Our beauty experts deem these the 11 best hair masks for every hair type, concern and budget
From dull, dry locks to damaged, colour-treated tresses, these hair treatments do a stellar job at reviving and nourishing your strands
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Serving us in our hair's time of need (AKA when our tresses are seeking some well-deserved TLC), the best hair masks are one of the most under-rated steps in our haircare routine.
While a shampoo and conditioner duo designed for your specific hair type, such as the best shampoos for fine hair, are the pillar of a stellar daily haircare routine, sometimes our strands are left calling out for some extra nourishment and care. That's where hair masks come in as our trusted allies, working to revive damaged, weak and dehydrated locks. We throw a lot at our hair, whether that be excessive heat styling or bleaching, so it's only right that we treat it every now and then – and as Kérastase hairstylist and founder of salon Fowler35, Darren Fowler puts it: “The best hair masks are like a spa day for your hair."
Our top three hair masks for every hair type
For those seeking a hair mask that will nourish, hydrate, soften and smooth all hair types, we've rounded up our top three tried and tested formulas that are worthy of a spot in your haircare routine.
RRP: £42 | Hair type: All hair types | Designed to: Hydrate, strengthen, smooth hair for a glossy finish | Key ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, bee garden oils, biomimetic ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Tested by: Sennen Prickett
Aside from its gorgeous beehive-shaped pot, the real gem of the Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask is the formula housed inside. It's indulgently thick, with a stunning wildflower honey scent, that glides onto the strands and immediately gets to work.
I found it to instantly detangle my knotty strands, leaving my hair noticeably smoother, sleeker and with an enviable mirror-like shine – which is a must for those wanting to hop on the healthy hair trend. As someone with fine hair, I chose to apply it once a week in replacement of my go-to conditioner to avoid weighing my strands down, however it was also gentle enough if I wanted to use it more frequently.
RRP: £30 | Hair type: All hair types, especially dry hair | Designed to: Restore moisture and tame frizz | Key ingredients: Coconut, fig extract, shea butter, argan oil
Tested by: Annie Milroy and Stephanie Maylor
This award-winning mask is a solid all-rounder. The ultra-nourishing coconut and shea butter combination makes this a great option for wavy, curly, and natural hairstyles, as natural oils can struggle to travel down these hair patterns. This beautifully scented buttery mask is ideal to absorb deep into the hair shaft to hydrate and soften coarser hair types.
Sit back for ten minutes and comb through – it gives the slip needed to detangle curls. When you rinse off, you'll be rewarded with smooth, defined, and far more manageable hair that is less prone to breakage. Plus, this brand is 100% vegan, so if you're already using the best vegan shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and want to supercharge it with a mask, this would be a great choice.
RRP: £36 | Hair type: All hair types | Designed to: Intensely nourish hair for smooth, soft and shiny results for several washes | Key ingredients: Hemisqualane, biomimetic emollient blend, amino acid blend, Meadowfoam seed oil, Cupuaçu butter
Tested by: Sennen Prickett
If you read my Full Shampoo and Conditioner recommendation, you'll know that it's no secret that I'm a big Living Proof fan, so I had high expectations for the launch of their new Moisture Rescue Mask. Unsurprisingly, it impressed me upon first use and has continued to become one of my most frequently reached-for products with every use.
This mask transformed brittle, lifeless hair into bouncy, silky-soft tresses in just one use, leaving my hair feeling hydrated, sleek and with the healthiest-looking shine. Not to mention it also kept frizz and flyaways at the crown of my head at bay. It's the hair mask that resembles the feeling of having just stepped out of the salon, post-blow dry. However, its results become even more impressive when you take into account that the mask only requires to be left on for five minutes to work its magic, meaning no hanging about before rinsing your strands.
