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8 of the best hair masks for strands in need of a little TLC

Save. Our. Strands.

By Briar Clark

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / April 06 2022

We think by now you’ve probably got the basics of your haircare routine down (well at least we hope so). And with a foolproof regimen of clarifying shampoos and hydrating conditioners (and maybe leave-in conditioners if you’re feeling a bit fancy) sorted, it’s now time to find yourself a hair mask for those days when your hair’s in need of a little extra lovin’.

Thankfully, there’s a plethora of hair mask formulas out there that’ll love your strands just the way they need. We’re talkin’ everything from dry hair hydrators to cleansing formulas that make light work of scalp build-up with a quick shower sesh.

Regardless of your follicular proclivities these eight hair mask formulas are here to give your locks that extra special treatment – you’re welcome.

OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

The lesser known sister of everyone’s favourite hair treatment OLAPLEX No.3, allow us to introduce you to OLAPLEX No.8. The difference? She takes the cake in terms of hydration. We’re talking the same infusion of OLAPLEX Bond Building technology that makes No.3’s formula so beloved, as well as hydroxy acids and antioxidants that work to add shine, smoothness and body back into hair, while intensely moisturising particularly damaged strands.

$50 at Sephora

Klorane 2-in-1 Mask Shampoo Powder

If scalp build-up is the biggest bane in your life then you need to add this ingenious 2-in-1 shampoo powder mask to your shower lineup. Formulated to reduce the amount of water used in your routine, the clarifying powder can be mixed with a small amount of water to form a lather that is then massaged into the scalp to absorb oil and cleanse hair of impurities prior to the rest of your in-shower hair routine.

$17.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Kérastase Reflection Masque Chromatique Epais

Kérastase® Reflection Masque Chromatique Epais is our go-to mask for colour-treated hair. Seriously, we have yet to find an offering that boosts shine, colour intensity and softness than this pick right here. Enjoy nourished, manageable strands and rich colour that extends past your visit to the salon.

$64 at Adore Beauty

Davines LOVE Curl Hair Mask

Curly hair in need of some TLC? Lay it on real thick with this LOVE mask from Davines that includes powerful conditioning agents to nourish and hydrate stressed strands. Sweet almond seed extract is the key player in this formula for adding much-needed shine, softness and bounce back into your curls.

$47.95 at OZ Hair & Beauty

ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Mask

Formulated with aloe vera and white mulberry leaf, this sweetly-scented (seriously you’re going to have a hard time stopping yourself from huffing the stuff), antioxidant-rich treatment is here to restore your damaged strands in as little as five minutes – meaning there’s no excuse not to treat yourself to a little bit of somethin’ somethin’ the next time you wash your hair.

$27.95 at Adore Beauty

Wella Professionals Care INVIGO Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask

Wella Professionals Invigo Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask features an impressive Nutri-Enrich Complex which combines the powers of oleic acid, panthenol and vitamin E, as well as vitamin, mineral and peptide-rich goji berry to deeply moisturise, nourish and protect dry, stressed strands.

$36 at RY

Pantene Miracle Hair Mask Jar Collagen Repair

Pantene Pro-V Miracle Mask Collagen has officially won the favour of our Review Crew® thanks to a formula enriched with vitamin B5 and collagen. The duo works to reinforce the hair follicles structure and protect against further free-radical damage by employing the help of bond-strengthening amino acids and antioxidants. And all for $7? Yes please.

$9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Nioxin 3D Deep Protect Density Mask

Nioxin Deep Protect Density Mask is the mask to add to your kit when your hair is damaged and thinning. Whether stress or product build-up is the root of the cause, this pick is going to alleviate the problem by utilising Densiprotect technology to deeply condition strands, strengthening and protecting the hair shaft.

$34 at Adore Beauty

Now that your hair’s hydrated, let’s get to styling… This is how to get Hailey Bieber's ‘cali-girl’ beach waves.

Main image credit: @dualipa

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).