfactant which is used in hair conditioners. It is not entirely natural; it is plant-derived but has synthetic components. It can, however, be easily sourced and creates a lovely, creamy conditioner or mask.
Our hero ingredient is batana oil.
Batana oil is derived from the nuts of the American palm tree Elaeis oleifera. It is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, making it highly effective for repairing and revitalising damaged hair. Batana oil deeply penetrates the hair shaft, restoring moisture and elasticity while helping to reduce breakage and split ends. It’s an excellent choice for promoting hair growth and adding a natural shine. To boost the effects of batana, I also added pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin seed oil is packed with incredibly beneficial nutrients for hair health. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, and zinc, this oil helps to nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. Its antioxidant properties protect the hair from environmental damage, while its moisturising effect keeps the hair hydrated and soft.
Since it is a mask, we leave it to work longer than a shampoo. I added Panthenol and Hydrolysed Rice Protein. There are many other proteins to choose from, such as soy, silk and wheat. Rice protein can help to improve the hair’s ability to retain moisture, which is essential for keeping the hair hydrated and preventing dryness. Rice protein is also generally well-tolerated and is suitable for those with sensitive scalps or those who prefer a milder protein.
HOW TO USE
Use it after shampooing. Apply the mask generously from roots to ends and leave it to work for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.
POSSIBLE SOURCES
THE FORMULA
| Phases | Ingredient | Function | %w/w |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Water (distilled or deionised) | Solvent | To 100 |
| B | Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride | Conditioning | 0.5 |
| B | Glycerin | Humectant | 8.0 |
| C | BTMS 25 | Cationic surfactant | 8.0 |
| C | Cetyl alcohol | Thickener, builds viscosity | 3.0 |
| C | Batana oil | Emollient | 12.0 |
| C | Pumpkin seed oil | Emollient | 2.0 |
| D | Panthenol | Vitamin,moisturising | 2.0 |
| D | Hydrolysed rice protein | Conditioning | 2.0 |
| D | Tocopherol | Antioxidant | 0.5 |
| D | Essential oil of your choice | Fragrance | 0.75 |
| E | Geogard ECT | Preservative | 1.0 |
| F | pH adjuster | pH adjuster | qs |
Method:
Prepare Phase A.
Prepare Phase B (slurry) and add to Phase A. Heat to 80-85°C.
Prepare Phase C. Heat to at least 60-65°C.
Add Phase C to A/B while stirring. Phase C may still have solid bits, that is OK. Homogenise until smooth and glossy.
Continue stirring by hand and allow it to cool; you can use a cold water bath to speed up the cooling process.
Add Phase D, one by one and stir well.
Add Phase E, the preservative.
Check and adjust pH (if needed) to be 4.00-4.5.
Evaluate after 24 hours.
*I used caramel vanilla natural perfume in my mask. Visit aromazone.fr for options.
