Like your skin, your hair needs some support and care for it to reach its full potential. Most times, haircare gets left out of the conversation with so many people leaving their hair issues to only worsen. The truth is, your hair can be going through many different kinds of issues. A hair mask is an easy way to refresh and nourish your locks and bring life back into dull looking hair. Whether you have dry, brittle, thin, frizzy hair or somewhere en between, there is hair mask out there that targets that problem. Hair masks can nourish your hair and even strengthen and improve its overall health. To get a great hair mask, you don’t have to spend big bucks. Check out these simple DIY hair masks that include ingredients you may already have at home.
OUR FAVORITE DIY HAIR MASKS
MILK AND HONEY MASK
The milk and honey mask is a simple treatment you can make at home to strengthen fine hair. When combined, milk and honey soften the hair and also strengthen its structure. Honey contains keratin that prevents breakage, which is synonymous with having weak hair. Hair stylist Amy Abramite explains that honey also “encourages cell regeneration for a healthier scalp and has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation.” On the other hand, milk is full of proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and amino acids that contribute to hair health.
For this recipe, mix one or two tablespoons of honey into one cup of milk. You can apply onto the hair directly or with a spray bottle. Once applied, leave the mixture in the hair for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm or lukewarm water.
(Recipe from BeBeautiful and Byrdie)
DIY COCONUT OIL HAIR MASK
It doesn’t get much simpler than a mask with one ingredient. Coconut oil is a solution to many problems, including hair problems. Because of its hydrating power, a coconut oil mask is a great treatment for dry hair. Eliut Rivera, founder of Eliut Salon, claims coconut oil is a great conditioner alternative for those with dry or gray hair because of the “moisturizing and repairing properties, like fatty acids, that deeply penetrate the hair shaft.” The fatty acids found in coconut oil are easily absorbed by the hair.
Warm the coconut oil before using, and apply evenly from the roots to in. Leave in for 20 minutes before washing out the oil thoroughly. Coconut oil can also be used as a 10 minutes treatment before shampooing for extra strength. The amount of coconut oil used will vary between 1-2 tablespoons depending on the thickness of your hair.
(Recipe from Prevention)
DIY EGG WHITE AND LEMON JUICE HAIR MASK
This egg white and lemon juice combination can help treat multiple hair issues. These two ingredients can help get rid of grease and control oil in the scalp, exfoliate dead cells and flaky skin, and also remove dandruff. Eggs are rich in vitamins and proteins that retain luster and add shine to the hair. Lemon juice is also high in Vitamin C and contains antibacterial properties that prevent germs that cause scalp infection.
For this mask, you will need one egg and juice from one lemon. Make sure to separate the egg white from the yolk, and then mix the juice and egg white together. Whisk the mixture until a white foam forms for a better application. Apply the mask directly on your scalp and coat your hair with the remaining mixture. Let the mask sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse with water by shampooing and conditioning your hair like usual.
(Recipe from Bellatory and Woman’s World)
DIY COCONUT OIL AND CINNAMON HAIR MASK
Coconut oil is back on this list because of its hydrating properties. This time, combined with cinnamon, it is a great mask for hair growth. The antimicrobial properties in cinnamon help fight dandruff and hair loss. Cinnamon stimulates hair growth by “[stimulating] circulation to the scalp” and “improving blood flow to the hair follicles.” On top of promoting hair growth, this mask will leave your hair feeling smooth and looking shiny.
This recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix the two ingredients together very well before applying. You may also substitute ground cinnamon for 3 to 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil. Part your hair down the middle and use your fingertips to massage the the mask mixture onto your scalp evenly. Continue by applying the mask through out the rest of your hair, saturating the scalp and ends the most. After the mask is on, tie your hair and cover it with a shower cap or towel. After 30 minutes, finish off by rinsing the mask off with shampoo and conditioner.
(Recipe from Luxy Hair and Woman’s World)
