There are few things I love more than the scent of jasmine flowers. It’s soft and sensuous in equal measures… heady and soothing, intoxicating and purifying, soulful and exotic… so many contradictions, all bundled into tiny white buds that have the power to evoke cooling summer breezes and languorous, chilled out afternoons with a single whiff.
In fact, my first blog was called Sandalwood & Jasmine, and I am a sucker for any fragrance with these two ingredients. Which has a bonus effect on many, many days, since science has proved that the aroma of jasmine flowers is as calming as Valium. Seriously.
So, imagine my happiness at stumbling upon this jasmine-based hair mask while visiting Grasse – the jasmine capital of France, where legendary perfumes like Chanel’s No. 5 and Jean Patou’s Joy get their notes. My hair has never looked so soft and… so… swishy, I may say… and the beautiful scent lingers long after the mask is washed away.
No wonder this hair mask is a cult favourite amidst those chic French women, who would rather take care of the basics – like the health of their hair – than resort to measures such as complicated blow dries and chemical-laden styling products.
How does it work?
The natural oils in this hair mask will relax and purify the scalp, along with stimulating blood circulation and encouraging hair growth. They are also great for nourishing dry and frizzy strands, turning them smooth, sleek, and glossy with regular use.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh jasmine flowers
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon coconut oil
How to make the jasmine hair mask
1. Crush the jasmine flowers to release the oils
2. Add the yogurt and coconut oil; and mix well
3. Apply this paste to dry hair, pre-shampoo
4. Put on a tight bathing cap (or wrap your head with plastic film) and cover with a hot towel; let this remain for half an hour, then shampoo as usual
PS: You can enjoy more French beauty recipes in The Paris Bath & Beauty Book, which is a distillation of everything I’ve learned in this glorious country!
Do you love jasmine as much as I do?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Tyana says
Not only am I keen to try this DIY out soon but also calmed by the appearance of your blog. So soothing, enchanting and easy on one’s eyes. Great taste!
I wanted to ask if you’d suggest the use of jasmine powder in place of fresh flowers just in case the latter is unavailable or not in season. Thank you! Keep writing.
Salena says
What if I cannot find fresh flowers. Will essential oils work?