Some of the most popular tropical fruits used in hair masks are bananas, papayas, avocados, and coconuts. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps to strengthen and protect hair from breakage.
Papayas are packed with vitamins A and C, which help to nourish and hydrate the hair. Avocados are full of healthy fats and proteins that help to repair and restore damaged hair. And coconuts are full of fatty acids that help to moisturize and protect the hair.
When used in a hair mask, these tropical fruits can help to nourish, hydrate, and protect your hair from damage. They can also help to reduce split ends, add shine, and make your hair look and feel healthier.
Homemade Hair Masks Using Tropical Fruits
Take your hair on a tropical vacation with one of these 5 DIY hair masks made from ingredients native to warm, sunny climates. Our selection of all-natural hair mask recipes includes a variety of exotic (but easy to find when in season) fruits and other moisturizing ingredients.
They’re made of wholesome components that contain no fake silicones, shining agents, or harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.
Ingredient Proportion
The first key to preparing a successful tropical hair mask is getting the ingredient proportions right. We’re not suggesting that you weigh and measure everything to an exact science as if you were baking a cake, but eyeballing the ingredients to make sure they’re more or less in the correct proportion is highly recommended.
Our recipes assume that your hair is medium length and normal thickness. You can reduce or augment the portions and measurements, just keep them consistent. (If you have very long hair, double the ingredients, if you have short hair, cut the ingredients in half.) Try not to make more than you’ll need to use for one mask because it’s best not to refrigerate the excess.
Texture
The next crucial step toward achieving a perfectly proportioned hair mask is making sure all the ingredients are mashed or blended into a thick and creamy consistency with no chunks that can get stuck in your hair.
A lumpy hair mask means that some of the fruit’s vital nutrients have not been pureed properly; chunky pieces don’t cover the surface of your hair’s shaft with the same efficiency as a finely blended texture.
Application
Once all the ingredients are blended into the desired consistency, apply the mask to your hair with your fingers or a dye brush. Be sure to apply it evenly, and pay special attention to problem areas you want to focus on (the scalp, the ends, etc.).
As mentioned above, don’t save any of the mixture; natural fruit masks won’t last long. If you have some leftover, give it to a friend, or use it on your face or body as a skin conditioner. Once your hair is coated completely, cover it with cling wrap, a plastic bag, or a shower cap.
Time
When you go on vacation to a tropical paradise, you take time to relax, right? Well, your hair feels the same way. Don’t rush a hair mask treatment; let your hair savor and enjoy it!
Make sure you leave enough time to prepare the mask itself and to leave it in your hair for at least 15 (ideally 30) minutes. You should also factor in how long you’ll need to wash, dry, and style your hair after you rinse out the mask.
Beachball Banana Boat
Add luster to hair that’s dry, damaged, and brittle with a banana-based hair mask.
Ingredients
- ½ ripe banana (great source of potassium and vitamins A, E, and C)
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil (cold-pressed is best)
- 2 tbsp. organic honey
The Beachball Banana Boat is a healing and strengthening hair mask that promotes a healthy scalp and regulates oil production, two things that are important when trying to keep your hair supple and moisturized.
The coconut oil softens and conditions your hair, and the honey locks in the moisture from the banana, leaving you with beautiful, shiny, and luminous hair.
Palm Tree Papaya
Hydrate a super-dry scalp and manage your dandruff problem with a papaya-based hair mask.
Ingredients
- ½ small ripe papaya – cut into chunks with skin and seeds (put a few extra mashed seeds to the side)
- 2 tbsp. Argan oil or coconut oil, (both are good sources of Vitamin E)
- 2 tbsp. organic honey, (natural antioxidant)
After mixing, apply the mask and rub it vigorously into the scalp and roots. If you’re aware of areas of your scalp that are more prone to dryness and dandruff, place some of the crushed seeds in those places. (The natural oil from the seeds acts as an emollient.)
The Palm Tree Papaya mask is also ideal for hair that’s regularly exposed to lots of sunlight or pollution.
Pina Colada Passion
If you have thinning hair or hair that grows too slow, a Pina Colada Passion mask is the one for you. It also helps to fight split ends, which are often the cause of slower hair growth.
Ingredients
- ½ small pineapple cut into chunks (include the pineapple eye)
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
- 3 tbsp. plain yogurt (full fat, no sugar)
Blend all the ingredients and make sure that the pineapple’s eyes (which have high concentrations of manganese and potassium) are completely liquified, so there are no small pieces to get stuck in your hair.
The combination of yogurt and oil acts as a natural detangler because it coats the hair shaft and smooths out split ends. Fresh pineapple is not only full of invigorating Vitamin C, but it also leaves a fragrant fresh scent on your hair.
Mangocado
What do you get when you mix mango with avocado? A Mangocado Hair Mask that’s just perfect for curly or wavy hair prone to frizz and flyaways.
Ingredients
- ½ large ripe mango
- ½ large extra-ripe avocado
Optional for brunette or black Hair
- 2 tbsp. unsweetened dark cocoa powder
Or
- 2 tbsp. day-old coffee grounds
As you apply the Mangocado hair mask, wind your waves into curlicue shapes with your fingers, and make sure that each ringlet is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
The natural emollients, oleic acids, and monounsaturated fats in the avocado are the same found in olive oil. They can penetrate deep into the hair shaft, leaving it soft, supple, and frizz-free for days.
Caribbean Citrus Cooler
You’re not the only one who needs a thirst-quenching drink in the tropics; your hair also needs an occasional refreshment to keep it feeling hydrated. The Caribbean Citrus Cooler hits the spot and rejuvenates and revitalizes your hair and scalp.
- ½ cup naturally squeezed orange juice
- 3 tbsp. naturally squeezed lemon or lime juice
- Two stalks heart of palm (canned is O.K.)
- 1 tbsp. organic honey
Blend all the ingredients and apply to distressed hair that needs moisture and relief from the hot summer rays. If you’re a natural blonde or redhead, letting this mask dry outside in the sunlight might even lighten your hair a bit.
We hope you enjoyed taking your hair on a tropical vacation to paradise with these homemade hair masks. Don’t forget to send a postcard!