We all have a hair treatment of choice when it comes to treating damage, inducing shine, or just levelling up moisture. But let’s be real. Some are too pricey to use as frequently as recommended, especially in summer when hair gets its fair share of damage from the sun, salt, and chlorine.

Thankfully, when you’re in between masks, you can make your own with ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen cupboard. Your DIY delight might not be engineered as elegantly as products found in salons, but it can still do the trick! Scroll on for our favourite DIY hair masks.

Avocado and Olive Oil Hair Mask

While nothing can really mend split ends completely (apart from a trim), this nourishing hair mask can make them look healthy in the meantime. Avocados have minerals that will seal the cuticle, as well as proteins and vitamins to nourish and soften the hair, while olive oil will add extra shine and sleekness. 

To make this yummy treat for the hair, take half an avocado and a half cup of olive oil and mash them together in a bowl. Using a fork, apply the mask to the split ends only. This one is best when left on for a half-hour, so put on a podcast, sit back and let it do its stuff.

Milk and Honey Hair Mask

If you have fine hair and are looking for a DIY hair mask to treat damage, you’ve found it in a mixture of milk and honey. Honey contains keratin to help strengthen the hair and prevent breakage, and its anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritation. When combined with milk, the duo can help soften the hair and support its structure.

Because milk has a thin, liquid consistency, mix this mask up by putting one cup of milk along with one tablespoon of honey into a spray bottle and misting it onto the hair. Leave in for 10 to 20 minutes after shampooing (in place of conditioner), then rinse out with warm water for shiny, smooth results.

Brown Sugar and Coconut Hair Mask

Also great for baking a batch of cookies, brown sugar and coconut oil can deliver major relief if you’re suffering from a dry, itchy scalp. The granules in the brown sugar will help exfoliate the scalp without being too harsh on your skin, while coconut oil can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss because it penetrates deep into the follicles. Like brown sugar, it also promotes scalp health, fighting against dandruff. What’s more, coconut oil moisturises the hair, adds shine, and helps to prevent hair breakage and split ends, which can inevitably help hair grow longer.

To create this mask, mix two tablespoons of brown sugar and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Work into the hair after shampooing, focusing on the scalp. Rinse and continue with conditioner.

Yogurt Hair Mask

Yogurt contains lactic acid, which typically hydrates hair, preventing frizz and adding moisture. And the best part about this mask? You can mix in any other ingredients, based on what you want to achieve with your haircare. If you want shine and strength, mix in an avocado, or if you want a PH balance, squeeze in some lemons and limes. For ultimate shine, mix in a light organic oil, like safflower seed or sunflower seed oil.

Once you mix a half a cup or cup of yogurt (depending on your hair length) with whatever ingredients your heart desires, leave the mask in your hair for 15–20 minutes and then rinse.

Want more clean haircare? We’ve combed the globe to bring you the best natural hair products, made with the best and cleanest ingredients around. You can browse our full range of clean haircare here.