DIY Avocado Hair Masks: Benefits And How To Use For Dry Hair

Bid goodbye to dryness by using these easy hair masks prepared in the comfort of your home.

Medically reviewed by Vd. Babita Sharma, BAMS Vd. Babita Sharma Vd. Babita SharmaBAMS facebook_icon
Written by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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Avocados are not simply delicious; they are also good for your skin and hair. So, today’s topic is a DIY avocado hair mask, a beauty expert’s perfect companion, and one of the simplest deep conditioning remedies in any beauty armory.

Dryness causes splitting, hair fall, roughness, and overall unhealthy hair. For some folks, conditioning their hair throughout washes does not seem to be sufficient. That’s where these avocado hair masks, which are highly moisturizing and nutrient-dense, come in handy.

Conditioners bought from stores may not do much for your hair other than cover the strands with siliconei  A conditioning polymer added to hair care products to coat the hair shaft for a smooth, shiny texture. , which builds up over time. The only method to save brittle, damaged hair is to use products that hydrate and restore your locks from the inside. And avocado is one substance that can help restore damaged, dry hair to its former beauty. Continue reading to learn how.

Is Avocado Good For Your Hair?

Avocado hair mask for nourishment
Image: Shutterstock

To put it simply, yes! Avocado is a potent ingredient for treating dryness and damage, and it can benefit your hair in the following ways:

  • Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids (1). These can coat your hair shaft and help it retain moisture and texture (2). The natural oils in the fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit) provide your hair with long-lasting and deep hydration.
  • It contains vitamins A, B2, D, and E, beta-carotene, and minerals like copper and iron (1). These nutrients help nourish your hair and scalp and promote healthy hair growth (3).
  • Avocado contains vitamin E that has antioxidant properties, which can help prevent hair damage from free radicalsi  Reactive oxygen species formed as by-products during cellular oxidation, capable of causing oxidative stress and hair damage.  (4), (5). This can keep your hair healthy for longer.
  • It helps repair damage by conditioning and providing your hair with the essential nutrients it needs to be healthy.
  • The fruit is rich in biotini  A form of vitamin B that aids the metabolization of nutrients derived from food and ensures healthy skin and hair growth. , which is shown to help stimulate new hair growth (6).

Note:

There are not enough scientific studies on the effects of avocado on dry hair. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many people have used avocado masks to achieve silkier and softer hair.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Always use a clarifying shampoo once a week to eliminate buildup caused by hair mask residue. Otherwise, it may damage the hair roots.

How To Use Avocado Hair Mask For Dry And Damaged Hair

Avocado hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

While reaping the benefits of avocado for hair could be as simple as mashing the fruit and applying it to your hair and scalp, here are a few other DIY avocado hair mask treatments that incorporate other hair care ingredients for better results. Learn how to use these hair masks effectively for healthy hair treatment and optimal results.

1. Avocado And Coconut Oil Hair Mask 

Coconut oil has excellent penetrative properties, giving it the ability to seep deep within the hair shaft, repairing it from the inside.

This decreases the porosity of your hair and reduces protein loss, calming frizz and damage (7). It also contains essential fatty acids that can reduce the effect of damage on hair. It works with the avocado to form a protective layer around the hair shaft, minimizing moisture loss and damage. This is a great homemade vegan hair mask for those looking for clean alternatives for nourishing and strengthening their hair.

You Will Need
  • 1 ripe medium-sized avocado
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Shower cap
Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process
  1. Mash the avocado in a bowl until it is free of lumps.
  2. Add two tablespoons of coconut oil to the mashed avocado and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Ensure that you focus on the tips of your hair, as these are the oldest and most damaged parts.
  4. Once your hair is fully covered in the mixture, cover it with a shower cap, and wait for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash your hair with cool water and shampoo. Finish with conditioner.
  6. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair using a towel. Let your hair air-dry.
How Often?

1-2 times a week.

2. Whipped Avocado, Honey, And Olive Oil Hair Mask 

Honey, olive oil, and avocado hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

Olive oil contains squalene, which has excellent conditioning and moisturizing properties (8), (9). The oil is light and does not weigh your hair down. It can make your hair soft within just the first use. It may also help promote hair growth (10). Honey is a humectant that helps seal water in the hair shaft, curbing moisture loss, and increase its luster (11), (12). This recipe can be the holy trifecta of hair care when it comes to dealing with dryness and damage.