The best hair masks for every hair type and concern, reviewed by our experts
RRP: £35 for 250ml | Hair type: Brittle, dehydrated hair | Designed to: Boost elasticity and hydration for stronger, healthy hiar | Key ingredients: Sea buckthorn, omega-7, bond fortifying technology, borage oil, shea butter and mango butter
Tested by: Sennen Prickett
Perfect for those with brittle, dehydrated strands, Amika's The Kure hair mask boasts a rich, nourishing and intensely hydrating formula. Its thicker texture is similar to one of the best face moisturisers with a silky, velvety feel, meaning you don't need a lot to thoroughly coat each strand of hair.
As for its results, it does a quality job at noticeably hydrating and smoothing the hair, as well as helping to effortlessly detangle the hair. After consistently using this hair mask, my once knotty, straw-like strands changed into soft, glossy tresses with an overall healthier appearance. What's more, it only needs 5-10 minutes to marinate on your strands, which is on the lesser side of most hair masks.
RRP: £39.50 for 215ml | Hair type: Dull, damaged and frizz-prone hair | Designed to: Resurface and repair the hair’s outer cuticle to smooth rough texture and tame puffiness
Tested by: Sennen Prickett, Stephanie Maylor, Aleesha Badkar
If you didn't catch our review on the Color Wow Dreaming Treatment, four members of our beauty team tried their hand at the formula and were left with raving reviews. This mask made a noticeable difference on a variety of hair types, from damaged to frizz-prone. As for the latter, we noted how our hair was left looking sleek and silky. It also performed well on our curly-haired team members, who found their tresses appeared defined and springy after just one use of this mask.
That said, its rich texture might mean it's too heavy for finer hair types, however if your strands are damaged or on the coarser side, this will be an effective treatment. However, we have to hail the longevity of this hair mask, with results lasting up to three washes.
RRP: £30 for 200ml | Hair type: Strands prone to hair fall and loss | Designed to: Uses bond-building technology to strengthen and restore the Keratin bonds in the hair follicle, leaving the hair feeling stronger, hydrated and healthier | Key ingredients: Argan oil, coconut water and avocado oil
Tested by: Sennen Prickett
Known and loved for their growth-boosting eyelash serums, it was only a matter of time before UKLash entered the hair mask market – and so came the UKHair Repair Mask. Utilising bond-building technology, this formula is a deep conditioning treatment that helps strengthen and restore the Keratin bonds in the hair follicle, yet still boasts a lightweight, lotion-like texture.
With just one use a week, this powerful leaves hair stronger, smoother and looking healthier, encouraging the optimum environment for hair growth. We also have to hail its tropical coconut scent that reminds me of a beach-side surf shop – niche reference but every bit gorgeous.
RRP: £70 for 50ml | Hair type: Damaged, broken and colour-treated hair | Designed to: Re-connects broken keratin chains to reverse damage and restore strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce | Key ingredients: K18PEPTIDE™
Tested by: Fiona McKim
If you've done any research on hair masks, no doubt you will have stumbled across the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. It's no understatement when I say this formula is unlike any other hair mask on the market – just take our K18 hair mask review for example. Beginning with one pump (and topping up if needed), you simply apply it to towel-dried hair and leave it in, no rinsing required.
In terms of results, immediate effects made my hair felt more elastic and less prone to breakage. However, it's all about the long game with this hair mask, using it every four to six washes to see results. After roughly four uses, I noticed a nice, gradual improvement in the texture and strength of my highlighted hair, overall contributing to a less straggly and piecey appearance. It's worth noting that I do usually detect a tiny bit of residue through the finest parts of my hair, such as at the back of my crown. So, if you have fine hair too I'd advise using it on days when you don't need your hair to feel 100% freshly washed and fluffy.
RRP: £25 for 200ml | Hair type: Fine, thinning hair and hair that is prone to dryness and flaking | Designed to: Stimulates the roots, giving a natural boost for fuller, healthy-looking strands | Key ingredients: Caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, oat lipids complex, shea butter, coconut oil, pea peptides, keratin and amino acids
If you are experiencing thinning hair, let us introduce you to the Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask, a gentle treatment powered by hero ingredients to increase hair thickness and nourish the scalp. Caffeine, biotin and niacinamide work in harmony to stimulate the roots and provide a foundation for the growth of healthy hair.
