16 Natural DIY Hair Conditioner Alternatives 

Have you ever run out of conditioners? Not a good feeling it is, right? 

You desperately want to ease the discomfort of dry, damaged hair but not being able to do so. 

Unless you are prepared for such a situation ahead of time or have the patience to go and get one or to wait for a delivery that may take hours or days.

Luckily, there are numerous methods for making your own conditioner.

The best part: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. 

16 Natural DIY Hair Conditioner Alternatives 

If you are looking for healthy hair conditioner replacements to commercial products or just want to save money, here are 16 great conditioners you can make right in your kitchen!

And they’re not just emergency hair conditioners —these recipes are simple enough to use every day, so you never have to worry about getting caught short again.

So, look no further than these natural DIY alternatives.

1. Coconut oil 

Coconut oil is high in fatty acids, which penetrate deep into the hair and nourish it.

It acts like an emollient when applied topically, which means that it keeps moisture locked in the hair follicles.

How To Use Coconut Oil As Hair Conditioner: 

You can either use it straight out of the jar, rub it into your hair, or use a homemade coconut oil conditioner recipe. Either way, this stuff will leave your hair feeling soft and smooth.

Here’s the recipe to use coconut oil as a natural conditioner:

• two tablespoons coconut oil
• two drops lavender essential oil
• one tablespoon liquid aloe vera gel

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined thoroughly. Use on clean hair after shampooing. Leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing out with warm water.

While coconut oil can be used as a conditioner, it’s important to focus on the type of hair you have and consider the quantity used. 

This is great for those with dry scalps or curly hair, but if your hair is oily, coconut oil can weigh it down and make it look greasy. In this case, you might want to skip this one and try one of these other DIY conditioners instead.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used for centuries to help with hair and skin, and you can use it as a conditioner for your hair too!

Not only does it leave your hair feeling soft, smooth, and shiny, but its natural ingredients combat dandruff and flaky scalp without the use of harmful chemicals. 

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar As Hair Conditioner: 

Before you use Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural hair conditioner, make sure you dilute it with water. You can use one part of vinegar for every two parts of water. 

After washing your hair with shampoo, pour the diluted Apple Cider Vinegar on your head. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse it off using lukewarm water. 

This vinegar will help control the greasiness without drying out your skin if you have oily hair.

Another option is to mix equal amounts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz your hair after showering.

3. Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera is an amazing natural hair conditioner. It has a lot of vitamins and minerals that are great for your hair, and it also contains antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, and salicylic acid. 

How To Use Aloe Vera As Hair Conditioner: 

If you want to try it out in your hair, you can use it on its own or mix it with other ingredients to make a DIY conditioner. Here are some ideas:

• Mix aloe vera gel with coconut oil and apply it to your hair as a mask before shampooing. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

• Mix equal parts lemon juice and aloe vera juice, then apply this mixture directly onto damp hair after washing it with shampoo but before conditioning (or skip the conditioner altogether). Leave this mixture on for 20 minutes before rinsing away thoroughly, so there isn’t any residue left behind on your scalp or strands.

Aloe vera is great for all hair types.

4. Egg Yolk 

You probably know that eggs are delicious and nutritious. But did you know that eggs are also super helpful for your hair?

Egg yolks are perfect for deep conditioning your hair because they contain high protein and lecithin. These two ingredients help to strengthen and repair damaged hair, as well as prevent breakage.

How To Use Egg Yolk As Hair Conditioner: 

You just separate an egg yolk from the white and put it into a bowl. Then you put it into a microwave for 15 seconds. You have to be careful, though—if the egg gets too hot, then the yolk is going to cook!

Then just give your scalp a good shampooing like you normally do, and apply the egg yolk mixture to your hair. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse out with cool water.

You can also crack open an egg, separate the yolk from the white, and massage it into your scalp before shampooing your hair as normal. The yolk will penetrate deep into your scalp with its nutrients while simultaneously lubricating your hair shaft and preventing breakage when you shampoo.

