21 hair masks that quench better than an ice cold lemonade
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Our hair puts up with a lot – de-tangling, straightening, curling, dyeing – so its only right that we give it some love. Hair masks are the answer. They're the beauty equivalent of giving your hair a hug, wrapping around each strand and embracing it with nourishing and strengthening ingredients that give back bounce. The right mask will help to smooth strands, nourish dry ends and even prolong your hair colour, allowing it to look glossy and healthy for longer.
While hair masks aren't new (they've always offered extra nourishment), their popularity is peaking as more of us take a closer look at our scalp and strands. The "skinification" of haircare, has seen more of us take the same targeted approach to haircare as we do to our skincare. This means being on the lookout for formulas that deeply quench and nourish (just like a hydrating face mask would) and the best active ingredients and oils, including seed oils, prickly pear oil, avocado oil and almond oil.
There's hundreds to choose from, but we've done the leg work for you. Below, we've rounded up our edit of the best…
SKIP TO: Our top picks | What are the benefits of a hair mask? |How do I pick a hair mask for my hair type? | How do I use a hair mask? | What ingredients should I watch out for? Should I use a hair mask on fine hair?
Best hair masks at a glance – our top picks:
- Best viral hair mask: Color Wow and Chris Appleton Money Masque, £39.50, Look Fantastic
- Best hair mask for damaged hair: K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £55, Cult Beauty
- Best hair mask for dry hair: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, £23.80, LookFantastic
- Best nourishing hair mask: Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, £15, LookFantastic
How we test hair masks:
The GLAMOUR beauty desk receives countless new hair mask launches every month; our editors put them through their paces to ensure they're actually worthy of love. Not only did we score these top-rated hair masks based on packaging and value for money, but fragrance (we know it's super important), ingredients and whether they actually lived up to marketing claims. We aim to test hair masks on their most relevant hair type for at least a week to ensure they are put through their paces in different environmental conditions. Find out more about how we test.
What are the benefits of a hair mask?
Essentially a hair mask is a supercharged version of your conditioner, penetrating and nourishing strands more deeply. “A mask has more of the active ingredients that your hair needs, especially for dry hair, coarse hair, long hair or overly processed bleached hair,” says Jason Hogan, hair supremo at Josh Wood Atelier.
“In general, hair masks are for deep conditioning of the hair strands which is most beneficial for those with damaged hair from dyes and heat styling,” agrees Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair expert. They're also a great shout for longer-haired girls – "hair with any sort of length in it is going to be so much older so will need much more attention," flags Jason – but all hair types can really benefit from masking. “It is good practice to include a hair mask regularly into your routine even with healthy hair," insists Dr Sharon. "Most hair types will benefit from a weekly treatment,” she says.
How can I pick a hair mask for my hair type?
It's a good idea to tailor your hair mask to your hair type to avoid applying something so heavy, your hair feels like it will never bounce again, or something so light it barely makes a difference. “For fine hair, choose a lightweight, hydrating mask avoiding butters and heavy oils which will weigh this hair type down,” says Dr Sharon. “Also reduce the use of a mask to 2-3 times per month instead of a weekly treatment for this hair type,” she adds.
“Textured or curly hair types will benefit from a rich mask infused with butters and natural oils to nourish and retain moisture in the hair, whilst defining the natural curls of this hair type,” says Dr Sharon. And for damaged hair, “choose masks which contain plenty of amino acids which are the building blocks of protein to help strengthen the hair strands,” Dr Sharon says.
How do I use a hair mask?
Explaining the ideal masking step-by-step, Jason says: "towel dry the hair and bring the product through the mids and ends. Use a comb to ensure the mask is evenly distributed and each strand of hair is bathed in product – leave on for 2-3 minutes [or whatever the mask directs] and then rinse well."
If you're in a rush though, we've found in-shower masking to be almost as effective. Slather it on from root to tip (if your hair is uniformly dry) or from the mid-lengths to the ends (if it's dry towards the bottom but more oily on top), leave for as long as you can – you could wash your bod, shave your legs, and make the most of some quality thinking time – before rinsing off. And, “if you experience any kind of build-up, use a cleansing shampoo as it is always nice to refresh the hair,” says Jason.
