11 Easy And Effective Homemade Hair Masks For Dry Hair

Dry hair is a common struggle for many of us and is usually caused by environmental factors and styling practices. We all know that hydration is the answer to this hair issue, but most of us don’t know how to hydrate our dried-out locks. May we suggest homemade hair masks for dry hair? These DIY hair masks for damaged hair are made with natural ingredients enriched with important nutrients that replenish hair and make it healthy. Yes, commercial hair care products can hydrate your hair, but they may contain harsh ingredients that leave hair more damaged. Going to a hair spa frequently might mean spending a bomb. Hair masks prepared at home are budget-friendly and strengthen the hair without causing any damage. Scroll down and check out these 11 hydrating DIY hair masks to reduce hair dryness.

Benefits of Using Homemade Hair Masks For Dry Hair

Homemade hair masks offer numerous benefits for dry hair. Here are some of them you should know about:

• They include natural ingredients and are free from chemicals that may harm or irritate the scalp.
• They deeply nourish and moisturize hair, making it softer and more manageable.
• Since they make the hair manageable, they may also help reduce hair fall and breakage.
• They are usually less expensive than store-bought hair masks, as they use everyday kitchen ingredients like eggs and honey.

Before you apply any hair mask, it is crucial to prep your hair. Learn more about it in the following section.

Prepping Your Hair

While the hydrating hair masks listed below might give your dry hair some much-needed moisture, it’s crucial to prepare your hair first for optimal benefits.

Cindy Marcus, Hair Specialist, says, “I find deep conditioning hair masks work best applied on clean damp hair. You should always wash your hair before applying a deep conditioning treatment. Then, you want to towel dry your hair, you don’t want it soaking wet, then apply your hair mask. Start at the ends and work your way to the roots, then use a wide-tooth comb and comb through to ensure even distribution.”

A deep conditioning mask is one of the best methods to rejuvenate your dry hair. The current president of the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, Dr. Michael May, MD, adds, “You can also try using a leave-in conditioner or oil to help add moisture back into your hair. Lastly, ensure you use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Harsh products can do more harm than good to your hair and scalp.”

Let’s now take a look at the masks that will restore your dry hair to its former glory.

Note: The following remedies include natural ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, always do a patch test to avoid the potential adverse effects of using them.

11 Easy DIY Hair Masks For Dry Hair

Ready to give your hair some TLC? Check out these super easy DIY hair masks for dry tresses that you can whip up at home. Not sure how to use a hair mask? Don’t worry, here are some recipes and tips for best results.

1. Egg And Honey Hydrating Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Process

1. Whisk the egg till it’s frothy.
2. Mix all the honey and apple cider vinegar with the whisked egg.
3. Apply this mixture to your hair.
4. Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Wash it off with cool water and a mild shampoo.

Why It Works

Egg yolk is rich in fats, proteins, and nutrients that make it a natural hair conditioner (1). It provides intense hydration to dry strands and strengthens your hair. Honey, a natural humectant, helps seal in moisture, leading to healthy and shiny locks (2). ACV is a clarifying agent and anecdotal evidence suggests it may help in restoring the natural pH balance of the scalp, leading to a healthy and clean scalp.Overall, this mask helps in adding moisture, oil, and shine to your dry and dull mane.

Cindy says, “After washing your hair, apply the mask. For really dry hair, there are a couple of options to intensify your results. One option is to wrap hair in a warm towel and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. Another option is to wrap hair in a bun or a hair wrap and sleep with the mask on.”

She adds, “Whichever way you choose to go, always make sure to rinse the mask out very well. If you sleep with the mask on your hair, keep in mind your hair may feel a bit more oily the next day or until you wash it again. Therefore, I don’t advise doing this if you have an event or any reason you don’t want your hair looking its best the next day.”

Note: Apple cider vinegar is a known irritant, and it may cause skin and eye irritation when used topically. Do a patch test before applying it to the scalp.

Quick Tip

If you are not careful while using apple cider vinegar on your hair, it can be overdone and worsen your hair or scalp issues. Hence, dilute it and use it in moderation to avoid its adverse reactions.

