Coconut and Argan Oil Hair Mask DIY

This post shares my DIY coconut and argan oil hair mask, the perfect DIY for healthier hair.

DIY coconut and argan oil hair mask

I started coloring my hair religiously in high school. My mom always told me that coloring my hair would destroy it, but it never did. In fact, my hair has always been really healthy–until a few years ago, when I made the massive mistake of getting really blonde highlights.

They absolutely fried my hair. So, for the past few years, I’ve been growing out all of my color and trying to take better care of my hair. In addition decreasing the number of days per week that I wash my hair from seven to three or four, I also started using oil-based hair masks. Specifically argan oil.

What is argan oil and can you use it as a hair mask?

Argan oil is an amazing ingredient for the hair and skin, so it’s perfect for hair masks. It’s also easy to get your hands on, so you can include it in your DIY hair masks. But what is argan oil and why is it good for your hair? Argan oil is from argan tree fruit.

The oil is added to hair and skin treatments because it is full of fatty acids—specifically oleic and linoleic acids. It also contains vitamin E, which can provide additional moisture and help protect your hair. This oil has been used for centuries to moisturize hair and skin, so why not give it a go?

What can you mix argan oil with for hair masks?

I’ve used a couple of different oil-based hair masks, but I started making my own a couple years ago. For the base of my mask, I use coconut oil, which everyone uses for pretty much everything (just Google “coconut oil uses,” but remember, if you find it on the Internet and it sounds kind of crazy, it probably is).

Coconut oil can prevent and repair damaged hair, add shine, and reduce scalp inflammation (read more here). I also like coconut oil because it’s very easy to work with. Unrefined (i.e., “virgin”) coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that it’s a waxy solid most of the time. This can also mean it’s easier to apply to your hair.

Like this DIY lemon scrub? Check out my DIY eucalyptus salt scrub recipe, my baking soda and lemon scrub, my baked bath salts recipe, and my DIY honey and beeswax lip balm!

Here are my argan oil hair mask supplies:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 10 drops argan oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil (optional for scent…I sleep in my masks, so I like the added scent)
• Ziploc bag
• Plastic comb and hair tie

And here’s how to make a DIY coconut and argan oil hair mask!

(Don’t use any ingredients you’re allergic to, and always spot test new ingredients to make sure you don’t have a reaction to them. Do not use any homemade products without consulting with an appropriate medical professional first.)

Step 1: Add solid coconut and argan oil into a plastic bag or bowl

First I spoon my coconut oil into a bag. Then, I drop argan oil in (and, if I’m using it, the lavender oil) and zip the bag shut. Since coconut oil solidifies at 76 degrees Fahrenheit, the bag looks something like the one below.

If you don’t want to use a plastic bag, you can definitely use a bowl instead. I like using a plastic bag because I can easily melt everything together and then store the leftover mask for a future use.

Step 2: Melt the coconut oil

Next I hold the tightly sealed bag under a faucet running hot water. It begins to liquefy very quickly. If you use a bowl instead of a bag, you can nuke it in the micro for a few seconds. The coconut oil will melt very fast. (Remember that it will re-solidify once the temperature drops again.)

Or you can opt to not melt it and just use your hands to smear the coconut oil and argan oil mixture onto your hair. Just the body heat on your fingers, hands, and head will quickly begin to melt the coconut oil. To melt or not to melt before applying is really personal preference—it doesn’t affect the mask’s quality.

Step 3: Apply the mask

First I brush out my hair and wet it, either in the shower (towel drying excess water off afterward) or using a spray bottle to dampen my hair. Then I dip my fingers into the mixture and begin applying it to my hair. I focus on the bottom half of my hair since that’s where most of the damage is.

Then I comb through from roots to ends to evenly distribute the mask. I want my hair to be oily, but I don’t want it to be dripping with oil if that makes sense. When I’m done, I twist my hair up into a tight top knot. If you aren’t sleeping in your mask, you can just let it chill for a while. Bonus points if you have one of those clear disposable shower caps to throw on to help generate some heat in there.

But at this point, I go to bed and sleep in my mask. Because I concentrate most of the oil on the bottom half of my hair, which I tie up into a knot, I don’t get oil everywhere. (And, even if I do, the mixture is smells great and is really good for your skin, so it’s a win-win.)

When I’m ready to wash it out in the shower, I rinse my hair with water and shampoo/condition as normal. One shampoo should be enough if I get a good lather.

Is it better to put argan oil on wet or dry hair?

A few drops of straight argan oil can do a great job of detangling and smoothing your hair when it is wet. Similarly, you can use it to smooth over the top of your hair to tame frizzies. For a hair mask that’s a mixture of coconut oil and argan oil, though, I like to wet my hair first.

I either do this in the shower and then squeeze out all of the excess water, or I just use a spray bottle to dampen my hair. I find it is easier to mix everything in and comb it through when my hair is wet or damp, but I can’t imagine it makes that much of a difference either way.

Update: Here are a few helpful tips from people who’ve tried the mask!

• If you color your hair blonde, you may want to check with your stylist before leaving coconut oil on your hair for prolonged periods of time. One stylist warned against it. I can’t find anything on the Internet saying that coconut oil is harmful to bottle blondes, so I’d suggest asking your stylist. I have lighter hair again and haven’t noticed any issues.
• Before washing out the mask, put conditioner on your hair to help break down the oil, which makes it easier to wash out.

Pin my coconut and argan oil hair mask!