Picture this: you’re staring at your reflection, running your fingers through hair that feels more like straw than silk. You’ve tried countless products promising miraculous results, only to find your wallet lighter and your hair still lackluster. What if the secret to gorgeous, healthy hair isn’t hiding on expensive salon shelves, but sitting right in your kitchen pantry?

Whether you’re battling brittle ends from too much heat styling, dealing with an oily scalp that seems impossible to balance, or simply wanting to give your hair some extra love, DIY hair masks offer an affordable, chemical-free way to nourish your hair while addressing specific concerns like dryness, damage, oiliness, and lack of shine.

In this blog, we’ll share the benefits of DIY hair masks, common ingredients and their benefits, and recipes for each hair type. 

Why choose DIY hair masks?

DIY hair masks are a cost-effective alternative to expensive salon treatments. With DIY hair masks, you control the ingredients you put in them, so you’re not risking your hair health by subjecting it to harsh chemicals. You don’t have to risk an allergic reaction or scalp sensitivity by not knowing what’s in your hair treatment. 

Additionally, you can customize the masks for your specific hair type and concerns. You can mix up a mask that targets your specific hair challenges, whether breakage, oiliness, or lack of moisture. 

The best part? Most of the ingredients for DIY hair masks are likely already in your fridge or pantry. 

But first, you need to understand your hair type. 

Understanding your hair type

Before deciding which DIY hair mask to make, it’s crucial to identify your hair type to choose the most effective treatment for it: 

• Dry/Damaged Hair: If you have dry or damaged hair, it likely lacks moisture, feels rough, and is prone to breakage. 
• Oily Hair: Oily hair gets greasy quickly, looks limp, and may also have scalp buildup.
• Normal Hair: Normal hair is characterized by balanced moisture and manageable texture. 
• Color-Treated Hair: Color-treated hair requires gentle, color-safe ingredients. 
• Curly/Coily Hair: Curly or coily hair often needs extra moisture and frizz control.

Each hair type will have its own set of ingredients to address its specific challenges. 

Essential DIY Hair Mask Ingredients

For moisturizing (best for dry/damaged or curly/coily hair):

• Avocado: Rich in vitamins E and K, healthy fats
• Coconut oil: Penetrates hair shaft, reduces protein loss
• Honey: Natural humectant, adds shine
• Egg yolks: Protein and healthy fats for strength

For cleansing and clarifying (best for oily or normal hair):

• Apple cider vinegar: Balances pH, removes buildup
• Baking soda: Gentle exfoliation for scalp
• Lemon juice: Natural astringent, adds shine

For strengthening (best for dry/damaged, oily, or color-treated hair):

• Egg whites: Protein for damaged hair
• Greek yogurt: Lactic acid and protein
• Mayonnaise: Combination of eggs and oils

DIY Hair Mask Recipes

Below is a selection of DIY hair masks for each hair type and concern. 

For Dry and Damaged Hair

Avocado Honey Repair Mask

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)

Instructions:

1. Mash avocado until completely smooth
2. Mix in honey and coconut oil until well combined
3. Apply to damp hair from mid-length to ends
4. Cover with shower cap and leave for 20-30 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then shampoo
6. Apply to your hair 2-3 times per week

Benefits: Deep moisture, repairs split ends, adds natural shine

Egg and Olive Oil Intensive Treatment

Ingredients:

2 egg yolks

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Whisk egg yolks until smooth
2. Slowly add olive oil while whisking
3. Stir in honey until fully incorporated
4. Apply to dry hair, focusing on damaged areas
5. Leave for 30-45 minutes under a shower cap
6. Rinse with cool water first, then shampoo

Benefits: Protein strengthening, deep conditioning, heat damage repair

For Oily Hair

Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar Purifying Mask

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons bentonite clay

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Mix clay and apple cider vinegar in a non-metal bowl
2. Add water if mixture is too thick
3. Apply to scalp and roots, avoiding ends
4. Leave for 15-20 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner on ends only
6. Apply to your hair 1-2 times per week

Benefits: Absorbs excess oil, removes buildup, balances scalp pH

For All Hair Types

Banana Smoothie Hair Mask

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth (no lumps!)
2. Apply to damp hair from roots to tips
3. Cover with shower cap for 30 minutes
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
5. Shampoo and condition as usual
6. Apply to your hair 1-2 times per week

Benefits: Universal moisturizer, adds softness and manageability

For Color-Treated Hair

Gentle Coconut Milk Mask

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat)

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Warm coconut milk slightly (not hot)
2. Stir in honey and vanilla
3. Apply to damp hair, avoiding roots if hair is very oily
4. Leave for 20-25 minutes
5. Rinse with cool water to seal color
6. Apply 1-2 times per week

Benefits: Gentle moisture without stripping color, adds shine

DIY hair mask best practices

When using DIY hair masks, keep these best practices in mind:

• Always perform a patch test for new ingredients, especially if they are pH-altering ingredients like lemon juice
• Apply masks to damp (not soaking) hair for better absorption
• Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly
• Focus on mid-lengths and ends unless treating scalp issues
• Cover with a shower cap to prevent dripping and enhance penetration
• Never use hot water to rinse – it can strip natural oils and color
• Follow with a light conditioner if needed
• Make fresh masks for each use when possible
• Store any leftover mask in the refrigerator for a maximum 2-3 days

Stronger, shinier hair starts here

DIY hair masks offer a natural, customizable approach to hair care that can address virtually any hair concern. Start with simple recipes using ingredients you likely have at home, then experiment with combinations that work best for your hair type. With regular use, you’ll notice stronger, shinier, and healthier hair without the expense of salon treatments.

If you’re looking for a hair mask that offers all the benefits of a DIY mask, check out the Copper Chemist Hair Mask. Packed with oils and shea butter, it helps rejuvenate and replenish the scalp, promoting hair density while moisturizing thinning hair and adding volume. Shop now.