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If hair fall isn’t your biggest concern, then what really is? Yeah, yeah, frizzy hair, thinning, dandruff is a close second. And, switching up shampoo and conditioner frequently has done you more harm than good. Even oiling every Sunday has helped your hair just a little. Now, you might say that there are many products in the market (think: serums, essences) that are tailor-made for your hair. But, let's face it, those chemicals do more harm than good, especially in the long run.
Guess what? The solution lies in your kitchen - natural ingredients you can use to make a hair mask suitable for your hair type. Oh yes, making a hair mask at home is the easiest way to fight your hair problems. Read on for the best homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness.
Hair Masks For Dry Hair
1. Egg & Lemon Mask
Even we would have been surprised if an Egg Hair Mask wouldn’t have made it to the list. To make this hair mask for dry hair, separate Egg Whites from the yolk and blend the whites with Lemon Juice. Keep whipping the mix till you get a smooth consistency. Apply the mask to your hair and rinse it off with cold water after half an hour. This combo is a win-win because Egg will make up for all the lost nutrients and the acidic nature of Lemon will keep your hair clean and bacteria-free.
Nykaa recommends:
Chik Hairfall Prevent Egg White Shampoo, Clensta Eggstreme Hair Repair Shampoo
2. Milk & Honey Mask
We can’t think of a better homemade hair mask for dry hair than the Milk and Honey hair mask. With Lactic Acid, Milk will keep your hair nourished and clean and Honey will help retain any lost moisture and its shine. To make this homemade hair mask, warm a few spoonfuls of Milk and mix it with a few drops of Honey. Keep mixing till you get a smooth paste and apply it to your hair. Cover it up for at least 30 minutes and finally, wash it off.
Nykaa recommends:
Khadi Natural Honey & Almond Hair Cleanser Pack, SP Hydrate Mask For Dry Hair
Hair Masks For Frizzy Hair
1. Avocado, Coconut Milk & Olive Oil Mask
In your search for a hair mask for frizzy hair, add Avocado, Coconut Oil & Olive Oil to the mix. We already know Avocado is a superfood. So, no surprises when we say that an Avocado hair mask works for your luscious locks too! To top it off, Coconut Milk will nourish your hair and Olive Oil will prevent hair loss. A winning homemade hair mask for frizzy hair, isn’t it? To make this mask, stir ripe Avocado puree in Coconut Milk and Olive Oil.
Nykaa recommends:
Bare Anatomy Damage Repair Hair Mask, Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
2. Banana & Almond Oil Mask
Here’s us giving you another reason to love Bananas - Hair masks made using Bananas are a great pick for frizzy hair. All thanks to the moisturising properties of the fruit. Add to it the conditioning properties of Almond Oil and you have a winner in your hands. To make this mask, blend two ripe Bananas with Almond Oil. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Nykaa recommends:
Biotique Banana Deeply Nourishing Hair Mask, Fabessentials Banana Rice Water Yogurt Hair Mask
Hair Masks For Hair Fall
1. Yoghurt and Green Tea Mask
We know what you’re thinking! How can we recommend Green Tea to make a hair growth mask? Well, we can because Green Tea is rich in antioxidants and proteins that will nourish your scalp. For this homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness, mix Egg Yolk with two tablespoons of Green Tea. Apply it on your hair and keep it on for half an hour. Finally, rinse it off with cold water. You can apply this mask at least twice a month for best results.
Nykaa recommends:
Blue Nectar Hair Mask With Green Tea, Atulya Matcha Tea Hair Mask
2. Strawberries and Almond Oil Mask
If we had a nickel for each time someone recommended Almond Oil for hair growth, we would be really rich. No surprise that it is also a core ingredient in this homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness. Paired with Strawberries, it works even better as a hair mask. Firstly, blend the fresh strawberries to make a grainy paste and mix 1 teaspoon of oil into it. Apply it on your scalp and hair and keep it on for at least one hour. Rinse it off with cold water.
Nykaa recommends:
De Fabulous Reviver Hair Repair Treatment, Kama Ayurveda Organic Sweet Almond Oil
Hair Masks For Dandruff
1. Fenugreek and Lemon Mask
Thanks to its antifungal properties, Fenugreek tops our list of ingredients to make the perfect hair mask for dandruff. To derive the maximum benefits, you can pair it up with Lemon juice. However, this anti-dandruff hair mask requires more effort than the other ones on this list because you need to soak Fenugreek seeds overnight. As soon as you wake up, blend the seeds in a mixer and add one tablespoon of juice to it. Now, apply it to your scalp and hair and cover it up for 30 minutes. Finally, wash it off and repeat the process once every week.
Nykaa recommends:
Nykaa Naturals Onion & Fenugreek Hair Mask, Earth Science Fenugreek Hair Mask
2. Garlic and Honey Mask
The thought of Garlic in this mask is worrying you, isn’t it? Honestly, barring the smell, Garlic is among the most beneficial ingredients for your hair - tbh, it has been used for ages to fight dandruff. So, it must be included in this hair mask too. And, haven’t we praised Honey enough already about its conditioning properties? To make this moisturising hair mask, mix Garlic paste with Honey and apply it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes. Finally, rinse it off without your favourite shampoo.
