Homemade Hair Mask: Best DIY Recipes for Every Hair Type & Concern

The ultimate guide to homemade hair masks for hair growth, shine, and strength—using simple, natural ingredients.

Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak

07 Aug ‘25
Hair Care DIY Beauty Natural Remedies Homemade Hair Masks
Hair Care DIY Beauty Natural Remedies Homemade Hair Masks

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Let’s be honest, between pollution, heat styling, and hair colour experiments, our strands go through a lot. And while store-bought products have their perks, nothing beats the nourishment of a good old homemade hair mask. Packed with natural ingredients and tailored to your hair's exact needs, DIY masks passed down in your family by your grandmothers and great grandmothers are having a major moment and for good reason.

Whether you're looking for a homemade hair mask for hair growth or one that tames frizz and boosts shine, these recipes don’t just get the job done, they do it with the kind of softness and radiance that’ll make you flip your hair like it’s a shampoo ad.

Why Homemade Hair Masks Are Worth the Hype

Why Homemade Hair Masks Are Worth the Hype

They’re affordable, chemical-free, and easily customisable. Plus, you probably already have half the ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now. Unlike store-bought masks that cater to general concerns, homemade versions let you mix and match for your unique hair needs—whether it’s dry hair, dandruff, or a general lack of oomph.

Best Homemade Hair Masks by Hair Concern

1. Hair Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair

Dry, straw-like hair needs deep hydration and repair so a hydrating hair mask for dry hair that locks in moisture works best.

  • Coconut Oil + Honey Mask

Coconut Oil + Honey Mask

Benefits : Deeply hydrates and repairs dry, damaged hair.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp honey
Method: Warm both ingredients slightly and mix well. Apply from mid-lengths to ends.
Leave on for: 30 minutes
Use: Once a week

  • Aloe Vera + Yoghurt Mask

Aloe Vera + Yoghurt Mask

Benefits : Soothes the scalp while providing intense moisture and nourishment.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, 3 tbsp plain curd
Method: Blend and apply generously.
Leave on for: 20–25 minutes
Best for: Once a week

This combo also doubles as a homemade hydrating hair mask for dry hair as a result of post-summer hair damage.

2. Homemade Hair Mask for Soft and Shiny Hair

Tired of your hair having a mind of its own? These masks are your quick fix.

  • Banana + Olive Oil Mask

Banana + Olive Oil Mask

Benefits : Tames frizz and adds natural shine and softness.
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 tbsp olive oil
Method: Mash the banana until smooth. Mix in the oil and apply.
Leave on for: 30 minutes
Result: Frizz-free, shiny hair

  • Egg + Aloe Vera Mask

Egg + Aloe Vera Mask

Benefits : Strengthens strands and boosts shine with natural proteins.
Ingredients: 1 egg, 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
Tip: Use only the yolk if you have dry hair, the white for oily hair
Use: Once every 10 days for shine and softness

Try this if you're after a homemade hair mask for soft and shiny hair without reaching for a heat tool.

3. Homemade Hair Mask For Hair Growth & Hair Fall

Strengthen your strands from the roots with these tried-and-tested blends.

  • Onion Juice + Curd Mask

Onion Juice + Curd Mask

Benefits : Stimulates hair growth and reduces hair fall.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp onion juice, 3 tbsp curd
Why it works: Onion juice promotes growth while curd conditions
Leave on for: 30 minutes
Use: Weekly

  • Fenugreek (Methi) + Coconut Milk Mask

Fenugreek (Methi) + Coconut Milk Mask

Benefits : Strengthens roots and promotes thicker, fuller hair.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp soaked fenugreek seeds (blended), 3 tbsp coconut milk
Benefits : Excellent homemade hair mask for hair fall and strengthening

Pair your routine with the LBP Argan Oil & Lavender Hair Mask on alternate weeks for extra nourishment—especially if your strands are also chemically treated or colour damaged.

4. Homemade Hair Mask for Dandruff & Itchy Scalp

Say goodbye to flakes with these antibacterial and antifungal ingredients.

This homemade hair mask for dandruff deeply nourishes your scalp while soothing irritation.

Regular use helps restore your scalp’s natural balance and keeps it healthy and flake-free.

  • Neem Paste + Yoghurt Mask

 Neem Paste + Yoghurt Mask

Benefits : Fights dandruff and calms an itchy, irritated scalp.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp neem leaf paste, 3 tbsp curd
Effect: Clears scalp buildup, soothes irritation
Leave on for: 20 minutes

  • Tea Tree Oil + Aloe Vera Mask

Tea Tree Oil + Aloe Vera Mask

Benefits : Balances the scalp and soothes inflammation and flaking.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp aloe vera, 3 drops tea tree oil
Use: Apply directly to the scalp
Result: A homemade hair mask for dandruff that calms flare-ups and restores balance

Pair your routine with the LBP Argan Oil & Lavender Hair Mask on alternate weeks for extra nourishment—especially if your strands are also chemically treated or colour damaged.

