Clean Beauty Tips & Techniques 5 DIY Hair Moisturizer Recipes for Silky, Soft Locks By Alicia Erickson Alicia Erickson LinkedIn Writer University of Washington London School of Economics and Political Science Alicia is a writer, photographer, and social entrepreneur specializing in sustainable travel, wildlife and nature conservation, and environmentally friendly agriculture and eating. She holds an M.S. in Comparative Politics and Conflict and a B.A. in International Development and Human Rights. Learn about our editorial process Updated January 31, 2022 Share Twitter Pinterest Email Treehugger / Sanja Kostic Clean Beauty Products Tips & Techniques Has your hair been feeling dry and brittle lately? Perhaps you've been noticing more split ends than usual. If you're tired of frizzy locks and are looking for an easy way to brighten up your hair, you don't need an expensive makeover. In fact, the solution might lie right in your own kitchen! Natural ingredients like honey, fruits, and nut oils are rich in vitamins and minerals that make them the perfect moisturizers. These types of ingredients make the ultimate DIY hair treatments and are free from harmful chemicals, kind to the environment, readily available, and easy on your pocket. Here are five hair conditioning recipes that will leave your locks feeling shiny and rejuvenated during the dry winter months as well as the sun-soaked months of summer. 1 of 5 Conditioning Pumpkin Hair Mask Drbouz / Getty Images Pumpkin isn't only a delicious ingredient that is the star of favorite fall recipes. This popular squash is a great source of essential vitamins that will benefit your hair. Pumpkin contains potassium, is a fantastic moisturizer, and is rich in vitamin A, which is helpful for the scalp. Mixed with the antimicrobial properties of honey, the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil, and the proteins in yogurt that can help strengthen hair, this mixture is a perfect DIY conditioner. Ingredients 1 cup pumpkin puree1/2 tablespoon coconut oil1/2 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon yogurt Steps Mix all of the ingredients together in a blender until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Apply the mixture evenly to damp hair and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Wash out thoroughly with your regular shampoo and conditioner and notice the difference as you run your fingers through your fresh strands. 2 of 5 Silky Strawberry and Coconut Oil Hair Mask HUIZENG HU / Getty Images This hair mask is a perfect shade of pink and is as beautiful looking as it is delicious sounding. Strawberries are loaded with nutrients that are beneficial internally as well as externally. These red berries are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and omega-3 that will promote healthy hair. Combined with the deeply moisturizing properties of coconut oil, this mask will leave your hair feeling soft and silky. Ingredients 6-8 fresh strawberries1 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon coconut oil Steps Blend the three ingredients together until you get a smooth, rose-colored concoction. Get your hair lightly damp and evenly coat it with the mixture. Let the mask sit for about ten minutes and then rinse it out with warm water. Use the mask once or twice a week to optimize results. 3 of 5 Moisturizing Honey and Egg Mask CalypsoArt / Getty Images If you struggle with dry hair that always seems to be dull and dehydrated, try this simple moisturizer that can be made from ingredients all found in your kitchen. Apple cider vinegar helps to dissolve product buildup and soothes itchiness in your scalp. The mask is a fantastic hydration treatment that will add nourishment and shine to your hair. Ingredients 1 teaspoon honey1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar1 egg Steps Combine all ingredients in a bowl until they're thoroughly mixed. You can adjust the recipe depending on the length of your hair. Apply the mixture evenly throughout your strands and let sit for about 30-40 minutes. Rinse out. 4 of 5 Brightening Mask for Dull Hair ArtRachen01 / Getty Images The combination of ingredients in this mask works magic on dry hair. Avocados contain minerals that will seal the hair cuticles as well as fatty acids, which moisturize and nourish your hair, while honey helps to draw moisture from the air into your strands of hair. A natural oil will add a touch of shine to dull hair. Olive oil is preferable for thicker, coarser hair, while argan oil is best for hair that is finer and easily weighed down by products. Ingredients 1 ripe avocado1 tablespoon argan or olive oil1 tablespoon honey1/8 cup coconut milk Steps Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. You can mash the avocado by hand or if you want it super smooth and lump-free, combine all ingredients in a blender. Apply the mixture through your dry hair from the roots to the tips. Clip your hair up and wrap it if you'd like. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse out with shampoo and conditioner. 5 of 5 Exfoliating Argan and Essential Oil Mask SherSor / Getty Images If you're looking to add some shine into frizzy hair or perk up your split ends, this oil-based mask is the perfect elixir for you. Jojoba oil works wonders on dryness and split ends. It is packed with antioxidants like vitamins A and E, as well as omega-6 fatty acids, which help hydrate individual hair strands while locking in moisture. The vitamins and minerals also protect against free radicals and generally keep your hair feeling nourished, thick, and soft. The sugar breaks down dead skin cells, working as a fantastic exfoliant for your scalp. Peppermint oil encourages circulation in the scalp and tea tree oil offers antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. Rosemary oil is a great addition to improve overall hair health and thickness. Ingredients 2 tablespoons argan oil1 tablespoon jojoba oil4 teaspoons raw sugar5 drops rosemary essential oil5 drops peppermint essential oil2 drops tea tree oil essential oil Steps Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl. Using either your fingers or a hair color brush, apply the mixture to sections of clean, damp hair in the shower. Massage it for a few minutes and then clip up your hair. Rinse out at the end of your shower. For an easy variation, eliminate the sugar and simply use this mask as a hair oil. View Article Sources Mandal, Manisha Deb and Shayamapada Mandal. "Honey: Its Medicinal Property and Antibacterial Activity." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 1, no. 2, 2011, pp. 154-160., doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6 Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni. "Hair Cosmetics: An Overview." International Journal of Trichology, vol. 7, no. 1, 2015, pp. 2-15., doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450 Badr, Ahmed Noah, et al. "Antioxidant Activities and Potential Impacts to Reduce Alfatoxins Utilizing Jojoba and Jatropha Oils and Extracts." International Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 13, no. 8, 2017, pp. 1103-1114., doi:10.3923/ijp.2017.1103.1114