4 Best DIY Hair Masks to Nourish Stressed Strands

Just like our skin, hair can suffer from dryness and damage from exposure to the sun, swimming pool chlorine, or drying salt from the ocean. In winter, harsh winds and even the heater can suck moisture from the air - and our hair!

Whatever the cause - dried out hair is a nightmare. It causes frizz, breakage and lackluster locks. Those with naturally frizzy hair need to take extra care to keep your mane as moisturized as possible.

Everyone wants touchably soft tresses, so we’ve found these 4 best DIY hair masks to nourish stressed strands. Quench those thirsty locks and give your hair the hydration it needs!

Bonus! While you wait for your hair mask to set, you can use some of these same ingredients to create a face mask and give yourself a spa day at home. Don’t forget to take a selfie!

1. Tropical Paradise Hair Mask

Give your locks a trip to paradise with this tropical escape.

What is it?

Coconut oil + aloe vera

Best for:

Moisturizing, de-frizzing and healing.

What you need:

• 5 tablespoons of coconut oil (best if warmed)
• 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

What to do:

1. Mix coconut oil and aloe vera well.
2. Apply to hair from root to tip.
3. Wrap longer hair in a bun and put on a shower cap.
4. Let sit for 20 minutes.

*Optional: keep the oil warm by heating your hair with a dryer on low, or by sitting in the sunshine.

Wash out the mask with shampoo and conditioner, if needed. Then, enjoy your gorgeous hair!

Livestrong recommends adding routine coconut oil hair treatments on the list of best DIY hair masks to nourish stressed strands for conditioning and hydration.

2. Nuttin' Honey Hair Mask

Show your tresses TLC with nature’s tried-and-true beauty treatment.

What is it?

Honey + almond oil

Best for:

Ultra moisturizing, de-frizzing and improving shine.

What you need:

• 5 tablespoons of honey (raw honey can be used, but may take longer to mix)
• 3 tablespoons of almond oil (best if warmed)

What to do:

1. Warm honey in microwave for 10-12 seconds.
2. Mix honey and almond oil well.
3. Apply to hair from root to tip.
4. Wrap longer hair in a bun and put on a shower cap.
5. Let sit for 20 minutes.

*Optional: keep the oil warm by heating your hair with a dryer on low, or by sitting in the sunshine.

Wash out with shampoo and conditioner, if needed. Then, enjoy your gorgeous, well-nourished and stress-free hair strands!

Bonus! The National Honey Board mentions adding a squeeze of honey to your shampoo as one of the best DIY hair masks for added conditioning, softening and moisture each time you wash.

3. Guacamole Dip Hair Mask

Your strands will be ready for a fiesta after this nutrient-rich treatment.

What is it?

Avocado + olive oil

Best for:

Moisturizing, de-frizzing and nourishing.

What you need:

• 1 soft, ripe avocado
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (best if warmed)

What to do:

1. Remove pit and scoop out avocado.
2. Mash, then whip with until completely creamy (use a fork or save your hand muscles by using a food processor, blender, or electric mixer if possible)
3. Add in olive oil and blend well.
4. Apply to hair from root to tip.
5. Wrap longer hair in a bun and put on a shower cap.
6. Let sit for 20 minutes.

*Optional: keep the oil warm by heating your hair with a dryer on low, or by sitting in the sunshine.

*Quick tip: use pre-mashed avocado if you want to skip steps one and two.

Wash out with shampoo and conditioner, if needed. Then, enjoy your gorgeous hair!

According to WebMD, avocados are packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals. Hello, hair health!

4. Banana Milkshake Hair Mask

Give your mane a sweet treat packed with protein, potassium and natural oils.

What is it?

Bananas + milk or yogurt

Best for:

Moisturizing, intense de-frizzing and repairing damage.

 What you need:

• 1 overripe banana - it’s much better to use one that is too ripe
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk or yogurt (depending on size of banana)

What to do:

1. Mash up banana completely. We highly recommend using a blender because any lumps will be very difficult to wash out.
2. Add milk or yogurt and blend well.
3. Apply to hair from root to tip.
4. Wrap longer hair in a bun and put on a shower cap.
5. Let sit for 20 minutes.

*Quick tip: use banana baby food if you want to skip the banana mashing.

Wash out with shampoo and conditioner, if needed. Then, enjoy your gorgeous hair!

U.S. News lists bananas in their top 10 best foods for hair.