2. Banana And Olive Oil Nourishing Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Process

1. Gently mash the banana into a paste.
2. Add olive oil to get a creamy mask.
3. Apply the mask all over your hair.
4. Leave it on for 10 -20 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with warm water.

Why It Works

Olive oil is a natural emollient. It is rich in oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene (3). Thus, it can soften and add shine to your dull skin. Traditionally, banana has been used in deep conditioning masks due to its hydrating and moisturizing properties. It is also said to nourish and strengthen your hair as it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Using this homemade mask once a week will transform your dry mane.

3. Coconut, Jojoba, And Castor Oil Nurturing Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 drops peppermint oil (optional)

Process

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Massage your scalp with this mask for 3-5 minutes.
3. Rinse off the hair mask and shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

Why It WorksThis mask contains the goodness of different oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, and castor oil. Massaging your scalp and hair with this oil mixture will replenish the moisture and natural oils of your hair (4). The brown sugar gently sloughs off dead skin cells and helps stimulate blood circulation. This fatty acid-rich mask will make your locks soft, smooth, and shiny.

4. Avocado, Egg, And Olive Oil Restorative Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey

Process

1. Blend all the ingredients till you get a thick paste.
2. Apply this mask to your hair using your fingertips. Make sure you apply it generously at the tips of your hair.
3. You can leave this mask on for 20 minutes.
4. Wash off the mask and shampoo your hair as usual.

Why It Works

Dr. May says, “Some of the best options include those made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil or avocado. These masks can help to hydrate and nourish the hair, making it softer and more manageable.”

Avocado is a superfood. It is abundant in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids (5). These natural oils hydrate and condition your hair. Combined with the benefits of egg, olive oil, and honey, this mask will repair dry and damaged hair. For a nourishing treat, consider trying someother DIY avocado hair masks. These harness avocado’s moisturizing properties and give your hair the ultimate care.

5. Banana, Honey, And Yogurt Rejuvenating Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons yogurt

Process

1. Blend the banana, yogurt, and honey together.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
3. You can tie your hair up and cover it with a shower cap to prevent a mess.
4. Leave the mask on your hair for about 30 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with your regular shampoo and condition your hair.

Why This Works

Yogurt is hydrating in nature. It is also rich in lactic acid, which is a natural exfoliant (6). It helps in gently removing excess oil, dead cells, and dirt from the hair and scalp. Research proves that probiotic bacteria boost hair shine and density in animals. Probiotic-fed animals showed increased sebaceous gland activity (which produces natural oils) and made their fur smoother and shinier due to reduced inflammation and better skin pH balance (7). Therefore, yogurt may help increase natural oil production and improve scalp and hair health. Honey and banana add moisture and hydration to dry hair. This deep conditioning mask makes your hair glossy and frizz-free.

Quick Tip

If you are allergic to honey or bee pollen, avoid using honey and its related products on your hair and scalp.

6. Coconut Milk Repairing Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Process

1. Mix the ingredients together.
2. Divide your hair into small sections.
3. Apply the mixture from the roots to tips.
4. Leave this mask on for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with cold or lukewarm water.

Why This Works

Coconut milk is super hydrating for your hair. It is also nutrient-dense, which helps in repairing dry and damaged hair. It has lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that helps strengthen hair cuticles. Coconut milk is rich in protein, which can keep hair strong, while its natural fatty acids provide deep hydration. This makes it an excellent conditioner for dry or damaged hair, restoring moisture to both hair and scalp (8). It helps in detangling the hair so you have silky, soft tresses. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that coconut milk can promote hair growth.

7. Egg And Mayonnaise Hair Conditioning Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 whole egg

Process

1. Whisk the egg and mayonnaise together.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, focusing more on the hair ends.
3. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with cold water.
5. Shampoo your hair thoroughly till you remove all traces of the mask.

