Curd, or dahi, is a rich and creamy dairy product that's naturally moisturizing when applied to your hair and skin. While you can apply curd on top of already oiled hair, you’ll get the greatest benefits from mixing curd with oils and other natural ingredients before massaging it into your tresses. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make nourishing masks with curd and oils, as well as how to apply curd to hair that’s already oiled.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Curd and Oil Hair Masks

  1. 1
    Try a nourishing coconut oil, aloe, and curd mask. You’ll need 1 cup (240 mL) of curd, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of pure aloe gel. Pour the curd into a fine cotton cloth or cheesecloth and shake it gently to separate out excess moisture. Mix the curd, aloe, and coconut oil together in a bowl. Massage the mask into your hair from roots to tips, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly.[1]
    • After rinsing out the mask, wash your hair with gentle shampoo to remove any remaining residue. Try using the mask once or twice a week to keep your hair shiny and soft.[2]
    • If you have really long or thick hair, you can use more curd as needed.
  2. 2
    Whip up a moisturizing olive oil and curd mask. This recipe requires 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of curd or yogurt and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil. You can also add a little almond oil if you like. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon, then massage the mask into your hair from roots to ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes, rinse it out, and wash your hair with gentle shampoo.[3]
    • Use the mask once a week to moisturize and strengthen dull or damaged hair.
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  3. 3
    Combine curd with patchouli oil and fenugreek. Treat a dry, itchy scalp with this powerful combo. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds overnight in water, then strain them. Combine the seeds with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of yogurt or curd and 3 drops of patchouli essential oil. Massage the mixture into your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it out.[4]
    • You may need to wash your hair with a mild shampoo to remove any lingering curd residue.
    • Fenugreek seed is a traditional treatment for hair loss.[5] The antimicrobial properties of patchouli essential oil may also help soothe an irritated scalp.[6]
  4. 4
    Restore dull hair with a curd, egg, and olive oil mask. To make this highly moisturizing hair treatment, mix together 4 tablespoons (59 mL) of curd or yogurt, 1 egg, and 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of olive oil.[7] Combine the ingredients well, then massage the mask into your hair, starting with the roots and then covering the lengths. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for about an hour.[8]
    • If you’d rather not use egg, you can get similar benefits by mixing in the contents of 4 or 5 vitamin E oil capsules.[9]
    • Always use cool water to rinse out any hair mask containing eggs. Otherwise, the egg will cook and clump up in your hair!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Applying Curd to Oiled Hair

  1. 1
    Add curd on top of a penetrating oil. Many plant-based oils are composed of small molecules that allow them get into your hair shaft instead of just sitting on top.[10] This means they’re less likely to block out the effects of other products you put on your hair, like curd. If you plan to use curd on already oiled hair, reach for an oil that penetrates well, such as coconut oil, argan oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil.
    • Avoid using oils that coat and seal the hair, such as mineral oil or jojoba oil. While putting curd on top of one of these oils won’t do any harm, you probably won’t get the full benefits of the curd.
  2. 2
    Test curd in a small area in case it irritates you. Curd is usually safe to put on your skin. However, if you have a dairy allergy, it could cause hives or a rash.[11] Even foods you aren’t necessarily allergic to can irritate your skin.[12] Before applying curd or any other product to your hair or scalp, test it in a small, inconspicuous spot to see how you react.
    • For instance, you might dab a small amount of curd on the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait a few hours to see if any irritation develops.
  3. 3
    Rub the curd onto your oiled hair. To use curd or yogurt on your oiled hair, simply massage it into your scalp or work it into the lengths of your hair, just like a regular conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for about 3 minutes.[13]
    • This will help detangle and moisturize your hair, and it may also soothe your scalp if it’s feeling dry or irritated.
  4. 4
    Rinse out the curd with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly, so you don’t experience excess greasiness or a lingering smell from the curd.[14] If you like, follow up by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo.
  5. 5
    Use curd by itself to treat greasy hair and dandruff. Applying just curd may help cleanse away excess oils on your scalp and get rid of flakes. Massage the curd into your scalp and wait for about 30 minutes. Then, rinse your hair with warm water and style it as you normally would.[15]
    • You can mix curd with another grease-fighting ingredient like honey and use it as a mask. For instance, mix 12 cup (120 mL) of curd or plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey. Apply it to your scalp and hair, let it sit for 30 minutes, and rinse it out with warm water.[16]
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About This Article

Megaera Lorenz, PhD
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 13,303 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: January 13, 2022
Views: 13,303
Categories: Hair Care
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