12 DIY Banana Hair Masks For All Hair Types: Benefits + Recipes

Use this nutritious fruit to make nourishing hair packs in the comfort of your home.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA  • 

Bananas have a variety of nutritional elements that might help restore damaged strands and hair elasticity. You can prepare smoothing “banana hair masks” by combining several components with a banana. Do you want to learn how to do this hair treatment at home? Look over this list of banana hair masks to see whether they can help you with your hair problems. But first, let’s learn about the benefits of bananas in hair masks.

Benefits Of Banana Hair Masks

Banana hair mask
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  1. Banana is an excellent source of vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and silicon (1), (2).
  2. Silicon compounds (like silica) strengthen the cuticle layer of hair by aligning the tile like components of the outer layer. This provides hair protection from damage and makes the hair shine(3).
  3. The Banana and its peel have antimicrobial properties(4),(5).This suggests that it can help keep fungal infections, like dandruff, away.
  4. It also conditions your mane, improving hair hydration, and replenishes damaged hair endings, making your tresses soft and bouncy (6).

Before we get to the hair masks, there are a few important precautions to take when using bananas in a hair mask.

  • Firstly, make sure the banana is mashed to a pulp. Any chunks of banana will get caught in your hair and become difficult to remove.
  • Secondly, make sure the hair masks don’t dry up completely on your hair. It is easier to remove them when they are damp.
  • Lastly, make sure you don’t have a latex allergy. It has been found that people who are allergic to natural rubber latex are also allergic to foods like banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi, peach, tomato, potato, and bell pepper (7).

Alternate Method

You can boil a mashed banana along with its peel in water for about 10 minutes. The water soaks up all the nutrients from the banana and the peel. You can add this water to hair masks and packs without worrying about banana chunks getting caught in your hair.

Now, let’s get to the banana hair masks.

12 Best DIY Banana Hair Masks For All Hair Types

1. Banana And Avocado Hair Mask

Woman applying banana and avocado hair mask
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Hair Type: Brittle hair

This hair mask is ideal for brittle hair. It contains a high level of proteins that help strengthen hair follicles. Avocado contains fatty acids, niacini  XA form of vitamin B3 used by the body to convert food into energy that keeps the skin and digestive and nervous systems healthy. , folatei  XA natural form of vitamin B9 necessary for healthy cell growth and function and the formation of the red blood cells. , magnesium, potassium, pantothenic acidi  XAn essential nutrient present in plants and animals that helps break down carbohydrates and performs other metabolic activities. , and vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K1 that are important for hair growth (8), (9).

Ingredients

  • ½ ripe avocado
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

  1. Mash the avocado and banana together until there are no lumps left.
  2. Add olive oil to this mixture and mix thoroughly.

How To Apply

  1. Wash your hair and let it air dry completely.
  2. Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mask.
  3. Make sure you coat all your hair from the roots to the tips thoroughly.
  4. Put on a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and shampoo your hair.

2. Banana And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Hair Type: All hair types

Coconut oil has healing properties. Its fatty acids penetrate the hair shafts easily to replenish your locks and increase hair volume (3). This moisturizing hair mask made with banana and coconut oil provides long-lasting shine and hydration to your locks and aids hair growth.

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Preparation

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add the coconut oil and coconut milk, and mix the ingredients into a creamy paste.

How To Apply

  1. Shampoo and dry your hair before you apply this hair mask. Make sure it is 70% dry.
  2. Section your hair and start applying the mask from the roots to the tips.
  3. Make sure to cover your entire scalp and all your hair.
  4. Put on a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash your hair with water and shampoo it as usual.

3. Banana And Egg Hair Mask

Banana and egg hair mask
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Hair Type: Dry and oily hair

This mask is meant to keep your tresses shiny and provide adequate hair nourishment. A study has found that the peptides in egg yolk improve hair growth (10). Eggs are also one of the best sources of protein, which is a key factor for hair growth (11). For this hair mask, use only the egg yolk if you have dry hair, use only the egg white if you have oily hair, and use both the yolk and white if you have normal hair.

