Like many women, I’m guilty of occasionally thinking the grass is greener when it comes to my hair. I recognize, however, that I’m lucky in that my hair dries straight and requires no dye or color treatment (minus a lemon in the sun every so often like I’m a preteen).

This is really helpful for me because I am lazy when it comes to doing anything with my hair. Ninety percent of the time I wear it in a basic pony; before becoming a stay-at-home mom it was still probably around 65%.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy getting dolled up and doing my hair and makeup, but I also very much enjoy having a pony and bare face. I’m also perpetually running behind schedule (a classic procrastinator), so by necessity I’ve developed three getting ready routines:

1. Full hair and makeup for nice events that will have some sort of photographic evidence (e.g., a wedding)
2. BB cream, powder, mascara, maybe eyeliner (if we’re getting fancy), and a 50/50 chance of hair being dried for when I need to look presentable but no one really cares, including me (e.g., work)
3. Chapstick and nothing more for most other occasions (e.g., watching six episodes of True Blood in a row and telling myself that Baby Bear is still probably too young to understand what’s on the TV)

Given this information, it should come as no surprise that I am also lazy when it comes to scheduling regular haircuts. In fact, I probably have only two a year.

You see, I really like to switch up my look with dramatic haircuts every couple of years, which I think is a result of refusing to dye my hair but still wanting change. And, I figure if I’m going to grow it out and cut it all off anyway, I might as well wait long enough to donate it and help out people in need. As a result, I’ve donated roughly 70 inches of hair in the last 12 years. (While I’ve historically done Locks of Love, I’ve since discovered that I’d rather support Pantene Beautiful Lengths and will likely donate there next).

Since I put my hair in a constraining pony so much, go so long between cuts, and want to donate the healthiest hair I can provide, I like to treat myself to a seriously easy DIY hydrating hair mask every so often.

Here’s how you can do it yourself.

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask

After reading through suggestions, I realized most of the masks recommended used the following, plus more. Since I already had these at home, I just messed around until I found something easy and effective.

Ingredients

• Equal parts extra virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil (start with 2 tbsp. of each and alter as needed depending on your hair’s length)
• 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado, pitted and smashed
• A towel on standby

Okay, so I accidentally left the avocado pit in for this picture. I’ll award points if you creatively figure out how to use it for your hair.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly add the coconut oil and whisk until it’s melted and mixed in with the olive oil. Then add the smashed avocado (careful, it might be hot!). It will be fairly lumpy.

Wet your hair using warm water. Grab your towel and keep it nearby.

Bring your head and your oil concoction to your kitchen sink. Over the sink, slowly dip the ends of you hair in the oil. Since the avocado is clumpy, use your hands to spread the mixture up the strands, avoiding the roots.

Once your hair feels saturated, secure it with a bun or push it out of your face if it’s not long enough to tie up.

I repeat: do this over your kitchen sink. I learned the hard way that you do NOT want to clog your bathroom sink with oil and avocado. Papa Bear was not pleased.

Wrap the towel around your head to keep oil off your face and clothes.

Let the oil sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes. I’ve done as little as 30 minutes and as long as 4 hours, but the latter was because the landlord turned our water off for a burst pipe. Perfect timing.

Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally do. The first time it dries, it might be a little oily. After that, it should be silky and smooth!

I felt like such an idiot posing for this picture. 

In addition to this hair mask, I take biotin vitamins to help my hair grow a little faster (and to help make up for my trichotillomania habits, but that’s a post for a different day).

Your Turn

Tell me what YOU do to keep your hair healthy. I’m always looking for new suggestions. Of course, I’d prefer ones that don’t require too much effort.