5 DIY Hair Mask Ideas for Damaged Hair & Split Ends

Our hair goes through a lot on a daily basis. You could be doing something as part of your everyday routine that seriously harms your hair. Sometimes avoiding these issues is impossible. Thankfully, there are DIY hair mask ideas that can help to restore the health of your hair.

Over-the-counter hair repair treatments have become popular in recent years, but some people choose to avoid them. They can contain chemicals that may do more harm than good. Beyond that, some people have a sensitivity to certain ‘therapeutic’ ingredients and colorings. That said, there’s little doubt that there are shampoos that help with damaged hair and split ends.

Also, you may be able to treat damaged hair and split ends from the comfort of your home with a DIY hair mask. Even better, you can do it with ingredients you might already in your own home.

Not only are natural ingredients safer to use, even for those with sensitive skin, but they are cost-effective. Plus, they can leave your hair looking and feeling better than ever. We’re going to take a look at five proven ways to recover from and prevent damage to the hair and scalp.

What Is a Good DIY Hair Mask for Damaged Hair & Split Ends?

If you’ve never created a hair mask before, let us be your guide. We will cover five of the best DIY hair masks for damaged hair and split ends. No matter the reason behind your frizz, dryness, or breakage, more often than not it is reversible.

We’ll not only go into detail with these ‘recipes,’ but we’ll let you know why the ingredients work. Each ingredient in these masks is designed to help restore your hair to better health in some way.

If you’ve been dealing with damaged hair for too long, check out what these common everyday ingredients can do for you. These simple, effective masks can completely change the way you think about hair and scalp health.

What Are the Benefits of Do-It-Yourself Hair Masks?

There are some misconceptions or even doubts about hair masks that you can use at home. Most people use them as a last-ditch effort to repair extremely damaged hair. If you can’t repair your hair, your stylist may have to chop off the ends, or give you a shorter cut for a ‘clean slate.’ Here are some ways to repair split ends without cutting.

But, masks don’t have to be a last resort. If you use conditioners regularly, consider a hair mask to be a heightened, more beneficial version. Conditioners typically focus on the surface of each strand of hair. Masks are designed to penetrate into the hair shaft to restore and rejuvenate from the inside out.

The biggest benefit of masks is that they can help to repair your hair no matter its texture or natural wave. They can also work on a variety of different problems from frizz to breakage, and even dry scalp or split ends. It’s all a matter of knowing which ingredients work for certain problems.

1. Avocado Mask

Avocado is great for more than just your favorite guacamole. They are often found in home treatments for hair issues because of their hydrating properties. Combined with a few other ingredients from the kitchen, and an avocado mask can be a quick way to restore moisture to your hair.

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado (ripe) – Avocado adds moisture to your hair. It is also full of antioxidants that promote growth, discourage dandruff, help to get rid of frizz and add some shine to your hair. You’ve probably heard of avocado being a ‘healthy fat’ that’s good for your body. Those fatty acids are exceptionally good for your hair’s overall health, too. They can penetrate deep into the cuticle of the hair to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier.
• 1 banana (ripe) – You may not want to mix bananas and avocados for a tasty treat, but for this mask, they work in tandem. Bananas work especially well for people with thin or fine hair. They contain loads of Vitamin C and potassium, which helps to repair damaged hair and make it stronger without making it heavy or greasy. It also helps to strengthen hair, which can be a huge benefit to those with thin locks.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil – You’ll see olive oil in many recipes for ‘at home’ hair masks. It penetrates into the hair shaft to add moisture and shine with Vitamins A & E. These vitamins also help to strengthen the hair. So, not only will it look shiny and glossy, but it will have the strength to back it up. A little goes a long way with this powerful oil, but it can do wonders in adding strength and structure to your hair, making it easier to work with.

Directions:

1. Mash the avocado and banana together in a small bowl with a fork.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until well mixed.
3. Apply mixture all over hair and scalp.
4. Cover with shower cap and let sit for 20 minutes.
5. Rinse away clean, and shampoo as you normally would.

If you’d like a scented mask, or to add other calming effects to it, add a few drops of essential oil. Rose or lavender oil will work great in this mixture.

Egg Mask

If you eat eggs on a regular basis, you probably already know they are filled with protein. It just so happens your hair should be filled with protein as well. While eating eggs is a great way to distribute it throughout your body, using them in a mask can get right to the source of helping damaged hair.