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Preparation

  1. Mash the banana with a fork.
  2. Beat the eggs in a bowl.
  3. Add the olive oil and honey.
  4. Mix all the ingredients in a blender.
  5. Use a muslin cloth to strain the blend, making sure that there are no banana lumps left in the mixture.

How To Apply

  1. Divide your hair into sections and apply the mask to your scalp, hair, and tips.
  2. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for an hour.
  3. Rinse off the mask with cold water and shampoo.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Using eggs for hair may leave an unpleasant odor. Rinse your hair with a water-vinegar solution to get rid of the smell.

4. Banana And Olive Oil Hair Mask

Hair Type: Damaged and frizzy hair

This hair mask conditions every hair strand on your head. Olive oil has rich moisturizing properties that help minimize breakage, split ends, and hair loss (6). You can replace your regular conditioner with this hair mask as it gives you soft and silky hair within a couple of applications.

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation

  1. Blend the ripe banana until there are no chunks left.
  2. Add olive oil to this banana paste and mix thoroughly.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl.

How To Apply

  1. Section your hair and start applying the mixture from the roots with the help of a hair color brush.
  2. Slather as much of the hair mask as you can, covering every bit of your scalp and hair.
  3. Tie your hair in a loose bun and cover it with a shower cap to prevent dripping.
  4. Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse the mask off with cold water before shampooing your hair.

5. Banana And Argan Oil Hair Mask

Hair Type: All hair types

Argan oil is known to be highly nutritive as it contains fatty acids and vitamin E. It can prevent scabiesi  XA contagious skin condition that occurs when tiny mites burrow into the surface of the skin and cause an intensely itchy skin rash. , hair loss, and dry hair. It also has antioxidant properties that may promote scalp health (12). Overall, this hair mask is ideal for strengthening your hair and maintaining a healthy scalp.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe banana
  • 3 tablespoons argan oil

Preparation

  1. Mash the banana into a fine paste.
  2. Add argan oil to this paste and mix well.

How To Apply

1. Apply this mask to your scalp and cover each hair strand from the root to the tip.
2. Tie your hair up and put on a shower cap.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse off the mask with water and shampoo your hair.

6. Banana And Honey Hair Mask

Banana and honey hair mask
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Hair Type: Dry and weak hair

This hair mask is ideal for thin and fine hair. Honey is a natural humectant and hair conditioner. Thus, it adds moisture and shine to dull and limp hair (13). It helps in the management of seborrheic dermatitisi  XA common skin condition that causes scaly patches and inflamed skin and mainly affects the oily areas of the body like the scalp.  and dandruff with its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties (14). It is also great for hair strengthening (15).

Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon honey
  • 1 ripe banana

Preparation

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl until you have a soft and creamy paste.
  2. Add the honey to your mashed banana and mix it in well.

How To Apply

  1. Shampoo your hair and let it dry.
  2. Part your hair into sections and apply the hair mask from the roots to the tips with the help of a hair color brush.
  3. Concentrate more on the tips.
  4. Tie your hair in a bun and cover it with a shower cap.
  5. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
  6. Wash it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.

7. Banana And Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Hair Type: Weak and shineless hair

Aloe vera contains vitamins A, B, C, and E (16). It helps preserve hair endings and prevent hair loss, dandruff, alopeciai  XAn autoimmune disorder that causes patchy baldness due to hair loss in clumps anywhere on the body but mainly scalp. , and other types of baldness. It also enhances your natural hair color and conditions your hair (6). The vitamin B 12 in aloe vera prevents premature graying of hair and hair loss (17).

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized bananas
  • 1 aloe vera leaf

Preparation

  1. Scoop out the pulp from the aloe vera leaf.
  2. Transfer the aloe vera pulp and bananas to a blender.
  3. Blend the mixture thoroughly, leaving no lumps.

How To Apply

  1. Shampoo your hair and let it air dry.
  2. Start applying the mixture with a hair color brush.
  3. Get the mixture deep into your roots and coat your entire scalp and all your hair.
  4. Put your hair up in a loose bun and cover it with a shower cap.
  5. Let it sit for 2 hours.
  6. Wash your hair with cold water and shampoo it thoroughly.

