I have always had super-fine hair, and it’s been getting thinner every year (thank you, grandmom, for the lovely genetics!). Add to this the fact that I recently underwent radiation, and it’s been a horror show.
My hair has never been so brittle, dull, and damaged that it’s falling out in clusters.
However, I am lucky to have the best beauty experts on call. And this time, my quest for thicker, healthier, glossier, and stronger hair took me to a small corner of South India called the Kerala backwaters.
Where I found the most effective (and easy to make anywhere in the world) Ayurvedic hair mask recipes.
Because the tiny hamlets of Kerala are not only some of the most beautiful, most serene parts of the world! They are also the epicenter of all things Ayurveda.
It’s where King Charles III came to celebrate his 65th birthday, and the likes of Naomi Campbell, Madonna, Demi Moore, Cherie Blair, Jade Jagger, Sting, and Bob Geldof came for mental and physical rejuvenation. Yes, this place is that good.
So, here I am. In the center of the Ayurvedic world. Trying to figure out how to translate this 3,000-centuries-old science into beauty recipes that can be recreated anywhere on the planet.
And these are my answers—homemade Ayurvedic hair mask recipes for all types of hair issues.
Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Ayurvedic Hair Mask
Coconut oil is the Beyoncé of hair care—versatile, powerful, and always stealing the show. Pair it with aloe vera, and you have a dynamic duo that will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and oh-so-happy.
Ingredients needed for the Ayurvedic hair mask recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
How to make the coconut oil and aloe vera hair mask:
- Mix the coconut oil and aloe vera gel in a small bowl until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair (before a hair wash), ensuring you cover from roots to tips.
- Leave it on for 30-45 minutes. You can use this time to catch up on your favorite show or practice your TikTok dance moves.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual.
How does this Ayurvedic herbs based hair mask work?
This herbal hair mask is a moisture powerhouse, combining the hydrating and healing properties of two incredible natural ingredients:
Coconut Oil: This versatile oil is packed with fatty acids that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, providing intense moisture and reducing protein loss. It helps prevent breakage, split ends, and hair fall, making your hair stronger and shinier.
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera is a natural conditioner that adds shine and softness to your hair. It contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing itching and dandruff.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla) and Fenugreek Seed Ayurvedic Hair Mask Recipe
Indian gooseberry, or amla, is like the secret weapon of hair care. It’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen hair (hello, hair length) and prevent premature graying.
Fenugreek seeds, on the other hand, are fantastic for combating dull hair, dandruff, and promoting hair growth.
Ingredients needed for the Ayurveda hair mask:
- 2 tablespoons of amla powder
- 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds (or 1/2 tablespoon fenugreek powder)
- 1/2 cup of warm water
How to make the amla and fenugreek seed hair mask:
- Soak the fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- In the morning, grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a fine paste.
- Mix the amla powder with the fenugreek paste to form a smooth mixture. If it’s too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, covering every strand.
- Leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour. Use this time to do some yoga or relax with a good book.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual.
How does this organic Ayurvedic hair pack work?
This mask is a true multitasker, packed with the goodness of two powerful Ayurvedic ingredients:
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Also known as Indian gooseberry, Amla’s high vitamin C content and essential fatty acids help reduce hair fall, strengthen the hair shaft, and add luster.
According to several scientific studies, this berry also has anti-bacterial properties, which combats dandruff and other scalp health problems (buh-bye, itchy scalp!) with regular use.
Fenugreek Seeds: This ancient spice contains proteins, nicotinic acid, and large amounts of lecithin, which rebuild the hair follicles. Fenugreek is also scientifically proven to strengthen hair right from the root, while the inherent natural tonics moisturize the strands, bringing back luster and bounce.
PS: Do NOT let any of this get into your eyes. It stings like crazy!
Coconut Milk and Aloe Vera Ayurveda Hair Mask
Coconut milk is not just for your smoothies—it’s also a fantastic conditioner for dry hair! Combined with aloe vera, this mask will leave your hair feeling soft, hydrated, and deeply conditioned.
Ingredients needed for the coconut milk and aloe vera hair mask recipe:
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
How to make the Ayurvedic hair mask recipe:
- Mix the coconut milk and aloe vera gel in a bowl until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, ensuring full coverage.
- Let it sit for 30-45 minutes. Do a quick face mask or meditate while you wait.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild shampoo.
How does this organic Ayurvedic hair mask work?
This mask combines the deep conditioning properties of coconut milk with the hydrating benefits of aloe vera for an ultra-nourishing treatment:
Coconut Milk: Rich in proteins and essential fats, coconut milk nourishes and strengthens your hair, promoting healthy growth. It also acts as a natural conditioner, leaving your hair soft, silky, and more manageable.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera adds a layer of hydration and shine, soothing the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth. It also helps repair damaged hair and reduces dandruff, leaving your hair feeling revitalized.
The Full-On Experience: Ayurvedic Hair Mask Recipe with Shikakai and Curry Leaves
If you’re looking for a hair mask that packs a punch with a variety of nourishing ingredients, this one’s for you! Combining the benefits of shikakai, lemon juice, yogurt, curry leaves, coconut milk, and sesame oil, this mask is a powerhouse of goodness for your stands.
And it’s multifunctional, taking care of dully, dry, or frizzy hair, along with other issues such as dandruff, excessive hair fall. and dry scalp.
Ingredients needed for the shikakai and curry leaves hair mask:
- 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt
- A handful of fresh curry leaves
- 1/4 cup of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
How to make the Ayurveda hair mask:
- Prep the Curry Leaves: Blend the curry leaves with water to make a smooth paste.
