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Overnight Hair Mask: 5 Best Overnight Hair Masks To Try 2024

Pete Martin

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

overnight hair mask
Overnight hair masks can revitalize your hair while you sleep. Photo: Thanh Pham

Overnight hair masks are a game-changer in the world of hair care. These nourishing treatments work their magic while you sleep, providing your locks with the nutrients and hydration they need. If you’ve ever awakened with dry, frizzy hair and wished for rejuvenated strands, incorporating an overnight hair mask into your routine might be just what your tresses need.

With so many overnight hair mask options, choosing one that’s perfect for you can be overwhelming. To simplify the selection process, we’ve rounded up five of the best overnight hair masks and oils for hair for every hair type. By adding one of these powerful treatments to your routine, you’ll be well on your way to waking up with healthier, more beautiful hair.

5 Best Overnight Hair Masks For Hair Growth

The five best overnight hair masks for hair growth are:

  1. Coconut oil and honey mask.
  2. Banana and avocado mask.
  3. Egg and yogurt mask.
  4. Olive oil and aloe vera gel mask.
  5. Cinnamon and coconut oil mask.

Our guide gives you the details on all five and application tips for the best results.

Best Overnight Hair Mask To Promote Growth

Coconut Oil And Honey Mask

overnight hair mask
Here are the Ingredients for a Coconut Oil and Honey Mask. Photo: Marta Maziar/Shutterstock

Mix equal parts coconut oil and honey in this recipe and apply them to your hair. Coconut oil reduces protein loss, which keeps hair looking healthy.[1] Meanwhile, the antioxidants in honey help with conditioning.[2] While this mask is great for moisturizing dry and damaged hair, it can become sticky, thick, and difficult to wash out — so you might need to shampoo twice.

Banana And Avocado Mask

overnight hair mask
The Banana and Avocado Mask adds shine and moisture. Photo: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Mash one banana and one avocado together, or blend it in a blender to get rid of lumps, and apply it evenly to your hair. It’s best for damaged, frizzy or dry hair. The silica in bananas helps the body synthesize collagen — the foundation of vibrant, healthy hair. Meanwhile, the minerals in avocados help condition and soften hair follicles.

While this mask adds shine and moisture to the hair, it can also be challenging to wash out. 

Egg And Yogurt Mask

Egg And Yogurt Mask
The Egg and Yoghurt Mask strengthens hair. Photo: kazmulka/Shutterstock

Mix two eggs and half a cup of plain yogurt in a blender and apply it evenly to your hair. The protein from the eggs strengthens hair follicles and helps reduce hair loss.[3]

While this mask is great for strengthening hair, it can have a strong odor and may be difficult to wash out. Additionally, it may not be suitable for people with egg allergies.

Olive Oil And Aloe Vera Mask

Olive Oil And Aloe Vera Mask
The olive oil and aloe vera mask repairs and moisturizes. Photo: NIKCOA/Shutterstock

Mix two teaspoons of olive oil, fresh aloe vera leaf extract or gel, and two egg yolks and apply them to your hair. This mask is suitable for all hair types, repairing and moisturizing dry and damaged hair. Aloe vera helps moisturize,[4] while olive oil helps soothe the scalp

Cinnamon And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Cinnamon And Coconut Oil Hair Mask
The Cinnamon and Coconut Oil Hair Mask promotes growth. Photo: Kira Garmashova/Shutterstock

Mix 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and apply them to your hair. While this mask promotes hair growth and strength, it may irritate sensitive scalps. Cinnamon is known to prevent hair loss and balding.[5] However, cinnamon may stain clothing or bedding if not fully washed out. 

Can You Leave A Hair Mask On Overnight?

Yes, you can leave your hair mask on overnight.

Overnight masks are designed to provide deep conditioning and hydration to your hair while you sleep. These treatments can help revive, refresh, and rehydrate your hair. They can strengthen, smooth, and moisturize dry, unruly hair.

However, you do have to be careful when leaving a hair mask on for an extended period. If you apply an overnight mask and leave it on too long, it can lead to breakage. To avoid overdoing it, always follow the instructions on the product packaging or the advice of a hair care professional.

In summary, overnight hair masks are a great way to deep condition and hydrate your hair. Just be sure to select a mask that suits your specific hair texture and needs. 

Benefits Of An Overnight Hair Mask

An overnight hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment that works wonders for your hair while you sleep. It helps nourish and repair weakened, damaged, or brittle strands by providing extensive treatment to repair damaged hair. Whether you’re seeking moisture for dehydrated hair, smoothing frizz, or strengthening and detangling, there’s a suitable overnight hair mask for your needs.