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What ingredients should I watch out for?
Just like skincare has some holy grail ingredients (retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid), hair has a few key go-tos that can help our hair. “For hydration, look for humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin,” says Dr Sharon. "For moisturising (retaining hydration in the hair), look for shea butter and natural oils like coconut oil and argan oil. And, for strengthening and smoothing out surface damage look for amino acids, hydrolysed proteins (eg hydrolysed wheat, keratin or silk protein).
Should I use a hair mask on fine hair?
All hair types can benefit from a hair mask in terms of condition, but when it comes to aesthetics, "those with limp or very fine hair, may want to avoid a mask and stick to a light conditioner (or whatever your hair colourist recommends) as hydrating and repairing masks are heavier and can weigh down fine hair," says Jason. "It will feel great but look limp." So maybe reserve masking for the days when your social calendar is looking a little more empty.
Now that we've gotten some of the FAQs out of the way, we've put together a full edit of the best hair masks available on the market in order to help you come to a final decision. We've made sure to include a range of options for price and preference. Enjoy.
Shopping for more haircare products? We’ve got buying guides for the best dry shampoos, best hair serums, best bond builders and the best soothing shampoo for itchy scalps and dandruff.
Scroll down to see our edit of all the best hair masks out there…
Color Wow and Chris Appleton Money Masque, £39.50, Look Fantastic
Why we love it: If you've fan-girled over the red-carpet-worthy hair of JLo of Kim Kardashian, chances are celebrity hair stylist, Chris Appleton was behind the look. He knows what goes into making hair look phenomenal, so when he released his Money Mask, with long-time collaborators, Color Wow, he gave us all the gift of A-list hair. There's some clever tech going on behind the scenes (with ingredients like blue sea kale, mediterranean sea kelp and hydrolysed vegetable protein complex designed to penetrate deeply into the cortex to strengthen and condition), but the result is a next-level glassy shine.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, £28, LookFantastic
Why we love it: According to Kim K, Olaplex is an important part of how her hair has survived multiple transformations in recent years. This bestselling product is guaranteed to give coloured hair its shine and softness back – just apply it to damp hair before shampooing and watch it work its magic. A favourite among hairstylists.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeep Moisture, £4.99, Boots
Why we love it: Haven't got time to wait around for your mask to work its magic? Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle Deeeep Moisture treatment does what it says on the tin. Supercharged with jojoba oil, avocado oil and Australian macadamia nut oil, this gives strands a juicy infusion of hydration, quick. Though you can leave it to marinate longer if you wish and with that dreamy smell that Aussie products are known for, we wouldn't blame ya.
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, £27.85, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Powered by argan oil and a generous helping of antioxidants, this deep conditioning mask from Moroccanoil will improve your hair's elasticity and texture within just 5 minutes. Free from parabens and sulphates.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
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Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, £15, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Made for dry hair, this hair masks is infused with coconut oil and shea butter to help protect you from environmental aggressors. Leaves hair feeling more nourished yet lightweight and silky.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Hair Treatment Mask, £12.99, Boots
Why we love it: This ultra rich mask is salvation for parched hair. Blended with argan oil, fair trade shea butter and sea kelp, it helps to restore natural lipids (which helps boost shine and strength), it improves elasticity and bounce and smooths cuticles. It works beautifully across all different hair types but it's particularly good for curly, coily and bleached hair that need an extra moisture infusion.
VIRTUE Restorative Treatment Mask, £67, Sephora
Why we love it: There aren't a lot of hair masks that can hydrate your hair in mere minutes, but VIRTUE's is definitely one of them. This restorative deep conditioning treatment is suitable for all hair and ideal for reversing damage caused by colouring or heat styling.
