There are many factors that may cause hair damage; these include over washing, heat, stress, medications, bleaching and so on. Damaged hair is fragile, which can lead to breakage, frizz, dandruff, frays, and reduced growth. While we can opt for heat protective sprays and loose hairstyles to mitigate the risk, hair damage is often unavoidable. So, when our locks for worse for wear… what’s the solution? DIY hair masks, of course!
The best way to treat damaged hair is through natural hair masks that are gentle with follicles, strands and ends. Not only are natural ingredients better for the environment, they are also less likely to irritate your hair and scalp; they remove excess oil, dirt and skin without stripping necessary natural oils.
Natural hair masks are extremely easy to create – and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry! Here are 6 of the best DIY hair masks for damaged hair.
Castor oil hair mask
What does it treat?
Frizz and flyaways.
How to make a castor oil hair mask
Rub a dab of castor oil between your hands before applying a thin layer over the frizzy parts of your hair.
How does it work?
This DIY hair mask for frizzy hair uses castor oil to fortify strands to make them stronger; its fatty ricinoleic acid also conditions hair to make it smooth, reducing pesky flyaways.
Hot shea butter and coconut oil hair mask
What does it treat?
Dry hair.
How to make a hot shea butter and coconut oil hair mask
Add 1/3 cup coconut oil and 1/3 cup shea butter to a heat-proof bowl. Microwave a bowl of water until it is almost boiling. Place the heat-safe bowl on top of the water until it melts. While the oil and butter are still warm, run it through your hair (avoiding the roots) and let it sit for an hour before washing.
How does it work?
The high content of vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter and coconut oil richly nourish and moisturise hair, making it the ideal DIY hair mask for dry hair. It also reduces shedding and helps with hair growth.
Honey, banana, egg and olive oil hair mask
What does it treat?
Thin hair.
How to make a honey, banana, egg and olive oil hair mask
Blend 2 egg yolks, 2 peeled ripe bananas, 2-3 tbsps honey and 2 tbsps olive oil until pureed. Coat your hair in the mixture and leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
How does it work?
This protein-based treatment works to plump thin strands. Bananas are rich in amino acid, while eggs improve elasticity and thickness.
Avocado and rosemary oil hair mask
What does it treat?
Promotes hair growth.
How to make an avocado and rosemary oil hair mask
Combine a ripe avocado, 1 tbsp rosemary oil, 1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 whisked egg yolk. Apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, then cover for 10-20 minutes before washing your hair.
How does it work?
Avocados are rich in amino acids, as well as vitamins B and E which help strengthen hair. Rosemary oil is also known to stimulate growth – so your locks will be looking great in no time!
Coconut oil, sugar and essential oil hair mask
What does it treat?
Dandruff.
How to make a coconut oil, sugar and essential oil hair mask
Mix together 1 tbsp raw unrefined coconut oil, 2 tsps raw sugar, 5 drops peppermint oil and 2 drops tea tree oil in a bowl. While in the shower, section clean but damp hair into 2-inch groups and use your fingers (or a brush) to apply the mask. Massage your scalp for 1-3 minutes before clipping your hair up for the rest of your shower.
How does it work?
The sugar breaks down to glycolic acid which dissolves dead skin cells. Meanwhile, the coconut oil has fatty acids and anti-inflammatory benefits. The peppermint oil helps with circulation to the scalp. And the tea tree oil helps reduce the risk of fungi and bacteria.
Almond oil, mayonnaise and yoghurt hair mask
What does it treat?
Dry scalp.
How to make an almond oil, mayonnaise and yoghurt hair mask
Combine 2 tbsps almond oil, 2 tbsps mayonnaise and 1 tsp yoghurt in a bowl before applying to the scalp. Leave for 15-30 minutes before rinsing out.
How does it work
Almond oil works to keep the skin barrier strong and hydrated, making it a very moisturising DIY hair mask. Meanwhile, mayonnaise and yoghurt have anti-inflammatory properties, and the latter even helps with flyaways!
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