Cardi B may be known for her music, bold personality, and show-stopping style, but there’s one thing she’s been consistently real about: her natural hair journey. For years, the superstar has been open about the struggles and triumphs of caring for her curls, often sharing tips, secrets, and even kitchen-friendly recipes like her favorite hair mask that have helped her hair flourish.
One of those recipes — the now-famous Cardi B Hair Mask — has taken over TikTok and Instagram with millions of views. Fans everywhere claim it leaves their hair soft, shiny, and deeply nourished. As someone with curls that often struggle with dryness, I was curious: does this mask really live up to the hype, or is it just another social media trend?
I decided to try it out for myself — and spoiler alert — I was shocked at the results.
What Is the “Cardi B Hair Mask”?
In 2021, Cardi posted a video of herself blending together a handful of everyday ingredients into a creamy, mint-green paste she used on her hair (and her daughter Kulture’s). The recipe is simple: avocado, aloe, banana, mayonnaise, egg, and oil.
While this may sound unusual to anyone outside the natural hair community, DIY masks like this have been used for generations to treat dryness, strengthen strands, and promote shine. What makes Cardi’s recipe unique is how she combined these ingredients — and of course, how quickly it went viral thanks to her influence.
On TikTok, the hashtag #CardiBHairMask now has more than 25 million views, with creators documenting their before-and-after transformations.
The Ingredients and Their Benefits
Let’s break down why each ingredient in this mask is so powerful for natural hair:
1. Aloe Vera 🌱
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which contribute to cell turnover and healthy growth.
- Contains fatty acids and amino acids that strengthen hair.
- Naturally soothing for the scalp, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
2. Avocado 🥑
- High in natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft, delivering deep moisture.
- Packed with biotin, vitamin E, and potassium — nutrients that fight dryness and dullness.
- Helps smooth frizz and add shine.
3. Egg 🥚
- Egg yolks provide proteins and fats that repair damaged hair.
- Lecithin and cholesterol in the yolk add strength and softness.
- Helps protect against split ends when used occasionally.
4. Mayonnaise 🍴
- Surprising but effective: mayo contains eggs, oil, and vinegar that hydrate brittle hair.
- Adds a layer of softness and shine.
- A great natural “deep conditioner” when used sparingly.
5. Banana 🍌
- Full of potassium and vitamin B6 to support elasticity.
- The natural sugars in bananas help retain moisture.
- Provides antioxidants that protect hair from damage caused by styling or environment.
6. Oil of Choice 💧
- Coconut Oil: Locks in moisture, strengthens strands, reduces breakage.
- Argan Oil: Lightweight, hydrates, adds shine, and improves elasticity.
- Castor Oil: Thickens, promotes growth, and nourishes the scalp.
⭐ Pro Tip: Choose the oil that works best for your hair type. Personally, I swapped coconut oil for argan oil because my curls tend to feel dry when overloaded with coconut.
How to Make the Cardi B Hair Mask
This recipe is quick, simple, and costs less than many deep conditioners at the beauty supply store.
You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 fresh aloe vera leaf (or store-bought pure aloe gel)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon oil of choice (coconut, argan, or castor)
Steps:
- Crack the egg and scoop the gel from your aloe leaf.
- Peel and chop the avocado and banana.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Make sure there are no chunks, or they may be hard to wash out.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl. The color will be bright green but may darken quickly — so it’s best to use it fresh.
✅ Note: This recipe makes a generous batch. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for 1–2 days or freeze portions for later.
How to Apply the Mask (Step-by-Step)
- Start with clean hair. Wash your hair with shampoo or a clay cleanser to remove product buildup. This allows the nutrients to absorb better.
- Section your hair. Divide into 4–6 parts for easier application.
- Apply generously. Scoop the mask and smooth it from root to tip, making sure each curl is coated.
- Cover and wait. Place a shower cap over your hair and let the mask sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water. Avoid hot water, which can “cook” the egg and make rinsing difficult.
Be warned: this process is messy! Wear an old T-shirt or drape a towel around your shoulders.
My Results After Trying the Mask
When I first applied the mixture, I noticed how heavy it felt — but in the best way. It immediately defined my curls, clumping them together in a way I hadn’t seen before.
After rinsing with cool water, my hair felt softer, smoother, and lighter. The shine was undeniable, and my usual frizz was cut in half.
Even two days later, after styling in a braid-out, my curls held their shape and felt hydrated without being weighed down. For me, this mask worked better than some $30+ treatments I’ve purchased.
Things to Know Before You Try
- Use sparingly. This is a protein-heavy treatment. Experts recommend once every 4–6 weeks, not weekly. Overuse can cause protein overload.
- Adjust the recipe. If your hair doesn’t love coconut oil, switch to argan or castor. Customize based on your needs.
- Be ready for leftovers. Unless you have very long hair, you’ll likely make more than one serving. Freeze extras.
- Mess factor. This is not a clean application — but the results are worth it.
FAQs About the Cardi B Hair Mask
1. Can I use this on all hair types?
Yes! While it’s especially popular in the curly and natural hair community, anyone dealing with dryness or breakage can benefit.
2. How often should I apply it?
Every 4–6 weeks is best to avoid protein overload. If your hair is very damaged, you may use it monthly.
3. Does it smell bad?
Not really — the banana and avocado smell is strongest, but once you rinse, the scent fades.
4. Can I store the mask?
Yes, but only for a short time. Refrigerate for 1–2 days or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
5. Will it help with hair growth?
Indirectly. By strengthening and moisturizing strands, it reduces breakage and supports length retention, which helps your hair grow longer over time.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After trying it myself, I can confidently say the Cardi B Hair Mask is worth the hype. It’s affordable, packed with natural nutrients, and leaves curls looking and feeling amazing.
Yes, it’s messy, and yes, it’s not something you’d want to make every week. But as an occasional treatment, it rivals expensive salon products at a fraction of the cost.
If your curls are feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy, give this mask a try. Cardi may be onto something that could change your hair routine forever.