Top 5 Most Effective DIY Hair Growth Mask Recipes (Science Based)

Homemade hair growth mask recipes contain natural nourishing ingredients to give you lustrous hair. The beauty of DIY hair masks for hair growth is that you can adjust the components to suit exactly your hair type. Using ingredients like castor oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil can help to moisturize your hair and give it an amazing shine. Essential oils in homemade hair masks also help to boost hair growth and get rid of scalp infections that can cause hair to thin.

People have been using natural ingredients for hair growth for centuries. Using homemade hair masks for growth and repair is necessary because, over time, hair growth may slow down or even stop due to certain conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, extreme stress or weight loss, chemicals in hair products, or medical conditions such as alopecia areta, scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. These can give the appearance of thinning hair or you may even notice that hair starts falling out.

In this article, I will look at the science behind DIY hair growth mask recipes. You might be surprised to learn that research into natural products like onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils have shown their potential to boost hair health. You will also be able to try out some of the best homemade hair masks for hair growth.

#1 – Simple Homemade Hair Growth Oil Mask

This is an effective homemade hair mask that contains various oils that provide nourishment for your hair and encourages hair growth. Many natural oils are also a good source of fatty acids that have antimicrobial properties to soothe an itchy scalp. Fatty acids are also great for hair because they provide deep hydration and prevent split ends.

The first hair mask for hair growth contains castor oil, rosemary essential oil and peppermint oil.

Reasons why this simple DIY hair growth treatment works

Castor oil. Adding castor oil to your hair growth oil mask will not only help to give you great looking hair but will assist in reducing thinning hair. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that castor oil contains properties that inhibit prostaglandin D2. This is an important way to help prevent androgenic alopecia and hair loss.¹

Also, studies have shown that castor oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. So, a castor oil hair mask may also help reduce an itchy scalp and dandruff because of its fatty acid content.²

Rosemary oil. A DIY hair mask containing rosemary essential oil helps to stimulate hair growth. The journal SKINMed published a study showing that rosemary oil was just as effective as minoxidil (a registered pharmaceutical for hair loss) in treating hair loss. In fact, there were fewer side effects like scalp itching with the rosemary oil treatment.³

According to the journal Phytotherapy Research, rosemary extracts promote hair growth because they inhibit certain hormones that are associated with alopecia and hair loss.⁴

Peppermint oil. This hair growth recipe also contains peppermint oil to make hair grow faster. A study published in the journal Toxicological Research found that peppermint oil significantly increases hair thickness and the number of hair follicles. This results in thicker hair because peppermint oil stimulates hair growth.⁵

How to make a simple oil mask for hair growth

This hair growth treatment also contains avocado oil, which is one of the best oils for your hair because it is rich in vitamins A and E and antioxidants. It helps to repair damaged hair, prevents split ends and strengthens the hair.

1. Mix 1 tbsp. castor oil, 1 tbsp. avocado oil, 2-3 drops peppermint oil, and 2-3 drops rosemary oil.
2. Apply the DIY hair mask to your scalp and massage into your scalp for a few minutes to promote blood circulation.
3. Leave for 2-3 hours to help improve the condition of your hair and stimulate hair growth.
4. Wash out with your favorite natural shampoo.
5. Apply the mask once or twice a week to help your hair grow faster and thicker.

You can boost the effectiveness of this hair growth recipe by consuming pumpkin seed oil. According to the journal Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine, supplementing your diet with pumpkin seed oil can boost hair growth.

The study showed that men who took 400 mg pumpkin seed oil per day experienced faster hair growth than those who didn’t. The researchers concluded that pumpkin seed oil could be an alternative treatment for hair loss.⁶

#2 – Coconut Oil Hair Growth Mask

Virgin coconut oil has many benefits for your hair. It easily penetrates hair strands to provide deep-down nourishment for your hair and prevent hair loss. When used together with other essential oils, a DIY coconut oil hair growth mask can help boost the health of your scalp and hair.

