Benefits Of Honey For Hair + 16 DIY Honey Hair Masks

Fight scalp infections, curb hair fall, and combat dryness with this sweet treat!

Medically reviewed by Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS Vd. Naveen Sharma Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS facebook_icon
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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A woman with loose hair

Image: Shutterstock

Have you spent hours searching the internet for the right remedy to your frizzy and lifeless hair, only to be let down? Don’t worry. We are here to assist you. Let us discuss how to use honey for hair growth.

Honey is a popular alternative sweetener and is one of the common ingredients for DIY hair masks. It may, perhaps, encourage hair growth. We will look at how honey can help your hair in this article. Keep scrolling.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Honey

What Is It?
A sweet, viscous substance produced by worker bees.

What Are Its Benefits?
Strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, and treats dandruff and scalp conditions.

Who Can Use It?
People who have dry and damaged hair.

How Often?
It depends on hair type and condition. Normally, once a week.

Caution
Dilute it before applying it on the hair as it is thick and sticky in nature.

Why Is Honey Good For Your Hair?

Thanks to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, honey benefits your body in numerous ways, including enhancing the health and appearance of your hair. See how this versatile ingredient can be used in your hair care routine.

  1. Honey is an emollienti  Substances that soften and moisturize the skin by hydrating it and decreasing dryness, roughness, itchiness, and flakiness. . It seals in moisture for adequate conditioning and enhances hair shine (1). This reduces breakage, which is often a cause of slower hair growth. Honey could work better for women with naturally curly hair or dry hair.
  2. Honey is said to promote hair growth, though there is not enough scientific evidence to support this. However, a lot of anecdotal evidence suggests honey can aid in hair loss prevention, thus stimulating hair growth.
  3. Honey has rich antioxidant properties that work towards hair damage repair, keeping your scalp and hair healthy (2).
  4. Honey, being a humectanti  Substances that attract water from the air or within the skin and prevent dryness and irritation by keeping it moist. and containing proteins, minerals and vitamins, strengthens the hair follicles, curbing hair fall and baldness (1), (3).
  5. Honey has antibacterial qualities. It may help prevent scalp infections and soothe issues like dandruff, eczemai  A general term for inflammation of the skin, which also causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and rough. , etc. (2).
  6. Honey contains enzymei  Proteins that act as biological catalysts and speed up metabolism by accelerating chemical reactions. called glucose oxidase, which start the oxidation of glucose to form hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties (4). It may fight related infections pertaining to the scalp and hair.
  7. Honey may act as a cleanser. Certain shampoos contain honey. Anecdotal evidence suggests that honey can remove the impurities from the scalp and minimize clogging. Some believe that honey also stimulates hair regrowth from dormant follicles. However, there is no research to support this.

A study on different commercial honey samples analyzed their phenolic and flavonoid content. According to it, honey contains high levels of these compounds that confirm its antioxidant capacity. Along with this, it is also rich in carotenoids and vitamins C and E. Check out the graph below to see how phenolic and flavonoid content varies in honey samples.

Antioxidant Activity Of Honey

Source: Therapeutic Potential of Commercial Honey: Antioxidant Activity

protip_icon Trivia
There are 3 types of honey – single origin (derived from a single flower type), multi-flower (derived from several flower varieties), and local (derived from one specific area).

Here’s a list of 16 DIY honey hair masks that could help promote hair growth.

Key Takeaways

  • The emollient properties of honey helps condition the hair and prevent hair breakage.
  • Honey removes impurities from the scalp and minimizes clogging.
  • A recipe of honey and olive oil is often used as a hair conditioner as olive oil contains oleic acid which strengthens the hair.
  • The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of avocado boost hair health, and a hair mask of honey and avocado prevent hair damage.

Honey For Hair Growth – 16 Homemade Masks

1. Coconut Oil And Honey Mask For Hair Protection

Coconut oil and honey hair mask for hair protection
Image: Shutterstock

Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes the hair from within (5). Due to its penetrative properties, it reduces protein loss and improves hydration. It creates a thin coat around the hair shaft and protects it from UV damage (5). When paired with honey, it nourishes and strengthens the hair (3).

