This DIY Hair Mask Doubles as a Dog Conditioner for Your Pup and It’s Perfect for Pumpkin Season

Guess what, guys? Pumpkin season is upon us! Can you believe? Why not include your furry BFF in the festivities by treating yourself and your pup to this pumpkin-based DIY hair mask and dog conditioner combo. After all, can you think of a better way to spend sweater weather than snuggling up for an at-home doggy-and-me spa sesh?

I’m sure I’m not the only one whose hair has been in need of some major TLC from the summer heatwave. Fortunately, this pumpkin DIY hair mask has been breathing life back into my locks! Pumpkin is not only full of good stuff for the skin (and let’s not forget: It makes for some yummy lattes), but did you know it also boasts beautifying benefits for the hair? It’s rich in vitamin A, C and E, which are all excellent for the scalp, strengthening hair follicles and promoting the re-growth of hair.

And yes, all these antioxidants are much needed for your dog’s skin and coat, too! Along with all the benefits of feeding pumpkin to your dog (be sure to check with your vet, first!), its high water content keeps their skin and coat soft and moisturized.

When we’re all in need of some extra pampering, I whip up this DIY hair mask that doubles as a dog conditioner. It contains that fabulous fall ingredient to soften their fur AND my tresses.

Here’s what you’ll need to try it yourself...

First, in your blender or food processor, add the pumpkin and yogurt and pulse together. Greek yogurt is full of all-natural fats and protein, which deeply hydrates and smooths your hair, and will keep your locks shiny.

Next, add the coconut oil and honey and pulse once more. Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, so it’s no surprise it can also nourish hair and your dog’s coat. Because of its emollient and humectant properties, honey bonds with water molecules, adding moisture to dry hair. Bring on those silky strands!

Finally, add the oatmeal powder and blend until the mixture is totally smooth. Oatmeal contains vitamin B which penetrates the hair shaft and aids in retaining moisture. It can also help with an itchy scalp or skin, soothing away irritation. You might have even spied the ingredient in some pet shampoos, like Frisco Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats and Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo.

Time to hop in the shower! First, I wet my hair and apply the mixture onto my damp hair. Then, I cover my tresses with a shower cap and let them soak up the pumpkin hair mask for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, I put Fira in the shower and apply the dog-friendly pumpkin conditioner onto her wet fur. (No worries if she manages to steal a lick—it’s vet-approved!) I gently scrub it in, giving her a nice little pumpkin dog massage. After about two minutes, I rinse her fur thoroughly. Then, because Fira has a light-colored coat, I gave her a nice, full shampoo treatment to make sure the conditioner didn’t leave behind a pumpkin-hued tint!

After Fira’s pampering session is complete, it’s time to wash out my own hair. The pumpkin hair mask rinses out easily, and then I use my normal shampoo. I don’t need to use conditioner afterward because of the moisture from the coconut oil—but you can follow with your regular conditioner if you desire, of course.

Store any leftover conditioner in a sealable container and keep in the refrigerator for your and your doggo’s next spa day. It’s good for up to five days.

So for everyone who thought pumpkins were only for Halloween, Thanksgiving, pies and lattes (even DIY dog-friendly “lattes!”), you can count on this beta-carotene-filled fruit—yes, it is a fruit!— to beautify your hair and your dog’s precious coat.

Thanks to pumpkins, beauty is in the pie of the beholder!