I’ve been admittedly not-so-great at hair care in years past—it’s been dyed and fried and bleached and neglected. And while I believe that a lot of the formula to healthy hair (and skin and nails) comes from what you put inside your body (good food and lots of water), I also think there are some things you can do externally to help keep your hair shiny, soft, and smooth. And one of my favorites is this all-natural deep conditioning hair mask.
When I was in college, I used to have at-home spa days where I’d pick up a packet (or two, because my hair is so thick) of a chemical-laden deep conditioning treatment and let it sit on my hair while I painted my toes and watched 90210 reruns.
I always loved how soft and shiny my hair was after those treatments, but now that I’m a little more conscious about the chemicals I put in and on my body, I’m a big fan of using all-natural ingredients to create my own beauty products.
There are a ton of recipes and formulas out there for deep conditioning hair masks—and I’ve tried a lot of them—but this combo is my favorite. Not only because it makes my hair soft and shiny, but also because it has ingredients that I almost always have on hand!
The same fats and oils in avocado that make them good for your body also make them a great option for helping to repair dry, brittle, or damaged hair. Olive oil is also extremely hydrating, and it helps protect your hair from damage—an awesome thing if you usually use a lot of heat on your hair. And honey is packed with scalp- and hair-strengthening vitamins (plus, it helps coat your hair strands and retain moisture). You can also toss in a few drops of lavender essential oil, which is a natural treatment for the scalp—helping to keep dandruff and itchy skin at bay. Oh, and it smells good, too.
The key to getting this hair mask to really get in deep to hydrate your hair is heat. There are a few different ways to go about this. My preferred method is to apply the mask to damp hair, wrap it up in a shower cap, and then apply heat—either with a blow dryer or, my favorite, sitting out in the warm spring sunshine! I let it rest on my noggin for a good 30-45 minutes, about the amount of time it takes to get through a magazine. Then I rinse and wash with my normal shampoo and conditioner.
I tend to have oily roots (although it is SO much better now that I only wash my hair a few times a week), so I try not put the mask on the first inch or so of my hair, but if your entire hair is dry, slop that stuff on everywhere! And make sure you really slather it on your ends.
If your hair doesn’t need a lot of conditioning, you can do this once a month or even less frequently, but if your hair is really asking for a drink, you could do it every couple of weeks. I would say that if your hair is normally thin or limp, I’d skip this hair mask—it’s really deep conditioning and might weigh your hair down (which is an awesome thing for my thick and wavy hair). Enjoy!
Whipped Avocado, Honey, and Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
This rich Whipped Avocado, Honey, and Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is so easy to make and will leave your hair soft, shiny, and smooth!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2-3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or beat them in a stand mixer until smooth and lightened in color.
- Spread the mask onto damp hair, focusing on the ends. Feel free to rub it in a bit. Use a clip to pull hair into a bun on top of your head, and put on a shower cap. Heat your hair by blow-drying for 15 minutes or sitting in the sun for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash hair as usual.
This is such a great post. Most people really don’t know how to treat hair – and when they buy hair like expensive Indian Hair, the most important thing is hydration and moisturizing. How I wish more people would follow and do simple DYI hair care like you have mentioned! Such a good post, we will share it as much as possible!
This is so awesome and so helpful, especially for those who love DIYs and knowing what ingredients are in their beauty and skincare. Keep up the great work!
A few times a week you wash your hair?? That’s where you lost credibility in my eyes. 4c wash their hair more than once a week? Unbelievable
Please I need to know how often I use this mask for my thin hair
Hi, Christy! Here’s what Cassie suggests in the post: “If your hair doesn’t need a lot of conditioning, you can do this once a month or even less frequently, but if your hair is really asking for a drink, you could do it every couple of weeks. I would say that if your hair is normally thin or limp, I’d skip this hair mask—it’s really deep conditioning and might weigh your hair down (which is an awesome thing for my thick and wavy hair).”
So you might want to try it out and see how it treats you! If you find it weighs your hair down too much you could always use it less frequently or leave it on your hair for less time. If even after you try that it’s still feeling too heavy from all the deep conditioning, you’ll probably have to find another mask to try. Good luck!
Can I use grapeseed oil instead of olive oil?
Sure!
Could I wear this while exercising? Would that count as heat?
Damaged & dry hair. Looking for something easy & affordable other than all the expensive hair stuff out there.
I have read many of the suggestions & feedback on what people have tried. But which one is really the one that has worked for most people?
Feed back is appreciated!
Thnx!
I’m not sure how to rate this. But I have to say I super love hair mask and I love avocados and stuff. I did try this on myself and a friend. I saw sadly have to say I didn’t like this as much as I should of. I didn’t everythinv that it says but the mask left so much avocado sick from the insides. I sadly have to say this one isn’t realy much favorite a and it also left my hair feeling oily which I do not like.
Great information. The recipe is so well explained and the method of using is also pretty well described. Thank you so much for sharing.
OMG YES!! I needed this recipe! I did my mask at night before bed and I felt like I slept on a bed of flowers.
My hair has been thinning a lot. I’ve tried supplements, eating clean among other things. Nothing is working. Would this mask help with nourishing the hair follicles?
does this work for black boys too?
Of course. Hair does not care what sec you are.
I just did this hair mask today as my hair has been super dry and dull lately.
I applied it all over my hair but avoided my roots.
I washed my hair twice to ensure I got everything out and even after 2 washes, my hair was SO GREASY! I had to get back in the shower and wash it a THIRD time (which I’m sure completely defeated the purpose…) and it’s a little better now, but still a bit greasy.
My hair feels soft.. I’ll give you that, but not worth it for the amount of oil it leaves behind.