14 Hair Masks That'll Bring Some Life to Your Dry Strands

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If you're a fan of all things skincare, I'd assume you're already a proud member of the face masker club. But if you haven't yet found a hair mask to incorporate into your routine on a regular basis, you should find one ASAP.

Meet Our Experts: Paul Cucinello, celebrity stylist and owner of Cucinello Studio in New York City, Sadah Saltzman, hairstylist at Salon AKS in New York City

Hair masks are super-concentrated deep-conditioning treatments designed to target and correct a specific problem, says hairstylist Paul Cucinello. They deliver key active ingredients deep into the hair and/or scalp in a set amount of time. Hair masks are heavier than regular conditioners and give the hair a little something extra, adds NYC-based hairstylist, Sadah Saltzman. Using one will make your hair feel stronger and appear healthier.

On the hunt for the perfect one to add to your routine? Check out the best mask for your hair’s needs.

No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

This mask uses a special technology to rebuild broken bonds in the hair from processes like coloring and bleaching. It also adds moisture and shine to the hair, and pairs best with some of the other damage-repairing products in Olaplex's lineup.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

Beloved by the community of hair enthusiasts on TikTok, this mask features Jamaican black castor oil, which can moisturize the hair while promoting and stimulating growth.

Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque

This mask hydrates and softens the hair while using hydrolyzed keratin to strengthen strands and prevent them from future damage.

Intense Hydrating Mask

This rich, creamy mask is infused with Argan oil to nourish and replenish moisture in hair. Saltzman loves the serious shine it imparts on hair, too.

Heaven in Hair Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

According to Cucinello, this is a great mask for curly girls. The antioxidant butter blend gently nourishes and strengthens curls without weighing them down or tightening them up too much. Bonus: It minimizes frizz.

Don't Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask

According to Cucinello, this deep conditioner works like a dream. It’s perfect on all hair textures, lengths, and conditions because you are putting ingredients in your hair that it understands: rosehip oil, algae extract, almond oil, and vitamin B, he says. Plus, it smells delicious!

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Masque

Add shiny hair to the laundry list of apple cider vinegar’s benefits. This ACV treatment lowers the PH of the hair, creating an ultra-smooth texture with mirror-like shine and also leaves hair soft and silky. The other ingredients are also beneficial: sunflower seed oil protects hair color, smart proteins fill in damaged areas along the surface of hair, and aloe vera helps to repair hair.

Miracle Hair Mask

This multi-purpose mask is gentle enough to be used as a daily conditioner, but also intense enough to use as weekly deep-conditioning treatment. You just change up the amount you use and processing time, says Saltzman. Boasting tons of great reviews across numerous sites, it brings damaged or over-processed hair back to life.

Color Extend Blondage Express Anti-Brass Hair Mask

Don’t be deterred by the bold purple pigment in this mask—it will turn blonde hair from brassy to bright after one use and won’t turn your hair purple in the process. Plus, it softens dry, brittle strands.

Total Results Brass Off Custom Neutralization Hair Mask

This blue-hued mask counteracts unwanted orange tones in just five minutes. Cucinello advises using this mask once a week max to prevent over-coloring the hair.

Ghost Hair Mask

It’s hard to find a mask that’s light enough for super-fine hair, but this nourishing, feather-weight formula is just right. It boosts shine, smooths frizz, and repairs hair without any residue, says Cucinello,

Discipline Maskeratine Mask

If you suffer from frizz (especially in the humid summer months), give this powerhouse a try. It was specifically formulated to control and virtually eliminate frizz, says Cucinello, and uses proprietary Morpho-keratine technology to protect hair from humidity and control erratic strands without restricting natural texture.

Superbalm

This is a pre-shampoo mask that deep cleans the scalp to help prevent flakes. The mix of salicylic acid, extra-virgin coconut oil, lavender oil, and chamomile blue oil works to break down dead skin cells and remove oil and product buildup so it can easily be washed away.

Antisocial Overnight Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask

Apply this mask before bed for the ultimate beauty sleep. The innovative product repairs and protects the hair from the inside out, says Cucinello. The dry spray strengthens hair by bonding to its natural proteins and conditions it with an amino acid complex. Saltzman loves that you don’t have to rinse it out in the morning (time-saver!) and that it’s good for all hair textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to apply a hair mask?

Masks are best applied to clean, damp hair, says Cucinello. He recommends using a tool to help ensure even application and saturation, like a wide toothed comb (try the Diane Extra Wide Tooth Shampoo Comb) for weak, curly, or damaged hair. A specialty brush (like The Feel Good Brush by Spornette) is good for medium, thick, coarse, or long hair.

How long should I keep the mask on my hair?

Before you apply a hair mask, make sure you have enough time to allow it to penetrate your strands properly. Follow the brand’s instructions as far as timing goes, keeping in mind that sometimes you actually can overdo it, says Cucinello.

Saltzman suggests applying a mask and putting hair into a braid or bun while working out, which lets the mask penetrate deeply while also keeping the hair off of your face (and multitasking!).

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