When your hair is desperately dry and damaged, there are times when a regular conditioner just won't cut it. If your ends are starting to fray, your colour is looking dull, or your curls are looking limp, then it's time to call on the big guns: hair masks and intensive treatments.
Think of hair masks as a much more concentrated version of conditioner that aims to address whatever your hair woe might be, whether that's a lack of moisture, an overabundance of heat tools, greasy roots, saggy curls, brittle ends, or faded highlights. In between trips to the hairdresser, masks are a great way to keep your strands looking healthy. "Hair masks are a great way to get the condition back, whether you're suffering from loss of moisture or lots of damage from overstyling," London-based hairstylist Lewis Pallett [1] said.
And we're sorry to say it, but it's pretty darn easy to damage your hair, whether that's due to regular dyeing or daily styling sessions with hot tools. That's where masks can make a huge difference. It's generally recommended to use a hair mask once a week, and leave it on for a minimum of five to 10 minutes, although many can be left on overnight every few months for maximum conditioning.
However, just like not all hair types and textures are the same, not all hair masks are created equal. Sure, there are some great multitasking formulas out there, but then there are masks that are good for fine hair but won't do a thing for coarser textures; treatments for natural hair types that may grease up limp roots; while there are also masks specifically out there to cleanse away scalp build-up or seal up split ends. Luckily for us, there are tons of impressive formulas out there — some spenny, some not — but that can also make the choice a little overwhelming. With so many to pick from, you might not know where to start, and that's where we come in. As beauty editors, we've tried a lot of 'em, so we've rounded up our absolute favourite masks for every hair type.
So, if you fancy taking your regular hair routine up a notch, read on to see which hair masks are the very best for whatever your hair concern might be.
For Dry, Damaged Hair: Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask
It doesn't matter if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or straight, leave the Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask [2] (£28) on your hair for 2-5 minutes and your strands will be immediately stronger, less frizzy, and easier to comb through when you get out of the shower. The secret (in addition to a combination of plant oils, plant extracts, and shea butter) is the brand's proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, which is a pure, whole, ethically-sourced human keratin protein. The molecule is identical to the keratin in your hair and because of that, it fits into damaged strands like a jigsaw puzzle, filling in the damaged bits and ultimately leaving your hair silky and soft — even if it actually looks like a broomstick.
For Dry, Damaged Hair: The Body Shop Shea Butter Hair Mask
The Body Shop Shea Butter Hair Mask [3] (£12) is a deeply conditioning treatment formulated with community trade shea butter from Ghana (handcrafted by women working with The Body Shop), cocoa butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. Think of this mask as a big tub of TLC for your parched and/or frayed strands.
For Dry, Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
The Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask [4] (£26) is one of those beauty products that lives up to all the hype. Just one use and your ends look softer, your colour looks more vibrant, and overall your hair looks healthier and shinier.
The main difference between the No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask and the brand's first deep treatment product, the No. 3 Hair Perfector, is that No. 8 is made with a handful of new ingredients, many of which can be found in skin-care products (ie hyaluronic acid [5], ceramides, and rosehip oil — all of which add significant hydration when applied to skin and hair). Both products, as well as all Olaplex products, also contain bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which according to the brand, is proven to add twice as much shine, four times more hydration, and six times more smoothness to all hair types. Read our full review of the mask here [6].
For Dry, Damaged Hair: Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment
Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment [7] (£24) is a great shout for overprocessed, chemically treated, or heat-damaged strands. The formula is rich in castor seed oil, jojoba oil, and lactic acid. While most of us are used to using lactic acid on our face, it can bring the same incredible benefits to your hair and scalp by getting rid of buildup and pollutants without stripping your hair's natural oils.
For Dry, Damaged Hair: Davines Quick Fix Circle Mask
Davines Quick Fix Circle Mask [8] (£8.50) is one of hairstylist Lewis Pallett's favourites. "The masks you'll always find in my kit are the The Circle Chronicles from Davines, which is a range of seven different masks the come in small, travel-sized pouches (perfect for travelling)," he says. "I love them all, but if I have to pick one favourite it would be the Quick Fix Circle, because it not only provides hair with a surge of hydrating ingredients that make it instantly softer and smoother, but also because for me, time is always the one thing I don't have."
For Dry, Damaged Hair: Aussie SOS Supercharged Hair Mask
Aussie SOS Supercharged Hair Mask [9] (£10) is ideal for damaged hair in need of some serious rescuing. After just one use, it leaves hair feeling super hydrated and, of course, it has that distinct Aussie scent that people just can't resist. Plus, being in a tub means that this mask will last you for a good few uses. What's more, Aussie is teaming up with Superdrug this month to donate £1 to WWF for every Aussie SOS Supercharged Repair or Moisture Vegan Hair Mask sold.
For Afro Hair Textures: Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask with Aloe Vera
"Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask with Aloe Vera [10] (£20, originally £27) is my personal favourite," says Kia. "It has incredible slip for detangling coarser curl textures, plus it's light enough for use as a leave-in conditioner, but hydrating enough for the most moisturised, shiny, and defined curls of your life in only a few minutes (compared to most deep conditioners that require 20 minutes to penetrate the hair shaft). I love this suff so much that I had to cut open the bottle and scoop the very last drop." The best part? It's made of 98 percent natural ingredients, and contains absolutely no parabens, silicones, or SLES.