Reasons why natural hair mask with coconut oil works

Coconut oil. A report published in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine mentions that coconut oil has been used for centuries to create a concoction for promoting hair growth. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil can be used to repair damaged hair and reduce protein loss. Scientists found that coconut oil had remarkable properties that boost hair health. Coconut oil was effective on undamaged and damaged hair and can be used as a pre-wash natural hair mask.⁷

Tea tree oil. The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil can help to kill off fungi that lead to itchy scalps and dandruff. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that 5% tea tree oil shampoo can be used to improve the symptoms of dandruff and oily hair.⁸

Other studies have shown that tea tree oil can help to boost the effectiveness of pharmaceutical hair-loss products. For example, using a few drops of tea tree oil with minoxidil helps to promote hair growth in men with alopecia. Tea tree oil helps to prevent the spread of infectious organisms on the scalp.⁹

Tea tree oil is also good for treating scalp conditions that can affect hair growth. For example, the Cleveland Clinic reports that inflammation around the hair follicle hinders growth and can result in weaker strands of hair.¹³ The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reported that fungal infections caused by the Malassezia fungi can result in hair shedding and bald patches.¹⁴

How to make a homemade coconut oil hair growth mask

1. Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tbsp. virgin coconut oil.
2. Massage small amounts of the coconut oil hair mask to your scalp to stimulate blood circulation.
3. Repeat step 2 until your whole scalp is covered.
4. Leave for at least 30 minutes to nourish your hair and kill off any fungal infections.
5. Wash your hair as normal.
6. Apply the coconut oil and tea tree oil DIY hair growth treatment 1-2 times a week to help reduce hair frizz and get thicker hair.

The homemade coconut oil hair mask with tea tree oil is perfect if your hair loss is caused by fungal infections like seborrheic dermatitis, ringworm, or inflamed hair follicles.

To use a coconut oil hair mask to combat the signs of male-pattern baldness or alopecia, substitute the tea tree oil for 2-3 drops of rosemary oil or peppermint oil.

#3 – DIY Onion Juice Hair Growth Mask

Although onion juice doesn’t sound very appetizing, onions contain many beneficial properties for hair growth. The sulfur content of onions helps to stimulate hair follicles and onion juice for your hair is also useful in keeping scalp fungal infections at bay.

In this DIY hair growth recipe, honey can be added to help mask the smell of onions and also provide deep nourishment to your hair strands. This is especially useful to boost hair growth if you have sensitive skin on your scalp.

Reasons why onion hair masks work for hair growth

Onions. Research into the hair-growth properties of onions has found that it can help treat the symptoms of alopecia and male pattern baldness. The Journal of Dermatology reported that juice from onions was applied to the scalp of adults showing signs of baldness. Onion juice was applied 2 times a day for 2 months. After 4 weeks hair growth was already observed in the group using onion juice.¹⁰

Honey. You can also add honey to this natural hair mask for growth because honey helps to nourish your scalp and keep it free from infection. A study from 2016 found that honey can help treat a number of dermatological issues. Among the medicinal uses for honey on the skin are treating symptoms of dermatitis and fungal infections – both of which can affect hair growth.¹¹

How to make your own DIY hair growth mask with onion juice

1. Peel and chop 2 medium onions and extract the juice in a food processor or juicer.
2. Apply the natural onion hair mask to your scalp and gently massage your scalp to allow the mask to get into your hair follicles.
3. Leave for at least 15 minutes (longer if you can tolerate the smell) to help treat the symptoms of hair loss.
4. Rinse off and shampoo as normal.
5. Repeat daily for best results and to help make your hair grow thicker.

If you have sensitive skin you can mix 1 tbsp. raw honey with ¼ cup of onion juice and apply as above. You can also use this recipe as a DIY overnight hair mask. All you have to do is put a shower cap on your head while you sleep. However it is recommended to start from a shorter period of time and gradually increase it to make sure you don’t develop any skin sensitivity.

Alternatively, you can substitute honey with aloe vera to help improve the texture and thickness of your hair. Aloe vera contains many beneficial nutrients for your hair that include vitamins A, C, and E, anti-inflammatory properties, and antiseptic activity.

