Manuka honey is our favourite staple in the cupboard. It sweetens our teas and soothes our throats and is even used to cure allergies. But did you know a DIY Manuka Honey hair mask can provide endless benefits for your locks too?

When it comes to DIY hair treatments, most of us reach straight for the coconut oil – another household essential renowned for keeping your hair soft and nourished.

Whilst coconut oil is certainly an incredible thing, Manuka honey is even better. Nutrient-rich and full of antioxidants, Manuka honey will work wonders on your hair and scalp – and leave it smelling incredible too!

So how do you make this magical hair mask?

Well, we’re going to give you the best recipes for a DIY Manuka honey hair mask, and look at all the reasons you should give it a try!

What is different about Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey originates in New Zealand, and has been used for centuries as a natural home remedy for wounds, blemishes, and illnesses. In fact, Manuka honey can be used to brighten your skin, and some experts have said it may even help reduce effects of Asthma!

How to use Manuka honey to brighten your skin

But what’s the difference between Manuka honey and your average, garden honey?

Well, it’s all down to the bee’s production. In New Zealand, local bees pollinate the Manuka bush, and the production of honey using this particular pollen creates a highly vitamin-rich and antibacterial strain of honey. This variety is now renowned for it’s organic and natural health benefits.

Manuka honey pot

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In fact, Manuka honey contains a huge number of antioxidants, including hydrogen peroxide, dihydroxyacetone, and methylglyoxal.

For this reason, Manuka honey can be more costly than other varieties of honey, but the large amounts of properties found in this sweet sticky substance certainly make the extra pennies worthwhile!

So, what can Manuka honey do for your hair?

How can it benefit your hair?

As we already know, Manuka honey has been used for centuries as topical medicines and of course, as a natural sweetener.

But did you know Manuka honey has been used in native New Zealand as conditioning treatments and hair care for thousands of years too?

Well, it has! In actual fact, the list of benefits of Manuka honey on your hair and scalp is endless, but the main benefits are:

  • Repairs dry and damaged hair
  • Provides a natural shine
  • Soothes sore and itchy scalps
  • Strengthens hair and reduces breakage
  • Softens hair
  • Prevents frizz

In addition to these benefits, Manuka honey smells incredible, and will leave your hair smelling wonderful all day.

You can use Manuka honey in shampoos or conditioners, but you will get more benefit from this natural magic hair serum, the longer you leave it on. With that in mind, a hair mask is the best way to get the most out of your Manuka honey hair care.

So, we have provided you with the best recipes for DIY Manuka honey hair masks!

Manuka Honey Hair Mask recipes

Manuka honey is not only a fantastic main ingredient for a DIY hair mask, it also makes an effective binding agent. This means you can add other ingredients to your hair mask to increase the benefits – say hello to luscious locks!

Honey bee on flower

Photo credit: Dmitry Grigoriev via Unsplash

Simple Manuka Honey Hair mask

This recipe is a simple Manuka honey hair mask, perfect for dry or damaged hair. Your hair will definitely thank you for this one!

You will need:

  • 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Shower cap
  • Mixing jug
  • Optional comb for application

You will want to apply the mixture to clean, damp hair.

  1. Add the Manuka honey and olive oil to your jug and stir together well.
  2. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds/heat over a saucepan and stir well again. You will want the mixture to cool slightly but still be warm to touch.
  3. Apply the mixture evenly throughout your hair using the comb or your hands. Start at your roots and work your way down.
  4. If you have particularly dry or damaged ends, apply a thicker layer to ensure the nutrients can penetrate the hair.
  5. Apply the shower cap and leave on your hair for 30 minutes.
  6. Rinse well and shampoo as normal, making sure you remove the mask properly (also take in that beautiful honey scent!)

Avocado and Manuka Honey Hair Mask

This DIY hair mask recipe uses avocado and essential oils to provide a deep conditioning treatment for your hair, whilst providing a relaxing sensation for your mind too – dreamy!

  • 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 ripe avocado – peeled and sliced
  • 3 drops of lavender essential oil (or any oil of your preference)
  • Mixing jug
  • Shower cap
  • Optional comb for application
Avocado halved

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  1. Add the honey, olive oil, and sliced avocado to the mixing jug
  2. Mix well until smooth
  3. Apply the mixture to your hair using your hands or comb, starting at the roots, and working your way down. Make sure to apply plenty of the mask to your ends to ensure a deep conditioning treatment.
  4. Pop the shower cap on and leave for 45 minutes.
  5. Rinse well and shampoo and condition as normal – you will feel the benefits immediately after removing the mask!

Once you have tried a DIY Manuka honey hair mask, you won’t want to use anything else on your hair!

Manuka Honey hair products are popping up all over, and it has become a popular ingredient for many famous beauty brands. Whilst the use of natural ingredients is certainly a good thing in commercial products, it often comes with a high price tag.

An additional benefit to creating your own DIY face mask is that they are much more affordable. Whilst Manuka honey can be more expensive than other varieties, it will last a long time, and as you can see from the hair mask recipes – a little goes a long way!

You can find Manuka honey in your local supermarket or health store. Don’t forget that Manuka honey not only benefits your hair, but can also be used to promote healthy skin, heal wounds or as a delicious addition to tea, breakfast, and baking!

The articles on this site are not medical or certified advice, all content that has been created is simply our opinions,experiences and independent research. We strongly advise seeking professional,qualified expert advice from either your GP or a certified medical practitioner before making any changes to do with your health,diet, exercise or habits.