Tired tresses take even more of a beating in winter, with biting winds, dry air and artificial heating all waging war on your carefully maintained mane. Enter the hair mask – the season’s true saviour for restoring moisture and shine. Below, discover the 10 best formulas to keep your locks luscious, whatever your hair type.
What are the benefits of using a hair mask?
Wind, rain, and snow are formidable foes for luscious winter hair. A few months of exposure to these moisture-sappers will leave most of us with frizz to fix, brittle ends. And let us not forget the other culprits: cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity conspire to strip moisture from your mane, leaving it parched and prone to breakage.
That's why we consider hair masks the unsung heroes of hair care, offering a plethora of benefits that can truly transform your tresses. These intensive treatments provide deep conditioning in minutes, repairing potential damage to help tame unruly strands and amplify shine. Hair masks can also strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and enhance elasticity, making them essential for anyone looking to maintain luscious, healthy locks and grow healthy lengths of hair.
How often should I use a hair mask?
The frequency of hair mask application is a common query that largely depends on your hair type and its current condition. For most people, indulging more than once a week will be overdoing. However, if you’re dealing with particularly dry or damaged hair, you might benefit from using a mask twice a week. For oily hair types, less frequent use – such as bi-weekly or monthly – may be sufficient to avoid over-conditioning. It's all about finding that sweet spot where your hair feels pampered but not overwhelmed.
Can hair masks help with hair growth?
The right hair mask can be the secret weapon in your arsenal for achieving those longer, stronger strands you’ve always dreamed of. These power-packed treatments, often infused with biotin, keratin, and essential oils, work wonders by stimulating hair follicles and promoting healthy growth. By fortifying the hair shaft and reducing breakage, these masks not only encourage growth but also ensure your hair looks fuller and more vibrant. Consistent use of hair masks can also improve scalp health, essential for optimal hair growth. So, if you’re dreaming of Rapunzel-esque locks, a good hair mask might just be your fairy godmother.
How do I apply a hair mask for best results?
Applying a hair mask might seem straightforward, but mastering a few techniques can significantly enhance its benefits. Start with clean, damp hair and gently squeeze out excess water to avoid diluting the product, creating a smooth base for the mask to work effectively. Apply the mask evenly from roots to ends, paying extra attention to the most damaged areas. Allow the mask to sit for the recommended time, usually five to 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
For an added boost, wrap your hair in a warm towel while the mask is on. This simple step can make a significant difference as the heat helps open the hair cuticles, allowing the nourishing ingredients to penetrate more deeply. If you’re pressed for time, look for express hair masks that work in just a few minutes.
Can I use a hair mask instead of conditioner?
Hair masks are the heavyweights of hydration and repair in hair care, but they are not meant to completely replace your daily conditioner. You can certainly use a hair mask in place of a conditioner on occasion, especially if your hair is in dire need of extra TLC. However, for the best results, you should use both on rotation in your routine. Remember, conditioners are designed for frequent use, while masks offer a more concentrated treatment, making them perfect for those times when your hair needs a little extra love.
The best hair mask for dry hair
What it does Imbued with rosehip and evening primrose oil, this is the ultimate mask for repairing and moisturising hair. With kakadu plum, algae and vitamins delivered in small beads, this product quite literally explodes with moisture, improving hair's elasticity and shine instantly.
Why we love it Being so hydrating and nourishing is enough to earn this mask a spot on our list, but its fantastic scent makes it even more appealing. No need for hair perfume once this has been applied!
The best hair mask for curly and coily hair
What is it: Formulated with intensely nourishing almond oil, this mask from Davines is designed specifically to care for and condition curly hair. Vitamins B and E, alongside unsaturated fats, enhance the elasticity and volume of hair within just minutes.
Why we love it: While some hair masks need to be left on for lengthy periods to achieve desired results, this mask starts working in minutes: two to five minutes, to be exact. No more standing in the shower, naked and uncertain, waiting for masks to do their magic, as Davines comes to the rescue.
The best hair mask for damaged hair
What is it: K18 consistently delivers fantastic products, and this mask is no exception. Intensive, restorative, and strengthening, this product, with K18's trademark peptide, is clinically proven to improve hair condition in as little as 4 minutes.
Why we love it: While some masks merely seal the hair cuticle to enhance appearance, this mask actively targets and repairs damage. Whether from chemical treatments, UV rays, or other hair products, this mask restores hair to its original, youthful state by rebuilding the keratin chains.
The best hair mask with keratin
What is it: Rich, creamy, and weightless, this mask is set to become your hair's best friend. Packed with Virtue's exclusive Alpha Keratun 60ku complex, it provides an immediate boost of moisture, enhancing shine and elasticity without weighing hair down.
Why we love it: This mask combines promise with luxury. Not only does it do exactly what it claims, but the richness of the formula, the scent, and even the packaging exude luxury. Use it once a week to transform your routine into a sumptuous ritual.
The best hair mask with ceramides
What is it: Gisou promises shinier, stronger, and smoother hair with their mask, and it delivers exactly that. Filled with strengthening ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and restorative Mirsalehi honey, this mask visibly boosts hair health after just one wash.
Why we love it: We all seek results from our masks, but sometimes it’s nerve-wracking to think about the chemicals applied to our strands. Luckily, this Gisou mask is 97 per cent naturally derived, so you can relax knowing Mother Nature is looking out for your hair.
The best high-end hair mask
What is it: Deeply impactful, this mask offers intense hydration and luxurious nourishment as part of your wash routine. It softens even the thickest hair, making it smooth and irresistible after just one use.
Why we love it: The lightweight formula means it can be used every wash if needed, adding a touch of luxury to your routine. Apply as required to achieve envy-worthy hair.
Best hair mask for growth
What it does: The root of any hair growth issue lies in the roots. That's why Maria Nila's mask is such a treat for struggling follicles; it contains ingredients like apigenin, peptides, and oleanolic acid, known to stimulate and improve scalp blood flow. Two key factors that support hair growth and increase density.
Why we love it: Not only does this mask promote growth, but it also helps maintain the scalp and prevent shedding. To create the best environment for hair growth, aloe vera extract calms the scalp, while Piroctone Olamine, along with other nutrients, helps prevent dandruff and scalp problems that can lead to hair loss.
Best hair mask on a budget
What is it: Hair care doesn't have to be expensive, and Lumene’s mask proves just that. One use, packed with Nordic cloudberries, vitamin C, and plant-based protein, leaves hair shinier, softer, and visibly healthier at a budget-friendly price.
Why we love it: Adding a touch of luxury to your routine is nice sometimes, but Lumene’s mask shows it's not always necessary for good results. Its two-in-one formula can be used as a styling cream too. Applying a small amount to dry hair smooths flyaways and frizz while providing ongoing treatment.
The best hair mask for coloured hair
What is it: Trusted and reliable, you can rest assured your hair is in good hands with Björn Axén. Now, you can entrust your coloured locks to this brand, which protects your expensive pigment. As well as being deeply hydrating, this mask is enriched with the brand's Colour Protect Complex, reducing colour fading caused by washing. Additionally, the Smoothing Molecule helps prevent frizz, leaving hair smoother, shinier, and more hydrated after just one use.
Why we love it: The results from using this mask are undeniably excellent, but its light, lively scent makes it even more delightful. With every movement, a heavenly aroma of rose, sandalwood, and berries will captivate your senses.
The best hair mask for bleached hair
What it is A colour-maintaining mask, like the Björn Axén one mentioned, can treat bleached hair, but sometimes these highly processed tresses require extra TLC. This deeply penetrating, bond-building reparative mask from Olaplex is perfect for the job. Its patented bond technology, combined with avocado and rice bran oils, strengthens, nourishes, conditions, and softens hair, while hyaluronic acid, squalane, and rose hip seed extract provide deep hydration and shine. Your bleached hair will thank you.
Why we love it Surprisingly, only a small amount of this product is needed to achieve the recommended results. For shoulder-length hair, at least two pumps should suffice. Instead of daily use, once a week is enough to maintain strength, smoothness, and shine.