DIY hair masks are an easy and affordable way to get your hair looking shinier and feeling softer. Concocting your own mask is as easy as using ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. Hair masks, when they are done weekly, work to moisturise damaged or dry locks, to alleviate an irritated scalp, or to balance the scalp’s pH level.

Hair masks to try at home

Mask for Dry Hair

This mask is most fitting for hair that lacks in natural oil production. If your hair breaks easily, has split ends, and/or looks dull and damaged, try this mixture:

• 2 Tbsp. honey + 1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Mask for Itchy or Flaky Scalp

This mask is the solution for a dry scalp. It works magic by removing dead skin cells and nourishing the base of the hair shaft.

• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar + 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Mask for Oily Hair

This mask is for greasy hair. It helps by correcting the pH level of the scalp and hair, which neutralizes excessive oil production, leaving your locks with a grease free shine.

• ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar + I Lemon with rind

Method
Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Wash your hair normally and skip the conditioner. While the pores on your head are still open, apply your chosen mask evenly to your scalp and comb it through damp hair. Work the mask from your roots to your tips. Cover with a towel or shower cap. Rinse out with warm water after 20 minutes.

All ingredients in the suggested mask mixtures above can be combined to meet your individual needs.

Natural ingredients and how they work

Honey acts as a humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture. Moisture is what gives hair its voluminous and shiny appearance. Find out more about the health benefits of honey here.

Coconut oil is also highly moisturising—sometimes too moisturising. Use it in moderation, or your hair will look oily and dirty instead of glamorous and shiny. If you have mid length to long hair, use 1 tablespoon. For short hair, use 1 teaspoon. For more information on the benefits of coconut oil, check out this article.

Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells from the scalp and any residue that has built up on the hair shaft.

Extra virgin olive oil gives damaged hair a shiny and strong finish. Like coconut oil, start with less and slowly work in more as needed, otherwise you’ll have difficulty rinsing it out.

Apple cider vinegar strips residual build up from conditioners and all the various products applied to your hair. It also works as a natural de-tangler and leaves your hair with a healthy sheen. Most importantly, apple cider vinegar helps both topically and internally to balance the body’s pH levels.

Lemon is an astringent. Its acidity helps to reduce excessive oil production and, like apple cider vinegar, will balance the scalp’s pH level.