Do Egg Yolk Hair Masks Really Work? Experts Weigh In

By

Danielle Cohen

Updated on October 01, 2024 02:17PM

Reviewed by

Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

A cracked egg on a pink background — Juan Moyano / Stocksy

In This Article

Benefits Hair Type Considerations Side Effects

How to Use The Final Takeaway

In the world of DIY beauty, it can be difficult to decipher scientific fact from age-old tradition. Natural ingredients have been used in beauty routines throughout history because of their easy access and low cost. And while coconut oil, honey, and avocados are popular haircare ingredients with their merits backed by scientific research, the jury is split when it comes to the use of egg yolk. To find out more, we reached out to four experts for their professional insight on whether egg is good for your hair. Keep reading for their verdict on everything from purported benefits to potential side effects.

Egg Yolks for Hair

Type of ingredient: Hydrator

Main Benefits: Egg yolk is nourishing, strengthening and can heal weak strands, according to hairstylist and Hairboss founder Jamie Wiley and Melanin Haircare founder Whitney White. "Egg yolks are rich in fats, including lecithin, which could help to moisturize dry hair," adds board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist Hadley King, M.D.

Who Should Use It: Most people can use egg yolk on their hair, as long as they aren't allergic or sensitive to eggs (or "have a preference for data-proven treatments," King notes). It is always recommended to patch-test before trying a new ingredient.

How Often Can You Use It: Wiley suggests using egg yolk on hair no more than once to twice a month.

How Long Should You Leave It In For: Leave it in for 20 minutes. Try not to let it sit for over 30 minutes as it may start to dry and harden on your hair.

Works Well With: Egg yolk works well with other kitchen ingredients such as plain yogurt, unflavored mayonnaise, and either avocado or olive oil.

Don't Use With: Avoid using egg yolk with hot water or you might "cook" the eggs in your hair.

The Benefits

While there isn't a ton of scientific research supporting the benefits of egg yolk for hair, the ingredient has been popularly used in DIY hair treatments. That being said, there is existing evidence that some substances found within egg yolk (proteins, fats, vitamins, cholesterol, etc.) may provide benefits for hair.

Helps moisturize and nourish hair: The protein and fats present in egg yolk are believed to nourish hair, promote shine, and enhance softness. This includes lecithin, which boasts emollient properties, adds Wiley.
Repairs damaged hair and protects hair from further damage: The cholesterol found in egg yolk is filled with lipids, which may help repair hair damage caused by color, chemicals, heat, and excessive manipulation. The combination of folate, biotin, as well as vitamins A and E, may help prevent further breakage and damage, says Wiley.

Stimulates hair growth: "There are some who believe egg yolks could stimulate hair growth, but there's not much evidence here," says King. "Some researchers in Japan found a peptide that is found in egg yolks to stimulate hair growth in mice, but we would definitely need more data to prove this."

Hair Type Considerations

Incorporating egg yolk in your hair care routine is low-risk (not to mention low-cost and easy to do), whether its benefits are contested or not. It can generally be used on all hair types. Those sensitive to protein or egg products should proceed with caution. White suggests patch-testing a small section at the back of the hair in order to see how it responds before coating the entire head.

Side Effects

Licensed trichologist and hair loss practitioner Mandy B recommends avoiding using egg yolk on hair, citing pH levels. Egg yolk has a pH level of 6.5 to 6.7, while hair generally has a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5, she tells us. Raising the pH level of the hair may cause breakage, frizz, and dryness. For reference, most deep conditioners are around 3.5 on the pH scale.

How to Use Egg Yolks on Hair

DIY recipes are the best option if you want to try using egg yolk on your hair. Wiley suggests applying a DIY mask once or twice a month to strengthen and soften your hair. She shares her own recipe below.

Ingredients

2-3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon of unflavored mayonnaise

Directions

Combine ingredients and whip them together in a bowl until they start to froth.
Apply the mixture from the roots to the ends and cover with a shower cap.
Let the mask sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner using cold water.

Expert Tip

White suggests mixing egg yolk with a carrier oil (like olive or avocado oil) for easier distribution and an extra boost of fatty acids. She also suggests leaving on the mask for no more than 30 minutes, after which it might begin to harden on the hair.

The Final Takeaway

There is limited scientific evidence to back up claims that egg yolk has benefits on hair. Although some research does exist, experts remain divided on the question. Some believe it can be moisturizing, while others find it to be incompatible with most hair care needs. Overall, applying egg yolk on hair has relatively low stakes. It remains important to patch-test any new ingredient on a small section of your hair before proceeding with a full DIY mask. It is also recommended leaving it on for no longer than 30 minutes and using it no more than once to twice a month.

Article Sources

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