Hair masks: 10 homemade tips for damaged, oily and dry hair

You can prepare a hair mask at home from commonly available ingredients. Most recipes are very simple, cheap but reliable. Natural masks nourish the hair structure and the scalp.

It is possible to support damaged, dry and, on the contrary, oily hair with them.

Oil mask, egg mask, avocado mask, banana mask, nettle mask, coffee mask and many other masks and tips can be found in the article.

1. Oil masks for hair

Oils are commonly used in cosmetics for external care. It is no news that they are also suitable as nourishing hair masks.

If you want to achieve hydration and nourishment without much greasiness, it is advisable not to overdo it with the amount of oil applied. Some sources recommend about two tablespoons of oil for long hair.

Apply the oil to damp hair gradually along its length, then wrap it in food wrap or a plastic bag (or towel).

The warmth inside helps the active ingredients penetrate the hair. Wrapping also protects against clothes getting clogged and possible oil dripping down.

After about 1 hour, wash your hair thoroughly. However, you can leave the mask on longer, possibly overnight.

At a minimum, the mask should last for 30 minutes.

For a long-lasting effect, it is recommended to do the treatment once every one to two weeks.

Suitable hair oils:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Castor oil
• Argan oil
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil

Olive oil contains many minerals, vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If you have a problem with dry, damaged and breaking hair, it is advisable to try an olive oil mask.

Castor oil is excellent for skin, eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. It promotes hair growth, nourishes the scalp, fights eczema and dry skin, adds shine and hydration to the hair. It fights hair loss.

The use of argan oil, liquid gold, is quite popular. It helps to moisturize and restore damaged hair. It is ideal for dry, stressed hair lengths. Its silky revitalizing effect is also used in skin care.

Coconut oil has revitalizing effects. It adds shine, strength, hydration and nourishment to the hair. It protects the scalp with its antibacterial action. It acts against dandruff.

The main ingredient is lauric acid, which ensures the regeneration of the hair fibre and prevents protein loss.

2. Egg mask

Eggs are a fairly versatile ingredient and a mask made from them can be used on all hair types. The only difference is what egg ingredient you use.

If you have normal hair, feel free to use a whole egg for the mask. If you have dry hair, make a mask from the yolk.

On the other hand, for oily hair, use egg white.

If you want to neutralize the egg smell, mix the egg with a few drops of lemon juice. You can also use the egg in combination with olive oil or honey.

The exact number of eggs you use for the mask depends on the thickness and length of your hair, but approximately 1-2 eggs.

Whisk the mixture into a foam and then gradually apply it to your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or cling film and leave the mask on for 30 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

3. Banana mask

Banana mask is especially popular for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It helps with frizzy dry hair. Thanks to its formula, it promotes hair strength and vitality. Bananas contain minerals such as potassium and iron, and vitamins A, E and C.

It is advisable to combine the banana mask with oil (olive or coconut) and, if necessary, with a little honey or milk or white yoghurt.

Mash the banana to a mushy consistency. Add the other ingredients and blend again. A smooth, lump-free mixture should result.

Apply this mask from roots to ends and then wrap. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.

Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly and wash with a mild shampoo.

4. Honey mask

If you have excessively dry and frayed ends, then it is advisable to try a honey mask.

You can mix honey with egg and also with oil or banana. Add about 1-3 tablespoons of honey to one mask/mixture depending on the thickness and length of your hair.

Apply the mask to the damaged lengths and ends of your hair, cover with plastic and leave it on for 30 minutes. If you use less honey, you can apply the mask to the top of your hair as well. Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly and wash with a mild shampoo.

5. Avocado mask

This dark green fruit with a buttery consistency contains many minerals and vitamins. Due to its composition, it is classified as a superfood. The oils, proteins and micronutrients of avocado provide hydration and nourishment to the hair structure.

The avocado mask gives hair shine, softness, nourishment and volume. One mask takes half of an average-sized avocado, from which the flesh is removed and mashed or blended.

Avocado can be combined with other ingredients (oil, white yoghurt, eggs, etc.), as with other homemade masks. Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly.

Avocado as a standard in the kitchen:
Avocado spread - try our healthy recipe

6. Nettle mask (wrap)

Nettle serves not only as a healthy herbal tea. It can also be used as an external hair wrap. If you are troubled by oily, thin and damaged hair, you can help yourself with the natural power of nettle decoction.

Hair will be stronger, thicker and less greasy after regular use. Nettle wrap strengthens the hair structure and prevents hair loss. Massaging the scalp with nettle decoction can stimulate hair growth.

For long hair, you need about 4 handfuls of dried or fresh nettle, 0.5 litres of clean water and a strainer to strain the herb. Pour boiling water over the dried nettle and leave it to infuse for about 20 minutes.

If you want to make a mask, you can add eggs or oil to it. Pour or spread the lukewarm decoction over the length of your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then wash it off.

You can use the nettle decoction without other ingredients to rinse your hair after washing it.

7. Coffee mask

Coffee can also be beneficial for external use. Caffeine stimulates blood circulation. It increases blood circulation to the scalp and helps hair growth and nourishment. Therefore, a scalp massage is recommended when using the mask.

A coffee mask can take many forms. Mix coffee grounds or ground coffee with oil - ideally coconut oil.

Apply the mixture to damp hair and wrap it in food foil or a towel. Leave the mask on for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, wash your hair with water and a mild shampoo.

8. Lemon mask

Lemons are rich in nutrients like citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and more. Lemon mask helps to cleanse the scalp. Clogging of hair follicles can lead to problems like dandruff and hair loss.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a bowl. Massage the lemon juice into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Caution - do not overdo the length of the mask. Afterwards, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and use a conditioner.

9. Beer mask

Beer is composed of malt, hops, yeast and vitamins. Due to its composition, it helps promote the health of hair and scalp. It is possible to come across cosmetics that contain just beer extract.

A beer mask is especially suitable for brittle weak and oily hair. For dry damaged hair, a beer mask with olive oil is suitable.

Mix 1/3 cup of light beer with a teaspoon of oil to make a mixture. Rub the mixture gradually into the hair, wrap and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then rinse the hair and wash with a mild shampoo.

Homemade recipes against hair loss.

10. Aloe vera mask

This mask has a particularly anti-inflammatory effect on the scalp. It acts against dandruff. Aloe vera is suitable for damaged and especially oily hair. It has moisturizing, hydrating and nourishing effects on the hair structure.

You will need 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel (fresh or bought) and 1 teaspoon of oil if needed. Castor or coconut oil is suitable. Mix the mixture and apply to the entire length of the hair and scalp.

Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly.

Other masks and wraps

There are quite a number of hair masks and wraps to choose from, both in brands and ingredients. For nourishment, as well as against dandruff, hair loss or hair color damage. There are also keratin, toning and even coloring masks.

Nourishing masks often contain a complex of various oils, fruits or berries that moisturize the hair. If you want to be sure of the quality of the ingredients without conversion agents, you can choose from a number of the above-mentioned homemade types.

More tips on homemade hair masks:

• Green tea mask
• Apple cider vinegar mask
• Red onion mask
• Brown sugar mask
• White yoghurt mask

Dandruff in my hair. Is it caused by oily hair or should I look elsewhere for the problem?