The Best Hair Masks Recommended for Your Hair Type

We put our hair through a lot. Heat from styling tools, product buildup and the weather all weighs hair down, but we can always count on a salon-quality hair mask to bring back our bounce. With over 500,000 posts for #hairmask on TikTok, and #splitends alone getting almost 30,000, we know damage repair is in high demand. Whatever your concern, take a look at our roundup of the best hair masks for  dry hair, damaged hair, and bleached hair. You name it, there’s a formula to support it. 

Best hair masks at a glance - our top picks:

Best hair mask for anti-ageing: COCO & EVE Pro Youth – Hair and Scalp Mask, £32

Best hair mask for serious shine: L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Gold Quinoa + Protein Absolut Repair Masque, £26.20

Best hair mask for chemically-treated hair: OUAI Thick Hair Treatment Masque, £34

Best hair mask for intense hydration: GISOU Honey Infused Gloss Hair Mask, £39

Best hair mask for damaged hair: BRIOGEO Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, £33

Q: What is a hair mask and what does a hair mask do?

A: A hair mask is a deep conditioning treatment intended to nourish and improve the health of your hair. Experience dryness, damage, frizz, and lack of shine? Hair masks hold numerous moisturising ingredients made with intensive care to help address concerns like these. Oils, Butters, hydrating hair mask agents and more, all help to restore and retain moisture in hair. For ultimate hair repair, reach for hair masks with Amino Acids, Proteins, and Vitamins. These get big ticks from us for strengthening the hair shaft, reducing hair breakage, and improving overall hair health.

If it's smoothness and shine you're after, hair masks can give you it. They coat your hair cuticle in goodness, preventing frizz, resulting in a more polished appearance. Some are formulated to protect and extend the life of colour-treated hair, and others can help with scalp issues like dryness or irritation.

Q: How to use a hair mask

A: Unsure how to apply hair masks? Start with clean, damp hair. Shampoo your hair as you normally would to ensure it's free of any styling products. Then gently towel-dry it to remove excess water so it's not dripping wet. For long, thick hair, you could divide it up into sections to apply the mask evenly, focusing on the lengths and ends. Gently massage the mask into your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This helps to detangle any knots and ensure you reach every strand.

If we can enhance the effectiveness of a hair mask, we will. You can too by covering your hair with a shower cap or warm towel. This is great for trapping heat, opening up the hair cuticle and allowing the mask to work more deeply. After leaving it on your hair for the recommended time, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with conditioner for extra moisture and style as desired. More happy hair days? On the way!

Q: How long to leave hair masks on

A: Depending on the formula and product instructions, you might need to leave your hair mask on anywhere from three minutes to 30 minutes - sometimes even more! Adjust the leave-on time based on your hair's needs. If your hair’s especially dry or brittle, leave it on for as long as possible before rinsing out. You can even sleep in an overnight hair mask for intensive treatment and enjoy luscious locks when you wake. Just wrap a shower cap around your head and lock in with a microfibre towel to trap in heat while your hair mask works its magic. No product transfer to your bedding, either. Win, win. Trust us when we say you’ll get even more impressive results.

Q: How often should you use a hair mask?

A: How many times you should use a hair mask depends on your hair's condition, the type of mask you're using, and your unique hair care routine. If you're one of the lucky ones who doesn't require intense hair repair, use a hair mask as needed. Or stick to a good maintenance schedule and use one every two weeks.

Even if you think your hair is in healthy condition, it’s a good idea to use a mask weekly to keep your strands hydrated and protected. If your hair’s coarse, curly, long or thick, you might want to apply up to twice weekly as your lengths crave even more moisture. 

If too much heat styling, chemical treatments, or exposure to environmental stressors affects your hair's health, you might notice increased dryness or damage. Try using a hair mask more often for a period until you see improvement. You might have to be patient to see results, and this could lead to product build-up. But neglecting to use a hair mask regularly may not provide your ultimate hair goals. See how your hair responds. It might just change your life.

By Sephora UK Haircare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 17 February 2025