16 Effective Hair Masks To Treat Hair Loss

Anyone who is experiencing baldness or constant hair fall knows that the struggle is real. So, it is time to start using hair masks to help treat hair loss! Why? Let’s see what we can find out! Many women across the world are concerned about hair loss, and if you are one of them, you must know that there are a variety of treatments available to assist you in addressing this problem.

A study conducted in the US found that the prevalence of alopecia areata rose, rising from 0.012% to 0.019%. The occurrence of this hair loss type per 1 lakh people increased 87.39% in 2017 to 92.90% in 2019. Incidence and prevalence of alopecia areata were higher in the Northeast than in other regions, among adults as opposed to children and adolescents, and among females as compared to males.

The only issue is that not everyone can go to the hair salon and receive one of these treatments. Taking time out of your hectic schedule and spending a pretty penny to get your hair treated can be difficult.

That is why we have listed some DIY hair masks below that may help prevent hair loss and keep your locks healthy. Scroll down to check them out!

Effective Hair Masks For Hair Loss Treatment

1. Egg Mask For Hair

Eggs are packed with protein and B vitamins (1). These nutrients are good for maintaining the health of your hair. They work well with all hair types and provide scalp nourishing elements. A study showed that egg yolk could stimulate hair growth in dermal papilla cells (2). This is one of the most effective homemade hair masks for hair growth and thickness.

Cate, a blogger, shares her experience of using egg and olive oil in hair masks to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth on her blog. About the use of olive oil, she writes, “I must admit I’ve only ever used it with cooking but I figured if it does half a good job of making my food delicious then it must be good for my hair too!”, while regarding use of egg, she notes, “I prefer to just to use the yolk as that’s where the majority of the goodness is concentrated plus it’s not as messy and while you’re waiting for your hair mask to work its magic, you can cook yourself up a nice egg white omelet to eat so nothing goes to waste.” (i).

How To Make An Egg Mask For Your Hair

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Procedure

1. Whisk the egg and mix it with the other ingredients.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit in your hair for 20 minutes.
4. Wash it off with cold water.

Alternatively, you can also use just eggs by following these steps:

1. Beat a few eggs together until the yolk and the white are well blended.
2. Massage this DIY protein-rich hair mask into your hair and scalp.
3. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Benefits Of Egg Hair Mask

• Rich in proteins and amino acids that nourish the hair
• May add shine
• May reduce hair fall
• May encourage hair growth

2. Banana Hair Mask

Bananas are rich in potassium, antioxidants, natural oils, and vitamins, which make them an ideal treatment for hair loss

(3). They are found all year round and make for an amazing hair mask for hair loss. Treat your hair to a banana hair mask by following one of these recipes.

How To Make A Banana Mask For Hair Loss At Home

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to a smooth consistency.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair until you cover everything.
3. Let it sit for five minutes.
4. Wash with lukewarm water

Here is another hair mask recipe that incorporates bananas and almond oil.

1. Take a couple of bananas and mash them into a smooth paste.
2. Add 5 to 8 drops of almond oil to this paste.
3. Apply it to your hair. Tie your hair up and cover it with a shower cap for an hour.
4. Rinse with cold water and then use a mild shampoo. Follow it up with a lot of conditioner.

Benefits Of Banana Hair Mask

• May make your hair shine
• May make your hair soft
• May reduce dandruff
• May reduce damage
• May moisturize your hair

3. Yogurt Hair Mask

A study showed that yogurt could help preserve hair ends and may reduce hair damage and the risk of baldness (4). The same study showed that yogurt enhances hair color and acts as a hair conditioner. Another study showed that yogurt keeps hair in the anagen phase for longer and gives it a shiny coat (5).

How To Make A Yogurt Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair.
3. Keep it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

Benefits Of Yogurt Hair Mask

• May moisturize hair
• May nourish hair
• May increase strength and reduce breakage

4. Avocado Hair Mask

Avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, niacin, iron, and vitamin C, all of which are needed for hair growth and healthy hair (6), (7). Apply the avocado mask once or twice a week to improve the texture and sheen of your hair.

How To Make An Avocado Hair Mask At Home

Ingredients

• 1 small ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil

Procedure

1. Blend the ingredients until the mixture develops a smooth consistency.
2. Apply the mask from the roots to the tips of the hair.
3. Keep it on for 15 minutes and then wash with cold water.

Benefits Of Avocado Hair Mask

• May reduce splits and breakage
• May moisturize hair
• May reduce frizz

5. Strawberry Hair Mask

Strawberries contain antioxidants, which reduce the free radicals that cause hair loss

(8). They also are good sources of vitamin C, the deficiency of which can cause hair loss (9).