You Will Need
  • 1 ripe medium-sized avocado
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
  • Shower cap
  • Blow dryer
Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

15-45 minutes

Process
  1. Throw the ingredients into a food processor and process until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Don’t forget to apply this mixture to the tips of your hair.
  3. Once your hair is fully covered in the mixture, cover it with a shower cap, and apply heat using a blow dryer for about 15 minutes.
  4. Alternatively, you can sit out in the sun for 30-45 minutes.
  5. Wash your hair with cool water and shampoo. Finish with conditioner.
  6. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair using a towel. Let your hair air-dry.
How Often?

Once a week.

3. Aloe Vera And Avocado

Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymesi  Also referred to as proteases; enzymes that help break down proteins and act as natural exfoliants when applied topically. that slough off dead skin cells on your scalp (13). It is a natural hair conditioner and can reduce hair damage and hair loss (14). The coconut oil, honey, and avocado work together to condition your hair while the low pH of lemon seals your cuticles, giving shiny and frizz-free hair. Try this home aloe vera hair mask recipe which soothes scalp and repairs hair barrier.

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe medium-sized avocado
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • Shower cap
Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

15-20 minutes

Process
  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture. You can use a food processor to make sure all the ingredients are blended well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp.
  3. Once your hair is fully covered in the mixture, cover it with a shower cap, and wait for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with cool water and shampoo. Finish with conditioner.
  5. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair using a towel. Let your hair air-dry.
How Often?

Once in two weeks.

4. Mayonnaise And Avocado 

Mayonnaise and avocado for hair growth
Image: Shutterstock

Mayonnaise contains eggs and vinegar, which can help increase hair growth and reduce hair damage (15), (16).

You Will Need
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 ripe medium-sized avocado
  • Shower cap
Prep Time

4 minutes

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process
  1. Mash the avocado in a bowl until it is free of lumps and add the mayonnaise to it. Mix well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp. Focus on the tips of your hair.
  3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with cool water and shampoo. Finish with conditioner.
  5. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair using a towel. Let your hair air-dry.
How Often?

1-2 times a week.

5. Avocado And Yogurt Hair Mask 

Yogurt has hair conditioning properties that work with avocado to repair and condition dry, frizzy, and damaged hair (14). Honey and olive oil work together to seal in the nourishment and moisture imparted by the yogurt and avocado in this hair mask.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1/2 ripe medium-sized avocado
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Shower cap
Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process
  1. Mash the avocado until it is lump-free and add the rest of the ingredients to it. Mix well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp.
  3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with cool water and shampoo. Finish with conditioner.
  5. Squeeze the excess water out of your hair using a towel. Let your hair air-dry.
How Often?

Once a week.

6. Avocado And Banana Hair Mask

This hair mask can be a nourishing and natural treatment for healthier, shinier hair. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that moisturize and strengthen hair, while bananas contain potassium and other nutrients that condition your hair and repair damaged strands (14).

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 ripe banana with skin

Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

20 to 30 minutes

Process

  1. Mash the avocado and banana into a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps.
  2. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, starting from the roots to the tips.
  3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, allowing the hair to absorb the nutrients.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and mild shampoo to remove any residue.

How Often?

Once a week.

In addition to the above-mentioned masks, you can also follow the tips listed below to care for dry and damaged hair.

Adriana, a blogger, shared how using an avocado and banana hair mask helped improve her hair health. She said, “After I washed it off and let it dry I did notice that my hair looked a bit more shiny and healthy (i).” Adriana also recommended using a blender to prepare the hair mask to avoid getting huge banana chunks and avocado into her hair.


protip_icon Quick Tip
Alternatively, you can use the blend of one ripe banana, one egg, half avocado, and one tablespoon of olive oil as a damaged hair repair mask from your pantry.

