The Best Natural Ingredients for Your Hair & DIY Hair Product Recipes To Make Now!

When it comes to caring for your hair, going back to nature has amazing benefits. Not unlike eating healthier foods, using all-natural ingredients and DIY all-natural hair products can make your hair look and feel great. That said, before you begin to make your own hair recipes it pays to understand which ingredients are best for your specific hair needs.

Below we have broken down the specific hair benefits associated with some of the key natural ingredients used in many DIY hair recipes. This will help guide you in choosing the right product recipe for your hair.

For Smoothing/Frizz Reduction/Shine
Argan Oil
Castor Oil
Coconut Oil*
Grapeseed Oil*
Olive Oil
Shea Butter
Sweet Almond Oil*
Mayonnaise

For Deep Moisturization
Aloe Vera Gel
Avocado
Honey
Glycerin

For Protein/Strength
Eggs
Gelatin
Mayonnaise
Yogurt

To Protect Against Damage
Avocado
Banana
Coconut Oil*

For Hair Growth
Green Tea
Honey
Castor Oil
Rosemary Oil

For Dandruff/Itchy Scalp
Lemon
Honey
Tea Tree Oil
Rosemary Oil
Eucalyptus Oil

For Dull Hair/Product Buildup
Apple Cider Vinegar
Baking Soda

For Limp Hair​
Beer (Flat)

Remove Oil
Cornstarch

For Detangling
Marshmallow Root

Protecting from Sun and Heat Exposure
Argan Oil
Grape Seed Oil*
Shea Butter
Sweet Almond Oil*

*lightweight

Now that you know what natural ingredients address your specific hair needs you can create more personalized hair product recipes! To get you started, ahead are a few of our favorite recipes for you to try. 

In addition to the recipes below, also be aware that you can quickly incorporate natural oils into your hair care routine. It can be as simple as adding a bit of oil to your favorite conditioner to give it a "boost". Or, you can also use a few drops of your oil of choice to fight frizz and flyways instead of relying on store-bought and silicone-based frizz serums.

Conditioners
Egg Protein & Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Mask

​This deep conditioning mask packs a punch with a combination of egg yolks and olive oil.

Egg Yolks: Provide protein to strengthen hair and lecithin to moisturize and reduce frizz.

Olive Oil: A wonder oil that has been used for many centuries as a moisturizer for the hair and skin. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamins E and A, this universally-loved oil will add softness, moisture and shine to dry, damaged hair (especially thick hair).

Ingredients
2-3 Egg Yolks
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Add egg yolks to small mixing bowl and beat to blend well. Add olive oil to mixture and thoroughly combine. Massage into hair, beginning at the ends. Let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well. Shampoo as normal. Shine and softness will abound!


Coconut Oil & Honey Strengthening Hair Mask

​Two wonderful moisturizing ingredients, coconut oil and honey in one heavenly mask!

Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft as it moisturizes to strengthen hair, reduce protein loss, add shine and reduce frizz. A perfect solve for those with damaged hair due to environmental abuse or over-processing.

Honey: A natural humectant, so it both attracts and retains moisture and works to smooth the hair, reduce frizz and add shine. On top of that it is also antimicrobial, so it helps to promote a healthy scalp.

Ingredients
2 parts melted Organic, Unrefined Coconut Oil (or about ½ cup for long hair)
1 part Organic, Raw Honey (or about ¼ cup for long hair)

In a microwaveable bowl, heat coconut oil for a bit to completely liquefy if it is in a solid state. Add honey to coconut oil and mix together well. Microwave for about 10-15 seconds or so, just to warm. Massage into hair starting at ends, working your way up to the scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse. Shampoo as normal.


Avocado and Mayonnaise Shine & Protein Mask ​

 The combination of avocado and mayonnaise in this mask will add needed moisture and nice shine to dry tresses, while strengthening the hair with two sources of protein. Perfect for those with either very dry hair, damaged hair or textured hair.

Avocados: Contain two key fatty acids that work to make the hair super shiny and moisturized. In addition, the natural protein strengthens the hair.

Mayonnaise: Contains oils to deeply moisturize and add shine, plus eggs to add protein (from the yolk) and enzymes (from the whites) to help strengthen hair and keep the scalp healthy. In addition, mayo usually contains vinegar to help with the issue of product build-up.

