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DIY Homemade Hair Masks For Damaged Hair

Homemade Hair Masks

If you’re reading this, it’s probably time you set aside an evening this week to pamper yourself and show your hair some much-deserved TLC (tender loving care). With the stresses of daily life, your hair might need a little extra attention to bring back its shine and vitality.

To help you plan your night of slathering and lathering, we’ve put together our top 5 favorite DIY hair masks and hair treatments that you can easily prepare and apply right at home.

  • Why Do You Need Hair Masks?
  • Essential Nutrients Your Hair Needs
  • 3 DIY Hair Masks You Can Make At Home

Why Do You Need Hair Masks?

Hair masks are a quick and highly effective way to provide your hair with numerous health benefits in under 20 minutes. Consider hair masks as powerful hair conditioners that offer advantages such as softening, hydrating, promoting growth, adding shine, and even combating infections.

Although some salons provide costly hair treatments that achieve similar effects, we prefer to turn to natural ingredients for our hair masks.

Hair masks can provide –

  • Deep Nourishment
  • Conditioning & Enrichment

They are designed to address specific hair concerns such as dryness, damage, frizz, or lack of shine. Hair masks typically contain rich ingredients like oils, butters, proteins, and vitamins that penetrate the hair shaft to repair and strengthen it.

Using a hair mask can help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair, making it softer, smoother, and more manageable. They are especially beneficial for those with chemically treated, heat-damaged, or naturally dry hair.

Tangie Rose Geranium Shampoo Bar with lather in hand during shower
Lather-rich Tangie shampoo bar shown in hand, highlighting the Rose Geranium scent during use.

3 Easy DIY Hair Masks To Try At Home

Revitalize your hair with a DIY mask made from natural ingredients. This simple blend boosts blood circulation to the scalp, nourishes hair follicles, and promotes healthy hair growth.

Coconut oil and Cinnamon [Hair Growth]

Coconut Oil is rich in lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and moisturizing hair and scalp.

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which may increase circulation when massaged into the scalp. This brings more nutrients to hair follicles and potentially promotes growth.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • (Optional) 1 teaspoon of honey for extra hydration and antimicrobial benefits
  • Vegan option to honey: Agave Nectar as it is best for moisture retention and shine. Agave is a plant-based syrup with similar humectant properties to honey. It helps draw moisture into the hair shaft, smooth frizz, and add natural gloss. Use it 1:1 in place of honey in any recipe.

Here’s How You Make It:

Mix: In a small bowl, combine melted coconut oil with ground cinnamon (and honey, if using), stirring until smooth and lump-free.

Section Hair: Part your hair into sections so you can apply the mask evenly.

Apply: Using your fingertips (or a dye brush), gently massage the mixture into your scalp. Work it down the hair strands if you like added conditioning on lengths and ends.

Massage: Spend 3–5 minutes massaging in circular motions—this boosts blood flow even more.

Cover & Wait: Wrap your hair in a warm towel or cover with a shower cap. Let the mask sit 20–30 minutes.

Rinse & Wash: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual to remove any cinnamon residue.

Use this mask consistently (once weekly for 4–6 weeks) to see the best results in scalp health and hair-growth support. Enjoy your stronger, shinier strands!

Brown Sugar + Olive Oil Hair Mask (Dry & Frizzy Hair)

Brown Sugar is a natural humectant and mild exfoliant, helping remove scalp buildup and draw moisture into hair shafts.

Olive Oil is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, providing intense hydration, sealing the cuticle, and reducing frizz.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1–2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • (Optional) 1 teaspoon of honey for added moisture and shine

Warm the olive oil slightly (body-temperature) for easier mixing and application, but never hot.

Instructions

Combine: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and olive oil (and honey, if using) until you get a slightly gritty paste.

Dampen Hair: Lightly mist or dampen your hair and scalp so the mask spreads more evenly.

Apply: Section your hair and gently massage the mixture into your scalp with your fingertips, using circular motions to exfoliate.

Distribute: Work any remaining mask through the mid-lengths and ends to condition dry strands.

Wait: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes (no longer than 20 to avoid over-exfoliation).

Rinse & Shampoo: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual to remove all residue.

For very dry hair, increase olive oil; for more exfoliation, add a bit more sugar.

Banana, Yogurt + Honey Hair Mask (Dry & Damaged Hair)

Banana is rich in natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that soften and improve hair elasticity, helping to reduce breakage and frizz.

