Desi Nuskhe: 30 DIY Hair Masks To Make Every Day A Good Hair Day!

Dry, dull, oily, frizzy hair or itchy, flaky, irritated scalp – the right hair mask can help treat any and every kind of hair problem unless it’s a medical condition. Just as you need to consume all the vital nutrients to maintain overall health, pampering your locks with some nourishing hair care ingredients is the key to gorgeous long and shiny hair.

But the truth is that it’s really easy to have a bad hair day. From styling products that leave your hair looking oily to dandruff shampoos that give you hair fall, sometimes cosmetic solutions for haircare are a gamble. You can’t be sure whether things will get worse or better. And, that’s why we rely on desi nuskhe. The art of using home remedies and kitchen ingredients that are all-natural and have been tried and tested, right from our nani’s and dadi’s generations is comforting, to say the least!

30 DIY Hair Mask Recipes

Here are 30 DIY hair masks that will ensure you have a great hair day, every day of the year!

1. Aloe Vera & Ghee Hair Mask For Hair Growth

Aloe Vera contains certain enzymes that repair dead skin cells, promote hair growth, prevent itching, and reduce dandruff. Ghee acts as a great conditioner, which makes your hair look smooth and shiny.

You Will Need:

• 3-4 tablespoons ghee
• 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients well.
2. After mixing it, apply it all over your hair, right from the scalp to the end.
3. Let it sit for an hour at least, and then wash it off with warm water.

2. Curry Leaves Hair Pack For Dry, Irritated Scalp

If you are dealing with frizzy, dry hair or an irritated scalp, your best bet to heal them is curry leaves and a yoghurt hair mask. While the curry leaves have a healing and protective effect on the scalp, the yoghurt (dahi) proteins will nourish and moisturise the hair. Curry leaves aren’t just used in South Indian households for their amazing delicacies, They help with various hair problems too, Read here on how to use curry leaves for hair.

You Will Need:

• 15-20 fresh curry leaves (kadi patta)
• 3 tablespoons of yoghurt (dahi)

Method:

1. Soak the leaves in water and then crush them. You can do this with a mortar pestle or a blender.
2. Mix the paste with yoghurt (dahi) evenly.
3. Apply this thick paste to your scalp and massage it gently.
4. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use this mask once a week.

3. Egg Yolk & Ghee Hair Mask For Nourished, Shiny Hair

Egg yolk contains sulphur, protein, and it’s high in fat. These are all important components of hair care; promoting hair softness, shine, and nourishment. Ghee for hair is also known to be a natural moisturiser that can hydrate and improve the overall texture of your hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of warm ghee
• 2 egg yolks

Method:

1. In a container, mix the ingredients together.
2. Apply it to your hair.
3. Keep it for at least 20 minutes.
4. Rinse it with warm water and a mild shampoo.

4. Coconut Milk & Methi Hair Pack For Strong & Damage-Free Hair

Methi or fenugreek seeds make your hair strong and damage-free. This natural remedy is the perfect solution for your hair woes. The coconut milk in this hair mask helps nourish and replenish the hair from within. It may also help in reducing split ends, rejuvenating dried hair endings and promoting hair growth. Here is how you can prepare a hair mask using methi for hair that is damage free, shiny and healthy. Here is a complete article for you on how you can use methi for hair and avail of its amazing benefits.

You Will Need: 

• 4 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (methi)
• Water (for soaking the seeds)
• Coconut milk (as required)

Method:

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water and leave them overnight. 
2. Grind the seeds into a paste the next morning. 
3. Add an adequate amount of coconut milk to the paste. 
4. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. 
5. Cover your hair using a shower cap or a towel for about 30 minutes. 
6. Rinse your hair. 
7. Use this remedy regularly for healthy and beautiful hair. 

5. Coffee, Lemon & Yoghurt Hair Mask For Scalp Exfoliation

Coffee, lemon, and yoghurt used together to create a mask can give some amazing non-frizzy hair that is nice and bouncy. Yoghurt (curd or dahi) does the job of deep conditioning and lemon and coffee clean and exfoliates your scalp. 

