DIY Vegan Hair Masks

I have been a long haired girl since my childhood and so I have learned to take care of my hair. And it has always been the healthiest and shiniest when using hair masks regularly. Below I share some of my favourite all natural and vegan hair masks you can do at home, quickly and easily. Before I dive straight into it though, just a quick message to the non-vegans reading: these masks are ideal for you too! Most homemade hair masks are plant-based but have honey or yoghurt added too, and it can be difficult to find a vegan version.

Easy hair mask for every hair type

The Recipe

coconut oil or almond oil

That’s right, this is all you need! As I mentioned I have had very long hair pretty much all my life and this has 100% been the best way of looking after my locks. Sometimes you just don’t have the time to apply a more complicated hair mask or keep it on for very long: just applying some coconut or almond oil for 15-30 minutes will make a world of a difference to your hair. You will be able to comb it easily and it will feel smoother and shinier.

Method:

Take a small amount of oil and rub it in your hands to warm it up, then apply to the roots of the hair massaging the scalp. To make sure you cover the whole head, apply the oil section by section: start from the area above your ears near the temples, move up to the part above the forehead, then the crown of the head, and finish with the back of the head on each side. Allow the oil to sink in for at least 15 to 30 minutes; if you have more time, leave it on for 2 hours or longer — overnight works very well but you need to watch the potential mess on your pillow. When ready, wash with shampoo: don’t rinse the hair first, apply shampoo directly on the hair and add water after. Depending on how long your hair is, you may need to wash it with shampoo 2 or 3 times to remove all the excess oil. Enjoy your new smooth locks!

Triple moisture hair mask for dry or damaged hair

When you have a little more time, the below recipe is super nourishing and you can make it with ingredients from your kitchen cupboard. The avocado in this mask acts as a rich source of healthy fats that help to seal moisture and nourish the hair. The banana is filled with some great minerals, such as potassium and calcium, that help your hair retain moisture, lustre, and elasticity. Olive oil is just another great ingredient for moisturising your hair that reduces frizziness by making the hair follicles extra smooth. Finally, if you take the option to add aloe vera, it will help improve hair follicle health and promote the regrowth of hair.

The Recipe:

- 1/2 Banana
- 1 Avocado
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (melted coconut oil also works, or you could even add both: 1 tablespoon each)

- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera (optional)

Method:

The preparation for this mask is super easy: just place all ingredients in a blender, and blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and there are no lumps. Apply the mask into your hair all the way from the roots to the ends. Cover your head with a hair cap or warm towel, leaving it on for about 30 minutes. When the time is up, wash your hair with shampoo as usual. Enjoy the added smoothness and shine!

Hair

Soothing & thickening hair mask for dry scalp or curly hair

This enriching blend comes with one of the best nutrients you can treat your scalp with — coconut oil. This universally glorious ingredient alone will moisturise your roots leaving you with the softest and smoothest hair, while also being able to fix unruly curls and tame any frizzy ends. And the added essential oils will stimulate hair growth and convert dullness into vitality.

The Recipe:

1 x 100g jar of coconut oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
8 drops of rosemary essential oil
6 drops of geranium essential oil

Method:

Melt coconut oil by standing the sealed jar in a bowl of hot water (if it comes in plastic however use the same method but transfer the coconut oil in a bowl first). The water shouldn't reach more than halfway up the side of the jar. Next step is adding the essential oils to the melted coconut oil and mixing it gently until you create a homogenous mixture. Put the jar in the fridge so it can cool down and set.

Once solid, your homemade hair mask is ready to use. Apply using the method from the first recipe above — ‘Easy mask for every hair type’.

Detox hair mask for damaged hair and dandruff rescue

It's not by chance that this is called a detox hair mask. The thyme essential oil in it acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, capable of restoring your hair's natural balance and strength, while also detoxifying it. As for the cider vinegar, this is a great ingredient for shine enhancement, but also extremely cleansing. The combo makes for the perfect anti-dandruff fighter!

The Recipe:

- 100ml apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops of thyme essential oil

Method:

As there are only two ingredients in this recipe the preparation is very simple: just blend the ingredients homogeneously. To apply, massage it into the scalp when in the shower taking care to avoid getting it into your eyes. You only need to leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. After that, you can wash with shampoo once or twice.

Keep in mind that this particular blend only lasts for up to 6 months. Although I bet you will probably love the effect enough that you will finish it way before that!

All of these hair masks are simple yet effective and even more so when used regularly. Pretty much like everything else in life, consistency helps. Having a weekly or biweekly routine of hair masking will not only give your hair an immediate hair boost but also ensure that any new hair growth is strong and healthy.

Top tip: Add 2-3 drops of Beauty Tonic face oil into any of the first three recipes above (excluding the last one with vinegar) for added nourishment; the oil is 100% natural, vegan and cruelty free too.