8 DIY Hair Masks For Every Hair Type

Once you've decided which mask is best for your strands (keep scrolling to make your pick), you'll just want to make sure you follow these pro application tips to get the most out of your recipe. I definitely think the way to go when applying DIY masks is to apply them to dry or damp hair, then shampoo and condition as normalthis gives you a little buffer if you accidentally over apply the mask, says Judy McGuinness, a stylist at mizu Louis Licari . Theres nothing worse than putting a concoction on your hair only to find out it wont rinse out after a few shampoos! Make sure to apply the majority of the mask to the mid lengths and ends of the hair (unless its a scalp detox mask), as thats where the hair is the oldest and most damaged or dry.

With any hair mask, Mahshid Baghaei, a colorist at mizu Louis Licari , recommends a 20 minute processing time to make sure it penetrates the cuticles and seeps into the scalp, if trying out a scalp mask. Adding a shower cap will also help speed up the process, says Baghaei. After the processing time, shampoo the hair lightly and condition as usual, unless you have a heavy conditioning treatment in your hairthen just rinse the hair after shampooing. Another thing to remember: Always be extra careful when rinsing masks out in the shower, Paul, celebrity stylist and owner of Cucinello Studio NYC . Most have a lot of oils and emollients in them, so they create a super slippery situation on the shower floor."

See below for the best DIY hair mask for every hair-y situation.

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If you have thick, coarse, damaged hair:

If youd like to soften, control or nourish [your hair], choose ingredients with higher fat contents, such as avocado, mayonnaise, coconut milk and/or egg yolks, says Cucinello.

Ingredients:

an avocado
1 egg
1 tsp. olive oil

Directions: Blend ingredients together with a fork or spoon, apply from mid-shaft to the ends of hair, leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

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If you have medium or fine, damaged hair:

Opt for something lighter or with a more gel-like consistency, such as raw aloe vera, egg whites, or honey, says Cucinello.

Ingredients:

2 egg whites
2 tbsp coconut oil

Directions: Separate the whites from the yolks of two eggs. Add coconut oil to the egg whites and whisk together. Apply the mixture from roots to ends and use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the mixture throughout the hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo hair with cool water (warm or hot water might cook the mixture into your hair).

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If you want to add shine:

To add shine to your dull hair, I would try to mix egg yolks, honey and banana, says Baghaei. The benefits of this recipe are amazingwhile the egg provides protein to the hair, the banana and honey will enhance the natural shine.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1 tbsp raw
organic honey
1 raw egg

Directions: Peel banana, freeze, and then blend in a blender or food processor (freezing the banana will decrease the amount of clumps in the mixture) until smooth. Add the honey and egg whites to the mixture, and blend in a blender or food processor again. Apply to your hair from roots to tips, cover with shower cap, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Follow it with your usual shampoo and conditioner.

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If you want to restore moisture:

For hair types that are feeling dry, try a honey, egg and apple cider vinegar mask, says Breno Miranda, stylist at mizu Louis Licari . It is a great hydrating treatment that provides moisture and nourishes by restoring your hairs natural pH.

Ingredients:

1 tsp raw
organic honey
1 egg
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Wash the hair with a sulfate-free shampoo then apply the mixture 1/4 inch from the scalp, down to the ends. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse.

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If you want to calm a flaky scalp:

If you're trying to exfoliate the scalp (try granulated sugar, coconut oil and a drop of peppermint oil) you should evenly distribute the mixture to dry hair and gently massage it into your scalp before you get into the shower, says Cucinello. Then thoroughly rinse and follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp coconut oil
a drop or two of peppermint oil

Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together then gently massage it into your scalp (before you wet your hair), then thoroughly rinse out and shampoo.

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If you want to tame frizz:

If you are looking for a DIY leave-in conditioner to use on your beautiful curls, or just to tame your frizzy hair, I like rich hydrating ingredients like coconut and jojoba oil, says Baghaei. These ingredients are heavy in their natural oils, so its perfect to define coarse curls and dismiss the frizz.

Ingredients:

1 part coconut oil
1 part water
1 part jojoba oil

Instructions: Mix all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake to mix it all together. Spray onto damp curls and let dry.

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If you want to control oil:

Egg whites are a great go-to when trying to remove excess oil from your locks. Just be careful not to leave the mask on for too long, as it could cook in your hair and be difficult to get out.

Ingredients:

1 egg white
juice from 1 lemon

Directions: Separate the egg white from the yok, then add in the lemon juice and mix together. Apply directly to the scalp and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse with water and then shampoo and condition.

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If you want your hair to grow:

Rosemary oil has the ability to improve cellular generation, and can help awaken the hair follicle for faster growth.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp argan oil
4-9 drops rosemary oil

Directions: Mix ingredients together and apply to the scalp and let it sit for five minutes, then cover your head with a hot towel to promote further absorption. Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes, then follow with shampoo and conditioner.