All a gal needs in life is a glass of wine, a scalding hot bath, and a great hair mask a-top the head, for that extra bit of self-care. Sounds like a good Friday evening, right? But choosing the right mask or best hair oil for your specific hair type is trickier than one might think because there's nothing worse than trying out a product and getting no results. Life is simply too short not to get a life-changing hair mask that rejuvenates your mane.
Luckily, you've stumbled upon a guide for the best hair masks money can buy. Rated and reviewed by members of the heat team, we talk you through the top products to shop online. From Garnier to Olaplex's hair treatments. Or how about the new kids on the block such as the pre-wash viral Hair Syrup? There's a plethora of options out there that can solve your every problem - well, almost every problem. Whether you're looking to hydrate, clarify or bond-build, we've got the goods.
heat's best hair masks to shop, at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Kérastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte, £41.40 on LookFantastic
Best hair mask for bleached hair: Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, £28 on LookFantastic
Best budget hair mask: Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Papaya 3-in-1 Hair Mask, £3.99 on Boots
Our hair collects a lot of baggage day to day, such as styling products, outside debris, and pollution, as well as our own build-up like dandruff. Therefore, taking one or two evenings out of your week to add a hair mask into your wash routine can refresh your scalp and ends, and give them strength and nourishment to go forward (inspiring, right?) Nothing beats that fresh scalp feeling. Fwooah. (P.S. Keep reading for our FAQs section on the best haircare tips and tricks...)
Let's get started then on our best-of guide, with products you need to know about from Look Fantastic, Boots, The Body Shop and more. People with dry hair, oil hair, damaged hair or limp hair - roll up. Have we got a mask for you...
The best hair masks for every hair type: your ultimate guide
Editor's Choice
www.lookfantastic.com
For our number one pick, it has to be the Kérastase Resistance Masque Force Architecte hair mask. If you're not already drawn in by the fabulously camp name, know that this mask is a game changer. The intensely rich formula targets extremely dry, frazzled hair and reconstructs your damaged strands for unmatched strength.
Our review from heat writer Ruby Barry: "I'm obsessed with anything Kérastase. For me, it's the only brand where I know my hair will feel different within a week of using it. Heck, within a day of using this mask, my hair felt strong for once, not brittle. Feeling good about your hair makes such a difference to your confidence level. I hate hair masks that do absolutely nothing, my time is precious ya'll. And this mask massively improves my hair quality. Yes, my bank account cries every time I buy it, but you only need a walnut-sized amount each use, so it lasts ages. Overall, just trust me - this is a must-have for your shelf."
Pros
- Rich formula
- Reconstructs damaged strands
- Improves dry and processed hair
- Smells amazing
Cons
- None!
Directions of use: | Apply 1 or 2 walnut-sized amounts to cleansed hair. Massage to lengths and ends. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. |
Best hair mask for bleached hair
www.lookfantastic.com
Although bleaching one's hair can mean a world of new colours to explore, in the long term, your hair can suffer badly. Bleaching breaks down the bond structure of your strands, which to our eye looks like frizz, breakage and a dull appearance. Therefore, something like Olaplex's iconic No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is needed. It has a multi-benefit reparative treatment that provides weightless moisture and smoothness whilst adding body and shine, creating healthier-looking hair.
Our review from heat senior writer Caitlin Casey: "If there's a saving grace for bleached hair, it's the Olaplex No.8. Chances are, you've heard of this baby before but the rumours are true - it really is the best hair mask for repairing bonds and making your locks silky smooth. The price point is really worth the money because, after years of bleaching my hair into balayages and highlights, Olaplex is the only product that ACTUALLY fixes my hair from the inside out. Plus, it's totally easy to use - just slap on for an hour before your shower and your hair will feel salon-fresh in no time. Trust me, it's a holy grail for dyed hair."
Pros
- Ideal for bleached or coloured hair
- Intensive restorative treatment
- Powered by the brand’s patented bond-building technology
- Works on all hair types
Cons
- Heavy formula
- Small bottle
Directions of use: | Use after shampoo. Two pumps for shoulder-length hair and more for longer or less for short. Apply to clean, damp hair mid-lengths to ends and work through with fingers. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse fully and style as usual. |
Best budget hair mask
www.boots.com
The good news is, you don't have to stretch your pockets too much to get a product that truly makes a difference to your hair. Garnier Ultimate Blends, a well-known hair mask collection, includes the Papaya 3-in-1 Hair Mask Treatment for Damaged Hair. It can be used in three different ways - as a conditioner, rinse-out hair mask or leave-in conditioner. Made with 98% natural ingredients and 100% vegan formula, this treatment visibly reduces up to half your split ends after just one use when used as a leave-in in comparison to a classic shampoo.
