Coconut oil is the go-to natural ingredient for moisturizing skin, removing makeup, and boosting hair shine and smoothness. This versatile beauty alternative is great for your hair health. Homemade DIY coconut oil hair masks help fight against frizz and smoothen your hair. In addition, these hair masks help reduce dandruff and dryness.
This article explores the 11 homemade coconut oil hair mask recipes. Keep reading.
In This Article
What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Oil Hair Masks?
Many items on your kitchen shelf double up as hair conditioners. But, coconut oil is perhaps the most versatile ingredient for hair health. That is because, unlike most other oils, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and repair damaged hair from within. This is attributable to coconut oil’s composition, which is a triglyceride of lauric acid with a high affinity for hair proteins (1).
Clinical trials have also proven that coconut oil significantly reduces protein loss when used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product (1).
Coconut oil hair mask treatment may reduce hair fall and deeply moisturize your hair and scalp for a beautiful mane. Listed below are the benefits that you can reap by adding this humble oil to your hair care routine. While some of these benefits are clinically proven, others are based simply on anecdotal evidence.
- Deeply moisturizes your hair and scalp.
- Relieves eczema, fungus, and any dandruff-related issues (2).
- Prevents protein loss due to washing, bleaching, and color treatments.
- Reduces hair loss with the combined effect of vitamin E and lauric acid.
- Minimizes split ends and breakage.
Whether your hair is brittle, dry, or frizzy, there’s a coconut oil hair mask recipe that can help you out. Find out what suits you best below.
11 DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask Recipes For Beautiful Hair
1. Egg, Honey, And Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Dry Hair
This no-frill mask combines the goodness of eggs with coconut oil to deeply moisturize dry, brittle hair. Eggs are packed with proteins, minerals, fats, and B-complex vitamins that help strengthen your hair and improve its texture (3). The other ingredient, honey, has moisturizing properties to condition your hair deeply (4).
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg
Prep Time: 2-3 minutes
Treatment Time: 30 minutes
What To Do
- Melt coconut oil on a stovetop or in a microwave.
- Whisk the egg separately before combining it with the oil. Make sure the oil has cooled down completely before adding the egg to prevent the latter from “cooking.”
- Now add honey and mix until you get a consistent texture.
How To Apply
- Dampen your hair and divide it into sections.
- Gently massage the mask into each section, coating it evenly.
- Wrap your hair in an old towel or put on a shower cap.
- Wait for 30 minutes before washing out the mask with water and moisturizing shampoo.
- You may need multiple rinses to wash out the mask thoroughly.
How Often: Once a week
2. Coconut Oil And Olive Oil Hair Mask For Hair Growth
This is an overnight hair mask with coconut oil that combines two of the most commonly found ingredients in any kitchen. Olive oil softens your hair and provides essential proteins for hair growth (5).
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (make it 3 tablespoons for long hair and 1 tablespoon for short hair)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or equal to the amount of coconut oil you are using)
- A few drops of vitamin E oil (optional)
Prep Time: 2-3 minutes
Treatment Time: Overnight
How To Do
- Heat up the coconut oil.
- Mix the coconut oil and olive oil together.
- Add a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra nourishment (optional).
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections and saturate each section, from root to tip, with this oily mask.
- Cover your tresses with a shower cap or an old T-shirt and sleep peacefully.
- Wash off the hair mask with your favorite shampoo in the morning.
How Often: Once a month
3. Coconut Oil And Avocado Mask For Curly Hair
Avocados are a rich source of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (6). These nutrients are believed to nourish your scalp and give your hair a healthy boost. If you want a shortcut to smooth, shiny hair, this DIY avocado, and coconut oil hair mask recipe is just what you need.
What You Need
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (depending on the length of your hair)
- 1 ripe, medium-sized avocado
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
Treatment Time: 60 minutes
What To Do
- Mash the avocado to a pulp in a bowl.
- Mix in the coconut oil to create a smooth paste.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the mask evenly to each section of hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap to let the mask penetrate it deeply.
- Wash out the mask after an hour with your regular shampoo.