8. Banana And Yogurt Hair Mask

Hair Type: Damaged, shineless, and dry hair

Yogurt has been shown to aid split end treatment. It also rejuvenates damaged hair, prevents baldness, enhances your hair color, and helps in hair conditioning (6).

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2-3 tablespoons yogurt

Preparation

  1. Cut the banana into pieces and transfer them to a blender.
  2. Add the yogurt and blend the ingredients into a paste.
  3. Strain the paste to remove all lumps.

How To Apply

  1. Apply this paste from the roots to the tips of your hair.
  2. Concentrate more on the scalp and the tips.
  3. Tie your hair up and cover it with a shower cap.
  4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse the mask off with water
  6. And shampoo your hair as usual.

9. Banana And Carrot Hair Mask

Banana and carrot hair mask ingredients
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Hair Type: Dry and damaged hair

Your hair can get dry and brittle during harsh winters. Use this mask to protect it from breakage and split ends. When ingested, carrots are known to promote hair health (18). However, there is no scientific evidence that the topical application of carrots promotes hair growth. Regardless, it is widely used in homemade hair masks.

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1 medium-sized carrot
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

  1. Chop the carrot and banana into small pieces.
  2. Boil them in water.
  3. Put the soft pieces into a blender along with the yogurt and honey.
  4. Blend well until you get a smooth paste.

How To Apply

  1. Apply this mask onto your scalp and all along the length of your hair.
  2. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 45 minutes.
  3. Rinse your hair with cold water and wash it with a mild shampoo.

10. Banana And Papaya Hair Mask

Hair Type: Weak and thin hair

Papaya is often used as a natural hair care ingredient and conditioner. However, it is recommended to be used in small quantities as it releases a latex fluid that can cause irritation (19). It contains iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These nutrients help in the prevention of hair loss (17), (20). Papayas and their extracts also have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties (21), (22), (23). This suggests that it may help in the treatment of dandruff and other scalp infections. An in vitro study showed that papaya may stimulate hair growth as well (23). On the whole, this hair mask acts as a natural conditioner, making your hair softer and shinier with every use.

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1/4 ripe papaya
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Preparation

  1. Cut the banana and papaya into tiny pieces
  2. And mash them thoroughly.
  3. Add the honey to the mashed mixture and blend until there are no lumps left.

How To Apply

  1. Cover every inch of your scalp with this hair mask.
  2. Apply it to your hair from the root to the tips.
  3. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes
  4. Rinse off the mask with cold water and shampoo your hair.

11. Banana And Milk Hair Mask

Hair Type: Thin hair

This hair mask is the best and easiest way to keep your hair nourished. Applying this hair mask twice a week can improve your hair texture. Milk is high in protein vitamin A, and vitamin B12 that can reduce hair loss (17), (20), (24).

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • Milk (as required)

Preparation

1. Cut the banana into small pieces.
2. Add milk to it and mash the ingredients until you have a thick, creamy paste.

How To Apply

  1. Apply this hair mask on clean hair.
  2. Start from the roots and work your way to the tips. Coat your entire scalp with this mask.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair thoroughly with water to get rid of the stickiness.
  5. Shampoo your hair as usual.

12. Banana And Fenugreek Hair Mask

Hair Type: Weak, dry, and thin hair

If you are looking for a natural and herbal way to rejuvenate your hair and stimulate growth, this mask is the way to go. Fenugreek is effective against hair fall and dandruff. It contains a large amount of proteins and lecithin that make your hair healthy and strong (25).

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons of fenugreek powder
  • ½ a teaspoon of honey

Preparation

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add the fenugreek powder and honey to the bowl
  3. Mix it into a paste.

How To Apply

  1. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
  2. Make sure that the paste is evenly distributed.
  3.  Leave it on for about 30-45 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  5. Follow it up with your regular shampoo.
  6. Use it once a week for best results.