Why This Works

This ultra-conditioning hair mask coats the hair with rich fatty acids from eggs and mayonnaise. Egg white is rich in protein, riboflavin, and niacin, which promote hair growth and improve its appearance. It contains enzymes that keep the scalp clean, helping dry scalps. The protein in egg white helps repair damaged hair by rebuilding keratin, making it a low-cost solution for healthier hair (8). They help in locking in moisture and sealing the cuticles. It leaves your hair super soft and glossy. Make sure you use cold water to rinse off the egg as the heat from warm water can cook it. You can use this mask once a week.

Aleeza, a blogger, shared a simple and affordable DIY protein hair mask using kitchen ingredients like eggs, mayonnaise, honey, and coconut oil, emphasizing, “It’s super easy and affordable, plus it’s all natural. Kitchen stuff is really all you need to prepare this mask.” Regarding results, she recommends, “Do this at least twice or thrice a month to see results 🙂 However I must say that it does a great job at making my hair soft after just one use (i).”

8. Aloe Vera And Honey Moisturizing Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients to make a thick paste.
2. Apply this paste to your hair and scalp.
3. Rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Why This Works

Aloe vera has moisturizing properties (9). This homemade hair mask for frizzy hair provides intense hydration to dry, rough hair. It also softens your hair and adds shine to it.

9. Flax Seed Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 1/4 cup of flax seeds
• 2 cups of filtered water
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Process

1. Boil the water and flax seeds till you get a gel-like consistency
2. Add honey
3. Strain this mixture after it cools down. Strain before it cools. Once the gel is cool, the flaxseeds will be so sticky that it will be almost impossible to strain these sharp seeds out.
4. Apply this to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse as usual.

Why This Works

Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (10). Flaxseed is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help keep hair hydrated, reduce frizz, and improve texture. It soothes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and protects hair from environmental damage (11). It is widely believed that flax seeds can promote hair growth and thickness.

10. Green Tea Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 2 green tea bags
• 2 cups of hot water
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Process

1. Steep the green tea bags in hot water and let it cool.
2. Mix the honey into the tea.
3. Apply the tea to damp hair.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.

Why This Works

Green tea is rich in antioxidants. It stimulates the hair follicles, boosts hair growth, adds moisture and shine, and helps manage dandruff (12).

11. Cinnamon Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Process

1. Mix the cinnamon powder, olive oil, and honey to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste to dry hair and scalp.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off thoroughly.

Why This Works

Cinnamon boosts blood circulation, thus soothing an itchy, irritated scalp, which is often linked to dandruff (13), (14). The honey and olive oil in this mask deeply hydrate and nourish dry hair. For an extra boost, try an olive oil hair mask to further enhance your hair’s moisture and shine.

All these homemade hair masks for dry hair can be safely used for curly and color-treated hair too. Curly and color-treated hair needs extra care due to dryness and damage. These DIY masks deeply hydrate with ingredients like honey and avocado, restoring moisture. Protein-rich options like eggs and coconut milk repair damage and strengthen strands. Natural emollients like olive oil and banana reduce frizz, leaving hair smooth and shiny. Gentle and chemical-free, these masks are perfect for delicate, treated hair. They also promote scalp health, ensuring vibrant, bouncy, and manageable locks.

Now that you know what masks to try, it is also important to be aware of the duration you need to keep them on for the best results. Go through the next section for more details.

How Long To Keep A Hair Mask

Dr. May advises, “A hair mask is left on the hair for some time, usually 20-30 minutes. While there are many benefits to using a hair mask, make sure you do not leave it on for too long. If you leave it for more than the recommended time, it might strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. It can also cause your scalp to become irritated.”

Cindy elaborates, “Depending on the ingredients, you can leave a hair mask on for long. If it is a protein-based hair mask, you don’t want to leave it on longer than the instructions advise. Protein left on the hair too long can build up on the hair and cause breakage. Therefore, if you are using a protein mask be sure to follow the directions on the package. If the product you are using is not a protein mask, you can leave it on longer than the time allowed, and it will not be harmful to your hair.” This means that if you are using a moisturizing mask instead of a protein mask for dry hair, you may leave it a bit longer for enhanced hydration. However, if you have fine, oily hair, avoid doing so, as this may weigh down your strands.