- Mix the Base: Combine the shikakai powder, lemon juice, yogurt, and curry leaves paste in a bowl.
- Add Coconut Milk and Oil: Gradually add the coconut milk and sesame oil to the mixture, stirring until you get a smooth, consistent paste.
- Essential Oil: Add the essential oil, if using, to mask the aroma of curry leaves
- Apply the Mask: Apply this paste all over your hair and scalp, ensuring you cover from roots to tips.
- Let it Sit: Leave the mask on for about 45 minutes to an hour. Take this time to pamper yourself with a face mask or a good book.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Wash off the mask with lukewarm water and shampoo as usual.
How does this organic Ayurvedic hair mask work?
This mask contains a blend of ingredients that are rich in essential nutrients and have medicinal properties beneficial for your hair:
Shikakai: Shikakai, which literally translates into “fruit of hair” is a herb that’s packed with vitamins A, C, D, E and K, along with many essential phytonutrients. These provide deep nourishment to the follicles, which boosts hair growth and strengthens strands from root to tip.
According to the National Institute of Health, shikakai also has a very low pH, which helps eliminate dandruff and dryness, leaving hair glossier with every use.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another natural hair conditioner that busts dandruff, prevents hair loss, and strengthens hair. It also strips away toxic buildup from the strands, leaving them soft and supple.
Yogurt: Yogurt contains protein and zinc, which are perfect for rebalancing the scalp’s ecosystem to keep it healthy and free from dandruff, boils, or itchiness. This is essential to keep hair follicles working optimally and is critical for strongstrands and maximum growth.
Yogurt also contains lactic acid to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and hefty doses of natural conditioners that make it a potent hydrator for damaged hair.
Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are loaded with beta-carotene and proteins that prevent hair loss and thinning. They help restore the natural color of your hair and keep it shiny and healthy.
Coconut Milk: Rich in proteins and essential fats, coconut milk nourishes and strengthens hair, promoting healthy growth. It also acts as a natural conditioner, leaving hair soft, silky, and more manageable.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is known for its deep conditioning properties. It contains vitamins E and B complex, strengthening the hair roots and promoting new hair growth.
Sesame oil also helps combat scalp infections and provides a protective coating to your hair, preventing damage from external elements.
PS: Always do a patch test before trying any new hair mask to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.
Have you ever tried an Ayurvedic hair mask recipe? Or any other Ayurveda beauty recipe?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Tamara says
I should definitely try this. Thanks for sharing.
XoXo,
Tamara
miki says
Thanks for sharing this great tip for hair!
amy says
This sounds great! Do you have a good source in the states or online to pick up the powders? Also whats better, reg. yogurt or greek yogurt?
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
A
Corinia Boerman says
Hennasooq, and The Henna Guys are both great places to start and have many organic henna, herbs and oils to start your Ayurvedic hair care journey. The prices are very reasonable and hennasooq also has a yputube channel for sharing her experience working in the field for many years. Have fun! You’ll love the community as well!
Ariel says
I can’t wait to try this! How often should you use it?
Zuzana says
Wow I read this article this morning, and then headed to town to do some shopping and randomly stumbled upon both skikakai and amla powders. Unfortunately the store did not carry fenugreek, but I still think this was just meant to be. Excited to try it!! 🙂 thanks a bunch!
Zy says
Hi. Thank you for sharing.
How often will you recommend this treatment. I have slightly coarse hair. And dandruff. Will love long. Glossy hair.
Z says
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe… now i really need to test it out and find those ingredients…
Z says
p.s. what is the portion of water you use to soak the 1st two ingredients? thanks… i am trying to grow hair out to donate… hoping this would help with the breakage when the hair is getting long….thank you so much.
Miss Sabine FAURE says
I was Delighted to read this great article on your site
which spreads the authentic beauty recipe,and is
written in a very unique style .
Good for You ! well done job!
Miss Sabine FAURE,
Photographer
Sabine FAURE S.A. Mlle
Alopecia Ayurvedic Treatment says
Wow. That’s really good tips. Thanks for sharing. My strong believe in Ayurveda.
P says
Hi..
Thanks for sharing your ayurvedic hair mask.I have a couple of ayurvedic recipes from a specialist.Do give them a try as well.I have personally enjoyed using them and reaped benefits!
Bharat shampoo
Dried shikakai pieces- 15 gms
Dried amla pieces – 15 gms
Method:
soak the above in 1/2 liter water overnight.In the morning boil it for 10 to 15 mins. strain it.when it becomes luke warm apply to the scalp and hair, massage well & leave for 15 mins.Massage well again, pour water massage again, till done.
Ayurvedic hair mask for strong and healthy hair growth
mix 1 tsp shikakai powder, 1 tsp amla powder with a cup of curds.Marinate for 12 hours.Apply to scalp and hair.Leave for an hour.Wash hair with cold or luke warm water.
Hamza Agdmoun says
Hello
Hair Loss , Alopecia and other problems can be solve by a good health n i think there is a good connection between heath food and Hair problems ,
Ikan says
Hi! Should we rinse/wash off with water or is shampoo needed with this pack? Thanks!
JesseA says
Very well researched blog. I have been learning the ways of my haircare naturally and found iahas.com for some great natural remedies. I will add your blog to my list as well.
Alexa G. says
Thanks so much for impacting us with your knowledge and time you spend to do research we appreciate.
Steph says
This felt AMAZING on my curls! I’ve found my staple hair mask. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Shri vidya says
Hi, is this suitable for all types of hair and doshas