Damaged hair is a common problem. Between heat styling, coloring, and everyday wear and tear, we put our hair through a lot! The result? Breakage, frizz, flyaways, dryness, and plenty of other unsightly side-effects that make our hair more difficult to manage. We’ve got the scoop on how to minimize and combat hair damage, including 4 DIY hair masks for damaged hair that will help moisturize and revive your strands.
We believe in taking on a preventative and proactive approach when it comes to damaged hair. So, before we get into the treatments you can apply to your hair to fight damage, let’s break down the root causes of the problem and what you can do to prevent damaged hair in the first place.
Put down the hot tools
Many people with damaged hair enter into a vicious cycle where they continue to heat style their hair causing further damage in the process since they feel like their hair cannot be left in its natural state. While we don’t expect you to let your hair air dry all the time, it’s definitely a good place to start whenever you can. Basically, if you don’t have to heat style your hair, try to avoid it or at least keep the heat to a minimum. When you do use hot tools on your hair, try to let your hair air dry as much as possible beforehand as opposed to drying it with a blow dryer, straightening it to get rid of frizz, and then using a curling iron to add some dimension. Also, keep in mind that unless your hair is especially coarse, there’s no need to use the highest heat setting. You should also be using a heat protectant on your hair to help mitigate heat damage.
Wash your hair less frequently
Did you know that dry hair is actually more prone to breakage than hair that is hydrated? If you’re guilty of washing your hair everyday, you should definitely reconsider. Try to extend the time between washes by using a dry shampoo. It’ll help absorb excess oils that weigh down your hair so your hair feels refreshed and weightless. It’s perfect for when your hair is feeling a little limp or greasy after the gym or if you just want to inject some bounce and volume at your roots. When you do wash your hair, be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that do not contain parabens or sulfates—these can be incredibly drying on your hair, stripping away necessary oils which help keep your strands strong and moisturized. You can also repurpose your conditioner into a hair mask for damaged hair by leaving it in damp hair overnight or for an extended period of time to help combat brittleness and keep your hair feeling soft and shiny.
Use the right tools and techniques
Like your hair products, the tools you use have a big impact on the health of your hair. One of the biggest mistakes many of us are guilty of is brushing your hair while it’s still wet. That’s right! If you brush your hair right when you get out of the shower to remove tangles, you should probably reevaluate. The hair is less elastic and therefore, more susceptible to breakage when it’s wet. Therefore, we recommend to brush your hair before entering the shower, and waiting unless your hair has dried at least halfway after, before brushing. Use a wide tooth comb and start at the bottom, working your way to the top of your head. Be as gentle as possible to keep from pulling and splitting your hair.
Now that you’re familiar with how to prevent damage, it’s time to talk about treatment. Here are our 4 favorite hair masks for common hair problems you may be having. These recipes are super easy to recreate and will take you less than 2 minutes. Plus, you won’t have to shell out lots of cash for a fancy store-bought mask. In fact, you won’t have to look further than your very own kitchen.
DIY Hair Mask For Damaged Hair + Dryness
![DIY Hair Mask | Luxy Hair Blog]()
Are you someone that is guilty of bleaching and coloring your hair too often? If so, we have a great deep conditioning hair mask for you. The chemicals in hair dye lift the cuticle (the outermost layer of your hair) which is what protects your strands, helping them retain moisture. They also break down the natural pigments in the hair which can cause dryness and give the hair an overall straw-like feeling over time. If your hair is both dry and damaged as a result of excessive coloring, it’s important to replenish your hair’s moisture levels by using a mask with deep conditioning properties.
This DIY avocado deeply moisturizing hair mask for damaged hair is the ultimate magic potion if you have dry, brittle hair.
Of course, we all know how amazing avocado can taste, but you probably didn’t know that it’s also super healthy for your hair? The same fats and oils in avocado that make them healthy for your body are also useful for recovering dry, brittle, and damaged hair. Coconut oil is also super hydrating and helps protect your hair from breakage, so we recommend whisking that in for double the power. Also, honey is filled with scalp and hair strengthening vitamins which will help promote strong, healthy hair from root to tip. Trust us, these three ingredients make for an amazing hair mask.
This three-ingredient hair mask is the easiest deep conditioning hair mask for damaged hair you’ll find. All you need is avocado, coconut oil, and honey. While you’re at it, you might as well make yourself an avocado toast. We love adding arugula or a soft-boiled egg on ours. What about you? Cute haha
Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
Mix all three ingredients together in a bowl and apply the mixture to damp hair from top to bottom. Tie your hair up, cover with a shower cap or towel, and let it sit for 30-45 minutes. Then, rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner
DIY Hair Mask For Oily + Damaged Hair
Do you suffer from oily hair? Don’t worry, we got you girl. Although less common than dry, damaged hair, oily hair is also prone to damage and brittleness. If you tend to experience oiliness, it’s important to use a mask that will help rebalance your hair, moisturizing and conditioning your lengths without making your roots feel greasy and weighed down.
We’ve got the perfect combination. It’s a super easy and convenient DIY hair mask made out of an egg white and lemon juice hair mask. Both of these ingredients are always available in your home, so there’s no excuse for you to not try this mask.
