Hair masks are an essential part of any thorough hair care routine, but you’d be forgiven if you weren’t sure what the best one for you is. After all, not all hair masks are created equal and while you might have found one that you love, is it really addressing your hair concerns?
When it comes to the most suitable hair mask for you, it’s important to consider why you’re using a hair mask in the first place.
Is your hair typically dry? Oily? Or perhaps a little frizzy or damaged? Our haircare needs and concerns are largely shaped by our hair type.
Once you’ve identified your hair type, it’s time to find the best hair mask for you.
Dry hair
Dry hair can be a real pain. It can often feel brittle and fragile and requires a lot of extra TLC. The main objective when determining the best hair mask for dry hair is to find a formula that is going to replenish all the moisture that your strands are lacking.
The best hair mask for dry hair…
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment
We say: Dry hair often means breakage and split ends. Lather up Shea Moisture’s ultra-hydrating mask, enriched with Manuka honey and shea butter to fortify weak strands and leave your hair shiny, nourished and strong.
You say: ‘It was silky smooth when I rinsed it off. After drying my hair, I had soft, silky hair, right to the ends that can usually be a bit ‘crunchy’ from dryness. Somehow my hair feels ‘relaxed’ and more obedient after using this.” – Jupiter
Want to know more? Read SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment reviews here…
$25 at Oz Hair and Beauty
Oily hair
Finding that your hair gets really oily not long after washing? You need a mask to balance all the excess oil production without stripping all the essential moisture out of your hair. Look for something with clarifying ingredients to absorb oils and impurities right at the scalp.
If you’re still looking for a nourishing hair mask to work its magic on dry ends, apply the balancing mask to the scalp while focusing a conditioning mask on the ends. Make sure the nourishing mask is never applied higher than the ears to avoid more heaviness at the roots.
The best hair mask for oily hair…
Christophe Robin Purifying Mask With Thermal Mud
Christophe Robin has taken a star lineup of ingredients for combatting oil and put them into a hair mask. The purifying mask contains thermal mud and salicylic acid for a total pre-wash detox that absorbs oil without being overly drying.
$68 at Sephora
Damaged hair
Whether your hair has been damaged from frequent dye jobs or has been suffering from exposure to the elements, there’s a hair mask to help.
Choose an intensive formula that will get right into all the weak spots in your hair and work to strengthen your strands. Overnight hair formulas can be a great option if you’re wanting an even deeper nourish for the locks.
The best hair mask for damaged hair…
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask
If you haven’t tried it yourself, you’ve likely heard your friends raving about it. This no-rinse hair mask works to reverse damage caused by heat styling, colouring and just general wear and tear. This formulation is more than just a delicious-smelling product you pull out on pamper day. The patented bioactive peptides make it effective in strengthening, thickening and reversing weakened strands.
$99 at Adore Beauty
Frizzy hair
Tame the frizz with a regular hair mask that’s designed to smooth your strands. Frizz can often be caused by a lack of moisture in the hair, so a hair mask for the frizzy type needs to help restore hydration.
Banish unruly hair by using a weekly mask that contains natural oils that will deeply moisturise the shaft of the hair.
The best hair mask for frizzy hair…
Redken Frizz Dismiss Hair Mask Intense Smoothing Treatment
We say: Leave on towel-dried hair for 15 minutes and enjoy soft, shiny and smooth hair that is otherwise unruly. Enriched with babassu oil, Redken’s intensive mask will hydrate, repair and tame all in as little as one use.
You say: “So I’m always excited to try out new product to tame the lion mane. After getting my haircut I asked my hairdresser what the best products were to tame my hair and she recommended this product. I pained a little at the price but I was ready to splurge on my hair and I am SO glad I did! My hair has noticeably become a lot softer and less frizzy” – Littlej182
Want to know more? Read Redken Frizz Dismiss Hair Mask Intense Smoothing Treatment reviews here…
$39.95 at Oz Hair and Beauty
Coloured hair
After spending hours at the hairdresser getting that perfect colour, the last thing you want to see is it all disappearing down the shower drain.
Using a colour-saving hair mask is a must for giving your colour the best longevity. Ingredients like bamboo extract can help to strengthen the hair and keep your beautiful colour intact and prevent future fading.
The best hair mask for coloured hair…
Aveda botanical repair™ intensive strengthening masque rich
We say: For the hair that needs a little TLC, anything Aveda will do the job but particularly this rich mask. Made from 94 per cent naturally derived ingredients, the intensive treatment targets three layers of hair, leaving strands softer, healthier and shinier within 15 minutes. Plus, the gentle nature of the formula won’t dry out hair nor will it strip existing colour.
You say: “Absolutely love this mask, it is one of my all time favourite now. It is decadently rich and creamy in texture but glides so easily through the hair lengths. The scent is incredible (like all Aveda products). In just 5 minutes my hair is left feeling dramatically different, from lank and lifeless to soft, bouncy and shiny.” – Amazeballs16
Want to know more? Read Aveda botanical repair™ intensive strengthening masque rich reviews here…
$86 at Aveda
What hair mask works for your hair type?
Olaplex 3 to fix…fanola mask no yellow vegan to tone and silken
I think I need this.
The Redken Frizz Dismiss Hair Mask Intense Smoothing Treatment would best for my Frizzy hair.
Good luck, my hair is as straight as anything and have always wanted curls.
It’s so frustrating when your hair is dry, damaged or coloured but you suffer from an oily scalp!
I use the Shea Moisture manuka honey, I like other ones they make as well.
No one has ever answered me as to whether Olaplex can be used on virgin hair.
I just Googled this & had several answers for yes. Mine is coloured, so I can’t vouch personally.
I used few of them, Sukin mask for coloured hair is quite affordable and effective.
I’d like to try the Redken Frizz Dismiss mask. I have very frizzy hair.
I havent tried any of these and I must admit that I do not often use a hair mask
I must try Aveda for coloured hair.
99 bucks for 50ml of stuff. How insane for uber long hair. eeek
Eek! I just scrolled back up to check out the prices – wow!
I love Olaplex.
The garnier banana hair mask is good and great value.
I have a sample of the Aveda botanical repair. Can’t wait to use it!
Still searching for the perfect hair mask and tried some lovely ones along the way. Wonderful products here to try and a very helpful and informative read, thanks.
Redkin sounds amazing, will have to give it a go
I’m loving the coco and eve masque at the moment. Very hydrating and smells delicious 🙂
I need all the hair masks for my dry hair
Wow, heard amazing things about olaplex everywhere as of late