Yogurt contains protein and lactic acid, which strengthen hair strands, smooth the cuticle, and gently exfoliate the scalp.

Honey is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the hair shaft and seals it in, leaving hair sleek and hydrated.

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek)
  • 1 tablespoon honey

For ultra-smooth application, press the mashed banana through a fine mesh strainer to remove any stubborn bits.

Instructions

Prep the Banana: Peel and mash the banana in a bowl until completely smooth (no lumps).

Add Yogurt & Honey: Stir in the yogurt and honey until you have a creamy, uniform paste.

Section Hair: Divide dry or slightly damp hair into 4–6 sections for even application.

Apply Mask: Using your fingers or a brush, work the mixture through your hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends and massaging gently into the scalp.

Cover & Wait: Wrap your hair in a shower cap or warm towel and let the mask sit for 20–30 minutes.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual to remove any banana residue.

Use this mask once every 1–2 weeks to maintain frizz control without overloading your hair.

Tangie shampoo bars in unscented, rosemary mint, and lavender stacked in a pyramid
Tangie Shampoo Bars are perfect for fine hair, as they are completely toxin-free

Homemade Hair Masks for Hair Growth

Looking for a way to pamper your hair naturally? We’ve got you covered with some amazing vegan homemade hair mask recipes! These are super easy to make and packed with plant-based goodness to help your hair grow strong while giving your scalp the TLC it deserves.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your strands, add moisture, or enhance shine, these recipes offer effective solutions for achieving luscious, vibrant hair without any animal products.

Avocado & Coconut Milk Growth Mask

This nourishing hair mask is crafted with avocado and coconut milk, both of which are packed with beneficial nutrients. Avocado is an excellent source of vitamins B and E. Vitamin B stimulates hair growth by aiding in the strengthening of hair strands, while vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress on the scalp.

This combination is vital for repairing damage, providing hydration, and improving overall hair health. On the other hand, coconut milk is rich in proteins and fatty acids, which play a significant role in nourishing the hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. The presence of these components in coconut milk helps to hydrate the hair, making it soft and manageable, while also reducing hair breakage.

Ingredients:

  • ½ ripe avocado: Choose a ripe avocado for the best creamy texture. Avocado’s natural oils are highly emollient, helping to seal in moisture and promote softness.
  • 3 tbsp coconut milk (unsweetened): Ensure you use unsweetened coconut milk to avoid any additional sugars that can affect your hair. Coconut milk is known for its hydrating properties.
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional for extra moisture): Coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft better than many other oils, providing deeper conditioning and hydration, especially beneficial for dry hair.

Instructions:

  • Mash the avocado until smooth: Use a fork or a blender to mash the avocado thoroughly until it reaches a creamy consistency, free of lumps.
  • Mix in coconut milk and oil until creamy: Combine the mashed avocado with coconut milk and, if using, coconut oil. Stir the mixture until it is evenly combined and has a smooth texture.
  • Apply to damp hair and gently massage into scalp: Dampen your hair with water, then section your hair and apply the mask from the roots to the tips. Make sure to massage it into your scalp with your fingertips for a pleasurable experience that also stimulates blood circulation.
  • Leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with warm water and a mild shampoo: Cover your hair with a shower cap or a warm towel to enhance the mask’s effectiveness. After the time has elapsed, rinse the mask out thoroughly with warm water, followed by a gentle shampoo to remove any residue.

Use: Once a week for stronger, shinier hair: Regular application can provide ongoing benefits, so incorporate this mask into your weekly hair care routine for optimal results. Consistency is key to experiencing stronger, shinier hair over time.

Banana & Olive Oil Nourishing Mask

This nourishing mask harnesses the natural benefits of banana and olive oil to enhance hair health. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and natural oils, which contribute to softening and moisturizing the hair.

Potassium helps to strengthen hair strands and minimize breakage, making it an excellent choice for promoting healthy hair growth. Olive oil, on the other hand, is famous for its ability to improve hair elasticity, which is crucial in preventing damage and split ends. When combined, these ingredients create a powerful treatment that not only nourishes but also protects the hair, leading to greater strength and a beautiful shine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana: Choose a ripe banana, as it will be softer and easier to blend, providing more hydration.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its quality and purity to maximize the mask’s benefits.
  • 1 tbsp agave syrup or maple syrup (optional): This ingredient is included for added hydration and to improve the overall moisture content of the mask. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that can help enhance shine.

