Everyone loves a face mask to improve the appearance and health of their skin, but not as many people know you can get ‘hair masks’ too. Incorporating a hair mask into your pampering routine can be great as hair is often damaged by excessive colouring, heat styling and even environmental factors such as the wind and rain.
As someone who straightens AND bleaches my hair, I use a hair mask to help moisturise my hair, tame frizz and prevent any breakage. Nourishing your hair in this way can take it from dull and lifeless, to shiny and healthy!
In this article, I’ve picked out the best hair masks for certain hair types and answered some commonly asked questions in relation to hair masks.
Covered in this Article:
Best Hair Masks For Dry Hair in the UK
Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment by Philip Kingsley
This Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment by Philip Kingsley is a super moisturising, repairing hair mask made for dry hair. I usually recommend this to people who have never tried a hair mask before. because it has consistent results.
It was originally created for Audrey Hepburn when she requested Philip make her a hair mask that would reconstruct her hair, whilst keeping it healthy and hydrated and prevent the damage caused by constant styling and hair colouring experienced on film sets.
It was the world’s first deep conditioning, pre-shampoo treatment that is suitable for all hair types, from fine, bleached hair to coarse, natural hair. It contains genuinely effective ingredients that restore hair moisture, including castor oil and hydrolysed elastin that nourish deep into the hair cuticle rather than just coating the individual strand.
This hair mask is used once a week, pre-shampooing, but can also be used as an overnight mask to treat extremely dry and brittle hair. The product itself also comes with a plastic cap that can be used once the mask has been applied in order to keep the heat in and ensure it really works.
Not only does it rehydrate and moisturise your hair, but it also protects it from damage from heat styling and has UV protection – which isn’t something you often see in a hair mask!
Pros:
- Moisturises and repairs deep into the hair strand, rather than just coating
- Suitable for all hair types
- Comes with a plastic cap
- Protects against heat styling
- Contains UV protection
- Fights frizz and static
- Results after one use
- Fragrance free
Cons:
- 150ml product, although a little goes a long way! May not last long for those with really long, thick hair
Best UK Hair Mask For Bleached Hair
Blond Absolu Masque by Kerastase
This Blond Absolu Masque by Kerastase is great for those who have bleached blonde hair. Bleached hair often lacks moisture and becomes brittle and fragile, leaving it prone to breakage. This is the one I use.
This hair mask contains active ingredients such as Edelweiss flower and Hyaluronic acid that nourish deep into the hair strand and rebuild weak hair fibres to prevent further breakage caused by hair colour damage.
Hyaluronic acid has often been used in skincare, but it is now becoming more popular in haircare too. When applied to damp hair, it soaks the moisture on the hair strand into the core and holds it there, almost acting as a sponge. This leaves hair more hydrated and gives hair back its elastic, that bleached hair often lacks.
This hair mask also contains purple pigments that counteract any brassy, yellow tones within the hair that are often caused by pollution. When used for 5-10 minutes, once a week this mask will leave your hair a cool-toned blonde that’s healthier and in better condition.
Pros:
- Contains hydrating ingredients that rebuild weak hair fibres and prevents further breakage
- Contains purple pigments to counteract any brassy tones within the hair that lasts for a few washes
- Leaves hair glossy and shiny
- Lightweight mask
- Detangles and prevents frizz
Cons:
- Ensure you wash down any surfaces after use as this may leave a slight purple tinge
- If your hair is really white blonde, don’t leave longer than 5 minutes as may leave a purple tinge – although this will wash out eventually
Best UK Mask For Damaged Hair
Resistance Masque by Kerastase
This Resistance Masque by Kerastase is an intensive mask that nourishes brittle and broken hair, as well as chemically damaged hair. The mask itself contains ingredients such as Creatine R, Maleic Acid and amino acids that helps to repair bonds within the hair structure and improve hair elasticity and strength from the inside out.
When your hair is damaged the cuticle is open, meaning your hair is open to splitting and breakage. This mask seals the hair cuticle to prevent any further breakage whilst also repairing the hair. The scalp is also moisturised when using this mask, to ensure an overall healthy head of hair and promote new healthy hair growth.
The mask can be left on for as long as needed, including overnight. If you’re someone that’s constantly in a rush and doesn’t have time to use a hair mask multiple times a week, use this hair mask in place of your conditioner and leave for 3-5 minutes instead.
Pros:
- Specifically made for brittle and damaged hair
- Contains proteins and amino acids to actually repair hair
- Seals the hair cuticle to prevent further damage
- Moisturises the dry scalp
- De-tangles and de-frizzes hair
- Lightweight and doesn’t weigh down hair
Cons:
- Some reviewers have said that this hair product has a strong scent, so if you have a sensitive sense of smell this may be overwhelming
How Often Should I Use A Hair Mask?
Hair masks are treatments that contain extra hydrating ingredients and are designed to be left on your hair for a longer amount of time to ensure that they work.
You should use a hair mask on damp hair, after shampooing and leave on for a minimum of 5 minutes. If you prefer to leave your hair masks on overnight, then you can apply the mask to dry hair to prevent over-moisturisation.
Hair masks should ideally be used at least once a week, though if your hair is really suffering from breakage and damage you can increase it up to 3 times a week. If you have really oily hair, you can use a hair mask once every 1-2 weeks, it’s all about working out what’s right for your hair type!
Can You Use A Hair Mask And A Conditioner?
There’s a lot of contradicting advice when it comes to using a hair mask and a conditioner, some people say you should use a hair mask in place of conditioner whereas some say to use both to seal in the goodness.
The answer all depends on your hair type. Hair can actually suffer from over moisturising, so if your hair is in relatively healthy condition then using both a hair mask and a conditioner may actually be a bad move as it can cause further damage.
If your hair is not extremely dry, do not use your normal conditioner on days you’re using a hair mask as this can leave it looking oilier and weigh it down.
However, those whose hair lacks moisture such as people with really broken, or curly hair can usually use both a hair mask and a conditioner in the same wash to really soak in the moisture.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask your hairdresser what your hair type is and what they’d recommend. Read this to find out the signs of Hygral Fatigue (over moisturised hair).
How Do You Wash A Hair Mask Out?
You should always shampoo your hair before applying a hair mask to open the hair cuticle and ensure that the mask can get right into the core of your hair strands. Once you’re ready to wash the mask out, simply rinse your healthy hair with lukewarm or cool water.
It may take a few rinses to ensure that all the product is removed, but don’t use shampoo to remove the hair mask as you’ll just strip away any of the goodness you’ve just put into your hair!
You can usually tell when the product has been fully rinsed out as your hair will feel soft to the touch, but won’t feel slimy.
I hope that you’ve found all the information you were looking for in this article! Once you’ve found a masking routine that works for you, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it! Remember if you’re ever unsure on anything hair related, ask your hairdresser.