Looking for a more personalized hair mask using natural ingredients? Check out these 12 common hair mask ingredients and curate a mask just for you! The best part? Most of these are probably already in your home! Be sure you choose ingredients that will target your personal hair goals and help you achieve your hair’s maximum potential!
1. Avocado
Great for Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair, Oily Hair
Avocado is a fruit that is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and proteins that restore damaged hair by deeply moisturizing, repairing breakage, and strengthening the hair strands. It contains vitamins E, B, and D, along with biotin and proteins, which are common ingredients found in hair care products that are found on every shelf!. The vitamins in avocados have anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the hair follicles and promote new follicle growth – great for those plagued by breakage! Biotin, proteins, and fatty acids improve elasticity, reduce breakage, and add a natural shine. It also helps to detangle the hair!
2. Honey
Great for Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair, Color-Treated Hair
Honey naturally helps to lock moisture into the hair, making it an excellent solution for dry and damaged hair, or for hair prone to curling and frizziness. It works by smoothing out the hair cuticle, while adding a shininess and softness to the strands. Additionally, honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to combat dandruff and other scalp irritations. Honey is a great choice for any hair mask seeking to soften and strengthen hair follicles. It may not be the best choice for those with very oily or fine hair, as it could make the scalp greasier.
3. Coconut Oil
Great for Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair, Color-Treated Hair, Dandruff
With countless coconut oil infused shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments stocking the shelves of every hair care aisle, it’s no secret that it has great benefits for the hair. But have you ever wondered why the ingredient is so popular in hair care brands? Coconut oil is a versatile and nourishing ingredient that deeply penetrates the hair shaft, moisturizing and repairing damage while preventing the loss of proteins.This helps strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and minimize split ends. It also creates a protective barrier against environmental damage and heat styling. Coconut oil is best for those with wavy and curly hair that is prone to dryness and frizz, and is not recommended for those with oily or very fine hair, as it could draw more oils to the scalp and cause it to look even more greasy and flat.
4. Yogurt
Great for Thin Hair, Damaged Hair
Yogurt is a great choice for a hair mask if you have hair that is prone to breakage and frizz or is very thin. Packed with essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, yogurt helps strengthen hair strands, promoting less breakage and healthier growth of the hair. Its lactic acids work as a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from the scalp.This will allow the hair to be able to grow with ease and less split ends.
5. Raw Egg
Great for Oily Hair, Thin Hair
The proteins in egg whites help to remove excess sebum and cleanse the scalp without stripping it of essential and natural moisture, making it ideal for oily hair. Additionally, egg whites provide structure and thickness to fine or thinning hair by having proteins stick to the follicles, which can make the hair look fuller and more voluminous. Those with dry hair should not use eggs in the hair as it may strip too many oils from the scalp, worsening the dry problem.
6. Olive Oil
Great for Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair
Olive oil helps deeply moisturize and nourish the hair, increasing hair softness while reducing frizz. It acts as a restorative treatment for damaged, dry, and frizzy hair by repairing split ends and reducing further hair breakage. It should not be used on very oily hair, as it will draw more oils to the scalp.
7. Brown Sugar & Cinnamon
Great for Damaged Hair, Fine Hair, Frizzy Hair
Both brown sugar and cinnamon have exfoliating properties that can brush away dead hair cells and allow the follicle to grow stronger and with less breakage. They also prevent clogged hair follicles, which may allow the hair to grow faster and thicker. Additionally, cinnamon promotes blood flow when applied to the scalp, which will aid in hair growth.
7. Aloe Vera
Great for Dandruff, Oily Hair
Aloe vera is a powerful plant that is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It moisturizes dry hair without leaving it greasy, making it ideal for both dry and oily hair types. Aloe vera also strengthens hair by preventing breakage and split ends.It can provide a cooling sensation that can calm scalp irritations. This is a great option for dandruff relief, or a great ingredient to add into a mask for oily hair to prevent too much moisture loss without stimulating more oil production.
8. Lemon Juice
Great for Dandruff, Oily Hair, Thin Hair
The citric acid in lemon juice helps to remove excess sebum, cleanse the scalp, and prevent buildup of oils and impurities that can weigh hair down.It also has antimicrobial properties, helping to fight dandruff and keep the scalp and free from irritation. Additionally, lemon juice tightens the hair cuticles, which locks in good moisture without adding extra oils, unlike many other grease-fighting ingredients. It is important to remember that lemon juice can be a powerful acid that can decay the hair follicles if left on too long. Be sure you aren’t leaving it in your hair for extended periods of time. Lemon juice can also lighten hair in the sun, so avoid sunlight while it sits. Do not use lemon juice if you struggle with dry hair, as it will pull all the oils from the scalp and could irritate an already dry scalp.
9. Bananas
Great for Damaged Hair, Color-Treated Hair
Bananas are efficient in moisturizing and nourishing dry and damaged hair. They have naturally occurring silica that strengthens hair, reduces breakage and promotes hair elasticity. Potassium helps to prevent split ends. It is also a great option for those with color-treated hair, as it nourishes without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Lastly, it detangles the hair, which can be great for those with thick locks or damaged, knot-prone ends!
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Great for Dandruff, Dry Hair, Oily Hair
You know it’s good for gut health, cleaning, and skin health, but did you know apple cider vinegar is great for the hair too? Apple cider vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance of the scalp, which can calm dandruff storms and soothe greasiness. It works as a clarifier, removing product buildup, excess oil, and impurities, leaving hair feeling clean and light. If you need some scalp harmony and balance, this ingredient will do just that, whether the scalp is too oily or dry. Make sure that you dilute it if you use only apple cider vinegar in the hair, as it is a powerful acid.
11. Strawberries
Great for All Hair Concerns
Strawberries also contain salicylic acid, which can help exfoliate the scalp, remove product buildup, and unclog hair follicles, which lead to a cleaner and healthier scalp flora. The high vitamin C concentration promotes collagen production, which is an essential ingredient in countless salon treatments, shampoos, and conditioners. It is a great cleanser that doesn’t strip any oils, making it a versatile ingredient for every hair concern. It smells great, too!
12. Tea Tree Oil
Great for Oily Hair, Dandruff
Similar to apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil helps to balance the pH of the scalp, making it great for oily or itchy, dandruff coated locks.Its natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties soothes irritation and inflammation while reducing oil buildup.
