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Just What Are Hair Masks?

Hair masks are often compared—or mistaken with—deep conditioning masks. While there are some overlaps between the two, there are still a few key differences. Specifically, deep conditioning masks most often only restore moisture to your hair; hair masks strengthen the foundation. Hair masks can also give you renewed moisture, so combining the two can be an excellent way to grow and maintain healthy locks. 

DIY Hair Mask for Damaged/Frizzy Hair

Chances are, if you’re looking to make a homemade hair mask, it’s because you’re dealing with damaged hair. Whether this is the result of a salon visit gone wrong or you simply can’t part ways with your curling iron, it might be time to give your hair a little bit of extra love. While you could spend money on expensive name brand products (and trust us, there are some great ones!), you can also make a nourishing and hydrating mask at home for a fraction of the cost. Plus, your locks will thank you! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado (the riper, the better!)

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt

Instructions:

Prepare The Mask:

1. Prep the avocado by removing the pit and scooping it out into a bowl.

2. Mash the avocado with a fork or spatula until it becomes a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well.

5. Add the plain yogurt and continue to mix until the ingredients are fully combined and your mask has a uniform texture.

Apply The Mask:

1. Before applying, make sure that hair is damp (post-shower hair is fine!).

2. Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mask from roots to tips, making sure to gently massage it into your hair and scalp.

3. Generously coat your hair, specifically focusing on the ends and any damaged areas.

4. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes. (For added benefits, use a shower cap to keep the mask warm on your head.)

5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition as normal.

Here’s What Makes This Mask Work

Coconut oil and yogurt can be a dream team when it comes to creating luscious, healthy locks. (However, it’s important to note that everyone’s hair is different and may not achieve the same results.) Here’s what makes them so powerful:

Coconut Oil

• A powerful moisturizer: You can use coconut oil throughout your beauty routine, not just your hair! When you use coconut oil on the skin, it can help to lock in moisture and form a protective barrier. The same is true for hair—it helps to prevent dry, brittle hair from forming and prevents breakage.

• Creates healthier strands: Healthy hair is full of protein. Coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft and minimize the loss of protein, leading to fewer split ends and less breakage.

• Increases shine: Coconut oil is a natural remedy to frizz. By smoothing the hair’s cuticles, it increases shine and creates silky smooth hair.

• Nourishes the scalp: When you think of moisturizing your skin, don’t forget your scalp! Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, meaning that it’s a pro at fighting dandruff and scalp conditions.

Yogurt

• Helps hair grow: Plain yogurt is full of vitamins and minerals (such as B vitamins and calcium), as well as protein that can nourish the hair and help to stimulate growth.

• Softer and more manageable hair: Like coconut oil, plain yogurt can help to restore hair’s softness by strengthening the strands from the inside out. The protein in yogurt can leave hair smooth and more manageable.

DIY Hair Mask for Dry Hair

The second most common hair complaint is dryness. Dry hair can be damaged, frizzy, or it can look dull and lack that coveted lustrous sheen. But fear not! There is a simple and effective (and of course, budget-friendly!) hair mask that you can make at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado (the riper, the better!)

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 egg

• 2-3 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare The Mask:

1. Prep the avocado by removing the pit and scooping it out into a bowl.

2. Mash the avocado with a fork or spatula until it becomes a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix well.

5. Add 1 egg. Continue to mix until the ingredients are fully combined and your mask has a uniform texture.

Apply The Mask:

1. Before applying, make sure that hair is damp (post-shower hair is fine!).

2. Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mask from roots to ends, making sure to gently massage it into your hair and scalp.

3. Generously coat your hair, specifically focusing on the ends and any damaged areas.

4. Leave the mask on for 45 minutes, although longer is fine. (For added benefits, put on a shower cap and wrap your head with a towel to keep in warmth, allowing the mask to soak in deeper.)

5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition as normal.

Here’s What Makes This Mask Work

While a mask for dry hair shares many of the same ingredients as a DIY mask for damaged hair, it still contains many unique additions to create a powerhouse of a hydrating mask.

Avocado

We all know that avocado is full of healthy fats, but did you know that these fats also help to moisturize and nourish hair? Along with antioxidants, this leaves hair silky soft.

Honey

Honey is a natural humectant, which is simply a fancy way of saying that it works to reduce moisture loss. (A skin lotion would also be another example.) By increasing moisture in the hair, honey also creates a protective barrier, protecting hair from environmental and heat damage.

Olive Oil

Like coconut oil, olive oil helps to seal in moisture and eliminate dryness.

Egg

Sure, this might sound a bit gross, but egg provides the protein that this homemade hair mask needs to strengthen and repair!