For Afro Hair Textures: Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque [11] (£11) is worth every bit of its five-star review that you'll find on most websites. The reason it's a bestseller is because of the incredible cocktail of ingredients. "Anything with Jamaican black castor oil works incredibly with type 4 Afro hair, in addition to shea butter, which is lauded for its thick, superhydrating consistency," says Kia. It also contains peppermint which not only feels invigorating on your scalp, but also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that relieve dry scalp." Apple cider vinegar is also great for calming irritation and relieving dandruff. "This mask works wonders on bleached Afro hair, and make sure to try it as an overnight treatment, because it will get you hooked," she adds.
For Afro Hair Textures: DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Divine Deep Conditioner
"I have yet to meet someone who doesn't absolutely love DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Divine Deep Conditioner [12] (£24.50)", says Kia. "All of the brand's products are incredible, but DevaCurl's hair mask is just about the most luxurious thing that will touch your curls, coils, and kinks." The mask is made with three intensely hydrating nut and seed butters: cacao (antifrizz), murumuru (moisturising), and cupuacu (nourishing hydration). While it is a bit on the spenny side, it leaves your hair super lush and hydrated.
For Afro Hair Textures: Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
The Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque [13] (£16) is perhaps one of the most hyped hair masks of all time [14]. "Frankly, I am super sceptical about anything with such a strong Instagram presence, but after 20 minutes of this mask wrapped around my 4a curls, I was surprised at how luscious, soft, and shiny they were," says Kia. "Formulation-wise, coconut is always a winner for Afro hair because it deeply penetrates the hair follicles, but fig is definitely a new player among Afro hair ingredients. Fig is meant to increase blood circulation on the scalp, which results in faster hair growth."
For Afro Hair Textures: Dizziak Deep Conditioner
Created by Londoner Loretta De Feo, Dizziak Deep Conditioner [15] (£22) is a hidden gem. This hair-and-scalp saver is specifically formulated for multitextured hair by offering a sumptuous mix of five oils (babassu, coconut, argan, castor, and inca inchi), plus aloe vera, shea butter, and quinoa protein.
For Afro Hair Textures: Big Hair + Beauty Deep Conditioning Clay Mask
Big Hair + Beauty Deep Conditioning Clay Mask [16] (£20) literally smells like chocolate and has an impressive mix of ingredients. First off, the delicious scent is because of the natural cocoa butter that makes up the bulk of this UK brand's bestselling product. It also contains wonder oils like coconut, castor, and avocado, plus aloe vera juice and honey. "My favourite part of this mask is the Moroccan rhassoul clay, which opens pores on the scalp and improves elasticity, while also reducing frizz and dryness", says Kia. "The mask also contains banana powder, which is something I haven't really seen before, but it works great for boosting shine and maximising hydration." Definitely worth a try.
For Afro Hair Textures: Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque
Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque [17] (£8) is a product that works for a wide range of curl types, and with a price under a tenner, it's definitely worth a spot in your beauty cupboard. This top-rated formula is rich in all our favourite coil-loving oils, like coconut, avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, olive, argan, neem, carrot, macadamia, and mango, plus honeysuckle, aloe leaf juice, nettle, and silk amino acids. "This mask definitely contains the most luxe mix of oils, and the fact that it's specifically formulated for natural hair means I'm already sold" says POPSUGAR assistant editor Kara Kia.
For Afro Hair Textures: Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask
The Bread Beauty Supply Hair Mask [18] (£26), which smells like marshmallows, can be rinsed out or left in over night, and leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated. Made with Australian Kakadu plum (a good source of vitamin C) and starflower oil, the mask gives you a gorgeous foundation for styling.
For Afro Hair Textures: Shedid & Parrish Deep Restoring Conditioner
The Shedid & Parrish Deep Restoring Conditioner [19] (£27), might not say "mask" in the name, but that doesn't mean it doesn't seriously condition and coddle your hair — it's honestly one of the top three best deep conditioners [20] we've ever used. The formula is absolutely beautiful because it's made with some of the best oils and butters for multitextured hair — olive oil, castor-seed oil, and shea butter. It deeply moisturises coils and kinks while having enough slip to easily detangle in the shower — which is basically our standard of how good a deep conditioner is.
For Colour-Treated Hair: Rita Hazan Weekly Remedy Treatment
Rita Hazan Weekly Remedy Treatment [21] (£34) is an impressive masking treatment for colour-treated hair. The quick, two-step treatment can be used in the shower and rinsed off immediately, which means no hanging around for it to soak in. It's definitely one of the most expensive masks on the market, but I can confirm the promise of immediate results (think: less frizz, smother strands, brighter colour in one wash) is true. I was also surprised how long these small tubes lasted — a little goes a long way.
For Colour-Treated Hair: Josh Wood Everything Mask
Created by legendary London hair colourist, Josh Wood, this mask does exactly what it says on the bottle: everything. Josh Wood Everything Mask [22] (£15) is deeply conditioning (honestly, you won't be able to stop touching your soft hair afterwards), and keeps your hair from fading, all in just 5-10 minutes.
For Colour-Treated Hair: Bleach London Reincarnation Mask
As it states right on the packaging, the Bleach London Reincarnation Mask [23] (£7.50) truly does bring bleached, damaged, brittle hair back to life. The formula is incredibly rich and creamy (almost like a body butter), and we swear we can feel our hair soaking it up after applying it. It's made with sunflower seed extract, wheat proteins, and glycerin that all together help hydrate the hair, which in turn make strands more elastic and flexible (therefore leading to less breakage). You can immediately feel the difference in the quality of your hair after rinsing it out, and once your hair is dry, strands look softer, shinier, and smoother.
For Colour-Treated Hair: Pureology Hydrate Colour Care Superfood Mask
Harriet Muldoon, a colourist at Larry King salon in London (who is known for being particularly adept at creating natural-looking shades of blonde), recommends Pureology Hydrate Colour Care Superfood Mask [24] (£20). She notes that it's especially great for those with bleached hair thanks to its rich, nourishing formula that contains both coconut and avocado oils.
For Colour-Treated Hair: The Hair Boss The Double Mask
New to the market this year, The Hair Boss The Double Mask [25] (£13, originally £20) is a dual-phase operation, and it means business. The first mask (bond repair) contains hydrolysed keratin, which increases moisture retention and reduces breakage, and the second mask (moisture hit) contains hyaluronic acid, a well-known skin-care ingredient, which gives your hair (as the name suggests) a moisture hit. Hair looks shiny, vibrant, and healthy after just one use.
For Fine Hair Textures: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment [26] (£19), is a classic formula — and pretty incredible product. It's formulated with hydrolysed elastin, which penetrates the hair and increases elasticity (which basically means your hair won't snap as much when brushing or styling it) without completely weighting strands down. It also contains castor oil and glycerin to help keep your hair moisturised.
For Fine Hair Textures: Pantene Hair Biology Full & Vibrant Mask
If you're looking for a moisturising mask to help repair damaged ends, but don't want to lose any volume, try the Pantene Hair Biology Full & Vibrant Mask [27] (£7). In just a few short minutes, it hydrates and brightens up your hair colour, all without weighing down strands. Your hair will still feel light and bouncy once dry.
For Fine Hair Textures: L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Pro Longer Lengths Renewing Masque
My hair has always been long and that's exactly how I like it, so focusing on deep conditioning the ends is what I look for in a hair mask. I have a lot of hair but it's very fine, which is why I often turn to L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Pro Longer Lengths Renewing Masque [28] (£14) to give it some much-needed moisture. It's formulated with L'Oréal's proprietary "Filler A100 technology" which aims to plump the hairs fibres and make them look fuller, plus amino acids to strengthens and reinforce weak strands.
For Fine Hair Textures: Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense Cheveux Fins
Formulated especially for fine hair, the Kérastase Nutritive Masquintense Cheveux Fins [29] (£31) has been around a long time and beloved by beauty editors and hairstylists alike. The treatment contains glucose proteins to deeply condition and repair the hair fibres without completely weighing the hair down. And while it is spenny, we promise that the Kérastase mask tubs do last a long time.
For Curly Hair Textures: Davines Love Curl Mask
Davines Love Curl Mask [30] (£23) will keep curls ultra-conditioned without compromising their shape and springiness. Thanks to noto almond extract in the creamy formula, this mask will deeply moisture strands without disrupting the texture of the hair.
For Curly Hair Textures: Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask
Curls will bounce back to life after using the Living Proof No Frizz Intense Moisture Mask [31] (£33) once a week. This mask contains zero silicones but instead uses Living Proof's "healthy hair molecule", which protects each strand by forming a lightweight coating without weighing it down as traditional silicones might. The addition of shea butter in the formula means hair has reduced frizz with maximum moisture in just five minutes.
For Curly Hair Textures: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Deep Conditioner
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Deep Conditioner [32] (£7) is an inexpensive mask that boasts 4 half stars on 2905 customer reviews — now that's impressive. The mask is infused with abyssinian oil giving it a lightweight and non-greasy texture, which after just three to five minutes replenishes and hydrates curls.
For Curly Hair Textures: Ouai Curl Crème
When Ouai launched its first product, a curl jelly, they missed the mark, something the brand fully admits. It's why for the brand's latest curl-focused launch, it reached out to 150 curly-haired Ouai fans all over the US (pre-pandemic) and listened to their top hair concerns and desires, and then developed a new product based on their feedback. The result? The Ouai Curl Crème [33] (£15), which comes in both a fragranced and unfragranced version (so that you can use a gel over it without layering too many different competing smells), and in a large recyclable tube.
Tested on curl types 3A to 4C, the rich hydrating and shaping cream doesn't contain silicone, but it does contain a slew of oils including linseed, chia, babassu, coconut, and soybean, which together help to leave curls and coils soft, shiny, moisturised, smooth, and defined.