Beat Summer Hair Woes With These 7 DIY Masks

We spend a small fortune on our hair, but a few days in the sun can create a downhill spiral with all the sweat, salt and sand. Help your hair survive summer with these 7 all natural DIY hair masks.

First, some preventative measures: Make the switch to natural hair care products that are nourishing and don’t strip your hair’s natural oils. Then protect your hair from the elements by wearing a hat.

And if you’re swimming in a pool remember to wet your hair before diving in. This will help prevent any chemicals in the pool from penetrating the cuticle in your hair, which can lead to the dreaded green hair.

Then aim for a weekly homemade hair treatment to address your hair issue: dry? frizzy? split ends? oily? Don’t worry, there’s a mask for that. For dry hair treatments, cover your hair with a shower cap to intensify the conditioning and keep the mask on for about 30 minutes.

These simple DIY hair masks will keep your hair strong, shiny and soft all summer long!

7 DIY Hair Masks For Summer

1. Clarifying Mask for Itchy Scalps

Salt and oil combine in a scalp scrub to stimulate hair growth and remove any dandruff or dry flakes without drying out the scalp. The olive oil conditions hair while the lemon juice dissolves product residue.

• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix salt, lemon juice and oil together then wet hair and massage scrub into scalp for several minutes. Rinse well and shampoo.

2. Moisturizing Mask for Split Ends

Up your intake of protein and healthy fats, brush gently with natural hair tools, and avoid hot styling tools when possible to keep hair moisturized and healthy. Then apply this strengthening mask once a week to nourish and heal split ends.

• 1/4 cup whole fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mix yogurt with olive oil and stir together. Apply to hair and leave for 15-30 minutes then wash and rinse. Olive oil contains fatty acids that coat hair, locking in moisture and protecting against damage.

3. Extra Conditioning Mask for Dry Hair

A honey hair mask is extra conditioning and super hydrating. Raw honey is naturally moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, as well as conducive to healing. Oils like avocado and almond have proteins that help strengthen the hair shaft.

• 2 tablespoons oil like coconut, avocado or almond oil
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Combine the ingredients and heat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm enough to spread easily. Massage the mixture onto your scalp, then cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse well, and enjoy not just a soothed, flake-free scalp, but gorgeously soft, shiny hair as a result.

4. Shine + Conditioning Mask for Damaged Hair

Coconut milk not only helps detangle unruly hair, but it also boosts moisture from scalp to end. Combined with the protein-packed egg, this mask will retain shine while conditioning hair.

• 1 egg
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Whisk one egg in a bowl and combine with coconut milk and extra-virgin olive oil; mix well. Pour over scalp and massage, then pour excess mixture onto hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and washing hair thoroughly.

5. Growth Stimulating Mask for Thinning Hair

Green tea has more antioxidants than black tea due to the minimal processing it goes through, making it an ideal choice for hair stimulation. The caffeine, antioxidants, and catechins found in green tea encourage blood flow and circulation to hair follicles, reduce inflammation, and can ease dandruff. Incorporating green tea into a hair rinse or mask weekly will not only stimulate growth for thinning hair, but it will also encourage healthier, shinier tresses.

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder

Whisk the egg and combine with the coconut oil and matcha powder. This mask should be applied weekly to clean hair. Using a comb, part hair and apply to roots, slowly working your way over your entire scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes before shampooing.

6. pH Balancing Mask for Oily Hair

This mask is for oily hair that tends to get greasy fast. Apple cider vinegar smoothes out the hair cuticle, creating lots of shine, and balances the pH of your scalp and hair. Lemon helps cut the grease and remove buildup.

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine ingredients and after shampooing, apply the liquid to your scalp. I find it easier to bend my head upside down and pour the liquid that way so it doesn’t drip down my back. Work it through your damp hair then put on a shower cap. Keep the mask on for 10-15 minutes and rinse out with warm water. Do not apply conditioner.

7. Repairing Mask for Frizzy Hair

If your summer looks anything like mine, your hair is in battle against chlorine, sun and salt. It’s time to turn our attention to the frizz and get a handle on our locks!

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon honey
• shower cap (optional)

In a blender, combine the banana and honey, blending until all the banana pieces are pureed and you are left with a smooth mixture. Apply the mask to your hair, taking extra time to apply on the ends. The shower cap is optional, but heat allows for extra penetration, and a shower cap is great for keeping the heat in. Wait 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Your hair is not the only one suffering from summer sun and humidity. Check out our all natural guide to summer skincare to make sure you protect and nourish your skin during the hot months.