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee
• One cup of plain yoghurt (dahi)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
2. Stir well and apply the mask to your hair.
3. After about a good 30-40 minutes rest, rinse off your hair and flaunt your gorgeous locks.

6. Aloe Vera & Avocado Hair Mask For Shiny, Smooth Hair

Aloe vera and avocado hair treatments are the best for your hair. It is a natural conditioner and promotes hair growth. Also, it treats dull and damaged hair. Avocado mixed with coconut oil and honey works extremely well for the hair, especially for frizzy hair, and adds shine to it.

You Will Need:

• One medium-sized avocado
• 2 tablespoons of raw honey
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
• Shower cap

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients in the food processor and blend them well until you get a smooth and lumps-free mixture.
2. Apply the mixture on the hair and scalp, and put on a shower cap.
3. Wash your hair with a cool and mild shampoo and let it air dry.
4. Apply the mask once in two weeks.

7. Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves Hair Pack For Natural Conditioning

Curry leaves and coconut oil is a hair care combo that all grandmothers swear by. Both these ingredients have been used traditionally to condition and moisturise hair while boosting its growth. 

You Will Need:

• Coconut oil (as needed for your length of hair)
• 15-20 curry leaves

Method:

1. Warm up the coconut oil in a double-boiler (don’t boil it as it will lose its nutrients).
2. Once it is hot, add in the curry leaves and let them infuse for 15-20 minutes. 
3. Strain out the mixture and you will have curry leaves hair oil that you can use daily or for weekly hair massages.
4. When it is lukewarm, dip it in your fingertips and gently massage it all over your scalp. Also, cover the tips of your hair for moisturisation.
5. This infused curry leaves hair oil is also beneficial to control hair fall as it strengthens and heals the roots. Keep it on for 1 hour before shampooing.

8. Castor Oil & Dahi Hair Pack To Combat Split Ends

When you use curd for hair, it not only moisturises and conditions your hair, but also helps to free it from split ends. Feel your hair get a gorgeous lustre with a curd hair mask.

You Will Need: 

• 4 tablespoons of curd (dahi)
• 2 tablespoons of castor oil
• 1 tablespoon of cream

Method: 

1. Mix these power-pack ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the hair pack to the roots of your hair. 
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with lukewarm water. 
5. Use this amazing hair mask once a week for better results.

9. Henna & Amla Hair Mask For Natural Hair Colour

Gooseberry or amla powder for hair can effectively reduce premature greying and is commonly used in hair colouring packs. Since it contains lawsone, henna acts as a natural colouring agent. It also gives the hair a natural shine. Mix henna and amla to make a protein-rich concoction that will enhance your natural hair colour, reduce hair loss and promote healthy growth. 

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of amla powder
• 3 tablespoons of henna powder

Method:

1. Place the amla powder and henna powder in a plastic or glass bowl. Add some water and mix the ingredients to get a smooth mixture.
2. Leave the mixture overnight.
3. The next morning, apply the henna and amla paste to your hair and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. 
5. Use this remedy once a month for great results. 

10. Honey & Ghee Hair Mask To Prevent Damage

Honey has rich antioxidant properties that prevent damage, keeping your scalp and hair healthy. Therefore, adding it to ghee will ensure that you get the desired results.

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of warm ghee
• A few drops of honey

Method:

1. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly.
2. Apply the paste all over your scalp and massage for at least 10 minutes for increasing blood circulation.
3. Keep it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

11. Methi & Curry Leaves Hair Mask For Thick, Voluminous Hair

Both fenugreek (methi) and curry leaves (kadi patta) are noted for their benefits in promoting hair growth. You can get the goodness of both in one hair mask with this recipe.

You Will Need:

• 15-20 fresh curry leaves (kadi patta)
• 15-20 methi leaves (or 1 tablespoon of methi powder)

Method:

1. Put both ingredients in a blender with a little bit of water.
2. Blend till you get a fine paste. The consistency should be thick, and not runny or watery.
3. Apply this all over your hair, focusing on the roots. 
4. Keep this mask on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. 

12. Mayonnaise & Coffee Hair Mask For Strong Hair

While this is another form of hair mask, its results are different from the others. Mayonnaise helps regain the texture of the hair and hence leads to a better shine. Also, it strengthens the roots and even treats split ends. 