How Often: Once every two weeks
4. Coconut Oil And Egg Mask for Thinning Hair
This simple 2-ingredient hair mask is said to work wonders for brittle, thinning hair and help restore your crowning glory when used regularly.
What You Need
- 2-3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 medium-sized egg
Prep Time: 2-3 minutes
Treatment Time: 20 minutes
What To Do
- Separate the yolk of the egg in a bowl.
- Add the coconut oil to the yolk.
- Whisk until smooth.
How To Apply
- Dampen your hair and divide it into sections.
- Apply the mask generously to coat each section.
- Cover your hair with a cap to prevent the egg from dripping.
- Leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water and shampoo.
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How Often: Once every 2 weeks
5. Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice Mask For Oily Hair
Oily hair looks lifeless and attracts a lot of dirt and grime. However, constant washing can strip away its natural oils and make it brittle. This wondrous coconut oil hair mask contains lemon juice that is believed to detoxify your hair while removing the scalp’s waste build-up to promote healthy hair growth.
What You need
- 2-3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time: 2-3 minutes
Treatment Time: 60 minutes
What To Do
- Pour the lemon juice and melted coconut oil into a bowl.
- Whisk gently until they are mixed together thoroughly.
How To Apply
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp.
- Let it rest for an hour.
- Rinse it off with shampoo and cool water.
How Often: Every time you wash your hair
6. Coconut Oil And Apple Cider Vinegar Mask For Dull Hair
Although there is no scientific evidence to prove this, apple cider vinegar or ACV is said to be useful for balancing your hair’s pH level. Combined with coconut oil, it may infuse strength and life into dull, brittle hair.
What You Need
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Prep Time: 1-2 minutes
Treatment Time: 20 minutes
What You Need
- Heat up the coconut oil in a microwave.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and stir thoroughly.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the mixture to each section, from roots to tips.
- Leave the mask on for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with shampoo and water.
How Often: Once a week
7. Coconut Oil And Honey Mask For Damaged Hair
Coconut oil and honey hair mask treatment is one of the simplest ways to rejuvenating dull, damaged hair. Honey has proven antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties and is also rich in nutrients, making it a great product for hair health (7). If your hair is coarse or exceptionally dry, you may even throw in egg yolk for extra moisture.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Prep Time: 1-2 minutes
Treatment Time: 20 minutes
What To Do
- Mix the coconut oil and honey in a bowl.
- Heat the mixture slightly so that the ingredients melt into each other.
- Let the mixture cool down before applying.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the mixture on your hair from roots to tips, covering your hair evenly.
- Put on a shower cap or wrap a towel around your head.
- Wait for 20 minutes before washing your hair with warm water and shampoo.
How Often: Once a week or as often as you desire
8. Coconut Oil And Banana Mask For Frizzy Hair
This is a great coconut hair mask for soft, shiny, and voluminous hair. The combination of banana and coconut oil is said to deeply moisturize the hair shaft, making it the perfect recipe for you if you have dry or frizzy hair.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 ripe banana
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Treatment Time: 20 minutes
What To Do
- Mash the banana to a pulp in a bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil and mix it in to make a creamy paste.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the hair mask evenly to each section, from the roots to the tips.
- Put on a shower cap to let the moisture seep in for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and water as usual.
How Often: Once every 2 weeks
9. Coconut And Castor Oil Mask For Brittle Hair
Upgrade your hair care routine with this simple coconut oil hair mask that uses only one more ingredient – castor oil. Many people believe that castor oil promotes hair growth. While there is no scientific evidence to prove this, castor oil does contain fatty acids and antioxidants that deeply moisturize brittle hair and decrease breakage. A study has also shown that castor oil may make your hair more lustrous (8).
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon castor oil
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Treatment Time: Overnight
What To Do
- Warm both the oils in a glass bowl in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Mix them thoroughly.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the oil generously from the roots to the tips.
- Leave the oil mask on overnight before washing it off with shampoo and water.
How Often: Twice a week
10. Soothing Aloe And Coconut Oil Mask For Itchy Scalp
Aloe vera gel soothes the skin, reduces acne marks, and relieves sunburn. This medicinal plant gel has proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (9). Thus, it is an excellent choice for soothing an itchy scalp. If you have dry scalp that feels itchy often, this two-ingredient DIY coconut oil hair mask treatment is perfect for you.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
Treatment Time: 15 minutes
What To Do
- Slit open an aloe vera leaf and remove the gel.
