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

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.

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

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

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.

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

• 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

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.

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

• 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

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.

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

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

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.

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

• 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

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

• 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

Balance oil without stripping and drying out hair.

• Multani Mitti + Lemon Juice

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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

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

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

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

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.