While store-bought deep conditioners and other hair repairers can be costly, many students do not realize that several on-hand cooking items can be used to nourish their hair.

Many at-home hair masks are made from extremely common items. These ingredients are all interchangeable when mixing or can be used individually on hair as well. However, each ingredient has a different benefit, so mixing different items together will give different results. Here is a list of the most common hair-enriching products and their benefits.

Avocado: From preventing hair loss to promoting hair growth, avocados are used in many hair masks. They add moisture to hair because of the natural oils they contain, which also prevent dandruff. Their numerous vitamins help strengthen hair.

Olive oil: Acting as a natural conditioner for the hair, olive oil nourishes brittle, dry and damaged hair, rejuvenating it to give it a healthy glow.

Honey: This ingredient is especially helpful for dry, dull hair because it has restorative properties that add natural moisture to lifeless hair, making it lustrous.

Egg yolk: Hair is made up mostly of proteins, which is the main reason why egg yolks are used in many hair masks. Over-washing hair may lead to stripping of proteins. To restore these proteins, simply put egg yolk on the damaged hair to prevent breakage.

Oatmeal: Plain oats with milk mask is best for people who want soft hair and a healthy scalp. Oats protect hair follicles and eliminate excessive oils. Applying an oatmeal mask on the scalp treats dandruff, scalp inflammation and scalp irritation. The mask also increases moisture and hair growth.

Coconut oil: This is a key element to happy, healthy hair. Coconut oil can be used in hair masks for an entire hair nourisher or it may also be used as a post-shower, split-ends mender.

Making these ingredients into hair masks is fairly easy. Mixing them together, or applying them separately, simply puree any ingredient. Leave a mask on for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly before shampooing and conditioning like normal; the results are almost instantaneous.

For best results, use a hair mask two to three times a week for the next few months. The difference in softness and shine of your hair will be remarkably improved.