Just as with regular conditioning treatments, overnight hair masks offer a range of benefits tailored to your unique hair texture and styling goals. Here are some notable advantages:

  • Moisturizing: Overnight hair masks can deeply hydrate and nourish dry, lifeless hair. They help seal in moisture, leaving your hair feeling soft and manageable the following day.
  • Strengthening: Many overnight hair masks contain proteins and vitamins that fortify weak hair and prevent breakage. They contribute to increasing hair elasticity and overall hair strength.
  • Repairing damage: Overnight masks can mend hair damage caused by a range of factors- including heat styling, chemical treatments, and other environmental factors. They can help restore the hair’s health by repairing and reinforcing the shaft.
  • Taming frizz: These masks are designed to smooth hair cuticles, control frizz, and make your hair more manageable when styling.
  • Promoting hair growth: Some overnight hair mask ingredients include fatty acids, shea butter, or vitamin E, which may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

To maximize the benefits of an overnight hair mask:

  1. Apply the product to clean, wet, hair that has been towel-dried before bedtime.
  2. Cover your pillowcase with a towel to prevent stains.
  3. Remember that each mask has unique instructions for application, so apply the mask evenly and follow the label’s guidelines closely.
  4. Wash your hair thoroughly the next morning.

How To Use An Overnight Hair Mask Effectively

Before starting, make sure you’ve chosen the best hair mask for your hair type — and one that won’t interfere with your beauty sleep. Once you have the mask, follow these steps for maximum benefits.

First, wash your hair with regular shampoo to remove buildup, pollutants, and impurities. This allows better mask absorption into your hair shaft and hair follicles. After washing, gently towel dry your hair, leaving it damp — not soaking wet or completely dry.

Next, apply the hair mask to your damp hair. Begin with a tiny amount, about the size of a coin, and spread it evenly through your hair. Focus on applying the mask from mid-lengths to the ends where your hair is most likely to be dry or damaged. Try to avoid applying too much product as it may leave your hair greasy.

For easy and even application, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to distribute the mask throughout your hair. This ensures that every strand is coated with nourishing ingredients.

Once the hair mask is applied, cover your hair with a towel or shower cap to prevent the mask from getting onto your pillowcase while you sleep. Then, leave it on all night to allow it to work its magic.

In the morning, rinse the mask out of your hair with lukewarm water. Use shampoo and conditioner, then style your hair as usual.

By using an overnight hair mask effectively, you can help restore moisture, manage frizz, and promote healthier, more manageable hair. Remember to choose the right mask for your hair type, and follow these steps to get the best results from your chosen product.

The Bottom Line

A quality overnight hair mask can truly transform your hair health. 

When choosing the best overnight hair mask for your unique needs, consider factors such as your hair type, concerns, and your budget. By incorporating one of these top-rated options into your haircare routine, you can help improve your overall hair appearance and health.

And, of course, there are other steps you can take to protect and nourish your locks, including superfoods for healthy hair and a range of hair products


+ 5 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Rele AS;Mohile RB (2021). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of cosmetic science, [online] 54(2). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  2. Burlando, B. and Cornara, L. (2013). Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. [online] 12(4), pp.306–313. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12058.
  3. Almohanna, H.M., Ahmed, A., Tsatalis, J.P. and Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. [online] 9(1), pp.51–70. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6.
  4. Amar Surjushe, Resham Vasani and Saple, D.G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. [online] 53(4), pp.163–163. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785.
  5. Alekhya Veeramaneni, Deepan Thiyagarajan and Magharla Dasaratha Dhanaraju (2021). A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DYEING EFFICIENCY AND RETENTION CAPACITY OF FORMULATED POLYHERBAL HAIR DYE. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358263237_A_COMPARATIVE_STUDY_OF_DYEING_EFFICIENCY_AND_RETENTION_CAPACITY_OF_FORMULATED_POLYHERBAL_HAIR_DYE?enrichId=rgreq-2ad08a4b0c2a8c4b3b45db03281da727-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM1ODI2MzIzNztBUzoxMTE4NjA2NDczNjA1MTI1QDE2NDM3MDc5NzQyODQ%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf
Pete Martin

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Pete is a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer, with a Diploma in "Nutrition and Wellness" from the University of Aberdeen. He believes firmly in the importance of a holistic approach to healthy living. He is a keen reader, amateur boxer (very amateur, he hastens to add!) and practises Transcendental Meditation.

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

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