DIY Hair Mask for Greasy Hair

There can be many reasons that you might be suffering from greasy hair—excess oil, sweat, scalp conditions, or environmental factors—but that doesn’t mean that you have to put up with lackluster locks. In fact, those with greasy hair need the opposite of what dry, damaged hair is seeking. When creating a homemade hair mask for greasy hair, it’s important to combat the factors that are causing the excess buildup and banish them away.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of fuller's earth (also known as multani mitti)

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

• 1 egg white

Instructions:

Prepare The Mask:

1. Add the fuller’s earth to a small bowl.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, gradually.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, continuing to stir.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.

5. In a separate bowl, separate the egg from the egg white. Whisk the egg white until frothy.

6. Add egg white to ingredients and mix until fully combined and texture is consistent.

Apply The Mask:

1. Before applying, make sure that hair is clean and damp (post-shower works best).

2. Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mask from roots to ends. Massaging gently in circular motions, make sure to focus on the scalp and areas that have excess oil buildup.

3. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition as normal.

Here’s What Makes This Mask Work

While you might recognize many of the common household ingredients in these hair masks, you might not be as familiar with others.

Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s earth is a natural clay-like substance that is primarily composed of aluminum magnesium silicate, although it can be found in various compositions. Fuller’s earth is used frequently in face masks and other skincare products because of its ability to absorb oil and impurities, making it an effective facial cleanser for acne-prone or oily skin. It works exceptionally well in hair masks to help draw out excess oil from the scalp.

Lemon Juice

The acidity in lemon juice cleanses the scalp and helps to reduce oil by balancing the skin’s pH level.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Also another ingredient commonly found in skincare products targeting blackheads and clogged pores, ACV acts as a clarifying agent, removing product buildup, dandruff, and excess oils.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another powerhouse ingredient in this homemade hair mask. Combined with its fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins, it helps strengthen hair, soothe irritated scalps, and increase shine, all without increasing oil. Aloe vera also contains enzymes that help to break down fats, stripping hair of any remaining excess oil.

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How to Create a Hair Mask to Remove Build-Up from the Scalp

Hair build-up can come from a variety of factors, ranging from environmental pollutants to styling products to dry, itchy scalps. The result of build-up is dry, dull, lackluster hair, and often, it can come with scalp irritation or dandruff.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil

• ½ cup of water

Prepare The Mask:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay into a bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Stir until a paste is created.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, continuing to stir.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of honey.

4. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil, adding more as desired.

5. Stir until fully combined and even consistency is obtained.

Apply The Mask:

1. Before applying, make sure that hair is damp (post-shower works fine).

2. Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mask to the scalp. Massaging gently in circular motions, make sure to focus on the scalp and areas that have excess buildup.

3. Optional: Apply mask from root to tip.

4. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition as normal.

Here’s What Makes This Mask Work

Bentonite Clay

Similar to fuller’s earth, bentonite clay is often found in skincare products and face masks because of its ability to draw out excess oil and detoxify skin. When used in a hair mask, it’s the perfect ingredient to remove buildup.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can be found in many restorative skincare products. For hair masks, these properties work well to dissolve any scalp issues that may be caused by (or causing) buildup.

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Our 10 Favorite Hair Masks & Deep Conditioners for Healthy Hair

Hair masks can restore the beauty of your hair, by fixing damaged roots and softening your strands. But, if you don’t want to create a DIY hair mask of your own (or think your hair needs even more attention than with a mask alone), these are a few of our favorites, many of which are completely natural and formulated without harsh chemicals. There’s a hair product for every hair type out there!

Image: Sephora

Hair Perfector No. 3

Olaplex

A great overall hair mask for every hair type, Olaplex No. 3 is formulated without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. The unique thing about this hair mask is that it works on all hair types, no matter if you have fine, thick, curly, or coarse hair.

This product is specifically great for damaged or color-treated hair because of its bond-building abilities; it not only strengthens, but it protects the structure of your hair from further damage.

How To Use: Olaplex No. 3 should be applied once a week or up to 2-3 times a week for damaged hair. Apply to damp hair from scalp to ends and leave on for 10 minutes. You can leave the product on for longer if desired and follow with shampoo and conditioner as you typically would after application.

Image: Amazon

Television Perfect Hair Masque

R + Co

This hair mask is another great hair product for all hair types that promises to give you healthy hair meant to shine on screen. . It’s the perfect mask for those just getting started with hair masks and not sure where to begin. It also includes unusual ingredients, such as: snow mushroom extract to hydrate and coconut oil, emollient murumuru butter, and pequi oil t0 to lock in moisture. All of these ingredients work together to give your hair a nice softness, shine, and protective moisture. 

This mask is great for hair needing hydration and has a lovely smell of cardamom, tangerine, and lavender to accompany it. Whether you have thin or thick hair, this mask will work wonders for your hair’s structure. 

How To Use: It should be applied after shampooing and left in for 3 to 5 minutes. Since it doesn’t have to be left in long, you can throw it on while in the shower. Use the time to relax into the natural scent!

