5 DIY Protein-Rich Hair Masks And Their Benefits

Is your hair falling off every time you wash or even comb it? Is your hair dry or brittle? Your hair probably needs a healthy dose of protein to add durability and strength.

Hair is made of keratin and amino acid, two types of protein, making it the critical constituent of hair health. When these chains of proteins are broken, and there’s a loss in protein, like in the case of hair damage due to styling, excessive heat, chemical treatments, etc., hair becomes weak and damaged.

While visiting a salon can help replenish lost keratin and protein, constant salon visits can work out costly. On the other hand, you can fix these issues at home and promote healthy hair growth using DIY protein-rich hair masks at a fraction of the cost. 

So, let’s learn more about protein and hair connection before moving to protein hair mask recipes.

Understanding Hair Health

Our hair is made of amino acids and keratin chains, such as protein and other components, including minerals, water, and melanin. Exposure to environmental pollution, harsh chemicals, heat, and styling treatments can break down hair protein.

Protein breakdown can damage hair, dry or brittle hair, weak and lusterless hair, etc. If you experience hair fall or breakage, if your hair is weak or dry, they’re signs your hair lacks protein.

Protein treatment is probably what your hair needs to become stronger. Not only that, but it replenishes lost protein and promotes healthy hair growth, too. 

However, the good news is that you don’t have to hit the salon for that; DIY protein hair treatments can be done at home without compromising the results.

The Benefits of DIY Protein Hair Masks

A homemade protein hair mask offers numerous benefits. The key benefits are as follows:

• Nourishes hair and improves strength and durability.
• Restores lost protein and improves hair health.
• Combats hair issues that are a result of protein loss.
• Improves hair volume, thickness, and elasticity.
• Restores lost shine and promotes hair growth.
• It can reduce hair breakage and hair loss.

5 DIY Protein-Rich Hair Masks

1. Egg Pack for Hair Growth

Eggs are packed with proteins and other nutrients and are among the top hair foods for replenishing lost protein and nourishment.

They leave your hair shiny and healthy while also promoting hair growth.

Ingredients

Egg – 1

Coconut Oil – 1 Tsp.

Yogurt – 3 Tbsps.

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk to combine.

Usage

Apply the prepared hair mask to your scalp and hair.

Cover your head with a shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Rinse off with lukewarm water and shampoo, and condition your hair.

Air dry and style as usual.

Notes

For dry and frizzy hair, you can use the yolk. For oily and limp hair, use the egg white alone. For normal or combination hair, you can use the whole egg.

You can use this hair pack on dry hair or wet hair.

You can use this hair pack once or twice a week till your hair improves.

You can add more or less yogurt according to your hair length.

You can also add cream to this pack along with or instead of yogurt. The cream is denser and ideal for dry, weak, and frizzy hair. Avoid cream if you have oily hair.

2. Vegan Avocado Mask for Weak, Dry & Frizzy Hair

Is your hair dry, brittle, and weak? Want a vegan protein fix for your hair? Try this moisturizing and nourishing protein hair treatment for your hair. 

It will also boost collagen production and promote hair growth. This hair pack is suitable for all hair types and is particularly useful to hydrate, nourish, and nurture your hair back to health.

Ingredients

Avocado – 1

Coconut Milk – 3 Tbsps.

Maple Syrup – 1 Tsp.

Coconut Oil – 1 Tsp.

Instructions

Deseed the avocado and scooped out the flesh from the avocado. Use a ripe avocado for best results.

Mash with a fork or blend for a few seconds in your mixer for a smooth paste.

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the coconut oil, coconut milk, and maple syrup.

Mix well to combine.

Usage

Apply the mixture on your scalp and hair strands, covering the tips.

Wrap your head with a shower cap and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Rinse off, shampoo, and condition as usual.

Air dry and style as usual.

Notes

If you’re not looking for vegan options, honey is an option for this hair mask.

Likewise, you can also use milk instead of coconut milk if you’re looking at vegan options.

You can also add a ripe banana for added nourishment and shine.

You can use this mask twice a week till there’s improvement.

3. DIY Vegan Coconut Milk Protein Hair Treatment

Want to nurture your hair, combat dandruff, and strengthen hair in one go? Rich in saturated fatty acids and Vitamins C, E, and B, coconut milk replenishes lost protein and is a natural conditioner for your hair.

This is suitable for all hair types, including oily hair.

Ingredients

Coconut Milk – 1/4 Cup

Instructions

Warm up the coconut milk in low heat.

Usage

Apply the warm coconut milk to your hair and scalp.

Cover your head with a towel and leave it overnight.

Shampoo and condition as usual.

Air dry and style your hair.

Notes

You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to this hair pack – this also helps combat dandruff and regulate oil levels. It is unnecessary, but it is an addition you can consider for oily hair.