This hair mask also acts as replenishment for the scalp, helping to restore its natural moisture, minimise excess sebum production and prevent dryness and flaking – making it a stellar option if you have greasy-prone hair, like I do. Fine and thinning strands might also struggle with volume, however the pea peptides in this formula revives flat, lifeless hair for tresses with body and bounce.
RRP: £30.50 for 250ml | Hair type: Curly hair | Designed to: Enhance natural curls and maintain moisture | Key ingredients: Glycerin, urea and hibiscus seed extract
Tested by: Annie Milroy and Stephanie Maylor
Curly hairstyles need moisture more than any other hair type. Luckily, the hair industry has come a long way in ensuring that every hair type is catered for and masks like this one are specifically designed with bounce, definition and hydration in mind.
L'Oreal Professionnel Curl Expression Curl Mask has a unique texture that effortlessly melts into curls and delivers a massive dose of much-needed moisture. This is one of the best hair masks for curly hair we've tried for a long time – it has a light, yoghurt-like texture which means it's really nourishing but won't weigh curls down. No matter what dire straits our bleach-blitzed curls are in, this immediately leaves them looking smoother, defined and bouncy.
RRP: £11.99 for 300ml | Hair type: Dry, flaky and irritated scalps | Designed to: Relieve dryness, itchiness and irritation | Key ingredients: Bisabolol and oat extract
Tested by: Annie Milroy and Stephanie Maylor
Irritated scalp sufferers can rejoice at this hair mask which really does deliver impressive scalp care. Taking care of the most sensitive and reactive scalps, this helps to immediately calm and soothe skin, providing some much-needed relief. This is an easy pre-shampoo treatment that ideally needs to be left on for around twenty minutes for the best results. We wet our scalps at the sink, generously applied the refreshing yoghurty texture onto our heads and left the scalp treatment to work its magic.
The seriously soothing formula had an instant effect on our Beauty Writer's dry scalp. She noticed that it had managed to clear away any dry flakes and reduced any redness or irritation she had, which was really impressive for just one use. We were careful to double-shampoo after use to make sure we had cleaned away any product residue and were surprised to see that our roots weren't left greasy in any way. Big, big fans!
RRP: £8.99 for 400ml | Hair type: Dull hair | Designed to: Makes hair more manageable and smoothes frizz | Key ingredients: Pineapple, Amla, vitamins C, E, F and shea butter
Tested by: Annie Milroy and Stephanie Maylor
On a healthy length of hair, the cuticle scales lie flat and smooth. Damaged hair, however, has lifted cuticles so that moisture can seep in and cause frizz. Cue this huge tub of goodness. The jumbo-sized carton is incredibly pleasing – especially considering the price. Really, we were already impressed even before use. It's really hard to fault this, not only does it smell like your favourite holiday destination but the product delivers incredible results too.
Working hard to deeply nourish, boost radiance, add shine and tame frizz. It left my hair looking like it had been professionally salon-treated. I noticed fewer flyaways and my hair was much easier to style, with a silky and glossy finish. This formula also contains Amla, a nutrient-rich fruit native to South East Asia that is packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in haircare. It’s recognised for strengthening strands, promoting hair growth, minimising hair fall and boosting shine. For those who want to know how to get shiny hair in a cost-effective and convenient way, this could well be one of the best hair masks for you.
How we tested the best hair masks
Each of the best hair masks in this list has been tested by a member of the W&H beauty team. All of us have different hair types and concerns, ranging from curly, fine, thick and colour-treated. Each of the hair masks has been tested more than once to ensure that we reach a fair conclusion based on our results. We wanted to test a range of hair masks, varying in benefits, price, brand and type to make sure we provided a balanced and unbiased opinion.
How to choose the best hair mask for you
“Look for clinically proven results that actually deliver based on your hair needs," advises celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE. "Your hair might be in dire need of moisture so look for a treatment that promises to hydrate. Whereas if you’re suffering from breakage and damaged lengths reach for the treatment that will strengthen and repair."
McKnight continues, “a good formulation is all about the balance of different ingredients, their active levels and how those work in synergy together, it’s never as simple as just looking for certain ingredients.”
You can figure out what your hair needs by understanding your hair type:
- Fine hair = volumising mask
- Brittle/ coloured hair = hydrating or colour-boosting mask
- Broken/ damaged/ split ends = bond building/ strengthening mask
- Curly or coils = curl-enhancing mask
- Hair thinning = growth activation mask
- Frizzy strands = smoothing mask
Your best hair mask FAQs, answered
Before investing in a hair mask, you might have a few common questions that need answering. With that in mind, we've quizzed the experts to explain everything we need to know about the hair treatment...
What's the best way to apply a hair mask?
For those wondering what the best way to apply a hair mask is, fortunately McKnight has given us step-by-step guidelines on how to effectively apply the formulas.
- "To begin double cleanse your hair, the first shampoo will remove product, pollution or sebum buildup and the second will deliver the benefits of your shampoo leaving it ready for your mask.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from your hair, if your hair is too wet the mask will not apply well or evenly.
- Apply your treatment mask to your mid-lengths and ends. Focus on the hair that needs the most attention, which means for most of us gather your hair into a mid-ponytail and apply throughout.
- With any leftovers apply to any shorter layers framing the face.
- Leave for the recommended amount of time - read the treatment guidelines to get the most out of your mask. Some need longer than others, and some are a pre-shampoo treatment.
- For a hydration boost pop a shower cap over your treatment. Moist heat can help your mask penetrate the cuticle and trapping the steam within is an easy hair hack.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water. Never hot or cold. Hot will strip the moisture from your hair and too cold won't allow for hair to be rinsed thoroughly. Once the mask is rinsed well you can always to a cold shot of water then.
How are the hair masks different to conditioners?
Whilst seemingly very similar, it's worth noting that conditioners and hair masks aren't the same – and, importantly, you don't need to use both. McKnight breaks down the main differences for us: “Conditioners are for your regular cleansing routine for hydration and manageability, whereas masks and treatments have been formulated with concentrated and innovative ingredients to deliver results."
"Conditioners coat your hair’s cuticle to smooth, soften and lock in moisture, reducing frizz and detangling, while treatments work by penetrating the cuticle to strengthen, hydrate and repair hair from the inside out,” McKnight explains.
He continues, “You shouldn’t need to use both a mask and a conditioner. A treatment mask should hydrate and nourish your hair enough. If your hair is extremely coarse or frizzy, or your treatment isn’t nourishing enough for your hair needs you can use a conditioner after your mask," he reveals.
Are hair masks essential in a hair routine?
While you don't need to add a hair mask into your routine if you feel like your hair is healthy, it definitely won't hurt as it will only benefit your strands. "Incorporating a hair mask into your routine can work wonders, especially if you struggle with dryness, split ends, density or chemical damage," says Fowler. "Regular use can help revive your hairs natural vibrancy and restore its strength."
McKnight echos this advice. "Treatment masks aren’t just for those whose hair needs extra moisture, repair or strengthening. It's also to keep your hair in optimum condition to prevent damage or dehydration resulting in shine, healthy strands and easy-to-manage hair."
Should you apply a hair mask to your roots?
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't be applying your conditioner or your treatment masks to your roots. This is because it will make them greasy, even if you wash them out well. Apply your best hair masks from the crown of your head downwards, paying special attention to the ends.
"Avoid the roots unless your hair actively needs repairing or hydration there. The majority of people do not and it can make your hair flat as over moisturising this area can leave roots lank and result in roots getting greasy quicker," explains McKnight. "Look at your roots in comparison to the rest of your hair. Is there breakage or damage, are they very dry in need of moisture? Are your roots very frizzy and coarse?"
Meet our expert panel
Darren Fowler is an extremely experienced hair stylist, Global Ambassador for Kérastase and founder of London-based salon Fowler35. He splits his time between editorial, film and TV work.
Sam McKnight MBE is a legendary hairstylist who has worked with the likes of Princess Diana and Kate Moss. He is also the founder of his eponymous styling line, Hair by Sam McKnight.
