How to Make Your Own Hair Mask at Home

Choosing a hair mask at your local drugstore or beauty supply store can give you a headache in no time. For those of you who like tinkering in the kitchen, you can just as easily make your own mask at home. All it takes is a few essential oils (visit your health-food store) to concoct your own hair potions. It might be a bit tricky the first time, but once you’ve made your first batch, you’re home free!


Here are a few favorites, to be applied once a week for damaged hair, or twice a month for normal hair.

Ultra Nourishing Mask
A dream come true for dry, brittle hair.

2 teaspoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons shea butter
2.5 teaspoons geranium essential oil
2 teaspoons vetiver essential oil
In a double boiler, gently heat and mix together shea butter and avocado oil. Once blended, remove from heat and add the geranium and vetiver essential oils. Apply on your hair while the mixture is still warm and leave on for an hour. Rinse with gentle, frequent-use shampoo.

Floral Mask for Natural Dark Hair
A great way to give your natural color a floral pampering session.

5.5 tablespoons thyme flowers
4 tablespoons rosemary leaves
3 tablespoons lavender flowers
1.5g tablespoons red vine leaves
Mix and blend dried leaves and flowers. Add boiling water, just enough to make a paste-like texture. Spread on your hair and leave on for 25 minutes.

Restorative Mask
If you’ve gone overboard on perms, coloring, styling products or blow-outs, this is the mask for you.

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
4 teaspoons castorbean oil
2 tablespoons geranium essential oil
Mix oils and carefully apply to hair. Leave on for one hour, then use a gentle shampoo as usual.

Recipes adapted from Secrets de Beauté au Naturel, published by Flammarion