All you have to do is research DIY hair masks on Pinterest and hundreds of recipes pop up. DIY hair masks can be awesome if you’re looking to treat your hair all while using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. But, not all recommended ingredients may be beneficial for your hair.
I decided to do some research on common DIY ingredients and if they’re actually beneficial to your hair. I also set out to find some amazing DIY recipes for you guys that I knew was going to be not only beneficial but also cost effective.
Coconut Oil
Benefits:
Moisturizing
Smooths/Softens
Can help dandruff
Adds shine
Aids protein loss
Coconut oil is known for its rich fatty acids and moisturizing benefits. It’s also been proven to help prevent protein loss. Oil in general has amazing moisturizing and smoothing/anti-frizz benefits so I can definitely say coconut oil does amazing things for your hair. My only concern is that coconut oil could be too much and too heavy for some hair types.
Coconut oil is an oil and oil has a tendency to weigh down hair that can’t handle it. Basically, coconut oil helps dehydrated, frizzy and damaged hair. If you don’t fall under these guidelines or don’t do well with oils in your hair then this may not be the best for you.
Egg and Egg Whites
Benefits:
Hair growth
Balances scalp/reduces oil
Rich in proteins, vitamins and nutrients
From my research, it shows that there is little scientific proof that applying egg to your hair can be beneficial. But, that being said, many sources claim for it to have amazing benefits due to its high sources of nutrients, vitamins and proteins.
In my opinion, I think eggs are more beneficial to eat versus apply to your hair due to the lack of scientific research. But, considering how many people rave over it, it can’t hurt to try.
Olive Oil
Benefits:
Moisturizes
Smooths
Aids dandruff
Adds shine
Olive oil, like coconut oil, has great moisturizing properties. Like eggs, there is little scientific proof behind the claims you may find on olive oil. So, with that being said and the fact that it is such a thick oil, I would pass on this one. I feel as though coconut oil would be far more beneficial and olive oil would be way too heavy for most hair types.
Banana
Benefits:
Aids texture
Adds shine
Rich in nutrients
They have antimicrobial properties to help aid dry, flaky scalp
Softens hair
Smooths hair
There’s a long list of benefits to using bananas on your hair which actually excites me! Not only is it insanely beneficial to eat, but it also is great in aiding your hair health. What an easy, yet effective ingredient to use in a DIY hair mask!
Honey
Benefits:
Hair growth
Seals moisture
Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants
Promotes shine
Aids hair loss
Can help alleviate scalp conditions
Prevents damage
Like bananas, honey has a long list of benefits for your hair with it being high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Considering the research, I think it’s amazing to use on your hair. But, I wouldn't recommend applying it straight to your hair due to its sticky, thick properties. I would mix it with something instead.
Avocado
Benefits:
Moisturizes
Adds shine
Nourish
Strengthen
Aid scalp health
Smooths
Aids breakage
Like coconut oil, avocado is rich in fatty acids. This makes it a great source of moisture, strength and shine. I would absolutely recommend using this in a DIY hair mask.
Lemon Juice
Benefits:
Can naturally lighten hair (although, I DO NOT recommend)
Aids scalp issues like dandruff
Adds shine
Balances PH of scalp
Reduce oil
I have used lemon juice before on my scalp to balance the PH and help rid my scalp of dandruff. Although it does work, you have to be VERY careful when using lemon juice. It must be rinsed within a quick period of time after applying it to your hair/scalp. I would say unless you’re struggling with dandruff, don’t use it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Benefits:
Balances PH
Anti-inflammatory/prevents against fungal and bacteria growth
Contains nutrients
Hair growth/stimulates blood flow to the follicle
Clarifies and exfoliates
Apple cider vinegar is great for your hair in very different ways compared to the rest of the ingredients listed. In my opinion, it is best used for scalp health versus strand health as it is anti-inflammatory and balancing to the scalp's PH.
My Recommended DIY Recipes:
Honey & Coconut Oil
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
2 tablespoons of raw honey
Banana, Coconut & Honey
½ a banana
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 tablespoon of honey
Avocado, Honey, Egg Whites & Coconut Oil
2 egg whites
½ an avocado
3 tablespoons of coconut oil
2 tablespoons of honey
With that, I wish you happy masking! I hope you have the utmost fun DIY masking in your kitchen and if you do, send me a selfie!
XOXO,
Mia