Instructions:

  • Begin by peeling the ripe banana and placing it in a blender.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of agave syrup or maple syrup.
  • Blend each of these ingredients until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency. It’s essential to ensure there are no lumps, as they can be difficult to rinse out of your hair.
  • Once blended, take the mixture and apply it evenly to your hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends. Make sure to cover all areas for maximum nourishment.
  • To allow the mask to penetrate deeply, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it with a towel. This helps create a warm environment for better absorption.
  • Leave the mask on for approximately 25 to 30 minutes to let the ingredients work their magic.
  • After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly to remove the mask. Follow up with your usual shampoo and conditioner routine to ensure your hair is clean and well-conditioned.

Use: To achieve optimal results and maintain strong, shiny hair, use this nourishing mask every 1 to 2 weeks. Regular use helps to reinforce the hair structure and improve overall hair health.

Aloe Vera & Castor Oil Scalp Stimulating Mask

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties, effectively calming scalp irritation and promoting hydration. It can help revitalize the scalp by reducing flakiness and supporting new hair growth through its rich vitamins and minerals.

Castor oil, on the other hand, is highly valued for its ability to improve blood circulation in the scalp, which is crucial for delivering nutrients to hair follicles. Its thickness also helps to protect and strengthen the hair, minimizing breakage and promoting a healthier, shinier appearance.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel: Preferably obtained directly from the aloe vera leaf for maximum freshness and potency.
  • 1 tbsp castor oil: A natural emollient that helps to nurture and moisturize the scalp.
  • 1 tsp jojoba or argan oil (optional): These oils can be added for extra lightness and enhanced moisturizing benefits, further supporting hair health.

Instructions:

  • Mix Ingredients: In a clean bowl, combine the fresh aloe vera gel, castor oil, and (if desired) jojoba or argan oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly until you achieve a uniform, smooth consistency.
  • Massage into Scalp: Using your fingertips, take a portion of the mask and gently massage it into your scalp using circular motions. This step should last for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring that the mask gets absorbed into the scalp and provides stimulating effects.
  • Let It Sit: After massaging, allow the mask to sit on your scalp for 30–40 minutes. For deeper penetration and maximum benefits, you may leave it on overnight. Covering your hair with a shower cap can help to prevent any mess and keep the mask in place.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: After the desired duration, rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly with warm water. Follow up with a gentle shampoo to cleanse away the mask, ensuring that no residue is left behind.

Use:
For best results, incorporate this scalp mask into your routine once a week. Consistent use can help in stimulating hair growth, enhancing scalp health, and improving overall hair texture and strength.

Essential Nutrients Your Hair Needs

Healthy hair starts from within, fueled by a delicate balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These essential nutrients play a pivotal role in supporting not just hair growth but also the overall strength, shine, and health of the scalp.

Proteins, such as keratin, are vital components of the hair structure, providing the necessary building blocks that contribute to hair strength and resilience. Adequate protein intake can prevent hair from becoming weak and brittle, leading to reduced breakage.

Vitamins are equally important; for instance, Vitamin A helps in the production of sebum, the natural oil that keeps hair moisturized, while B vitamins, particularly biotin, are well known for their role in promoting healthy hair growth. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, supporting a healthy scalp and protecting hair from damage.

Minerals such as zinc and iron also play crucial roles in hair health.

Zinc is essential for hair tissue growth and repair, while iron helps in carrying oxygen to hair follicles, essential for their optimal function. A deficiency in these minerals can result in hair loss and poor hair quality.

Fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, are known to nourish the hair and support the health of the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles are adequately hydrated. They can also help reduce inflammation on the scalp, promoting an environment conducive to hair growth.

NutrientHow You Can Get It Naturally
ProteinLentils, chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, seitan
Biotin (Vitamin B7)Almonds, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, spinach, oats
Vitamin ACarrots, sweet potatoes, kale, butternut squash, red peppers
Vitamin COranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli
Vitamin DUV-exposed mushrooms, fortified plant milks, fortified cereals
Vitamin ESunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, avocado, spinach
IronLentils, spinach, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, fortified tofu
ZincChickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews, oats, tahini
Omega-3 Fatty AcidsFlaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, algae-based DHA

Thus, a well-rounded diet that incorporates a variety of these nutrients is fundamental for maintaining vibrant, strong, and healthy hair. Ensuring that you consume enough of these critical elements will not only enhance the appearance of your hair but also support its growth and overall health.