A blogger who writes under the pseudonym Elitebeauty13 tried an oatmeal banana hair mask to improve her hair health. She writes, “While applying the mask to my hair, I immediately noticed that my curls and ringlets were becoming well-defined. My hair felt stronger, softer, and smoother. It was a shiner. And the dry scalp I was experiencing in the front of my head is currently nonexistent (i).”


Learn how to make a banana and yogurt hair mask for silky and shiny hair. Get healthy and smooth hair at home with this easy hair mask by watching the video below.

Infographic: 5 Banana Hair Masks For Different Hair Conditions And Types

The banana is a powerhouse ingredient, and you can use it in numerous ways for your hair. However, you need to consider your hair type before you whip up a hair mask using a banana, as the other ingredients are suitable for varied hair conditions. Check out the following infographic for a handy guide to the different masks and the particular hair conditions they are most suitable for.

5 banana hair masks for different hair conditions and types (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version
protip_icon Quick Tip
Limit mask usage to once or twice a week. Overusing banana masks may over-hydrate hair, which may lead to breakage.

Bananas are packed with nutrients that can strengthen the hair strands and increase hair shine. They also protect your tresses from fungal infections and aid hair repair. They help in hair rejuvenation and conditioning. When making a mask, remember to thoroughly mash the banana to avoid any clumpy bits from getting stuck to your strands. You can make a DIY hair mask with simple ingredients like banana, olive oil, egg, avocado, yogurt, and honey. But, banana masks must be avoided by people with a latex allergy, so be sure to perform a patch test to check for allergic or adverse reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do banana peels help with hair growth?

Yes. Banana peels are said to have antioxidant properties like the fruit itself and, therefore, may help with hair growth.

Do bananas straighten hair?

No. Bananas cannot straighten naturally curly hair. But, anecdotal evidence suggests that banana masks have hair softening properties that temporarily aid frizz control and make your tresses appear slightly straight and smooth.

How often should I use a banana hair mask?

You may use a banana hair mask once or twice a week. However, avoid using it more than that. While there are no known disadvantages of banana hair masks, their excess usage may lead to product buildup.

Key Takeaways

  • A banana hair treatment is the best solution to make your hair strong, shiny, and bouncy.
  • The magnesium, potassium, and silicon present in this mask can help you solve several hair care woes.
  • You can prepare the banana hair mask by combining ingredients like honey, olive oil, egg, and argan oil.
  • Use it once or twice a week to increase hair thickness and shine.
banana hair mask

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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  3. Hair Cosmetics: An Overview ( 2015), International Journal Of Trichology, US National Library Of Medicine,
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  4. Evaluation Of The Antimicrobial Properties Of Unripe Banana (Musa sapientum L.), Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus S.) And Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) On Pathogens, African Journal Of Biotechnology.
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  8. Hass Avocado Composition And Potential Health Benefits, Critical Reviews In Food Science And Nutrition, US National Library Of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23638933
  9. Diet And Hair Loss: Effects Of Nutrient Deficiency And Supplement Use, Dermatology Practical And Conceptual, US National Library Of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
  10. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production (2018), Journal Of Medicinal Food.
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2017.4101?cookieSet=1
  11. Eggs, Grade A, Large, egg white, FoodData Central, US Department of Agriculture.
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/747997/nutrients
  12. Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells (2013), Evidence Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, US National Library Of Medicine.
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  14. Therapeutic And Prophylactic Effects Of Crude Honey On Chronic Seborrheic Dermatitis And Dandruff (2001), European Journal Of Medical Research, US National Library Of Medicine,
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11485891
  15. Medicinal And Cosmetic Uses Of Bee’s Honey – A Review (2012), International Quarterly Journal Of Ayurveda, US National Library Of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/
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  17. The Role Of Vitamins And Minerals In Hair Loss: A Review, Dermatology And Therapy, US National Library Of Medicine.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
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  20. Endogenous Retinoids In The Hair Follicle And Sebaceous Gland, Department Of Human Nutrition, US National Library Of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21914489
  21. Therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract in the management of human diseases https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7704890/
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