How To Make A Strawberry Hair Mask For Hair Growth

Ingredients

• 3-4 fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey-almond

Procedure

1. Blend all the ingredients until you get a mixture that has a smooth consistency.
2.  Apply the mask on your scalp and from the roots to the tips of your hair.
3. Use cold water to rinse it off after 20 minutes.

Benefits Of Strawberry Hair Mask

• May battle oiliness
• May unclog pores
• May strengthen hair
• May reduce hair fall

6. Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Curry leaves are a popular remedy to stimulate hair growth (9). They also help retain the natural hair color and prevent premature graying of hair (10). The penetrative properties of coconut oil and its fatty acid content reduce protein loss from hair (11). This is a great hair mask for growth as well as it can help tackle thinning hair. Use it twice a week for best results.

How To Make A Curry Leaves Hair Mask Using Coconut Oil

Ingredients

• 10-12 fresh curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Procedure

1. Heat the curry leaves in the coconut oil until they pop.
2. Wait until the oil has come down to a warm temperature. Apply it to your scalp and hair.
3. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with a shampoo.

Benefits Of Curry Leaves And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

• May reduce hair fall
• May reduce hair thinning
• May moisturize hair
• May nourish hair

7. Castor Oil Hair Mask

Castor oil is rich in proteins. A study showed that castor could help reduce split ends, hair damage, and dandruff (4). Anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil also helps in hair thickening, although there is not much research to prove it.

How To Make A Castor Oil Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of brandy
• 1 egg

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients.
2. Massage the mixture onto your scalp and hair.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.

Benefits Of Castor Oil Hair Mask

• May reduce frizz
• May encourage hair regrowth
• May prevent graying

Quick Tip

Castor oil has the potential to stain your clothing and towels. Using an old T-shirt, a shower cap, or any spare cloth to cover your head until it is time to wash your hair will help keep the oil from staining your clothes, pillowcases, and other belongings.

8. Rosemary Hair Mask

If you are looking for the best hair pack for hair growth, here it is. All you need is rosemary, one of the most popular herbs for hair loss. Rosemary extract promoted hair growth in mice studies (12). It has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and promote hair health.

How To Make A Rosemary Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 2-3 tablespoons of well-chopped rosemary
• 1 cup of water

Procedure

1. Boil chopped rosemary in a cup of water for a few minutes.
2. Strain the liquid and let it cool.
3. After it has cooled, massage the liquid into your scalp.
4. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Benefits Of Rosemary Hair Mask

• May encourage hair regrowth
• May strengthen the follicles
• May fight off free radicals

9. Green Tea Hair Mask

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and contains EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that can stimulate hair growth (13).

How To Make AGreen Tea Hair Mask For Hair Loss

Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons of green tea

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients until the mixture acquires a creamy texture.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp using an applying brush.
3. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Wash it off with cold water before shampooing.

Benefits Of Green Tea Hair Mask

• Proteins may nourish the hair and scalp
• May reduce hair loss
• Antioxidants may fight off free radicals

Quick Tip

If you have extremely dry hair, you can add a few drops of any carrier oil (like coconut oil or almond oil) to this hair mask.

10. Vitamin E Capsules Hair Pack

Vitamin E oil is also rich in antioxidants, which helps in anti-aging and reduces oxidative stressⁱ  Cell damage caused by an imbalance between reactive species of oxygen and antioxidants in the body. that causes hair loss (7). Vitamin E contains tocopherol, which was shown to induce hair growth (14). It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that encourage healthy scalp health and reduce hair fall. This vitamin-rich mask can be used thrice a week.

How To Make Vitamin E Capsules Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 2 vitamin E capsules
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• A few drops of lavender essential oil

Procedure

1. Combine all the ingredients. You can use bigger proportions and store the mix in a jar.
2. Apply the oil blend all over your hair.
3. Let it stay overnight and wash it off with shampoo and cold water the next morning.

Benefits Of Vitamin E Hair Pack

• Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may keep the scalp healthy
• Antioxidants may battle free radicals
• May strengthen roots
• May reduce hair fall

11. Cinnamon Mask

If you are looking for a natural hair lightener, this cinnamon hair mask is an amazing choice. A recent study done on mice showed that cinnamon oil could increase hair length and diameter as effectively as minoxidilⁱ  A class of synthetic drugs used in the treatment of hypertension as well as hair products that nurture fresh growth. (15). However, more studies are needed on humans to establish its effectiveness. You may see a difference in your hair color after using this mask 4-5 times.

How To Make A Cinnamon Hair Mask At Home

Ingredients

• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Hair balsam

Procedure

1. Mix the raw honey and cinnamon by eyeballing the quantities, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
2. Add the hair balsam to the mixture.
3. Apply the mixture to damp hair, one section at a time, with an applying brush. Do not apply this mixture to your scalp. Keep it from getting on your face. (It is easier to use your hands for application, but this is messy.)
4. Put your hair up in a bun and cover it with a plastic bag until it dries.
5. Rinse multiple times with water until the cinnamon gets out of your hair.
6. Finish with shampoo and conditioner

Benefits Of Cinnamon Hair Mask

• May improve blood circulation
• Antifungal and antibacterial properties may keep the hair and scalp healthy and free from infection.