Simple Tips On How To Care For Dry And Damaged Hair

Woman using wooden wide toothed comb
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Always wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water as this will help seal the hair cuticlei  The outermost scaly layer of the hair shaft that prevents environmental stressors from damaging the inner layers. . A sealed hair cuticle is better at retaining moisture and protecting the hair cortexi  The middle layer of a hair strand that provides strength to the entire shaft and contains the melanin pigment that gives hair its color. from damage.
  2. Do not towel dry. A towel must only be used to squeeze the excess water out of your hair. Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel will only result in breakage and split ends.
  3. Apart from using these hair masks, oil your hair at least once a week to keep it from drying out.
  4. Use a wooden wide-toothed comb to untangle your hair. This will minimize breakage.
  5. Use silk pillow covers to sleep on to avoid moisture loss.
  6. Go easy on the heat styling. Heat is your hair’s worst enemy when you have a dryness problem.
  7. Take a break from chemical treatments, such as rebonding or coloring, as these will take a massive toll on your hair’s health, especially if your hair is already dry and damaged.
  8. Get regular trims spaced at 6-8 weeks apart. This will help keep damage, in the form of split-ends, from spreading up.

Infographic: Best DIY Avocado Hair Masks To Try

Keep the above tips in mind and go grab some of the frequently used ingredients from your pantry to whip up a nourishing hair mask. Avocado not only makes an amazing option for your breakfast but also revives your mane’s former luscious glory.

Check out the infographic below to learn the simplest DIY avocado hair masks you can make today.

best diy avocado hair masks to try (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

What we have learned today is that avocados are great conditioners for dry hair. They contain essential fatty and amino acids that coat your hair strands and keep them moisturized. Additionally, they stimulate hair growth, repair and protect the hair from damage, and improve scalp health. Avocado hair masks are the ideal remedy for dry and damaged hair. You can blend avocado with other ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or yogurt to thoroughly replenish your strands. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll up, try one of these hair masks, and say buh-bye to dry, dull, and damaged hair!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put raw avocado in your hair?

Yes. It is always better to use ripe avocados on the hair. Unripe avocados can be hard to apply to your hair and difficult to remove.

Can you use rotten avocado on your hair?

Yes. Many women apply rotten avocado to their hair as they believe it is more nutritious than fresh avocado.

How long should you leave avocado in your hair?

You can leave avocado in your hair for 30 minutes to an hour or even overnight. If you leave it in your hair overnight, use warm water to remove it the next day.

Does avocado stain blonde hair?

No, avocado does not stain blonde hair. It improves the overall health of your color-treated tresses.

Key Takeaways

  • Avocado is a great component for DIY hair masks since it provides important fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to help hydrate and nourish the hair.
  • Homemade avocado hair masks are natural treatments that can help strengthen and restore damaged hair.
  • Avocado can be mixed with other natural ingredients like olive oil, honey, or coconut oil to make more effective hair masks that can target specific hair issues.
  • It is important to regularly use a homemade avocado hair mask and to maintain a healthy hair care routine in order to see maximum benefits and enhance the overall health of your hair.


This DIY hair mask will leave your hair feeling soft and silky. Watch this video to learn how to make a simple and nourishing avocado and honey hair mask for healthy hair.

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. 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
  2. Hair and amino acids: the interactions and the effects, Journal of cosmetic science,  US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17728935/
  3. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review, Dermatology and Therapy, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
  4. Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers, Tropical Life Sciences Research, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/
  5. Vitamin E, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.
    https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
  6. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss, Skin appendage disorders, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/
  7. 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  8. Critical Review on the Significance of Olive Phytochemicals in Plant Physiology and Human Health, Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150410/
  9. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road, Indian journal of dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
  10. Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin, Public Library of Science one, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/
  11. Honey in dermatology and skincare: a review, Journal of cosmetic dermatology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  12. 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/
  13. In vivo Hair Growth Activity of Herbal Formulations, International Journal of Pharmacology, Science Alert.
    https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ijp.2010.53.57
  14. 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/
  15. 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.
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  16. Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect, Medscape General Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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Dr. Babita Sharma, an Ayurveda specialist, has 10 years of experience. She is currently working as MD and Consultant at Atharva Ayurveda Ayurdhama Hospital Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2008.

Read full bio of Vd. Babita Sharma
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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