Nykaa recommends:
Re'equil Pre Wash Anti-Recurrence Dandruff Lotion, Godrej Professional Probio Honey Moisture Mask
Hair Mask For Damaged Hair
1. Aloe Vera and Cinnamon Mask
Got all the symptoms of damaged hair a.k.a thinning, dandruff, itchy scalp… you get the drill! Guess who is here to save the day - Aloe Vera and Cinnamon that will boost hair growth and of course, improve your hair quality. To make this deep conditioning hair mask, mix a few drops of aloe vera in cinnamon powder and apply it to your hair. Keep it on for a few minutes and rinse it off with cold water.
Nykaa recommends:
Nature's Tattva Pure Natural Aloe Vera Gel, Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair
2. Egg and Mayonnaise Mask
If you hate Mayonnaise but have damaged hair, here’s us giving you a reason to love it - add it to your hair mask for damaged hair and mix it with Egg. Both these ingredients will make your hair smooth and of course, shiny for days. To make this moisturising hair mask, mix five tablespoons with raw eggs and whisk them together to make a smooth paste. You can add olive oil to this paste if you have extremely coarse hair. Wash it off after 20 minutes with warm water and finally, cleanse your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Say bye-bye to damaged hair.
Nykaa recommends:
The Body Care Egg Shampoo, Mamaearth Eggplex Shampoo
Hair Masks For Limp Hair
1. Garlic and Onion Mask
Known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, garlic and onion tackle dandruff issues and lice, and revive dull, lifeless strands. Take small pieces of garlic and onion, crush them into a paste, and mix it with your regular hair oil for application. Ensure you rinse off the hair mask with a mild shampoo before the pungent odour settles into your scalp. Prepare this homemade mask weekly to experience a reduction in itching, flaking, and dullness.
Nykaa recommends:
Mamaearth Onion Hair Mask, Biotique Onion Black Seed Hair Mask
2. Honey and Yoghurt Mask
Ultra-moisturising honey and yoghurt come together to revive limp strands while amplifying hydration to prevent split ends. Plus, this homemade hair mask will eliminate any bad bacteria on your scalp, promoting melanin production for improved hair strength and pigment. Take a few spoons of honey and mix it in a bowl of yoghurt. Apply this homemade hair mask to your lengths and ends and rinse it off after 15 minutes.
Nykaa recommends:
Dromen & Co Organic Honey Hair Oil, Khadi Natural Woody Sandal & Honey Hair Cleanser
3. Hibiscus Hair Mask
The hibiscus flower is a rich source of antioxidants, stimulating cell regeneration for thicker, luscious hair. Besides, the application of this homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness revives limp locks, giving your mane a new lease of life. Take a few hibiscus flowers and leaves, boil them in a pot of water, and apply the sap to your strands. Leave the concoction on for 20–30 minutes before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.
Nykaa recommends:
Indus Valley Bio Organic Hibiscus Flower Powder, Nat Habit Hibiscus Amla Hair Oil
The Best Way To Apply Hair Mask
Begin by washing your hair with a suitable shampoo to clear out any product residue, grime build-up, and impurities. Now, before slathering on conditioner, section your hair into parts and apply the hair mask evenly across your scalp and strands – from the roots to the tips. Let the homemade hair mask sit on your hair for 15–20 minutes before rinsing it off. Following this, quench your strands and boost moisture with a deeply hydrating conditioner. Ensure you don’t apply the conditioner to your scalp, as it may exacerbate greasiness. After a few minutes, wash off the conditioner.
Parting Thoughts
A homemade hair mask can address most of your concerns, ranging from dandruff and dryness to hair fall and frizziness. Hair masks are a great way to revive your crowning glory, provided you prepare the formula with the right proportion of ingredients. Alternatively, if you’re too lazy to whip up a DIY recipe, you can opt for readymade hair masks available on Nykaa!
FAQs On DIY Hair Mask
Q. Do you apply a hair mask to wet or dry hair?
A. That depends on the ingredients in your hair mask. For example, a Coconut Oil hair mask can be applied to dry hair but if you are using drier ingredients, you should apply them to slightly damp hair.
Q. What is the best hair mask for dry hair?
A. The best solution to treat dry hair lies in your kitchen. Scroll up to find our recommendations for the best hair mask for dry hair.
Q. I have heard a lot about Onion hair masks. Which specific hair problem can I tackle with it?
A. You will be surprised to know Onion Juice is a great elixir for your hair troubles. It will just not boost hair growth but also, keep your scalp healthy and happy. Mix it with Olive Oil and apply it on fine, thinning hair for best results.
Q. Can I use a hair mask on dirty hair? Or does it need to be freshly washed?
A. Applying a mask on dirty hair is probably the biggest hair sin that you can commit. Always, always clean your scalp to make the most of nourishing ingredients.
Q. How often should I use a hair mask?
A. Even if your hair doesn’t look damaged on the outside, there are many outside factors that could change your hair game. Whether you’re looking for a hair mask for hair fall or a hair mask for smooth hair, use it once every week to fight all the hair issues.
