3 DIY Hair Masks
Whether it's damage, dryness, flakes or fading, we all run into hair issues from time to time. The change in seasons, indoor heat, outdoor elements, and hot tools are only some of the culprits that can cause these changes. While you can't change the weather, you can fix your hair.
Luckily, you don't have to hit the store or add yet another beauty product to your Amazon cart: You can head straight to your pantry for everyday ingredients that you can whip into a DIY hair mask to fix your mane. Below, we've compiled the best 3 DIY masks for all of your biggest hair woes, from an irritated scalp, to dull hair, to damage and dryness. Shiny, lustrous hair is only a mask away — and you never even have to leave the house.
1 - Honey, egg, and apple cider vinegar mask
The issue: Dry hair. If your hair is feeling (and looking) a little parched, try this honey, egg and apple cider vinegar (ACV) mask. It is a great hydrating treatment that provides shine and nourishes without weighing down strands, says Stephanie Brown, master colorist at IGK Salon in New York City.
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of ACV.
Directions: Combine in a small bowl. You can double or half the recipe, depending on your hair’s length. Leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes before rinsing. This nourishing treatment works on all hair types.
2 - Coconut oil, sugar, and essential oil mask
The issue: Flakes. If flakes start to appear on your scalp when the temperature is dropping, it may be because the heat in your home is higher and is drying out your skin, says Paul Cucinello, celebrity stylist and owner of Cucinello Studio NYC. Your scalp is no exception. This exfoliating treatment helps remove and reduce flakes and (bonus!) doubles as a great facial scrub.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of raw unrefined coconut oil, 4 teaspoons of raw sugar, 5 drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of tea tree oil.
Directions: In a small bowl, mix ingredients together. Using your fingers or a hair color brush, apply mixture directly to two inch sections of clean, damp hair in the shower. Once evenly applied, gently massage for 1-3 minutes and then clip your hair up and let it sit for the duration of your shower.
The sugar in this DIY scrub breaks down to glycolic acid which dissolves dead skin cells, says Cucinello. The coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory benefits, the peppermint oil helps promote circulation to the scalp , and tea tree oil is antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
3 - Honey, ACV, and coconut oil mask
The issue: Dullness. Keeping hair moisturized and healthy always makes your hair look better, says Brown. When strands start to lose their luster, use an apple cider vinegar mask to enhance glossiness.
Ingredients: Equal parts raw organic honey with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.
Directions: Apply the blend to damp hair and leave on for at least 20 minutes, then shampoo out. It’s great for all hair types and helps lock in color as well.