Lemon juice contains a very high level of Vitamin C, allowing it to absorb excess oil and grease very effectively. It will also help clean your hair from any deposited products and dust. The egg white will help balance the moisture on your scalp and hair, making sure that it’s not too dry. Eggs are rich in Vitamin A, D, and E, proteins, and fatty acids which will help keep your hair conditioned.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
Crack an egg and separate the egg white. Then, squeeze in the juice from half the lemon. Mix the egg white and lemon juice in a mixing bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency. Apply the mixture to damp hair from top to bottom, tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap or towel. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes and then rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner
DIY Hair Mask For Damaged Hair + Hair Growth
Are you someone who has been trying to grow their hair past a certain point but it just won’t grow? Well, this DIY hair growth mask might help. It not only allows you to achieve hair growth, but it also helps cleanse your scalp, cures your dandruff problem, treat hair loss and strengthen your hair follicles. All thanks to the super power ingredient cinnamon. Its antimicrobial properties give it the power to do all that. If you’re looking for a DIY hair mask for hair growth, you will just need two simple ingredients: organic coconut oil and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions:
Mix the two ingredients well in a mixing bowl. Part your hair and apply the mixture onto the scalp, using your fingertips to massage it into your scalp and stimulate the hair follicles. Tie your hair hair up and cover with a shower cap or towel. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes and then rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner
Hair Mask For Damaged Hair + Frizzy Hair
Do you have those days where no matter how nicely you’ve done your hair, it becomes frizzy? Well, it’s no surprise because damaged hair and frizz often go together. Luckily, we have a mask for that too. For those who have a daily battle with frizzy hair, we know how frustrating it can be. The main cause for your frizzy hair is a lack of moisture, as the cuticle layers on hair strands always need moisture in order to make them smooth. But not to worry, you can use a number of common ingredients from your kitchen to remedy this problem.
In this DIY hair mask, the main ingredient that will make the magic happen is a banana. Bananas are a great natural remedy for hair conditioning as it is rich in natural oils, potassium, carbohydrates, and vitamins. All of these ingredients lock in moisture to soften and add shine to your hair. It also helps prevent and repair any split ends you may have.
Ingredients:
- 1 sliced banana
- 2 tablespoon of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients together in a blender or mash the banana and other ingredients together until it’s blended well. Apply to damp hair from top to bottom Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap or towel. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes and then rinse with your regular shampoo and conditioner
Other ways to prevent and combat damaged hair
Use a hydrating hair oil
If you’re not currently using an oil in your hair routine for fear that it’ll make your hair greasy, you’re missing out! By applying a high quality, all-natural nourishing hair oil to your lengths before and after you style your hair, you’ll help lock in moisture while reducing the appearance of frizz and flyaways. We recommend looking for a formula that contains conditioning properties and hair-repairing ingredients such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and mongongo oil, which penetrate the hair shaft to condition the hair while providing regenerating benefits.
Exercise caution when tying up your hair
Sure, there’s nothing like a good ponytail, but you might be surprised to know that tying your hair up can also be causing breakage to your hair. We recommend sleeping with your hair down to prevent snagging and pulling which can cause your hair to snap. Also, stay away from rubber bands and hair elastics with metal hardware which can get caught in your hair. Instead, take inspiration from the 90s and use a scrunchie when pulling your hair back.
Get regular trims
It might seem counterintuitive but getting your hair trimmed regularly can actually keep damage at bay and help your hair grow longer. This is because, when you don’t cut your hair regularly, split ends accelerate, as the hair will tear further up the shaft. Over time, this leads to increased flyaways, frizz, and breakage overall, so getting your hair trimmed regularly is key.
Condition first
If your hair is especially dry and damaged, you may want to try out the conditioner first method whereby you condition your hair prior to shampooing, and then once again at the end. This will ensure your shampoo cleanses your roots by removing buildup and impurities without drying out your lengths.
Steer clear of towel drying
If you’ve been avoiding blow dryers to help reduce damage on your hair, but keep your hair wrapped up in a towel when you get out off the shower, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Towels can weigh pretty heavily on your hair, causing breakage close to the roots. Plus, the aggressive motion of rubbing your hair in a towel aggravates the cuticle, worsening frizz and flyaways.
Go the natural route
If you’ve been using the same hair products for years without bothering to take a peek at the ingredient list, you may want to rethink things. The fact is, many conventional hair products ranging from shampoos and conditioners to serums are filled with toxic chemicals, alcohols, sulfates, and artificial fragrances which strip the hair and often lead to scalp irritation over time. While they may provide a quick fix, they do not address the core of the problem or help foster healthy hair in the long run. Instead, we recommend using a natural formula that is free of parabens and sulfates to ensure you are repairing damage rather than worsening the problem.
Eat a balanced diet
Although using the right products and taking care of your hair properly is very important, the truth is, healthy hair starts on the inside. It’s important to eat a healthy and nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and good fats to promote hair growth. As well, keeping hydrated is a must, so make sure you’re drinking a minimum of 8 to 10 glasses of water a day!
That’s it for our damage control report. Be sure to try out these tips, trips, and treatments and tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #myluxyhair so we can see your results.
