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 color is looking dull, or your curls are looking limp, then it's time to pull out the big leagues: 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 hair salon, masks can keep your hair 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 over-styling," London-based hairstylist Lewis Pallett tells POPSUGAR.
And we're sorry to say it, but it's pretty damn easy to damage your hair, whether that's due to regular dyeing or daily styling sessions with your curling iron. 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 that won't do a thing for coarser textures; or there are treatments for natural hair that may weigh down limp roots; and there are also masks specifically out there to cleanse away scalp buildup or seal up split ends. Luckily, there are tons of impressive formulas out there - some expensive, 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 favorite 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.
- Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington