If you're looking for the best hair masks for frizzy hair—whether your hair has become breakage-prone or dull—you'll find one in this edit, with both budget-friendly and luxe options. Excessive heat styling, hair colour treatments, bad weather and pollution can wreak havoc on the hair cuticle, which manifests as fuzziness and a lack of shine. When your strands lack moisture, the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) absorbs moisture from the air, causing each strand to swell up and hence, frizz. While the application time for hydrating hair masks differs according to the hair type it treats—ranging from three minutes to 30 minutes—the ingredients each one contains are worth taking into account. Some masks use avocado, olive oil, coconut oil and macadamia nuts as the nourishing element to moisturise and replenish hair from the follicle. Others look towards honey, lemon and goji berry to combat frizzy, dry and stressed hair.
How to apply hydrating hair masks
It's important to let hair texture guide the application method. For example, for fine or thin hair, work the product from the mid-lengths to the ends and let it sit for three to four minutes before shampooing, as too much can weigh your mane down. On the other hand, for super dry hair, apply the hydrating hair mask and sit in a steamy bathroom to let it penetrate thoroughly. If you’re working with really thick curls, let the hair marinate in the mask for 30 minutes, getting as close to the scalp as possible. The right hair mask can reduce split ends, re-build damaged pieces and leave dry parts more moisturised. Plus, they only take only a few extra minutes of your shampoo time, and don’t break the bank either. Scroll ahead for our edit of the best budget-friendly hair masks for frizzy hair you need to add to your haircare kit.
Types of hair masks
Hair masks come with different ingredients that target a variety of concerns. Make sure to buy one according to your hair concerns. To break it down, if your hair needs extra pampering, a deep conditioning mask is what you're looking for. They are usually left on for 30 minutes. The goal? To provide your strands with deep hydration that battles any roughness caused by dryness. Another type is the bond repair mask, which works on giving the hair shaft extra nutrition so that the bonds are strengthened, making your hair stronger and less prone to damage. Also look out for formulas that target frizziness and lack of shine–these usually have natural ingredients which work on providing a boost of moisture and restoring health. Similarly, when looking for a product that enhances your mane, consider one that offers targeted solutions for best results.
The best hydrating hair masks
Kaya Hair Deep Conditioning Mask
Use this deep conditioning hair mask for instantly smooth and silky hair. Enriched with a formula that has nourishing ingredients like basil root, lemon, appleextract and sugarcane, use this mask two to three times a week for stronger, softer hair.
L’Oréal Professional Absolute Repair Lipidium Masque
Damaged strands from too much heat styling? This is the product for you. Created with gold quinoa and protein, this resurfacing mask helps restore moisture to very damaged hair. With a lightweight and smooth texture, this mask leaves hair feeling healthier and looking shinier.
Toni & Guy Damage Repair Mask
Looking for a mask to deeply hydrate your hair? Look no further. With its effective combination of ingredients, this formula great to tame frizz and dryness. Smooth this one onto wet hair and leave on for 5 minutes for hair that feels rejuvenated, healthy and soft.
The Body Shop Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Hair Masks
Made with rich, moisturising shea butter and vegan silk protein, this mask is perfect if your strands are prone to breakage. It not only strengthens the hair bond but also boosts moisture to your locks so they look healthier and shinier. What’s more? The formula has a delicious nutty scent that leaves your hair smelling great.
Forest Essentials Intensive Hair Repair Masque Japapatti & Brahmi
An effective Ayurvedic treatment, this mask wears many hats. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, or as a deep conditioning mask. You could even leave some on the ends of your strands to soothe the split ends. Made with a combination of hair loving ingredients like banana pulp, japapatti and brahmi, this power packed formula is also free from any parabens.
Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Keratin Smooth Perfect Masque Treatment
Tame the frizz and flyaways with this mask from Schwarzkopf. The formula promises to nourish, repair and smoothen hair, all while also enhancing the elasticity. Apply it onto wet hair and let it sit for a few minutes before washing off. Additionally, you could even massage it into the scalp for nourishment and a boost of moisture.
mCaffeine Intense Damage Repair Latte Hair Mask with Coconut Milk & Shea Butter
If you ever needed proof of the effectiveness of coffee as an ingredient that nourishes hair, this formula ought to give it to you. The mask helps curb hair fall and tame even stubborn frizz by deeply conditioning the hair shaft and replenishing lost moisture. What’s more? It has super ingredients like coconut milk, murumuru butter and coffee that all help with shine, nourishment and hydration.
Mamaearth Argan Hair Mask with Argan, Avocado Oil, and Milk Protein for Frizz-free and Stronger Hair
A well known hair superfood–the argan oil in this mask is what makes it worth your while. Created with avocado oil and milk proteins to enhance strand strength, this formula also has rosemary oil that is known to work wonders for scalp health. Try it on for instantly nourished, smooth locks.
St.Botanica Moroccan Argan Hair Mask
With a combination of haircare superstars like argon oil, shea butter and oat protein, this mask is great for those looking to nourish damaged strands. Start by massaging the product into your scalp and then smoothen it over the length of your hair to coat each strand. Leave this on for 20-30 minutes and then wash off with lukewarm water for bouncy, shiny hair.
Bare Anatomy EXPERT Anti-Frizz Hair Mask
This hair mask, made with effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid and fatty acids works to give you frizz free, soft hair. An added bonus? The formula comes without any sulphates or parabens and promises long-lasting shine.
Amala Earth Hair Mask Dry & Damaged Hair
Restore health to your strands with this hair mask, made with the goodness of natural ingredients like rice protein and milk thistle. Known to enhance the hair’s natural colour, it also works well to add back any lost moisture, helping reverse damage caused by dryness.
SP Luxe Oil Keratin Restore Mask
A luxe, nourishing hair mask made to suit all hair types, this helps restore shine to hair that looks dull. It has a combination of ingredients like jojoba, almond and argan oil which deliver the goodness of antioxidants along with a boost of hydration that leaves the hair feeling silky smooth.
