The Best Hair Masks

Buying Guide for Hair Masks

Why buy a hair mask?

Hair masks improve the overall health of your hair by giving it the boost of moisture it needs. If your hair is chemically treated, dyed, or is just generally feeling dry or lifeless, a hair mask can infuse your hair with nourishing hydration. Hair masks can help repair the bonds of chemically treated hair, smooth frizz, and add volume and definition to your hair. They’re great for all hair textures. A hair mask should generally; be used once a week but could be more or less often, depending on your individual hair care needs. A great detangling brush coupled with reparative hair treatments can also do a lot to strengthen your hair.

What should you look for in a hair mask?

• Ingredients: Choosing a paraben- and sulfate-free mask with all-natural or vegan ingredients is essential for users with scalp sensitivity. Purchase a mask with ingredients that address your individual hair care needs. For instance, someone with chemically-treated, dyed, or over-processed hair may need a mask with more hydrating ingredients than someone without chemically processed hair.
• Hair Type: Picking a mask that is optimized for your hair texture is also essential. Curly hair is often prone to dryness and frizz, so choosing a mask that enhances curl definition while moisturizing the hair is essential if your hair is textured. If you have a straight hair texture, an ultra-thick mask with rich, conditioning ingredients can really weigh down the hair, so choosing a lightweight mask that won’t overwhelm your hair is essential.

How do you apply a hair mask?

A hair mask should generally be applied to clean hair after shampooing. To apply, you should work the mask through the middle and ends of your hair and comb the product through to ensure the mask fully saturates the hair. Put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in a hot, damp towel to trap heat in and ensure that the mask penetrates the hair strands. Leave the mask in for as long as the instructions suggest. While you’re waiting, you can relax with a glass of tea, apply a face mask, or proceed with the rest of your routine. After the mask has sat in your hair for the allotted time, thoroughly rinse the hair with lukewarm water, and apply a rinse-out conditioner if needed.

Our Picks for the Best Hair Masks 

Pros: Get rid of dry, frizzy hair after the first use with this sodium-, sulfate-, and paraben-free mask. The Premium Keratin Hair Mask from Sunatoria is full of important vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin E, omega 3, and omega 9 for deep hydration and split-end repair. Once applied, the keratin penetrates deep into hair strands to improve structure and shine for stronger, smoother hair.

Cons: If you have thin, fine hair, go easy with the amount of product to avoid losing volume at the top.

Bottom Line: This affordable protein treatment is ideal for repairing dry, brittle hair and encouraging shine. Add it to your haircare routine to feel an instant difference.

 

Pros: This award-winning, deep-conditioning hair mask is excellent for revitalizing dry, damaged hair—and it includes an adorable detangling comb and microfiber hair wrap! The Coco & Eve five-in-one repair treatment intensely hydrates your hair with popular, natural ingredients, like argan oil and shay butter, and improves texture, shine, and frizz in as little as ten minutes. It’s gentle enough to leave on overnight for an extra-hydrating experience.

Cons: The instructions recommend using two to three times a week, which means more purchases.

Bottom Line: This all-in-one hair mask adds lustrous shine and incredible softness to damaged hair. Splurge on the high price tag. It’s worth it.

 

Pros: From the popular Keranique brand, this exfoliating hair mask is a gentle solution, infused with keratin amino complex, that helps clean clogged follicles and accelerate scalp turnover for healthier hair health. It also keeps your hair protected from dryness and damage over time from heat treatments and styling products. It’s cruelty-free and contains zero GMOs. All of this is backed by statements made by board-certified dermatologists.

Cons: The dermatologically tested treatment creates an icy, cool feeling on your scalp, which can take some getting used to.

Bottom Line: If you’re having trouble with hair regrowth and scalp health, the Keranique exfoliating mask can help accomplish both with regular use. Plus, it makes your hair feel super soft.

 

Pros: The Marc Anthony Grow Long anti-breakage hair mask is blended with hydrating avocado and argan oil to help smooth hair texture and manageability by reintroducing important proteins back into your hair game. It also uses natural keratin, caffeine, and ginseng to deep condition and enhance shine in hair, helping smooth out dead ends and dullness. all of this promotes a longer, stronger mane. There are no sulfates, parabens, or phthalates, which means lessened environmental risk and chances for allergic reactions.

Cons: If your product arrives without a safety seal beneath the cap, this is normal for the Marc Anthony hair mask.

Bottom Line: Work toward thicker, fuller, softer hair with your new anti-breakage mask. It’s full of all the essential vitamins and nutrients to keep your hair growing long and strong.

 

Pros: Looking for a salon-approved deep conditioner that protects your color-treated hair? This Arvazallia mask with advanced color care helps rejuvenate dry, damaged hair for noticeably silkier, more vibrant strands without compromising your color. Its protein-enriched blend includes with MRV3 complex, which fortifies and strengthens hair from negative effects of coloring, working together with macadamia oil, wheat protein, and aloe to promote growth and softness.

Cons: The product’s fragrance is strong and comparable to menthol or shaving cream.

Bottom Line: If you’re a color lover, boost your hair confidence with this professional-series conditioner that’s designed to soften and add shine to dull manes.

Final Thoughts

Adding a hair mask to your weekly hair care routine can do wonders for your hair. If you find that your hair is feeling dull, dry, or lifeless, applying a nourishing hair mask can restore shine, moisture, and volume to your hair. Weekly hair masks are also great for self-care and will make you look and feel refreshed.