If you’ve read my post about my experience with the Curly Girl Method, you know I’ve gone down some hair care rabbit holes. One of the best discoveries in these rabbit holes was that I make my own DIY hair masks. This was excellent news considering it seemed like every time I walked into Target I’d come out with a new problem-solving hair mask (and a lighter wallet, sadly).
Today, I’m going to spread the love and show you how to make the best DIY hair masks at home. If your hair is dry, damaged, or frizzy, or you just want to give your follicles some extra love, you’re in the right place!
Why use DIY hair masks?
DIY hair masks are great because there’s one to solve just about any hair problem you can think of. One thing I love about them is you make just enough for one or two uses. Unlike store-bought masks, these don’t end up cluttering your bathroom for months on end.
Another great perk? You get to target exactly the hair issues you’re facing – about as custom as it gets! Heck, make a face mask while you’re at it too! So let’s dive in, shall we? Here are the best DIY hair mask recipes I have found. There’s something for everyone here!
DIY hair masks for dry hair
If you have dry hair, sometimes even daily conditioner isn’t enough. Here are a couple of DIY hair masks for dry hair that can breathe life back into your dry, dull strands.
Honey and olive oil hair mask
This one will leave your hair seriously soft. All you need is ½ cup of honey and ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix the two in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Apply it to your hair and wait 30 minutes before rinsing and shampooing your hair.
Coconut oil hair mask
Sometimes, you only need one ingredient: coconut oil. For thick, dry, hair, there’s simply nothing better. Melt the coconut oil by rubbing it between your hands and use a wide-toothed comb to apply it. Use a teaspoon to a tablespoon, depending on whether you have fine or thick hair. Rinse out after 10 minutes, then shampoo.
Hair mask recipes for damaged hair
We all have to deal with damaged hair from time to time, especially in the summer when the sun, surf, or chlorine can wreak havoc. This DIY hair mask recipe can bring even the most damaged hair back to life.
Rice water hair mask
Rice water can boost your hair’s shine and silkiness, thanks to its nutrient-rich nature. You do need to be careful with a rice water hair mask if your hair is protein-sensitive, as your hair may become dry or break. We have a recipe for you below, but here’s an article with a few ways to make and use rice water if you’re looking for more information.
For a rice water hair mask, soak ½ cup of rice in 3 cups of water for at least 30 minutes. Transfer the water into a jar, bowl, or spray bottle, and apply to your hair after washing. Leave in your hair for up to 20 minutes, then rinse out.
Hair mask recipes for frizz
There’s nothing worse than catching a glimpse of yourself in a mirror and realizing how frizzy your hair is! You can only resort to a messy bun so many days in a row before it’s time to tackle the problem head on. Here are a couple of DIY hair mask recipes that can help to minimize your frizz, keeping your hair silky smooth.
DIY yogurt hair mask
The lactic acid in yogurt helps to hydrate your hair, which helps your damaged follicles recover and reduces frizziness. Mix 1 cup of natural yogurt with a tablespoon of olive oil, apply to your hair for 10 minutes, then rinse out.
Apple cider vinegar hair mask
Apple cider vinegar is a great detangler, and can also help control frizz. Plus, if you’ve dyed your hair, it helps protect coloring and prevents fade. To make an apple cider vinegar hair mask, combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg‘s) with 1 tablespoon of honey in a spray bottle. Mist it onto your hair, wait 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Here’s a helpful post from “Gemma etc” if you want to learn about apple cider vinegar hair masks and why they may be right for your hair.
DIY Clarifying hair masks
Clarifying your hair is an important step in hair care, and one that we sometimes neglect. This DIY clarifying mask help you strip your hair of the build up that accumulates from hair care and styling products.
Aztec (bentonite) clay hair mask
Aztec or bentonite clay is a thick, muddy substance that comes from volcanic ash. It’s great for clearing away toxins, dandruff, and dead skin cells, and also strengthens follicles and controls frizz.
To make an Aztec clay mask, use ½ cup of bentonite clay powder and mix with water until you reach a yogurt-like consistency. Apply to your hair, wait 20-30 minutes, then wash your hair as normal.
Use DIY hair masks to rejuvenate and revitalize your locks!
There’s a DIY hair mask for every occasion. Whether your hair is dry, oily, damaged, frizzy, constantly tangled, flat, or just generally misbehaving, a mask can help restore your luscious locks to their former glory.
Have fun with these recipes, or experiment with your own combination to find the perfect DIY hair mask for you! Looking for more hair content? Check out our posts on how to tell if a short hair cut would look good on you, or our summer hairstyle inspiration. Loving the DIY beauty ideas? Try the DIY lib scrubs and face masks we’ve found, too!