Ingredients
½ ripe (but not too ripe) Avocado, peeled and completely mashed
½ cup of Mayonnaise

Mix avocado and mayonnaise together until well blended and smooth. Note: For extra smoothness and ease of use, you can also use a blender to combine ingredients. Apply to hair, starting at the ends and working your way up the hair shaft. Since the mixture is thick, use a comb to help distribute. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse well and shampoo as normal. For maximum shine and moisture, repeat weekly.

Yogurt-Based Protein & Moisture Mask

​This yogurt-based mask will give you the protein your hair needs to add strength and protect against damage, without weighing your hair down. Includes coconut oil and castor oil to add moisture and keep the scalp healthy.

Yogurt (especially Greek yogurt): Full of protein to fortify and strengthen the hair, while adding softness and shine. Some even suggest the yogurt helps to promote healthy hair growth when applied to the scalp.

Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft as it moisturizes to strengthen hair, reduce protein loss, add shine and reduce frizz. A perfect solve for those with damaged hair due to environmental abuse or over-processing.

Castor Oil: Although this oil is one of those natural remedies from yesteryear, it is still highly recommended for the hair and skin because it works! It contains a ton of Vitamin E that helps increase blood flow/circulation to the scalp to promote healthy hair growth, plus it is also anti-fungal to aid in the fight against dandruff.

Eggs: Egg yolks provide high levels of protein to strengthen hair and lecithin to moisturize and reduce frizz; egg whites contain enzymes to fight bacteria.

Ingredients
1 cup plain Yogurt, preferably Greek
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon Castor Oil
1 Egg, beaten
1-2 drops of Essential Oil—Rosemary, Lavender (or any of your favorite oils) **
**Optional

Whip yogurt in mixing bowl until it has a smooth consistency. Mix in egg and blend thoroughly. Add both castor oil and coconut oil and blend again. Apply mixture to damp hair and let sit for 30-45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Note: To add an aroma to the mask, also add 1 or 2 drops of your favorite essential oil. ​


Shampoos
Baking Soda Clarifying Shampoo

​This is a great recipe to naturally remove product buildup, a common hair issue resulting from overuse of styling products and dry shampoo.

Baking Soda: A product with many household uses, baking soda also adds shine to the hair and removes product buildup and impurities, all while softening the hair.

Ingredients
¼ cup Water, warm
1 tbsp. Baking Soda

Combine baking soda with water and mix until well blended and thick. Apply to the full lengths of your hair. Rinse well. Style as normal. Warning: shiny hair will result! Note: As a clarifying shampoo, this should only be used every few weeks to remove product buildup. Overuse can lead to dryness.


Tea Tree Oil Calming Shampoo

​This one is for anyone with a dry, itchy scalp or dandruff.

Tea Tree Oil: An all-natural product with many hair benefits. It is naturally antimicrobial, fights dandruff, cures an itchy scalp and moisturizes the hair!

Ingredients
1 part Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap* (½ cup or 1 cup)
1 part Water, preferably distilled water (½ cup or 1 cup)
1 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
2 tbsps. Lemon Juice (from fresh lemons)
*Available on Amazon.com

Mix liquid castile soap and water together until blended. Add lemon juice and tea tree oil. Transfer to clean bottle. Pour shampoo in palm before applying to scalp. Gently scrub scalp and then work shampoo down the hair shaft. Rinse well. Style as normal.

Homemade Dry Shampoo

​Dry shampoo is an essential to prevent you from over-washing your hair and to extend the life of your gorgeous blowouts. This one is a dream because it has no chemicals!

Cornstarch: A natural oil absorber that is just as effective as those chemical laden dry shampoos.

Ingredients
1 tbsp Cornstarch for light hair
-or-
½ tbsp. Cornstarch and ½ tbsp. Cocoa Powder for dark hair
¼ cup Witch Hazel
1 tbsp vodka
5 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as Lavender, Clary Sage or Rosemary Oil)*
**Optional

Combine all of the above thoroughly in a bowl and then transfer to a small-sized spray bottle. Lightly spritz the roots of your hair. Style as normal. Note: Be sure to shake well before each use.