DIY Masks for Oily Hair: 6 Easy Recipes
These 6 easy-to-make hair masks are a perfect natural solution for oily hair woes - great for a quick and cost-effective hair care routine!
December 30, 2023 5 minutes readIn This Post
Oily hair can be a persistent annoyance – you might have to wash it daily, which may worsen the problem. Or you might be forced to use dry shampoo already the next day after hair washing. But before you reach for expensive hair care products and treatments, consider a more natural and cost-effective approach: DIY hair masks.
These homemade solutions can help balance oil production and bring life back to your locks. So, let's dive into the world of DIY masks for oily hair and explore how simple ingredients from your kitchen can be your best allies.
Understanding Oily Hair
Before jumping into solutions, it's crucial to understand the root cause of oily hair. Sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in your scalp, is the main culprit. While sebum is essential for healthy hair, providing moisture and protection, overproduction can lead to greasy-looking hair. Factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, and even over-washing can contribute to increased oil production.
So, before getting into cosmetic solutions, try to identify the root problem. It may take some tests and doctor's visits, but it will pay off in the long run.
How to Make DIY Masks for Oily Hair
DIY hair masks offer a natural, affordable, and customizable way to tackle oily hair. These masks can be made with ingredients likely already in your pantry or fridge, making them an accessible option for everyone.
Lemon and Honey Mask Recipe
Lemon is excellent for balancing pH levels and cutting through excess grease, while honey is a natural humectant that moisturizes without adding more oil.
You'll need:
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
Preparation & application:
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze as much lemon juice as possible.
- Then, clean the juice of lemon stones.
- Mix the lemon juice with honey.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Note: You can use this mask once a week for best results. If it turns out your scalp is too sensitive for lemon juice, you can replace it with 1 cup of plain yogurt.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse Recipe
Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse for oily hair. It cleanses the scalp, balances pH levels, and reduces excess oil production.
You'll need:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Preparation & application:
- Mix the vinegar with water.
- After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair, massage it into your scalp, and then rinse.
- If you have a spray bottle, you can use it instead to disperse the mixture evenly across your scalp.
Note: Use this rinse once a week or less frequently, as apple cider vinegar can be a bit harsh on your skin.
Aloe Vera and Green Tea Mask Recipe
Aloe vera is soothing and hydrating, and green tea is rich in antioxidants that promote a healthy scalp, making this combo a perfect solution for oily hair.
You'll need:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- ½ cup green tea (cooled)
Preparation & application:
- Prepare the tea first, using 2 tea bags or half a cup dry green tea leaves. Then let the tea cool.
- Next, mix the aloe vera gel with green tea.
- Apply it to your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Note: Repeat twice a week for best results. Both ingredients are gentle enough for frequent use.
Banana and Yogurt Mask Recipe
Bananas can help moisturize your hair, while yogurt has natural cleansing and exfoliating properties. This hair mask makes is an ideal option for those with oily scalp and dry hair ends.
You'll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup plain yogurt
Preparation & application:
- Mash the banana and mix it with honey and yogurt.
- Apply to your scalp and hair before washing.
- Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo.
Note: You can use this mask once a week or even more often.
Multani Mitti Hair Mask for Oily Hair
Fuller's Earth, also known as Multani Mitti, is a popular natural ingredient widely used in hair and skin care for its oil-absorbing properties. It's an excellent choice for a DIY hair mask, especially for those dealing with oily hair.
You'll need:
- 3 tablespoons Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (*optional)
Preparation & application:
- In a bowl, combine the Multani Mitti, yogurt, and lemon juice. If your hair tends to be on the drier side towards the ends, add the honey for its moisturizing benefits.
- Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. It should have a paste-like consistency, not too runny, so it can adhere to your scalp and hair without dripping.
- Apply the mask, focusing on the scalp, as this is where oil production is most concentrated. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the mask evenly.
- Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the Multani Mitti to absorb excess oil and the other ingredients to nourish your scalp and hair.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Make sure you remove all traces of the mask. Multani Mitti can be a bit stubborn to wash out, so take your time.
- Follow up with a mild shampoo to ensure that all the mask residue is gone.
- Apply a light conditioner on the ends to restore moisture to your strands, and rinse again.
Note: If you're using Multani Mitti for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you don't have any allergic reactions. Use this mask once a week for best results. Overuse might lead to dryness.
Tea Tree Oil and Baking Soda Mask Recipe
Tea tree oil and baking soda make a potent combination for tackling oily hair due to their cleansing and antimicrobial properties. Here's a simple recipe for a tea tree oil and baking soda hair mask tailored for oily hair:
You'll need:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil
- Water (enough to form a paste)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for added moisture)
Preparation & application:
- In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with enough water to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Ensure it's not too thick or too runny.
- Add the tea tree essential oil to the mixture.
- If your hair is oily at the roots but dry at the ends, consider adding honey to the mixture for its moisturizing benefits.
- Apply the mask directly to your scalp and hair roots. You can use your fingers or a brush for an even application. Be careful to avoid the eye area, as tea tree oil can be irritating.
- Let the mask sit on your scalp for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that all the mask residue is washed out, as baking soda can be gritty.
- After rinsing out the mask, shampoo your hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo.
- Apply a conditioner, preferably to the ends of your hair, to maintain moisture balance.
Note: Once a week or once every two weeks to prevent overdrying of your scalp. Also, since tea tree oil is potent, it's wise to do a patch test before applying the mask to your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Other Tips for Oily Hair Care
While DIY masks are a great way to manage oily hair, it's also essential to follow good hair care practices:
- Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production.
- Choose the Right Products: Look for shampoos and conditioners formulated for oily hair.
- Limit Heat Styling: Frequent use of heat styling tools can make your hair oilier because the heat softens and melts the oil on your scalp, making it easily spreadable all over your hair strands.
- Don't Apply Hair Conditioner to Your Roots: If you're using hair conditioner, never apply it to your roots and scalp, as it can make your hair appear greasy already one day after washing. Apply it only to your ends.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Your diet plays a crucial role in the health of your hair. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can help balance oil production.
Takeaway...
Dealing with oily hair doesn't have to be a daily struggle. With these DIY masks, you can effectively manage oiliness while nourishing your hair with natural ingredients. Remember, consistency is key – regular use of these masks, coupled with proper hair care, can yield significant improvements.