Avocados are creamy, rich fruits whose oils hold countless benefits for skin and hair. The avocado’s deeply moisturizing properties help lock in hydration with highly absorbable oils. Avocados promote new cell generation and circulation to promote scalp health and make your skin smoother than a baby’s bottom.
When buying avocados, be sure to purchase legally farmed Mexican avocados. Because avocados have become so popular, illegal farmers are deforesting parts of Northern Mexico where Monarch butterflies winter, leading to decimated Monarch populations.
Avocado Hair Mask Recipes
Avocados have wonderful cuticle-softening, hair smoothing properties — and did I mention they also provide incredible shine? Try these basic avocado mask recipes for gorgeously smooth, soft, and shimmering hair.
Avocado Hair Mask #1
Olive oil adds an extra dose of smoothness. Eggs add protein and strength. Cinnamon can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, increasing hair growth potential.
- ½ avocado, mashed
- ½ banana, mashed
- 1 to 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp organic cinnamon powder (optional)
Combine ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Section hair and apply the mixture from root to tip, making sure you coat every strand. Let the mask sit on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes. Cover with plastic cap and use heat to penetrate more deeply. (Tip: Get a reusable cap you can rinse out and use again, to avoid adding more plastic to the landfills.) Rinse with cool water.
Avocado Hair Mask #2
This deep-conditioning treatment soothes sensitive scalps. Honey provides antiseptic properties, coconut nourishes, and the aloe vera is deeply soothing.
- 1 fully ripened avocado, mashed
- 2 to 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup aloe vera juice
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Section hair and apply the mixture from root to tip, making sure you coat every strand. Let the mask sit on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes. Cover with plastic cap and use heat to penetrate more deeply. Rinse with cool water.
Avocado Face Mask Recipes
Avocados aren’t just yummy and nutritional; they also make skin more supple. Avocado oil provides a natural sunscreen that shields harmful UV rays from penetrating skin. Glam reality star Kim Kardashian admits one of her beauty secrets is using avocado masks to enhance her soft skin and prevent sunburn.
Avocado Face Mask #1
Honey supplements the creamy moisture provided by avocado by helping retain moisture in the skin. Full fat yogurt is a gentle pore-cleansing exfoliator.
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp of raw honey
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 Tbsp full-fat yogurt
Combine mixture in a bowl until well blended. Apply to skin and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Avocado Face Mask #2
This honey, citrus, and avocado blend is a great skin conditioner that tightens pores and infuses your skin with a heavenly glow.
- 3 Tbsp avocado
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ cup orange juice
Combine mixture in a bowl until well blended. Apply to skin and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Have you used avocado in your beauty routine? Share your tips with the Earth911 community!
Editor’s note: Originally published on June 14, 2014, this story was updated in July 2018.