5 DIY Coconut Oil Hair Masks and Treatments

Why is coconut oil good for your hair? The secret lies in its chemical composition. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat (primarily lauric acid) that penetrates the hair shaft and keeps the hair hydrated. Despite containing large amounts of saturated fat, coconut oil rinses out well and doesn’t leave the hair looking or feeling oily. If you do coconut oil hair masks at least once a week, your hair will become softer, stronger, more manageable and easier to style. Here are several recipes for you to try.

Basic Coconut Oil Hair Mask

This is the perfect solution for situations when your hair needs a quick fix but you don’t have anything except for coconut oil. Just melt some oil and rub it in your hair from root to tip. You can add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a nice aroma and additional cosmetic effect.

Cover your hair with a shower cap or hot towel and wait for at least 30 minutes (the longer you wait, the softer your hair will be). Wash your hair thoroughly – and voilà! It is soft and silky. We recommend that you use a sulfate-free shampoo if you have extremely dry or curly hair.

Coconut Oil, Banana & Honey Hair Mask

This mask is designed for deep conditioning. The conditioning effect of coconut oil is complemented by banana that provides hair follicles with potassium and other natural minerals, and honey that has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and helps to combat dandruff.

Mash a ripe banana with a fork until you reduce the fruit to a pulp. Add 1 tbsp extra-virgin coconut oil, 2 tbsp coconut milk and 2 tbsp raw honey. Whisk the ingredients into a smooth paste and apply it all over your hair using a hair dye brush. Put on a shower cap to avoid a mess and leave the mask on for 30 minutes to 2 hours, then wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Coconut Oil & Avocado Hair Mask

This is a great mask for nourishing dry, frizzy and unruly hair. Take a ripe avocado and mash it with a fork or use a blender to make a smooth puree without any lumps. Add 1 tbsp coconut oil and ¼ cup of coconut milk, mix well. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave for at least 20 minutes (again, the longer the better). Wash your hair with warm water, making sure to get rid of any avocado residue.

Coconut Oil & Lemon Mask

This mask will help you combat dandruff. Coconut oil nourishes and hydrates the scalp, which helps to prevent flaking and itching, while lemon prevents fungal and bacterial infections that may be responsible for dandruff. Lemon juice also normalizes sebum secretion in the scalp and reduces oiliness.

Mix 1 tbsp melted coconut oil and the fresh juice of ½ medium-sized lemon. You can use ready-made lemon juice too, but fresh juice works better because it is higher in vitamin C. Whisk the two ingredients together and massage the blend into your scalp and hair. Wait for about 15 minutes, then wash your hair with lukewarm water.

Coconut Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar Mask

Apple cider vinegar is an effective hair strengthening treatment. Beside, it helps restore the hair’s natural shine. Mix 2 tbsp melted coconut oil and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Use a motorized hand blender to whisk the two ingredients together (a simple whisk will work too, it will just take more time). Apply the mixture evenly to dry or damp hair and leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse the mask out, then shampoo and condition as usual.