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • Processing Time
  • 15 minutes

Process

  1. If you have shoulder length hair, blend half a cup of coconut oil (for shoulder length hair) with half a cup of honey. For those who have longer or shorter hair, adjust the proportions accordingly.
  2. Massage this into your hair thoroughly and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse the mask out with cool/lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

2. Egg And Honey Hair Mask For Hair Nourishment

Eggs are packed with the right proteins your hair needs to grow (6). The yolk is known to stimulate hair growth in human hair follicle dermal cells (7). This pack provides your follicles with the nourishment required for healthy hair growth (3).

You Will Need

  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 cup honey

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Beat two whole eggs and add half a cup of honey to the mixture.
  2. Mix the ingredients until you get a smooth consistency.
  3. Apply the mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the tips.
  4. Cover your head with a shower cap and wait for 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse the mask out with cool/lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Three times a month.

3. Olive Oil And Honey Hair Mask Recipe For Hair Conditioning

Olive oil has been used in hair care products for a very long time. It contains fatty acids like oleic acid, which help in hair strengthening. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep fungal infections at bay (8). Olive oil was also found to be a natural conditioner (3).

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional)

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Blend half a cup of honey and a quarter cup of olive oil and microwave for 30 seconds.
  2. Once the mixture has cooled, add a quarter cup of buttermilk and stir.
  3. Apply this mixture evenly all over your hair.
  4. Leave the honey mask on for about 30 minutes.
  5. Wear a plastic cap to prevent dripping.
  6. Rinse out the mask with cool/lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Three times a month.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey Hair Mask For Split Ends

Apple cider vinegar and honey hair mask for split ends
Image: Shutterstock

Apple cider vinegar is a hair care remedy that many people swear by. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to corroborate that apple cider vinegar provides frizz control and stimulates hair growth although there is little to no scientific research about it. A study done in Palestine showed that the vinegar from apple acts as a hair cleanser and reduces split ends, hair loss, balding, dandruff, lice, scalp acne, and scabies (3).

You Will Need

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  3. Leave it in for 15 minutes.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

5. Avocado And Honey Hair Mask For Preventing Hair Damage

Avocados have been used in hair care products for improved hair texture for years. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (9). These could help keep hair clean and healthy. They are packed with antioxidants that may prevent damage and boost scalp health. They also contain oils that could nourish and condition your hair (3).

You Will Need

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup honey

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Blend half a cup of honey with one ripe avocado.
  2. Apply this mixture evenly to coat the full length of your hair.
  3. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can wear a shower cap to avoid a mess.
  4. Shampoo and rinse off with a honey solution.

How Often?

Once a week.

6. Yogurt And Honey Hair Mask For Hair Volume

Yogurt may increase hair thickness and hair growth (10). It could also be used to treat hair damage and hair loss (3).

You Will Need

  • 1 cup sour yogurt
  • 1/2 cup honey

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Blend a cup of sour yogurt with half a cup of honey until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Start applying the mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips.
  3. Wear a shower cap to avoid a mess and wait for 15 minutes.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

7. Banana And Honey Hair Mask Recipe For Hair Softening

Banana and honey hair mask for hair softening
Image: Shutterstock

Bananas are great sources of vitamins B6 and C and potassium. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth (11), (12). Banana is also said to condition your hair and make it soft and smooth.

Note: Banana could get stuck to the hair and is hard to wash off. Make sure you mash the banana well so there are no chunks or bits left behind. You can increase the amount of olive oil to make the mixture smoother.

You Will Need

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Blend the ingredients until they turn into a smooth, consistent mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp evenly.
  3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wear a shower cap to avoid making a mess.
  4. Rinse the mask out with cool/lukewarm water and shampoo.
  5. Comb through the hair to get rid of banana chunks. Rinse again.

How Often?

Once in two weeks.

8. Organic Honey Mask Recipe For Hair Cleansing

Honey is an effective cleanser, and when combined with shampoo, it is easy to use and can make for a potent treatment for hair growth (2).

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon shampoo

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

  1. In a jug, combine a tablespoon of honey and shampoo (each), and dilute the mixture with some water.
  2. Rinse your hair with water and then use the honey shampoo mixture to wash it.
  3. Rinse the shampoo out with cool or lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a week.

