7 DIY Deep Conditioning Masks To Soothe Dry, Damaged Hair

Even the most diligent person might experience a little hair damage from time to time. Whether it's because you've been using hot tools too much, wash too frequently, or didn't realize that hard water was weighing your hair down, it's safe to say that countless reasons can cause your hair to be dry or damaged. While a deep conditioning treatment at your favorite salon can be a soothing and luxurious self-care experience, this might not be an option for everyone. 

Maybe your budget won't allow for it, or time is too precious a commodity for you. Whichever the reason, the good news is that you don't have to make do with hair that's seen better days. In reality, there are plenty of hair-friendly ingredients hiding out in your kitchen that can be just as effective as what the salon can offer—but at a fraction of the price. 

If you've got a head full of curly hair, you know that curls can be notoriously difficult to manage. Your main issues center around finding the right hydration balance. From hair care products to the environment, there are plenty of reasons why your tresses can end up dry and frizzy. 

But avocados are a great mask base because they contain natural oils along with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In short, they have good fats plus vitamins that help to keep your hair looking healthy and hydrated. A bonus is that avocado can serve as a detangler. 

Bananas are well known for their nutritional benefits when we eat them. But how many of us think about applying the tasty fruit to our hair? For those not in the know, bananas are rich in silica, a mineral that helps your body process collagen. Plus, bananas also have antimicrobial properties1 that can help people with dry, flaky scalps. 

Thankfully, a DIY banana hair mask doesn't have to be complicated. According to Brittany Johnson, a licensed hairstylist and senior content manager for Mayvenn Hair, the key to nailing this mask recipe—and any DIY hair mask—is to make sure that your ingredients are thoroughly blended. 

Desiring long strands is hardly unique. But for many people, retaining length can be a tall order. Enter the incredible edible egg. So what makes the egg so beneficial for your hair? Eggs are packed full of protein and vitamins, two key ingredients that your hair needs to not just encourage growth but retain length. 

Coconut oil is another kitchen ingredient turned hair care staple that is incredibly effective for a wide range of hair types. In particular, this natural product aids in infusing your hair with protein, an essential nutrient if you want to grow your hair longer or retain length. Best of all, it's a product that can either be used as an added ingredient in other DIY hair masks or can be used alone as a replacement for traditional store-bought conditioners. 

You might not think about limes as a fruit designed to bring out the best in your hair, but they can. In particular, this zingy fruit pairs well with coconut milk for an unexpected DIY hair mask that has major benefits. Limes are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for controlling dandruff and even balancing oil production for people who struggle with oily scalps. 

Meanwhile, we know that coconut is perfect for moisturizing and coconut milk can even pull double duty as a detangler. In some cases, people have claimed that this powerful combo can soften their hair's texture and mimic the benefits of a relaxer—but it doesn't. Most likely they're simply experiencing the conditioning benefits, which can translate as hair that feels softer or curls that "pop" because they're properly hydrated. 

To make this mask, you're going to need to spend some time in the kitchen. Combine 1 can of coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), 4 tablespoons of lime juice, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Start by combining the coconut oil and EVOO in a saucepan and whisking over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. 

Known by its shorthand, ACV, apple cider vinegar is one of those pantry staples that can do more than serve as a fermentation accelerant to turn cucumbers into pickles. Especially for beauties that follow the Curly Girl Method, ACV is incredibly popular as a natural clarifying alternative for your hair and scalp if you're trying to avoid shampoos. Along with cutting through product buildup and dirt, it's been linked with controlling dandruff. 

Best of all, as a clarifying treatment, it doesn't need to be paired with anything. Naturals often use it as a "pre-poo" or prewash treatment. Simply pour it in a spray bottle and focus on your scalp and roots, using the pads of your fingers to work it in and help dislodge dirt. Hop in the shower and proceed with your regular wash day routine.

Most people think of mayonnaise as a sandwich condiment. But this thick spread is also ideal for healing dry hair too. Mayo is full of heavier oils that are beneficial for chronically dry hair like canola, soybean, and even olive oils. Plus, traditional mayo is made with egg yolks, another hair-friendly ingredient. 

To be clear, if you don't struggle with incredibly dry hair, you probably should leave the mayo to sandwiches and salads. But especially for people who struggle to prevent dryness (think curly and wavy hair types in particular), those three ingredients can give your hair a much-needed boost of hydration.