7 Simple DIY Hair Masks For Dry Damaged Hair

These 7 DIY Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged Hair Will Have You Doing A Happy Dance!

Ok, ladies, I’m about to introduce you to your new BFF! That’s right… Weekly DIY hair masks, the perfect solution for dry, damaged, desperately in need of “some extra lovin'” type hair!

Have you been putting your hair through the wringer lately?  Hair dying, flat ironing, blow-drying, over washing, perhaps?  Sadly, any and all can do a real number on your tresses. 

Add to that environmental factors like UVA/UVB exposure, which can damage cuticles or the typical wintertime back and forth we make as we go from blasting, heated indoors to arctic-like, chilly outdoors… and you are looking at some seriously brittle, broken, not so lovely locks.

I plead guilty.  Yes, I dye my hair, use heat on it from time to time, and have put it through the wringer every now and then over the years.  All of which led me to the discovery of homemade natural treatments. 

Now, what I love about DIY hair masks is that for me, a least, they are something easy I can indulge in for a night of self-care… Just a little time to pamper little ole’ me, myself, & I.  And, it allows me some much-needed moments to reset, reboot, and relax. 

So, if you are looking to address two needs in one, a weekly conditioning hair mask may just be your best bet, ladies.  Patience and consistency are important, but if you stick with it, you will be thrilled with your healthier, stronger, restored new mane of hair!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using one of these links. For more info, see Disclosure Policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Want A FREE Copy Of ALL 7 Recipes To Download & Use Later?

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE DIY HAIR MASK RECIPES GUIDE FOR DRY, DAMAGED HAIR

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Our Top Tips For DIY Hair Masks

1. First, make sure you don’t have an allergy to any ingredients before applying.  If in doubt, test for sensitivity by using the mixture on a small section of skin on your inner arm. 
2. Find a routine that works best for you (suggested: once a week).  These masks don’t have to stay on for hours; however, for severely dry or damaged hair, some could serve as a phenomenal DIY overnight hair mask option.
3. If you sleep with one of these hair masks on, be sure to use a disposable shower cap and a towel on your pillow.  Wash it out in the morning.
4. Can you put hair masks on dry hair?  The answer is absolutely!  In fact, oil-based masks tend to work better when applied to dry hair.  However, you should try applying to both wet and dry hair to see which works best for your hair type.
5. For easier application, you want to separate your hair into sections (roughly 4) and secure each section with a clip before beginning.  Work from section to section, getting all trouble spots.  Above all, pay attention to the ends of your hair; they need it most!  If you tend to have an oily scalp, you should apply oil-based masks about an inch away from the scalp.
6. You can comb your mask through your hair using a wide-tooth comb or fingers.  Then pile your hair up and cover it with a disposable shower cap while the mask soaks in.
7. You want to shampoo and condition following the mask.  Be sure to wash out thoroughly to prevent oil buildup and remove residue.  You may need to do two rinses.  Rinse with water that is cool to lukewarm. 
8. Keep in mind that the ingredient amounts you will need can vary depending on hair length.  So, just add or reduce the servings as needed, keeping a similar ratio.  If you find that your hair is too oily after using a mask, you may need to use less of the ingredients or be extra prudent about rinsing out residue.

Tools You May Need…

QUICK TIP: Most of the items in this article can be found on Amazon with FREE 2-Day Shipping (possible same-day and one-day free delivery options may be available too) for Amazon Prime Members. Don’t have an Amazon Prime membership yet? Worry not, you can easily get a free 30-day trial right here! Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial.

• Disposable shower caps (boy will you need these!)
• Wide-tooth comb
• Hair clips (come in large or small depending on hair length and thickness)
• Mixing bowl & brush
• Optional (blender, food processor, or hand mixer)
• Old T-shirt (hair masks can sometimes be a little messy)

Essential Hair Mask Ingredients List…

Not all brands and ingredients are created equal, so to ensure you get the best results, I have created a list of the best of the best on the market!  These are the items that either I, myself, friends of mine, or colleagues have gotten phenomenal results from using.  

• Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil (But if you want one that melts in your hands rather than needing to heat, I recommend this coconut oil here).
• Jojoba Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil (there are two that I use): Josie Maran 100% Regular Argan Oil & Josie Maran Argan Reserve – this one is very rich but surprisingly works so incredibly well on hair!
• Raw Honey
• Orange Essential Oil

Hair Care DIY Recipes: The Best Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged Hair

Now that we’ve been over the basics of DIY hair masks, I’m going to show you exactly how to make one to help your dry, damaged hair.  In fact, you have seven from which you can pick and choose! 

So, pour a glass of wine, turn on some Netflix (check out Stranger Things if you haven’t seen it) and let that mask soak in Beauties!!

Olive Oil & Coconut Oil DIY Hair Mask

Does your hair feel brittle?  Like straw?  Has it been looking rather dull lately? 