Aveda Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque Rich, £45, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Bursting with the power of plants, this vegan formula contains a blend of rose, marjoram and ylang-ylang, which work together to give your hair a pleasant fragrance while it moisturises your strands with ease.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
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Kérastase Blond Absolu Masque Ultra Violet Treatment, £48, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Tired of brassy and yellow undertones that are mellowing your ice-blonde fierceness? Say less. This purple hair mask will make your blonde hair shine like never before by strengthening its hair fibres and colour-correcting your strands.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
L'Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths Long Hair Mask for Long Damaged Hair, £6.99, Amazon
Why we love it: Enriched with a cocktail of keratin, vitamins and castor oil, this affordable product is perfect for use on long hair. Not only does hydrate and soften every hair in sight, but it's also incredibly affordable, meaning you can be more generous with each application.
Make sure to bookmark these Amazon discount codes.
Pattern Treatment Mask, £25, Boots
Why we love it: Black-owned brand, Pattern prides itself on creating hair care solutions for those of us with textured hair. And a great thing too – this hair mask is perfect for all textured hair, especially if you're looking to give your coils and curls some extra moisture to really make them pop.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for hair masks using these Boots discount codes.
Herbal Essences Rose Scent Petal Soft Hair Mask, £11, Boots
Why we love it: If you're a fan of rose scents, you're going to looooove this mask. Blended with rose essences from petals hand-picked in Grasse (home to some seriously bougie French perfumery), it leaves hair feeling silky, quenched and petal soft. Plus you get a whole lot of mask (500ml) for the £11 price tag.
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Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment, £38, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Silkiness, suppleness and elasticity? Is there much that this brand can't do? The answer is a resounding no – in fact, this product is perfect for reviving damaged hair with just a few rounds of regular use.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £70, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Made using the brand's unique peptide and amino acid blend, this hair mask from K18 penetrates deep into your strands. This allows it to repair broken bonds, minimising breakage and split ends as it goes. Healthy hair, here we come.
Looking to save some cash? Remember to check out our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Banana 3-in-1 Dry Hair Mask Treatment, WAS £8.99, NOW £4.49 Boots
Why we love it: Who ever said hair masks had to be expensive? For less than a fiver, you can get your hands on this multi-tasking product, which works as a conditioner, wash-off hair mask or leave-in conditioner. 10/10 in terms of value.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for hair masks using these Boots discount codes.
Davines NOUNOU Nourishing Repair Mask, £27, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Say goodbye to dryness – filled to the brim with jojoba oil, cherry oil and olive butter, this nourishing hair mask is just the thing you need to revive dry strands.
Looking to save some cash? Remember to check out our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask, £19, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Honey doesn't just belong in your green tea, it's equally great in hair masks too. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids, this product will bring you closer to having the healthiest hair of your life.
Looking to save some cash? Remember to check out our Cult Beauty discount codes.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask, £55, Dr. Barbara Sturm
Why we love it: Looking to fix your brittle hair and dry scalp? Say no more. This 2-in-1 scalp treatment nourishes every part of the hair shaft equally, from your hair cuticles to the very tips of your ends. Great for balancing your natural hair oils while also promoting healthier hair growth.
OUAI Fine/Medium Hair Treatment Masque, £34, Space NK
Why we love it: Formulated with hydrolysed keratin, protein and panthenol, this hair mask from OUAI can help even the finest hair look smoother and sleeker. It's pricy but it's worth it. It doesn't leave a greasy residue, it's free from silicone and it leaves strands looking and feeling healthy. 10/10 would recommend.
Make sure to bookmark these Space NK discount codes.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Masque, WAS £61 NOW £54.90, LookFantastic
Why we love it: If you're hair's gone through several rounds of bleaching, colouring and heat styling, regular hair masks just won't cut it. This intensive treatment revitalises your hair from root to tip, making each hair stronger and more flexible than ever.
Save big when shopping for the best hair masks using these LookFantastic discount codes.
The Body Shop Shea Intense Repair Hair Mask, £18, The Body Shop
Why we love it: Made with natural ingredients including fair-trade shea butter and olive oil, this vegan moisture mask is designed to treat especially dry hair. Great for pairing with a good shampoo and leave-in conditioner for maximum effect.