#4 – Garlic Infused Oil Recipe for Hair Growth

Garlic can help to stimulate hair growth because it gets rid of scalp infections and also boosts blood circulation. Garlic is an effective natural ingredient for hair growth because it contains sulfur and selenium that strengthens the hair.

Reasons why natural hair mask with garlic infused oil works

Garlic. Research into the beneficial properties of garlic that boost hair growth has shown that it can help reduce signs of baldness. A small study from 2007 found that topical application of 5% garlic gel to areas where hair loss had taken place led to hair regrowth in the previously bald areas of the scalp, reduction in size of bald patches, and higher hair count numbers.¹²

How to make a garlic oil mask to promote hair growth

This hair growth recipe should be prepared in advance to allow the strength of the garlic to infuse in the olive oil. For every tablespoon of olive oil, you will need to use one garlic clove.

1. Peel and mince 5 garlic cloves and soak them in 5 tablespoons of warm (not hot) olive oil.
2. When the garlic oil infusion has cooled, transfer to a sealable glass jar and store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the minced garlic from the oil into another jar.
4. Apply one tablespoon of garlic oil to your scalp and massage the mixture so it covers your whole scalp.
5. Leave the garlic oil hair infusion to go to work for at least 20 minutes.
6. Wash your hair as normal to rinse out the oil.
7. Use 2 times a week to help stimulate new hair growth and keep your scalp healthy.

It’s important to remember that this garlic oil infusion is different from garlic essential oil. Garlic essential oil is very strong and can cause serious skin irritation if used as a hair salve and if not properly diluted. Please use garlic-infused oil and NOT garlic essential oil when treating your scalp. You should also always keep the proportions of 1 clove for 1 tablespoon because garlic can cause scalp irritation.

If you want, you can add a few drops of rosemary oil or peppermint oil to the garlic hair growth mask to boost its effectiveness. Use 2-3 drops essential oil for every tablespoon and only add to the infusion when it has cooled.

#5 – Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner for Hair Growth

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a great all-around hair treatment to keep your scalp free from germs and give your hair an amazing shine. For example, apple cider vinegar destroys scalp fungi that are often the root cause of dandruff and itchy scalps.

How apple cider vinegar conditioner boosts hair health

Applying apple cider vinegar as an after-wash conditioner will also help treat the symptoms of inflammatory scalp conditions like folliculitis, impetigo, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and ringworm.

For example, the journal Annals of Dermatology reported that the acidic nature of vinegar helps to treat symptoms of dermatitis and eczema.¹² Although there are no studies linking apple cider vinegar to better hair growth, its antimicrobial properties can help keep your scalp healthy.

Also, apple cider vinegar may help hair grow better because it is a natural exfoliator. This means that applying apple cider vinegar to your hair helps to unclog dead skin cells and prevents skin infections from developing.

You will also find that using apple cider vinegar as a leave-in conditioner will leave your hair looking healthy with luster and help reduce split ends.

If you want to use apple cider vinegar as a natural conditioner to promote healthy hair growth, you should add a few drops of rosemary oil or peppermint oil to the homemade hair growth recipe and mix well before applying to your scalp and hair.

Please remember to avoid getting the ACV rinse into your eyes as it will sting.

How to make your own conditioner recipe for hair growth

1. In a spray bottle mix two tablespoons apple cider vinegar with one cup water (use the same ratio if you prepare a larger quantity).
2. For each cup of diluted ACV solution you can add 10-15 drops of rosemary or peppermint essential oil. Shake well.
3. Shampoo your hair as normal then spray the natural hair growth conditioner on your hair and massage into your scalp.
4. Leave for 5 minutes to allow the apple cider vinegar condition your hair and give it shine.
5. Rinse your hair with warm water and dry as normal.

With this natural hair growth recipe, you don’t need to apply an extra conditioner to your hair because apple cider vinegar will help get rid of frizz. The strong smell of apple cider vinegar will disappear when your hair dries. Repeat this treatment once or twice a week.

Read my other related articles:

• 10 Causes of Hair Loss and How to Treat Them
• The Best Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements to Fight Hair Loss
• How to Use Egg White or Egg Yolk for Hair

Medical Sources