How to Make a Hair Mask

Co-authored by Mindy Nguyen

Last Updated: February 19, 2023 References Approved

Whether your hair is dry, damaged, oily, or simply in need of some extra care, you can revitalize it with a simple DIY hair mask. By combining natural fruits, oils, and creams from around your house, you can create a quick, nourishing mixture to help your hair stay glossy, healthy, and gorgeous!

Ingredients

Coconut Oil Mask

2 tablespoons (30 mL) coconut oil
1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) honey (optional)

Avocado Mask

½ of an avocado
1-2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon (15 mL) honey (optional)
1 tablespoon (15 mL) coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil (optional)
¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) mayonnaise (for kinky curls)

Strawberry Oil-Fighting Mask

8 strawberries
2 tablespoons (30 mL) mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (15 mL) honey (optional)
1 tablespoon (15 mL) coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Coconut Oil Mask for Dry Hair

1
Combine coconut oil and olive oil in a small bowl. Coconut oil and olive oil are both light, natural products that can lock moisture into dry hair and make it look shinier. Mix both in a bowl to get the most of these hydrating ingredients.^{[1]
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- For longer hair, add more of each ingredient, keeping them in proportion.
- Coconut oil is a perfect hair mask ingredient because softens and conditions your hair.
2
Add honey to moisturize and lighten your color. Honey is another natural moisture-locking product, and is great if you’re looking to subtly lighten your hair color as well. Pour in ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) and stir it well to loosen it up.^{[2]
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- If you don’t want to alter your hair color, don’t add any honey.
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3
Comb the mixture gently into your hair. Use your hands to coat your hair with the mixture, then comb it through the strands with a wide-toothed comb. Make sure to apply the mask all the way from the roots of your hair to the very tips.^{[3]
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- Focus on coating your ends in particular. They’re typically most dry and damaged part of your hair.
4
Cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pin up your hair or twist it into a loose bun, then slip a shower cap on top to lock in the moisture. Wait 15-30 minutes to let the mask fully soak in.^{[4]
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- If you’re planning to rinse out the mask in the shower, you can start the water and wash your face and body while you wait.
5
Apply heat to help the mask penetrate your hair. If desired, you may also apply heat to your hair using a hair dryer. Aim the dryer at your hair for a few minutes to open the hair cuticle and help the mask do its work.
6
Rinse the mask out in the shower and condition. Wash out the mask in the shower, then condition your hair as normal to help remove any leftover products. You can shampoo as well, although if your hair is really dry, shampooing might draw out even more moisture.^{[5]
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- Use this mask once a week to ensure your hair stays healthy and smooth.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making an Avocado Mask for Curly Hair

1
Mix together ½ of an avocado and an egg yolk. Slice a ripe avocado in half and scoop out the flesh. Mash it up with a spoon or fork, then combine it in a small bowl with an egg yolk, or 2 if your hair is longer than shoulder-length.^{[7]
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- For a smoother texture, mix your ingredients with a blender or food processor.
- This avocado mask is great for curly, frizzy hair that’s prone to dryness.
2
Add honey and coconut oil for extra shine. Adding a spoonful each of honey and coconut oil can make your hair shinier and add an extra boost of moisture. Stir them into your avocado and egg mixture, making sure to loosen up the honey and incorporate it fully.^{[8]
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- Honey can subtly lighten your hair, so avoid using it if you don’t want to alter your color.
- You can also substitute extra virgin olive oil for coconut oil.^{[9]
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3
Mix in some mayonnaise if you have curly, kinky hair. Putting mayonnaise in your hair might sound a little strange, but this condiment is full of healthy proteins to keep your curls strong and shiny. A bit of mayo can also moisturize without adding the grease that can accumulate in kinky hair.
4
Apply the mask and let sit under a shower cap for 20 minutes. Use your hands to scoop the mask onto your hair, then coat each strand by running a wide-toothed comb through them. Then pin up or tie back your hair loosely and cover it with a shower cap for 15-20 minutes.^{[10]
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- Remember to apply the mask all over your hair, from roots to tips.
- Using a shower cap will help lock in the moisture from your mask.
5
Rinse your hair with cool water, then shampoo and condition. Once you’ve let your mask soak in, get in the shower and rinse it out with very cool water to prevent the egg from cooking in your hair. Wash your hair with warm water and a cleansing shampoo, and then conditioner it and rinse with cool water. This will help to remove all the product and revitalize your curls.^{[11]
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- Apply your mask about once a week for healthy, bouncy curls.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Mixing a Strawberry Oil-Fighting Mask

1
Mash up 8 fresh strawberries and combine with mayonnaise. Chop your strawberries with a knife, then use a fork to mash them up. Place them in a small bowl with the mayonnaise and stir them into a cream.^{[13]
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- Use a blender or food processor for an even smoother mixture.
- This mask is great for getting rid of grease while making your hair shiny and smooth.
2
Add coconut oil and honey for extra shine. Adding a spoonful each of coconut oil and honey can help your hair look even shinier. These natural humectants can also help lock in moisture, keeping your hair from getting too dry while you remove its excess oil.^{[14]
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3
Apply the mask to wet hair. Strawberry masks are best applied to wet hair, so rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower or sink beforehand. Use your hands or a spoon to scoop the mask onto your hair, then comb it through from root to tip with a wide-toothed comb.^{[15]
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- Make sure to get a good coating on your roots in particular, as they tend to be the greasiest part of the hair.
4
Let the mixture soak in for 15 minutes before rinsing clean. Give your hair about 15 minutes to soak up the mask. Once it’s done, rinse it out well with warm water. You can use this creamy mask once a week to keep your hair shiny and oil-free!^{[16]
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- You can pin your hair up off your back if you don’t want the mask to touch your clothes, or wear an old T-shirt that you don’t care about staining.
- You don’t have to wear shower cap over the mask, since you’re not trying to lock in any moisture.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Do you wash your hair before applying a hair mask?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, you should wash your hair before using a mask. Washing opens the cuticles so the mask can penetrate and removes dirt and debris from the hair that could interfere with absorption.
Question

Is it good to put milk in your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Milk can be a great treatment for your hair as the proteins will help strengthen it. Just don't leave it on for longer than 30 minutes.
Question

Do you apply a hair mask to wet or dry hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

A hair mask should be applied to clean, towel-dried hair. Completely dry hair won't absorb the mask. Dripping wet hair won't either.