Try These DIY Hair Masks to Treat Dry, Brittle Strands
Hate to break it to you, but there are myriad sneaky ways that you might be damaging your hair. There are plenty of hair masks on the market to treat dry hair, but why shell out $$$ on a product when you could concoct your own mask at home? A DIY hair mask for dry hair is easy to make using ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen right now — think: yogurt, avocado, and olive oil.
Below, seven simple recipes for DIY hair masks to help revive dry or damaged hair — one is sure to fit your hair needs. The best part? If one doesn't work for you, you can simply try another one.
Related: Hair Slugging May Be the Solution for Shinier, Healthier Hair
Protein Hair Mask
Strawberries + Egg Yolk + Olive Oil
The antioxidants in strawberries add moisture and shine to your hair, while the egg yolk contains protein to strengthen the strands. Hold off on this protein mask until you have time for a long, relaxing shower, though — the purée can be difficult to wash out with just one rinse.
Recipe courtesy of Taylor Bradford
Moisturizing Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Banana + Avocado + Coconut Oil
Rather than banana bread, save your overripe bananas for a moisturizing DIY hair mask for dry hair. The potassium and natural oils in bananas soften the hair and protect its elasticity to prevent split ends and breakage — meaning, it's a savior for brittle, damaged hair. Plus, avocados are packed with vitamin B, which promotes hair growth and improves the strength of the hair. (And avocados are packed with health benefits when you, you know, eat them.)
Recipe courtesy of Bird's Eye Meeple
Deep Cleaning ACV Hair Mask
Yogurt + Apple Cider Vinegar + Lemon
This hair mask recipe is ideal for deep cleaning product buildup, as the lemon and apple cider vinegar act as an astringent to wash away excess oil. Meanwhile, the zinc and lactic acids in yogurt have moisturizing properties to soften your strands. Pro tip: Dilute the lemon with water if you don't want to accidentally lighten your hair color.
Recipe courtesy of But First, Coffee
Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Coconut Oil + Jojoba Oil + Peppermint Essential Oil
There are about a million uses in your beauty routine for coconut oil, and it makes sense when you hear the benefits. Coconut oil penetrates the hair to deeply moisturize, instead of just coating the top layer. Jojoba oil is also a powerhouse for intense hydration, and the peppermint essential oil is anti-inflammatory so it can soothe dandruff and itching. (Bonus: While it's on, this mask will smell amazing.)
Related: Why Your Scalp Is So Itchy and Dry — and How to Find Relief
Recipe courtesy of Homemade for Elle
Dry, Damaged Hair Mask
Avocado + Honey + Olive Oil
The fats and oils in avocado and olive oil that make them great for your body are also great for your hair. These ingredients repair dry, brittle hair and protect your hair from further damage — a great option if you're an avid user of your blow-dryer and hot tools. Plus, the enzymes in raw honey will give hair that shampoo-commercial shine.
Recipe courtesy of Wholefully
Softening Pumpkin Hair Mask
Pumpkin + Coconut Oil
This simple, two-ingredient moisturizing hair mask is the perfect use for that extra pumpkin purée left over from your pumpkin bread or smoothie recipe. You'll simply blend that vitamin-rich pumpkin with coconut oil, let it sit in your hair for 20 minutes under a shower cap, and rinse.
Recipe courtesy of Maile Pacheco, founder of beGlammed beauty app
Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados + Honey + Lemon + Olive Oil + Essential Oil
This mask — created by stylist and hair expert Andrew Fitzsimons — blends a handful of common household ingredients with essential oils for a spa-worthy experience. The avocado acts as a natural detangler and moisturizer, lemon is an antibacterial dandruff remedy, olive oil serves as a natural conditioner and heat protectant, and honey strengthens the hair follicle.
Related: What Causes Frizzy Hair and How to Deal, According to a Hairstylist
Recipe courtesy of Poosh