This DIY olive oil and coconut oil hair mask is sure to help!  Together, this duo is powerful for revitalizing dry, shine-less, damaged hair.  Both oils can penetrate the hair shaft (allowing them to get to the root of the problem…so to speak), something not all oils can do. 

And if you are looking for a great homemade hair mask for split ends, consider yourself now fully equipped to take them on once and for all!

• Olive oil: This nourishing and strengthening oil, containing vitamin E & omega 3 fatty acids, serves as the ultimate deep conditioner.  You might be surprised to learn that it protects your locks from heat and assists with hair elasticity.  It’s guaranteed to give you softer, smoother, shinier hair while reducing breakage and split ends.  With all these perks, it’s easy to see why this one is one of my favorite oils.  Sometimes, I even just use it alone.

• Coconut oil: This beauty lover’s favorite contains fatty acids & vitamin E, as well.  It moisturizes, nourishes, and reduces protein loss, for soft, silky hair you’ll love!

Ingredients:

**Some women with thicker or coarser hair find coconut oil to not work as well for their hair type, as the coconut oil can cause protein buildup which can sometimes result in drier feeling hair (this has happened to me before), but with a higher ratio of olive oil to coconut oil you should not have any concerns. 

However, if you are not a coconut oil fan or notice this effect, you can always substitute it with almond oil or argan oil (what I do from time to time). 

Also, for those Beauties with fine hair, you may want to try switching these amounts and do 2 parts coconut oil with only 1-part olive oil.

PRO TIP: If you find you need more, double up.  If you need less, divide by 2.

• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Directions:

1. First, if your coconut oil has become solidified (this can happen if the temperature is below 76 degrees Fahrenheit), you will need to warm the coconut oil.  There are a couple of ways to do this…you can take a microwave-safe bowl and pour water into it.  Then microwave that bowl for a few seconds.  Following that, you could then place the jar of coconut oil into the bowl of warmed water to allow it to liquefy a bit.  Another option would be to do this same thing, but instead, after microwaving the bowl of water, you would scoop out some coconut oil and put it into a small cup or bowl.  Then, you would place that inside the bowl with the hot water, allowing it to liquefy.  The last option would be to scoop out the coconut oil, put it into a mug, and then place that on a mug warmer like this one.
2. Add it to a bowl with the olive oil and blend them together.
3. Apply to your hair, making sure to saturate the ends and any damaged areas.
4. Cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.  
5. Rinse out, shampoo (you may need to shampoo 2x depending on the oil saturation), and use conditioner.

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Olive Oil & Avocado DIY Hair Mask

Together combined, these two make a fabulous moisturizing DIY hair mask with impressive strengthening properties!

• Olive oil: As mentioned for the last DIY hair mask, olive oil deeply conditions, strengthens, and protects, making it ideal for tackling less than healthy, desperately thirsty hair, that’s also lost its shine factor.  Since it’s heavier than coconut oil, it also works incredibly well if you need to treat extremely dry hair.

• Avocado: This gem contains vitamin E & essential fatty acids, helping it to moisturize, strengthen, and repair those overworked tresses.  It’s also a natural detangler that leaves your locks with undeniable shine and softness!

Ingredients:

• About 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil (can be less if you prefer, like 2 teaspoons)
• 1 Ripe Avocado (must be ripe)

Directions: 

1. Scoop out the insides of the ripe avocado.
2. Using a blender, food processor, or mixer, you want to blend all the chunks out of the avocado…it needs to be a puree…think smooth enough for a baby…
3. Combine the avocado paste with olive oil and blend them together until it is super smooth. 
4. Apply to hair, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit 20-30 minutes, longer if you have the time.
5. Rinse, shampoo thoroughly, and use a conditioner.

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Milk & Honey DIY Hair Mask

• Milk: Containing protein and vitamins, milk can soften while giving some luminosity and strength to your hair.

• Honey: It is a natural humectant, which means it helps to keep hair hydrated by locking in moisture.  Honey also softens and smooths unruly hair while reducing breakage.  To add a beautiful glow, honey is a superb option!

Ingredients:

PRO TIP: If you find you need more, double up, like 2 cups and 2 teaspoons)

• A Cup of Whole Milk
• A Teaspoon of Raw Honey

Directions: 

1. Warm the milk a bit, not hot, just lukewarm.
2. After that, add the honey to the warm milk…let it dissolve into the milk.
3. Apply to dry hair, focusing on damaged areas and the ends.
4. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
5. Then rinse, shampoo, and use a conditioner.

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Coconut Oil & Honey DIY Hair Mask

• Coconut oil: This oil is perfect for moisturizing and reviving dehydrated, brittle hair as it cuts down on both hair breakage and split ends.  Additionally, it gives you smooth, lustrous hair!

