The Best Hair Masks For Dry, Damaged Hair
I don’t know about you, but at-home spa days have become one of my favorite quarantine hobbies. More time at home means I’m suddenly able to spend an hour in the tub, with candles lit, a glass of wine, and a hair mask marinating. Pre-quarantine, I was a once-a-week hair masker, but now I find myself doing them two to three times a week and I definitely notice a difference in how healthy my hair looks and feels.
Here are ten of my favorite hair masks for when I want to give my strands a little extra TLC.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 ($28)
I recently got highlights for the first time and Olaplex No.3 helped to keep my virgin hair from turning to straw during the bleaching process. It works by targeting and rebuilding protein bonds that have been broken down in your hair and repairs the damage done by coloring and heat styling. The instructions suggest rinsing it out after ten minutes, but I prefer to use it as a leave-in conditioner.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask ($36)
The equivalent to a large glass of water for your hair, this mask has hydrating ingredients like rosehip oil, Algae extract, and vitamin B to smooth and nourish damaged hair. A little goes a long way with this stuff, even if you have thick curly hair like me. I like to leave it on overnight to maximize the benefits.
Leonor Greyl Paris Masque Quintessence ($145)
This ultra-luxe treatment is definitely a treat. It’s my secret weapon for days that I want my hair to look flawless. Ingredients like shea butter, cupuaçu oil and amaranth nourish and moisturize even the most damaged and brittle hair. One dollop is enough to cover my thick head of curls which justifies the steep price point for me.
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask ($28)
This rich formula gets straight to work on parched locks in desperate need of hydration. Sea Buckthorn Berry hydrates and nourishes hair, while Panthenol protects against breakage and reduces split ends. This mask helps keep my hair looking strong during the long waits between haircuts.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask ($62)
The first thing I noticed about this hair mask from Gisou was the floral, summery scent. The star ingredient, Mirsalehi honey, deeply nourishes hair and helps to improve shine, elasticity, and manageability. It’s a bit of a splurge so I tend to use it on the ends of my hair where it’s most needed.
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($38)
This argan oil-infused hair nourisher is a miracle for super thick, dry hair. I like to use it right after I shampoo, in place of a rinse-out conditioner, on days that my hair feels extra parched.
L’Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm ($6)
We all know how important ceramides are for your skin, but did you know your hair needs them too? This conditioning balm is infused with almond, protein, and ceramide elixirs which restore dull, dehydrated strands. I like to use it with my thermal hair cap ($21) and let my hair steam and soak up all its nourishing ingredients, while I go about my day.
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector ($29)
I’m game for any beauty treatment that makes me prettier while I sleep. That’s why I love the Living Proof Overnight hair mask. The power-packed formula has an amino acid blend that was engineered to target and transform the daily damage your hair endures. Slather it on before bed and wake up with softer, smoother strands – just don’t forget to cover your hair.
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hair Mask ($11)
The texture of this mask is like super thick yogurt, so you know right away it's going to be nourishing just by the feel. It’s formulated with manuka honey, mafura oil, and shea butter to hydrate parched strands and leave your hair looking and feeling silky smooth. I use this two to three times a week depending on how much TLC my hair needs, and I don’t feel guilty because it’s super affordable.
OUAI Treatment Masque ($32)
The repairing formula is packed with artichoke leaf, smart keratin, and amino acids that smooth and soften hair. Leave this on for at least 10 minutes and enjoy the OUAI signature Melrose Place scent while it works its magic.
How often are you hair masking? Share your favorite masks in the comments below.
