Cancel all your plans—the perfect night of self-care is here
Nothing screams ‘bad hair day’ more than dry brittle ends with plenty of frizz—but luckily for you, there are ways you can fix this. We’ve created the ultimate guide to fix these woes with our 11 DIY masks for dry hair to transform your tresses into luscious, silky locks. Now, we know there are plenty of pricey masks on the market that claim to transform your life, but trust us—sometimes there are ways to save your dollars.
If you've been longing for luscious, hydrated locks without the hefty price tag, you're in the right place. We understand the struggle of dealing with dry, frizzy hair and the desire to find effective solutions that won't break the bank.
Say goodbye to dull, lackluster hair and hello to nourished, revitalized locks—all from the comfort of your own home and at a fraction of the cost of salon treatments. Get ready to cancel all your plans because we're about to guide you through the ultimate night of self-care. From avocado to argan oil, we've curated 11 DIY hair mask recipes that will transform your hair (and your mood).
So, grab your mixing bowl, put on your favorite playlist, and let's take a look at the world of DIY hair care. Your perfect night of pampering does exist and it’s right here.
Why choose a homemade hair mask?
At TYME, we believe in the power of nature to provide effective solutions for hair care—that's why we've turned to Mother Nature herself to curate a collection of DIY hair masks that are not only potent but also purse-friendly. Why are hair masks so essential for achieving healthy, vibrant locks? Let’s take a look.
Hair masks are like high-powered hair conditioners, delivering a concentrated dose of nourishment to your strands in just a fraction of the time it takes for traditional treatments. In as little as 20 minutes, you can transform dry, frizzy hair into silky smooth strands—all whilst sipping on a glass of vino with your favorite Netflix series on. Could it get any easier?
These masks are packed with natural ingredients that soften and hydrate your hair, leaving it feeling irresistibly touchable and looking beautifully shiny. Whether you're battling dryness, frizz, or dullness, there's a DIY hair mask recipe to address your specific concerns, and we’ve searched high and low to find them.
Unlike expensive salon treatments, our DIY masks for dry hair are made from simple, all-natural ingredients that can be found right in your fridge or cupboard, all for under $15. By harnessing the power of ingredients straight from your cupboards, you can nourish, protect, and moisturize your hair without breaking the bank.
Get your pen and paper: here’s your shopping list
Get ready to raid your kitchen cupboards and embrace the power of natural ingredients. Here’s our shopping list for all of the goodies that we will be using to whip up our DIY hair masks. All of the ingredients that we’re using in our nourishing hair masks are under $15, so you can forget spending your last dollar on any designer products—we’ve found the best alternatives.
*Opt for organic options whenever possible to ensure that you're treating your hair to the purest, chemical-free ingredients.
- Avocado: Rich in vitamins and healthy fats, avocado deeply nourishes and moisturizes the hair, leaving it soft and silky.
- Banana: Packed with potassium and vitamins, banana strengthens the hair and promotes elasticity for reduced breakage.
- Coconut Milk: Bursting with hydration, coconut milk penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair dry, damaged strands.
- Eggs: A protein powerhouse, eggs strengthen the hair follicles and promote growth for thicker, healthier hair.
- Argan Oil: Liquid gold for your hair, argan oil is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and protect the hair from damage.
- Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera calms inflammation and hydrates the scalp for optimal hair health.
- Mayonnaise: Yes, we’re being deadly serious. Mayonnaise is rich in oils and proteins that deeply condition and moisturize the hair.
- Pumpkin: A seasonal favorite, pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth and scalp health.
- Yogurt: A natural moisturizer, yogurt hydrates the hair and scalp while soothing irritation and inflammation.
- Olive Oil: A kitchen staple with countless beauty benefits, olive oil penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair dry, brittle hair.
- Rice: Rice water is rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen the hair and promote growth, making it a fantastic addition to DIY hair masks for dryness.
Now that you’ve done your shopping and are armed with the haircare weapons, it’s time to get creative.
1. Avocado and honey mask
Benefits: Avocado is packed with vitamins and healthy fats that deeply nourish and moisturize the hair. Honey acts as a natural humectant, attracting moisture to the hair and preventing dryness, so these two ingredients leave your locks soft, silky, and hydrated.
Though it may look like you’ve poured a bowl of guac on your head, we promise—it really works. It may sound simple, but it’s a homemade hair mask for damaged hair that’s tried and tested.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Banana and olive oil mask
Benefits: Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamins that strengthen the hair and reduce breakage. Olive oil provides deep hydration, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and shiny. Together, these smoothie-loving ingredients can turn any dry tresses into a silky smooth dream.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Directions:
- Mash the banana in a bowl until creamy.
- Stir in the olive oil until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, massaging it into the scalp.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual.
3. Coconut milk and honey mask
Benefits: If it’s good enough in our coconut latte, then it’s good enough for our hair. Coconut milk penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair dry, damaged hair, which prevents breakage and enhances growth. Whereas honey locks in moisture and adds shine, leaving your locks soft, smooth, and easy to maintain even for the wildest of manes.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the coconut milk and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, working it through from roots to ends.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Egg and yogurt mask
Benefits: We know. It sounds like your morning breakfast, but boy does it work! Eggs are rich in Vitamins A, D, and E, proteins, and fatty acids that strengthen the hair and promote growth, whilst yogurt moisturizes and conditions the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. Along with being a brilliantly versatile breakfast ingredient, it’s the perfect combo as a great natural conditioner!
