11 DIY Protein-Rich Hair Masks And Their Benefits

Skip that expensive trip to the salon with some homemade recipes that nourish your hair.

Medically reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS
Written by Shaheen Naser, MSc
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Made up of chains of proteins such as amino acids and keratin, constantly exposed to dust, chemicals, and the forces of nature can deprive your hair of these essential proteins (1). Since going to the salon for treatment can be an expensive affair, you can try some DIY protein-rich hair masks at home. While several salon treatments can give your hair the nutrients it needs, applying homemade hair masks at home is cheaper and practical in the long run. With the right combination of ingredients, you can restore your hair with keratin and make it strong and hydrated. Homemade hair masks also help restore hair thickness, elasticity, and volume and improve your overall hair texture. Before you make your protein hair mask, knowing your hair type is essential to it working right. If you have dry and brittle hair, conditioning it with some hydrating ingredients can bring back life to your hair. If your hair keeps falling off every time you wash it, your hair needs some protein to give it strength and durability. Natural ingredients such as avocado, yogurt, egg, mayonnaise, and coconut milk are rich in protein and can be used as an essential part of your hair mask. In this article, we explore some of the best and simple DIY protein hair masks you can make in the comfort of your home.

Homemade Protein Hair Packs

1. Egg-Yogurt Hair Pack

Yogurt and raw egg for preparing protein-rich hair masks
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Image: Shutterstock

Eggs are power-packed with proteins and leave your hair feeling smooth and shiny. They also help promote hair growth (2). Yogurt is rich in probiotics that can enhance hair health (3). This pack can make your hair soft and silky.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt

Method

  1. Beat the egg and yogurt in a bowl until you get a smooth paste. (If your hair is extremely dry, use the yolk. If it is oily, use the egg white. If you have normal or combination hair, use the whole egg.)
  2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse out the hair pack with cool water.
  4. Shampoo and condition your hair.
  5. You can use this hair pack up to twice a week.

Note: You can add a few drops of any fragrant essential oil, such as lavender, to the hair pack to avoid the smell.

2. Egg Yolk-Honey Hair Pack

This is one of the best hair packs to use if your hair lacks moisture and protein. The egg gives your hair the protein it needs, while the almond oil contains essential fatty acids that can help soften your hair (2), (4). Honey conditions your hair and seals in moisture and improves conditions like dandruff and hair loss (5), (6). It is also an excellent way to give yourself some natural highlights, thanks to the bleaching properties of honey.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon almond oil

Method

  1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a mixture of smooth consistency.
  2. Apply the pack to your hair and leave it in for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Rinse out the pack with cool water.
  4. Shampoo and condition.
  5. You can use this pack up to twice a week.

Note: Do not use this hair pack if you have oily hair. Do not leave the pack in for more than 20 minutes as honey has bleaching properties that can lighten your hair color if left in too long.

3. Avocado-Coconut Milk Hair Pack

Coconut milk is a rich source of protein, while avocados contain vitamins A, B, and E, all of which are vital for hair health. This pack also boosts the production of collagen, which promotes hair growth. Olive oil contains squalene that conditions your hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky (7).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method

  1. Mash the avocado until there are no lumps.
  2. Add the coconut milk and olive oil to it. Mix until you get a smooth consistency.
  3. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
  4. Leave it in for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash off with shampoo and condition.

Note: Do not use this pack if you have oily hair as the avocado can weigh your hair down.

4. Coconut Milk Hair Treatment

Coconut milk and fresh coconuts are rich sources of protein
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Image: Shutterstock

Coconut milk is packed with saturated fatty acids and vitamins B, C, and E. It conditions your hair while filling in the damaged protein spots. This is also considered as the best protein treatment for hair as it tackles dandruff effectively while promoting healthy hair growth.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

3 tablespoons coconut milk

Method

  1. Heat the coconut milk on a low flame for about a minute until it is warm.
  2. Massage the warm coconut milk into your scalp and apply it to your hair.
  3. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the coconut milk overnight.
  4. Shampoo and condition the next day.
  5. You can repeat this twice a week.

Note: Do not overheat the coconut milk as it may scald your scalp.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can make your own coconut milk at home. Blend 2 cups of shredded coconut with 4 cups of hot water. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or strainer to remove the extra particles.

5. Banana-Avocado Hair Pack

Banana and avocado for preparing protein-rich hair masks
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Image: IStock

Bananas contain potassium, natural oils, vitamins, and carbohydrates that nourish and soften your hair and strengthen it (8). Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids (9). These can coat your hair shaft and help it retain moisture and texture (10).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
  • 1 teaspoon rose oil

Method

  1. Mash the avocado and banana until they are no lumps. Add the oils to this mixture and mix well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
  3. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
  4. Shampoo and condition.
  5. Apply this pack once a week. Do it twice a week for hair that is extremely dry.

Note: Do not use this pack if your hair is oily.

6. Mayonnaise-Avocado Hair Pack

Mayonnaise and avocado mixture for DIY protein-rich hair masks
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Image: IStock

Mayonnaise contains eggs that are packed with proteins that provide nourishment to your hair. It can also help eliminate head lice (11).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 ripe avocado

Method

  1. Mash the avocado and add the mayonnaise to it. Mix well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
  3. Rinse it out with cool water.
  4. Shampoo and condition.
  5. Apply this protein mask for hair once a week.

Note: Do not use this mask if you have oily hair.

7. Avocado-Egg Pack

This pack is hydrating and nourishing for your hair. Olive oil is a natural conditioner that leaves your hair feeling soft. The proteins present in the eggs, combined with the vitamins in avocado, provide your hair with the right amount of nourishment.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 egg
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

Method

  1. Mash the avocado and mix it with the other ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and wait for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
  4. Shampoo and condition your hair.
  5. Use this pack once a week. You can use it twice for hair that is extremely dry and damaged.