4. DIY Gelatin Hair Mask for Strong Hair

When you want to nourish and strengthen hair, what better way than with Gelatin? Gelatin is rich in keratin and helps strengthen and nourish hair back to health.

Ingredients

Gelatin – 1 Tbsp.

Water – 200 Ml

Instructions

In a bowl, add the water and heat it for about five minutes.

When it becomes hot, remove from heat and sprinkle the gelatin powder.

Whisk till it mixes thoroughly without any lumps.

Let it cool down.

Usage

Apply the gelatin mixture to your hair and scalp.

Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing off.

Notes

You can use coconut milk instead of water for added moisture, shine, and nourishment.

You can also use peppermint or rosemary tea for shine and added benefits.

Alternatively, pour the gelatin hair pack on your hair and scalp, massaging gently as you go when you’re in the shower, and let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off.

5. DIY Mayo Mask for Dry, Frizzy & Damaged Hair

How can the list be complete without a Mayo-based mask? So, here it is! Rich in protein, Mayonnaise adds the much-needed punch to homemade hair masks and leaves you with shiny and healthy hair.

Ingredients

Egg – 1

Mayonnaise – 1/4 Cup

Olive Oil – 1 Tsp.

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Usage

Apply the prepared hair pack on your scalp and hair.

Massage your scalp gently as you go, and cover your head with a shower cap.

Let the hair pack sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Shampoo and condition your hair.

Finish off with a clarifying apple cider vinegar rinse.

Air dry and style as usual.

Notes

You can use a spoonful of honey for added moisturization and nourishment.

You can use only egg white if you prefer.

You can add avocado to this hair pack for added shine and nourishment.

How to Apply Protein Hair Masks Effectively

• Divide your hair into sections and clip each section.
• Apply the protein hair treatment in each section to ensure complete coverage and clip back till thoroughly done.
• As you apply for each section, apply on your scalp and cover your hair strands from roots to tips.
• You can apply a hair coloring brush on your scalp and fingers to coat the strands. You can also use a brush for your strands.
• Once you have applied to every section, remove the clips and cover your head with a shower cap.
• Wait for the required duration before rinsing off.
• It’s easier to rinse homemade protein hair packs, especially ones with egg or Mayonnaise, with lukewarm water before shampooing.
• You can finish off with a clarifying rinse to prevent buildup. Depending on the chosen clarifying ingredient, you can use it once a week or every two weeks.
• Air dry and style as usual.
• In most cases, protein treatment is best done once a week unless specified otherwise.

Precautions and Tips

• Always do a patch test to test for allergies or sensitivities.
• Don’t use any ingredients you’re allergic to.
• If you’re allergic or sensitive to a particular ingredient in a recipe, swap it for equivalents or switch to a different recipe.
• Preferably, use fresh ingredients for your protein treatment.
• Don’t use protein treatment too often – use according to the frequency recommended in the recipe. Excess protein can be damaging, too!
• If you don’t see results within the first few weeks, consult a professional to assess and resolve the issue before it worsens or creates more problems.

Final Thoughts

DIY protein hair treatments undoubtedly nourish and strengthen damaged hair and nurture hair back to health. However, it’s essential to understand a mask nourishes from the outside, but for comprehensive treatment and continued results, internal consumption of the proper nutrients is also necessary.

Along with protein hair treatment, consume a balanced diet and follow a good hair care routine for a healthy scalp and hair. Try these natural ingredients-based protein treatments for your hair and see how they work.

Don’t have time for DIY recipes? We have you covered with a range of premium vegan hair care cosmetics from Vitamins Revive. 

Check out their online store to learn more about their products. For any questions, concerns, requests, or feedback, contact us. We love hearing from our readers. Let us know how you like these recipes and how they work.

FAQs

How do I know if my hair is lacking protein?

When lacking protein, hair looks lifeless, limp, and dull and breaks off easily when stretched. Hair is also weak, stringy, and flat. There’s also stunted hair growth and considerable hair fall.

Does rice water help replenish protein in hair?

Yes, it does. Rice water is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. So, if you’re suffering from weak and brittle hair, use rice water as your rinse or add it to your hair masks.

How do we know if there’s protein overload or excess protein in hair?

You can know excess protein if your hair is stiff, brittle, dry, and laden with split ends. The difference between lack of protein and excess protein is fragile, so don’t overuse protein treatments.

Does lack of protein trigger hair fall?

Yes, if protein deficiency is left unchecked, it can cause hair fall. Continued hair fall will then lead to hair thinning.

How often can I use homemade protein hair packs?

Applying homemade hair masks to replenish lost protein can be done once a week unless specified otherwise.

Can I leave protein treatments overnight?

Absolutely not. Hair protein treatment should be left to sit for 15 – 30 minutes or as specified in the recipe. Not all recipes or ingredients can be left overnight.