8 Homemade Vegan Hair Masks To Pamper Your Hair

Give your mane the best care with these amazing and effective nutrient-rich masks.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist Madison Dufour Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
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Even though we have different hair types and hair issues, we all are bonded by the desire to have healthy locks. Unfortunately, most commercial hair care products marketed to improve our hair contain harsh ingredients that cause more damage to our locks. A better alternative is using homemade vegan hair masks that repair hair damage without causing adverse effects.

These homemade hair masks are made with nutrient-rich and eco-friendly ingredients that strengthen and nourish your hair. These non-toxic, DIY nourishing masks can be prepared easily and applied whenever you want. Keep reading to check out these incredible DIY hair care masks and learn how to apply them to your hair properly.

8 DIY Homemade Vegan Hair Masks

If you are looking for a natural, chemical-free way to pamper your hair, vegan hair masks are what you need. These masks, made with plant-based ingredients, nourish your hair while being kind to the planet. Try out these simple DIY recipes to give your hair the love it deserves, without any harsh chemicals.

You Will Need 

  • 1 tablespoon of oats
  • 1 tablespoon of almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Directions 

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply this paste to your clean hair in sections.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes before rinsing.
  4. Follow with a shampoo and conditioner.

Why It Works 

  • Oats help exfoliate your scalp and clear dirt, impurities, and excess oil. They also soothe irritated skin.
  • Coconut oil adds moisture to the hair and prevents loss of proteins (1). The pH of coconut oil is 5.5 – the same as the scalp.
  • Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and has emollient properties that help condition the hair (2), (3).

2. Overnight Hair Mask

Woman applying vegan hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need 

  • Coconut oil (quantity as per your hair length)

Directions

  1. Take the coconut oil and warm it between your fingers.
  2. Apply it to your scalp and the length of your hair.
  3. Let it stay overnight.
  4. Shampoo and condition your hair the next day.

Why It Works

Coconut oil penetrates the hair easily owing to its low molecular weight. It helps regain the hairs lost moisture and reduces protein loss (1).

3. Banana Hair Mask For Frizzy Hair

Banana and hair brush beside a bowl of banana hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need 

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Directions

  1. Blend all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2. Divide your hair into sections and apply the mask to each section.
  3. Wear a shower cap and wait for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse with a mild shampoo.

Why It Works

  • Honey has conditioning properties and helps impart luster to the hair (4).
  • Bananas strengthen and soften the hair, add shine, and help enhance manageability. They prevent breakage, split ends, and dandruff and protect your hair from sun damage (5).

Banana is a common ingredient in many DIY protein-rich hair masks. It can be mixed with ingredients such as coconut milk, avocado, etc. to prepare vegan masks to nourish and strengthen your hair.

4. Hair Rejuvenating Mask

You Will Need 

  • 1 ripe banana
  • ½ avocado
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Directions 

  1. Blend the banana and avocado to a smooth consistency.
  2. Add the lemon juice to this mixture and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture to your hair, from root to tip.
  4. Wait for 30 minutes and shampoo your hair.

Why It Works 

  • Banana treats various hair issues, such as dandruff, split ends, dryness, and breakage (5).
  • Avocados help nourish and condition your hair, stimulating hair growth and inhibiting free radicals (6).
  • Lemon juice has antioxidant, antibiotic, and antimicrobial properties (7), (8). It can help prevent dandruff and other scalp disorders (3).

5. Hair Mask For Growth

Woman with healthy hair holding tomatoes
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need 

  • 1 tomato
  • A few drops of coconut oil

Directions

  1. Blend the tomato until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Add coconut oil to this paste and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture to your hair and wait for 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse your hair with shampoo. Follow with a conditioner.

Why It Works

  • Tomatoes can help promote hair growth and reduce hair loss (9).
  • Coconut oil keeps your strands moisturized and prevents protein loss.
protip_icon Quick Tip
People allergic to grass pollen may also be allergic to tomatoes. Hence, always do a patch test before using it to avoid its adverse reactions.

6. Hair Mask For Oily Hair

Woman holding her oily hair that need masking
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need 

  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
  • A few drops of lemon juice

Directions

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply this mixture to your damp hair.
  3. Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo.

Why It Works

  • Aloe vera exhibits moisturizing properties that prevent your scalp from getting dry, scaly, and dandruff-prone (10), (11). It can limit the overproduction of oil caused by a dehydrated scalp to replenish its moisture content.
  • Honey is an emollient that nourishes and moisturizes your hair and keeps dandruff at bay. Honey also has healing properties and is like an all-natural antibiotic for the skin.
  • Lemon juice helps balance the scalps pH, preventing dandruff.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Always use diluted lemon juice as the acidic nature of lemon may damage your skin, especially if you have extremely sensitive skin.

7. Hair Mask For Hydration

Woman using DIY vegan hair mask for more nourishment
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need 

  • A few wedges of watermelon and mango
  • A few drops of essential oil of your choice

Directions

  1. Blend the watermelon and mango to form a smooth paste.
  2. Add the essential oil to this blend and mix well.
  3. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with cool (room temperature) water.
  5. Follow with shampoo and deep conditioner.

