11 Effective DIY Protein Hair Masks

If your hair feels dry and brittle and lacks its usual bounce, it might need a protein boost. If you prefer natural methods over expensive protein treatments, we have the perfect solution – DIY protein hair masks. Your hair is made up of chains of proteins such as keratin (1). Constant exposure to dust, chemicals, and pollution can deplete its natural proteins, leading to weak and lifeless strands. Homemade protein masks may help strengthen and repair damaged strands. Regular use of these masks may give you smoother, shinier, and healthier locks. And the best part? You do not need to head to the salon and spend a fortune on them! Ready to explore the best DIY protein masks for your hair? Scroll down to check them out!

Homemade Protein Hair Packs

1. Egg-Yogurt Hair Pack

Eggs are power-packed with proteins and leave your hair feeling smooth and shiny. They also help promote hair growth (2). Yogurt is rich in probiotics that can enhance hair health (3). This pack can make your hair soft and silky.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons yogurt

Method

1. Beat the egg and yogurt in a bowl until you get a smooth paste. (If your hair is extremely dry, use the yolk. If it is oily, use the egg white. If you have normal or combination hair, use the whole egg.)
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse out the hair pack with cool water.
4. Shampoo and condition your hair.
5. You can use this hair pack up to twice a week.

Note:

You can add a few drops of any fragrant essential oil, such as lavender, to the hair pack to avoid the smell.

2. Egg Yolk-Honey Hair Pack

This is one of the best hair packs to use if your hair lacks moisture and protein

. The egg gives your hair the protein it needs, while the almond oil contains essential fatty acids that can help soften your hair (2), (4). Honey conditions your hair and seals in moisture and improves conditions like dandruff and hair loss (5), (6). It is also an excellent way to give yourself some natural highlights, thanks to the bleaching properties of honey.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon almond oil

Method

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a mixture of smooth consistency.
2. Apply the pack to your hair and leave it in for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse out the pack with cool water.
4. Shampoo and condition.
5. You can use this pack up to twice a week.

Note: Do not use this hair pack if you have oily hair. Do not leave the pack in for more than 20 minutes as honey has bleaching properties that can lighten your hair color if left in too long.

3. Avocado-Coconut Milk Hair Pack

Coconut milk is a rich source of protein, while avocados contain vitamins A, B, and E, all of which are vital for hair health. This pack also boosts the production of collagen, which promotes hair growth. Olive oil contains squalene that conditions your hair, leaving it feeling soft and silky (7).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method

1. Mash the avocado until there are no lumps.
2. Add the coconut milk and olive oil to it. Mix until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it in for 30 minutes.
5. Wash off with shampoo and condition.

Note: Do not use this pack if you have oily hair as the avocado can weigh your hair down.

4. Coconut Milk Hair Treatment

Coconut milk is packed with saturated fatty acids and vitamins B, C, and E. It conditions your hair while filling in the damaged protein spots. This is also considered as the best protein treatment for hair as it tackles dandruff effectively while promoting healthy hair growth.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

3 tablespoons coconut milk

Method

1. Heat the coconut milk on a low flame for about a minute until it is warm.
2. Massage the warm coconut milk into your scalp and apply it to your hair.
3. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the coconut milk overnight.
4. Shampoo and condition the next day.
5. You can repeat this twice a week.

Note: Do not overheat the coconut milk as it may scald your scalp.

Quick Tip

You can make your own coconut milk at home. Blend 2 cups of shredded coconut with 4 cups of hot water. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or strainer to remove the extra particles.

5. Banana-Avocado Hair Pack

Bananas contain potassium, natural oils, vitamins, and carbohydrates that nourish and soften your hair and strengthen it (8). Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids (9). These can coat your hair shaft and help it retain moisture and texture (10).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
• 1 teaspoon rose oil

Method

1. Mash the avocado and banana until they are no lumps. Add the oils to this mixture and mix well.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
3. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
4. Shampoo and condition.
5. Apply this pack once a week. Do it twice a week for hair that is extremely dry.

Note: People with oily hair should avoid this mask as it may weigh the hair down. It is touted to be one of the best homemade hair masks for dry hair only.

