Best Hair Masks to Help Repair Damaged Hair

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.

1. Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask 100ml

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask 100ml

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RRP: £28.00Current price: £19.60

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Best For: All Hair Types   The latest in the range from Olaplex, the No.8 Bond Repair Moisture Mask is an intensive, deep conditioning treatment that works on all hair types to strengthen fragile bonds. Blended with the brands famous patented bond-building technology, the mask helps to repair all types of damage, leaving hair looking visibly healthier.

• How to Use: Apply 2-4 pumps, depending on your hair type, of the mask to clean, damp hair starting at the mid-lengths and working through to the tips. Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Read Our Customer Reviews

2. Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask 200ml

Kérastase Genesis Masque Reconstituant Hair Mask 200ml

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RRP: £47.00Current price: £35.25

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Best For: Reducing Breakage   The Genesis hair mask from Kérastase utilises antioxidants to help fight against environmental pollutants such as heat, which can damage and weaken the hair. Not only does the mask soften the hair, but it simultaneously reduces breakage from root to tip.

• Read Our Customer Reviews

3. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Mask 250ml

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Mask 250ml

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RRP: £26.20Current price: £19.65

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Best For: Colour Treated Hair   A must for blonde hair, the L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Mask is specifically formulated to revive shine and radiance for coloured hair. The antioxidant rich formula helps keep the hair moisturised, smooth and healthy - from root to tip!

• How to Use: Apply the mask to towel dried hair, leave on for one minute and then rinse out!
• Read Our Customer Reviews

 

4. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment 100ml

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment 100ml

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RRP: £28.00Current price: £21.00

100ml

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Best For: Weekly Use   Strengthen and repair your locks with Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector; an at-home bond builder that utilises the same active ingredient found in all professional Olaplex products. Suitable for all hair types, the innovative formula works on a molecular level to revitalise and regenerate dry, damaged strands that have been broken due to chemical, thermal and mechanical effects. Ideal for weekly use in between salon services to maintain strong, healthy-looking hair.

• Read Our Customer Reviews

     

5. L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Masque 500ml

L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Masque 500ml

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£36.00

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Best For: Fragile Hair   The L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Inforcer Masque is specially formulated to help strengthen damaged hair. The hair masque is enriched with Biotin and Vitamin B6, known for their restorative properties. The treatment is designed to target breakage and split ends to give the hair a healthy looking appearance and make de-tangling easier. The intensely conditioning treatment helps to leave the hair soft and healthy. With continued use, the masque will help to strengthen fragile and breakage-prone hair.

• Read Our Customer Reviews

6. Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste 200ml

Kérastase Resistance Masque Extentioniste 200ml

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RRP: £47.00Current price: £35.25

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Best For: Frequently Heat Styled Hair   The Kérastase Resistance range is a must-have for damaged hair and the Masque Extentioniste is no exception. Enriched with Maleic Acid and Creatine R, the intensive mask nourishes and transforms even the most dry and brittle hair. Preventing against further breakage, it seals the hair cuticle to minimise the appearance of split ends and provides long-lasting hydration to leave your locks healthy and shiny.

• Read Our Customer Reviews

7. Grow Gorgeous Repair Strengthening Hair and Scalp Mask 200ml

Grow Gorgeous Repair Strengthening Hair and Scalp Mask 200ml

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RRP: £25.00Current price: £15.00

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Best For: Fine or Thinning Hair   Perfect for those with fine, brittle hair which is also damaged, Grow Gorgeous Repair Strengthening Hair and Scalp Mask is a 2 in 1 hair mask and scalp treatment that combines a blend of rich minerals to promote healthy hair growth. The mask also works as a hydrating treatment to smooth and shine the hair and is suitable for bleached hair that is prone to breakage.

• How to use: Massage the product into your hair and scalp and leave in for 5 minutes or 10-20 minutes for a deeper, more intense treatment.
• Read Our Customer Reviews

8. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Damaged Hair Essentials

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Damaged Hair Essentials

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RRP: £87.05Current price: £65.29

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Best For: Bleached Hair   The damaged hair essentials kit from Shu Uemura is actually a hair masque and a shampoo, and both compliment each other to help treat your damaged locks. They work specifically well on hair that has been damaged over time through bleaching and heat styling. The masque itself is enriched with Japanese rice extract that works to revive locks and fortify the damaged hair fibres.

• How to Use: Apply to cleaned, damp hair. Leave on between 5 - 10 minutes and rinse.

9. Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque 355ml

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque 355ml

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£10.99

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Best For: Dull Hair   Transform dull, brittle hair with the Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque from Shea Moisture ; a brand who utilise natural and certified organic ingredients gathered from around the world.

• Read Our Customer Reviews

10. Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque 50ml

Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque 50ml

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RRP: £9.90Current price: £7.92

50ml

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Best For: Maintaining Colour   The Joico Defy Damage Protective Masque replenishes the hair and protects it from further damage from a whole host of factors, including UV, and heat damage. It also promotes colour longevity through it's unique bond-strengthening defence system, protecting the strands from damage and discolouration.

• How to Use: Apply to freshly washed, damp hair. Leave for 2 - 5 minutes and rinse.

11. Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy 50ml

Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy 50ml

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RRP: £29.00Current price: £23.20

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Best For: Split Ends   The Philip Kinglsey Bond Builder Split End Remedy is the brand's latest treatment for damaged hair. Designed for hair prone to breakage, the treatment works to improve the appearance of split ends, whilst the nourishing formula improves the elasticity and suppleness of your hair to prevent further breakage. Used after your shampoo and applied to towel-dried hair from mid-length to the ends, it leaves your locks smooth, healthy and much more manageable. Use each week to completely transform dry and damaged hair.

• Read Our Customer Reviews