You might be surprised at how much healthier your hair becomes after just one treatment!

5. Bananas

Bananas, aka the berry of the jungle, are amazing for your hair. There are so many reasons to use them as a conditioner—they’re high in vitamins and nutrients, natural antioxidants, and full of potassium and biotin. And all that makes bananas a really effective hair treatment.

How To Use Banana As Hair Conditioner: 

You can use bananas alone or combine them with other ingredients to make an all-natural hair conditioner. 

To use bananas as a conditioner alone, mash up one banana until it is smooth and creamy, then apply it to your hair after shampooing. Leave the mixture on your hair for 20 minutes before rinsing it out with cold water.

To make a deep conditioning treatment with bananas, add one mashed banana to half a cup of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best). Apply this mixture to clean wet hair and cover with a shower cap or towel for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

6. Yogurt 

Yogurt is a great ingredient to use in your hair care routine. It’s rich in lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. When used as a deep conditioner on dry or damaged hair, it can help restore moisture and elasticity to those areas. 

How To Use Yogurt As Hair Conditioner: 

Use about a half cup of yogurt. Apply the yogurt with your fingers from tip to root, massaging the yogurt in small circles. Let the yogurt sit on your hair for about 20-30 minutes (or longer if you want), and then rinse out with warm water.

You can use this once or twice a week for shiny, soft hair without spending a fortune on expensive conditioners.

Yogurt is great for all hair types, especially if your hair is dry or coarse; yogurt can be an effective way to introduce moisture back into your hair.

7. Mayonnaise 

Mayonnaise is the new trend in the world of homemade hair products. And, as an added bonus—you can use it as a deep conditioner for damaged hair, or for dry hair, or really any kind of hair at all! 

How To Use Mayonnaise As Hair Conditioner: 

It’s a natural hair conditioner at home after shampooing that is super easy to make.

After shampooing your hair, leave the mayonnaise on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it out. For extra conditioning, wrap your head with a hot towel to add heat and help the mayonnaise penetrate your strands.

8. Olive Oil 

Olive oil is one of the most well-known alternatives for hair conditioners. If you have dry hair and don’t have time to go out and buy a hair conditioner, olive oil can be a great alternative. 

Olive oil is rich in Vitamin E and oleic acid. It helps strengthen the hair and prevents frizz, breakage, and split ends. It also protects the hair from pollution and UV rays of the sun.

How To Use Olive Oil As Hair Conditioner: 

You can use olive oil as a natural replacement for your usual conditioner by simply applying it to your hair after shampooing, leaving it on for 20 minutes, then rinsing it off with water. 

You can also mix half a cup of olive oil with two eggs, apply it to dry hair for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

9. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a highly moisturizing ingredient that can be used in place of a regular hair conditioner.

Shea butter has several benefits for your hair, including 

• providing moisture to dry hair and scalp
• adding shine and softness
• preventing breakage and split ends
• strengthening hair
• and preventing frizz

How To Use Shea Butter As Hair Conditioner: 

To use shea butter as a conditioner, simply apply a small amount of the butter on your damp hair after you shampoo. Massage the shea butter into your roots, then let it sit in your hair for 15 minutes or so before rinsing it out with cold water. You’ll be left with shiny, healthy locks!

10. Avocado 

Avocado is naturally filled with proteins, healthy fats, and water. Each of these nutrients is perfect for healthy hair, and it makes the hair soft, shiny, and thick.

If you have an avocado on hand, make an easy homemade hair mask that will have your hair feeling soft and smooth in no time!

How To Use Avocado As Hair Conditioner: 

To use avocado as a hair conditioner, simply mix one mashed ripe avocado and one egg in a blender until the ingredients are well mixed. Apply the mixture to your hair, working it into the scalp and then down through the ends. Allow it to sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it out with cool water.

You can repeat this treatment once or twice a week as part of your regular beauty routine.