Ingredients:

• 1-3 egg yolks (use 3 for longer hair) – Dry hair is often a sign of a lack of protein. As stated above, eggs are a great way to fulfill that need quickly. Eggs also contain multiple vitamins and have strong moisturizing properties that can help to repair damaged hair. Finally, they will leave your hair looking silky, shiny, and soft. If you have naturally oily hair, try using egg whites in place of the yolks.
• 2-3 drops fresh lemon juice – Don’t be worried about putting an acidic ingredient in your hair. The citric acid found in lemon juice works as a natural cleansing agent. It helps to restore the proper pH balance to your hair. This can get rid of oil and product buildups, which can help to alleviate an itchy scalp.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice in a small bowl.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil and continue to whisk until well-mixed.
3. Add more oil as needed for longer hair.
4. Massage mixture into damp hair.
5. Pull hair into a loose bun and cover with a shower cap.
6. Let sit for 20 minutes, and rinse away with cool water.
7. Shampoo as you normally would.

Argan Oil Mask

This mask may have the shortest ingredient list in this article. But, that doesn’t lessen its potency or power. Argan oil is often touted as ‘liquid gold’ for hair because of its nourishing properties. Using it as a hair mask regularly will have you seeing a big difference in the way your locks look and feel quickly.

Ingredients:

• Pure argan oil – Argan oil contains Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to repair hair and make it stronger and shinier. It also helps to repair split ends and eliminate frizz. If you’ve done damage to your hair previously with harsh chemical treatments, argan oil has been known to reverse and repair these effects.

Directions:

1. Comb a few drops of oil through your hair gently.
2. Allow the oil to penetrate the hair for several hours, or overnight.
3. If you are sleeping or resting your head against something, cover it with a towel.
4. Rinse completely and shampoo with Christina Moss Organic as you normally would.

While this mask is extremely beneficial and can be used as often as once a week, it doesn’t have to be the only way you utilize argan oil for your hair. It can be used to help style your hair and give it hold while adding shine.

Coconut Oil Mask

Coconut oil has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years. It is used for many different health and wellness treatments. Many people know of its benefits for the skin, but it is equally effective on hair when used correctly.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil – It helps to add moisture to your hair without making it greasy or weighing it down. This makes it great for fine or thin hair. It also contains antioxidants and is an antifungal agent. If you struggle with dandruff as well as hair damage, coconut oil can help to provide soothing relief to your scalp.
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine two parts coconut oil with two parts olive oil, as needed for your hair length.
2. Mix well in a bowl.
3. Apply the solution throughout your hair, focusing on the ends to repair splitting.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
5. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
6. Rinse away with cool water and shampoo as you normally would.

Milk and Honey Mask

This mask is specifically designed for those with weakened hair that breaks easily. If you have thin hair or fine strands, it’s a great way to add strength and volume. It will also add shine and make your hair softer and smoother to the touch.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups warm whole milk – While you can use any type of milk in this recipe, whole milk will work the best. Like eggs, milk contains a substantial amount of protein. These vitamins and proteins help to thicken the hair and make it stronger, so it’s less likely to break. If you struggle with thinning hair, milk can also help. It can penetrate to the hair follicle and encourage healthy growth.
• 2 Tablespoons honey (add up to 4 for longer hair) – Honey is filled with antioxidants. These nutrients boost hair growth and will leave hair feeling soft and looking shiny.

Directions:

1. Mix the two ingredients in a small bowl. Be sure they are thoroughly mixed, so the honey doesn’t create a mess. This is easier to do if the milk is warm.
2. Massage the mixture thoroughly throughout your hair.
3. Cover your head with a shower cap.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse away with cool water and shampoo as you normally would.
6. Repeat this treatment as much as twice a week for best results.

What Is the Best Way to Apply a Hair Mask?

Believe it or not, you can make the most out of the hair masks listed here by how you apply them. You’ll experience benefits from their ingredients no matter what. But, applying them correctly will help you to reap as many of the nutrients from these natural ingredients as possible. Use these tips to make sure you’re getting everything you can out of these restorative masks.

• Shampoo your hair as you normally would before applying a mask. Use warm water, not hot water. The warmth will help the cuticles of your hair to open up a bit more. This will allow the ingredients to further penetrate into each strand of hair. Remember, you want the nutrients to get as deeply into the hair as possible. Most conditioners only sit on the surface.
• Towel dry your hair gently after shampooing. Don’t rub the towel on your head, as this can cause breakage and frizz. Gently squeeze and blot to remove excess water.
• Choose a mask that fits your needs specifically. Some are designed to restore split ends. Others help to strengthen the hair or reduce frizz, etc. While these natural masks won’t cause any harm, you’ll reap the biggest rewards if you decide on one that will help your specific issues.
• Apply each mask from the roots to the end of your hair. Ideally, you’ll use your fingers for this job. You can also use a wide-tooth comb. Try to avoid using a brush or fine-tooth comb, as it can cause damage to the hair in the process, especially when it’s damp.
• If your hair is severely damaged, you can leave a mask on for several hours or overnight. Just be sure to wear a cap or wrap a towel around your head. This will help to prevent furniture or pillows from getting messy or stained.