12. Lemon, Cream, And Wheat Germ Oil Hair Mask

Lemon is perfect for cleansing your follicles and hair and getting rid of dirt and product build-up. Sour cream works like yogurt, as a hair conditioner. Wheat germ has a high content of linoleic acidⁱ  A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that helps lower cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity. and is hence used as an ingredient in shampoos (16). It can help restore dry, damaged hair and improve strength and shine (17).

How To Make A Lemon Hair Mask At Home

Ingredients

• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of wheat germ oil

Procedure

1. Extract the juice from the lemons and mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Apply the mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair and leave it on for half an hour.
3. Rinse it off with lukewarm water followed by shampoo and conditioner.

Benefits Of Lemon, Cream And Wheat Germ Oil Hair Mask

• May unclog pores
• May remove product and dirt build-up
• May strengthen roots

13. Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe vera is a great natural choice for hair care. It helps soothe irritated scalps and keeps hair hydrated. It reduces inflammation and contains vitamins C, E, B-12, folic acid, and choline that nourish and strengthen the hair (18).

How To Make Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Procedure

1. Mix the aloe vera gel and oil until you achieve a smooth paste.
2. Apply this homemade aloe vera hair mask to your strands. If you have long hair, sectioning it can help.
3. Run a wide-toothed comb through your hair to ensure even distribution.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Then, wrap a towel around your head.
5. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo to remove any residue.

Benefits Of Aloe Vera Hair Mask

• May reduce frizz
• May hydrate and soften the hair
• May improve hair strength and shine
• May prevent dandruff

Hair Masks For Different Hair Types

14. Hair Mask For Dry Hair

Research shows that honey can reduce severe dandruff and chronic seborrheic dermatitisⁱ  A common skin condition characterized by itchiness, inflammation, excessive dandruff and scaly patches, mainly on the scalp. (19). Almonds can help prevent split ends and reduce hair damage and hair loss (4). This mask can help reduce dandruff and scalp acne.

How To Make A Hair Mask For Dry Hair

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of almond paste (4 skinned almonds blended with 1/2 tablespoon rosewater)
• 2 tablespoons of cream

Procedure

1. Mix the honey and almond paste in a mixing bowl.
2. Beat the cream until it is slightly fluffy and then add it to the honey-almond mixture.
3. Apply the mask to your hair, from the roots to the tips. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water. Finish with a mild shampoo and let your hair air-dry.

Note:

You can substitute the cream with yogurt, although the results will slightly vary.

Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Dry Hair

• May moisturize hair
• May soothe the scalp
• May encourage healthy hair growth

15. Hair Mask For Normal Hair

This is possibly one of the easiest masks to make, and it lasts for up to a week if stored in the refrigerator. The lemon juice helps cleanse the scalp. The almond oil and honey moisturize the scalp and may reduce dandruff. This mask aims to replenish the lost nutrition and health of the hair. It may also restore its softness and luster.

How To Make A Hair Mask For Normal Hair

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of almond oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 4 tablespoons of flat beer

Procedure

1. Separate the yolk from the white and mix it with the other ingredients.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp.
3. Add four tablespoons of flat beer to the white of the egg. Beat it until fluffy.
4. Apply this mixture all over your hair from the roots to the tips.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit in your hair for 30-40 minutes.
6. Wash it off using a good shampoo and let your hair air-dry.

Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Normal Hair

• May make hair silky and voluminous
• May add shine
• May nourish hair
• May improve the health of the scalp

16. Hair Mask For Oily Hair

A lot of people are afraid to use a hair mask for oily hair because they fear that it might become oilier. The idea behind a mask for oily hair is to find one that controls and reduces the secretion of oil and yet does not take away nutrition from your hair. This hair mask is specially made for oily hair.

How To Make A Hair Mask For Oily Hair

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1 large pinch of fruit salt
• The paste of 2 amlas
• 1 egg white

Procedure

1. Beat the egg white until it is fluffy and add the other ingredients to it.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair.
3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off to make sure there’s no residue.
4. Use a good shampoo to clean your hair thoroughly and let it air-dry.

Benefits Of This Homemade Hair Mask For Oily Hair

• May remove grease
• May add volume to the hair
• May unclog pores and reduce hair fall
• Here are some tips you can follow to reap the maximum benefits of these hair masks.

Simple Tips To Help You Maximize The Benefits Of Hair Masks

• Always apply the mask on shampooed hair. Just like you would apply a face pack to cleansed skin, apply the hair mask to cleansed hair. Clean hair is better equipped to absorb nutrients.