You Will Need:

• 1 tablespoon of coffee powder
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon glycerin

Method:

1. Stir together all the ingredients well to create a paste-like consistency.
2. Once the paste is formed, apply this to wet hair starting with the roots going all the way to the ends.
3. After 40-45 minutes, you can wash this out.
4. This treatment is suggested to be done at least twice a month for great results.

13. Egg Yolk & Fenugreek Seed Hair Pack For Relieving Itchy Scalp

Here is another way you can use fenugreek for hair and scalp health. While the lecithin in fenugreek helps in treating the itchy scalp, the egg yolk is effective in making the hair soft, smooth and shiny. Besides that, egg yolk is loaded with vitamins, proteins and fatty acids and is great for hair health. Follow these steps to make a methi hair pack for your hair. 

You Will Need:

• 1 cup fenugreek seeds (methi)
• Egg yolk (from 1 egg)

Method:

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight. 
2. Grind the seeds into a smooth paste. 
3. Add an egg yolk to the fenugreek seeds paste. Mix it well. 
4. Massage the mixture on your scalp and hair. 
5. Let the hair mask stay for about 30 minutes. 
6. Wash your hair. Shampoo well to get rid of the egg’s smell. 

14. Amla & Tulsi Hair Mask To Beat Dandruff

Loaded with vitamin C, antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties, amla can help treat hair dryness and dandruff. It also offers relief from itchiness and scalp irritation by cleansing the scalp and restoring its optimum pH levels. Tulsi is effective in controlling fungal strains that may lead to dandruff. Other than reducing dandruff and scalp itchiness, this ingredient will also make your hair smooth and shiny. 

You Will Need:

• Amla powder
• Water
• 8-10 tulsi leaves (holy basil)

Method:

1. Take a sufficient amount of amla powder and add water to it to make a paste. 
2. Grind the tulsi leaves into this mixture. 
3. Apply this amla powder hair pack to your scalp. 
4. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it off using a mild shampoo. 
5. Follow up with an amla-rich conditioner for best results. 

15. Fenugreek & Curd Hair Pack To Combat Flaky Scalp

Using curd for dandruff is the best homemade remedy to get rid of repeated dry flaky dandruff forever. Curd helps curb stubborn dandruff and methi is a natural cleanser.

You Will Need: 

• 1 cup of curd (dahi)
• 5 teaspoons of fenugreek seed powder (methi)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Take a brush and apply the pack to your hair. 
3. Post application; cover your hair with a shower cap.
4. Now, leave it on for about 30 minutes. 
5. Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo. 
6. Use this hair pack twice a week for a month and experience the difference.

16. Ghee & Olive Oil Hair Mask For Soft, Luscious Locks

Oiling is a great practice to nourish your hair and one of the best ones to opt for is a herbal oil made with 9 ingredients. After practising this drill for a couple of weeks, you will be able to spot a noticeable difference. By using this mask, your hair will feel a lot softer and smoother. 

You Will Need:

• 2 tablespoons of ghee 
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Method:

1. Take a container and mix the ghee and olive oil well. 
2. Massage it on your scalp for at least 10 minutes.
3. Wash it off by using a mild shampoo. 

17. Curry Leaves & Onion Juice Hair Pack To Curb Premature Greying

This combination of onion juice and curry leaves for hair is a power-packed duo that helps prevent premature greying and excessive hair fall, while strengthening the hair follicles. 

You Will Need:

• 15-20 fresh curry leaves (kadi patta)
• 2 tablespoons of onion juice

Method:

1. Put the leaves in a blender to make a smooth paste.
2. Scoop this out and add in the onion juice.
3. Apply this paste evenly on your hair and scalp.
4. Leave the pack on for an hour before washing. Rinse it out properly with water before shampooing to make sure there is no residual smell from the onion. 

18. Egg & Curd Hair Pack For Longer & Stronger Tresses

Make your hair long and strong by using a combination of egg and curd for hair. Using curd for hair growth works wonders by nourishing the scalp from within as it is backed with the benefits of vitamin B, zinc, and proteins.