6. Mayonnaise-Avocado Hair Pack

Mayonnaise contains eggs that are packed with proteins that provide nourishment to your hair. It can also help eliminate head lice (11).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 ripe avocado

Method

1. Mash the avocado and add the mayonnaise to it. Mix well.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
3. Rinse it out with cool water.
4. Shampoo and condition.
5. Apply this protein mask for hair once a week.

Note: Do not use this mask if you have oily hair.

7. Avocado-Egg Pack

This pack is hydrating and nourishing for your hair. Olive oil is a natural conditioner that leaves your hair feeling soft. The proteins present in the eggs, combined with the vitamins in avocado, provide your hair with the right amount of nourishment.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 egg
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Method

1. Mash the avocado and mix it with the other ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and wait for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
4. Shampoo and condition your hair.
5. Use this pack once a week. You can use it twice for hair that is extremely dry and damaged.

Note: Do not use this pack more than once a week if you have oily hair.

8. Yogurt-Cream-Egg Hair Pack

A hair pack that contains yogurt is excellent for cleaning your scalp and hair shafts. It removes build-up while moisturizing and nourishing your hair (12).

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon cream
• 2 tablespoons yogurt

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply the hair pack to your scalp and hair.
3. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
4. Rinse the pack out with cool water.
5. Shampoo and condition your hair.
6. Use this pack twice a week for dry hair.

Note: Do not use this pack more than once a week for oily hair.

9. Avocado-Coconut Oil Hair Pack

Coconut oil has penetrative properties that repair your hair from the inside. It also contains fatty acids that reduce protein loss from hair (13). In combination with avocado, it makes for an excellent hair pack that makes your hair healthy and strong. Moreover, it provides a perfect boost of protein for hair growth!

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon cold-pressed coconut oil

Method

1. Mash the avocado and add the coconut oil and mix until you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for 45 minutes.
3. Wash your hair with shampoo and condition.
4. Use this pack once a week.

Note: Do not use this hair pack for oily hair.

10. Mayonnaise-Egg Hair Pack

Both mayonnaise and egg are rich in protein. This pack is fantastic for taming frizzy hair.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Method

1. Combine the ingredients until they form a smooth paste.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it in for 30-45 minutes.
3. Wash off with shampoo and condition.
4. Use this pack once a week.

Note: For combination hair, apply this pack from the mid-lengths of your hair.

11. Coconut Milk And Banana Hair Pack

Coconut milk is rich in protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals (14). These essential nutrients may make your hair appear bouncy and shiny. Bananas contain potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins, and natural oils that may strengthen and soften your strands and promote hair growth (8), (15). This hair pack is suitable for limp, damaged hair.

Prep Time

5 minutes

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup coconut milk

Method

1. Mash the banana in a bowl and add the coconut milk to it.
2. Mix them to form a smooth, creamy paste.
3. Apply the paste to your hair from roots to tips and leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
5. Use this hair pack once a week.

A blogger going by the name Madame Naturale discusses how to create the ultimate homemade hair mask for super dry and frizz-prone hair . She writes, “I’ve tried several homemade masks. The avocado is a really good one and bananas are the best against Frizz, but it is so difficult to remove them from the hair that I had to stop using them (i)”.

Infographic: 5 Signs Your Hair Needs Protein Treatment

Before adding protein masks to your hair care routine, you must determine if your hair lacks and needs protein. This is to ensure you do not add more protein to your hair than needed and cause more harm than good. Check out the infographic to learn about the signs that tell you if your hair really needs a good dose of protein.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Quick Tip

Use a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution of the mask throughout your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rice water a protein treatment?

Yes, rice water is a liquid protein treatment as it contains amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

What does hair with protein deficiency look like?

Hair that is deficient in protein looks flat, stringy, or limp. It also easily snaps when stretched.

Why does my hair feel like cotton candy?

Your hair may feel like cotton candy and mushy or gummy if it lacks protein.

How can you tell if your hair has too much protein?

You can tell that your hair has too much protein if it feels dry, stiff, brittle and dull, has too many split ends, or falls out more than usual.

Does low protein make your hair fall out?

Yes, prolonged protein deficiency can make your hair fall out and become thin.

Learn how to make a protein-rich hair mask to achieve thicker and longer hair! Watch this video to know more about this homemade protein hair mask. Tune in now!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

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

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

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

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