• Make sure you separate your hair into sections and apply the mask from the roots to the tips. Once done, pull your hair into a bun and cover it with a shower cap. The shower cap will create a warm atmosphere, which allows for maximum penetration by the nutrients.

• Tying your hair up in a bun ensures that the mask doesn’t drip.

• Before you wash your hair, cover it with a hot towel for at least 5-7 minutes as this will create a warm environment, allowing your hair to absorb more nutrients. Repeat this process if needed.

• After this, wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water. Unless otherwise specified, use plain water to rinse your hair off the mask and then press it with a towel to remove excess water.

Let your hair air-dry.

Infographic: Other Ways To Manage Hair Loss

Everyone aspires to have thick, healthy hair. However, with rising pollution and a hectic lifestyle, avoiding common issues like hair loss has become a struggle. Aside from hair masks, there are other simple solutions for hair loss. Check out the infographic below to learn all about them.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hair masks actually work?

Madison Dufor, a licensed cosmetologist, says, “Yes! Hydrating hair masks work for everyone. My favorites are homemade because you know for sure that there are no harmful or damaging chemicals being put on your hair. Keratin and protein-rich masks are a little less universally satisfying or successful because replacing protein in damaged hair can, in some cases, make it worse.”
She adds, “Hair masks that guarantee damage repairs, such as no more split ends or bleach damage, do not work. Once the cuticle, the outside of the hair shaft, is damaged, there is nothing you can do to repair it except cut it off. However, you can use a mask to prevent further damage.”

Is it better to put a hair mask on dry hair?

“No, clean, freshly shampooed, damp hair is the best for hair masks and deep conditioning. The hair will soak up the mask, and it will penetrate the hair deeper if the hair is damp, not soaking wet, but just a little damp,” says Madison.

Do you use a hair mask before or after shampooing?

According to Madison, “Use a hair mask after shampooing. The shampoo is designed to throw off the hair and skin’s natural pH just enough to break down the dirt, oil, and products on the hair and scalp to strip them off, but conditioner is supposed to bring the pH back to its natural level of 4.5-5.5 so that the scalp doesn’t have to work twice as hard to restore the pH on its own.”

How often should you use a hair mask?

You can ideally use a hair mask once or twice a week. However, while those with dry or damaged hair can apply it thrice a week, those with an oily scalp can apply it twice a week.

Can you leave a hair mask on too long?

No, leaving hair masks on for too long may not allow the hair to breathe. Some hair masks contain protein, which, if left on for long periods, may cause hair breakage. Hence, rinse the hair mask off once it has dried.

Can hair masks damage hair?

Hair masks nourish and help in hair repair if included in the hair care regimen. But a few hair masks contain clay or high protein, which, if left on for long, may damage the hair. Apply hair masks only as required.

Does a hair mask replace the conditioner?

Although hair masks condition the hair, they may not be as effective as a hair conditioner. While replacing the conditioner with a hair mask once in a while is fine, doing it too often may lead to product buildup. Hence, try not to replace your conditioner with a hair mask.

Can you sleep with a hair mask?

Yes, you can sleep with a hair mask on if you have dry or damaged hair. It will hydrate your hair and reduce frizz. However, those with oily hair may leave it on for 20 minutes to ensure their tresses don’t turn too oily. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or a towel and sleep at night to allow better absorption of the mask.

Can you put a hair mask on dirty hair?

No, do not apply a hair mask to dirty hair as the grease keeps the mask from penetrating the scalp and working its magic. Apply a hair mask to clean, slightly damp hair for better absorption.

Illustration: Effective Hair Masks To Treat Hair Loss

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Find out about the top 5 hair masks that can help with hair fall, dandruff, hair growth, and gray and frizzy hair. Get ready to give your hair much-needed care with these amazing recipes!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Tere PruettCT, PBT

 

Tere Pruett is a certified trichologist from the United States Trichology Institute, with 9 years of experience. She also has a graduate education in phlebotomy. She is a master educator for the United States Trichology Institute and began traveling all over the United States teaching and facilitating trichology and hands-on clinical classes.

Read full bio of Tere Pruett

• 
  Madison DufourLicensed Cosmetologist Madison Dufour is a licensed barber and cosmetologist with a decade of experience. She is also an entrepreneur who runs several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. She received her training from Xenon Academy of Cosmetology and aims to help people feel confident from the inside and beautiful on the outside through proper hair care.
  
  Madison Dufour is a licensed barber and cosmetologist with a decade of experience. She is also an entrepreneur who runs several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. She received her training from Xenon Academy of Cosmetology and aims to help people feel confident from the inside and beautiful on the outside through proper hair care.

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 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 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.

Read full bio of Swathi E