PSA: Avocado Hair Masks Have Some Major Benefits for Your Strands and Scalp

Ah, avocados. If there was an award for best all-around fruit, (yes, they’re technically a fruit), avocados could certainly be crowned MVP in the versatility category. They’re great in smoothies, sure, but then there’s guacamole, heart-healthy avocado fries, vegan tostadas, an avocado hair mask….

That last one may come as a surprise, but while avocados clearly shine in the culinary department, they also offer some serious benefits for your hair and scalp—hence why you often find avocado oil as a star ingredient in many skin- and hair-care products. It’s also the reason why experts recommend incorporating avocado hair masks into your hair care routine on the reg for healthy, lustrous strands. 

While the thought of mashing up one and applying it all over your hair and scalp (rather than a tortilla chip) could seem like a hassle, the benefits make it worth the effort. 

Benefits of avocado hair masks

“A scalp should be healthy for hair to grow just like flowers growing in good soil,” says Elizabeth Trattner, an integrative health specialist and acupuncurist. And avocado can turn your scalp into a fertile landscape, so to speak, thanks to its abundance of healthy fats and vitamins. “The natural oils from avocados help to heal and moisturize dry scalp,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. Dandruff? We don’t know her. 

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Another perk of avocado hair masks is that the nutrients and oils in the fruit also enrich dry strands, Trattner says. In other words, be sure to slather it on from root to ends, not just the scalp. In addition, Fitzsimons says avocado hair masks also act as a great hair detangler making it easy to comb through your hair without tugging or damaging it. 

How to make an avocado hair mask

Are your strands craving some major moisture? Try this avocado hair mask recipe from Fitzsimons featuring lemon juice, olive oil, and manuka honey. “Lemon juice has antibacterial properties, and is the perfect natural fix for dandruff,” he says. “And manuka honey is great for hydration and shine.” 

Ingredients

1 ½ avocados

2 Tbsp. of olive oil

2 Tbsp. of manuka honey

½ juice of a lemon

1. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Coat the hair evenly with the avocado hair mask. 

3. Cover your scalp with a shower cap. 

4. Let the avocado hair mask sit for 45 minutes. 

5. Wash it out with shampoo and conditioner.  

Hair mask recipe using avocado oil

Don’t feel like DIYing an avocado hair mask? Trattner offers up an easier option using store-bought avocado oil that you can use once per week. 

1. Mix equal parts food-grade avocado oil with hair conditioner. (Trattner recommends Lovacado’s Extra Virgin Avocado Oil.)

2. Comb the mixture through your strands. 

3. Braid your hair or put it up in a loose bun on the top of your head, and leave it in overnight then shampoo it out in the morning. Pro tip: Swap your silky pillowcase for an old one and/or place an old dark towel over your pillow because avocado oil will stain. 

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