Hey friend! So, let me guess—you’ve got coily hair that loves to be its own little wild child, right? I feel you. Sometimes it’s soft and bouncy, and other times it’s… well, let’s just say it has a mind of its own. If you’ve been hunting for ways to give your coils some love without breaking the bank on fancy salon treatments, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m spilling the tea on 7 DIY hair masks for coily hair that actually work—and yes, you can whip them up in your kitchen.
I’ve tried a bunch of these myself, and honestly? Some of them feel like magic. So, let’s get into it.
1. Avocado & Honey Mask – For Ultimate Moisture
Ever felt like your coils are crying out for hydration? Avocado to the rescue!
Why it works:
Avocado is loaded with vitamins A, D, and E, which penetrate your hair and lock in moisture.
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it pulls water into your hair shaft. Perfect for dry, coily strands!
How to make it:
Mash one ripe avocado in a bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of honey.
Mix until smooth.
How to use:
Apply generously to damp hair.
Let it sit for 30 minutes (wrap your hair in a shower cap to avoid sticky hands everywhere).
Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with your regular conditioner.
Pro tip: You can also throw in a teaspoon of coconut oil if your hair is extra thirsty. I’ve done it—game-changer.
2. Coconut Oil & Banana Mask – For Soft, Manageable Coils
Bananas aren’t just for smoothies, FYI. They make your hair feel like silk.
Why it works:
Banana contains potassium, natural oils, and vitamins that help prevent breakage.
Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and reduces protein loss, keeping your coils strong.
DIY Recipe:
Mash 1 ripe banana until lump-free.
Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Mix thoroughly and apply to damp hair.
Tip: Work from roots to tips. Yes, it’s a bit messy, but your hair will thank you. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes.
My personal experience: I tried this mask on a Sunday morning, and by Monday, my coils were so soft, I wanted to hug my hair. True story.
3. Yogurt & Olive Oil Mask – For Frizz Control
Coily hair and frizz? Yeah, they’re basically BFFs. But yogurt comes to the rescue.
Why it works:
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which smooths cuticles and adds shine.
Olive oil locks in moisture and tames that annoying frizz.
How to make it:
Mix ½ cup of plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil for smell—lavender is my fave.
Usage:
Apply to damp hair and focus on frizz-prone areas.
Leave it for 20–25 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and follow with your regular styling routine.
Pro tip: This mask works wonders before a big event. Your coils will look polished AF without any heat.
4. Aloe Vera & Castor Oil Mask – For Growth & Strength
Ever wonder why aloe vera is called the “miracle plant”? It’s not just hype.
Benefits:
Aloe vera soothes your scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which strengthens follicles and prevents breakage.
DIY Recipe:
Take 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel.
Mix with 1 tablespoon of castor oil.
Apply evenly to scalp and hair.
Instructions:
Massage the mixture into your scalp for 5 minutes.
Cover with a shower cap and leave for 30–40 minutes.
Rinse and shampoo.
FYI: This mask is my go-to when my hair feels extra brittle. It’s like a wake-up call for tired coils.
5. Shea Butter & Honey Mask – For Intense Nourishment
Shea butter isn’t just a “nice smell” thing—it’s literally magic for coily hair.
Why it works:
Shea butter is a powerhouse moisturizer, sealing in hydration and reducing breakage.
Honey adds extra softness and shine.
Recipe:
Melt 2 tablespoons of shea butter.
Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey.
Apply to hair from roots to tips.
How to use:
Cover with a shower cap and leave for 40 minutes.
Rinse and follow up with your favorite conditioner.
Personal note: I’ve done this mask before a braid-out, and OMG, the definition and softness were unreal. Your curls will pop like fireworks 🎆.
6. Egg & Olive Oil Mask – For Protein Boost
Coily hair sometimes screams, “I need protein!” Don’t worry, I got you.
Benefits:
Eggs are packed with protein, repairing damage and strengthening strands.
Olive oil prevents protein overload and adds shine.
DIY Recipe:
Beat 1 egg in a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix.
Apply evenly to damp hair.
Instructions:
Leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse with cool water (hot water = scrambled eggs…yes, I’ve done it).
Pro tip: Use this once a week if your hair is protein-hungry. Too much protein can make hair stiff.
7. Avocado & Coconut Milk Mask – For Extra Shine
Looking for that “I just stepped out of a salon” glow? Coconut milk plus avocado will do the trick.
Why it works:
Coconut milk hydrates and adds shine.
Avocado nourishes and strengthens your coils.
Recipe:
Mash 1 avocado.
Mix with ½ cup coconut milk.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
How to use:
Apply generously, focusing on dry areas.
Leave for 30–45 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Fun fact: My hair has never looked shinier after this mask. Seriously, I got compliments for a whole week.
Extra Tips for DIY Hair Mask Success
Let’s be real—DIY masks are amazing, but a few tweaks make all the difference:
Always start with damp hair. Dry hair = harder for ingredients to penetrate.
Use a shower cap. This traps heat, helping the mask do its job.
Rinse thoroughly. Leftover sticky masks are a recipe for frizz.
Don’t overdo it. 1–2 times per week is plenty. Your coils need balance, not a chemical overload.
Bonus tip: Combine masks if your hair is feeling fancy. For example, avocado + honey + coconut oil = triple-threat hydration.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it—7 DIY hair masks for coily hair that are cheap, effective, and, honestly, kinda fun to make. The best part? You control exactly what goes into your hair—no mystery chemicals, no shady labels.
Remember: hydration, protein, and moisture balance are the holy trinity for coily hair. Rotate masks depending on what your hair is screaming for. Sometimes it wants soft, silky curls; other times, it’s begging for protein and repair. Listen to your hair—it’s smarter than we give it credit for.
So next time your coils are acting up, whip out your kitchen arsenal. Trust me, your hair will send you virtual hugs. And hey, if someone compliments your curls, you can smugly say, “Oh, it’s just a little DIY magic”.
