Whether you’re trying to grow it out, treat the breakage and frizz, or minimize balding, men and women alike spend a surprising amount of time worrying about hair. Hair masks are a popular remedy for many complaints, from dull locks to thinning, and some can be very effective. With price tags that range anywhere from $10 to $60 or more, a quality hair mask doesn’t always come cheap. But what if you could create a fresh, effective natural hair mask in your own kitchen?

avocado hair maskEffective DIY Hair Masks

Many of the ingredients you find in expensive store-bought hair masks – avocado, coconut or olive oil, fatty acids, honey, and aloe vera – may be easily located within your own kitchen. Honestly, how could any bottled variety compete with fresh, pure ingredients? Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Moisture & Shine: Avocado and Banana Mask

Hair feeling dry and lifeless? This combo can infuse moisture and vibrant shine into any hair texture. The amino acids and citric acids in the banana promote shine and vitality, while the fatty acids and vitamins in the avocado moisturize and improve hair texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon of olive or liquid coconut oil

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water

Directions: Blend avocado, banana, and oil in a food processor until smooth. Massage the mixture into hair and scalp and cover with a shower cap. Leave in for 20 – 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo thoroughly. To soothe a dry, flaky scalp and add even more shine, towel-dry hair and apply the apple cider vinegar/ water mixture. Leave in for 2 minutes; then rinse and condition as usual. (Tip: If your coconut oil is not liquid, just place a small amount in a warm place until it is liquid.)

2. Repair & Strengthen: Yogurt and Honey Mask

For damaged, brittle hair, this mask is a life saver. Use full-fat yogurt, which usually has a higher level of protein, a macronutrient that will strengthen and protect weak hair shafts. The lactic acid in yogurt is a natural cleanser that can clear away oily buildup and dead skin cells to revitalize hair. Raw honey can seal in moisture as well as reduce breakage and split ends.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons natural, full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey

Directions: Combine both ingredients and work the mask into your hair from scalp to ends. Make sure to massage the mixture into your scalp and leave in for 15 – 20 minutes. Rinse and wash hair as normal.

For long hair, it may be necessary to double the ingredients.

3. Promote Growth & Treat Balding: Eggs and Olive Oil

Regardless if it’s age-related hair loss or thin hair in general, this mask may reduce hair loss and encourage thicker, faster growth. Eggs are packed with hair-healthy nutrients like protein, minerals, and several B-vitamins. This combination nourishes hair follicles and roots, promoting healthy growth. Olive oil also nurtures hair follicles with fatty acids and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Optional:

  • 1 teaspoon castor oil
  • 1 teaspoon jojoba oil

Directions: Whisk eggs and oil together until well blended. Castor oil and jojoba oil may also be whisked in to encourage blood flow and scalp stimulation. Apply the mixture from scalp to ends and massage into the scalp for several minutes. Leave in for 20 minutes under a shower cap. Rinse hair throughly with cool water and shampoo as normal.

Add-ins

To add potency and additional nutrients to any of the above masks, try including a teaspoon or two of the following all-natural oils:

  • Coconut oil
  • Argan oil
  • Vitamin E oil
  • Chamomile oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Almond oil or almond milk
  • Lavender oil
  • Sandalwood oil
  • Cedarwood oil

Do you have your own secret recipe for a DIY hair mask? Share it with us in the comments below, or read more about all-natural personal care:

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