You Will Need: 

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of curd (dahi)

Method:

1. Beat the egg and dahi to form a hair mask. 
2. Apply the hair pack from the roots towards the tip of the hair.
3. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes.
4. Wash it off with a shampoo
5. Use it twice a week for better results.

19. Avocado & Yoghurt Hair Mask To Repair Damaged Hair

Yoghurt is an excellent ingredient for hair as it conditions the hair and makes your hair smooth and soft. When mixed with avocado helps to repair damaged and dry hair. Honey and olive oil as additional ingredients provide nourishment to your hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of yoghurt (dahi)
• ½ medium-sized avocado
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Shower cap

Method:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl until it lumps free then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
2. Apply the mixture on the hair and scalp and put on a shower cap.
3. Leave it for 20 minutes.
4. Wash the hair with cool water and mild shampoo and let it air dry.
5. Apply the mask once a week.

20. Banana & Curd (Dahi) Hair Pack To Rejuvenate Your Scalp

Worried about dull, dry, and frizzy hair? Curb out frizziness with the goodness of bananas and curd for hair. Give your mane a brilliant shine by using curd for hair and also helps to rejuvenate from within. The benefits of curd are just not restricted to hair, in fact, using curd for skin helps in treating acne, skin discolouration, tanning and even pigmentation.

You Will Need: 

• 1 banana
• 2 teaspoons of curd (dahi)
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method:

1. Blend all the ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Apply the curd hair pack to dampen hair from the roots to the tips.
3. Once the pack is applied, tie up your hair and cover it with a shower cap. 
4. Leave it on for about 40 minutes and wash off with a shampoo and conditioner. 
5. Post-mask, try a serum to tame your ends and keep them looking hydrated yet bouncy.

21. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask For pH Balance

When the hair’s pH balance is thrown off and it becomes more alkaline than it should be, apple cider vinegar can help restore it. It is mildly acidic and counters the effect of imbalanced pH. This tames the frizz that makes hair look rough.

You Will Need:

• ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar 
• 1 cup of water

Method:

1. Pour this mixture onto your hair while shampooing and leave it on for 3 minutes.
2. Then rinse it off with plain water.
3. Repeat it twice a week.

22. Ghee, Lemon & Almond Oil Hair Mask To Get Rid Of Dandruff

Lemons are known for their antimicrobial properties. Combine this with the goodness of ghee and almond oil to make a potent hair mask.

You Will Need:

• Almond oil (as per your hair length)
• 2-3 tablespoons of ghee
• ½ of a lemon’s juice

Method:

1. Prepare a mask with all three ingredients by mixing them well.
2. Massage it on your scalp regularly in order to get rid of dry, itchy, and flaky scalp.
3. Wash it off with rose water after keeping it for about 20 minutes.

23. Avocado & Coconut Oil Hair Mask For UV Protection

Coconut oil is the amazing and most beneficial oil for hair and its excellent property of penetrating the scalp makes it more worthy. It also contains fatty acids that reduce the effect of hair damage. Avocado when mixed with this superb. Coconut oil protects the hair, it forms a protective layer just like the ozone layer protects the earth from getting the harmful UV rays of the sun. This mixture manages to minimise the loss of moisture and damage. 

You Will Need:

1. 1 ripen medium-sized avocado
2. 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
3. Shower cap

Method:

1. Mash the avocado until it is lump-free.
2. Add two tablespoons of coconut oil to the mashed avocado and mix well.
3. Apply the mixture on the scalp and hair so you don’t forget the ends of the hair as those are the most damaged parts of the hair.
4. After applying the mixture fully on the hair cover it with a shower cap and leave it for 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and don’t forget to apply conditioner.
6. Using a towel squeeze the excess water and let the hair air dry.
7. Apply this hair mask 1 to 2 times a week.

24. Amla, Reetha & Shikakai Powder Hair Pack To Stop Hairfall

The high iron and carotene content in amla makes it the perfect ingredient for promoting hair growth. Moreover, it also contains essential fatty acids, which can make your tresses voluminous and smooth. Reetha and shikakai are two other time-tested ingredients that nourish hair follicles and strengthen the hair. Mix these three ingredients to make a power-packed hair mask to tackle issues like hair fall, premature greying and dryness and dullness. 

