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Best Hair Masks to Help Repair Damaged Hair

Best Hair Masks to Help Repair Damaged Hair
Team LF
Writer and expert3 years ago
View Team LF's profile
Post last updated: 23/05/2023

Though most of us are no stranger to a face mask, hair masks have taken over the masking scene; here's why they should be a regular part of your hair care routine.

Hair masks are intensive treatments that work a little harder than your regular conditioner. They penetrate the hair cuticle and their active ingredients work deeper inside the hair follicle than your regular conditioner meaning they're an important part of your weekly haircare routine.

How do You Know if Your Hair is Damaged

If you use heat stylers, have coloured hair or expose your hair to harsh climates, you might have hair that needs a little extra care; all of these everyday things can cause damage to your locks.

There are a few signs that are simple to spot: you may notice that your hair becomes easily tangled after cleansing, has lost its shine and feels dry. In more extreme cases, it might be brittle and show signs like split ends or breakages.

Whilst a hair cut is the only way to actually remove split ends, the right treatment from the right hair masks can go a long way to help repair and revitalise damaged locks.

For thicker or curlier hair, which need more moisture, look for more oil based formulas to help with hair elasticity. If you have fine hair, then look for protein rich formulas to reinforce without weighing down your hair.

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What are the Key Benefits of a Hair Mask Treatment

Similar to how a face mask works, a hair mask is a highly targeted and deeply nourishing treatment designed specifically for repairing and restoring hair health. A step up from conditioner, most masks are powered by a stronger concentrate or oils or butters such as Shea, Coconut or Argan, chosen to moisturise strands and repair any damage at the cuticle level.

Often left on for slightly longer than your conditioner, a mask has the chance to fully absorb into the hair to really make a difference in just the one treatment. When used regularly, these nutrient rich formulas can truly transform your tresses over time.

Their key benefits include:

Repairing damaged hair - Hair masks penetrate deep into the cuticle, reaching the fibres of your hair to repair any breakage and strengthen strands at the source of the problem.

Intensely moisturising- Extremely rich in naturally hydrating oils, hair masks reach deep into the fibres of the hair to restore moisture levels and keep hair looking fuller. This helps to make hair less prone to damage and banishes frizz caused by dryness.

Maintain colour - One of the most damaging treatments to our hair, colouring chemicals can leave the hair limp and broken, hair masks not only help to repair this damage, but can also be specifically formulated to keep colour looking bright and free from brassy hues.

Add shine - Healthy hair means shinier hair. A hair mask restores your hair to it's healthiest state, leaving it looking shinier, fuller and bouncier.

Our Picks of the Best Hair Masks for Dry, Damaged Hair

  1. Olaplex No.8
  2. Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask
  3. L'Oreal Professional Serie Expert Bondifier Masque
  4. Olaplex No.3
  5. L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Masque
  6. Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste
  7. Grow Gorgeous Repair Strengthening Hair and Scalp Mask
  8. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Damaged Hair Essentials
  9. Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque
  10. Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque
  11. Philip Kinglsey Bond Builder Split End Remedy

 

Shop all Hair Masks on LOOKFANTASTIC!

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How Often Should You Use a Hair Mask Treatment

How to use your hair mask, how often and how long for all depends on the mask you choose. Around once a week is a good place to start with a hair mask, however this can be increased to twice a week if your hair is in need of some serious repair.

For how to apply your chosen mask and how long to leave it on for, always read the instructions on your mask as different ingredients take different times to work and sink into your hair fully. It's best to apply a hair mask to damp, towel-dried hair that has been cleansed. This way the ingredients will be better absorbed by the hair shaft for optimum results.

Which Hair Mask Treatments are Best for Damaged Hair?

Hair masks are usually formulated with a blend of key ingredients that are all targeted at helping to strengthen, protect and repair your hair. Be sure to look out for...

  • Proteins like Keratin, Silk and Wheat Proteins help to reinforce the hair cuticle, strengthening the hair again
  • Oils like Argan, Sunflower and Jojoba add moisture back into the hair follicle, making it more supple and flexible.

    Shop all Hair Masks on LOOKFANTASTIC

    Team LF
    Writer and expert
    View Team LF's profile
    Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.
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