However, not everyone can use avocado on their hair.

To check if your hair type is suitable for an avocado treatment, rub some of the pulp into your palm and test it out on one or two strands of your own hair. If your tresses appear shiny and healthy afterward, then you’re good to go!

Those with oily hair should beware — the fruit’s high-fat content may cause your scalp to produce more oil than usual.

11. Honey

Honey has natural healing properties that are an excellent option for people who want to reduce their exposure to chemicals. People use honey as a substitute for hair conditioner to improve the health of their scalp and boost moisture in their hair. 

This homemade conditioner is suitable for all types of hair, including dry and damaged hair.

How To Use Honey As Hair Conditioner: 

To make this DIY hair conditioner, mix one-part honey with two parts water and warm the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds. 

Apply this homemade hair conditioner to towel-dried hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wash as normal with shampoo.

12. Argan Oil

As a natural substitute for hair conditioner, argan oil can help moisturize your hair instead of harming it with chemical ingredients.

Argan oil works well on all hair types. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a light, non-greasy moisturizer.

How To Use Argan Oil As Hair Conditioner: 

To use argan oil as a conditioner, simply mix 2 tablespoons of argan oil with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Then apply the mixture to freshly washed (and towel-dried) hair from root to tip and comb through with a wide-tooth comb. Leave the conditioner on for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

13. Tea Rinse 

A tea rinse is exactly what it sounds like; washing your hair with brewed tea instead of shampoo and conditioner. You can make a tea rinse with any type of tea, but black and green tea is considered the best.

Tea rinse is a great DIY conditioner for all hair types; however, it’s especially good for people with oily or fine hair.

The benefits of using a tea rinse include: 

• Soothing and calming inflammation in the scalp 
• Increasing shine and luster in dull, lifeless hair 
• Moisturizing dry, brittle locks 
• Stimulating blood circulation in the scalp encourages healthy hair growth
• Balancing out the pH levels of the scalp helps to prevent dandruff and other issues like fungal infections

Tea Rinse leaves your hair soft and light, which is perfect if you have oily hair that needs to be rid of extra product build-up.

14. Cucumber 

Using cucumber as a hair conditioner alternative is one of the most popular homemade beauty trends.  

Cucumbers are made up of about 95 percent water and contain vitamins A, C, and E.

When used as a conditioner, cucumbers can help to add shine to your hair and leave it feeling soft to the touch.

How To Use Cucumber As Hair Conditioner: 

To use cucumber as a substitute for your regular conditioner, all you have to do is blend it with water and apply it to your wet hair. Leave it in for at least ten minutes, then rinse off with cold water. The cold water will close your pores and trap the moisture from the cucumber. 

You can also add some lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, or coconut oil to the cucumber juice for extra benefits. Depending on your hair type, you can make your own unique blend of these ingredients. 

It is suitable for all hair types, whether you have dry and damaged or oily hair.

15. Gelatin

If you’re searching for a hair conditioner that isn’t going to leave you feeling like your scalp and hair are covered in petroleum jelly, gelatin may be the answer.

Not only does gelatin improve the appearance of your hair and make it easier to style, but it also makes it stronger over time. 

How To Use Gelatin As Hair Conditioner: 

To use gelatin as a hair conditioner substitute, simply mix one packet of gelatin with enough water to create a thick paste in either an applicator bottle or bowl. Then apply the paste evenly throughout your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.

16. Glycerin 

Who knew that you could use glycerin to make your hair conditioner at home?

Glycerin is a natural humectant with multiple uses in skin and hair care, and it also makes a great substitute for hair conditioners. It penetrates the hair shaft and moisturizes it, leaving hair soft and silky.

It’s also easy to make at home! 

How To Use Glycerin As Hair Conditioner: 

All you need is one part glycerin and two parts water. You can adjust the recipe until you get the right consistency for your needs and add any essential oils you like. You’ll have a homemade conditioner that works just as well (if not better) than anything you could buy in a bottle!

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