While I suffered through horrible breakouts, had terrible fashion sense, and couldn’t speak to a crowd of more than 3 people without breaking out into a cold sweat throughout my teenage years and well into my 20s, I always prided myself with having long, thick, healthy hair. It was one of the few things I liked about myself, and I did everything in my power to maintain its sheen. I never dyed it, permed it, or had it professionally straightened, and while my hairdresser was always on my case to stop washing it so frequently and to cut back on using so many hot tools, I have always been religious about using protective serums and sprays to keep it looking healthy.
For the most part, my diligence has paid off and at 38-years-old, my hair is still in relatively good shape, but when I started experimenting with highlights in an effort to hide the fact that I’m starting to go gray last year, my hair started to change.
It doesn’t shine like it used to.
The ends are dry and brittle.
It’s limp and lifeless.
And after my third highlighting appointment, my hair actually started breaking.
The good news is that age has given me perspective, and while I wish I could turn back the clock and prevent myself from getting those damaging highlights, I have found lots of fabulous homemade hair masks that have helped hydrate and remove impurities from my hair while also protecting against split ends and breakage, all of which have gone a long way in helping to restore the health of my locks.
Check out 12 of my favorite DIY hair masks and raise your glass to healthier hair!
Need a good store bought all-natural hair mask for backup when you don’t have time to DIY your own? I really, really love the Pure Body Naturals Coconut Oil Hair Mask. I don’t love the smell, but I love that is uses only natural ingredients, and that it makes my hair look and feel amazing.
HAIR MASKS FOR DAMAGED HAIR
DIY Avocado Deep Conditioning Hair Mask by Avocados From Mexico
Avocados aren’t just delicious – they’re also rich in natural oils that can help keep your hair hydrated and soft. Use this hair mask once or twice a week and kiss your dry and damaged hair goodbye!
DIY Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Hair Mask by Beauty Hacks
If you suffer from dry, damaged hair that won’t grow, this mask is a must try. Egg yolks offer a fabulous, all-natural conditioning hair treatment, and the moisturizing properties of olive oil will add a little shine for stronger, healthier hair, which will help it grow faster.
Deep Conditioning Banana, Honey, and Coconut Oil Hair Mask by La Coco Bella
This mask is perfect for frizzy-haired gals with color-treated and/or heat-damaged hair. The potassium from the bananas softens the hair beautifully, and coconut oil is said to repair dry, damaged hair better than most man-made treatments you can buy at your local pharmacy or beauty salon.
HAIR MASKS FOR HAIR GROWTH
Cinnamon Hair Mask for Hair Growth by Best of Tips
The antioxidants and vitamins contained in cinnamon are said to condition the scalp and stimulate hair growth, which makes this the perfect hair mask for those who suffer from thinning and/or damaged hair that won’t grow. Just be careful to test the mask on a small portion of your scalp first as cinnamon has a tendency to irritate the skin!
Overnight Coconut Oil Hair Mask by DIY Candy
We’ve already touched on the fact that coconut oil is a fabulous way to treat dry, damaged hair, but did you know its anti-fungal properties are also effective in treating and eliminating dandruff? Using this mask frequently will help heal and strengthen your hair, which will help with long-term hair growth.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth by Wellness Mama
The antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of castor oil combined with its fatty acids and minerals make it a fabulous natural remedy for hair growth. I was a bit skeptical at first as I’ve only ever heard of castor oil being used as a laxative (!!!), but after a bit of research online, it seems there is a lot of merit to this hair treatment. Give it a go!
HAIR MASKS FOR OILY HAIR
DIY Hair Mask for Oily Hair by Momtastic
Whether you have naturally oily hair, or the build-up of multiple hair products is weighing your locks down, this hair mask will remove the excess grime while also restoring the pH balance of your scalp to prevent dandruff.
Lemon Juice and Egg White Hair Mask by Fashion Lady
While egg yolks are fabulous for treating dry, damaged hair, the bacteria-eating enzymes in egg whites make them the perfect, all-natural solution for removing excess oil and dirt from your hair.
Strawberry Hair Mask for Oily Hair by Perfect Skin Care for You
Strawberries are filled with vitamin C, which will give your hair a healthy boost, but did you know they also help control oil production? This is perhaps one of the EASIEST hair masks you’ll ever make, and it’s the perfect solution for greasy hair!
HAIR MASKS FOR SPLIT ENDS
Olive Oil And Honey Hair Mask by STYLECRAZE
As someone who suffers from split ends, I cannot say enough good things about this hair mask. The hydrating properties of olive oil combined with the beauty benefits of honey make this my go-to remedy to prevent hair breakage and add a little shine to my hair. I use it frequently during the winter months!
DIY Papaya Honey Hair Mask by Daily Curlz
High in protein and antioxidants, this papaya-infused hair mask is a fabulous way to treat split ends while also adding a little volume. Leave it in your hair for 30 minutes before washing it out, and you’ll see noticeable results.
DIY Split Ends Repair Treatment by Domestic Bliss Squared
The moisturizing properties of olive oil, honey, egg yolks, and coconut oil make this the perfect deep treatment for dry, brittle hair that is prone to split ends!