• Honey: Shine-boosting, nourishing, moisture-infusing, and more!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon of Raw Honey
• 1-2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil (thicker hair may need 3 tablespoons)

Directions: 

1. Warm coconut oil, using one of the suggested options listed for the first hair mask.
2. Add honey and mix them together.
3. Apply to your hair and cover with a shower cap
4. Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse, shampoo, and use a conditioner.

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Avocado, Olive Oil, Honey, & Touch of Orange DIY Hair Mask

• Avocado: Once again, this ingredient increases strength, hydration, radiance, and softness.  It repairs and restores parched, over-processed hair.

• Olive oil: An excellent solution for achieving smoother, more moisturized hair.  Not only that, it helps cut down on frizz and dry scalp too.  Lastly, by strengthening the hair shaft, it helps with hair’s elasticity, thus cutting down on those splitting ends and that oh-so-dreaded breakage!

• Honey: Honey helps seal in moisture while adding softness and radiance to rough, damaged hair. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe Avocado
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Raw Honey
• Optional 2 Drops of Orange Essential Oil

Directions: 

1. Place the scooped-out avocado with the olive oil, and honey into a blender, food processor, or mixer.  Blend until there is a smooth consistency with no chunks whatsoever.
2. Place the mixed paste into a bowl and add the orange essential oil.  Stir together.
3. Apply this mask to your hair and cover it with a shower cap.
4. Allow it to sit on the hair for 45-60 minutes.
5. Lastly, rinse completely, apply shampoo, and use your conditioner.

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Jojoba Oil & Coconut Oil DIY Hair Mask

• Jojoba oil: It is an oil made up of several nourishing vitamins.  It’s known for aiding in hydration and moisture for the hair and follicles, as it is capable of penetrating both.  Like many of the other oils mentioned in this article, it’s a great option if you suffer from hair that’s dry, drab, and damaged.  And an added benefit… it helps with dry scalp and dandruff too!

• Coconut oil: It repairs hair damage, minimizes protein loss, adds moisture, and smells amazing!  What more could you ask for??  Right!?

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon of Jojoba Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil

Directions: 

1. Warm up the coconut oil, using one of the suggested options listed for the first hair mask.
2. Add it to the jojoba in a bowl.
3. Mix them thoroughly, and then apply it to your hair. 
4. Allow it to stay on for 20-30 minutes.
5. Rinse out with water, use shampoo, and follow up with a conditioner. 

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Banana, Almond Oil, & Argan Oil DIY Hair Mask

This happens to be an excellent banana DIY hair mask for dry, frizzy, brittle hair.  Give it a try, Beauties, and let us know in the comments what you think of it!

• Banana: This yummy fruit softens, strengthens, moisturizes, helps with frizz, and prevents breakage

• Sweet Almond oil: Containing vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and magnesium, almond oil treats damage by reducing breakage & split ends, assist with growth and helps with hair loss.  Ultimately it leads to stronger hair growth with a gorgeous, silky shine.

• Argan oil: This lovely option helps reduce frizz, protects, restores, moisturizes, softens, smooths, and adds a bit of shine.  It should be a definite go-to for split ends, ladies! It’s lighter than some other oils; therefore, it can be used more often during the week.  I use it regularly; it is definitely one of my favorites!

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe Banana
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Argan Oil

Directions: 

1. First, smash and blend the banana to a smooth, creamy consistency in a bowl.
2. After that, add in the almond and argan oils.
3. Blend to a paste.
4. Apply to your tresses, and then place a shower cap on your head.
5. Allow it to soak in for half an hour.
6. Rinse fully, shampoo, and condition.

Additional Tips For Damaged & Dry Hair

Here are a few additional tips that are not related to DIY hair masks, but that you should still keep in mind when addressing dry, dull, frizzy, and damaged hair.

• Try using a micro-fiber towel to dry your hair. If you have long hair, I recommend this one.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce dryness and breakage.
• Avoid washing hair in water that is too hot and stick to a lukewarm temperature.  Hot water strips your hair of moisture, leading to dull, dry strands.

Final Thoughts

In short, if you’ve been looking for the best mask for dry, damaged, lifeless hair, give one of these 7 DIY hair masks a try.  Or better yet, try several and see which one works best for your hair type! 

All these masks use the best natural ingredients to address hair that needs moisture and nourishment for repair, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. 

What oils do you like to use on your hair?   What are some of the DIY masks you make, love, or have used for damaged or dry hair?  Leave a comment below and share them with us. 

*Pin this for later! Don’t forget to pin to find these recipes again!*

Looking for more hair masks?  Read more about our DIY hair mask for growth; in fact, we have two of them you can try!

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• Curly Hair Must-Haves: 12 Hair Products Absolutely Worth The Hype!
• 15 Simple Ways to Grow Hair Faster and Thicker
• How To Save Money On Makeup & Beauty Products + Get Paid To Shop

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