Our review from heat writer Ruby Barry: "Garnier's Ultimate Blends Hair Food surprised me. I wasn't expecting much from the drugstore product (perhaps buying luxury brands like Kérastase has got to my head) but as well as smelling fantastic, my hair felt so soft and silky after using it. The lesson here? Never underestimate a budget buy - you can still get so much bang for your buck if a hair mask has the right ingredients. Hair Food provides all the right nutrients needed, and at only £3.99, it's an absolute steal."
Pros
- Lightweight
- 98% natural Ingredients
- Vegan formula
- No silicones
- 96% biodegradable formula - as per OECD 301 or equivalent tests
Cons
- Can cause fine hair to be greasy after use
Directions of use | As a conditioner: on wet hair, to instantly detangle & leave hair looking shiny. As a hair mask: on wet hair, leave for 3 mins and rinse out to leave hair feeling nourished. As a leave-in conditioner: on wet or dry hair, apply a small amount to lengths to reduce the appearance of split ends and to leave hair soft. |
Best award-winning hair mask
lovenoughty.co.uk
A winner in the Health and Wellbeing Awards 2023 (basically the Oscars of haircare), Noughty's To The Rescue Treatment Mask has a unique array of natural ingredients that mends and nourishes dry hair that needs more elasticity. Our favourite out-there elements to the mask include black oats (packed with natural water reservoirs, its polymers act to create a restructuring film on the hair) and meadowfoam oil (one of nature's best-kept secrets with 95% long chain fatty acids to prevent it from feeling greasy while delivering moisture).
Our review from heat writer Ruby Barry: "Noughty is a brand I only learned about last year, but the To The Rescue Treatment Mask is set to compete with the big boys such as Garnier and Olaplex. When my hair is particularly dry, I turn to my fated friend, and To The Rescue instantly nourishes my hair and leaves it stronger than before. Bonus points for Noughty's brilliant, environmentally friendly ingredients list."
Pros
- Perfect for bringing dry hair back to life
- 97% natural formula
- Includes sweet almond and black oat extracts, as well as other intriguing ingredients
- Sulphate-free
Cons
- Some describe the scent as "boring"
Directions of use: | Apply your mask after shampooing but before conditioning. Gently squeeze excess moisture from your mane. Section hair to ensure the product will be applied evenly to strands from root to tip. Place a generous scoop of product in one palm, and use the fingers of the other hand to comb it through hair, coating each strand. Leave on for 3-5 minutes, or up to 20 minutes for a more intense treatment. Rinse thoroughly and follow with your normal conditioner. |
Best hair mask for curly and afro hair
www.faithinnature.co.uk
Faith in Nature is one of our team's favourite sustainable brands, and the Shea & Argan Nourishing Hair Mask is no exception to the rule - being labelled Carbon Balanced by the World's Land Trust. Silicone, Paraben, SLS and SLES free, and made with 100% natural origin aroma & essential oils, this mask is perfect for those with afro or curly hair. This mask enhances your curl pattern and leaves hair bouncy and defined.
Our review from heat writer Piper Huxley: "I love Faith in Nature. I use many products from their extensive vegan and cruelty-free range. I have a 3A curly hair type and it fares better with natural ingredients such as coconut, shea and argan. My hair is now glossier than ever, which is really reassuring - since I thought I'd fried it during the lockdown with too many home-dye jobs. I've even been taking advantage of their refill scheme at my local health store, which saves plastic and a little bit of money, too."
Pros
- Contains ethically traded Shea Butter
- Made with 100% natural origin aroma & essential oils
- Curly Girl compliant
- Vegan Society-approved and cruelty-free hair care
Cons
- Very strong scent
- Heavy formula
Directions of use: | After shampooing, apply the Shea & Argan Nourishing Hair Mask to damp hair and leave on your hair for 3-20 minutes, depending on the level of conditioning treatment you want. Rinse well with warm water until hair has no residues for detangled, nourished hair. |
Best hair mask for intense hydration
Hun, butter ain't just for spreading on your crumpets in the morning. The Sol de Janeiro Triple Brazilian Butter Hair Repair Treatment is packed with a whopping three kinds of natural butters. These are rich in fatty acids with a low molecular weight that delivers intense conditioning without weighing down the strands. As well as this, the formula includes SOL Seal Technology™, a plant-based keratin, which helps bond split ends together. And if you recognise the name Sol de Janeiro from somewhere, it's where Samie Elishi's Love Island body mist came from. But also, news flash: hair perfumes exist. Mind blown.
Customer review: "I DON'T KNOW HOW MORE PEOPLE ARENT OBSESSING OVER THIS MASK AS I AM haha! I have recommended this mask to so many people. The smell is actually divine and the consistency of the actual mask is almost 'elastic'? It feels like it is doing something as you put it through your hair, probably me being dramatic but it just feels really luxurious and this is the one Sol De Janeiro product I would make everyone try."
