DIY Hair Mask | Simple Recipes

Learn how to make a DIY hair mask with these simple recipes. Moisturizing hair masks can benefit all hair types, from dry hair to damaged hair and even oily hair.

I will show you how to apply a hair mask and simple hair mask ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

This post was updated in October 2022.

What does a hair mask do?

An at-home hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that can be extremely beneficial for dry, frizzy or damaged hair. They can be made in several different ways depending on your hair type. 

Creating your own hair mask makes it easy to customize it for your hair type, and you can choose your favorite essential oil to scent it with. Plus, it will be much cheaper than buying one from the store! 

Seeing your beautiful locks after just one use will have you loving this recipe! Learning how to use a hair mask at home has never been simpler!

Simple Hair Mask Ingredients

At-home hair masks, such as my DIY castor oil hair mask, can be made with so many different combinations; some surprising, some weird, and for these recipes below, we’ll need to head straight to the kitchen to get started!

Most of the ingredients needed for hair masks will be found there!

We will be using ingredients such as avocados, coconut milk, and honey, all of which can be very beneficial for the hair. Who would have known? 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of ingredients for all three hair mask recipes. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients, as each recipe will only use a few of each.

• Olive oil 
• Coconut oil 
• Honey 
• Eggs
• Avocado 
• Mayonnaise
• Essential oils  
• Coconut milk – Full-fat canned coconut milk. Not refrigerated coconut milk.

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Moisturizing hair mask for dry hair

The primary reason most people use a hair mask is to restore moisture to dry, damaged hair. Several ingredients can help with this, including coconut milk.

Coconut milk is known for its moisturizing properties to condition the hair and scalp, which is why you’ll also find it in my DIY leave-in conditioner spray.

I am also adding in olive oil and lavender essential oil. Olive oil is great for adding moisture to the hair and reducing dandruff. 

DIY coconut milk hair mask

INGREDIENTS 

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil 
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl. 
2. Whisk until well combined. 
3. Apply generously and evenly to damp hair. See the “how to apply hair mask” section for more detailed instructions.

NOTE: You may need to double this recipe if you have long, thick hair.

Hair mask for damaged hair 

If you could think of the worst possible thing to get into your hair or your child’s hair, what would it be?! Mine is honey, I know from experience!

I’ve had to brush sticky honey out of my daughter’s hair when she was younger, more times than I can count. That’s part of the reason I came up with a DIY hair detangler spray.

Now that those days are behind us, we will be using honey the right way to protect the hair.

When used correctly, honey is quite beneficial for the body and is often used in homemade body washes and to lighten the hair naturally.

This one ingredient can help lock in moisture, strengthen hair follicles, and ultimately prevent further damage. 

The other big winner in this recipe is coconut oil. You’ll find coconut oil in hair recipes, from homemade conditioners to DIY protein hair treatments, with benefits ranging from taming frizz to protecting against split ends.

Honey hair mask recipe

INGREDIENTS 

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil 
• 1/4 cup of honey  
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Add all of your ingredients to a small bowl. 
2. Use a fork to combine well. 
3. Apply generously and evenly to damp hair. Follow more detailed instructions below in the “how to apply hair mask” section.

NOTE: You may need to double this recipe if you have long, thick hair.

Avocado hair mask for oily hair

If you tend to have greasy or oily hair, you can use this hair mask to help. I am using lemon essential oil because it is a natural degreaser and works well for greasy or oily hair. 

Are you wondering what avocado can do for your hair? We already know it is one of the top superfoods, but should I really mash one into my hair? Yes, you should!

The most common hair masks found on the web contain avocados, and for very good reason. Avocados are very nourishing for your hair, can promote healthy hair growth, and even strengthen the hair. 

I am also adding an egg and mayonnaise to this DIY hair mask.

Oily hair mask recipe 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 egg (white only) 
• 1/2 of an avocado 
• 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise 
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil 
• Water (if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Separate the yolk and discard. Then add the white to a blender. 
2. Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the green fruit into the blender. 
3. Add mayonnaise and lemon essential oil. Blend on high until smooth. Add a little water if needed. 
4. Apply generously and evenly to damp hair. Follow more detailed instructions below in the “how to apply hair mask” section.

NOTE: You may need to double this recipe if you have long, thick hair. 

How to apply hair mask

Hair masks should be applied to damp hair and be left in for at least 15 minutes or, in some cases, can be left in overnight. The duration is really up to you and your hair type. 

I personally find it best to apply it in the morning and leave it in while I cook breakfast and do my morning chores, and then take a shower to rinse it out. 

1. Apply hair mask cream evenly and generously over all of your hair. 
2. Massage it in, one section at a time, starting with the roots and moving to the tips. 
3. Gently comb your hair with your fingers to ensure it is covering all your hair. 
4. Wear a shower cap or a towel to avoid dripping. 
5. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours. 
6. Remove the shower cap or towel and rinse out with warm water. 
7. Use all-natural homemade shampoo and conditioner (such as these homemade conditioner bars) to wash hair.  

How often should I use a hair mask? 

It is recommended to use a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment once a week. If your hair is very damaged, usage may be increased to twice a week or more until hair is restored. 

How to store the hair mask? 

It is best to make these recipes for one-time use and avoid storing them. Make a fresh batch when you are ready to apply a hair mask again. 

Looking to stimulate hair growth? Try this aloe vera hair mask for hair growth or DIY hair growth spray.

And if you haven’t checked out some of my other recipes, read one of these next.

• DIY curl enhancing cream
• At home green tea hair rinse
• Apple cider hair rinse DIY
• How to make rosemary oil for hair
• Top 12 hair care products
• How to make a moisturizing hair oil