DIY hair masks can help to retain moisture in the strands, leaving hair softer and more hydrated. They can also be used to clean the pores and eliminate dead skin cells from the scalp. The ingredients used to make the masks, like coconut oil, avocado and honey, for example, contain vitamins and minerals that can help to the restructure and renew hair strands. These natural ingredients are typically suitable for all hair types.

Before using a DIY hair mask, you should perform an allergy test by applying a little of the mixture to the forearm and waiting for 15 minutes. If the skin becomes red or irritated, you should avoid using the hair mask.

There are some precautions that should be taken to enhance the effect of DIY hair masks, like washing your hair with anti-residue shampoo and avoiding very hot water. Also be sure to detangle your hair gently with a brush or comb and, with your hair still damp, applying the mask. strand by strand and from top to bottom.

Homemade hair masks

Some DIY hair masks you can make at home include:

1. Coconut oil and honey hair mask

A coconut oil and honey hair mask promotes deep hydration of the hair and repairs the strands. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that penetrate the hair, maintaining the moisture in the strands, leaving the hair silkier and shiny. Honey is a natural moisturizer that retains hydration in the hair, in addition to softening the strands. This mask should not be used by anyone allergic to pollen, honey or propolis.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Directions

Mix the ingredients in a clean, dry container. Apply the mask to damp hair and let it act for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse off with shampoo to thoroughly remove mask residue. You can apply this mask every 15 days.

2. Olive oil and brown sugar mask

An olive oil and brown sugar mask is a good DIY hair mask brittle, frizzy hair, with split ends. The olive oil can help to moisture the strands and prevents dryness, while the brown sugar can exfoliate the scalp, removing skin dead cells and residue build-up. It can leave the hair softer and shinier.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of brown sugar;
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Directions

Mix the ingredients in a clean, dry container and apply to your hair, being sure to massage it into scalp. Leave it to act for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash your hair. This mask can be used once a week.

3. Avocado mask

The avocado hair mask is rich in fats, vitamins C and E, minerals such as potassium and folate, promoting hair repair and growth, making it a good homemade moisturizer option for frizzy, dry, damaged hair or hair with split ends. Learn more about the benefits of avocado and how else it can be used.

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado.

Directions

Peel and crush the avocado until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Apply to hair, leaving it to act for 30 minutes and then wash with shampoo until all residue is removed. This mask can be used once a week.

4. Avocado and sweet almond oil mask

An avocado and sweet almond oil mask is rich in fats, vitamins A and E, and fatty acids, which can promote hair repair and growth. It is a great DIY hair mask for damaged and brittle hair.

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado;
1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil.

Directions

Peel and crush the avocado, then add the almond oil, until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Apply to the hair, leaving it to act for 30 minute. Then wash your hair with shampoo, removing all residue. This mask can be used once a week.

5. Banana, yogurt and honey mask

A banana, yogurt and honey mask is a great homemade hair mask for highlighted or chemically treated hair, as it is rich in natural oils, potassium, vitamins and lactic acid. These nutrients can promote moisture, shine and hair repair, and can also reduce frizz. This hair mask can also be used by anyone with split ends or dry hair. It should not be used by people who are allergic to pollen, honey or propolis.

Ingredients

1 ripe banana
1 serving of natural yogurt (250 ml)
3 tablespoons of honey

Directions

Peel and mash the banana with a fork. Then add the honey and yogurt. Mix all the ingredients well and apply it to your hair, leaving it to act for 20 to 30 minutes. Then wash your hair, removing any residue. This hair mask can be applied twice a week.

6. Chamomile, cornstarch and milk mask

A chamomile, cornstarch and milk hair mask helps to keep the hair hydrated, and maintain moisture in the strands. It is recommended for hydrating dry or highlighted blonde hair, as it can help to maintain color and increase shine. Learn more about the benefits of chamomile tea and how it can be used.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers or 2 tea bags
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
½ glass of whole milk

Directions

Boil the milk and add the chamomile. Cover and leave to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the chamomile sachet or strain if you used dried chamomile flowers. Place the mixture in pot over low heat, and add the cornstarch, mixing until you obtain a mixture with a thicker consistency. Wait for the mixture to cool and apply it to your hair, leaving it to act for 30 minutes. Wash your hair afterwards, removing all residue. This mask can be used every 15 days.

7. Aloe and honey mask

An aloe vera and honey hair mask helps to hydrate the hair, as it has nourishing, regenerating and moisturizing properties. It can be used as a homemade moisturizer for curly, frizzy or very dry hair. This mask should not be used by people who are allergic to pollen, honey or propolis. Learn more about the other benefits of aloe vera for hair and how to apply it.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of aloe leaf gel

Directions

Mix the ingredients in a clean, dry container until you obtain a homogeneous mixture and apply to damp hair. Leave it to act for 20 minutes and then wash your hair with shampoo. This DIY hair mask can be used once a week.

8. Avocado and jojoba oil mask

An avocado and jojoba oil mask contains vitamins A and E, which help to deeply hydrate the strands and enhance shininess. It can also promote the regeneration of scalp cells, stimulating the hair to grow faster and stronger.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of jojoba oil
Half an avocado

Directions

Mix the avocado and oil in a container until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Apply the mask to damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash with shampoo to thoroughly remove the mask residue. You can use this homemade hair mask once a week.

9. Coconut oil, avocado and argan oil mask

This DIY hair mask is a great option for dry , curly hair, as it boosts hair hydration and nutrition and gives life and shine to the hair. It can leave the hair soft, silky and frizz-free.

Ingredients

2 spoons of coconut oil
2 spoons of argan oil
Half an avocado

Directions

Mix the avocado with the coconut oil and argan oil in a clean and dry container, until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then apply the mask to damp hair and leave it on for 60 minutes, then wash it off with shampoo to remove residue. This mask can be used 1 to 2 times a week.

10. Coconut oil and olive oil mask

To deeply hydrate your hair, especially curly and brittle hair, nighttime hydration with coconut oil and olive oil is a great option. It not only helps to hydrate your hair, but also makes it easier to detangle it the next morning.

Ingredients:

¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup of olive oil

Directions

Mix coconut oil and olive oil in a clean, dry container and apply to dry hair. Leave it to act overnight, being sure to wash your hair well the next morning with shampoo and conditioner to remove all the oil. Furthermore, it is possible to do this nighttime hydration using the oils separately, applying only olive oil or only coconut oil.