Pros
- Lightweight formula that detangles
- Made with SOL Seal Technology™, a plant-based keratin
- Scented with the brand's Cheirosa ’62 fragrance
Cons
- 20 minute application time minimum
Directions of use: | Reach for a shower cap to intensify benefits. Those with textured or long hair can keep this treatment on for as long as desired (20 minutes or more). Finer hair textures should focus on applying from mid-shaft to ends — typically, that’s where your hair is the thirstiest (or most damaged) and needs extra TLC. |
Best hair mask for oily hair
www.lookfantastic.com
A lot of masks focus on nourishment and hydration, but what if you want to get rid of greasy hair and want a mask that'll help whilst not overpacking your scalp? Enter the Christophe Robin Purifying Mask with Thermal Mud. Use as a pre-wash mask instead of one used after shampooing, this mask draws impurities and pollution from the hair with incredible results. This is especially good for those living in a polluted city who want to protect their scalp from any nasty chemicals floating around.
Customer review: "I'm using this together with the scalp scrub and I can go 2 days without washing - normally I have to wash my hair every morning."
Pros
- Mineral-rich thermal mud helps to balance the scalp and minimise oily, greasy roots
- Draws out the build-up of impurities
- Spirulina supports the scalp's natural barrier function and protects it from pollution
Cons
- Very thick formula that can be hard to distribute
Directions of use: | On damp Hair: Once a week, or as a quick-fix refresher treatment, dampen hair and massage product onto the scalp and roots. Leave on for 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. On dry Hair: For a more intensive detox, smooth generously through dry hair from root to tip, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. |
Best hair mask for hair growth
www.loveamika.co.uk
If your TikTok feed is non-stop videos of rosemary water recipes, I'm guessing you're on the lookout for hair growth products. May we introduce you to Amika's new Hydro Rush Intense Hydration Mask? This newest product in Amika's roster is clinically proven to leave strands 4.2 times stronger with 76% less breakage. No more endless hairs clogging up your shower drain - they are officially staying on ya' head. This means your journey to longer hair won't be disrupted, and hair will grow quicker and more resilient. Read our full guide on how to grow hair faster here.
Customer review: "I've used this once so far. There has been a noticeable improvement in texture and shine. It smells great. I'm loving it so far! I've recommended it a couple of times already. I was able to use about half the amount of product vs. what I have been using (Shea moisture deep moisturizing mask). That's a big reason I use to justify spending a bit more on personal care products! I've been dealing with some very dry hair this summer, the weather is extra dry where I live. My hair is the longest it's ever gotten, lower back length, and I heat damaged it with a blow dryer about six months ago and have been struggling with dryness since."
Pros
- Intensely hydrates hair for 5 days
- Detangles, hair is 5 times easier to comb
- Silicone-free formula has a whipped, luscious texture
Cons
- Can cause fine hair to be greasy after use - keep away from the scalp
Directions of use: | Squeeze out excess water. Apply mask mid-lengths to ends. Comb through to disperse evenly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Fully rinse. Use weekly. |
Best hair mask to tackle frizz
www.thebodyshop.com
If you have happy memories of wandering around The Body Shop as a teen, testing out everything and smelling every bottle on site, then the Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask will be right up your street. Frizzy hair is such a buzz-kill, but this mask is created to tackle it with vigour. Formulated with organic banana puree, cocoa butter, Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana and Community Fair Trade Brazil nut oil from Peru - this vegan society-certified mask guarantees silky, frizz-free hair.
Our review from heat writer Samantha Price: "In the past, The Body Shop Banana Hair Mask has been my go-to hair mask when I want to treat myself. Not only does it smell soooo good (seriously it's like good enough to eat), but the consistency is really moisturising and your hair feels so nourished, soft and shiny after using it. As a wavy hair girl with a tendency to frizz, this hair mask leaves my hair looking and feeling smooth in no time."
Pros
- Treats dry, frizz-prone hair
- Vegan silk protein replicates the chemical structure of natural silk without harming spiders
- Uses Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana, Brazil nut oil from Peru
Cons
- Works better waiting 10 minutes or longer
Directions of use: | Once a week after shampooing, evenly distribute a generous dollop of hair mask to towel-dried hair from length to ends. Comb through hair. Leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. |
Best 5-in-1 hair mask
uk.cocoandeve.com
Need a product to do five tasks in one because you don't have time to sit around applying different products for different things? Find just ten minutes out of your day for the Covo and Eve Like A Virgin Hair Masque, and your hair will never be the same again. The 5-in-1 formula revives dry hair, restores your scalp, repairs your ends, conditions your roots and tames your frizz. All at once. Impressive stuff.