Why It Works

  • Although there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, fruits like watermelon and mango can boost your hair moisture. Essential oils may help lubricate your hair and make it shiny.

8. Rice Water Hair Mask For Silky Hair

Rice water hair mask for silky hair
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • ½ cup of rice
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice to remove impurities.
  2. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add water. Let it soak for 30 minutes.
  3. Strain the rice water into a separate container.
  4. Add honey to the rice water and mix well.
  5. Apply this mixture to your hair, from the roots to the tips.
  6. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
  7. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Why It Works

  • Rice water is rich in amino acids. These can fortify hair roots, enhance hair volume, and boost hair luster (12).
  • Honey adds shine and conditions the hair effectively to promote a healthy appearance (4).

Note:

Use these hair masks not more than once a week. The frequent application might weigh your hair down and strip its natural oils.

Yasmita Chowdhury, a blogger, tried a plant-based hair care routine which included oils, hair masks, and DIY shampoo. She says “During childhood, I used coconut, caster, Indian gooseberry, or almond oil to make my hair thick and long and free from breakage or split ends. Now that I have switched back to natural products, my split ends have disappeared, my psoriasis is under control and my shower drains are no longer clogged! I also avoid heat-styling or blow-drying my hair as it dries out the roots and leads to hair loss (i)”.

Key Takeaways

  • Vegan hair masks are made using natural ingredients that can revive dull and lifeless hair.
  • Oats, bananas, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil are the common ingredients in vegan masks.
  • You can make vegan masks to suit different hair types or for different purposes like combating frizz, promoting hair growth, or providing hydration for dry hair.

Infographic: Top 4 DIY Vegan Hair Masks

Vegan hair masks are gentle, nutrient-rich, and eco-friendly. They moisturize your hair and protect it from sun damage. What’s more, you can easily prepare them at home with simple kitchen ingredients to add strength and nourishment to your tresses. Check out this infographic to learn how to make vegan hair masks at home for soft and healthy hair.

top 4 diy vegan hair masks (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

DIY vegan hair masks are the best sustainable alternatives to chemically loaded hair care products. They are made of nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients that help protect your hair and nourish your locks. You can try out an overnight hair mask with coconut oil, a banana hair mask for frizzy hair, a hair rejuvenating hair mask with banana and avocado, and a tomato hair mask for growth. These organic and cruelty-free hair masks are suitable for all hair types and address specific hair problems. So, prepare your hair mask with easily available natural ingredients and get healthy, shiny locks!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vegan haircare?

Vegan hair care specifically involves using products made of natural and certified organic ingredients. These products are not animal-derived or animal-tested and are, therefore, completely cruelty-free.

Do homemade vegan hair masks actually work?

Yes. Vegan hair masks are packed with the benefits of natural nourishing ingredients. A lot of these ingredients are scientifically proven to be beneficial for hair care. Additionally, these masks are free of harmful chemicals and do not adversely impact the environment.

Can I use homemade vegan hair masks every day?

Although homemade vegan masks are safe, it is ideal to use them only once or twice a week to see visible results. Using them excessively may dry out your hair and also damage the protective barrier of your hair and scalp.

Are there any specific hair types that benefit more from vegan hair masks?

Vegan hair masks are beneficial for all hair types, but they are especially great for those with sensitive scalps or dry, damaged hair. The natural ingredients help restore moisture and nourishment without harsh chemicals, making them ideal for people looking for a gentler, more sustainable hair care option.

Illustration: Homemade Vegan Hair Masks To Pamper Your Hair

Homemade Vegan Hair Masks

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to make an easy vegan hydrating protein hair mask. Watch this video to get your hair looking and feeling healthier in no time.

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. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  2. Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877547/
  3. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  4. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey A review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/
  5. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana
    https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf
  6. Development and Evaluation of Waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus Linn.) Leaf and Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Fruit Extracts for Hair Growth:
    http://www.isaet.org/images/extraimages/A0616005.pdf
  7. Phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of different citrus juice concentrates
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708628/
  8. Citrus limon(Lemon) Phenomenon€”A Review of the Chemistry, Pharmacological Properties, Applications in the Modern Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetics Industries, and Biotechnological Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020168/
  9. Effects of Lycopersicon esculentum extract on hair growth and alopecia prevention
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259626106_Effects_of_Lycopersicon_esculentum_extract_on_hair_growth_and_alopecia_prevention
  10. Aloe vera : A Potential Herb and its Medicinal Importance
    https://www.jocpr.com/articles/aloe-vera–a-potential-herb-and-its-medicinal-importance.pdf
  11. A Close Look at Aloe Vera Barbadensis and It’s Effect on Hair Health
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342588964_A_Close_Look_at_Aloe_Vera_Barbadensis_and_It’s_Effect_on_Hair_Health
  12. Replenishing amino acids in damaged hair
    https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(04)03234-7/fulltext
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Madison Dufour
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. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

Read full bio of Madison Dufour
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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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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