10 Easy DIY Hair Masks to Repair Damaged Hair
If you love face masks, you’ll love these homemade hair masks that will deeply condition your hair and give it more bounce and shine. And even though they usually cost big bucks at a salon, many of them can be made with ingredients you already have around the house!
Instant Moisture Mask
Suffering from dry hair? Here’s a surefire way give it the moisture it needs, fast. Mash a banana, then mix it with a teaspoon of olive (or almond) oil. Rub the mixture into your hair and scalp, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off and shampoo and condition as usual. You’ll be amazed by the results!
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Coconut Oil Brightening Hair Mask
Is your hair in need of deep conditioning? Here’s a simple hair mask that has the added benefit of brightening. Place 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on low, just until it starts to liquefy. If you have light-colored hair, stir in 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice. For dark-colored hair, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil instead. Massage into damp hair, and cover with a towel or shower cap for 15–20 minutes, then wash and condition as usual. For an added boost, puncture a vitamin E capsule with a pin, then pour its contents into the warm coconut oil and mix in with either the lemon juice or rosemary essential oil. It’s also great for your scalp!
Easy DIY Hair Volumizer
Here’s an amazing hair treatment to add volume to flat hair whose results you won’t believe it till you try it! All you need is your usual conditioner and some Epsom salts, which are available at most drugstores. Squirt some of the conditioner into a microwave-safe bowl, then add an equal amount of Epsom salts. Mix together, then heat in the microwave on high for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments until it’s warm, which will help your hair absorb the treatment. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual, then add the Epsom salts–conditioner mixture to your hair and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. You’ll love how bouncy and beautiful your hair is when it dries!
Tried-and-True Mayonnaise Mask
Many of you probably already know about this quintessential hair mask that has been passed down from older generations. To deeply condition hair, simple use mayonnaise. Apply several tablespoons of mayonnaise to your scalp, then work it into your hair from the roots down. Leave in for 30 minutes before washing and conditioning as usual. Mayonnaise contains oils and egg proteins that enrich hair and keep it soft and bouncy.
Scalp-Soothing Mask
Do you suffer from scalp itchiness? This mask soothes itchy scalp and keeps it moisturized. Whisk two eggs together in a small bowl, then stir 2 teaspoons each of lemon juice, olive oil, and mayonnaise. Apply to wet hair and let sit for 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual. (If you suffer from dandruff, check out some of our natural dandruff remedies!)
Growth Mask for Thinning Hair
Looking for a natural solution to thinning hair? Massaging specific essentials oils into your scalp can stimulates blood flow in the hair follicles and may spur hair growth. Mix 5 drops each of lavender essential oil and bay essential oil along with 3 tablespoons almond or grape-seed oil. Massage a small amount into the scalp every day, and leave in for 15–20 minutes before rinsing out. You can find essential oils online and at health-food stores.
High Protein Deep-Conditioning Mask
Try this deep conditioning mask that’s full of protein anytime your hair needs a little extra boost. In a small bowl, beat an egg for 1 minute. Then stir in 1 cup plain yogurt and ½ cup apple cider vinegar. Apply to damp hair, and cover with a shower cap. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse out.
Flat Hair Fixer
You may be surprised to learn that beer has practical uses other than guzzling, but it’s true! Not only can it clean wood furniture and get rid of slugs, it’s great at enlivening flat hair. Mix 3 tablespoons of the cheapest beer you can find with ½ cup warm water, and rub the solution into your hair and after shampooing. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing it out, and your hair will get back that lively bounce.
Avocado Moisture Mask
Avocado is not just healthy for your body, it’s also a great moisturizer for the hair. To make a hair mask with it, mash together a ripe avocado with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Work the mask through damp hair, and cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap for 20–30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual for soft, manageable hair.
Honey and Hot Oil Treatment
Give your hair and scalp a treat with an all-natural mask made from honey and olive oil. Mix 2 tablespoons olive or grape-seed oil with 1 tablespoon honey in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave on high in 10 second increments, stirring between each time, until warm. Apply the mask to clean, damp hair, and wrap in a shower cap or warm towel for 20–30 minutes before washing out. Your hair will be smooth, shiny, and ultra soft.
For more great hair tips, check out our Health and Beauty Tips board on Pinterest.
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About the Author
Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.