Our review from heat editor Jade Moscrop: "This product started out as a cult favourite, but it's now hit the big time - and for good reason. Enriched with coconut, fig, shea butter, linseed and argan oil, it transforms your hair in just ten minutes and smells incredible."
Pros
- Cult-favourite on the internet
- Restores dry hair damaged by styling, colouring, sun, and pollution
- Comes with a nifty detangler brush
- Enriched with raw virgin coconut, fig, shea butter, linseed and argan oil
Cons
- Bristles on detangler brush not suited to coarser hair types
Directions of use: | Shampoo your hair as normal then evenly distribute a generous amount of coconut hair mask to your towel-dried hair. Comb the product through the hair using our tangle tamer. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Keep the masque in overnight using a towel wrap and wash out in the morning for super damaged hair or for even better results. |
Best hair mask for shiny hair
www.espaskincare.com
If your hair is duller than doing your taxes, then the ESPA Super Nourish Hair and Scalp Mask will make it shinier than your forehead in summer. Too many metaphors? Let's get back to the facts - this naturally super-charged mask contains fruit enzymes that gently clarify and exfoliate whilst greens and grains hydrate and condition. 96% of people agreed this product left their hair feeling soft when used as a 20-minute quick fix mask, and 93% of people agreed the product left their hair and scalp looking and feeling healthier and balanced when used as an overnight treatment mask. You can't argue with facts, people.
Customer review: "This product is wonderful, it adds gloss and shine to my thick, coarse hair. I have tried many products over the years, and this one would come out at the top of my list. It adds shine and gloss, and my hair feels so silky. I have used this product on dry hair, both as an overnight and a 20-minute day treatment, with excellent results both times. I have used my own shampoo and conditioner after, so works if just using the Espa treatment. Definitely worth a try."
Pros
- Perfect saviour for broken, dry, brittle, dull, and frizzy hair
- Creates radiant, mirror-like shine with protein-rich quinoa
- Smells sherbety and sweet, with notes of Mandarin, Geranium, and Juniper
Cons
- Heavy formula
- Can leave fine hair feeling a little weighted
Directions of use: | Apply to dry or damp hair. Massage root to tip. Leave for 20 minutes or apply to dry hair before bed and leave overnight. Rinse, shampoo and condition as normal. |
FAQs
Where to apply your hair mask?
When applying, it is best to focus on your mid-lengths and ends only (meaning the middle and end parts of your hair, not the top of your head). If you have thicker, coarser locks, you can get away with applying it on the scalp (it may even help lift your curls) but if you have thinner locks, applying a thick treatment like this on your roots will only create weight and grease over the coming days. It'll save you product applying just on your ends, and that's where we often need the most nourishment anyway. Read our full how to use a hair mask guide for more information.
Which hair mask is good for hair growth?
Any that advertises itself as a nourishing treatment that prevents breakage is your answer to growth. After all, what's the point in trying to grow your hair if your current strands are falling out anyway? Fix the root of the problem, people (literally). Also, look out for ingredients such as Spirulina, which is an algae-based plant that promotes hair growth (this is included in products such as the Christophe Robin Purifying Mask). As well as this, if you're looking to get thicker hair, as well as longer hair, read our how to get thicker hair guide here.
Can hair masks help damaged hair?
Absolutely. Combining one alongside a targeted shampoo and conditioner can revitalise your mane in a matter of weeks. Look out for ingredients with fatty acids, such as natural butters and oils (e.g. the Sol de Janeiro Triple Brazilian Butter Hair Repair Treatment), as well as products that are created as bond-builders, such as Olaplex No.8. You can even experiment with DIY hair masks using real fruits and oils for a nourishing boost.
Is a hair mask the same as conditioners?
Eloquently described by Coco & Eve, "a hair mask is like a conditioner on steroids". The difference between a conditioner and a hair mask is actually quite stark, so you can't just leave a conditioner on to set like a mask because they work very differently. "A mask is designed to tackle concerns from the inside out for long-lasting improvements. Conditioner, on the other hand, has larger molecules, so it works a little more superficially – at the hair cuticle layer. Conditioners provide an instant hit of hydration and improvement in the way hair looks and feels. Masks are less about a fast fix, and more about cumulative results."
Can a hair mask be used as a leave-in conditioner?
Unless you have coarse curls or afro hair, or the product has been specifically noted as working as a leave-in (such as the Garnier Ultimate Food masks), it's best to wash out your hair mask. If you have thinner tresses, masks can leave a waxy film that attracts dirt to the surface of your scalp. However, if you have thicker hair, it can actually help keep your curls hydrated without creating grease. It's all about what works for your hair type.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for heat, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.