Dry, brittle hair frequently stems from excessive use of heat tools and styling products. Before opting for a drastic salon chop, try the advantages of a moisturizing hair mask instead.
Various oils, foods, and other components can help repair damaged strands in distinct ways. The ingredients below commonly appear in commercial hair products, but they’re also easy to use in homemade treatments.
For the 18 ingredients listed, simply coat your hair (entirely or just the roots or tips), cover with a shower cap for up to 30 minutes, then rinse. Ta-da!
Oils
1. Almond oil
Often employed as a carrier oil, almond oil has long been a mainstay in natural skin routines. Its hydrating qualities can extend to hair care as well.
Applied to the scalp, its anti-inflammatory traits may soothe dry flakes from dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis.
Older research indicates almond oil is abundant in emollients, which help soften and moisturize hair overall.
2. Argan oil
Traditionally used to support hair growth, argan oil is also valued for treating dryness. It’s high in fatty acids and vitamin E, which can protect strands and reduce damage.
Argan oil is a frequent component in conditioners and styling products, but you can also craft your own mask.
3. Avocado oil
Avocados supply heart-healthy monounsaturated fats along with polyunsaturated fats. These natural oils are believed to benefit hair mainly by boosting moisture.
You can gain moisturizing effects by applying mashed avocado mixed with a carrier oil or by using avocado oil alone. It may also add shine and act as a leave-in conditioner for very dry hair.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is more than a kitchen favorite. Extracted from coconut flesh, it’s thought to be rich in proteins that can help moisturize and fortify hair when applied as a mask.
Additionally, research shows coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory qualities that could assist with dry scalp concerns like dandruff.
5. Jojoba oil
Commonly used to dilute essential oils, jojoba oil is also reported to moisturize hair and skin when used on its own.
Jojoba can be applied directly to hair and scalp and is light enough for those with oilier skin types.
6. Lavender oil
A popular essential oil, lavender is valued for its calming aroma. Studies have shown lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help dry skin.
Those benefits can extend to a dry scalp and hair as well.
Always dilute lavender in shampoo or a carrier oil before use to avoid irritation or other side effects.
7. Olive oil
You likely know the cardiovascular perks of eating olive oil in moderation, but it can also provide moisturizing benefits for hair.
If your scalp tends to be oily, apply olive oil only to parched ends.
8. Sandalwood oil
Renowned for its warm, woody aroma, sandalwood oil serves more than just as a diffused scent. It can be particularly useful on hair ends to help moisturize and seal split ends.
It’s also noted for helping with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Foods
9. Banana
Mashing bananas into a hair mask is thought to help restore collagen because of the natural silica in the fruit. Stronger hair is less prone to drying and breaking.
Avoid banana masks if you have a latex allergy.
10. Coconut milk
Coconut milk appears in many over-the-counter hair treatments due to its high lauric acid content.
Using coconut milk can also strengthen hair and potentially support growth.
11. Curd
Similar to yogurt, curd is rich in proteins that can soften and strengthen hair. Its acidity may help address dry skin on the scalp.
12. Honey
Honey is a common ingredient in hair mask recipes. Besides helping ingredients bind together, honey is believed to add moisture and shine on its own.
A honey mask may also decrease breakage and tame frizz.
13. Mayonnaise
For very dry, frizzy hair, some people try mayonnaise masks. While occasionally touted as a lice treatment, there’s little proof it eliminates head lice. It may, however, reduce some frizz.
Use caution with allergies—many traditional mayonnaise recipes contain eggs.
14. Yogurt
Rich in probiotics, yogurt—especially Greek styles—is a favored component of DIY hair masks. Probiotics may help exfoliate dead skin cells while keeping hair hydrated.
Yogurt also helps multi-ingredient masks hold together for easier application.
Other ingredients
15. Keratin
Keratin is a natural protein present in hair and nails. Some retail products include keratin for occasional use to strengthen strands.
Excessive use of protein treatments can cause additional dryness and damage, so apply sparingly.
16. Mango butter
Extracted from mango seeds, mango butter is a rich emollient commonly used for dry, brittle hair because of its lipid content.
You can purchase mango butter and melt it at home for a luxurious mask. It’s frequently combined with other nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
17. Shea butter
Shea butter has seen rising popularity in skin care, and this ultra-hydrating ingredient can also benefit extremely dry hair and scalp.
It’s believed to reduce hair breakage and help strengthen the cuticle.
18. Aloe vera
Well known for soothing minor burns and wounds, aloe vera also offers advantages for hair.
An aloe vera mask may decrease inflammation that causes scalp irritation, as seen with some dandruff cases. It can also moisturize and fortify dry hair.
This ingredient is particularly helpful for those with oily scalps and is generally safe for most people.
Other treatments for dry hair
Beyond hair masks, try these strategies to help manage dry, damaged hair:
- Shampoo less frequently—every other day or so.
- Always follow with a conditioner suited to your hair type.
- Air-dry when possible or gently wrap hair in a towel; avoid rubbing, which causes frizz and damage.
- Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead of a brush.
- Limit use of heated tools—don’t use curling irons, flat irons, or blow-dryers on consecutive days.
- Reduce how often you brush hair throughout the day.
- Extend the time between coloring, perming, and professional straightening appointments.
When to consult a stylist
You might notice immediate softness or shine after a mask, but noticeable improvements to severely dry or damaged hair can take several weeks.
If there’s no progress after about a month, consult a professional stylist for guidance.
The bottom line
With growing interest in natural components, many people are making DIY hair masks at home. You can also address dry, damaged hair by choosing commercial products that contain the ingredients above.
Whichever route you take, be patient and try different ingredients until you find what works best for your hair.
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