- Blend the gel in a mixer to create a smooth paste.
- Whisk the warm coconut oil into this paste with a spoon or fork.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and coat each section of hair evenly.
- Leave the mask on for 15 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often: Every time you wash your hair
11. Argan And Coconut Oil Mask For Moisturized Hair
Coconut oil is excellent for your hair, but there is another lesser-known ingredient that is quite potent. Argan oil, native to Morocco’s argan tree, is a natural oil brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, which may help keep your hair moisturized and happy.
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons argan oil
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Treatment Time: 30 minutes
What To Do
- Heat up both the oils in a microwave.
- Mix them properly to prepare the mask.
How To Apply
- Divide your hair into sections.
- Coat each section with the oil mask generously.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with shampoo and water.
How Often: Once a week
Coconut oil hair masks are great for your hair. But, there are a few ways that you can maximize their benefits. Check them out below!
Some Tips To Help You Maximize The Benefits Of Your Coconut Oil Hair Mask
- Try using extra virgin coconut oil for your hair for the best results.
- Always bring the coconut oil to room temperature or melt it using a stovetop or microwave before using it.
- It is best to apply coconut oil on dry hair. However, some coconut oil hair masks may be used on damp hair. Either way, coconut oil does not cause any harm to your hair unless you are allergic to it. Check with your doctor before using coconut oil on your hair if you suffer from any skin allergies.
- Use hair mask treatments only on damp hair. Damp hair absorbs nutrients better to give you better results.
- It is always good to divide your hair into sections while applying the hair mask. Once done, tie up your hair into a bun and cover it with a towel or shower cap to improve penetration and prevent any mess. If you have always wondered how to prevent your coconut oil overnight hair mask from leaking, this is the answer you are looking for.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water and let it air-dry for better results.
Homemade coconut oil hair masks are a healthier and budget-friendly alternative to improving your hair health. Studies suggest that coconut oil’s nutritional content makes it perfect for deep moisturizing your hair and reducing split ends and hair loss. You can use coconut oil with natural ingredients like olive oil, avocado, or egg to treat dry scalp and nourish your hair. To maximize the benefits of using homemade coconut oil hair masks, bring the oil to room temperature and apply it to dry hair to get bouncy and shiny hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need to leave a coconut oil hair mask on?
Leaving your coconut oil hair mask on for 30 minutes is good enough. However, for extra hydration, you can always leave your coconut oil hair mask treatment on overnight, but wrap your hair up in a shower cap to avoid a mess.
Should you apply coconut oil on wet or dry hair?
You can apply coconut oil on both wet or dry hair. A coconut oil hair mask treatment is mostly applied to clean, damp hair. But if you plan to leave the mask on overnight, you may use it on dry hair.
How do you wash coconut oil out of your hair?
Two rinses with your regular shampoo and water should be enough to remove the oil from your hair. If you still feel your hair is oily, spray some dry shampoo or dab your hair with some baby powder before washing it with a clarifying shampoo.
How to use an egg wash to remove a coconut oil hair mask?
An egg wash can be prepared with 2-3 beaten eggs mixed with a liter of water. Simply pour the mixture all over dry hair and rub it in. Wash it off with cool water after 5-10 minutes to remove all the oil from your hair.
Key Takeaways
- Coconut hair oil moisturizes and repairs hair damage by penetrating the hair shaft.
- You can prepare a coconut oil and egg mask for thinning hair.
- Extra virgin coconut oil will give you better results.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
- Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ - Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134433/ - Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828511/ - Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/ - Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0129578 - Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/ - Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of crude honey on chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485891/ - Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14528387/ - Antibacterial Effect of Aloe Vera Gel against Oral Pathogens: An In-vitro Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198455/
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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya Syeda is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and… more
Dr. Preethi Nagaraj
(MD DVL)Dr. Preethi Nagaraj is the medical director and senior consultant dermatologist at Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kakkanad, Kochi, India…. more
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