Note: Do not use this pack more than once a week if you have oily hair.

8. Yogurt-Cream-Egg Hair Pack

Yogurt, cream, and an egg for preparing protein-rich hair masks
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Image: IStock

A hair pack that contains yogurt is excellent for cleaning your scalp and hair shafts. It removes build-up while moisturizing and nourishing your hair (12).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon cream
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt

Method

  1. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the hair pack to your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
  4. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
  5. Shampoo and condition your hair.
  6. Use this pack twice a week for dry hair.

Note: Do not use this pack more than once a week for oily hair.

9. Avocado-Coconut Oil Hair Pack

Coconut oil has penetrative properties that repair your hair from the inside. It also contains fatty acids that reduce protein loss from hair (13). In combination with avocado, it makes for an excellent hair pack that makes your hair healthy and strong.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

  1. Mash the avocado and add the coconut oil and mix until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for 45 minutes.
  3. Wash your hair with shampoo and condition.
  4. Use this pack once a week.

Note: Do not use this hair pack for oily hair.

10. Mayonnaise-Egg Hair Pack

Both mayonnaise and egg are rich in protein. This pack is fantastic for taming frizzy hair.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Method

  1. Combine the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for 30-45 minutes.
  3. Wash off with shampoo and condition.
  4. Use this pack once a week.

Note: For combination hair, apply this pack from the mid-lengths of your hair.

11. Coconut Milk And Banana Hair Pack

Coconut milk is rich in protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals (14). These essential nutrients may make your hair appear bouncy and shiny. Bananas contain potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins, and natural oils that may strengthen and soften your strands and promote hair growth (8), (15). This hair pack is suitable for limp, damaged hair.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe banana
  • ½ cup coconut milk

Method

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl and add the coconut milk to it.
  2. Mix them to form a smooth, creamy paste.
  3. Apply the paste to your hair from roots to tips and leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
  5. Use this hair pack once a week.

A blogger going by the name Madame Naturale discusses how to create the ultimate homemade hair mask for super dry and frizz-prone hair . She writes, “I’ve tried several homemade masks. The avocado is a really good one and bananas are the best against Frizz, but it is so difficult to remove them from the hair that I had to stop using them (i)”.

Infographic: 5 Signs Your Hair Needs Protein Treatment

Before adding protein masks to your hair care routine, you must determine if your hair lacks and needs protein. This is to ensure you do not add more protein to your hair than needed and cause more harm than good. Check out the infographic to learn about the signs that tell you if your hair really needs a good dose of protein.

5 signs your hair needs protein treatment (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version
protip_icon Quick Tip
Use a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution of the mask throughout your hair.

Hair is composed of proteins like keratin and amino acids which may get depleted due to environmental stress, pollution, dietary deficiencies, and the use of harsh chemicals in beauty products. Hair strands deficient in protein appear dull, dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Using these homemade beauty masks are a great way to help with hair restoration and rejuvenation and replenish it with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong. Natural ingredients like yogurt, eggs, avocado, mayonnaise, and coconut oil used in the DIY masks discussed here can help prevent hair fall, make your hair stronger, revive its shine, and help with strengthening, hydrating, and softening your hair cuticles. However, consult a doctor to check for underlying conditions if these natural remedies fail to improve the health of your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rice water a protein treatment?

Yes, rice water is a liquid protein treatment as it contains amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

What does hair with protein deficiency look like?

Hair that is deficient in protein looks flat, stringy, or limp. It also easily snaps when stretched.

Why does my hair feel like cotton candy?

Your hair may feel like cotton candy and mushy or gummy if it lacks protein.

How can you tell if your hair has too much protein?

You can tell that your hair has too much protein if it feels dry, stiff, brittle and dull, has too many split ends, or falls out more than usual.

Does low protein make your hair fall out?

Yes, prolonged protein deficiency can make your hair fall out and become thin.

Key Takeaways

  • Mayonnaise, yogurt, eggs, and coconut oil may help prevent hair fall and revive hair’s shine.
  • A banana avocado mask may help hydrate and nourish your hair.
  • Olive oil and egg might make an excellent nourishing hair pack.
  • Applying a mayonnaise-avocado pack may help eliminate head lice.
  • Yogurt may help clean the scalp and hair shafts.


Learn how to make a protein-rich hair mask to achieve thicker and longer hair! Watch this video to know more about this homemade protein hair mask. Tune in now!

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.

  1. The human keratins: biology and pathology, Histochemistry and Cell Biology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2386534/
  2. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production, Journal of medicinal food, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29583066
  3. Probiotic Bacteria Induce a ‘Glow of Health’, Public Library of Science one, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/
  4. Indian medicinal plants: For hair care and cosmetics, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Academia.
    https://www.academia.edu/9066861/Indian_medicinal_plants_For_hair_care_and_cosmetics
  5. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review, Ayu, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/
  6. Therapeutic and Prophylactic Effects of Crude Honey on Chronic Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff, European Journal of Medical Research, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485891
  7. Critical Review on the Significance of Olive Phytochemicals in Plant Physiology and Human Health, Molecules, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150410/
  8. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Phytojournal.
    https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf
  9. Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Taylor and Francis Online.
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2011.556759
  10. Hair and amino acids: the interactions and the effects, Journal of Cosmetic Science, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17728935
  11. Prevention and treatment of head lice in children, Paediatric Drugs, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10937452
  12. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  13. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage, Journal of Cosmetic Science, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
  14. Coconut Milk
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170172/nutrients
  15. Evaluation of hair growth promoting activity of Musa paradisiaca unripe fruit extract, Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272895983_Evaluation_of_hair_growth_promoting_activity_of_Musa_paradisiaca_unripe_fruit_extract
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