10 DIY Avocado Oil Recipes for Hair Care: Shampoos, Masks, Detanglers, and More

By
Joanna Parkman
Joanna Parkman
Joanna Parkman
Writer
  • Duke University, Sewanee: The University of the South

Joanna is an environmental protection specialist, science writer, and clean beauty writer. Her focuses are floodplain management, coastal resilience, environmental justice, nature-based solutions, and clean beauty DIY recipes.

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Updated August 24, 2022
hand touches avocado oil with fresh cut avocados on cutting board

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Much like coconut oil, which has quickly become a beloved ingredient in many personal care products, avocado oil is a clean beauty powerhouse. It is made by pressing the pulp of the fruit—not the seed or skin—to extract the golden liquid. Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid, avocado oil provides numerous clean beauty benefits.

Making your own hair care products allows you to cut down on packaging waste and only use natural, eco-friendly ingredients on your hair. Here are 10 easy DIY recipes using avocado oil that will help make your hair softer, shinier, and healthier.

1
of 10

Nourishing Hair Mask

three spoons hold egg yolk coconut oil and avocado oil

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

If your hair could use a little extra shimmer these days, check out this simple mask with avocado oil, coconut oil, and egg yolk.

Rich in biotin and vitamins A and E, egg yolk helps bring out your hair's natural shine from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 egg yolk

Steps

  1. Combine coconut oil and avocado oil in a small bowl. 
  2. Add a single egg yolk and whisk. 
  3. Once thoroughly mixed, apply the mask to your dry hair, going from your scalp down to your ends. 
  4. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, ideally under a shower cap. 
  5. Wash and condition your hair as you usually would.
2
of 10

Simple Shampoo Bar

woman stands in shower and uses diy avocado shampoo bar to wash hair

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Making your own shampoo is a great way to avoid harsh ingredients and personalize your hair care. Shampoo bars are slightly more involved than other DIY shampoos, but the outcome is well worth it.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs, like rosemary or sage 
  • 7 ounces of water
  • 4.4 ounces of lye 
  • 10 ounces of coconut oil 
  • 9 ounces of olive oil
  • 6 ounces of avocado oil
  • 3 ounces of castor oil 
  • 3 ounces of aloe vera oil
  • 1 ounce of jojoba oil
  • 3.5 ounces of coconut milk
  • 0.5-1 ounce of essential oils (optional)

Steps

  1. A few hours before you plan to start making the recipe, heat your water, pour it into a glass jar, and add your dried herbs. 
  2. After your herbs have been soaking for at least two hours, add the lye. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and glasses or goggles to protect your skin and eyes from the fumes. Allow mixture to cool.
  3. Combine all oil-based ingredients (except essential oils) in a crockpot. Heat on low to melt and mix oils.
  4. Add the water and lye mixture to the crockpot and blend vigorously (an immersion blender is ideal). Mix until the product reaches the consistency of shampoo.
  5. Add coconut milk and let cook for one hour. 
  6. Add essential oils, if desired.
  7. Line a mold (such as a loaf pan, muffin tin, small box, or another container) with parchment paper, and pour shampoo in.
  8. Wrap your mold in a towel and keep it in a warm or room-temperature location for 24 hours while the shampoo sets. If the mixture cools too quickly, it may split on the top.
  9. Remove your new shampoo bars from the mold and cut them to your desired size. 
  10. Use your shampoo bars as you normally would when washing your hair.
3
of 10

Coconut-Honey Shampoo

a whole coconut, jar of honey, and aloe vera are ingredients for diy shampoo

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

If you’re more of a liquid shampoo devotee, this DIY recipe will win you over with its aromatic ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • 1 cup of aloe vera gel
  • 1 teaspoon of avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon of rosemary essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon of lavender essential oil
  • 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap

Steps

  1. Stir raw honey in warm water until dissolved. 
  2. Add coconut oil, aloe vera, avocado oil, rosemary essential oil, and lavender essential oil. 
  3. Once blended, gently mix in castile soap. 
  4. Store your new shampoo in the fridge, where it will last two to three weeks. Shake your shampoo well before use.
4
of 10

Easy Leave-In Conditioner

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Even after an amazing homemade shampoo, you’ll still be in need of some deep conditioning. This moisturizing recipe does just the trick. 

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce of coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of avocado oil
  • 2 ounces of aloe vera gel
  • 1/3 cup of water

Steps

  1. Mix coconut oil and avocado oil in a small bowl. 
  2. In a spray bottle, combine aloe vera and water. 
  3. Pour the oils from the bowl into the bottle and shake well.
  4. Apply to the ends and strands of clean hair (avoid the roots) and style as you normally would.
5
of 10

Frizz-Free Smoothing Oil

woman uses diy avocado smoothing oil to condition ends of hair

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Short on time but sick of flyaways? Simply apply a few drops of avocado oil to your fingertips and gently smooth away your frizz. No recipe required!

6
of 10

Hot Oil Treatment

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Wondering how to keep your curls healthy? Look no further than this hot oil treatment, which can help strengthen and moisturize your hair.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup of avocado oil
  • 1/8 cup of almond oil
  • 1/8 cup of safflower oil
  • Essential oils (your choice)

Steps

  1. Combine avocado oil, almond oil, and safflower oil in a microwave-safe, non-reactive container (ceramic or glass).
  2. Place in the microwave and heat for 40 seconds. 
  3. Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oils—consider a blend of lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, or geranium.
7
of 10

Detangler Spray

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

This easy DIY detangler spray requires only four ingredients to banish your tangles. 

Ingredients:

  • Kosher salt
  • Essential oil (your choice)
  • 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of avocado oil

Steps

  1. Start with a small spray bottle, and add a pinch of kosher salt and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. 
  2. Next, add one ounce of apple cider vinegar and half a teaspoon of avocado oil. 
  3. Shake up your spray and then spritz on your hair—remember to keep your eyes closed to avoid any irritation.
8
of 10

Softening Serum

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

For hair that you won’t be able to keep your hands off of, apply a few drops of this homemade serum. 

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon of castor oil
  • 1.5 ounces of flaxseed oil
  • Essential oil (optional)

Steps

  1. In a clean bottle, combine avocado oil, castor oil, and flaxseed oil and shake well.
  2. If you'd like a fragrant serum, add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil. Store in the refrigerator.
  3. To apply, shake well and squirt a few drops on your hand. Rub your hands together and run your fingers through your hair, focusing on the ends.
9
of 10

Scalp Massage Oil

back of woman giving herself scalp and hair massage with diy oil

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

This moisturizing scalp treatment with avocado oil and tea tree oil can help you fight dandruff and irritation. 

Steps

  1. Combine an equal ratio of avocado oil and tea tree oil into a small dropper bottle.
  2. Massage a few drops of the mixture directly into your scalp whenever it feels dry or itchy.
10
of 10

Strengthening and Growth Spray

fresh cut avocado and fresh lavender for making a hair growth spray

Treehugger / Sanja Kostic

Whether it’s a few split ends or more dramatic breakage, this easy-to-apply serum can help repair your locks and encourage growth. 

Steps

  1. Pour 1/4 cup of distilled water, one tablespoon of avocado oil, and five drops of lavender essential oil into a two-ounce glass spray bottle.
  2. Shake before use.
  3. Spray evenly across your hair, focusing on the ends.