Are you looking to bring your dry or damaged hair back to life? These fabulous homemade DIY hair masks will add instant luster to your locks, get rid of frizz, calm scalp irritation or even get oily hair under control. It’s all about mixing the right natural ingredients for your kind of hair.

Before we get into the actual hair mask recipes, let’s first understand how each ingredient affects your hair, so that you can customize the hair mask recipe for your exact hair type and condition.

 

Moisturizing Ingredients

Argan Oil

Considered ‘liquid gold’ by some, Argan oil hair treatment contains large amounts of beneficial nutrients including vitamin E and fatty acids. These highly concentrated, all natural ingredients leave your hair stronger, silkier and healthier than ever. Argan oil restores split ends, tames frizz, adds shine and gloss, and makes hair softer and more manageable – it can even undo some of the damage caused by chemical treatments and dyes. In addition to a hair mask, Argan oil can be used as a styling agent. Use this treatment the night before a special event, or when you want your hair to be extra smooth, sleek and voluminous.

 

Avocados

Avocados have been used in hair care treatments for centuries because of their hydrating and moisturising properties. Chock full of antioxidants, this nourishing fruit revitalizes dull, damaged or frizzy hair, promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff. And the essential oils found in Avocados contain higher amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids than olive oil, so they actually penetrate the hair’s cuticle.

Coconut Oil

It seems everyone these days is cuckoo for Coconut. The truth is, Coconut oil is not a panacea, but it definitely lives up to the hype when it comes to damaged hair. Not only is Coconut oil a lightweight moisturizer for thirsty strands -- perfect if your hair is thin and tends to lose volume with leave-in conditioners -- it also smells amazing. Plus, Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, and contains antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Honey

Honey is a natural hair softener and is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. The properties of Honey also encourages hair growth. Look for raw or wild honey, if possible. Typically, the honey will need to be blended with another liquid to help spread it through the hair properly.

Yogurt

Yogurt infuses the hair with vitamins and lactic acid to soften and moisturize your trusses. Other benefits include controlling dandruff, taming frizzy hair, adding shine to dull hair and boosting hair growth. Is there any wonder why Yogurt hair treatments have been around since ancient times?

Milk

Milk is rich in two natural proteins that leaves the hair thicker and shinier. It also stimulates the hair follicle for increased hair growth.

Strengthening Ingredients

Bananas

Speaking of thin hair, this mask does wonders for those of you with thinner hair. It’s also perfect for dull, dry hair that’s lost its luster. Bananas are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium, which fixes and strengthens hair without weighing it down. It will make wavy hair straighter, and all hair types ultra-soft and smooth.

Eggs

Your dry and damaged hair is begging for protein, and eggs are an easy and accessible way to answer that call. In addition to enzymes and essential proteins, eggs contain lecithin, micronutrients and vitamins. Their moisturising properties repair damaged hair and provide long-term benefits. The result is Eggs nourish and strengthen weak hair, and leave all hair types silky smooth.

Shea Butter

Shea Butter imbues your hair with a number of benefits. Starting at the scalp, this rich substance has been known to alleviate dry skin and dandruff. When applied directly to the hair, the hair shaft is infused with proteins that help strengthen brittle hair, as well as split ends. As a leave-in treatment, Shea Butter creates a protective coating that leaves the hair highly moisturized and even protects from the sun’s harsh UV rays!

Olive Oil

Aside from many other health benefits, applying Olive Oil hair masks is a powerful way restore damaged hair by strengthening and moisturizing. The mild heat, the fat is absorbed into the hair cuticle and the oil contains antioxidants and Vitamins A & E. This treatment will leave your hair looking shiny and soft for better manageability and longer lasting styles. The trick is to apply just enough (typically just a few drops), otherwise it could leave your looking too greasy.

 

Mayonnaise

For dyed or weak hair, Mayonnaise feeds the cuticle with protein, stimulates hair growth, and leaves a coat of protection around the hair to reduce the chance of breakage. It’s lighter weight than natural oils, like Olive Oil, making it just perfect for thinner hair types.

 

Almond Oil

Almond Oil contains awesome hair benefiting properties like Omega-3, Vitamins E, D, B1, B2, B6, and A. This powerhouse of nutrients is perfectly formulated to treat damaged hair and even reduce hair loss. As an added benefit, the hair is left with a silky shine. Just a few drops is all that’s needed to get the full benefit.

Cleansing & Scalp Soothing Ingredients

Baking Soda

This may come as a surprise to some, but baking soda has been shown to be a very effective natural shampoo and even works to soften your hair strands. Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) works by raising the PH level of the hair, thereby opening the cuticle to allow moisture, or other moisturizing hair mask ingredients to seep in.

The key to remember with Baking Soda hair masks is that the cuticle must be closed back up, with a lower PH (higher acidity) ingredient to ensure the moisture is locked-in. Acting as natural dry shampoo, Baking Soda also does a great job at absorbing oil at the roots.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a natural cure for oily hair and is used as a quick DIY dry shampoo. Simply dust the roots of the hair with just a little bit of cornstarch. After about 5 minutes, brush out the hair with a brush. This will absorb all of the extra oil in your hair.

