6 Easy DIY Protein Masks for Stronger and Healthier Hair
On this article:
Egg and Yogurt Protein Treatment
Avocado and Mayonnaise Protein Mask
Coconut Milk and Honey Protein Mask
Banana and Egg Protein Treatment
Rice Water and Aloe Vera Protein Rinse
If you’ve been dealing with weak, brittle or shedding hair, your strands might be crying out for much needed protein! Our hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin, and when it's damaged due to heat styling, coloring or environmental factors, protein treatments can work wonders. And the best part? There is a number of budget friendly DIY protein masks that use simple and natural ingredients that you may be open to try out and incorporate in your hair care routine.
Let’s walk through some of the most popular DIY protein hair treatments, their benefits, how to apply them and what people say about them.
1. Egg and Yogurt Protein Treatment
Egg and yogurt protein treatment
Best for: Strengthening and adding moisture
Ingredients:
1 egg
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Benefits:
Eggs are packed with protein and biotin, which help fortify strands and reduce breakage. Yogurt contains lactic acid that gently cleanses the scalp while its protein content strengthens the hair.
How to Apply:
Beat the egg and mix it with yogurt until you get a smooth paste.
Apply to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with cool water and a mild shampoo.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“I’ve used this mask weekly, and my hair feels so much softer and stronger!”
“My curls have never felt this defined and bouncy!”
“I was skeptical, but this treatment really strengthened my hair after months of breakage.”
Caution:
Avoid hot water while rinsing out the mask - hot water can cook the egg, making it hard to remove!
2. Avocado and Mayonnaise Protein Mask
Avocado and mayonnaise protein mask
Best for: Deep conditioning and strengthening
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Benefits:
Avocado is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that nourish dry hair, while mayonnaise (which contains eggs and oil) delivers protein and hydration.
How to Apply:
Mash the avocado and mix it with mayonnaise until smooth.
Apply to clean, damp hair.
Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 30–40 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and shampoo lightly if needed.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“This combo transformed my dry, brittle curls. My hair is shinier and much more manageable.”
“I love how soft and nourished my hair feels after using this!”
“WThe definition and hydration this mask gives my hair is unbelievable.”
Caution:
This mask is very rich, so avoid applying too much near the scalp if you have fine or oily hair.
3. Gelatin Protein Treatment
Gelatin, apple cider vinegar and honey treatment
Best for: Restoring elasticity and reducing breakage
Ingredients:
1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) of unflavored gelatin
½ cup warm water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (optional for added moisture)
Benefits:
Gelatin contains hydrolyzed protein, which binds to the hair shaft and temporarily strengthens weak strands. Apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels and smooths the hair cuticle.
How to Apply:
Dissolve the gelatin in warm water and mix in the apple cider vinegar and honey.
Apply to clean, damp hair.
Leave on for 15–20 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“My hair felt instantly stronger after using this! It’s a great, inexpensive alternative to store-bought protein treatments.”
“This mask brought my curls back to life!”
“A must-try for anyone dealing with major breakage.”
Caution:
Don’t overdo it! Gelatin is a strong protein treatment, so use it only once every 4–6 weeks to avoid protein overload.
4. Coconut Milk and Honey Protein Mask
Coconut milk and honey protein mask
Best for: Hydration and mild protein reinforcement
Ingredients:
½ cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional for extra moisture)
Benefits:
Coconut milk contains a small amount of protein along with essential fatty acids that promote hair growth. Honey acts as a humectant, attracting moisture into the hair.
How to Apply:
Mix all ingredients well.
Apply to damp hair and massage into the scalp and strands.
Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“I love this mask—it smells amazing and makes my hair feel so soft without being stiff.”
“I use this regularly, and my hair has never felt healthier!”
“This mask is perfect for keeping my curls hydrated without weighing them down.”
Caution:
This is a mild protein treatment, so it’s safe for frequent use. However, if your hair is protein-sensitive, use it once every two weeks.
5. Banana and Egg Protein Treatment
Banana and egg protein treatment
Best for: Repairing damaged hair and adding shine
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
Benefits:
Bananas are rich in silica, which strengthens hair and enhances elasticity. Eggs provide protein, and olive oil adds moisture and shine.
How to Apply:
Blend the banana and egg until smooth (to avoid chunks in your hair).
Mix in the olive oil.
Apply to damp hair and leave on for 20–30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water and shampoo as needed.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“This mask made my hair feel so much stronger and shinier! Just make sure to blend it well.”
“My split ends are so much less noticeable now!”
“It’s my go-to whenever my hair needs a protein boost.”
Caution:
Ensure the banana is blended smoothly; otherwise, removing bits from your hair can be tricky!
6. Rice Water and Aloe Vera Protein Rinse
Rice water and aloe vera protein rinse
Best for: Strengthening weak strands and reducing shedding
Ingredients:
½ cup fermented rice water
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
Benefits:
Rice water is rich in amino acids that strengthen hair, while aloe vera soothes the scalp and adds hydration.
How to Apply:
Mix the fermented rice water with aloe vera gel.
Pour over damp hair after shampooing.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
What have people been saying about this treatment:
“My shedding has significantly reduced since I started using rice water! It’s a game-changer.”
“My hair feels stronger and thicker after just a few uses.”
“Rice water works wonders, but I make sure to balance it with moisture treatments.”
Caution:
Overuse of rice water can lead to protein overload - use it once a week for best results.
Final Thoughts
DIY protein treatments are a budget-friendly way to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. However, balance is key - too much protein can make hair stiff and brittle. If your hair starts feeling dry or hard, scale back on protein treatments and incorporate more moisturizing deep conditioners.
Have you tried any of these protein masks? Let us know your experience in the comments!
