Let’s be honest — our hair has been through a lot. From heat styling and coloring to weather changes and that one time you tried cutting your bangs (we won’t talk about it), your strands deserve a little TLC. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune at the salon to bring your hair back to life.
Enter: DIY hair masks — the ultimate beauty potion made from the good stuff hiding in your kitchen. These homemade wonders are packed with natural nutrients, completely customizable, and cost next to nothing. Whether your hair is dry, oily, frizzy, or feeling a little meh, there’s a mask on this list for you.
So tie your hair back (temporarily), grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get into 7 DIY hair masks we know you’ll love — because great hair days should be every day.
1. Avocado + Honey = Moisture Magic
Best for: Dry, damaged, or curly hair
Why it works: Avocados are rich in healthy fats and biotin, while honey is a natural humectant that draws in moisture. Together, they transform parched hair into silky waves.
Recipe:
-1 ripe avocado
-1 tablespoon honey
-1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in the honey and olive oil until you get a creamy blend. Apply from roots to ends and cover with a shower cap. Let it sit for 30–45 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
Pro tip: Warm the honey slightly for easier mixing and deeper hydration.
2. Banana + Coconut Oil = Frizz Fighter
Best for: Frizzy, unmanageable hair
Why it works: Bananas are rich in potassium and natural oils, which contribute to the softening and strengthening of hair. Coconut oil seals in moisture and adds shine — basically, it’s your frizz-free fairy godmother.
Recipe:
-1 ripe banana
-2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
Blend the banana (no chunks, please!) and mix in coconut oil. Apply it generously to your hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow with shampoo.
Warning: If you don’t blend the banana enough, you will be picking bits out of your hair all day. Learn from our mistakes.
3. Yogurt + Egg = Protein Power Boost
Best for: Weak, thinning, or lifeless hair
Why it works: Hair is made of protein, and this mask brings it right back. Eggs strengthen the strands, while yogurt soothes the scalp and adds shine.
Recipe:
-1 egg
-2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Whisk the egg and mix with the yogurt until smooth. Apply to damp hair and massage into the scalp. Cover with a towel and chill (maybe with a rom-com?) for 20–30 minutes. Wash out with cool water. Do not use hot water unless you want scrambled eggs in your hair. You can use hair serum to minimize the smell of egg.
Optional: Add a teaspoon of honey for extra softness.
4. Oatmeal + Almond Milk + Honey = Soothing Scalp Spa
Best for: Itchy or irritated scalp
Why it works: Oatmeal calms irritation, almond milk nourishes, and honey heals. Think of this one as a facial for your scalp.
Recipe:
-2 tablespoons ground oats
-2 tablespoons almond milk
-1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
Grind oats into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. Mix with almond milk and honey to form a paste. Gently massage into your scalp and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Bonus: Works wonders if you’ve overdone it with dry shampoo lately (we see you).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar + Aloe Vera = Shine Revival
Best for: Dull, greasy, or flat hair
Why it works: Apple cider vinegar balances your scalp’s pH and removes product build-up, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates without making hair oily.
Recipe:
-2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-1 cup water
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. After shampooing, spray generously throughout damp hair. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse. No conditioner needed!
Smell alert: The vinegar smell fades after drying, promise.
6. Castor Oil + Argan Oil = Growth Elixir
Best for: Hair growth and thinning edges
Why it works: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, known to stimulate hair follicles. Argan oil provides vitamin E and fatty acids that strengthen and condition.
Recipe:
-1 tablespoon castor oil
-1 tablespoon argan oil
Instructions:
Mix oils and warm slightly (not hot). Massage into scalp for 5 minutes using circular motions to boost circulation. Leave overnight with a towel on your pillow or wrap your hair in a bonnet. Wash out thoroughly in the morning.
Hot tip: This is a great Sunday night ritual before a week of slaying.
7. Strawberries + Lemon Juice = Oily Hair Fix
Best for: Oily scalp and product build-up
Why it works: Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which controls oil and promotes scalp health. Lemon juice helps clarify and remove residue.
Recipe:
-5 ripe strawberries
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 tablespoon coconut milk (optional, for moisture)
Instructions:
Blend strawberries until smooth. Add lemon juice and coconut milk (if using). Apply to the scalp and roots, then work through the hair. Leave on for 15–20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Heads up: Use this one only once a week to avoid over-drying your scalp.
Final Tips for DIY Hair Mask Success
-Always apply to damp (not soaking wet) hair for better absorption.
-Use a shower cap or wrap in a warm towel to trap heat and enhance penetration.
-Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a gentle shampoo to remove all residue.
-Test on a small patch of hair or scalp if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Wrapping It Up (in a warm towel, preferably)
Whether you’re battling frizz, dealing with damage, or just in need of some self-care, these DIY hair masks are your best-kept secret — and now they’re not so secret anymore. Nature truly has everything your hair craves, and your kitchen might be the most underrated salon in town.
So treat yourself, grab your ingredients, and give your hair the glow-up it’s been waiting for because you deserve to look as good as you feel, starting at the roots.
FAQs
1. How often should I use a DIY hair mask?
Once a week is perfect for most hair types. If your hair is very dry or damaged, you can do it 2 times a week. For oily or fine hair, stick to once every 10–14 days to avoid over-conditioning.
2. Should I apply the mask on clean or dirty hair?
Most masks work best on damp, towel-dried hair that’s free of heavy product buildup. You don’t need to shampoo beforehand unless your hair has a lot of styling products, oils, or dry shampoo residue.
3. Can I store leftover hair masks for later use?
It’s best to make fresh batches each time, especially since they’re made with perishable ingredients. However, masks with just oils (like castor + argan) can be stored in a clean container for 1–2 weeks in a cool, dark place.
4. Will these masks work for color-treated or chemically-treated hair?
Yes! In fact, most of them are perfect for color-treated hair, especially the avocado, yogurt, and oil-based masks. Just be cautious with lemon juice or vinegar-based ones — use them sparingly (1x a month) to avoid stripping color.
5. Can I use a hair mask overnight?
Only oil-based masks like castor oil + argan oil are safe to leave overnight. Anything with food ingredients (yogurt, eggs, fruit, etc.) should be rinsed out after 20–45 minutes to avoid unpleasant smells or scalp irritation.
6. How do I avoid chunks getting stuck in my hair?
Blend everything until silky smooth — especially bananas, strawberries, and oatmeal. A blender or food processor is your best friend here. Chunky masks are hard to rinse and way less fun to clean up!
7. What’s the best way to rinse out a DIY hair mask?
Use lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. If you’ve used oils, you may need to double shampoo. Avoid hot water, especially if your mask includes egg (trust us).
8. Can I mix and match ingredients from different masks?
Yes, as long as the combo suits your hair type and doesn’t cause a reaction. For example, you can add honey to most masks for moisture, or coconut milk to balance clarifying ones like lemon or ACV. Just test a small patch first!
9. Will my hair really see results from kitchen ingredients?
Absolutely — especially when used consistently. Natural ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, aloe vera, and yogurt are rich in nutrients that strengthen, soften, and revive your hair. The results might not be instant salon miracles, but you’ll notice improved texture and shine over time.
10. Can these masks help with hair growth?
While no mask can magically grow hair overnight, ingredients like castor oil, eggs, and aloe vera help create the ideal environment for growth by nourishing the scalp, reducing breakage, and strengthening roots.
Recommended Reads
Hair Growth Secrets: The Vitamins That Really Work
7 Ways To Nourish And Boost Hair Growth
(The article is written by Mantasha, Executive, Clinical Health & Content, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)