The desire for stronger, healthier hair is pretty universal. While it does require a holistic approach, you can get one step closer to the hair of your dreams with the right hair-care products. And for when you need to give your hair extra T.L.C., you turn to a hair mask.
How often should you use a hair mask?
Using a hair mask is fairly easy to do. This will depend on which type of product you opt for, but Fitzsimons says that most hair masks involve the same few key steps. You’ll either use it pre- or post-shampoo and spread the product evenly, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where hair is the driest. You’ll leave it on for the recommended time and then rinse thoroughly.
How often you use a hair mask will depend on your hair type, he says. Fine or oily hair types can expect to use a hair mask once or twice a week in place of your conditioner, whereas those with dry and damaged hair can use a hair mask two to three times a week. Then you adjust how you please.
With all that in mind, Fitzsimons and Verrett (and we threw in some of our faves, too) break down the best hair masks for every need and hair type. Scroll down to find the right one for you.
The best hair masks
Best Overall Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($39.99)
This editor and beauty fan-favorite mask from K18 is a viral sensation for good reason: it actually works—and works well. It has a special peptide that treats damage from within the strand to restore hair to its healthiest state and keep your color looking bright. But even if you don’t have color-treated hair, this mask gives you the softest, fullest and shiniest hair after every use. 10/10, no notes.
Best Overall Mask: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
This editor and beauty fan-favorite mask from K18 is a viral sensation for good reason: it actually works—and works well. It has a special peptide that treats damage from within the strand to restore hair to its healthiest state and keep your color looking bright. But even if you don’t have color-treated hair, this mask gives you the softest, fullest and shiniest hair after every use. 10/10, no notes.
Best Budget Mask: It’s A 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner (Pack of 2)
Aptly named, this deep conditioner is packed with all the hero ingredients you need to really take care of your strands. It is made with aloe vera, apricot and almond oils, sunflower seed extract and keratin to reverse damage done by hot-tool styling and provide nourishment and hydration. Plus, it’s a total steal.
Best Splurge Mask: Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Restructuring Nourishing Balm
For deep nourishment of dry and brittle hair, turn to this pre-shampoo treatment from Sisley Paris. It’s a sticky balm made of botanical oils such as macadamia, babassu, moringa and meadowfoam seed to revitalize hair and repair any breakage. It can be used as an overnight treatment or 30 minutes prior to shampooing. The results are pretty miraculous and can be worth the hefty investment.
Best Mask For Oily Hair: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment ($24)
Fitzsimons says you’ll need to look for a mask that balances moisture without adding excess oil. “I recommend focusing on lightweight, clarifying ingredients that effectively cleanse and refresh the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils,” he says.
Look for citrus extracts like lemon and grapefruit, which he says have astringent properties to help regulate oil production. You can also look to essential oils such as tea tree oil to prevent buildup and help clarify the scalp without irritation. We love this treatment from Paul Mitchell that uses tea tree oil to soothe and calm irritation while also providing your strands with needed moisture.
Best Mask For Sebum Control: Philip Kingsley Density Stimulating Scalp Mask ($33.25)
This Philip Kingsley scalp mask aims to control excess sebum production to minimize an oily scalp. It’s made with lactic acid, glycerin and olive fruit oil to balance your scalp’s pH levels and provide skin with added moisture.
Best Mask For Volume: NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Volume Thickening & Conditioning Hair Masque ($19)
Because fine hair can be more susceptible to product buildup and oil accumulation, Fitzsimons says it’s important to find a hair mask that provides hydration, nourishment and volume without weighing hair down or leaving it greasy. He recommends something like NatureLab. Tokyo’s Perfect Volume Thickening & Conditioning Hair Masque, which contains ingredients like rice extract and polymers to hydrate strands and give hair body and movement.
Best Mask For Curly Hair: Pattern Treatment Mask ($28)
“For naturally curly, coily hair, it is important to find a mask that provides hydration, defines curls, and reduces frizz,” says Fitzsimons. Packed with nourishing ingredients such as moringa seed extract, hibiscus and rice protein, this treatment mask from Pattern adds definition and length to your natural curls and coils. Plus, it works to keep your natural texture looking—and feeling—strong and hydrated.