DIY hair mask for damaged hair—4 masks that won’t break the bank (or your hair)

 

Nothing comes easier than doing it yourself, so we’ve cooked up four recipes you can make at home

 

Ever felt the temptation of those pricey hair masks promising a miracle transformation, only to be left with a lighter wallet and non-existent results? 

Luckily for you, the beauty of great hair doesn't have to come at a high cost, both for you and your tresses. We're here to unravel the secrets of DIY hair masks that not only rescue your strands from damage but also keep your budget intact.

Bid farewell to complex chemical concoctions and hello to the simplicity of homemade hair remedies. We’ve whipped up four tried-and-tested recipes that harness the power of kitchen staples to breathe life into your locks. Because, let's face it, your hair deserves a spa day without draining your bank account.

Get ready to discover the magic in your own breakfast ingredients and put a stop to those days of dry frazzled hair. Now, we know these aren’t going to magically turn your hair into something they’re not, but let’s face it—all hair can do with a little TLC. 

Shiny sumptuous locks that meet affordable luxury? We know—we couldn’t believe it either. 

1 ) Honey & olive oil 

If it’s good enough for the bees, then it’s good enough for us. Imagine a mask straight from your kitchen that transforms dull, lifeless locks into a glossy mane to rival the rest. Well, it's real, and it's the Honey & Olive Oil concoction. Found in your pantry, these two simple ingredients, honey, and olive oil, combine to create a luxurious mask that breathes life into your hair. 

Honey, a staple sweetener, acts as a natural humectant, locking in moisture. Meanwhile, olive oil, often used for drizzling your bruschetta, nourishes and adds a beautiful shine. 

This hair mask isn't just for salads—it's the secret sauce your hair's been craving.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions:

Mix honey and olive oil in a bowl until well combined. Apply the mixture to damp hair, massaging from roots to tips. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Thank us later.

Why this works:

Honey contains humectant properties, which means it aims to attract and retain moisture in the hair. Studies have shown that honey's molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair shaft, improving moisture retention and reducing breakage. 

Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, has been scientifically proven to enhance hair elasticity and shine. Together, these ingredients provide a scientifically-backed solution for addressing dryness and promoting overall hair health.

 

2 ) Avocado & banana

 

 

Trust us with this one—though it sounds like your morning shake, it really does work. Your breakfast isn't the only place for avocados or bananas and like it does good for you, it’s obviously going to help your hair. Mashed into a paste that rivals your kids’ lunch, these kitchen superstars create a mask that revitalizes your strands. 

Avocado, renowned for its healthy fats, promotes softness, while banana adds moisture and improves elasticity. Who knew your morning snack ingredients could also whip up a nutrient-packed treatment for your hair? Dry, frazzled hair? We don’t know her.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 ripe banana

Directions:

Mash avocado and banana until you get a smooth paste. Apply evenly to hair, covering from roots to ends. Leave the mask on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Why this works:

Avocado's high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols has been found to penetrate the hair cuticle, nourishing and moisturizing the hair. Research indicates that bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils, and vitamins, contributing to improved elasticity and moisture retention. 

Scientifically, the combination of avocado and banana brings together essential nutrients for hair health, making this DIY mask a research-backed choice for revitalizing dry and damaged hair.

 

3 ) Egg & yogurt

 

How do you like your eggs in the morning? We like ours in our hair (we just had to!). Eggs aren't just for breakfast; they're a powerhouse of nutrients for your skin and hair too.

Enter the Egg & Yogurt mask—a simple yet effective remedy found right in your fridge. Whisked into a bowl with a touch of yogurt, eggs become a strengthening elixir for your hair. 

Rich in protein, eggs promote strength and prevent breakage. Combined with the nourishing boost from yogurt, this mask provides a luxurious treatment without leaving your kitchen. 

Next time you go cracking that last egg into your omelet, remember, they’re really your hair's new best friend.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt

Directions:

Whisk eggs in a bowl and add yogurt, mixing well. Apply to clean, damp hair, ensuring even coverage. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Why this works:

Eggs are a proven source of protein, and research suggests that protein treatments can strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage. Yogurt's conditioning properties have been supported by studies showing its ability to improve hair texture and manageability. Scientifically, the protein and conditioning elements of eggs and yogurt make this DIY mask a research-backed option for strengthening and nourishing the hair.

 

4 ) Coconut oil & aloe vera 

 

We’re pretty sure that you’ve seen this one everywhere—but isn’t that a good sign? When it comes to DIY hair care, the Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera combination stands as a testament to simplicity and effectiveness. Housed in your kitchen cupboard (or beauty cabinet), coconut oil and fresh aloe vera gel unite to create a magical solution for your hair. 

Coconut oil, a versatile kitchen staple, nourishes and moisturizes, while aloe vera, often used for skincare too, soothes the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. It's time to break free from the conventional uses of these ingredients and embrace a DIY hair mask that your hair deserves. P.S any left over? Then you have yourself a face mask, too. Talk about multipurpose queens. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel

Directions:

Mix coconut oil and aloe vera gel in a bowl. Apply to hair, focusing on the tips. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then wash and condition as usual.

Why this works:

Research supports coconut oil's effectiveness in reducing protein loss in hair strands, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining hair health. Aloe vera's moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties have been scientifically recognized, contributing to a healthier scalp environment. The combination of coconut oil and aloe vera aligns with research-backed principles, providing hydration and promoting a conducive environment for hair growth.

 

What is a hair mask? It can be anything you want it to be

A hair mask is a deep-conditioning treatment designed to nourish, repair, and enhance the overall health and appearance of your hair by providing intensive hydration and strengthening—and nowhere in that explanation does it say spend a fortune, so don’t be fooled.

From eggs to bananas, or olive oil to aloe—we know that whatever recipe we’ve mentioned, you’re sure to have one of these lying around the house (or in the fridge). 

Grab a glass of your favorite wine, queue up your Netflix playlist, and prepare for a night dedicated to giving your locks some much-needed love. As you've seen, achieving gorgeous, soft hair doesn't demand an elaborate routine or a hefty investment. The key lies in the everyday ingredients nestled in your kitchen, just waiting to be transformed into your hair's newest saving grace. 

 

The perfect DIY self care night in 

 

No matter how high maintenance your hair is, it can never need more than a hair mask night in. There’s one thing we do right here at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, and that’s making sure that the hair you do have, is as well looked after as possible (before you start adding in some of the best extensions you’ll find, anyway!).

You now have an arsenal of options tailored to your hair's unique desires, without the need for an expensive salon visit. This isn't just about pampering your hair; it's a therapeutic treatment that mixes hair care science with the comfort of your own space. 

So, go on, pencil in that well-deserved date with self-care. Just like you, your hair deserves a little luxury, and now, armed with these DIY secrets, you have the perfect toolkit. Mix and match these hair masks, experiment, and let nature’s products do all the talking.

Here's to a night of affordable luxury, taking care of your hair and binge watching every episode of Selling Sunset. Our bets are on Emma using the avo mask—she is a wellness queen after all.