Whether you’re having a bad hair day, trying to repair damaged or chemically-treated hair or simply wanting to pamper yourself, a natural hair mask is a surefire way to combine hair care with luxury.
More heavy-duty than shampoos, hair masks are deep conditioning treatments intended to repair, nourish and revitalize the hair and scalp. While commercial products can become expensive (not to mention the lack of control we have over their ingredients), DIY hair masks are a great way to customize your hair care treatment with ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
Simple natural ingredients like avocado, olive oil and yogurt each offer potent benefits for the hair, providing deep hydration, stimulating growth, promoting healing and repair and more. The best part of making your own mask at home? You can try out different combinations to target your specific needs.
Here are 5 DIY hair masks whose ingredients powerfully combat dryness, damage, frizz and more for health, radiance and repair.
1
For Dryness, Thinness & Frizz: Yogurt & Honey
In Ayurveda, honey is considered a versatile ingredient whose antibacterial and hydrating properties are useful for healing wounds, combating inflammation and providing deep moisture. In terms of hair care, honey acts as an emollient, sealing in and boosting moisture. Its detoxifying properties also enable it to cleanse clogged hair follicles, thereby preventing hair loss. Rich in protein and fats, yogurt is also an excellent tool for restoring moisture and nutrients to the hair. Given its lightweight texture, it also helps to volumize thin hair rather than weigh it down.
To make, add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to a cup of plain yogurt. Massage the resulting mixture into the scalp and through the hair. Wash off with warm water after 10 minutes.
2
For Split Ends: Avocado & Olive Oil
More than a tasty and nutritious topping on salads or toast, avocado also acts as a moisturizing, restorative hair care ingredient. It is especially useful for treating split ends, breakage, coarseness and other signs of damage that result from chemical treatment, heat styling or free radical damage. Olive oil acts as an occlusive, locking in moisture and nutrients while also taming frizz and bringing radiance to damaged hair.
As hair stylist Amy Abramite tells Byrdie, “Avocados have minerals that will seal the cuticle, as well as proteins and vitamins to nourish and soften the hair,” while “a layer of olive oil will add extra shine and sleekness to gloss over the damaged hair.”
To make this healing, glow-inducing mask, mash ½ cup of avocado and ½ cup of olive oil to form a thick mixture. Apply to split ends for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
3
For Damage & Hair Loss: Hibiscus, Honey & Coconut Oil
Hibiscus is a superstar in the beauty and wellness world for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the hair, it helps stimulate hair follicles and transmit essential nutrients to the scalp and hair, thereby promoting hair growth. Honey offers moisturizing and cleansing properties, while coconut oil’s fatty acid content enables it to absorb quickly and deeply into the hair, bringing hydration and nutrition. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties also help it to unclog pores and help damaged hair appear healthier.
To make this mask, combine 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of crushed hibiscus and three tablespoons of honey. Apply to the scalp and hair for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
4
For Dryness & Dullness: Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil
The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aloe vera make it a powerful healing salve. Rich in moisture, it helps to lock in hydration, combating dryness while also providing the hair with nutrients for a healthy, shiny mane. Combined with the hydrating and cleansing qualities of coconut oil, this mask leaves dry, dull hair looking radiant and thick.
To make this mask, combine ½ cup of fresh aloe vera gel with ½ cup of coconut oil. Massage into the scalp and hair. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
5
For Damage & Buildup: Lemon & Egg
Utilizing purifying and hydrating lemon and egg, this mask is especially useful for those with damaged hair, or for those who experience scalp buildup from products like dry shampoos and hairsprays. Protein-rich egg whites provide essential nutrients to the scalp and hair, helping to combat damage while cleansing the scalp of buildup. Lemon helps to boost hair growth, balance the scalp’s pH levels and promote overall shine.
To make this mask, combine an egg white with the juice of one lemon and apply to the scalp and hair. Leave on for an hour before washing off with warm water.