You Will Need: 

• 2 teaspoons of amla powder
• 2 teaspoons of reetha powder
• 2 teaspoons of shikakai powder

Method:

1. Take all the ingredients in a bowl and add some water to make a paste. 
2. Make sure to mix the ingredients well. 
3. Apply the mixture along the strands of your hair. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. 
4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water. 

25. Almond Oil & Egg Mask For Frizzy Hair

Masking with ingredients that condition deeply will prove to be a boon for your hair. Almond (badam) oil is a softener while egg proteins repair damage in the hair. So a weekly mask with these two greatly helps your frizzy locks.

You Will Need:

• ¼ cup of almond oil
• 1 egg

Method:

1. Mix both ingredients well.
2. Apply it evenly throughout your hair and scalp.
3. Leave it on for 40 minutes before shampooing your hair.

26. Onion & Aloe Vera Hair Pack To Stimulate The Scalp

Say goodbye to a flakey and itchy scalp with this hair pack of aloe vera for dandruff. Onion juice is an excellent hair growth ingredient that stimulates your scalp. It boosts hair growth and this pack with aloe vera for dandruff will give you a healthy scalp and shiny hair!

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of onion juice
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

Method:

1. To extract onion juice, blend 3-4 large onions to a puree in a blender. Make sure to strain it with a cheesecloth.
2. Add the aloe vera gel to the juice and mix well.
3. Massage this hair pack into your scalp and hair thoroughly.
4. Leave it on for about an hour.
5. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and finish with conditioner.

27. Avocado, Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask To Lock In Moisture

Olive oil has some excellent nourishing and moisturising properties. The oil is very light and it does not weigh hair down. It makes the hair soft in just one use and also encourages hair growth. On the other hand, Honey is a lotion. It locks the moisture of the hair and seals the water. It is a holy ingredient for dry and damaged hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 ripe medium-sized avocado
• 2 tablespoons of raw honey 
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
• Shower cap
• Blow dryer

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients into a food processor and process till you get a smooth mixture and lumps free.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, don’t forget the tips of your hair. And cover your hair with a shower cap.
3. Once you have put the shower cap on, apply heat through a blow dryer for 15 minutes or you can sit in the sun for 30 to 45 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with cool water and mild shampoo and let it air dry.
5. Apply the mask once a week.

28. Banana & Coconut Oil Hair Mask To Combat Hair Loss

Bananas are loaded with natural oils, potassium and of course, antioxidants. And we all know how coconut oil works its magic on your tresses. Mix the two and you have an effective treatment for hair fall.

You Will Need:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method: 

1. Peel two ripe bananas and then slice them into small pieces.
2. Mash them properly to form a paste. 
3. Next, add coconut oil and honey, and blend the ingredients well. 
4. Apply it all over your hair and then leave it on for about an hour. 
5. Once dry, wash it with a good shampoo. 

29. Egg, Banana & Honey Hair Mask For Hydrated Hair

This homemade hair mask for dry hair has the goodness of eggs, bananas, and honey—all in one. While the egg will provide protein, banana and honey will moisturise your hair well. What’s more, the hair mask is really easy to make.

You Will Need:

• 1 egg
• 1 mashed banana
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 3 tablespoons of honey

Method: 

1. Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients mentioned above – remember, it should all be blended well. 
2. Apply this mixture onto your scalp and all over your hair. 
3. Keep the hair mask on for about 45 minutes and then rinse it properly with a mild shampoo. 
4. Voila! You have the recipe for one of the best hair masks for dry hair.

30. Mayonnaise & Avocado Hair Pack For Thick, Healthy Hair

Mayonnaise contains an egg which is a good source of protein for the hair. It makes the hair shinier and promotes hair growth.

You Will Need:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• ½ of a medium-sized avocado
• Shower cap

Method:

1. Mash the avocado in a bowl and make sure it is lump-free.
2. Add the mayonnaise to the mashed avocado.
3. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp, mainly the tips of the hair.
4. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave it for 20 minutes.
5. Wash the hair with a cool and mild shampoo and let it air dry.
6. Apply the mask one to two times a week.