Superfoods Shampoo Bar
Tangie’s Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner Bar for all hair types | Tangie

Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner Bars by Tangie Co

At Tangie, we believe that hair care should be as nourishing as the food we eat. That’s why we’ve crafted our Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner Bars with a blend of natural ingredients that are not only good for your hair but also good for the planet.

What Makes Our Bars Special?

  • Nutrient-Rich Formulation: Infused with superfood ingredients like avocado, coconut oil, and aloe vera, these bars provide essential vitamins and minerals that help to hydrate and strengthen your hair.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Our commitment to sustainability means that our shampoo and conditioner bars come in minimal, recyclable packaging. This helps reduce plastic waste and supports a healthier environment.
  • Travel-Friendly: Say goodbye to spills and leaks! Our solid bars are perfect for travel, fitting easily into your toiletry bag without the worry of liquid restrictions.
  • Cruelty-Free and Vegan: We are proud to say that our products are never tested on animals and contain no animal-derived ingredients, making them a great choice for conscious consumers.

How to Use

Using our bars is simple! Just wet your hair, glide the bar directly onto your scalp, and massage to create a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly and follow with the conditioner bar for soft, manageable hair.

As you can see, you don’t have to go far or spend a fortune when it comes to hair masks. The beauty of creating your hair masks lies in the accessibility of ingredients that can be found right in the comfort of your kitchen. By doing a little bit of research and understanding each ingredient’s unique benefits for your hair type and concerns, you can mix and match them to create the perfect remedy tailored just for you.

The possibilities are endless! You can experiment and find combinations that work specifically for your hair needs — be it hydration, strengthening, or shine enhancement. It’s about getting creative and having fun while taking care of your locks.

So, take the time to invest in yourself and your hair health. Schedule a pampering night, maybe with a good book, a soothing playlist, or a relaxing movie, and indulge in your homemade hair mask. You deserve this time to unwind and rejuvenate. Enjoy the process and watch your hair transform into the luscious mane you’ve always dreamed of!

We love hearing from our customers! Share your experiences and tips on how you incorporate our Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner Bars into your routine. Together, we can embrace a more sustainable approach to hair care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Do a Hair Mask Before or After Shampooing?

Typically, a hair mask is applied before shampooing.

This allows the mask to deeply penetrate the hair and scalp, providing nourishment and hydration. After leaving the mask on for the recommended time, rinse it out thoroughly, then shampoo to remove any residue. Some people prefer to use a mask after shampooing for added moisture, but this is less common. Always follow the specific instructions on the product for the best results.

Is it Better To Put A Mask On Wet or Dry Hair?

It’s generally better to apply a hair mask on wet hair. Wet hair allows the mask to spread more easily and helps the ingredients penetrate the hair shaft effectively. Applying the mask after shampooing can enhance its absorption.

However, some masks are designed for dry hair, especially those targeting intense damage or specific treatments. Always check the product instructions for optimal results, as the effectiveness can vary depending on the formulation.

Should I Apply Conditioner After a Hair Mask?

You typically do not need to apply conditioner after a hair mask, as masks are designed to provide deep conditioning and nourishment. However, if your hair feels particularly dry or you want extra moisture, you can follow up with a light conditioner.

If you do use conditioner, apply it sparingly to avoid weighing down your hair. Always rinse thoroughly to ensure your hair feels clean and not greasy.

Should a Hair Mask Be Applied on the Scalp?

Whether to apply a hair mask on the scalp depends on the mask’s formulation and your hair type. Some masks are designed for the scalp, providing nourishment and addressing issues like dryness or dandruff. In such cases, apply it directly to the scalp. However, if the mask is primarily for hair strands, focus on applying it from the mid-lengths to the ends to avoid weighing down the roots.

Author:

Angie Ringler

Written by Angie Ringler. Hi! I am the founder of Tangieco. I am a dedicated advocate for sustainable living and eco-conscious choices. A self proclaimed tree hugger.

I write to inspire and empower you to embrace a greener lifestyle. Through articles, innovative products, and a commitment to showing you ways to eliminate harmful chemicals from the products around you.

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