9. Honey And Water Mask For Nourishing Curly Hair

Honey’s emollient properties make it an effective natural remedy for improved hair elasticity. This honey and water mask is a great conditioning mix, especially if you have curly or kinky hair. It is ideal for all levels of hair porosity.

You Will Need

  • 9 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Processing Time

3 hours

Process

  1. Dilute a tablespoon of honey with nine tablespoons of water in a bowl and stir until well combined.
  2. Massage the diluted honey into your scalp and work it through your hair until it is covered from the root to the tip.
  3. Leave the honey on your hair for 3 hours. Wear a shower cap to avoid a mess.
  4. Rinse the mask out with cool/lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

10. Aloe Vera And Honey Hair Mask For Dandruff

Aloe vera has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties (13). Some believe these could help keep dandruff and alopecia at bay. It also contains vitamins B2 ,B6, and folic acid that may help in hair growth. This mask gets rid of dandruff while soothing the scalp and balancing pH.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  3. Leave it on for 15- 20 minutes.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

11. Coconut Milk And Honey Hair Mask For Hair Strengthening

Coconut milk and honey hair mask for hair strengthening
Image: Shutterstock

Coconut milk contains essential fats and proteins that your hair needs for growth. It, along with honey, can condition and strengthen your hair.

You Will Need

  • 200 g coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

  1. In a bowl, combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  3. Leave it in for an hour.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Two times a week.

12. Castor Oil And Honey Hair Mask For Scalp Infections

Castor oil

is one of the best oils you can use to boost hair growth. It contains vitamins and fatty acids needed for hair growth. It is also antifungal, meaning it fights off scalp infections.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons castor oil
  • 1 whole egg

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

  1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  3. Leave it on for an hour.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Two to three times a week.

13. Mayonnaise, Avocado, And Honey Hair Mask For Boosting Hair Health

Mayonnaise, avocado, and honey hair mask for boosting hair health
Image: Shutterstock

Mayonnaise is a mixture of egg, vinegar, and oil (14). It contains oils and fatty acids that are essential for healthy hair growth. This, combined with the antioxidant properties of avocado and honey, could make for an excellent hair mask.

You Will Need

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Mash a ripe avocado in a bowl until it is free of lumps.
  2. Sdd a cup of mayo and a tablespoon of honey to the mashed avocado. Mix until well combined.
  3. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  4. Leave it for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week for normal hair and two times a week for dry hair.

14. Oatmeal And Honey Hair Mask For Scalp Irritation

Oatmeal has soothing properties that can relieve itchiness and irritation (15). If you have an aggravated scalp, this mask can soothe and cleanse it. Maintaining scalp health is crucial for healthy hair growth.

You Will Need

  • 2 tablespoons oatmeal
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt

Processing Time

20-25 minutes

Process

  1. Blend the ingredients together to get a smooth, consistent mixture.
  2. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp. Ensure that your hair is detangled before you start the application.
  3. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Two times a week.

15. Potato, Egg Yolk, And Honey Hair Mask For Moisturizing Dry Hair

Potato juice, like honey, has properties that promote hair growth. When combined with egg yolk, it makes for a wonderful mask that provides ample conditioning and reduces hair breakage. This mask is recommended for dry hair type.

You Will Need

  • 1 potato
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Extract the juice from one potato and add the egg yolk and honey to it.
  2. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth, consistent mixture.
  3. Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
  4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash off with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

16. Mayonnaise And Honey Hair Mask For Healthy Hair

The oils and fatty acids in mayonnaise may help moisturize the hair (14). Along with the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of fenugreek seeds, this mask may improve hair health and prevent further hair loss (16).

You Will Need

  • ½ cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Add fenugreek seeds to a glass of water and leave it overnight.
  2. Mix mayonnaise, honey, and fenugreek water in a bowl the next morning.
  3. Apply it to your scalp and along the length of your hair.
  4. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

These were the different honey hair masks that can help improve your overall hair texture and health. But is it safe for hair use? Take a look.

Is Honey Safe for Hair?