Which Other Ingredients Will Benefit My Hair?

There are dozens of combinations of ingredients that can benefit your tresses in different ways. Let’s take a look at a few more things you probably already have at home that can work for hair repair, split ends, and more.

• Yogurt – Yogurt works as another type of moisturizing agent. The lactic acid found in yogurt will soften your hair and leave it looking shiny. Because it contains so many vitamins, it can also encourage hair growth and even fight back against dandruff. It can be the base for many different hair masks and has been used as a hair treatment for years with success.
• Shea butter – While you may not have shea butter sitting around the house, it’s worth it to make this natural ingredient a staple in your hair care routine. Not only can it alleviate irritation from a dry scalp, it can help to prevent dandruff. You can use it as a leave-in treatment to strengthen hair strands and create a protective coating from things like sun exposure.
• Mayonnaise – It may seem strange to think about putting mayonnaise in your hair, but it’s extremely beneficial. Real mayo is made from things like eggs and olive oil. We already know how well those can work for your hair. Mayonnaise adds protein, encourages healthy hair growth, and helps to reduce the risk of breakage.
• Brown sugar – If you’ve ever used a brown sugar scrub for your skin, you know it can add softness and moisture. When you use brown sugar as a component for your hair, it helps to scrub away product buildup that can cause dandruff. It also exfoliates the scalp and boosts circulation, which can help with hair growth.
• Oatmeal – Using oatmeal on your hair will help to soothe scalp irritation. It also penetrates your hair with essential B-Vitamins. These are crucial for strengthening the hair. It will also make your locks softer and add moisture. To make sure you aren’t left with messy oats in your hair, blend thoroughly with a moisturizing liquid before applying.
• Cornstarch – Dry shampoo is a great way to avoid washing your hair every day (which can be damaging). Unfortunately, some dry shampoos contain just as many harmful chemicals and preservatives. As an alternative, use corn starch. It will help to eliminate oily, greasy hair in a matter of minutes. Just comb it through, starting at the roots, until you don’t see any more of the white powder.
• Sea salt – If hair loss or thinning is your main problem, sea salt can be a big help. Mix it with a carrier oil like olive oil or jojoba. It will help to cleanse your scalp and boost circulation that can promote healthy hair growth. It will also strengthen your hair follicles, which will reduce the frequency of hair loss.

What Is the Best Essential Oil for Healthy Hair?

Many DIY hair masks and over-the-counter hair products contain essential oils. These oils are filled with nutrients and often times lock in moisture. Some are even added as natural fragrances. While different essential oils contain different healing and restorative properties, one of the best for healthy hair and a healthy scalp is tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil helps with dry scalp because it contains antifungal and antiseptic properties. It can combat against dandruff and symptoms like itching and inflammation.

When it comes to the hair, tea tree oil is a natural moisturizer. It also helps to unclog your pores due to dirt, oil, and product buildup. Unclogged pores allow for faster, healthier hair growth.

You can use tea tree oil in a mask or conditioning treatment, or on its own. Be sure to use a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive, or jojoba) with it, as it is potent.

Are DIY Hair Masks Safe?

While there are multiple over-the-counter hair masks to choose from, some of them can contain ingredients that may cause a negative reaction. One of the biggest benefits of creating your mask is that you know exactly what is going into it. Because of that, it’s very unlikely that you’ll experience any negative side effects in using these recipes.

Be sure you’re aware of the ingredients you’re using, and if you have any potential allergies. An allergic reaction to one of the components is likely the only way you’ll experience a negative reaction. Otherwise, the ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin but strong enough to work wonders on your hair.

The Right Mask for Healthy Tresses

As suggested above, choosing the right hair mask for your specific needs will give you the biggest benefits. However, any of these masks can be useful in restoring the overall health of your hair. It’s not about just having locks that look good. Conditioners can do that by coating the surface of your strands. These masks work to penetrate through the hair and make it healthier from the inside out.

If you’ve never used a hair mask before, start out by making your own using one of the recipes from this article. They are cost-effective, and you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already. Plus, you can take comfort in knowing the risk of side effects is low.

The more natural ingredients you can use on your hair, the better. We hope these Do-it-yourself hair mask ideas work to restore your hair to better health. Whether you’re looking to add shine to your hair, or reduce frizziness and split ends, these solutions are a relaxing and effective way to get the best hair you’ve ever had.