Though these hair masks are made with natural ingredients and are generally safe, it is important to note that some ingredients may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always do a patch test before applying any mask to your scalp or hair to avoid irritation or discomfort.

Also, consult a dermatologist if hair dryness persists even after using these hair masks. They may be able to recommend other treatments that may be more effective. Some complementary hair care practices can help you to achieve the best results. Keep reading to learn more.

Practical Hair Care Practices To Reduce Dry Hair

To enhance the effectiveness of these DIY hair masks, try these complementary hair care practices and products:

• Pre-Wash Routine: Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb before applying the mask to ensure even coverage.
• Steam Treatment: Use a steamer or wrap your hair in a warm towel after applying the mask to help it penetrate deeper.
• Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain hydration and avoid stripping natural oils.
• Satin Pillowcases: Sleep on satin pillowcases to minimize frizz, prevent breakage, and retain moisture in your hair.
• Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner post-mask to add hydration and lock in moisture.
• Weekly Scalp Massages: Massage your scalp with natural oils weekly to boost blood circulation and nourish your roots.

Incorporating these practices and tools into your routine will ensure healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair.

In A Nutshell

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my hair so dry?

Dry hair can be caused due to many factors like:
• Living in a hot and dry climate.
• Spending too much time in the sun or wind.
• Swimming in chlorinated or saline water regularly.
• Over-washing your hair.
• Using abrasive shampoos, conditioners, or styling products.
• Hair coloring or chemical treatments.
• Blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair regularly.

Can I use a homemade hair mask every day?

No. Apply a homemade hair mask once a week to dry and frizzy hair and once every two weeks to oily hair.

Can adding protein to a hair mask benefit dry and damaged hair?

Yes. Protein is an essential component of the hair, and adding it to a hair mask benefits dry and damaged hair. Including it in hair masks may improve hair smoothness, hair strength, and the morphology of damaged hair (15).

Can hair masks be customized depending on hair type or specific hair concerns?

Yes, hair masks can be customized to meet specific hair concerns, depending on hair type. A hair mask can be made to specifically meet the needs of various hair types, including dry, greasy, curly, straight, and color-treated hair. Additionally, there are specialized hair masks to treat hair loss, targeting specific issues like thinning hair and promoting healthier hair growth.

Can homemade hair masks be stored for later use?

No, you should not store homemade hair masks for later use, as these do not contain any preservatives. However, if you have whipped up some extra mask, you may keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Learn how to make a natural DIY hair mask with just 4 ingredients by checking out the below video. This mask will help moisturize and repair dry and damaged hair. Get ready for beautiful, healthy hair!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

       

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour

• 
  Dr. Michael MayMD Dr. Michael May, MD, is the Medical Director and Principal Surgeon of the Wimpole Clinic in Harley Street, London. He has 25 years of experience in the field of hair transplant surgery and has completed over 10,000 hair transplant procedures. He is the current president of the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, a registered member of The Trichological Society, and a Diplomat of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).
  
  Dr. Michael May, MD, is the Medical Director and Principal Surgeon of the Wimpole Clinic in Harley Street, London. He has 25 years of experience in the field of hair transplant surgery and has completed over 10,000 hair transplant procedures. He is the current president of the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, a registered member of The Trichological Society, and a Diplomat of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).
• 
  Cindy MarcusHair Specialist Cindy Marcus has been a hairstylist for 17 years, and she loves helping people find a hairstyle, haircut, and color that brings out their inner beauty. She graduated from the Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas, NV, in 2007 and became a licensed cosmetologist and hair designer with the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology in 2008.
  
  Cindy Marcus has been a hairstylist for 17 years, and she loves helping people find a hairstyle, haircut, and color that brings out their inner beauty. She graduated from the Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas, NV, in 2007 and became a licensed cosmetologist and hair designer with the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology in 2008.

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

Read full bio of Annie Jangam

Ramona SinhaEditor

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.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi holds a postgraduate degree in English Literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. With over three years of experience writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle, she is also a certified skin care coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E