Our Favourite Hair Masks Right Now

Our Favourite Hair Masks Right Now

The right hair mask can add shine, protect against daily damage, and promote healthier regrowth. Whether you have a specific need or just want to try a new one, we’ve got you covered…
Photography: STUDIO FIRMA/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Verb Ghost Hair Mask, £16

Best For: All Hair Types

Why We Love It: This is the mask that experts swear by – whether your hair ir straight, wavy or really curly. Non-sticky and lightweight, it absorbs fast (so you may need several coats) and quickly restores hair back to health. Containing glycerine, morgana seed oil and essential fats, a generous amount softens, but also boosts brightness of hair – especially colour-treated strands. You’ll see results quickly but stick with it regardless – two to three months of regular use will offer serious results. 

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Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ultimate Reset Masque, £34.30

Best For: Coloured-Treated Hair 

Why We Love It: If you bleach or regularly colour your hair, you’ll know how dry hair can feel afterwards. To counteract the problem, try this from Shu Uemura. For best results, apply it to towel-dried hair, leave it for five minutes, then rinse it away. Mineral oils and rice extracts will strengthen hair fibres to boost strength, softness and minimise the appearance of split ends. You’ll notice a difference immediately, with the kind of sleek finish that explains the slightly higher price tag. 

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Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme, £19.50

Best For: Restoring Shine

Why We Love It: This hydrating, pre-shampoo treatment is an icon in the beauty world. Designed to strengthen, restore moisture and add shine to damaged hair, it ticks every box. Castor oil, glycerine and olive oil work together to improve hydration, while the addition elastin strengthens strands from the inside out. The result? Softer and healthier-looking hair after just one use. It helps to make strands more manageable, too – ideal if you’re prone to tangles or general unruliness. 

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Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, £28

Best For: Instant Transformation

Why We Love It: It wouldn’t be a hair mask round-up without including Olaplex. Its highly-coveted products are consistently recommended by top stylists – especially this does-it-all mask. Incredibly versatile, it uses a patented bond-building technology to reconstruct each strand, so not only does it help to soften, it also repairs any damage. Regular use will also boost shine and reform shattered bonds – which can be caused by heat styling and colour – while also bolstering volume. In short, there’s little it can’t do. Massage it into damp hair and leave on for ten minutes – if your hair is thick and long, use a bit more than you normally would for best results. 

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Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, £26

Best For: Boosting Smoothness 

Why We Love It: Coconut, argan oil and shea butter come together in this cult mask to bring straw-like strands back from the brink. Complete with a tangle tamer, it’s easy to distribute throughout your hair so you coat every strand. For quick results, apply it to damp hair, combing it through then rinsing off in the shower. Alternatively, try leaving it on for the whole day to really enhance shine, minimise breakage and seal split ends.

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Act + Acre Restorative Hair Mask, £27

Best For: Repairing Damage

Why We Love It: Containing castor oil and hydrolysed vegetable proteins, this works in the same way as keratin – an ingredient known for its strengthening powers. We recommend applying a thick, even layer onto wet hair and either leaving it for several hours or washing it off within ten minutes – depending on how dry and fragile your hair is. Whichever you choose, the key ingredients will keep strands soft, supple and hydrated – plus, the formula is designed to leave behind a protective veil against pollution and dirt – two culprits of dull colour and dryness. 

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Gisou Honey Infused Hair Mask, £45

Best For: Instant Hydration

Why We Love It: Created for all hair types, this works to repair your hair by delivering a deep, conditioning treatment via a honey infused formula. You only need a small amount – this really does go the distance – massaged into towel-dried hair from root to tip. Leave it in for five to seven minutes – or longer, depending how parched your hair is – before rinsing out. Use it overnight for extra nourishment.

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Lore Originals Legend Dry Hair Mask

Best For: Preventing Frizz

Why We Love It: These masks have won countless awards – and for good reason. Brimming with natural ingredients – like vegetable proteins, plant oils and omega-rich acids – each sheet is designed for use on dry hair. Massage it in, leave it on for as long as you like, then rinse away with warm water. Your hair will feel smoother, less frizzy and soft to the touch almost immediately. Easy to use, it’s one of the best treatments for dry, tangled hair we’ve tried.

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Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque

Best For: Thicker, Textured Hair

Why We Love It: Those with thicker, afro hair swear by this deeply nourishing mask. Not only does it detangle, it uses black castor oil, keratin and shea butter to keep hair healthy and prevent excess breakage. It also hydrates and improves the elasticity of your hair, so curls look bouncier and defined with regular use. Unlike other masks, this one focuses on your scalp, too. Leave it on overnight or apply it for 15 minutes to damp hair before shampooing as normal. 

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Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Banana & Shea, £6.99

Best For: Overall Results

Why We Love It: Throughout lockdown, this mask became a firm favourite among SL staffers. Why? Not only is it affordable, it works wonders if your hair is dry, dull or brittle. Using a blend of banana and shea butter, it absorbs excess oil while conditioning thirsty strands. Apply it to wet hair, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it out – your hair will thank you.

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