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg and yogurt until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Argan oil and honey mask
Benefits: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and protect the hair. Not only does it work wonders on hand, skin, and scalp Psoriasis, but it also works perfectly for those dry yet damaged locks. Honey acts as a natural humectant, therefore attracting moisture to the hair and preventing dryness. This DIY deep-conditioning hair mask is a golden elixir that’s made for wintertime nourishment, where your hair is crying for moisture.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of argan oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the argan oil and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, massaging it into the scalp.
- Leave on for 30-60 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
6. Aloe vera and coconut oil mask
Benefits: We know we aren’t the first to shout about aloe and coconut oil as a wondrous treatment, but it’s a classic we can’t miss out on. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, which ensures quick cell turnover, which then soothes the scalp and promotes hair growth. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair dry, damaged hair, and it is available everywhere. Whether it’s in your cupboard, by your stove, or in your beauty cabinet for your skin—whichever version you can find, it will still work wonders and it’s super purse-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the aloe vera gel and coconut oil until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the roots and ends.
- Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
7. Mayonnaise and avocado oil mask
Benefits: If you’re looking for a DIY hair mask for curly hair, then we’ve answered your prayer. Believe it or not, everyone’s favorite condiment actually boosts hydration and reduces frizz by coating the strands in a potent oil. Mayonnaise is rich in oils and proteins that moisturize and strengthen every hair strand. Mix it with avocado oil for an extra boost to leave your locks soft, shiny, and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise and avocado oil until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, working it through from roots to ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual.
8. Pumpkin and honey mask
Benefits: This hair mask isn’t just for the dry-hair girlies; it's also for those looking for a hair-growing miracle. Pumpkin skin actually protects your hair from environmental aggressors, like air pollution and UV rays, meaning it keeps it locked in with shine and without the city air stress. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair and scalp health, whilst it is also packed with biotin (B7) which is the best thing you can find for hair growth. Who said you need those pricey biotin supplements?
Combine it with honey to lock in moisture and add shine, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and ready to be styled.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin purée and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, massaging it into the scalp.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
9. Yogurt and honey mask
Benefits: Yogurt seems to be the calling for all kinds of hair care troubles and we aren’t complaining. Have some left over? Then you’ve got *girl dinner* sorted. Yogurt moisturizes and conditions the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. When washed out, yogurt also helps to remove dead skin cells that can build up on the hair follicles causing dryness. Mix with honey to lock in moisture, or even a dash of lemon to balance out your scalp PH level. Scalp care is self-care.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt and honey until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
10. Olive oil and honey mask
Benefits: It doesn’t matter if it’s your $40 fancy olive oil imported from Italy or your $5 local grocery store stuff—olive oil is king. It contains vitamin E and healthy fats, which help the hair look sleek, shiny, and frizz-free. Olive oil will penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize and repair dry, brittle hair. Add honey to the mixture to lock in moisture and add shine, leaving your locks soft, smooth, and glossy. Dry hair? We don’t know her.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, working it through from roots to ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual.
11. Rice water and honey mask
Benefits: You may have seen it on your trusty TikTok FYP or from the Heian Period in Japan—but either way, we’re thankful for this simple yet truly effective hair remedy. Rice water has been used since ancient times in all kinds of beauty regimes and works wonders for hair transformations. Rice water is rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen the hair and promote growth, whilst also strengthening the hair follicle and calms scalp irritation.
Rice water alone can cause dryness as it is rich in starch, so make sure to add honey to attract moisture to the hair and prevent those dry brittle strands.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of starchy rice water (rice water is left over after rice is cooked or left to soak)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the rice water and honey until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the roots and ends.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm
- Use once a week for optimal results
Hair care starts with scalp care
Like we didn’t have enough self-care things to worry about—your scalp needs some TLC, too. Remember that consistency is key. Incorporating these DIY hair masks into your weekly routine can make a world of difference in the overall health and appearance of your locks and will prevent dry, damaged ends. But sadly, hair care doesn't stop at masks alone.
To further improve dryness and maintain the results of your homemade hair mask for damaged hair treatments, consider incorporating scalp care into your routine. Regular scalp massages using a scalp massager brush can stimulate blood flow and promote a healthy environment for hair growth (like we haven’t seen it all over TikTok already!).
Additionally, investing in nourishing shampoo and conditioner, such as Moroccan Oil’s hydrating shampoo and conditioner, can provide ongoing hydration and protection for your hair.
Self-care is about more than just pampering yourself—it's about investing in your overall well-being and that includes your hair. With a little time and effort, you can achieve the luscious, silky locks you've always dreamed of, all without emptying your purse.
For under $15, you can make weeks' worth of powerful DIY masks for dry hair. Embrace the power of natural ingredients and watch as your hair transforms before your eyes—here's to healthy, luscious hair that'll be worthy of its own TV commercial.