 

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice has a surprising amount of benefits for hair. For one, it’s been widely touted as a natural hair highlighter – especially when the hair is exposed to sunlight right after applying it. Beyond that, the citric acid contained in Lemon has the ability to cleanse the hair naturally. It removes product buildup and reduces oily hair. As the natural PH of hair tends to fall in the acidic range, Lemon Juice helps to restore the right PH balance to keep your hair and scalp happy.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar works as great natural deep cleansing rinse when there’s too much product or oil in the hair. While the odor can be pungent when it’s first applied, the smell is mostly gone by the time you rinse it out. 

 

Jojoba Oil

Just a few drops of this oil and your scalp will clean of Sebum, or the natural oil emitted by the scalp’s pores. Excess Sebum has been shown to contribute to hair loss, so using Jojoba Oil is a natural way to prevent this. It can also be used to treat dry scalp and dandruff issues. Finally, as an added benefit, Jojoba can help repair damaged hair, increase elasticity, add volume to thin hair and leave it with a dazzling shine.

 

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6/B7, Folic Acid, copper, manganese, magnesium and antioxidants. Aside from making a healthy snack or dessert, applying it to the hair can help decrease hair loss, add moisture and exfoliate the hair cuticle.

 

Tea Tree Oil

The antibacterial and antioxidant properties in Tea Tree Oil can help reduce scalp dryness, and dandruff. It has also been shown to help increase hair growth. To apply it, mix a small amount of Tea Tree Oil with another oil like Jojoba, Coconut or Olive Oil and massage it throughout the scalp for several minutes.

 

Sea Salt

Sea Salt contains vital minerals that help the functions of the body’s cells. When used as a hair rinse, Sea Salt can cleanse the scalp, increase blood circulation and strengthen the hair follicle to reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth. Apply it to the hair by mixing it with a carrier agent like Jojoba or Coconut Oil.

 

Brown Sugar

A Brown Sugar hair mask gets rid of product buildup and keeps dandruff under control by gently exfoliating the scalp and increasing blood flow. If you tend to have a dry and itchy scalp, combine the Brown Sugar with one of the moisturizing ingredients above.

Oatmeal

Aside from being an essential part of a healthy diet, oats relieve scalp irritation and dandruff by releasing natural cellulose, moisturizing the hair and infusing it with vital nutrients like B-Vitamins. The natural cellulose helps soften the hair and make it more elastic. To get the natural goodness, the oats should be mixed with a moisturizing liquid and blended with a mortar & pestle, or with a hand blender. If you plan to use it as a leave-in treatment, the oats need to be fully dissolved so you aren’t left with any bits and pieces in your hair.

Camomile Tea

Camomile Tea is a gentle and natural way to help prevent hair loss, lighten the color of the hair, and adds shine.  

Avocado Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• A few drops of essential oil like rose, lavender, jasmine or sweet orange (optional)

In a small bowl, mash together the avocado and banana. Slowly add the olive oil while you continue to mix. Apply to your hair and cover with saran wrap or a shower cap. After 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and condition normally.

Coconut Oil Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 parts coconut oil
• 2 parts olive oil or a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Gather your hair in a bun and cover with saran wrap or a shower cap. Leave on for 15-30 minutes (depending on how damaged your hair is). Rinse and shampoo.

Banana Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1-2 ripe bananas, depending on your hair’s length
• 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• 1-2 Tablespoons honey
• ¼  Cup milk, coconut milk, or yogurt

Blend the bananas (in a blender) so they aren’t chunky -- this is very important. If you don’t have a blender, use baby food banana puree. Apply the mixture to your hair. Cover with a cap or saran wrap. Wait 15-20 minutes, then rinse out in the shower and shampoo/condition as usual.

Egg Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1-3 egg yolks, depending on the length of your hair (for oily hair, use the whites)
• A few drops of fresh lemon
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• A few drops of Aloe Vera gel (optional)

Whisk the egg yolks and olive oil into a smooth, creamy mixture (the lemon will cut the smell of the eggs). Add more olive oil for long hair, reduce the amount for shorter hair. Apply the mixture to damp hair, which makes it easier to distribute. Wrap your hair in a bun and cover with a cap or plastic wrap. Let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and shampoo and dry as usual --you’ll be amazed by the silky and shiny result. Repeat once a week.

 

Milk And Honey Mask

If you have fragile hair and damaged ends that tend to break, this is the mask for you. Milk and honey will hydrate your hair and, if you drink tea, you will have them both on hand. The trick is to warm the milk and not to add too much honey or you’ll end up with a sticky mess. Whole milk is best, but any kind of milk will do (even coconut!). This mask will leave your hair silky and shiny, without feeling weighed down.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Cups whole milk, warmed
• 2-4 Tablespoons of honey, depending on the length of your hair

Apply the mixture over the sink or in the shower. Cover with cling wrap or a shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse, wash and dry as usual. The aroma of this mask leaves a bit to be desired, but it’s definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a quick fix. You’ll see immediate results, but to make them long-lasting, repeat the treatment at least twice per week.

Argan Oil Mask

Ingredients:

• 100% Pure Argan oil

Comb the oil through your hair and leave it on for a few hours, or even overnight. Just be sure to cover it with a towel to avoid staining your pillow. Rinse it out and shampoo as usual.

For the non-DIY gals out there would rather a premade professional product, the HSI intensive-treatment argan oil hair mask repairs, hydrates and smooths damaged hair without any fuss. Just a quarter size of this creamy formula adds moisture and shine, and protects against the frizzies.

Summer may be over, but these natural hair masks will feed your hair what it needs to to look healthy.