Image: Amazon

Smoothing Treat 3-in-1 Hair Mask

Garnier

Some masks have ingredients that weigh down fine, thin hair and make strands greasy, rather than moisturized. However, this mask is specifically designed with fine hair in mind. It’s free of parabens and silicone additives and includes ingredients like avocado oil that moisturize hair without weighing it down. 

This mask is special because it only needs to be left on for one minute! If you’re a person that likes to stay moving, this mask will allow you to strengthen your hair without interfering with your day.

How To Use: Apply the mask after shampooing with a wide-tooth comb and leave on for a minute. Then, rinse your hair and you’re ready to go. Smooth, hydrated hair is waiting for you! 

Image: Amazon

Deep Repair Mask

Macadamia Natural Oil

This mask is made with the key ingredient of macadamia nut oil, but also includes castor seed oil, algae extract, and tea tree oil. The macadamia nut oil and the tea tree oil help to soak up excess oils, while also applying hydration to your strands. 

The unique qualities of this mask make it great for those with oily hair types, especially those with fine hair that may gather oil more easily. Dry and damaged hair can also benefit from this mask as it helps to nourish and provide increased elasticity to hair.

How To Use: Apply twice a week after shampooing and leave in for 7 minutes. Your hair will be nicely hydrated, without the greasy feel left over.

Image: Sephora

Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner & Hair Mask Gift Set

Briogeo

Did you know that your hair needs sunscreen, too? That’s right! However, it’s hard to apply traditional sunscreen to your hair without a greasy, gross feel happening. This mask has ingredients—like sunflower extract—that act like a natural sunscreen for your hair to protect it from external factors, such as environmental pollutants. 

This product is specifically useful for those with dry hair or those looking for shine. The phytonutrients—avocado, kiwi, chia seeds, and cocoa seed butter—nourish hair to protect it from the sun’s rays, as well as make it silky smooth.

How to Use: After shampooing, apply mask to damp hair and leave in for at least ten minutes. Rinse well after.

Image: Amazon

Coco Crème Curl Enhancing Moisture Butter

Carol’s Daughter

This mask is formulated with ingredients like coconut oil, shea oil, and mango seed butter to deeply nourish dry and damaged hair, leaving hair feeling renewed, softer, and stronger. Your natural curl will have the definition and shine you’ve always craved!

Specifically formulated for curly, coarse, and dry hair, this mask helps define and strengthen curls for a natural look. (This product is not for those with thin or fine hair!)

How To Use: This product should be used after both shampooing and conditioning. Leave it in for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse. You’re left with replenished and radiant curls!

Image: Amazon

Pure Honey Hair Mask

Creme of Nature

This is another thick conditioning mask for those with dry and damaged hair. The key ingredient in this mask is honey, which helps restore natural moisture back into your hair. It’s also paired with coconut oil and shea butter to help add shine and hydration. Best for those with damaged hair from heat, color, or other natural factors. 

How To Use: Use once a week does the trick with this mask and will leave your hair soft to the touch.

Image: Amazon

Follicle Strengthening Deep Repair Mask

Keranique

This deep conditioning mask is specifically designed to help those with dry, damaged hair. Keratin, alongside restructuring ceramides, helps to repair the hair’s cuticle and prevent further damage. If you are someone who struggles with thinning hair, this mask’s Amino Complex is engineered to moisturize and thicken each hair shaft, resulting in thicker-looking hair with less fall.

How To Use: After shampooing, apply mask from root to ends. Leave on for 5-7 minutes. You can use it 1-2 times per week for best results.

Image: Ulta

Acidic Bonding Concentrate Mask

Redken

This really is a hair mask that does it all. Whether you have dry, damaged hair or you struggle with dull locks, this five minute hair mask promises to provide deep hydration to repair damage from the inside out. Whereas other deep conditioners can be heavy and weigh down hair, this creates a soft touchable feel that works great for fine hair types, too!

How To Use: Apply to wet hair immediately after showering and leave on for five minutes. Rinse as normal. Use weekly.

Image: Ulta

Pre-Wash Scalp Oil

Kitsch

While this isn’t exactly a hair mask, this plant-based serum uses rosemary extract and biotin to create a healthier scalp, loosening buildup and preventing scalp issues, such as dandruff. While all hair types can benefit from this pre-wash treatment, it’s effective for those prone to oily hair or product buildup.

How To Use: Apply 2-3 drops to the scalp before shampooing, massaging gently. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before washing.

Your Hair Needs Love, Too

Hair can get neglected and pushed to the side when days become hectic. These hair masks are quick and easy to use from the comfort of your home and work to transform dry and damaged strands. Choose between the products mentioned based on what fits your hair type and get that luscious movie-star style that you’ve always dreamed of!