Honey is known for its high nutrient value and its many health benefits. The major issue with honey is it tends to stick very fast and could remove hair when pulled. Using water or oils to make honey more creamy can prevent this.

A blogger and DIY enthusiast shared that she likes to add a teaspoon of honey to her no-poo baking soda shampoo solution. She states in one of her blog posts, “It actually makes my hair have crazy volume like I teased my whole head. And it makes it pretty soft (i)!” She also mentions that she thought it would be hard to wash off honey from the hair but it is not.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Honey hair masks should be at room temperature or slightly warm, not too hot, or it will burn your scalp.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Honey For Hair And 3 DIY Hair Masks To Try

Honey is one ingredient that is used extensively in home remedies and treatments. While it is often used for its skin and health benefits, it also offers many advantages for your hair. Honey contains many essential nutrients that help nourish the hair. In the infographic below, we have listed the major hair benefits of honey along with a few effective DIY hair mask recipes you can try at home. Take a look.

top 5 benefits of honey for hair and 3 diy hair masks to try (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial qualities make it a popular hair care ingredient. It helps keep your scalp healthy, improves moisturization, and soothes issues like dandruff, dry scalp, and eczema. You may use honey for hair growth in the form of hair masks. Following the recipes and methods discussed above will help you know how to use them for hair growth. These recipes are simple to prepare as the ingredients mentioned are easily available. Since the research on the efficacy of honey is limited, you may consult your doctor before using it on your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you leave honey in your hair?

It is safe to leave honey in your hair for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use honey on my hair every day?

Yes. Honey is an antioxidant-rich, natural way to keep your hair nourished.

Are milk and honey good for hair?

Yes. Milk and honey are good for the hair as they have antibacterial and nourishing properties.

Can I keep honey in my hair overnight?

Yes. Natural honey is mild and non-irritating, so it is safe to leave in your hair overnight.

Illustration: Benefits Of Honey For Hair + 15 DIY Hair Masks

honey for hair growth

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

References

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. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Honey In Dermatology And Skin Care: A Review, Journal Of Cosmetic Science, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes Of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  2. Therapeutic And Prophylactic Effects Of Crude Honey On Chronic Seborrheic Dermatitis And Dandruff, European Journal Of Medical Research, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485891/
  3. Ethnopharmacological Survey Of Home Remedies Used For Treatment Of Hair And Scalp And Their Methods Of Preparation In The West Bank-Palestine, BMC Complementary And Alternative Medicine, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  4. Honeybee Glucose Oxidase–its Expression In Honeybee Workers And Comparative Analyses Of Its Content And H2o2-mediated Antibacterial Activity In Natural Honeys, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24969731/
  5. Effect Of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, And Coconut Oil On Prevention Of Hair Damage, Journal Of Cosmetic Science.
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effect-of-mineral-oil%2C-sunflower-oil%2C-and-coconut-Rele-Mohile/cc8938a99d4f541dad4530dc3499828a2ccb0456?p2df
  6. The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health, MDPI Nutrients, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470839/
  7. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production, Journal Of Medicinal Food, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/
  8. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  9. The Odyssey of Bioactive Compounds in Avocado (Persea americana) and Their Health Benefits, Antioxidants, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826385/
  10. Probiotic Bacteria Induce a ‘Glow of Health’, Public Library Of Science, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/
  11. Bananas, raw, US Department of Agriculture.
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173944/nutrients
  12. The Role Of Vitamins And Mineral In Hair Loss, Dermatology And Therapy, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes Of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
  13. The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds, BioMed Research International, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes Of Health.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452276/
  14. Physical And Flavor Stability Of Mayonnaise, Trends In Food Science And Technology, ResearchGate.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248485299_Physical_and_flavor_stability_of_mayonnaise
  15. Colloidal Oatmeal: History, Chemistry And Clinical Properties, Journal Of Drugs In Dermatology, US National Library Of Medicine, National Institutes Of Health.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373175/
  16. A Multimodal Hair-Loss Treatment Strategy Using a New Topical Phytoactive Formulation: A Report of Five Cases
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7878086/
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Vd. Naveen Sharma
Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist
Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Ramona Sinha
Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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