Love Beauty & Planet Argan Oil & Lavender, Paraben Free Smooth & Serene Hair Mask

₹540.00 ₹600.00

Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask for damaged hair

₹519.00 ₹649.00

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask

₹540.00 ₹600.00

Best Homemade Hair Mask by Hair Type

Homemade Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Curly hair craves moisture and needs to be intensely hydrated to look and feel its best.

  • Avocado + Honey + Coconut Oil Mask

Avocado + Honey + Coconut Oil Mask

  • Benefits: Hydrates and defines curls while reducing frizz.
  • Moisturises deeply, enhances curl pattern
  • Great as a homemade hair mask for curly hair

Homemade Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Sleek styles need lightweight nourishment so they can remain bouncy and not get weighed down. Here is a hair mask for straight hair that does just that.

  • Rice Water + Aloe Vera Mask

Rice Water + Aloe Vera Mask

  • Benefits : Adds smoothness and shine without weighing hair down.
  • Promotes shine and smoothness
  • This doubles up as a homemade hair mask for straight hair to reduce frizz without weighing it down

Homemade hair Mask For Oily Hair & Scalp Balance

Balance oil without stripping and drying out hair.

  • Multani Mitti + Lemon Juice

 Multani Mitti + Lemon Juice

  • Benefits: Controls excess oil, unclogs pores, and refreshes scalp
  • strong>Ingredients: 2 tbsp Multani Mitti, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • strong>Use: Apply to scalp only, leave for 15–20 mins, rinse with lukewarm water
  • strong>Result: Detoxifies and balances oily scalp without over-drying
  • strong>Tip: Add rose water for smoother application

How to Use a Homemade Hair Mask Correctly

How to Use a Homemade Hair Mask Correctly

  • Prep your hair: Dampen it slightly before application for better absorption
  • Apply evenly: Focus on scalp for dandruff or hair fall masks; mid-length to ends for dryness or shine
  • Cover it up: Use a shower cap to trap heat and boost efficacy
  • Rinse well: Use lukewarm water and follow with a mild shampoo
  • Don’t overdo it: 1–2 times a week is ideal

Expert-Backed Tips from Dermatologist

  • Always do a patch test, especially when using strong ingredients like onion juice or essential oils
  • Avoid mixing acidic (lemon) and protein-rich (egg) ingredients together—they can cancel each other out or irritate the scalp
  • If you're short on time, alternate with a nourishing store-bought mask that suits your hair types and is perfect for maintaining softness and strength between DIY treatments

Best Practices & Mistakes to Avoid When Using Homemade Hair Masks

Best Practices & Mistakes to Avoid When Using Homemade Hair Masks

Do:

  • Apply to slightly damp hair for better absorption of the mask’s ingredients. Moisture helps the mask penetrate deeper and work its magic.
  • Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, especially for protein-based masks (like those with egg or yogurt). The scalp generally doesn’t need the extra protein, and this prevents any potential greasiness.
  • Use a shower cap or towel to lock in heat and moisture. This helps open the hair cuticles, allowing the mask to deeply nourish the strands.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Lukewarm water will maintain the mask’s benefits while gently rinsing it out.

Don’t:

  • Don’t overuse hair masks—limit to 1-2 times per week. Overuse can lead to product buildup and weigh the hair down, making it look greasy or limp. For deep nourishment and repair, try the Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask, which delivers intensive care without overloading your hair.
  • Avoid mixing incompatible ingredients, such as acidic and protein-rich components (e.g., lemon and egg). These can cause reactions that reduce the mask's effectiveness or even damage the hair.
  • Don’t apply essential oils directly to your scalp without dilution. Undiluted oils can be harsh and may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
  • Never leave a mask on for too long—more isn’t always better. Follow the recommended time on the recipe to prevent potential scalp discomfort or hair texture changes.


Whether your concern is frizz, dryness, or simply wanting your locks to look their best, a homemade hair mask is a budget-friendly, feel-good way to hit refresh. For extra smoothness and frizz control, consider using Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask alongside your homemade treatments. From homemade hair masks for hair growth to those tailored for curls, shine, and even dandruff relief—there’s something for everyone and every strand. So, raid your kitchen, tie up your hair, and let the masking begin

FAQs

1. How often should I use a homemade hair mask?

Once or twice a week is ideal depending on your hair type and concern.

2. Can I store homemade masks?

It’s best to make them fresh. However, aloe vera-based masks can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

3. Will these work on colour-treated hair?

Yes, but be mindful of ingredients like lemon and curd—limit their use as they may strip colour.

4. How long before I see results?

You’ll usually see softness and shine after 1–2 uses. For hair fall or growth, give it at least 4 weeks of consistent use.

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Homemade Masks Hair Types Natural ingredients Application Tips
Homemade Masks Hair Types Natural ingredients Application Tips
Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak

Shivani Pathak is a Mumbai-based lifestyle writer. She has written across a diverse range of formats, including digital features, interviews, trend stories, personal essays, and listicles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Tweak India, Luxebook, DNA, Mongabay, and Indiaspend. When she’s not writing and obsessing over sentence structures, you can find her buried in a book with a cup of coffee by her side.