12 DIY Coconut Oil Hair Masks for All Hair Types: Benefits + Recipes

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 12 homemade coconut oil hair mask recipes. Keep reading.

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.

Fun Fact

Around 1,000 mature coconuts, weighing approximately 1,440 kilograms need to be used to extract around 70 liters of coconut oil.

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.

12 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

1. Melt coconut oil on a stovetop or in a microwave.
2. 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.”
3. Now add honey and mix until you get a consistent texture.

How To Apply

1. Dampen your hair and divide it into sections.
2. Gently massage the mask into each section, coating it evenly.
3. Wrap your hair in an old towel or put on a shower cap.
4. Wait for 30 minutes before washing out the mask with water and moisturizing shampoo.
5. 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 coconut oil and olive oil hair mask combines two of the most commonly found ingredients in any kitchen. The overnight mask containing olive oil helps soften 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

1. Heat up the coconut oil.
2. Mix the coconut oil and olive oil together.
3. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra nourishment (optional).

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections and saturate each section, from root to tip, with this oily mask.
2. Cover your tresses with a shower cap or an old T-shirt and sleep peacefully.
3. 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. For those with curls, using coconut oil for curly hair along with avocado can help to cut down frizz and improve the appearance of hair.

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

1. Mash the avocado to a pulp in a bowl.
2. Mix in the coconut oil to create a smooth paste.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the mask evenly to each section of hair.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap to let the mask penetrate it deeply.
4. 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

1. Separate the yolk of the egg in a bowl.
2. Add the coconut oil to the yolk.
3. Whisk until smooth.

How To Apply

1. Dampen your hair and divide it into sections.
2. Apply the mask generously to coat each section.
3. Cover your hair with a cap to prevent the egg from dripping.
4. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water and shampoo.

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

1. Pour the lemon juice and melted coconut oil into a bowl.
2. Whisk gently until they are mixed together thoroughly.

How To Apply

1. Massage the mixture onto your scalp.
2. Let it rest for an hour.
3. 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

1. Heat up the coconut oil in a microwave.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir thoroughly.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the mixture to each section, from roots to tips.
3. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes.
4. 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

1. Mix the coconut oil and honey in a bowl.
2. Heat the mixture slightly so that the ingredients melt into each other.
3. Let the mixture cool down before applying.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the mixture on your hair from roots to tips, covering your hair evenly.
3. Put on a shower cap or wrap a towel around your head.
4. 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

1. Mash the banana to a pulp in a bowl.
2. Melt the coconut oil and mix it in to make a creamy paste.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the hair mask evenly to each section, from the roots to the tips.
3. Put on a shower cap to let the moisture seep in for at least 30 minutes.
4. 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

1. Warm both the oils in a glass bowl in the microwave for a few seconds.
2. Mix them thoroughly.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the oil generously from the roots to the tips.
3. 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

1. Slit open an aloe vera leaf and remove the gel.
2. Blend the gel in a mixer to create a smooth paste.
3. Whisk the warm coconut oil into this paste with a spoon or fork.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Apply the mask to your scalp and coat each section of hair evenly.
3. 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

1. Heat up both the oils in a microwave.
2. Mix them properly to prepare the mask.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections.
2. Coat each section with the oil mask generously.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with shampoo and water.

How Often:

Once a week

A blogger has tried coconut oil for hair as a pre-poo and shared her experience in a blog post. She says “Firstly, I prefer virgin coconut oil and use it as a pre-wash, your hair will not be oily and this treatment allows for the best result (i).”

12. Coconut Oil And Camphor Mask For Dandruff

This DIY hair treatment combines the nourishing properties of coconut oil with the antimicrobial effects of camphor as it may help combat bacterial and fungal growth. This, in turn, may reduce dandruff and promote scalp healing (10).

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1-2 camphor tablets (crushed into a fine powder)

Prep Time

: 2 minutes

Treatment Time: 30 minutes

What To Do

1. Gently warm the coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave.
2. Remove it from heat, carefully add the camphor powder, and stir until dissolved.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly to a comfortable temperature.

How To Apply

1. Divide your hair into sections and apply the oil from the roots to the tips as well the scalp.
2. Massage gently for 5-10 minutes and cover your hair with a shower cap or warm towel.
3. Leave the treatment on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with warm water and a gentle shampoo.

How Often

: Once every two weeks

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.

Trivia

The use of all parts of the coconut, especially coconut oil, in the diet and for dermatological purposes dates up to 4000 years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut oil on my hair every day?

Yes, you can apply coconut oil to your hair daily. But wash your hair regularly too, as too much coconut oil may lead to buildup on your scalp.

Which is better: coconut oil or olive oil for hair?

Coconut oil is considered the best hair oil as it penetrates hair strands to nourish them from within, prevents protein loss, and protects the tresses from UV damage.

How do you use a coconut oil hair mask as a leave-in conditioner?

Create a DIY coconut oil conditioner at home by combining coconut oil and an essential oil of your choice. Spritz it on your tresses and leave it on your hair until your next hair wash.

Does coconut oil hair mask cause facial hair growth?

No, it is applied to your hair to stimulate healthier hair growth on the scalp. But it will not cause facial hair growth.

Does coconut oil hair mask cause dandruff?

No. In fact, coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may prevent dandruff.

Which is better: almond oil or coconut oil for hair?

Both oils have great moisturizing and hydrating properties. Almond oil nourishes the tresses, stimulates hair growth, manages hair damage, has anti-inflammatory properties, and regulates oil production. Coconut oil moisturizes the hair and repairs hair damage. It depends on which one you prefer for your hair type and issues.

Transform your hair naturally with DIY coconut oil hair masks! In this video, learn step-by-step methods to create nourishing hair masks using coconut oil and discover how this simple, yet powerful treatment can revitalize your locks. Click play now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Preethi NagarajMD DVL

 

Dr. Preethi Nagaraj is the medical director and senior consultant dermatologist at Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kakkanad, Kochi, India, with 11 years of experience. She completed her post-graduation in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology from the prestigious St.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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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.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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