Curd, or dahi, is more than just a staple in Indian kitchens—it can also be a simple and affordable addition to your beauty routine. Naturally rich in lactic acid, proteins and other nutrients, curd has traditionally been used in homemade skincare and hair-care remedies. Its creamy texture makes it easy to combine with ingredients such as honey, besan, aloe vera, coconut oil and fenugreek to create nourishing DIY masks and packs.
When used on the skin, curd may help gently exfoliate dead skin cells, improve the appearance of dullness and leave the skin feeling soft and moisturised. For hair, curd is commonly used as a conditioning ingredient that can help make dry, rough and frizzy hair feel smoother and more manageable.
From simple face masks to nourishing hair packs, there are several ways to incorporate plain curd into your weekly self-care routine. However, as with any DIY beauty remedy, it is important to do a patch test first and avoid using curd on irritated or damaged skin.
DIY Ways to Use Curd for Skin
1. Curd + Honey Face MaskIngredients:
2 tbsp plain curd
1 tsp honey
How to use:
Mix well and apply a thin layer to clean skin. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Benefits: Helps moisturise dry skin and leaves it feeling softer and smoother.
2. Curd + Besan for Tan and DullnessIngredients:
2 tbsp curd
1 tbsp besan (gram flour)
A pinch of turmeric
How to use:
Make a smooth paste and apply it to the face and neck. Leave for about 15 minutes. Wet your hands and gently massage before rinsing.
Benefits: Can help remove surface dead skin and improve the appearance of dull, uneven-looking skin.
3. Curd + Oatmeal for Gentle ExfoliationIngredients:
2 tbsp curd
1 tbsp finely powdered oats
How to use:
Apply the mixture and leave it for 10–15 minutes. Massage very gently with wet fingertips before washing off.
Benefits: Oats can provide gentle physical exfoliation while curd helps soften the skin.
Tip: Don't scrub aggressively, especially if your skin is sensitive.
4. Curd + Aloe Vera for SoothingIngredients:
1 tbsp curd
1 tbsp plain aloe vera gel
How to use:
Mix and apply for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.
Benefits: A simple option when your skin feels dry or tight.
DIY Ways to Use Curd for Hair
5. Curd + Coconut Oil Hair MaskIngredients:
3–4 tbsp curd
1 tbsp coconut oil
How to use:
Apply mainly to the hair lengths and dry ends. Leave for 20–30 minutes, then wash with a mild shampoo.
Benefits: Helps condition dry, rough hair and can make it feel softer and more manageable.
6. Curd + Fenugreek for Dry HairIngredients:
3 tbsp curd
1 tbsp fenugreek (methi) powder or soaked, ground methi
How to use:
Mix into a smooth paste and apply to the scalp and hair lengths. Leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo.
Benefits: Provides conditioning and may help reduce the feeling of dryness and roughness.
7. Curd + Aloe Vera Hair PackIngredients:
3 tbsp curd
1–2 tbsp aloe vera gel
How to use:
Apply from the scalp to the lengths, leave for 20 minutes, and wash thoroughly.
Benefits: Can help make hair feel softer and smoother while providing lightweight conditioning.
8. Curd + Egg for ConditioningIngredients:
3 tbsp curd
1 egg
How to use:
Whisk together and apply to the hair lengths. Leave for 15–20 minutes, then wash with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo.
Benefits: Egg provides protein while curd helps with conditioning, making this a useful occasional mask for dry, dull hair.